Seattle Real Estate News & Local Happenings

What Powers Does a Personal Representative Have in Washington?

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Serving as a personal representative in Washington comes with important legal authority and responsibility. If you have been appointed to this role, you are responsible for managing the estate, making financial decisions, and ensuring the estate is handled according to Washington law. Many people step into this role without prior experience, and one of the … Continued

Long-Term Ownership Costs

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Expenses Buyers Often Overlook When Buying a Home in Seattle When buying a home in Seattle, many buyers focus on upfront costs like down payment and closing costs. What often gets less attention are the long-term ownership costs that come with maintaining and living in a home over time. I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle real … Continued

What Does an Executor Do in Washington State?

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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

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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

Best Affordable Neighborhood Areas for Families in Seattle

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Seattle is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic and desirable cities in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s no secret that housing affordability is a challenge for many families. Home prices and rents in the region are significantly above national averages, and owning a home—especially a traditional “starter home”—can stretch even solid family budgets. … Continued

Maintenance Realities by Home Type

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How Maintenance Costs Differ Between Condos, Townhomes, and Single-Family Homes in Seattle Maintenance is one of the most underestimated costs of homeownership. While buyers often focus on purchase price and monthly payments, the ongoing cost of maintaining a home can vary significantly depending on the type of property you buy. I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle … Continued

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