Category: Video

What Does an Executor Do in Washington State?

By

Serving as an executor in Washington State is an important responsibility that often comes at a difficult time. Many people step into this role after the loss of a parent or loved one, without prior experience managing an estate. If you have been named the executor, your role is to settle the estate, follow legal … Continued

Commuting in Seattle: Best Neighborhoods for Easy Travel

By

Commuting in Seattle can be one of the biggest lifestyle factors that shapes your neighborhood choice. Between I-5 and SR-520 bottlenecks, major job centers on both the west and east sides of Lake Washington, and ongoing traffic congestion that has Seattle drivers spending significantly more time in delays than the typical U.S. metro area, where … Continued

Property Taxes Explained

By

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

By

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

Buy Now or Wait? A Home Buying Analysis for Seattle

By

“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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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