The Accidental Landlord
Deciding whether to sell or rent your home? Explore key landlord regulations, state rent caps, and local Tacoma laws to make the right choice for your property.
Latest
First Look
Northwest MLS introduced "First Look," a status allowing sellers to pre-market homes off public sites. Here's how it works and what it means for buyers and sellers.
More Effective Than a Price Drop?
Struggling with a slow market? Offering a buyer mortgage rate buydown instead of a price drop can lower monthly payments significantly more for the same cost—making your listing far more attractive to home buyers in today's high-rate market.
Buyers Don't Do Math
Why home buyers don't do math—and how turn-key updates get homes sold faster for more. Discover why pricing strategy alone fails in today's Tacoma real estate market.
Will the New Housing Act Do Much to Help?
Will the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act lower home prices? Discover how new zoning grants, pre-approved designs, and investor caps impact housing.
Show Me the Money: Should Buyers Provide Proof of Funds With Offers?
Should sellers require proof of funds before accepting an offer? Learn why verifying a buyer's down payment can prevent failed transactions, strengthen negotiations, and uncover hidden financing risks before closing.
Encroachments, Surveys, Boundary Lines and "Adverse Possession" in Tacoma
Property line disputes can derail a Tacoma home sale. Learn how surveys, encroachments, boundary lines, and adverse possession work in Washington State—and why a fence, wall, or drain pipe can become a costly surprise.
Why You Should Always Get More Than one Bid on Home Repairs
A Tacoma homeowner paid $700 for two GFCI outlets. Learn how to avoid overpaying for home repairs, compare contractor bids, verify licenses, and protect yourself from costly mistakes when preparing a home for sale.
Do They Really Want to Buy Your House for Cash?!
Washington’s new law protects homeowners from unsolicited cash offers by requiring independent appraisal rights and cancellation periods. Learn what the law means and how it might or might not change the offers you get all the time!
Do Buyers Who Love the Open House Actually Buy it?
Why do buyers rave about homes at open houses… then disappear by Tuesday? A Tacoma Realtor explains the psychology behind open house enthusiasm, why serious buyers often prefer private showings, and what sellers should really expect from weekend traffic.
Washington Says No to Private Listings
Washington State just banned private listings and pocket listings. Learn how SB 6091 changes real estate marketing, what it means for Tacoma home sellers and buyers, and why broader MLS exposure may help sellers get stronger offers.
6.3% Now - Should You Wait for Lower Rates?
Should you wait for lower mortgage rates before buying a home in Tacoma? At today’s ~6.3% rates, the math may surprise you. See how rising prices, inventory, and timing impact your monthly payment—and why waiting could cost more than you think.
Real Estate
Tacoma Houses and Condos are Telling Two Different Stories Right Now
Tacoma and University Place condo markets are shifting fast. Condo prices are down, listings are up. Rising HOA dues are changing buyer behavior. Learn what condo sellers and buyers need to know in Pierce County’s 2026 market.
Listing your Tacoma Home
What Actually Returns on Investment When You're Selling Your Home
What home improvements actually pay off when selling? Learn which upgrades deliver real ROI, what to skip, and how to avoid costly mistakes. A practical guide for sellers who want to maximize price and sell faster.
Best Tacoma Places
Tacoma Votes on $155 Million for Parks on April 28 - Why That Matters for Property Values
Tacoma voters will decide on a $155M parks bond April 28. Learn how park investments, neighborhood improvements, and proximity to green space can impact Tacoma home values—especially in Hilltop and the South End—before you vote.
Listing your Tacoma Home
Beware of That Local Trusted HVAC Company You Love!
Is your trusted local HVAC or plumbing company still locally owned? Private equity firms are buying up home service businesses, often leading to higher prices and aggressive sales tactics. Here’s what Tacoma homeowners need to know.
Listing your Tacoma Home
Why Some Tacoma Homes Sit - and Others Spark Bidding Wars
Tacoma homes are splitting into two markets: bidding wars and crickets. The difference comes down to two things — turnkey condition and right pricing. Here's what's driving offers in 2026 - by The Hume Group
Listing your Tacoma Home
Washington Just Confirmed Our Thinking on Private Listings
Washington's new private listing ban — Senate Bill 6091 — is now law. Tacoma Realtor Tom Hume of The Hume Group breaks down what it means for sellers, why private listings were never a good deal for homeowners, and what maximum exposure actually looks like in today's market.
News and Resources
Up Jumped Spring
Spring is here, Tacoma! Protect your real estate investment with our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist. From roof inspections and gutter cleaning to boosting curb appeal, learn how to prep your property for the warmer months and avoid costly repairs later.
Listing your Tacoma Home
What Tacoma Home Sellers Really Want to Know
Selling a home in Tacoma doesn’t have to be a mystery. From pricing strategies to the final closing steps, learn what to expect during the 8-10 week process. Discover how expert preparation and marketing can help you secure the best offer for your Pierce County property.
Buyer Tips
Don't Buy This Type of House in Tacoma
Skip the "photo-ready" trap. In Tacoma’s 100-year-old housing stock, a charming porch can hide a $40k foundation or sewer issue. Learn why the "boring" house is often the smarter investment and which red flags mean you should walk away—or at least bring a structural engineer.
Market Update for Tacoma
Who is Being Lured by Lower Interest Rates in Tacoma
Tacoma’s real estate market is waking up. February brought more listings, steady buyer demand, and clear signals about pricing, inventory, and what today’s buyers actually want. Here’s who’s entering the market—and what it means for 2026.
Listing your Tacoma Home
50 Shades of Gray & White Homes
Is the gray & white home trend timeless or fad? Explore the pros and cons of this ubiquitous interior design scheme. From resale value and photography perks to the risks of feeling sterile, learn how to balance neutral tones with personality in your next renovation or listing.
Listing your Tacoma Home
Time is the Enemy in Real Estate
Real estate mentor always said, "Time is the Enemy of the Real Estate Transaction." Discover why condensing contract timeframes is Rule #1 to prevent "curveballs"—like job loss or divorce—from derailing your sale.