Latest posts
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How Much Are Closing Costs for Buyers in Pierce County?
How much are closing costs for buyers in Pierce County? Buyer closing costs in Pierce County typically run about 2% to 4% of the purchase price, covering lender fees, title and escrow charges, appraisal, inspection, and prepaid items like property taxes and homeowners insurance. On a $650,000 home, that’s roughly $13,000 to $26,000 beyond your…
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What Is the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) in Washington?
What is the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) in Washington? The Real Estate Excise Tax, or REET, is a state and local tax owed by the seller on the sale price of real property in Washington. It’s calculated on a graduated scale based on your home’s sale price and is typically paid out of your…
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Living in Puyallup, WA: A Home Buyer’s Guide
What is it like to live in Puyallup, WA? Puyallup is a fast-growing Pierce County city known for its historic downtown, the Washington State Fairgrounds, and easy access to Mount Rainier, Tacoma, and Seattle via WA-167 and SR-512. It draws move-up families, relocating buyers, and anyone who wants small-town character within commuting distance of the…
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Living in Orting, WA: A Home Buyer’s Guide
Orting offers small-town living, the Foothills Trail, and close-up Mount Rainier views. Here is what buyers should know about housing, commuting, schools, and the lahar hazard before they buy.
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Living in Sumner, WA: A Home Buyer’s Guide
Sumner pairs a walkable historic downtown and Sounder rail station with quick access to SR 167 and SR 410. Here is what buyers should know about housing, commuting, schools, and valley due diligence.
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Buying a Home With a Private Well in Pierce County: Inspection and Testing Guide
Buying a Pierce County home with a private well? Here is what a well inspection should cover, what the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department recommends for testing, and how to handle results.
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Rent-Back After Closing: How Move-Up Sellers Stay in Their Home in Washington
A rent-back lets move-up sellers close, receive their proceeds, and stay in the home for a short agreed period. Here is how it works in Washington, typical limits, and what the agreement should cover.
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Escalation Addendum in Washington: How Form 35E Works for Buyers and Sellers
An escalation addendum (NWMLS Form 35E) lets a buyer automatically beat competing offers up to a set maximum. Here is how it works, the appraisal risk, and what sellers should weigh.
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Seller-Paid Rate Buydowns in Pierce County: How They Work and When They Make Sense
With mortgage rates near 7%, a seller-paid rate buydown can lower a buyer’s payment more than a similar-cost price cut. Here is how temporary and permanent buydowns work, the lending limits, and when they make sense.
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Living in Gig Harbor, WA: A Home Buyer’s Guide
Gig Harbor pairs a historic waterfront with homes from established neighborhoods to acreage. Here is what buyers should know about housing, prices, the Narrows Bridge toll, schools, and due diligence.