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
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
Table of Contents Leaving Washington State? A Smart, Strategic Relocation Guide for Homeowners, Retirees, and Families By Emily Cressey, Seattle Realtor® | Founder, HomePro Associates Over the past few years, my twitter habit (now X.com) has shown me that there’s a certain segment of Washingtonians that are LEAVING the state. First it was for restrictive … Continued
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
The True Cost of Buying in Seattle Buying a home in Seattle involves more than just the purchase price. While most buyers focus on down payment and monthly payments, the true cost of homeownership includes several additional expenses and risks that are easy to overlook without proper guidance. I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle real estate … Continued
Timing the Market in Seattle: When Is the Right Time to Buy in Seattle? What You’ll Learn About Timing the Market in Seattle On this page, you’ll learn: I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle real estate broker with HomePro Associates, and this page explains how to think about market timing when buying a home in Seattle. … Continued
How Buyer Agent Compensation Works What Home Buyers Need to Know Before They Make an Offer Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people ever make. Yet buyer agent compensation is often poorly explained, misunderstood, or avoided altogether. That lack of clarity creates anxiety for buyers. It also leads to bad … Continued
The Definitive Guide for Seattle Move-Up Buyers: How to Sell Your Current Home and Buy Your Next One With Confidence Upgrading to your next home in Seattle should feel exciting. But for many homeowners, it feels complicated. Whether you need more space, access to a different school district, or simply a lifestyle change, the transition … Continued
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
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
