Affordability Strategies: House Hacking Tips to Help Overcome Monthly Payment Barriers

By Jill Langer | Dec 16, 2025

While we are seeing the market show signs of improvement and uptick in activity in Q4 2025, the biggest challenge we see in the real estate market is affordability. Prices in our area have remained stable after many years of appreciation, and interest rates, while improving, are hovering around 6.25%. This combination has monthly payments expensive, […]

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Do 50-Year Mortgages Really Help Buyer Affordability? Carefully consider your options and other house hacking tricks.

By Jill Langer | Dec 3, 2025

The recently announced proposal of implementing a 50-year mortgage product had tongues wagging last week. There were countless articles, posts and news stories that jumped on the story. There was lots of debate about whether this type of product would be a smart choice in the long term, even though it provides a lower monthly payment. It is not a mystery that […]

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PROPERTY CONDITION MATTERS

By Jill Langer | Jul 11, 2025

As market conditions shift and inventory increases, we are seeing that homes brought to market with sound property maintenance and thoughtful improvements are selling the fastest and yielding the highest returns. Inventory is up 62% year-over-year in King County and 48% in Snohomish County, highlighting the importance of standing out amongst the crowd. With interest rates […]

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Takeaways from our Homeowners Insurance Panel

By Jill Langer | May 20, 2025

Last week, my office hosted a panel discussion on the hot topic of homeowners insurance. In the wake of several natural disasters, supply chain issues, and inflation on building materials, homeowners insurance is currently experiencing a “hard market”. Non-renewal and cancellation rates are rising, some carriers are leaving certain states, and specific aspects of a home, […]

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What every homeowner needs to know about navigating the changing insurance market

By Jill Langer | Apr 23, 2025

As your trusted real estate advisor, my service to you is beyond the transaction of buying and selling real estate. Your home is your nest egg and often your most significant financial investment, requiring care and attention to maintain and protect it. An important aspect of protecting your home is your Homeowners Insurance Policy. In the wake […]

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Homeowner Insurance

By Jill Langer | Mar 16, 2025

Last month, my office invited a panel of insurance professionals to discuss the volatility of the Homeowner’s Insurance (HOI) market so we could learn the latest to best inform our clients. In the wake of several natural disasters, the LA Fires is one of the most recent, HOI companies have become much more scrutinous and […]

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Rates & Equity

By Jill Langer | Feb 25, 2025

As we start a new year, I am often asked where home prices are headed.  While I don’t have a crystal ball, I study the market trends and activity closely.  Many aspects affect home prices, such as the overall economy’s health, inventory levels (supply & demand), and interest rates.  Seasonality is also a pattern I […]

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2025 Economic Forecast

By Jill Langer | Feb 10, 2025

  On January 22, my office hosted renowned economist and housing market specialist Matthew Gardner, who shared his 2025 Economic & Housing Market Forecast. We spent an hour listening to his keen analysis and insights, which included a look back at 2024, some discussion about what to expect with the new administration, and a look ahead to […]

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A December to Remember

By Jill Langer | Jan 9, 2025

The holiday season is a time for joy and reflection, and it fills me with gratitude to be part of a team that prioritizes giving back to our community throughout the year. Supporting our neighbors in need is one of the most meaningful ways we celebrate the season, and it’s made possible by the generosity […]

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