Author: Emily Cressey

Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Refund Toward Homeownership This Year

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If you’re planning to buy a home in Seattle, your tax refund could be the financial jumpstart you need. While the Seattle housing market is known for its competitive prices and limited inventory, the good news is—every dollar counts, especially when you’re saving for a down payment, covering closing costs, or trying to make your … Continued

How to Run an Estate Sale for an Inherited Home in Seattle

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Inheriting a house can be both a blessing and a challenge. Among the many tasks you’ll need to manage, setting up an estate sale can be one of the most daunting. An estate sale is a great way to liquidate the personal belongings of the previous owner, providing you with both a financial return and … Continued

8 Unexpected Costs Cleaning a Hoarder House in Seattle

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Cleaning out a hoarder house can be an overwhelming and expensive task. Hoarding often involves excessive accumulation of items, which can lead to hazardous living conditions and hidden damage. If you’re dealing with a hoarder house in Washington, it’s essential to be aware of the unexpected costs you might face. In this blog, we’ll outline … Continued

4 Surprise Expenses When You Inherit Property in Seattle

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Inheriting a house comes with unexpected costs and hard decisions along with the benefit of having a new property that you own. You might feel a mix of emotions—sadness, stress over money, and even some pressure from family members. Owning an inherited home can be complicated, especially if the house has a lot of clutter … Continued

6 Surprising Facts About Owning a Hoarder House in Seattle

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Owning a hoarder house in Washington can present unique challenges and unexpected costs. These properties often come with significant issues that can be both financially and emotionally draining. This blog will cover six surprising things you need to know about owning a hoarder house, including potential costs, dangerous problems, and conditions under which a property … Continued

Will Your Home Work for Your Long-Term Retirement Plan?

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Retirement plan decisions often start with your home. As you look ahead to this next chapter of life, one of the most important questions to ask is whether your current home still aligns with your long-term goals. Here in Seattle, where the cost of living has surged by more than 23% over the past five … Continued

Free Family Photos This Saturday + Must-Know Buyer Tips Inside!

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Buyer tips aren’t just for when you’re ready to write an offer—they’re most powerful when you start early. This Saturday, stop by Magnuson Park in Seattle for a free professional family photo session. It’s a great way to enjoy the weekend, capture beautiful moments, and take a relaxed stroll through one of the city’s most … Continued

Unlock Your Real Estate Negotiation Power in Seattle

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If you’re looking to buy a home in or around Seattle, Washington, you may be surprised to learn this: real estate buyers now have more negotiation power than they’ve had in years—and that opens up real opportunities for savvy shoppers. With inventory slowly climbing and many homes sitting on the market longer, Seattle-area buyers are … Continued

How We Sold a Fixer-Upper for $20K Over Asking

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Worried about how today’s interest rates might affect your home sale in 2025? You’re not alone. In this quick read, I’ll walk you through how we sold a Seattle fixer-upper for $20,000 over list price—by positioning it as an investment opportunity, not just a home. If you’re thinking of selling a fixer-upper in today’s market, … Continued