Home Knowledge • Market Advice • April 14, 2026

Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind.

by Sandi Tampa

With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.

While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.

Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here’s Why

After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”

But what does that really mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle back down before you buy a home?

The short answer is no. You don’t have to wait.

Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close

It’s true that a month or so ago, when rates were just shy of 6%, buying felt a bit more affordable. And now that rates are hovering around the mid-6s, monthly payment costs are higher.

But zoom out for a second.

Let’s say you’re taking out a loan for $500k. Even with rates in the mid 6s, you’re still saving roughly $300 on your monthly payment compared to buyers who made their purchase early last year.

That means this recent increase in rates hasn’t erased the progress we’ve seen. Buying is still more affordable than it was just one year ago (see below):

Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been a little less expensive a few weeks back. But hindsight is always 20/20.

The goal moving forward shouldn’t be to perfectly time the market. Things change too quickly for that. Instead, the real goal is to make the best decision you can based on where things are today. And the best advice anyone can give is: brace for volatility.

When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected

Mortgage rates are going to continue to be move around in the weeks or months ahead as new information and economic reports come out.

Try to remember, you can’t control global events or where rates go next week (or even next month). But you can control how you prepare. If you do that, it becomes less about the headlines, and more about your situation.

If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can

The simple truth is, if you want or need to move, you still can.

Some buyers are choosing to move forward right now because their needs haven’t changed. A growing family, a job relocation, a lifestyle shift – those things still matter.

And for buyers who do decide to move forward, there are ways to make it work.

For example, you could explore options like adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to get a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right fit for you, but it highlights an important point: there are strategies that can help you move, even now.

What matters most is having a plan.

And working with the right agent and lender is a big part of that. With expert help, you’ll:

Understand your budget and what the math looks like at today’s rates.
Explore your financing options, including ARMs and assistance programs.
Have trusted guidance from experts who’ll keep you up to date throughout the process.

Bottom Line

Even though there’s some uncertainty, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

If you need to move, you still can. Let’s connect so we can explore all your options and make your move happen.

Market Advice • Video Blogs • April 9, 2026

Weekly Update – April 9, 2026

by Sandi Tampa

Home Knowledge • Market Advice • April 7, 2026

Before You Fall in Love with a House, Do This First.

by Sandi Tampa

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved. Because here’s what not enough people know.
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later on in the process to tackle this step.

No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment. It’s about clarity. And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success.

You Know Your Numbers Up Front
During the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score, and more. And once you have that number, your search becomes a lot more focused.

With a mortgage pre-approval, you know what you can borrow, so it’s easier to figure out your ideal price point, and what you can actually afford. And that clarity is key. Because if you just start browsing online and just guess at your price point, you run the risk of falling for a house that’s outside of your price range – or missing out on ones that aren’t.
You want this number to be clearly defined before your search. Here’s why.

You Can Move Quickly When You Find the One
This is how a lot of home searches go today. You scroll through listings just to see what’s out there, and then it happens. You fall in love with something you’ve seen online.

If you’re already pre-approved? You’re probably in great shape.
But if you’re not…

Instead of being able to jump on that house and quickly make an offer, you have to scramble to get a lender, gather the financial documents, and then submit the necessary pre-approval paperwork first. And while you’re waiting to hear back from your lender, someone else who’s more prepared could beat you to the house. As Bankrate explains:

“The best time to get a mortgage preapproval is before you start looking for a home. If you find a home you love but don’t have a preapproval in hand, you likely won’t have time to get preapproved before you need to make an offer . . .”

And that’s avoidable, with the right prep.

Because while you can’t control when the right home shows up, you can be ready for it. Think of it like showing up to the starting line with your shoes tied and your warm-up done – while everyone else is still looking for parking.

It’s not about rushing your timeline. It’s about removing the delay between finding the right home and being able to move on it.

One Thing You Need To Know About Pre-Approvals
Speaking of timing, pre-approvals do have an expiration date. So, be sure to ask your lender how long it’s good for. The Mortgage Reports explains:

“Mortgage preapproval letters are typically valid for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. However, a preapproval can be updated and extended if the lender re-checks your information.”

Doing the right prep and knowing this information can make the whole process a lot smoother.

You don’t have to be ready to buy to be ready to buy.
Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re committing to buy right now. It just means you’ve taken a step to understand your numbers. And when a home catches your attention, you’re prepped and good to go.

Bottom Line
Ask yourself this: if your perfect home popped up tomorrow, would you be ready to make a move?
If the answer is no and you want to buy, it may be time to get pre-approved. You don’t feel behind before your search even officially kicks off.

Market Advice • Video Blogs • April 2, 2026

Weekly Update – April 2nd, 2026

by Sandi Tampa

Economy • Home Knowledge • Market Advice • March 31, 2026

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)

by Sandi Tampa

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market.

And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.
Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.

The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection
A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below):

And that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they didn’t have a couple of years ago: options.

Why Fixing Things Before You List Matters More Today
A few years back, when buyers felt rushed or boxed in due to the limited number of homes for sale, they were more willing to overlook issues.

But in today’s market, skipping essential repairs is one of the fastest ways to lose a deal.
Now that there are more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective. If a house feels risky, outdated, or like it’s hiding expensive surprises, they’re a lot more likely to walk away. So, what do you have to fix? Just ask an agent.

How Your Agent Can Help Give You the Edge
A local agent will be able to walk through your house and offer advice on what to tackle based on your specific home, your market, and what buyers are prioritizing in your area. They’ll also have first-hand knowledge about some of the biggest turnoffs for buyers today. And you can use that expertise to prevent future headaches.

For example, according to Zillow, these are some of the issues buyers will care the most about:

Roof leaks or damage: sagging, leaking, etc.
Plumbing problems: standing water, leaks, water damage, etc.
Electrical concerns: outdated or exposed wiring, missing GFCI outlets, etc.
HVAC issues: non-functioning units
Pest or insect damage: termite colonies, etc.
Hazardous materials: lead, mold, asbestos, etc.
Safety/code violations: missing smoke detectors, windows stuck closed, etc.
Structural problems: cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, etc.

Odds are not all of this even applies to your house. Maybe only 1-2 things do. Or maybe none of them do. It just depends. But an agent will have the tools and resources to help you figure it out and stay one step ahead.

The Benefits of a Pre-Listing Inspection
To buyers, these aren’t cosmetic issues. They’re trust issues. And that’s what you need to watch out for today. Once buyers start wondering “what else might be wrong,” it’s hard to recover momentum.

That’s why some agents are even recommending a pre-listing inspection as a sneak peek into what buyers will see on their own inspection. With that insight, you can:

Fix concerns before you list, or disclose issues upfront
Avoid having to respond or negotiate under pressure
Stop scrambling to find contractors with availability before your closing date

But remember, you don’t have to fix everything. You just have to be strategic about what you do tackle, so you and your buyer aren’t caught off guard.

And that’s why you need an agent who can:

Decide if a pre-listing inspection is worth it where you live
Recommend a trusted inspector (if you decide to get one)
Look at the results with you to identify true dealbreakers in your market
Help you decide what to fix or what to credit
Make sure you avoid over-spending or under-preparing

Bottom Line
One of the biggest dealbreakers for buyers today is inspection issues – and that’s something you can control. You just need to be proactive about high-impact repairs before you list.
If you want help figuring out where to focus, let’s connect so we can keep your sale on track from day one.

Market Advice • Video Blogs • March 26, 2026

Weekly Update – March 26th, 2026

by Sandi Tampa

Economy • Home Knowledge • Market Advice • March 24, 2026

The Remodel You’ve Been Dreaming About May Be Closer Than You Think

by Sandi Tampa

That kitchen you’ve been mentally redesigning…

The bathroom that really needs a refresh…

Or the outdoor space you keep saying you’ll get to someday…

What if you already have what you need to finally make it happen? Because a growing number of homeowners are realizing just that.
Homeowners are expected to spend over $522 billion on home improvements by the end of 2026 – and they’re not draining their savings accounts to get it done. Many are using their home equity.

And if you’ve owned your home for 10+ years, there’s a chance you could use your equity to fund some home upgrades too. Let’s break down what you need to know first.

What Is Equity? And How Does It Help?

Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. And according to Cotality, the average homeowner has about $313,000 worth of equity today. That’s more than enough to finally knock some projects off your list. And more people are realizing they can use that to give their home a little TLC.

Research coming out of Meridian Link says home improvements are the top thing people are using their equity for today.

Top Motivations for Equity-Based Borrowing:

Funding home improvements (45%)
Using it to pay down other debts / debt consolidation (16%)
Investing in other properties (16%)

Maybe it makes sense for you to do the same. But here’s what’s important. Just because you can use your equity doesn’t mean you have to. It also doesn’t mean every project makes sense.

What Projects Are Actually Worth It?
If you’re going to go this route, you’ll want to focus on upgrades that actually pay off. A good renovation should be something that improves the value of your home. Because, even if you’re not planning to sell soon, you want to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success when you do.

And an agent is the best resource as you weigh your options. They know what other homeowners are doing and what buyers in your area like. And that can be really helpful as you narrow down your project list. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts it:

“Being able to help sellers prioritize home improvements and maximize their net on the sale is a key value real estate agents offer.”

Here’s a quick rundown of the projects with the best potential to recoup your costs according to NAR (see graph below). While it’s a good starting point, just remember it can’t match the expertise an agent can provide.

As you can see, there’s a wide range of projects on that list. Yes, some are bigger-ticket items, like kitchens or baths. But others are smaller updates with surprisingly strong ROI.
A new front door is a great project. But it’s not something to use your equity for. But revamping your kitchen? That’s where your equity can come in and lighten the load.

Where To Go from Here
Whether the project you’ve been thinking about is on this list or not, chat with an agent to make sure it’s worth the time, money, and effort before calling in any contractors.

Because the goal isn’t to do everything, it’s to invest where it counts.
And if you want to use your equity to get one of the bigger projects done, meet with a financial advisor too. Because you’ll want to make sure you’ll maintain a good loan-to-value (LTV) threshold even after using your equity. That way you have all the information you need to make your decision.

Bottom Line
Whether you’re selling next year or just giving your house some TLC, the right home improvements today can set you up for success tomorrow. And the best part? Your equity may be the key to making it happen.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?
Let’s have a quick conversation about whether it’s the right decision for your home.

Video Blogs • March 20, 2026

Weekly Update – March 20th, 2026

by Sandi Tampa

Economy • Market Advice • March 19, 2026

March Eastside Stats

by Sandi Tampa

Pricing is noisy — don’t let the headlines fool you. The market is more selective than ever, but homes are still selling. Sellers who price strategically and present well win. Buyers who show up with clarity and conviction find opportunity.

Median pricing is doing its usual thing: telling three different stories depending on which window you look through. Up 9% month-over-month, down 7% year-over-year — but that year-over-year figure compares against a month that was up 15% in 2025, so take it with a grain of salt. Zoom out to 2024 and we’re up 6.5%, which is probably the more honest read. For context, King County as a whole is up 2% year-over-year (after being essentially flat the year prior). The takeaway? Pricing is a genuinely difficult metric to measure — and anyone who tells you otherwise is oversimplifying.

On the inventory side, months of supply sits at 2.3 — technically a balanced market — but the direction of travel matters: more homes are being listed than purchased, so inventory is building.
That backdrop makes the buyer breakdown pretty telling. About 20% of homes sold with multiple offers at a median of 3% over asking. Another 18% sold at list. The remaining 62% sold below asking, and many needed a price reduction to get there. And yet — two-thirds of homes went under contract within 30 days. The sky is not falling. It’s just a market that has opinions.

So what does this all mean? Same as last month, honestly.
Sellers: Think price war and beauty competition. Price conservatively — if it’s truly too low, the market will pull it up. Present thoughtfully. The homes that are winning right now earned it.

Buyers: Clarity is your competitive advantage. Know your numbers, know your non-negotiables, and be ready to move when value shows up. In this market, indecision is more costly than patience.

Economy • Home Knowledge • Market Advice • March 17, 2026

Top Mistakes Homeowners Are Making in 2026 (And How To Avoid Them)

by Sandi Tampa

Let’s be clear: selling your house is absolutely possible right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 11k homes sell every day in this country.

And the sellers who are making their moves happen all have one thing in common: they’ve adjusted their strategy to match today’s market. They’re realizing inventory has grown. Homebuyers are more selective. And buyer expectations are higher.

The sellers who struggle are usually approaching today’s market with yesterday’s expectations. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making – and how to avoid them.

1. Pricing Based on What Their Neighbor Got a Few Years Back
Setting your price is the most important decision you make when you sell – and the one that’s most often mishandled. Realtor.com data shows almost 1 out of 5 sellers in 2025 had to drop their price. Here’s what those sellers went wrong.

Buyers have more choice and more negotiating power now that inventory has grown. And house hunters will actively avoid your house is if feels like it’s priced too high. That’s why overpricing usually leads to:

Fewer showings
Less competitive (or lowball) offers
Longer time on market

And all three of those side effects are things you don’t want to deal with.

What To Do Instead: The good news is the cure is simple. Just price for today’s buyer, not yesterday’s headlines. Lean on your agent’s knowledge of recent comparable sales, current competition, and local buyer behavior to land in the value “sweet spot” that drives traffic and urgency from day one.

2.Trying To Skip Repairs That Buyers Now Expect
A few years ago, you could sell as-is and still get well above asking. Today? Not so much. Right now, NAR says two-thirds of sellers are making at least some repairs.

And the reason why is simple. In a market with more inventory, buyers compare homes side by side. Homes that don’t show well (or feel dated) are going to lose attention quickly, even if the issues are minor.

What To Do Instead: Ask your agent which high-impact, low-stress updates they’d recommend for your house. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers see themselves moving in without a mental to-do list. Small investments in staging, repairs, and curb appeal can make a huge difference in how quickly offers come in – and how strong those offers are.

3. Playing Hardball When Buyers Try To Negotiate
Today’s buyers have housing affordability at the top of their minds. And since money is already tight, they’ll be pickier and will probably ask for some compromises from you. Whether that’s making repairs, giving them a credit at closing, or taking just a few thousand dollars off your asking price, negotiating is normal again.

So, if something pops up in the inspection, you’re going to need to be open to talking about it. If you’re not, you may very well see your buyer walk away. And some sellers are figuring this out the hard way. Redfin data shows one of the big reasons home sales fell thru in 2025 was inspection or repair issues. Odds are those homeowners weren’t willing to flex a bit to get the deal done.

What to Do Instead: Meet with your agent to make sure you understand what buyers in your area care the most about. Align your price with value, present the home clearly and confidently, and stay open to reasonable negotiations that keep deals moving forward.

Bottom Line
The sellers who succeed in this market aren’t doing anything extreme. They’re pricing their house right, making strategic repairs, getting local guidance, and making decisions based on how buyers actually behave today. Those small but mighty mindset shifts could make or break your sale.

Want a real plan tailored to your home and your neighborhood? Let’s talk.