Living • July 29, 2025

How to Handle Water Damage In Your Home

by Don Koonce

Even if you’ve done all you can to prevent water damage in your home, there’s still a possibility it could occur. During a water damage emergency, it’s important to have a plan in place and be proactive to make sure things don’t go from bad to worse.

How to Handle Water Damage In Your Home

If your home is in danger of flooding, evacuate the area until it is safe to return. In all other situations, as soon as you notice any water damage, it’s time to act quickly to prevent further damage. Water reaching an electrical source spells danger, so be sure to switch off your circuit breakers to cut the electricity. If your circuit breakers are in the same room as the source of the water damage, it’s best to stay away and call an electrician. Unplug devices from outlets as well to avoid getting shocked. In all situations, wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective gear.

After the electricity has been turned off, the next step is to find the source of the water damage. In the case of a burst pipe or a leaking hot water tank, cut the water supply by switching their shut-off valves. If the water damage has occurred in a small, contained area, you may be able to handle the repair independently. But if the water damage has spread to a large area, it will require a professional.

Moving furniture, household items, and possessions not only helps to protect them, but will also clear the area for when professionals arrive, allowing them to get right to work. If the water continues to flow while the technician is on their way, try to prevent further damage by slowing its spread using buckets, towels, and mops. These items don’t have the salvaging power of a professional’s tools, but anything you can do before they arrive could help to prevent further damage.

Water Damage – Insurance

Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible will help to navigate the situation. Find out what steps they may require you to take in the event of a flooding emergency. It’s helpful to get a claims adjuster to your home quickly to assess the situation and provide estimates on the potential cost of making repairs. Water damage can easily feel overwhelming and chaotic, but it’s important to photograph the incident. Take photos of the source of the damage, where it spread, and the damage it caused—both to the home and any personal items of value. Documenting the incident will inform your claim with your insurance company.

Whether the damage is covered by your insurance depends on the source of the problem and how your policy is arranged. If the damage was a result of an underlying condition that worsened over time, your claim may be denied. If this happens, ask for a detailed explanation to understand the gaps in your policy. This emphasizes the importance of regular home maintenance on the systems that control the water in your home. Even if you run into a costly repair, it’s better to be aware of deficiencies and fix them than to wait and be faced with a full-fledged emergency later on. Take time to review your policy as is and understand what you as the homeowner are ultimately responsible for in the event of an emergency.

For more information on how to get ahead of potential home emergencies, read Windermere’s guides on preparing for wildfires and winter storms.

Design • July 24, 2025

The Best Indoor Plants for Every Room

by Don Koonce

With thousands of plant species, it can be hard to distinguish which plants are best suited for each room in your home, which greatly depends on sunlight exposure and temperature. A simple rule of thumb is to make higher maintenance plants more accessible to you. Some lower maintenance plants can go weeks without watering and require very low levels of sunlight.

Here’s a quick guide on indoor plants and where to place them in your home based on the level of care and management.

The Best Indoor Plants for Every Room

Living room

A monstera, a.k.a. Swiss cheese plant, works well in the living room due to its size and their natural inclination to climb. Providing a monstera with a stake or a trellis will bring about some decorative growth. Another large plant, the fiddle-leaf fig, works well in larger rooms. Fiddle-leaf figs tend to be more top-heavy with their large, floppy leaves. Both of these plants could work well next to a couch or sitting area where there is ample overhead space for the leaves. These large-leaved plants are typically happiest with indirect sunlight. Proper watering can be determined by observing the dryness of the soil. Once the top of the soil is dry to the touch, which is typically once a week for these plants, it’s time to give them a shower.

Bedroom/Office

Spider or jade plants can be great to have on a desk, and also work well to fill up shelving space. Adding a plant to a bookshelf here and there adds texture and brings a sense of wellness to the space, which is especially important when you’re working long hours from home. You could even swap a bookend for a plant to liven things up. Both of these plants are low maintenance and thrive in partial sun or shade. These plants typically require watering every two weeks, but when in doubt, check the soil to see if it’s dry.

Bathroom

Plants that require low levels of sunlight and enjoy high humidity—like ferns or bamboo—are great for the bathroom. Place them on your shower shelves or on a countertop to give your bathroom a spa-like feel. Because they can absorb water from the shower steam, they can go up to three weeks without a proper watering. Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is another great houseplant for the bathroom. They like to grow downward in a draping manner, so you can get creative with a hanging basket display.

Kitchen

Two plants that work well in kitchen spaces, such as on windowsills or in corners, are the Snake Plant and Cast-Iron Plant. The snake plant is known for its resiliency, and its thick leaves can handle the occasional splash from the kitchen sink or accidental bump from pots and pans. The Cat-Iron Plant is one of the toughest houseplants you’ll find. Where another plant may wither and die, the Cast-Iron Plant survives. Both are low maintenance plants can last weeks without watering. No green thumb? Fear not. These plants will keep on keepin’ on through harsh conditions or neglect, and their bright green leaves will help give your kitchen a fresh look and feel.

As the seasons change, your plant care routine will need to adjust to climate conditions. Some plants are known to go dormant in the darker months and require less amounts of water and sunlight. During springtime, fertilization can be done by adding fertilizer to the top of the soil.

Before you bring a new plant home that could end up in the hands (or paws) of a child or pet, do some research to be sure it’s safe for everyone in your household. Organizations such as the APSCA and the National Poison Center offer online sources to research the plants you plan on bringing home.

Real Estate Listings • July 22, 2025

NEW LISTING: Custom-Built Home in Leschi

by Don Koonce

215 31st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
$1,400,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 3
Size: 2,340 sqft
Days on OneHome: 3

Extraordinary offering! Custom-built one-owner home on grand 12,000 sqft. lot with territorial views in Leschi. Unique multi-level design, tongue & groove ceilings, hardwood & parquet flooring, sunroom, skylights, huge Primary bedroom w/ private bath. Expansive yard & wrap around decks for entertaining, mini-splits for A/C. Secure parking in 2car garage + guest parking in driveway. All within short hop to nearby Leschi shops, eateries, Lk WA, parks & bike paths. Metro #27 just 2 blocks away goes downtown Seattle, Judkins Light Rail approx. 1 mile for UW, International District, SeaTac International and beyond. Golden opportunity to reinvent/renovate, live on a rare estate lot in dream location. Any development potential to be verified by Buyer.

Click here for more information.

Real Estate News & Information • July 17, 2025

Local Market Update – July 2025

by Don Koonce

Housing inventory across the Puget Sound climbed again in June, marking another month of double-digit year-over-year growth in active listings. While more homes on the market offer buyers greater selection, the uptick in demand hasn’t yet caught up to the surge in supply. In all four of our local markets, conditions continue to shift in buyers’ favor. Compared to May, signs of buyer movement improved slightly – but overall, many remain hesitant, especially as interest rates hover near 7%.

In King County, the median sold price for residential homes rose 7% in June, reaching $1,033,950. Buyer activity gained modest ground, with pending sales up 4% and closed sales rising 3%. Even so, inventory continued its upward climb – active listings increased 50% compared to last year. The condo market showed similar momentum, with a 4% bump in the median price to $576,000 and a 41% gain in active listings.

Seattle’s housing market was the most active last month. The median residential sold price jumped 13% year over year to $1,079,950, as demand remained strong despite a 35% increase in listings. Homes moved quickly – 86% sold within 30 days – and competition stayed high, with 39% of properties selling above asking. Pending sales climbed 16%, and closed sales were up 23%. The city’s condo market also gained ground, with median prices up 7% to $589,000 and listings increasing 26%.

The Eastside continues to feel the weight of rising inventory. Active listings jumped 92% compared to last June, giving buyers more leverage. As a result, the median price for a single-family home dipped 2% to $1,610,000. Closed sales also slipped 2%. Notably, over half of June’s homes sold below list price or after a price reduction – an indication that negotiations are playing a bigger role. However, the condo market told a different story: prices rose 22% to $780,000, while listings increased 91%.

In Snohomish County, a more balanced market began to take shape. Inventory rose 45% from June 2024, while the median single-family home price declined 2% to $815,000 – the first year-over-year price dip of 2025. Increased competition among sellers likely contributed to nearly half of homes selling below list price or after a price adjustment. Closed sales rose 5%. Meanwhile, the condo segment surged: median prices climbed 13% to $600,000, and active listings soared 81%.

Across the region, inventory continues to build as buyers weigh their options amid affordability concerns and high mortgage rates. Whether these dynamics persist – or give way to renewed buyer confidence – remains to be seen. In a shifting real estate environment like this, having an experienced Windermere advisor by your side can make all the difference.

Click here to read more.

Sellers • July 15, 2025

Selling Your Home with Pets? Here’s What to Know

by Don Koonce

For pet owners, it’s hard to imagine their home without a furry friend. However, when it comes time to sell, showcasing the qualities of a home should take precedence over the pets that live in it. This creates additional steps in the process of preparing your home for sale, but it makes all the difference in the minds of buyers.

Selling a Home with Pets

Staging Your Home

A well-staged home makes it appealing to the widest variety of buyers and has significant ROI potential when it hits the market. However, having a pet can complicate the staging process. Buyers may lose interest in the home if they see traces of pets, so it’s a good idea to hide any signs of their presence.

It’s especially important to hide evidence of your pet in marketing photos. Prepare for your home’s listing photos by cleaning and vacuuming, making sure all pet stains are gone and any pet-related damage is repaired. Stow any pet carriers, cages, toys, food bowls, and other supplies that may hinder the photographer’s ability to capture the essence of a room.

Showing Your Home

Before inviting potential buyers inside, it’s best to give your home a deep clean to improve your home’s air quality and to rid your carpets, flooring, and surfaces of pet odors and any dirt they may have tracked in over time. Provided you’re using your own furniture, vacuum and clean everything to extract as much fur and pet dander as possible. Talk to your agent to see if it’s a better idea to stage your home with rented furniture. If your pets have caused any damage in the home, make repairs or replacements as needed. After tending to your home’s interior, don’t forget to clean up after your pets in your yard as well. Fill in any holes in the lawn, freshen up your flower beds, and tidy up any areas of the landscaping where your pets may have dug.

After you’ve prepared your home for showings, there’s the question of what to do with your pets once buyers start taking tours. Ask a family member, friend, pet sitter, or neighbor to watch your pets while the showings take place. If you’re not able to find someone to watch them, form a strategy to temporarily relocate your pets during showings. If they must stay in the home, garage, or backyard during tours, it’s best to give buyers advanced notice that there are pets on the property. Talk to your agent about posting signage communicating their presence so that there are no surprises as guests make their way through the house.

Taking all these precautions will help to present your home in the best light without deterring certain buyers, for whom the signs of a pet may cause them to lose interest. On the other hand, if any buyers inquire about how the home can accommodate their pet, you and your agent will be more than ready to answer any questions they may have.

Selling Your Home

For more information on the process of selling your home, visit the Selling Page on our blog. To get an idea of what your home is worth, try our free home value calculator below:

What is my home worth?

Living • July 10, 2025

Lead Paint: Tips for Testing and Removal

by Don Koonce

In the past, lead paint was commonly used to paint homes. Its durability and resistance to moisture were its greatest assets, but it was only a matter of time until health officials discovered its poisonous properties, and in 1978 it was officially banned. Lead paint causes a variety of health issues and is especially harmful to children, so those living in homes built during the lead paint era should be aware of its dangers, how to detect it, and how to go about removing it safely.

Testing for Lead Paint

You won’t know whether lead paint exists in your home unless you test for it. There are a variety of do-it-yourself testing kits available, but their results may vary and can sometimes be prone to false positives, depending on the active testing agent. Given the variability with DIY testing, it may be best to hire a professional to test for lead paint in your home—both for accuracy and peace of mind. You can also choose to send a paint sample into a lab for testing.

Dealing with Lead Paint

If you discover lead paint in your home but it is still intact, encapsulation may solve the problem without having to remove it. Encapsulation is the process of painting over the areas where lead paint exists using a special coating that seals in the lead paint layer underneath. This is often the more affordable way of dealing with lead paint, but the coating may wear off over time, leaving you back at square one.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, the presence of lead paint is a necessary disclosure. Know that buyers generally view a home with lead paint as unfavorable, given its serious health risks and dangers. If you’re thinking about remodeling, testing for lead paint is a wise first step before you start knocking down walls or ripping through sheetrock.

Removing Lead Paint

The more your paint is cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way, the riskier it is. Any signs of deterioration in a lead paint-based home should be dealt with by removing it as soon as possible.

Removing lead paint on your own is generally not advised. It requires specific training and materials, as well as many preventative measures including creating a sealed exit, wearing protective clothing, properly covering the various surfaces in your home, and proper execution of removal to ensure you’ve vanquished all the lead—just to name a few.

Like any other home improvement project, it’s best to consult lead paint removal professionals in your local area and compare their quotes before making your choice. Before the pros come, you can prepare by clearing away any paint chips that have fallen, thoroughly cleaning the surfaces in your home, and encouraging your household and guests to refrain from touching those surfaces.

For more information on preventing damage to your home, read our guide to dealing with mold.

How to Prevent and Deal with Mold

Buyers • July 8, 2025

The Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Mortgage Broker

by Don Koonce

Throughout the course of buying a home, you’ll work with a variety of professionals, all with specific training to help you through each stage of the process. With such a cast of specialists around you, it’s helpful to know everyone’s responsibilities and which questions to ask whom. One important distinction to be made is the difference between your real estate agent and your mortgage broker. The following information is a guide to understanding where they differ and how each of them helps you to buy a home.

Real Estate Agent vs. Mortgage Broker

Both real estate agents and mortgage brokers are licensed professionals who play a pivotal role in the home buying process by bringing parties together to get a deal done. However, that’s about where the similarities end.

Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent will represent you throughout the buying process. Their access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) allows them to search the widest network of available homes to find the ones that match your budget and criteria. They’ll also receive alerts on open houses and are usually the first to know when new listings hit the market.

Once you’ve identified a home you’d like to pursue, they’ll assist you in putting together your offer, negotiating with the listing agent representing the seller, and guide you through the counteroffer process (should there be one). Once the seller accepts your offer, your agent will help you negotiate any final repair requests found in the home inspection and assist you through closing until you’ve received the keys to your new home.

The point is: your agent will be with you throughout your home buying journey, from start to finish. They are an invaluable resource for local market knowledge and real estate expertise. Though they will not execute the financial aspects of a home purchase for you, (that’s where your mortgage broker comes in), they can recommend trusted lenders with whom you can apply for and secure a home loan.

For more information on working with an agent, visit our Home Buying Guide:

Mortgage Broker

Mortgage brokers work on the financial side of a real estate transaction, representing buyers to find them favorable mortgage terms when shopping for a home loan. They connect borrowers to lenders by researching the various fees and rates associated with obtaining a mortgage, accessing the buyer’s financial creditworthiness, and coordinating paperwork. Mortgage brokers are not responsible for loaning any money. Once they’ve found the right lender and loan product for their client, they hand the baton to the lender, who will then disburse the funds at the appropriate time.

Working with a mortgage broker can save you time and money. In some cases, they may be able to get the lender to waive certain fees and are experts at finding the best deal for their clients among a vast array of loans and lenders. Mortgage brokers are instrumental in getting your financing for your home purchase secured and provide guidance on which loan products may work best for you.

For more on the financial aspects of a home purchase, check out the following:

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Broker

Now that you know a bit more about the respective responsibilities of real estate agents and mortgage brokers, here are a few common questions to ask when conducting interviews:

Real Estate Agent	Mortgage Broker
How do you help buyers to make their offer stand out?	What is the required down payment for this loan?
Which designations and/or certifications do you have?	What’s the difference between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages?
How many clients are you working with currently?	Which costs are attached to this loan?
What is the best way to contact you?	How high does my credit score need to be?
How long have you been an agent in the local market?	What is the interest rate for this loan?
Do you represent both buyers and sellers?	What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Do you have recommendations for mortgage brokers, home inspectors, etc.?	Is there a prepayment penalty?

Sellers • July 3, 2025

High ROI Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value

by Don Koonce

This blog post contains excerpts of the “Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report” (costvsvalue.com).¹

As you prepare to sell your home, one of the major considerations you may face is whether to remodel, and if so, how to allocate your remodeling budget. Remodeling can help differentiate your home from competing listings in your area, but this competitive advantage comes at a price.

The following information provides insight on which remodeling projects deliver high ROI. To maximize the value of your remodel, talk to your agent about what buyers in your area are looking for and align your efforts accordingly.

High ROI Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value

It’s no secret that buyers want to see a home with curb appeal and attractive interior spaces. But as a seller, you’ll only have so much budget to work with and you want to get the most return on your investment. As laid out below, here are the five highest ROI remodeling projects nationwide as found in the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).¹

Remodeling Project	Cost of Remodeling Project (2022)	Resale Value of Remodeling Project (2022)	ROI
Garage Door Replacement	$4,041	$3,769	93.3%
Manufactured Stone Veneer	$11,066	$10,109	91.4%
Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange)	$28,279	$20,125	71.2%
Siding Replacement (Fiber – Cement)	$22,093	$15,090	68.3%
Window Replacement (Vinyl)	$20,482	$13,822	67.5%

This data shows that for a given remodeling project a higher expenditure doesn’t necessarily equate to higher ROI. It’s interesting to note that only one indoor project—the minor kitchen remodel—placed in the Cost vs. Value Report’s top five.

Four of the Cost vs. Value Report’s bottom six entries are upscale remodeling projects, all with roughly a 50% average return on investment. The conclusion to be drawn here is that remodels of this magnitude are expensive and should be considered carefully before you greenlight them. The upside to these projects, though, is that they have a much higher resale value than a simple fresh coat of paint or a change in décor. If you and your agent identify a logical upscale remodel with serious resale potential whose costs you can handle, it can help you get the best price for your home.

So, does this mean you should replace your garage door before selling your home bar none? Not necessarily. Again, your remodeling priority list should target the areas of your home that need attention while aligning with local buyer interest. Your agent can provide guidance on what competing listings in your area are offering and refer you to trusted remodeling contractors in your area.

Budget-Friendly ROI Home Projects

Though smaller scale home makeovers don’t have the value-adding power of larger remodeling projects, they can still make a difference when selling your home.

Instead of an upscale kitchen remodel, you can focus more on making minor improvements in several areas. For example, repainting or refinishing your cabinets, swapping out your drawer pulls and hardware, and installing new appliances can make your kitchen feel brand new with a smaller budget. When remodeling your bathroom, tasks like refinishing your tub, installing new lighting, and a new backsplash can make a strong impression on buyers.

For more information on budget-friendly home makeovers with ROI potential, check out our quick guides to upgrading your bathrooms, bedrooms, home office, and kitchen.

© 2022 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at costvsvalue.com.

Living • July 1, 2025

9 Summer DIY Projects

by Don Koonce

When home-project lists pile up, it can leave some homeowners feeling overwhelmed by their to-dos. One helpful strategy is to prioritize your projects by season. The following list of simple and cost-effective summer projects will help make the most of your summer at home while preparing for the seasons ahead.

9 Summer DIY Projects

1. Organize a Garage/Yard Sale

No summer project list would be complete without a task to sift through your home’s clutter and organize a garage or yard sale. While you’re compiling items to be sold, identify which items can be donated to declutter your home most effectively.

2. Upgrade Your Front Porch

Your home’s front porch can make a lasting impression. Make a statement with a boldly colored front door, look for stylish house numbers, and add classic front porch elements like a sitting bench or swing for ultimate comfort.

3. Fix Up Your Fence

Whether your fence needs a simple wash, a new sealant or stain, or structural repair, summer is high time to get this work done and extend the life of your fence. Power washers are a helpful tool in getting your fence clean before re-staining. Let the fence dry for one to two days before applying the stain.

4. Build a Firewood Shed

It’s best to prepare for winter ahead of time. In summer, conditions are perfect to build a firewood shed to keep your firewood dry throughout the fall and winter. Build a simple enclosure with an open front. This lets air pass through easily, drying the wood quickly.

5. Repaint Kitchen Cabinets

A fitting summer project in the kitchen, repainting your cabinets brings new life into the space without the hefty price tag of a full-scale renovation. For a complete refresh, repaint the hardware too, or replace them to match the new cabinet color. These Simple Kitchen Makeover Ideas can make a noticeable difference in the heart of your home.

6. Exterior Painting

Giving the outside of your home a fresh coat of paint does wonders for its curb appeal. Summer is a great time to get outside and paint, as the chances for rain are lower than other seasons. Although an exterior paint job is DIY-eligible, it can be a time-consuming task that some homeowners may not have the bandwidth to complete. If you need to hire a professional to handle the exterior repainting, consider focusing your DIY painting efforts elsewhere (trim, fencing, indoors).

7. Build a Fire Pit

A new fire pit may be just what your backyard needs to maximize your summer at home. Common fire pit materials include brick, stone, and cinder blocks. Outline your fire pit before you start digging. Once the hole is dug six to eight inches deep, fill in the hole with gravel until it is level with the ground. Choose your materials, fix the stones into the ground, compact them together, and enjoy nights by the fire under the stars. Check for local digging regulations and burn bans.

8. Install a Window Air Conditioner

Depending on your local climate, the hottest time of year is either already here or fast approaching. Install a window AC unit to enjoy the time you spend indoors comfortably. Installation is typically a two-person job, so be sure to have help ready when it comes time to install.

9. Insulate Your Basement/Crawl Space

Although not the most glamorous of all summer projects, taking time to insulate your basement or crawl space during summer will pay off come winter. Because it may take multiple trips to properly install the insulation, the summer weather makes for more ideal conditions to accomplish the task.

For more helpful info on home improvement DIY projects you can accomplish this summer, check out these 5 Design Projects to Improve Your Backyard.

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: sanjeri

SOLD • June 26, 2025

SOLD: Upper Rainier Beach View Home + Well-Maintained Kirkland Home

by Don Koonce

NEW LISTING NOW PENDING

9738 Arrowsmith Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98118
$769,950

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Size: 1,980 sqft
Days on OneHome: 7

Views-views-views! Exciting view home tucked on a quiet lane in the heart of Upper Rainier Beach. Daylight basement midcentury rambler, first time on market since 1977 with HUGE views of Lk WA, Mercer Is, Cascades & Mt. Baker. Foyer entry directs all the senses to water and sky views framed by a window wall of glass; open floor plan connects easily to view deck for outdoor living & entertaining. Beautiful hardwood floors protected by carpet 50+yrs, 2 fireplaces, finished daylight LL with separate entry for future ADU, gas heat, A/C. Walk to all the local favorites: Redwing cafe, Jude’s/Drae’s bistros, Creamy Cone for dessert. Lk WA beaches, urban necessities, Light Rail w/i 1+/-mile radius. All the essentials for your dream home in dream location.

UNDER CONTRACT FOR BUYERS

12905 111th Place NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
$1,130,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Size: 1,690 sqft
Days on OneHome: 26

This well-maintained home sits conveniently in the Juanita/Totem Lake area, fully-fenced, within a quiet cul-de-sac (no HOA). Your level lot and private backyard is perfect for summer grilling (SW exposure), growing your favorite fruits, herbs, and veggies, or simply relaxing on your spacious patio. In fall and winter, enjoy movie nights on your automatic projector screen, or cozy up by your gas fireplace with a favorite book. All appliances are included. Enjoy the perks of your gas stove, range hood (vents outside), tankless hot water, and A/C. The Park & Ride, quick 405 access, The Village at Totem Lake, hospitals, top-rated schools, and more, are close by. Last but not least – snowy views from your front window are a sight you must see!