Sellers • April 9, 2026

Seven Steps to Yard Sale Success

by Don Koonce

As you prepare to sell your house and move to a new one, you may be taking a fresh look at your belongings. You might be wondering how they’ll work in the new home or if you’ll need to upgrade to new ones. If you’re staging your current home and need to declutter, you are probably considering which items you can live without. A yard sale is a great way to get rid of old items, reduce what you have to move with you, and make room for the new. Here are some tips to make your yard sale a success.

Determine What to Sell

A good rule of thumb when deciding what you want to sell is, if you haven’t used it in more than a year, get rid of it. This doesn’t hold true for keepsakes and heirlooms, but if it’s not sparking joy and it’s been in storage for a year or more, add it to the “for sale” pile.

Make It a Neighborhood Event

Consider contacting your neighbors to coordinate having one large neighborhood sale on the same day. This will help attract more buyers. Have each participating household pitch in a few bucks for signage you can post around the area directing people to your sales. When the buyers have left and you’re finished packing up, bring out the grills and make it a block party!

Helpful hint: check your local laws or HOA rules to see if you need permits for a community sale or outdoor party.

Get the Whole Family Involved

If you have kids and they want to sell some of their things, have them help by putting price stickers on their items or, depending on their age, making change when people pay for their purchases. If you aren’t selling children’s items but you have young ones who still want to be involved, help them set up a lemonade stand or host a small bake sale.

Promote on Social Media

Create a Facebook event page and invite all your friends. Tweet about it and create a fun hashtag, then offer a prize to those who repost about your sale. Post a carousel of the images for sale on Instagram. Use Nextdoor or another neighborhood app to invite people you may not know in other neighborhoods. Whatever old knick-knacks you may uncover are sure to be a hit for somebody, and spreading the word of your sale beyond those who are nearby will help them find you.

Offer Multiple Payment Options

Not everyone carries cash these days. If you offer them the ability to pay via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or another peer-to-peer payment platform, you’ll make more sales. You’re also more likely to turn passers-by into buyers, especially if they are walking or on a bicycle and aren’t carrying their wallet.

Be Flexible with Prices

Decide which, if any, big-ticket items you will not haggle over, and then be willing to adjust your prices and leave room for some friendly negotiation for everything else. The idea is to get rid of things—not get rich.

Donate the Leftovers

After your sale is over, do not put the leftovers back in your house, garage, or storage. Immediately box or bag them up and drive them to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other donation center. That way, there is no chance of procrastination, second guessing, or keeping things you do not need.

Buyers • DIY • April 7, 2026

Buying with Gardening in Mind

by Don Koonce

Every home buyer has a list of must-have amenities that they’re just not willing to compromise on. For some, it could be an open floor plan or maybe a certain number of bedrooms. For others, that priority is a place to garden.

A garden provides a place where one can nurture the earth, feel connected to other living things, and have a positive impact on the environment. If you’re a home buyer who requires space to garden, here are a few things to consider:

The Hardiness Zone

When searching for a home, location is always high on the list of priorities, and for gardeners, it’s no different. If having a garden is important to you, the first thing you should do is check the hardiness zone to determine what you can realistically grow at any home you are considering buying.

Hardiness Zones are used by gardeners and growers around the United States to determine which plants will grow best in their region. The USDA uses the average annual minimum water temperature in the area to establish the zones, making it a great place to start when looking for your next garden.

Hardiness Zones don’t change by street like neighborhoods do but knowing where you are in the zones map can be a helpful guide to what to expect, especially if you’re moving to a completely new region.

Outdoor Space

Your Windermere agent will be able to use a combination of property metrics, photos, and land surveys to help narrow down your search to homes with adequate outdoor space for a garden.

Ask your agent about lot size versus the home size to make sure there is enough land to build and sustain a garden. Prior to visiting homes in person, check the exterior photos to get an idea of the area.

Local Wildlife

Local wildlife organizations have resources about the animals that might appear in your backyard. Knowing this will not only help you protect your veggies, herbs, and other plantings, but also aid in creating a wildlife-friendly sanctuary. The National Wildlife Foundation offers suggestions on how to do this and offers tips on how to attract songbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Infrastructure Requirements

Depending on the size of your garden, you may need to set up appropriate infrastructure for easier care, like a sprinkler system, raised beds, or outbuildings. If the land is uneven, consider installing raised beds that will help flatten the growing surface for your veggies and fickle flowers. A greenhouse can help you control humidity and light levels but be sure to consider the construction costs alongside your home loan amount.

Living • April 2, 2026

A Quick Guide to Urban Farming

by Don Koonce

Urban farming can be a fun way to produce your own nutritious and sustainable food supply for your household while learning about self-sufficiency and gardening. Though urban farming likely won’t replace your household’s entire food intake, it is an environmentally friendly complement that can help lower your reliance upon commercial grocery stores over time.

A Quick Guide to Urban Farming

What is urban farming?

Urban farming or urban agriculture comes in many forms. Whether it’s a backyard or rooftop garden, a community agricultural space, or a small balcony plot, urban farming is the practice of cultivating food by those who live in cities or densely populated areas. Typically using raised garden beds to house produce, urban farming promotes sustainability, health, and a connection to nature. Whether you’re looking to grow a few simple fruits and vegetables or seek to cultivate a flourishing garden, here’s how you can get started.

Plot Out Your Garden

Whether you have a spacious backyard waiting to be tilled into gardening heaven or a smaller, unused section of your flower beds, how much space you’re working with will determine the arrangement of your urban farm. Research the crops you intend to plant and how much space they require, then take measurements in your gardening space before buying materials. Your raised gardening beds should be anywhere from six to thirty-six inches deep. Keeping them less than four feet wide will make it easier to reach across when watering, weeding, and planting.

Planting Your Garden

Once you’ve plotted out your garden space, there are a series of decisions to make about your garden; namely which crops you want to grow, how you’ll pot other plants and flowers, whether you’re going to start from seeds or seedlings, and deciding between manual and automatic watering. If you’re starting from seeds, know that the growing process will take longer, whereas seedlings can help to speed things up. Creating an automatic watering system requires an upfront investment, but you’ll save time, and you won’t have worry about under-watering or dehydrating your garden.

Raising Chickens and Keeping Bees

Keeping animals on your property presents new opportunities for sustenance, but it also introduces new challenges. Two animals urban farmers often choose to raise are chickens and bees, which take up a lot less space that other livestock. Before starting either venture, check your local zoning laws.

If you intend to raise chickens, you’ll need to build a coop first. The size of your chicken coop will depend on whether your chickens are able to forage outside the coop or not. If you have the space to let the chickens out, allow two to three square feet per bird in the coop. If the chickens must stay in the coop, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of space, so it’s recommended to allow five to ten square feet per bird.

The key features of a chicken coop include roosts, nest boxes, dust baths, lighting, and protection from local predators. Search online or locally for pre-made chicken coops that fit your property’s needs or make it a DIY project. A commercial poultry feed will provide your chickens with the basic nutrients they need, but keep in mind that many foods outside of their normal diet can alter egg flavor and have adverse health effects. So, if you’re thinking about incorporating table scraps into their diet, make sure those foods agree with their systems before doing so.

To keep bees at home, start by reaching out to local beekeeping associations to inquire about purchasing bees and when you can expect your colony to arrive. Once you have a timeline set, you can go about gathering supplies. There are two common hive systems used for keeping bees: a Langstroth hive; which is a system of stacked rectangular boxes with removable frames, and a top-bar hive; which is a series of horizontally connected boxes. Gear up by purchasing protective beekeeping clothing, tools, and feeding supplies. After you introduce your bees to their new hive, continually monitor their behavior and tend to their seasonal needs. Spring is generally the best time of year to start a hive, since it gives bees plenty of time to build up their colony and produce and store honey before winter arrives.

For more information on sustainable gardening practices, read our blog post below:

10 Tips for Sustainable Gardening

Buyers • March 31, 2026

10 Important People in the Home Buying Process

by Don Koonce

It takes a village to purchase a home. Though it’s ultimately you who is paying for the property, successfully purchasing a home is a result of several people’s contributions. It helps to know who these individuals are, how they responsibilities pertain to your home purchase, and when you’ll encounter them during your journey. Here are ten important people to keep in mind during the process of buying a home.

10 Important People in the Home Buying Process

1. Real Estate Agent

You’ll be represented by a buyer’s agent throughout the home buying process. Their access to resources and their specialized knowledge will help you find the home you’re looking for and make an offer to the seller. They will be by your side from day one, through closing and beyond. When searching for a real estate agent, ask questions to gain an understanding of their professional expertise as well as their personality. You’ll be working closely together throughout the process, so it’s important to identify someone who is compatible.

2. Mortgage Lender

You need financing to buy a home. Mortgage lenders offer different home loans to match what buyers can afford and what homes they’re looking to purchase. After identifying which lender you’d like to work with, a helpful first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage by submitting financial information for their review. This helps to speed up the home buying process and solidifies your offer by demonstrating that you’re ready to buy.

3. Mortgage Broker

Your mortgage broker will work with you to find favorable mortgage terms for your home loan. Whereas your real estate agent works with you to find a home and communicates with the seller on your behalf, your mortgage broker works on the financial side of the transaction. Once you’ve chosen the right loan product, they’ll hand things off to the lender.

4. Underwriter

Another key player in the mortgage process is the underwriter. Underwriters review mortgage applications, looking at credit history to assess your ability to pay your loan. A mortgage loan doesn’t get the green light without an underwriter’s approval; if they find any issues, they’ll either deny the loan or require the applicant to provide more information before deciding.

5. Home Inspector

The home inspection is key to the home buying process. It gives you a chance to get a thorough examination of the home to discover which repairs need addressing, if any. The findings of the home inspector’s report will set the table for continued negotiations with the seller and their agent. Buyers will often include a home inspection contingency in their offer to allow for renegotiation or canceling the contract entirely.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Jupiter Images

6. Home Appraiser

A professional appraiser will determine a home’s appraised value, which ensures that the lender is loaning the correct amount of money. Home appraisers are third parties to real estate transactions; they have no vested interest in either side of the deal. The home’s square footage, features, and condition all factor into their assessment. If there’s a discrepancy between a home’s appraised value and the loan amount, you and the seller will go back into negotiations.

7. Seller

It takes two to tango. The seller is your counterpart in the home buying process, and they want to sell their home for the best price to the right buyer. Accordingly, you’ll work with your agent on how to make an offer that’s most appealing to the seller. This looks different for each real estate transaction. For example, if you find yourself in a bidding war, the seller may value offers that show flexibility toward the inspection and contingencies. Talk to your agent for more information.

8. Listing Agent

The listing agent represents the seller. Your agent will work with them to iron out the details of your offer and move the deal along toward completion. After the home inspection, the listing agent will also be the main point of contact for any repair requests.

9. Title Company

Before the home is officially yours, a title company will conduct a search of the property’s history and public records to make sure its title is in good legal standing. Titles and deeds have very specific language that makes the transfer of ownership official. Title companies will make sure that everything in these documents is properly recorded during the closing process.

10. Homeowners Insurance Company

Once you’ve purchased a home, you need to protect it. Homeowners insurance policies cover your home, your belongings, injury, or property damage to others, and living expenses if you are temporarily displaced from your home due to an insured disaster. The coverage you’ll need will depend on your home’s location and condition, but what’s most important is that you’re fully protected as a homeowner.

For more information on the home buying process, connect with a local Windermere agent:

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: grandriver

Events • March 26, 2026

4/26: Free E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding Event

by Don Koonce

Real Estate News & Information • March 24, 2026

Numbers to Know 3/23/26: Why Mortgage Rates Are Rising Again

by Don Koonce

This is the latest in a series of videos with Windermere Principal Economist Jeff Tucker, where he delivers the key economic numbers to follow to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.

The first news this week is that the Federal Reserve did not cut interest rates at their meeting on March 18. Moreover, at the press conference following their meeting, Jerome Powell said they would not resume cutting interest rates this year until they saw some progress on inflation coming down further. For some insight into WHY that happened, our first number to know this week is 3%: that is where the Fed’s preferred inflation index has been heading in recent months. The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index normally runs a little cooler than the more well-known CPI inflation rate, and so the recent data showing the PCE inflation rate climbing toward 3% is giving the Fed even more of a reason to stop cutting rates than the benign CPI data this winter might have suggested.

Our second number to know: about $100. That is the ballpark for what a barrel of oil is now costing on major world benchmarks, up more than 50% from prices under $60 just a few short months ago. The culprit, of course, is the war on Iran and the resulting cutoff of most oil normally shipped from the Persian Gulf. This is a volatile, unpredictable situation where the news may change at any time, but for now, the impact is clear: higher costs for almost everything in the economy, as the higher cost of energy ripples out through the economy. That is a major source of concern about inflation this year, which Jerome Powell cited ON TOP OF lingering tariff inflation, as a reason to wait and see before cutting rates any further.

So our third number to know: mortgage rates back closer to 6 and a quarter percent, or higher. At the end of February we hit a major milestone: 30-year mortgage rates dipped below 6% for the first time in 41 months. But all the bad news I just shared about persistent inflation, especially driven by the new oil crisis, has sent mortgage rates soaring back up by a quarter point or more. That will throw a damper on home buying demand this spring, on top of the negative effects from higher gas prices and lower consumer confidence.

Speaking of the housing market, we saw 928 thousand active listings at the end of February, barely below where inventory stood at this time 6 years ago on the eve of the pandemic, and about 8% more than last year.

That marks yet another month where inventory is up year-over-year, but at a decelerating rate, ever since last May. Putting it all together, that means buyers will have more options in this spring buying season than in any recent year, but they should not expect a glut. The spring selling season always sees fierce competition for competitively-priced listings in desirable locations, so buyers should be prepared to move decisively if they see their dream homes, while sellers should do whatever they can to make their homes stand out amid the tide of other listings.

Buyers • March 19, 2026

What is Wire Fraud and How to Avoid It

by Don Koonce

A form of cybercrime, wire fraud has led to major losses for homebuyers in recent years. Get to know what it is and what steps you can take to avoid it.

What is wire fraud?

Real estate wire fraud is a scam that targets buyers while making payments during the home buying process. Attackers have taken advantage of the fact that there are several people and entities involved in real estate transactions. Between real estate agents title and escrow companies, mortgage lenders and more, there are many steps, some of which involve sharing financial information and transferring money. This gives ample opportunity for scammers to slip through the cracks somewhere along the line.

The timing of wire fraud is typically during closing using a sophisticated phishing scam. Attackers apply the use of fake emails, phone numbers, or websites, often posing as the buyer’s real estate agent and directing them to allocate funds to a fraudulent account. Because the attacker will have scanned, scrubbed, and lifted your personal information in preparation for the scam, their forms of communication can often look familiar and legitimate.

The mission of the cyberattack is to get your funds into an account the attacker owns. To do this, it is common for them to say that you had previously sent funds incorrectly, that they were never received, that there are new instructions for payment, or that there has been a last-minute change in the closing process. These are all major red flags. It is imperative to take extra caution during the final steps of purchasing a home because transfers, once initiated, are difficult to remedy and can delay your closing process.

How can I avoid wire fraud?

Get to know the closing process: Talk with your Windermere agent ahead of time about what to expect throughout the closing process. Discuss payment options with your lender and ask specifically about instructions for wiring funds. It is safer to share this information over the phone than through email, as scammers could accumulate this information to use against you.
Record contact information: Keep a list of the personnel involved in your closing process. Beyond your real estate agent, keep a record of contacts at your mortgage lender, title company, and attorney’s office. In the event that someone new reaches out to you with a request, confirm their identity with one of your contacts.
Call to confirm: Call to confirm wiring instructions before sending the transaction through. Talk to a trusted representative and ask them to repeat the information to verify its legitimacy. After sending the funds, make same-day follow-up calls to ensure they were received.
Trust your gut: If you receive an iffy email or phone call, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s the perfect time to reach out to your contacts, discuss your hesitancy, and get advice before proceeding.

The threat of wire fraud emphasizes the importance of working closely with everyone involved in the purchase of your home. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank or wire transfer company immediately and request that they issue a recall notice for your wire. Contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and report the activity with as much information as you can gather. For more information about how to protect yourself from wire fraud, visit the National Association of Realtors’ Wire Fraud resources page.

Buyers • March 17, 2026

How Long Do Appliances and Household Fixtures Last?

by Don Koonce

Every home is made up of dozens of moving parts, and none of them last forever. From appliances and flooring to roofing and siding, every component has a general life expectancy. Knowing how long these items typically last can help homeowners plan for repairs, budget for future updates, and make informed decisions when buying or selling a home.

We’re all familiar with the cliché: They just don’t build things like they used to. And while this may be true when it comes to brick siding or slate roofing, lifespans of other household components have increased in recent years. The following guide outlines the average life expectancy of common household components, based on data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) along with industry estimates.

Appliances:

Among all household components, appliances tend to have the shortest lifespan because they experience daily wear and tear. Advances in technology have improved efficiency, but modern appliances also include more electronic parts, which can lead to repairs or replacement sooner than older models. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of most appliances, but these averages provide a general guideline for planning ahead.

Signs It May Be Time to Replace an Appliance

Even if an appliance hasn’t reached the end of its expected lifespan, certain warning signs may mean replacement is the better option. Frequent repairs, rising energy bills, inconsistent performance, or unusual noises can all indicate that a system is wearing out.

Kitchen & Bath:

Kitchens and bathrooms see constant use, so fixtures and finishes in these spaces often wear out faster than other parts of the home. When choosing your countertops, sinks, and faucets, it helps to consider both style and durability. Some natural materials can last a lifetime, while others may need updating after a couple of decades depending on use and maintenance.

Flooring:

Flooring plays a major role in both the look and function of a home, but different materials have very different lifespans. High-traffic areas will naturally wear faster, while proper care and refinishing can extend the life of many surfaces. If you’re looking for longevity, wood floors are the way to go. Certain rooms in your home will be better suited for carpeting, but you can expect they’ll need replacing within a decade.

Siding & Roofing:

When choosing roofing and siding for your home, climate and maintenance level factor into the life expectancy of the material. However, brick siding and slate roofing are known to be dependable for decades.

Are extended warranties warranted?

Extended warranties, also known as service contracts or service agreements, are sold for all types of household items from appliances to electronics. They cover service calls and repairs for a specified time beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty.

You will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to you. For some, it brings a much-needed peace of mind when making such a large purchase. Also consider if the cost outweighs the value of the item. In some cases, it may be less expensive to replace a broken appliance than to pay for insurance or a warranty.

Staying informed about the lifespan of your home’s appliances and systems can make homeownership more manageable and help you plan ahead with confidence.

Real Estate News & Information • March 12, 2026

Local Market Update – March 2026

by Don Koonce

The spring real estate market got off to an early start this year, with all four of our local markets seeing a surge in homes selling above list price in February compared to January, pointing to increased buyer activity. More sellers are entering the market, giving buyers a wider selection of homes to choose from. At the same time, prices have remained relatively stable, a sign that these markets are finding their footing and normalizing. And with mortgage rates lower than a year ago, buying a home is becoming a little more attainable for many even without dramatic price changes.

KING COUNTY

The median price for a single-family home in King County nudged up 2% compared to February last year, from $915,000 to $936,000. Sellers showed up in force, with active listings jumping 42% year over year, but buyer activity didn’t keep pace, with pending sales dipping 3%. For King County condos, prices fell 11% to $545,000, while active listings climbed 25%.

SEATTLE

Seattle’s median residential sold price held steady at $962,500 in February, essentially flat compared to last year. Listings rose 34% year over year, and while pending sales were up 8%, closed sales dropped 9%. In the condo market, prices dipped 5%, dropping from $625,000 to $596,275, and active listings grew 20%.

EASTSIDE

The Eastside saw a 58% year-over-year jump in active listings in February. Though demand did not rise to meet the supply, as pending sales were flat year over year and up just 1% from the previous month. With less competition among buyers, prices adjusted accordingly. The median price for a single-family home fell 7%, from $1,685,000 to $1,566,782. For Eastside condos, the median sold price dropped a staggering 23% to $607,750, while inventory rose 37%.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Snohomish County saw strong growth in available homes, with active listings up 47% compared to February 2025. The median residential sold price slipped 4% year over year, from $785,000 to $749,997. Pending sales were up 3%, but closed sales fell 8%. Condo prices edged up 1% to $530,000, while active listings surged 62%.

With the busy season underway, lower interest rates and more homes on the market are reshaping the landscape for buyers and sellers alike. More inventory and steady demand mean that success in today’s market comes down to strategy and execution, not just waiting for the right moment. Whether you’re buying or selling, working with an experienced Windermere agent who knows the market makes all the difference.

Creating Space for a Stress-Free Zone in your Home

by Don Koonce

The meaning of home has expanded over the years, adding new activities beyond eating and sleeping. For many this means home has more space to work and do hobbies. But as those things expanded, the feeling of relaxation may have dwindled, and for those struggling with the mental health implications of this, creating a space in your home that is dedicated to reducing stress could be the ticket to achieving a sense of peace and calm. Whether you use that space to meditate, exercise, or read, having a place in your home to focus on your mental health can change the way you show up for yourself and the important people in your life.

Image Source: Getty Images Lytvyn

Fitness Corner

If exercise is your chosen route to improved mental health, a small home gym could be right for you. How you set up your fitness space will depend on your preferred form of exercise, as well as your budget.

If your routine requires a treadmill or indoor bicycle, make that the focal point of your space. If yoga, Pilates, or barre is more your speed, you’ll need room to unroll a mat and move freely. Weightlifting or body-weight exercises might necessitate more space and equipment but are both feasible even in a corner of your office or a walk-in closet.

Regardless of how you plan to get your sweat on, use nearby wall space for shelving or hooks to store equipment. This could range from light hand weights and exercise bands to jump ropes and yoga mats. If you need more storage, find furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a cabinet that stores towels can also double as a surface for a small fan and your water bottle.

For extra motivation to spend time in your exercise area, add a little personalization. Wallpaper or bold paint colors not only add visual interest, but they also create a sense of separation from the rest of the room or area. Soothing art and living plants are particularly apt for spaces dedicated to yoga.

Meditation Space

Meditation is a great way to calm the mind, and you don’t need special equipment or a lot of room to do it. Creating your own meditation space can be simple, quick, and doesn’t require a large investment.

Start by finding a place in your house that is as free from distractions as possible. This could be a corner in your bedroom or a section of your backyard or terrace. Ideally the space would be near a window or natural light source.

Where and how you sit can make or break a meditation session. A chair, meditation cushion, or yoga mat that allows you to sit comfortably for several minutes while keeping you alert will do the trick.

If you plan to listen to guided meditations or music, a small Bluetooth speaker can be a good option if you want to avoid using headphones and will have better sound quality than listening from your phone’s speaker.

Though many people prefer to meditate with their eyes fully closed, visual elements can help set a serene scene. Plants, candles, statues, and art can also add a sense of your personality. If clutter stresses you out, keep your decor clean and minimalist. You can include your other senses in your meditations by adding a water feature and burning incense or essential oils.

Image Source: Getty Images JulieAlexK

Reading Nook

If getting lost in a good book is your favorite way to unwind, a reading nook will quickly become your favorite spot at home.

Whether you’ve got a corner or a closet to dedicate to the space, the key to hours of reading enjoyment is the right seating. It’s hard to beat the traditional wingback or club chair, but smaller spaces might call for more creative ideas. Floor cushions, padded benches, bean bag chairs, and hammocks are all options.

Once you’ve got your sitting area situated, lighting comes next. A location near a window that brings in natural light is ideal, but for those who love to read late into the night or who don’t have a window nearby, standing or table lamps and wall sconces will save you from eye strain.

If you’ve got the space, a side table for cocoa, coffee, or tea is a nice addition. It’s also a great area for that mile-high “to be read” pile book lovers are known for. Even better if it’s got a drawer for bookmarks, reading glasses, pens, and notebooks.

For extra coziness, add a throw blanket or shawl and some cushy pillows.

Make these ideas come to life, check out our Pinterest board for inspiration.