Sellers • March 20, 2025

How to Prepare for an Open House

by Don Koonce

To successfully sell your home, you need to attract buyers. This is why open houses are an integral part of the selling process: they allow buyers to experience the property for themselves and envision what life will look like in their new home. To prepare for an open house, you’ll need to work closely with your agent. They can advise you on what buyers in your area are looking for to increase your chances of selling your home.

How to Prepare for an Open House

The earlier you can begin prepping your home for an open house, the better, since getting it in prime showing condition will take time. Start by decluttering and organizing room by room. To truly get your home sparkling clean, you can’t miss those hard-to-reach areas like the baseboards, under your furniture, and your appliances.

To best position your home to sell, consider hiring a professional stager. A well-staged home helps it appeal to the widest possible array of potential buyers, not only for in-person showings, but in online photos as well. Professional staging is equal parts science and art. Stagers are experts in depersonalizing a home while maintaining its stylistic qualities to give buyers the opportunity to imagine the space for their own use. It isn’t just about psychology, though. Staging is a high-ROI expenditure that can add real value to your home.

It may feel counterintuitive, but your absence can be your greatest asset in making your open houses successful. Buyers will often feel uneasy in the presence of the seller as they tour, which will limit their ability to envision their own lives in the home and get excited about the prospect of ownership. Accordingly, you may need to arrange for temporary accommodations during the times your home is being shown. It’s helpful to solidify these plans several weeks in advance to avoid an eleventh-hour scramble.

Working with Your Agent

Your agent will be your greatest asset in preparing for open houses. They are experts in understanding how to effectively market your home and how the local market conditions will impact their marketing plan. Once you know it’s time to sell, they’ll analyze data to accurately price the property and keep it competitive in the current market. They’ll also work with you to schedule open houses at the times when buyers are maximally available and actively searching for listings.

Your agent will also help you to stay safe while selling your home. The reality of open houses is that you’re opening your doors to an influx of unfamiliar faces, and it’s worth it to take a few safety precautions beforehand. Perform a thorough walkthrough of your home with your agent to make sure all valuable belongings, medications, family heirlooms, and other important items have been properly secured and/or removed. Once you’ve given your home a clean sweep, discuss your process for screening potential buyers.

For more resources on preparing to sell your home, Windermere’s Home Selling Guide has everything you need: selling tips, moving checklists, our Home Worth Calculator, and info on how an agent can help.

Seller Essentials – Home Selling Guide

Design • March 18, 2025

5 Design Projects to Improve Your Backyard

by Don Koonce

Your home’s façade and front yard play a role in its curb appeal, but the backyard is for you and your household to enjoy. Spending time making improvements to your backyard will help to maximize your enjoyment of your property and can increase its value. These backyard design projects will help to beautify your yard while creating opportunities for new ways of spending time in it.

5 Design Projects to Improve Your Backyard

1. Improve Your Deck

Just as the kitchen can often be the heart of a home’s interior, a deck is typically the central hub of the backyard. To maximize the seating capability of a deck with a smaller footprint, consider tiering your deck into multiple levels. By adding some separation vertically, you’ll make the most of its square footage.

Consider butting up your built-in seating to your deck’s banister or railing and wrapping it around the perimeter. This will help make your deck more welcoming while saving space that would be taken up by chairs. For an even more efficient space-saving strategy, keep the space underneath your built-in seating open or install a drawer system to store your backyard and/or outdoor kitchen items and tools. If a deck rebuild isn’t in the cards, try simpler improvement projects like restraining it or adding outdoor lighting.

2. Build a Tool Shed

Every backyard requires maintenance, and you typically need tools to keep it in tip-top shape. A useful DIY project for your backyard is to build a tool shed to house your garden tools and landscaping equipment. This will give them a safe, dry storage space, which helps to extend their useful life and avoids having to make unnecessary replacements. When in doubt, add extra shelving space, as you very well may build out your tool collection over time. Once your shed is complete and all your tools are in their right place, install a secure locking system to protect your equipment.

3. Create an Outdoor Cooking Area

Outfitting your backyard for a robust outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles can be expensive. Fortunately, you can create an outdoor cooking area without having to break the bank. Depending on your local climate, it may be wise to cover this area with some sort of roof structure. If so, be sure to leave ample room between your cooking equipment and the height of the roof to allow flames and fumes to safely escape.

Different types of barbecues can satisfy your outdoor kitchen needs, depending on how much room you have to work with. Charcoal grills are ideal for smaller spaces, while built-in barbecues can provide a more comprehensive grilling setup if you have the allotted square footage.

4. Give Your Flower Beds a Makeover

Flower beds have quite an impact on the overall aesthetic of your backyard. If your flower beds are overgrown, start by pulling out the weeds. Use a garden trowel; this will help to dig up the roots and decreases the chance of recurring weeds. Remove all the weeds and debris, then rake the soil to prepare it for composting. While you rake, keep an eye out for rocks and gravel and remove them from the flower bed.

Now you’re ready to add a new layer of compost. This does wonders for the health of the soil and encourages new plant growth. Sprinkle in two to three inches of compost and work it into the soil with a shovel. You can also experiment with adding other nutrient-rich ingredients or plant materials that are conducive to soil in your climate, such as peat or manure.

5. Build Your Ultimate Patio

For many homeowners, building a patio exists at the crossroads between a DIY project and one that requires a professional’s expertise. Whichever route you choose, executing a patio installation can take your backyard to the next level. Choosing your patio material is the first step. Concrete, flagstone, brick, terra-cotta, and pea gravel are all common patio materials that have their respective advantages and disadvantages. If having a patio that’s built to last is your top priority, then brick, flagstone, or concrete may be the way to go. These materials also complement a variety of house styles, as well. If you’re looking to create a more relaxed environment in your backyard, then pea gravel or clay may be more your style. These materials recall aspects of the beach and seaside living.

For more information on how you can take your yard to the next level, read Windermere’s blog post on seven ideas for creating a beautiful yard:

7 Ideas for Creating a Beautiful Yard

Sellers • March 13, 2025

Common Real Estate Contingencies

by Don Koonce

Contingencies help to spell out the specifics of a real estate transaction by dictating what must happen so the contract becomes legally binding. If certain conditions aren’t met, the applicable contingency gives the buyer and the seller the right to back out of the contract per their agreed-upon terms. When selling your home, a buyer may make their offer with contingencies attached. Here are some common contingencies you might see in a buyer’s offer and what they mean for you.

Common Real Estate Contingencies

Home Inspection Contingency

A home inspection contingency allows the buyer to have the home professionally inspected within a certain window of time. If the buyer finds outstanding repairs that need to be made, they can negotiate them into their offer. If the seller chooses not to make the repairs outlined in the buyer’s home inspection report, the buyer can cancel the contract.

As a seller, it’s important to be transparent in listing any issues with the home. This is why many sellers find a pre-listing inspection to be beneficial: it provides transparency about the home’s condition ahead of time and can help to streamline the buying process, which can be especially helpful when selling in competitive markets.

Financing Contingency

Also known as a “mortgage contingency,” a financing contingency gives the buyer a specified period of time to secure adequate financing to purchase the home. Even if a buyer is pre-approved for their mortgage, they may not be able to obtain the right loan for the home. If they are unable to finance the purchase, the buyer can back out of the contract and recover their earnest money, and the seller can re-list the home.

The seller won’t be on the hook if the buyer fails to cancel the contract. Even if the buyer is not able to secure financing by the agreed-upon date, they are still responsible for purchasing the home if they do not terminate the contract.

Appraisal Contingency

An appraisal contingency states that the home must appraise for, at minimum, the sales price. It protects the buyer in that it allows them to walk away from the deal if the property’s appraised value is lower than the sales price, and typically guarantees that their earnest money will be returned. This can be an issue in certain markets where demand is driving prices up to numbers that appraisals don’t reflect. Depending on the agreement you make with the buyer, you may be able to lower the price of your home to the appraised amount and sell it at that price. When selling your home, remember that there is a difference between appraised value and market value. An appraiser’s value of a property is based on several factors using comparative market analyses, whereas market value is what buyers are willing to pay for a home.

Home Sale Contingency

If a contract includes a home sale contingency, it means that the buyer is tying their purchase of a home to the sale of their existing one. Though it is common for homeowners to buy and sell a house at the same time, attaching a home sale contingency to an offer does create some added variability in a real estate transaction that sellers should be aware of before accepting such an offer. This contingency allows buyers to sell their current home and use the proceeds to finance the purchase of their new one. Although you will have the right to cancel the contract if your buyer’s home is not sold within a specified time, you’re still waiting on them for the deal to go through, which means you could potentially miss out on other offers while you wait.

Title Contingency

Before the sale of a home goes final, a search will be performed to ensure that any liens or judgements made against the property have been resolved. A title contingency allows a buyer to raise any issues they may have with the title status of the property and stipulates that the seller must clear these issues up before the transfer of title can be complete. If an unpaid lien or unpaid taxes turn up in the home’s title search, this contingency also allows the buyer to back out of the deal and look for another home. A majority of sellers will pull a pre-title report to provide transparency for a smooth transaction.

These are just some of the contingencies you may encounter in a buyer’s offer. Work closely with your agent to understand the terms of these contingencies and how they impact the sale of your home as you go about finding the right buyer. For more information on the process of selling your home, read my blog post on common mistakes to avoid:

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home

Design • March 11, 2025

How to Find the Right Lighting for Your Home

by Don Koonce

The right lighting can give your home the quality and mood you’re looking to achieve. Knowing about the different temperatures of light, lighting types, and how to blend lighting elements will help you narrow down your choices and find the best fixtures for your home.

How to Find the Right Lighting for Your Home

Before taking a trip to the hardware or lighting store, it’s worth your time to understand the different types of lighting and how they complement each other to fill the large surface areas of your home while spotlighting the nooks and crannies. Ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting are the three basic lighting types that cover the spectrum of illuminating a home.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient light is what fills a room. Also known as “general light,” this is the primary light source for the spaces in your home. When selecting your ambient lights, know that your choice in color will play a significant role in the atmosphere of that room, since this type of lighting is so widely distributed.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting has a smaller footprint than ambient lighting. It is meant to direct focus and attention to a specific spot. By pulling the eye toward this spot lit area, it allows you to highlight décor and design pieces, such as picture frames and artwork, houseplants, or small sculptures.

Task Lighting

It’s all in the name when it comes to task lighting. This form of lighting exists to help you perform tasks. Whether it’s cooking, working on arts and crafts, tinkering away at a desk, or tending to your indoor garden, having task lighting in place will ensure that you’re able to see while you work. Feel free to experiment with closeup light sources when installing task lighting to provide the maximum attention to detail while you work. Task lighting fixtures can be as simple as a floor lamp or desk lamp.

Different Temperatures of Light

There are three basic light temperatures: warm, cool, and neutral. Warm light creates a cozy, comfortable feeling, and functions best in rooms where you plan to kick back and relax, such as the bedroom or the living room. Cold light encourages attention to detail, and therefore works well in places like the kitchen and bathroom. Neutral light sits between warm and cold light but functions like cold light in that it can help you focus on the task at hand in the rooms where it’s used. Places like the garage, home office, or bonus/utility rooms are all fitting homes for neutral light.

Different Lighting Fixtures

After you’ve researched the different types of lighting and decided which temperatures fit best throughout your home, it’s time to pick your fixtures.

Chandeliers

Chandeliers have been around for centuries and they are still popular today. Due to their formal nature, they can set the stage for dining rooms and foyers alike with traditional style. Chandeliers typically give off lots of light, making them perfect for filling larger spaces.

Surface Lights

Surface lights sit flush against the wall where they are installed. These lights are typically used in smaller areas such as hallways.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are commonly found in the kitchen or the dining room. Suspended from the ceiling, pendant lights come in a variety of styles, but often appear as a linear series of lights that run the length of a table or slab underneath them.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lights sits inside the wall and provide a level distribution of illumination. These lights are a popular choice for vaulted ceilings, where you’ll usually see them spaced evenly apart to fill the room with ambient light.

For more information and resources on putting together the home you envision, read my blog post on how to upgrade your dining room:

How to Upgrade Your Dining Room

Buyers • March 6, 2025

A Guide to Understanding Escrow

by Don Koonce

The process of buying a home is made up of several stages. After preliminary stages like getting pre-approved, searching for homes, and finding a buyer’s agent, various contracts and buyer-seller agreements will enter the fold as the purchase of a home is finalized. Escrow is a pivotal point in the buying process that will ultimately lead to you, the buyer, receiving the keys to your new home. Here is your guide to understanding escrow and how it works.

A Guide to Understanding Escrow

What is escrow?

Escrow is a vehicle for temporarily holding the funds in a real estate transaction and making sure they distribute properly when the deal goes through. The funds and documents are held by a third party “in escrow” until the terms of the agreement have been filled. Escrow accounts protect the buyer’s “good faith deposit” (also known as “earnest money”) to ensure it goes to the seller as outlined in the real estate contract. These funds show that the buyer is serious about staying true to their offer and does, in fact, intend to pay the seller.

The seller accepting your offer is your cue to begin the escrow process. Your first step is to open an escrow account. Then, you’ll go about securing a mortgage and obtaining insurance for the home. When the deal goes through, the funds in will go towards your down payment and closing costs. Sometimes, the escrow funds are held in the account after the sale of the home has been finalized. This is known as an “escrow holdback.” This situation can often arise if a buyer discovers an issue with the home in their final walkthrough that wasn’t present during an earlier inspection. If the home is in a worse condition than what shows in the contract, then the good faith deposit will go back to the buyer, and they are released from the contract.

How does escrow work?

Once all the I’s have been dotted and the t’s have been crossed, an escrow officer will issue a deed with you listed as the new property owner. Then, you’ll order a wire transfer for the funds to be allocated. Once closing is complete, the third party holding the escrow funds will distribute them per the terms of the agreement. This distribution of funds make up a part of the total closing costs for buyers, which include, among others, real estate agent commissions, title and insurance fees, and any HOA dues that may apply.

Escrow evolves after the purchase of a home. Once you’ve bought your new house, your lender will open a mortgage escrow account, through which you’ll pay for your property taxes and homeowners insurance. Held by your lender, the money in this account is added to your monthly mortgage payment.

To not get overwhelmed during the escrow process, it’s important to read your documents carefully and ask questions to make sure you understand them. When it comes time to close on the home, read through everything carefully to make sure you haven’t missed anything before the deal goes final. For more information on the required financing throughout the home buying process, read my blog post on the different types of home loans available to buyers:

The Different Types of Home Loans for Buyers

Living • March 4, 2025

How to Prevent and Deal with Mold

by Don Koonce

Whether you are buying or selling a home, mold is something to be mindful of. Health concerns and potential damage make mold a red flag for buyers. Even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, taking care of mold problems now can prevent even larger and more costly issues in the future. Contrary to what some people think, mold is not a geographic problem—it can occur anywhere, no matter where you live. Here is some basic information about mold and how to deal with it.

What is mold?

Molds are microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different kinds of mold. Their natural function is to help break down dead materials such as stumps and leaves so the nutrients can be used by the environment. For molds to grow, they need two things: an organic food source—such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt—and moisture.

Mold Causes Damage

Mother Nature uses mold to decompose plant material. Unfortunately, when present indoors, it can be equally destructive. Mold growth can damage furnishings, such as carpets, couches, and cabinets. If it goes undetected or neglected, it can also cause serious damage to walls and structural elements in your home.

Mold is present everywhere, and most people tolerate exposure with no adverse effects. If allowed to spread, however, it may cause problems. As molds grow, they release thousands of tiny spores that travel through the air. When inhaled in large enough amounts, these spores may increase the risk of adverse health effects in some people, particularly respiratory problems. A less-common strain of mold called “black mold” can be particularly troublesome to those who are especially sensitive.

Common Causes of Mold Growth in Homes

No matter your local climate, your home is vulnerable to mold. There are many sources of mold problems, from faulty air conditioners to poorly positioned sprinkler systems. Here are the most common sources of mold inside the home:

Flooding
Leaky roofs or damaged gutters
Heating or cooling system problems
Poor drainage next to foundation
Plumbing leaks from toilets, refrigerators, and dishwashers
Damp basement or crawl space
Leaking windows or doors
Steam from shower or cooking
Indoor exhaust from dryer

Detecting Mold in Your Home

If you can see or smell mold inside your home, it’s time to act. Any area that has sustained past or ongoing water damage should be thoroughly inspected—you may find hidden mold growth in water-damaged walls, floors, or ceilings. Walls and floors that are warping or discolored can also indicate moisture problems, as can condensation on windows or walls.

How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

Since mold is always present, there’s no way to eliminate it completely. You can control indoor mold growth, however, by controlling moisture.

Remove the source of moisture by fixing any leaks or other water problems.
Make sure your bathroom fans and dryers are properly vented to the outside. Always use the exhaust fan when cooking or showering.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air. Make sure your AC system is well maintained and is the correct size for your home. A faulty AC system can cool the air without removing the water vapor, creating high humidity.
Insulate your home well to prevent indoor condensation.
Have your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems professionally cleaned annually. Air-duct systems can easily become contaminated with mold.
Regularly clean moist areas such as the bathroom with products that treat mildew.
Dry clean your carpets (as opposed to wet cleaning them).
Avoid carpeting bathrooms and basements.
Clean any moldy surfaces as soon as you notice them.

How to Deal with Mold in Your Home

Mold can be a manageable problem. If you have a mold problem that is isolated to a small area—less than a square yard or so—you can try to resolve it yourself. However, if your mold problem is severe or if you have extensive water damage, it’s best to call a professional contractor who specializes in mold removal.

Porous items that are hard to clean, such as carpet and drapes, should be discarded. Moldy sheetrock and ceiling tiles can be removed and replaced. Hard, nonabsorbent surfaces such as glass, plastic and metal should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and allowed to dry completely. For solid items that are semi-porous, such as floors, cabinets, and wood furniture, scrub with an ammonia-free cleaner and hot water to remove the mold. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. After cleaning, apply a mildewcide to kill mold and spores.

When cleaning mold, remember to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area. Never mix cleaner containing bleach and ammonia; this can result in the release of a toxic gas. And be sure to throw away any sponges or rags that you use for cleaning. For more information on how maintaining your home can prevent damage, read our blog post on how to handle water damage.

How to Handle Water Damage in Your Home

Buyers • Sellers • February 27, 2025

Is Downsizing Right for You? Here’s How to Decide

by Don Koonce

Choosing to downsize is more than just moving into a smaller space, it’s about curating a simpler lifestyle that fits your current needs. Whether you’re retiring, looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance home, or wanting a fresh start after your children have moved away, downsizing might be the best option for you. Before making the move, here’s everything to consider.

Why Downsizing Could Be the Right Choice

Increased Cash Flow & More Financial Flexibility

Downsizing can offer significant financial benefits, starting with a smaller mortgage, which frees up extra cash for other needs or desires. Home insurance costs also tend to be lower, as the size of the home typically influences insurance premiums. Downsizing to less square footage can also lower property tax bills. Finally, a smaller home also leads to decreased utility bills, as the cost of heating and cooling a smaller home requires less energy expenditure.

More Time, Less Maintenance & Stress

Bigger homes call for more maintenance. Downsizing can help cut down time spent on household chores such as cleaning and vacuuming, which will give you more hours to do something more enjoyable. Homeowners who have successfully downsized often feel happier because they are no longer overwhelmed by the demands of a larger home. Less responsibility, less housework, increased cash flow, and flexibility equals reduced stress.

A Greener Lifestyle

After downsizing, homeowners commonly buy less since they don’t necessarily have the room for it. Reduced consumption not only leads to a more minimalist lifestyle but also cuts down on waste. Less waste plus less energy expended to heat and cool the space means a smaller environmental footprint and keeps your home green.

What You Might Miss When Downsizing

While moving into a smaller space has benefits, there are trade-offs to consider. A smaller home means less storage space, meaning you’ll need to give away or donate furniture, books, kitchen supplies, and other belongings that may not fit. Less space and fewer rooms can also make the home feel cramped, especially if you’re a long-term homeowner used to larger square footage.

Remote work may also become more challenging in a downsized home. Finding a quiet, dedicated workspace can be difficult, and close quarters may make it harder to stay productive. Additionally, hosting overnight guests or bigger holiday dinners might be out of the question for a smaller home. Adjusting to a downsized lifestyle can take time for those accustomed to more space, requiring new habits and a fresh approach.

Questions to Ask Before Making the Move

Before downsizing, it’s crucial to reflect on how less space in your home will impact your lifestyle. Think about your attachment to your current home’s size. Do you need extra rooms for guests or a second bathroom for convenience? Will moving into a smaller home feel too much like a step backward? Or will it bring the sense of freedom and simplicity you’ve been looking for? Ask yourself these important questions to ensure you’re making the right choice:

What are my must-haves in a smaller home? Think about what you might miss from a more spacious home, or factors like location, accessibility, and storage solutions.
How will my daily routine change? Consider how a smaller space might impact your hobbies, work setup, or ability to entertain.
Does this move align with my long-term plans? Imagine the next 5, 10, or even 20 years, and start to question if a smaller home meets your future needs.
How much will it cost to downsize? Factor in moving expenses, costs associated with selling, new furniture purchases, and the amount it will cost to store or sell belongings you no longer have space for.
What will I do with sentimental or bulky items? Consider whether you’ll keep, donate, sell, or store them, and how much space you’re willing to dedicate to cherished belongings.

If you believe downsizing is the right option and are ready for the next step, you’re probably asking yourself, “Should I sell first or buy first?” When you’re prepared to discuss your options, connect with a Windermere agent by clicking the button below.

Buyers • Sellers • February 25, 2025

Making the Most of a Home Inspection

by Don Koonce

A home inspection can be a useful tool for buyers, sellers, and anyone looking to protect their investment and get the greatest possible value from their home.

Identifying Issues Early

When you’re selling a house, a pre-sale inspection can be incredibly beneficial. By identifying any potential problems your house may have, an inspection can give you an opportunity to address them before your first prospective buyer arrives. A pre-listing inspection can give you an edge as a seller, particularly in a competitive market. Potential buyers are likely to find the kind of detailed information an inspection provides reassuring—and are encouraged to give your home a closer look.

When Should You Get a Home Inspection?

Beyond routine maintenance and pre-sale inspections, there are several circumstances in which a home inspection could greatly benefit a homeowner. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself to determine if an inspection makes sense:

Was your home inspected when you bought it? If not, consider scheduling one, even if the home was new at the time of construction.
Are you an older homeowner looking to make upgrades to stay in your home? If you are, it makes sense to hire a professional who can inspect difficult-to-reach areas and point out maintenance of safety issues.
Are you buying a home that’s under construction? You may want to hire an inspector early on and schedule phased inspections to protect your interest and ensure that the quality of construction meets your expectations.
Do you have a baby on the way or small children? An inspection can alert you to any potential safety issues that could possibly affect a growing family, such as mold, lead, or structural problems. If mold or lead is present, be sure to rely on technicians or labs with specialized training in dealing with these conditions.

What Home Inspections Do Not Cover

For a variety of reasons, some homes will require special inspections that are not covered by a typical home inspection. A specialty inspection might include a sewer scope, septic system, geotechnical conditions (for homes perched on steep slopes or where there are concerns regarding soil stability) or underground oil storage tank. If you have any questions about whether your home needs a specialty inspection, talk to your real estate agent.

Choosing a Professional

If you decide to hire a home inspector, be sure they’re licensed in your state. They should be able to provide you with their license number, which you can use to verify their status with the appropriate government agency. It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Even among licensed and qualified home inspectors, there can be a difference in experience, knowledge, performance and communication skills, so learn what you can before you hire a home inspector to ensure that you get the detailed inspection that you want.

Understanding Your Home Inspection Report

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report covering any issues found. Focus on major concerns like structural and electrical and consult your inspector or a specialist if anything is unclear. You can ask your inspector to walk you through the report and help prepare you for the next steps.

What to Ask Your Home Inspector

When hiring a professional inspector, ask these important questions to make sure they are qualified and the right fit for the job.

What does your inspection cover? Insist that you get this information in writing. Then make sure that it’s in compliance with state requirements and includes the items you want to be inspected.
How long have you been in the business? Ask for referrals, especially with newer inspectors.
Are you experienced in residential inspections? Residential inspection in a unique discipline with specific challenges, so it’s important to make sure the inspector is experienced in this area.
Do you make repairs or make improvements based on inspection? Some states and/or professional associations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in an inspection. If you’re considering engaging your inspector to do repairs, be sure to get referrals.
How long will the inspection take? A typical single-family dwelling takes two to three hours.
How much will it cost? Costs can vary depending upon a variety of things, such as the square footage, age, and foundation of the house.
Can I be there for the inspection? Will you go over the inspection report with me? This could be a valuable learning opportunity. If your inspector refuses, this should raise a red flag.
Are you a member of a professional home inspector association? What other credentials do you hold? Ask to see their membership ID; it provides some assurance.
Do you keep your skills up to date through continuing education?An inspector’s interest in continuing education shows a genuine commitment to performing at the highest level. It’s especially important in older homes or homes with unique elements.

Buyers • February 20, 2025

Finding Your New Home in Four Steps

by Don Koonce

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for a new space, navigating the real estate market can feel confusing and overwhelming without the proper guidance and tools. But with some preparation and a solid game plan, you’ll be unlocking the door to your dream property faster than you can say, “Welcome home!”

These five steps will help you find a home that fits your budget and is suitable for your future needs. By taking the time to plan and work through each step, you can minimize potential headaches and enjoy a smoother, more rewarding home-buying experience.

Step 1: Talk to An Agent

Even if buying a home is just an idea in the back of your mind, your first move should be connecting with a licensed real estate agent. They’ll give you up-to-the-minute insights on real estate market trends, mortgage industry shifts, and what to expect at every stage of your journey. More than just a guide, a great agent will also connect you with trusted lenders, inspectors, and other professionals.

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional purchases a person will make. That’s why finding a credible agent who understands the home search process and takes the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests is so important. As you start your search, consider these 10 qualities to look for in a real estate agent to help you find the right fit.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

It may not be the most exciting part of the home-buying journey, but reviewing your finances upfront and understanding what you can afford will save you time and stress down the road. And with 2025’s mortgage rates and affordability challenges, understanding your budget is more important than ever. Your real estate agent can connect you with a reputable mortgage advisor who will help you determine how much you can borrow and explore financing options.

A mortgage advisor will also help you assess different loan options, down payment requirements, and potential programs and tools that could make homeownership more affordable. Once you have a solid budget in place, you can focus your search on homes that truly fit your needs, giving you a better shot at securing the right home in a competitive market.

Step 3: Envision Your Future

A general rule of thumb when purchasing a home is that the investment typically takes about five years to start paying off financially. That’s why choosing a home that meets your current needs and aligns with your future needs is essential. Think about what life might look like in the next five to ten years—will you need more space for a growing family or pets? Do future hybrid work opportunities make walkability, public transportation, or a home office more important? Consider factors like schools, outdoor spaces, and community amenities that align with your evolving lifestyle.

Once you have a clear vision, share these details with your real estate agent. They’ll help you identify homes that offer the flexibility and functionality to grow with you, ensuring your next home is the right fit for today and the future.

Step 4: Research Neighborhoods and Communities

Another critical step in finding the right home is researching and exploring the neighborhoods and communities that align with your lifestyle. Consider factors important to you, like local schools, dining and shopping, outdoor recreation, and community culture. It’s also worth looking into crime rates, insurance costs, potential future developments, or even risk zones such as flood zones, as these can impact both your living experience and long-term investment. A holistic approach to your home search will ensure you love your house and the life you build around it.

Step 5: Visualize Your Ideal Home

Once you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time to dream a little—but stay realistic. Make a list of the features that matter most, dividing them into “must-haves” and “really wants.” You can use visualization tools like mood boards or apps like Pinterest to bring your vision to life. When you’ve outlined your priorities, share them with your agent and stay flexible—you may find the perfect balance of practicality and potential in an unexpected place.

Bonus Tips: Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of the Real Estate Market

Real estate is always changing, and staying informed can give you a competitive edge. Follow local market reports, real estate websites, and social media platforms, and keep in touch with your agent for the latest insights on pricing trends, inventory, and new listings.

For more tips and a step-by-step guide to buying a home, visit our “Buyer Basics” page or to connect with an experienced Windermere agent, get started here:

Real Estate News & Information • February 18, 2025

Local Market Update – February 2025

by Don Koonce

Local Market Update – February 2025

The start of the year is typically a quieter time for the housing market, but this year continued the trend of year-over-year growth. Across all of our Puget Sound area markets, active residential listings increased significantly – both month over month and year over year – bringing much-needed inventory to buyers. While rising supply often improves affordability, home prices and interest rates remain elevated. Additionally, upcoming immigration policies and tariffs could drive up construction costs, further influencing pricing. How these factors interact will be key as we approach the spring market.

In King County, the median residential sold price in January edged up 1% year over year, from $849,850 to $855,000. The number of active listings surged 50% compared to last January and rose 20% from December, offering buyers more choices. Closed residential sales increased 10% year over year but declined 28% from the previous month. The condo market in King County saw more dramatic shifts, with the median sold price rising 21% from $495,000 to $600,000. Meanwhile, active condo listings soared 85% year over year, significantly expanding buyer options.

Seattle’s median residential sold price in January remained stable at $857,500, reflecting a slight 1% year-over-year dip from $869,000. More single-family homes entered the market, with active residential listings up 36% from a year ago. Closed residential sales rose 9% in the same timeframe, while pending sales jumped 50% between December and January – good news for sellers as it indicates strong buyer activity in the new year. Seattle condos saw price growth, with the median sold price climbing 28% year over year from $537,500 to $689,975. Active condo listings increased 52%, giving buyers more options in this segment of the market.

The Eastside saw an impressive 17% year over year increase in the median residential sold price, rising from $1,465,000 in January 2024 to $1,709,000 in January 2025. Prices were also up 11% from last month. Despite this appreciation, buyers gained more opportunities as active residential listings grew 61% year over year and 32% month over month. Meanwhile, closed residential sales rose 3% from last year. With more options available, some price stabilization may be on the horizon. Eastside condos saw even greater growth, with the median sold price increasing 29% year over year from $570,000 to $724,000. Active condo listings skyrocketed 128% compared to last January, and closed sales increased 77% in the same period.

Snohomish County saw the highest increase in active residential listings, jumping 78% year over year. Meanwhile, closed residential sales declined 5% from last January and dropped 26% from December – a potential benefit for buyers as they face less competition. The median residential sold price in January rose 5% from $729,990 a year prior to $770,000, indicating that demand remains strong. Condos in Snohomish County also saw notable gains, with the median sold price increasing 15% year over year to $570,000. Meanwhile, active condo listings surged 189%, dramatically raising inventory for prospective buyers.

As more sellers enter the market ahead of spring, active listings will likely continue to rise, providing buyers with additional opportunities. At the same time, shifting economic conditions in the upcoming months may create new challenges and amplify existing ones. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, connect with a Windermere advisor for expert guidance and real-time strategies in today’s evolving real estate market.

More.