Blog

13
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Around The Home, ,

4 Common Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Investing in your home by remodeling or renovating is an excellent way to increase its value. However, a significant renovation project can quickly turn into a disaster, especially for those who are inexperienced. Let's take a look at four of the more common home renovation mistakes that homeowners make and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: Skipping The Permit Process The first mistake you will want to avoid is undertaking any home renovation without the required permits. While some remodeling projects will not require a permit, others will. Regardless, it is more than worth taking the time to do…
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12
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 12th, 2026

The trade deficit dropped significantly this month, resulting in the smallest gap in the last 16 years. This has been entirely driven by the ongoing gold rush and, to a much less impactful degree, businesses working their way around high tariffs. The unemployment reports, however, have shed another light, showing a steady trend of unemployment rising and reaching a four-year high as of last week. This is somewhat offset by consumer sentiment, which showed a slightly positive increase alongside relative improvements in the economy. All in all, the data points to mixed results for the broader market. The upcoming week…
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09
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

How Virtual Tours Can Hide and Reveal Different Things Than Photos

Virtual tours have become one of the most valuable tools in real estate. They give buyers the chance to explore a home from anywhere, view the layout at their own pace, and get a better sense of how the space flows. But virtual tours are not perfect. They can reveal things that standard listing photos cannot, and they can also hide details if you do not know what to look for. As real estate professionals, we help buyers understand how to use virtual tours wisely so they can make informed decisions before seeing a home in person. See How Virtual…
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08
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

What to Ask About Insurance Before Falling in Love With a Home

When you find a home you love, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement. But before you picture furniture placement or favorite paint colors, it is important to understand what the insurance landscape looks like for the property. Homeowners insurance is not only required by most lenders, it also protects your investment, your finances, and your peace of mind. As real estate professionals, we advise buyers to ask key insurance questions early so they avoid surprises and choose a home that fits their long-term budget. Ask About the Home’s Insurance HistoryA home’s insurance past can tell you…
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07
Jan
By adrianwillanger
Lake City

The recent news is about a major Lake City community center redevelopment in Seattle

​ What the project is Seattle is redeveloping the Lake City Community Center site at 12531 28th Ave NE into a mixed-use building with a new community center at street level and affordable housing above.​ The effort is described as a “$100‑million‑plus” project when combining the community center and housing components, led by nonprofit Mercy Housing in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Office of Housing.​ Budget and timeline The city’s specific community center redevelopment budget is about $40.5 million, funded by local bonds, real estate excise tax revenues, and a state grant.​ Planning and design run from 2024–2026,…
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07
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

Small Smells, Big Problems, Odors Buyers Should Not Ignore

When you walk into a home, the smell is one of the first things you notice, even before you fully take in the layout or the finishes. Most buyers do not realize how much odors can reveal about a home’s condition. As real estate professionals, we encourage buyers to pay close attention to unusual smells, because even small odors can signal bigger problems hiding beneath the surface. Knowing which smells to take seriously can save you time, money, and future headaches. Pay Attention to Musty or Damp SmellsA musty smell is one of the most common red flags buyers encounter.…
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