Author: Emily Cressey

Home Insurance Costs Are Rising: What Buyers Should Plan For

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Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. Homeowners insurance plays a critical role in protecting that investment, yet it is often underestimated during the buying process. Insurance is your safety net. It helps cover repair or rebuilding costs if your home is damaged by fire, storms, or … Continued

Insurance Considerations

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What Buyers Should Know About Insurance When Buying a Home in Seattle Insurance is a required part of buying a home in Seattle, but many buyers don’t fully understand how coverage works or how insurance costs can vary depending on the type of property they purchase. I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle real estate broker with … Continued

Property Taxes Explained

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How Property Taxes Work and How They Affect Buyers in Seattle Property taxes are one of the most important ongoing costs to understand when buying a home in Seattle. Yet many buyers are surprised by how property tax is calculated, how it can change over time, and how it affects both monthly and annual budgets. … Continued

HOA Fees and Special Assessments

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How HOA Fees Affect Affordability and Long-Term Ownership in Seattle When buying a condo or townhome in Seattle, HOA fees are one of the most important costs buyers need to understand upfront. Monthly dues and potential special assessments can significantly affect affordability, long-term budgeting, and overall ownership experience. I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle real estate … Continued

Closing Costs in Seattle

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What Buyers Typically Pay and How to Plan Ahead When buying a home in Seattle, closing costs are one of the most common sources of confusion for buyers. Many people focus on down payment and monthly payments, only to be surprised by additional costs that appear just before closing. I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle real … Continued

Buy Now or Wait? A Home Buying Analysis for Seattle

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“Should I buy now or wait?” is one of the most common and most difficult questions Seattle home buyers face. Seattle home buying decisions are rarely just financial. Home buying in Seattle is also one of the most emotionally loaded choices people make. Headlines, social media, and well-meaning advice from friends can make it feel … Continued

Inspection Strategies When Buying A Home In Seattle

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How Buyers Protect Themselves While Still Writing Offers Sellers Take Seriously Home inspections are one of the most important protections buyers have when buying a home in Seattle. During the Seattle home buying process, inspections help buyers understand a property’s condition and avoid costly surprises after closing. At the same time, inspections can feel like … Continued

Buying a Home in Seattle When Interest Rates Are High

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High interest rates tend to dominate real estate headlines. When rates rise, many buyers assume it is automatically a bad time to buy a home. In Seattle, that assumption often causes buyers to pause, wait, or step out of the market entirely. The reality is more nuanced. Buying when interest rates are high is not … Continued

Escalation Clauses Explained

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When They Make Sense, How They Work, and What Seattle Buyers Should Know Escalation clauses are common in the Seattle home buying process, but they are often misunderstood. Buyers hear that escalation clauses help them stay competitive, yet many are unsure how they actually work or when using one may create unnecessary risk. I’m Emily … Continued

Home Buying During Slower Seasons

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When most buyers think about purchasing a home in Seattle, they picture spring and summer. Listings are plentiful, the weather is better, and the market feels active. What many buyers do not realize is that some of the most favorable buying conditions often appear during slower seasons, typically late fall and winter. Buying during slower … Continued