Welcome back to the First-Time Buyer Series. Last time we talked about figuring out how much house you can actually afford. This time we're tackling the part of the process that trips up almost
Meri Person's Blog Posts
Foodie Finds Near My Latest Listings: A PNW Farmers Market TourOne of my favorite parts of showing homes around the Puget Sound is that I never just learn the listing, I learn the neighborhood. And
Neighborhood Spotlight: Everett's Waterfront RevivalFor most of its recent history, Everett's waterfront has been a working waterfront first and a destination second — marina, seaport,.
First-Time Buyer Series Pt. 1: How Much House Can You Actually Afford?This is the question I get asked more than almost anything else, and it's usually followed by some version of "I have no idea
The Outdoor Features Buyers Are Obsessing Over This SummerAnyone who's shown up to a Pacific Northwest open house in July knows the truth: the backyard sells the house just as much as the kitchen
Neighborhood Spotlight: Tacoma's Up-and-Coming PocketsSeattle's prices have pushed a lot of buyers to look south, and Tacoma has been the obvious answer — but "Tacoma" isn't one market. It's a
Staging on a Budget: 10 Fixes Under $500 That Sell Homes FasterIf you're getting ready to list, you don't need a full renovation to make buyers fall for your home — you need it to feel cared
Q3 Kickoff: Whatt Buyer Should Know Abour Rates & Inventory Right NowWe're officially into the second half of 2026, and if you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting to buy, this is the moment
Investing in Vacation Homes in Western Washington: More Than an InvestmentAs we head into the Fourth of July weekend, thousands of families will make their annual trip to the cabin, the lake house,
Condo vs Townhouse vs Single-Family Homes: Which Should You Buy?If you're considering buying property in Washington, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between a condo, townhouse, or
Puget Sound Real Estate Market Update: Where We Stand at Mid-Year 2026As we reach the midpoint of 2026, the Puget Sound housing market is undergoing one of its most significant transitions since the
From Bainbridge to Backyards: How Pickleball Shaped Pacific Northwest Living—and Real EstateI didn’t learn about pickleball from a trend report or a real estate conference—I grew
How to Prepare Your Home for a Sale: The Complete Guide for a Faster, More Profitable SaleSelling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and preparation can directly
5 Fast-Growing Neighborhoods in King, Kitsap & Snohomish County I’d Watch Right NowIf there’s one thing I’ve noticed about the Puget Sound market over the past few years, it
Spring 2026 Housing Market Update: Puget Sound Real Estate Trends As we move into Spring 2026, the Puget Sound housing market is undergoing a noticeable shift—one that both buyers and
Emerging real estate markets are typically areas experiencing early signs of growth—such as population inflows, job creation, new infrastructure, or revitalization efforts—before prices
Interest Rates and How They Affect Home Prices in the PNWIf you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), interest rates are one of the most important factors
How to Build Wealth Through Duplexes and ADUs in Seattle & TacomaUnlocking cash flow, zoning advantages, and long-term equity in the Pacific NorthwestIf you’re trying to build real estate
Why 2026 Could Be a Great Year to Invest in Puget Sound Real EstateDiscover why 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year to invest in Puget Sound real estate. Learn how rental demand, tech job growth,
What Buyers Are Looking for Most in Seattle-Area Homes This Year (2026 Guide)The Seattle real estate market in 2026 is evolving—and so are buyer expectations. Today’s homebuyers
What to Expect From a Real Estate Agent as a Buyer in the Seattle Market (Including the Costs of Buying)Buying a home in Seattle is one of the most significant financial decisions many people make.
What to Expect from a Real Estate Agent as a Seller in the Seattle Market (Including the Costs of Selling)Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many homeowners make. In a
Spring 2026 Guide: How to Sell Fast and for Top Dollar in the Puget Sound RegionSpring in the Puget Sound isn’t just about cherry blossoms and longer daylight hours—it’s prime time
How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in the Seattle Market (2026 Guide)If you’re planning to buy a home in 2026, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the first serious step in the home
Love Where You Live: Hidden Gems Around the Puget Sound (2026 Guide)If you're searching for the best places to live around Puget Sound, you may immediately think of Seattle. But savvy homebuyers and
Best Improvements for ROI in Puget Sound Neighborhoods (2026 Guide)If you're a homeowner in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Kirkland, Redmond, or surrounding Puget Sound neighborhoods, choosing
Get your Pacific Northwest home spring-ready with native plants, moss-resistant pathways, and exterior color trends that thrive in wet climates.How to Boost Your Curb Appeal Before Spring in the
Real Estate Resolutions for 2026: Smart Moves for Buyers & Sellers in Washington StateThinking about buying or selling a home in Washington State in 2026? Learn what smart buyers and sellers are
Spring is one of the busiest and most competitive times to sell a home in the Pacific Northwest. As days get longer and buyers come out in force, preparing your home properly can make the difference
Deciding whether to rent or buy in the Seattle region — including Seattle proper, Tacoma, and Everett — is one of the most important financial decisions many people make. With rising
2026 Puget Sound Housing Market Predictions: What to ExpectForecasts from local economists, NWMLS data, and regional lendersIntroduction: A More Balanced Housing Market in 2026The Puget Sound
New Year, New Keys: Buying a Home in the Pacific NorthwestHappy New Year! 🎉 As we step into a fresh chapter, the Pacific Northwest greets us the way it always does—misty mornings, evergreen
When most people think about buying a home in the Puget Sound region, spring and summer usually come to mind. Listings increase, flowers bloom, and “For Sale” signs seem to be.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its beautiful landscapes—and its heavy rainfall. From seasonal storms to flooding and atmospheric rivers, excess moisture is one of the biggest threats to
⭐ Plan Your Holiday Adventure Around the Sound (2025–2026 Edition)With so many enchanting events across Seattle, the Eastside, Tacoma, Olympia, and Gig Harbor, you can build your
Lighting, Textures & Décor Strategies for Dark Winter DaysWinter in the Puget Sound region means short days, long nights, and plenty of cool, misty weather. While the moody, PNW
Essential home prep, staging tips, and maintenance advice for Pacific Northwest weatherIf you’re planning to sell your home in Seattle during the winter, you’re entering a unique&mdash
🕊️ Introduction Discover 5 neighborhoods around Seattle gaining real estate value in 2025. Learn why Ballard, Tacoma’s North End, Everett, West Seattle, and Beacon Hill are emerging
Weighing Seasonal Opportunities and Regional Market StabilityThe Puget Sound real estate market is shifting in 2025 — with more listings, moderating prices, and renewed buyer opportunities.
🕊️ Introduction As the autumn leaves settle across the Puget Sound, the housing market is showing its own seasonal changes. After several years of intense bidding wars and record-low
