I hope you’ll reach out personally–I’d love to meet you and help you find what you’re looking for!
I will be happy to set you up with a no-obligation search that will send by email properties that meet your unique search criteria. And, of course, I’m always here to show properties, answer questions, and provide a market analysis of your current home, if you like.
Here to serve you,
Doug
By Doug Lawrence, Managing Broker | Better Properties Gig Harbor
When someone tells me they want to move to Gig Harbor, one of my first questions is usually: What kind of Gig Harbor are you looking for? Because there isn’t just one.
People who are new to the area sometimes think of Gig Harbor as the picturesque waterfront downtown they’ve seen in photographs. And that is certainly part of it. But the greater Gig Harbor area encompasses an unusually diverse collection of neighborhoods and communities—from newer developments and golf-course living to wooded acreage, waterfront enclaves, island homes, and rural properties.
I’ve worked in real estate in this area since 2010, and one thing I’ve learned is that finding the right home here often starts with finding the right part of the peninsula. Here are some of the areas I encourage buyers to explore.
Gig Harbor North: Newer Neighborhoods and Everyday Convenience
Gig Harbor North has seen some of the area’s most significant residential and commercial development. It offers a very different lifestyle from the historic waterfront, with newer homes and planned neighborhoods combined with convenient access to shopping, services, and recreation. This is where you’ll find amenities such as Costco, Target, and the Tom Taylor Family YMCA, along with numerous newer residential communities. It’s also home to Canterwood, one of Gig Harbor’s best-known planned communities. Built around the golf course and clubhouse, Canterwood offers an established residential setting characterized by larger homes, landscaped properties, and community amenities.
For buyers who want convenient access to services and Highway 16 and prefer a planned-neighborhood environment, Gig Harbor North is well worth exploring.
Downtown Gig Harbor: Close to the Heart of the Harbor
For some buyers, Gig Harbor really does mean the harbor. Living near downtown puts you close to the waterfront, marinas, restaurants, shops, and the historic maritime character that gives this community so much of its identity. Homes in and around the downtown area vary considerably. That’s part of the appeal. Rather than a single master-planned community, you’ll find an assortment of older homes, remodeled properties, view homes, and smaller neighborhood pockets. For buyers who tell me, “I want to be close to the waterfront and able to enjoy town easily,” this is one of the first areas we’ll explore.
Point Fosdick, Wollochet, and Artondale
Head toward the southern end of Gig Harbor and you’ll find established residential areas including Point Fosdick, Wollochet, and Artondale. My most recent listing in the Wollochet/Artondal area is a virtual “Cottage in the Woods”:
One of the advantages here is accessibility. Highway 16 is close by, yet within a relatively small geographic area, you’ll find everything from wooded residential neighborhoods to waterfront properties and more secluded planned communities. This part of Gig Harbor can be particularly attractive to people who commute toward Tacoma or simply want convenient access across the Narrows Bridge while retaining the quieter atmosphere of peninsula living.
Rosedale: Country Feeling, Close-In Location
Rosedale is one of those places that illustrates why understanding Gig Harbor at the neighborhood level matters. Drive into Rosedale and it can feel surprisingly rural. Mature evergreens, winding roads, larger properties, hobby farms, and wildlife give parts of the area an almost country-like quality, even though downtown Gig Harbor is nearby. The community also retains some of its own neighborhood identity, including Rosedale Market and Rosedale Park and Hall, with its historic community center and recreational facilities. Gig Harbor High School is located in Rosedale.
For buyers, Rosedale can offer a particularly appealing compromise: more privacy and room to breathe without giving up convenient access to Gig Harbor. I recently listed and rather quickly sold a beautiful home in Rosedale:
Fox Island: Cross the Bridge and Change the Pace
Cross the Fox Island Bridge and the character changes again. Fox Island is known for wooded properties, quiet roads, shorelines and beaches, and beautiful western sunsets. Housing ranges from modest older homes tucked among the trees to substantial waterfront and view properties. There is relatively little commercial development compared with Gig Harbor, which is precisely what many residents appreciate about it. The historic Fox Island Schoolhouse, known as the Nichols Community Center, is on the national historic register and is home to FICRA, a local organization dedicated to providing social, educational, recreational, safety, and other valuable resources to Island residents.
For buyers who want to feel removed from town—but don’t necessarily want to live an hour away from it—Fox Island can offer an interesting alternative. I recently sold a lovely Fox Island home on a wooded, near-acre lot close to the bridge:
Arletta, Warren, Cromwell, and the Waterfront Communities
The shoreline surrounding greater Gig Harbor contains numerous smaller communities that people moving here may never have heard of. Among them are Arletta, Warren, Cromwell, and Bayview, some of the area’s historic communities dating back to the late 19th century. These are the kinds of places where local knowledge becomes particularly useful. Here you’ll also find beautiful Horsehead Bay, and the charming and convenient Arletta Store, right across the street from PenMet’s newly renovated Arletta Park with its ball field and historic clubhouse.
Purdy and Key Peninsula: A Gateway to More Space
Continue west toward Purdy and the landscape begins changing again. Henderson Bay forms something of a geographic transition between Gig Harbor and the more rural Key Peninsula. Cross the Purdy Bridge and you are heading toward communities where larger lots, acreage, open spaces and a slower pace of life become increasingly common. Peninsula High School is located in Purdy, close to the bridge.
For someone who wants access to Gig Harbor but doesn’t necessarily need to be in Gig Harbor proper, this broader area can open up some interesting possibilities. Two homes may both have a “Gig Harbor” address while offering very different commutes, water access, lot characteristics, and neighborhood environments. That’s why I encourage buyers not to search by ZIP code alone.
This is an area worth considering for buyers dreaming about acreage, gardening, a workshop, a small homestead, or simply more distance between themselves and their neighbors. Just this week I sold one of my listings in this area:
Outdoor recreation is part of the appeal of the Key Peninsula as well. Penrose Point and Joemma Beach state parks provide opportunities for boating, camping, beachcombing and other outdoor activities. The tradeoff, of course, is distance. Depending on where you live on the Key Peninsula, getting to Highway 16, major shopping, and other services can take longer. For some buyers that’s an inconvenience. For others, it’s exactly the point.
The Right Gig Harbor Depends on the Life You Want to Live
All that to say … I don’t think a Gig Harbor home search should begin with bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage alone. It should begin with lifestyle. Do you want to walk near the waterfront? Do you need easy freeway access? Would you trade a shorter drive for a larger piece of land? Do you want neighbors nearby, or would you rather see trees outside your windows? Do you need a shop? Are you looking for waterfront—or simply want to live close enough to enjoy it? Those answers can lead us to very different parts of the peninsula.
And that’s one of the things I enjoy most about selling real estate here. Within a relatively small area, Gig Harbor offers a remarkable number of ways to live.
If you’re considering a move within Gig Harbor—or moving here for the first time—I’d be happy to help you figure out which neighborhood fits the life you’re looking for.
Doug Lawrence, Managing Broker
Better Properties Gig Harbor
253.341.5287
douglaslawrence15@gmail.com
douglawrencerealestate.com
Higher interest rates have changed the real estate market—but they haven’t eliminated the opportunities. For buyers who are thinking beyond simply purchasing a primary residence, income-producing real estate can still offer an appealing combination of current income, long-term appreciation potential, and financial flexibility.
It’s easy to look at today’s mortgage rates and conclude that this isn’t the ideal time to invest in real estate. But interest rates are only one part of the equation.
Real estate investors tend to take a longer view. They consider what a property costs to own, what income it can generate, the strength of the local rental market, the potential for appreciation over time, and how the property fits into their overall financial goals. And, unlike some investments, an income-producing property has the potential to provide two distinct benefits: ongoing rental income and ownership of an asset that may increase in value over the long term.
Regardless of whether home prices and mortgage rates are rising or falling, people need places to live. In fact, when higher mortgage rates make homeownership less attainable for some households, many remain renters longer than they otherwise might.That makes the strength of the local rental market an important consideration when evaluating an investment property.
In Kitsap County, in particular, recent multifamily data has shown improving occupancy. In the second quarter of 2026, Kitsap’s multifamily vacancy rate declined from 7.9% to 7.0%, while average rents increased modestly.
For an investor, however, market statistics are only the starting point. The individual property matters enormously. An established property with long-term tenants can be particularly attractive because there is already a rental history and an existing stream of income to evaluate.
Another consideration is how many ways a property can work for its owner. Some investment properties are strictly investments, while others provide options. A small multifamily property, for example, may allow a buyer to rent all of the units and hold the property as a traditional investment. Or, depending on the property and financing, the buyer may be able to live in one unit while collecting rent from the others.
For the right buyer, that can provide an interesting path into real estate investing. Rental income from the other units can help offset the cost of homeownership while the owner begins building equity in an income-producing asset. Later, that owner might choose to move elsewhere and retain the entire property as an investment.
What makes a good investment property? There isn’t one answer to that question. A good investment property is one whose numbers, location and potential make sense for the particular buyer. Among the factors worth considering are purchase price, current and potential rental income, operating expenses, property taxes and insurance, financing costs, condition of the property, vacancy history, location and long-term demand.
And that’s an important distinction in today’s market: the question isn’t simply whether this is a good time to buy investment real estate. It’s whether a particular property represents a good opportunity.
That brings me to a property I currently have listed in Port Orchard.
MLS #2452331 | $749,000
This property offers three separate residential units and, importantly, established long-term tenants. For a buyer seeking an income-producing property, that means the opportunity to acquire an existing rental rather than starting with an empty building and finding tenants for every unit. Its location is another important consideration, with convenient access to the hospital, freeway and other Port Orchard-area services and employment centers.
There is also flexibility in how a future owner could use the property. An investor can continue operating it as a three-unit rental property. Or an owner-occupant could potentially live in one unit and rent the other two, subject to existing leases and applicable financing requirements. For someone who has been considering adding real estate to an investment portfolio—or looking for a creative way to combine homeownership and rental income, it’s a property worth exploring.
Today’s real estate market is different from the ultra-low-interest-rate market of several years ago. That doesn’t necessarily make it a bad market for investing. It makes careful property selection and a clear understanding of the numbers more important. A well-located property, an established rental history, dependable tenants and multiple sources of rental income can all change the equation.
If you’re interested in exploring real estate investment opportunities in Kitsap or Pierce County—or would like more information about my Port Orchard property, I’d be happy to talk with you about what you’re looking for and help you evaluate the possibilities.
Doug Lawrence, VAMRES
Managing Broker, Better Properties Gig Harbor
MLS #2452331
For a long time, one version of the American dream was the planned neighborhood: attractive homes, tidy streets, community amenities, and an HOA making sure everything stayed that way.
For plenty of homeowners, that still works very well. But I’m hearing something different from some buyers lately, especially people who have already done the subdivision or gated-community lifestyle—they’re ready for a little breathing room.
They want a yard where the kids can play without worrying that they’re bothering the neighbors. They’d like to have friends over around the pool without feeling as though everyone on the street can hear them. Maybe they want a boat, an RV, a garden, a workshop, a dog that likes to run, or simply enough distance between houses that they don’t feel like they’re living on top of one another. (Or chickens, anyone?)
And some are simply tired of paying an HOA to tell them what they can and can’t do with their own property.
There’s some evidence behind what I’m seeing. In the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 research, 17% of all buyers said the availability of larger lots or acreage influenced their choice of neighborhood. Among buyers ages 35–44, that jumped to 24%, and it was 21% among buyers ages 45–59.
A 2026 Pew Research Center survey found something even more striking: A majority of Americans prefer communities where homes are larger and farther apart rather than smaller and closer together. Among people already living in suburban communities, 55% preferred the more spread-out option; among rural residents, that rose to 70%.
At the same time, HOAs are becoming harder to avoid. Realtor.com reported that 43.6% of homes listed for sale in 2025 had an HOA fee, up from 34.3% in 2019. Even among single-family homes, about one-third of listings had an HOA.
That doesn’t make HOAs bad. They can provide valuable amenities, maintain common areas, and help protect neighborhood standards. But they aren’t for everybody.
The Sweet Spot: Country Living Without Being Too Far Out
The challenge around Gig Harbor is finding that sense of space and independence without giving up the convenience that makes Gig Harbor such a great place to live. That’s one reason I think the home I’m currently representing at $1,575,000 deserves another look.
It sits on a shy acre in a rural-feeling setting, yet it’s close in to Gig Harbor. There’s room to spread out, beautifully landscaped grounds, a private resort-style swimming pool and covered outdoor living area, and a home designed for both everyday living and entertaining.
There’s a public boat launch a block over from the end of the road, providing access to Wollochet Bay. If boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply being close to the water is part of the lifestyle you’re looking for, that adds to the appeal of this versatile property.
Inside, the home offers a vaulted great room, a large kitchen, a luxurious primary suite, and flexible spaces that can adapt as a family changes. The second bedroom features a full bath with hall access. There’s also finished living space over the garage with its own bath and kitchenette—ideal for guests, extended family, older kids, hobbies, or a getaway space. All hat flexibility is becoming increasingly relevant. NAR reports that 17% of homes purchased in its latest study were bought for multigenerational households, an all-time high.
To me, that’s really the appeal of this property; More space. More freedom. More ways to live well.
You can have the kids and grandkids over. You can entertain around the pool. You can keep the boat nearby and be on Wollochet Bay in minutes. You can enjoy some elbow room without moving miles away from town.
If you’ve been thinking that your next move might be out of the subdivision rather than into another one, this may be the kind of property worth seeing with fresh eyes.
MLS #2543131 | Offered at $1,575,000
Doug Lawrence, VAMRES, Managing Broker
Better Properties Gig Harbor
253-341-5287
If there’s one trend I’ve watched reshape the luxury housing market over the past several years, it’s this: buyers are placing less emphasis on square footage and more emphasis on lifestyle.
That might sound surprising in an era when larger homes once dominated wish lists, but today’s buyers are asking different questions.
Instead of, “How big is it?” they’re asking, “How will this home improve the way we live?” The answer often has very little to do with the number of bedrooms. Luxury today isn’t about excess—it’s about intentional living. More buyers are looking for homes that allow them to slow down, entertain family and friends, enjoy their surroundings, and spend less time maintaining a property and more time experiencing it.
Privacy, in particular, has become a premium. Outdoor living has become an extension of the home. Single-level living has become desirable not only for retirees, but also for busy professionals who appreciate convenience and are planning ahead. And more and more, people want spaces that are beautiful, functional, and built around everyday enjoyment—not just special occasions.
Buyers Are Investing in Lifestyle
I’ve noticed that many buyers are making decisions based on how they envision spending their weekends rather than simply comparing square footage or price per foot. They imagine:
These lifestyle features create lasting value because they improve daily life in ways that can’t be measured on a spreadsheet.
A Perfect Example
One of my current Gig Harbor listings captures this shift beautifully. Set on nearly an acre just minutes from downtown Gig Harbor, this property offers the privacy and serenity of country living without sacrificing convenience.
The centerpiece is a resort-style swimming pool surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, creating an outdoor retreat that feels more like a private resort than a backyard. A spacious covered outdoor living area extends the enjoyment well beyond sunny summer afternoons, providing the perfect setting for entertaining throughout much of the year.
Inside, the home continues the same thoughtful approach. The vaulted great room is filled with natural light and flows effortlessly into a gourmet kitchen designed for gathering rather than simply cooking. The luxurious primary suite offers comfort and privacy, while the bonus suite above the garage provides ideal accommodations for guests, extended family, or a private home office.
Perhaps one of the most valuable features is something many buyers don’t fully appreciate until they’ve experienced it: true one-level living. Daily life becomes easier when the primary living spaces are all on one floor, while the bonus suite over the garage remains available when guests come to visit.
It’s a home designed to support the way people actually live—or want to live.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
Real estate has always been about more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. The homes that create the greatest satisfaction over time are the ones that fit a family’s lifestyle.
As a managing broker, I believe one of my most important responsibilities is helping clients look beyond statistics and envision how a property will serve them for years to come:
Those are the questions that today’s thoughtful buyers are asking. They know they are not simply purchasing a home; they’re investing in the life they want to live. And, that’s exactly why exceptional lifestyle properties like this one continue to stand apart in any market.
If you’ve been looking for a home that offers luxury without pretense, privacy without isolation, and a true resort-style lifestyle just minutes from Gig Harbor, I’d be happy to show you this remarkable property.
Current Offering: $1,675,000
MLS #2543131
Doug Lawrence
Better Properties Gig Harbor
📞 253.341.5287
After years of helping people buy and sell homes, I’ve noticed an interesting change in the conversations I’m having with buyers.
For many, the goal is no longer finding the biggest house or the most impressive address. Instead, they’re looking for a home that fits the way they actually live today. They want a property that’s comfortable, easy to care for, and leaves more time for family, travel, hobbies, and the activities they enjoy most.
That shift in priorities has been especially noticeable among empty nesters, retirees, and active couples. Many own an RV, spend weekends on the water, or enjoy exploring everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. They aren’t asking for more square footage—they’re asking for a home that supports their lifestyle instead of competing with it.
The features they ask about reflect those priorities:
In today’s market, luxury often looks different than it did a generation ago. It’s less about owning more and more about enjoying your home without feeling tied to constant maintenance or unfinished projects. Buyers increasingly want a home that’s ready to enjoy the day they move in.
That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about my Fox Island, Washington listing:
Located on nearly an acre just minutes from the Fox Island Bridge, this thoughtfully updated 3-bdrm, 1.75-bath home offers the features many buyers are searching for today. The remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, bright open living spaces, and beautifully maintained grounds mean you can settle in and start enjoying the property right away instead of spending months on renovations.
If travel is part of your lifestyle, the generous RV parking with a 50-amp hookup is a standout feature. Whether you’re heading across Washington for the weekend, taking a longer trip across the country, or planning annual trips to warmer climates, you’ll have dedicated space for your RV, boat, or other recreational equipment when you return home.
The wraparound porch with spacious deck is a wonderful place to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, while the additional climate-controlled finished space provides flexibility for a home office, hobby room, workout area, or extra storage as your needs change over time.
One of my favorite aspects of this property is its location. Being a Fox Island resident myself, I may be biased, but most Fox Islanders will tell you that coming home is like going on vacation every day! Here, you can enjoy the quiet beauty and relaxed pace of the island while remaining just minutes from the everyday conveniences of Gig Harbor. That’s a combination many buyers hope to find but don’t always expect. (And from this particular home, you can walk to the Fox Island Store, Cutters Point Coffee, and Zogs Tap Room, an extra bonus!)
Interested? MLS Listing #2539287 is offered at $685,000 by Doug Lawrence and Better Properties Gig Harbor
The right home isn’t necessarily the largest one. More often, it’s the home that supports the life you want to live. When your house requires less of your time and attention, you have more freedom to spend that time with the people and pursuits you value most.
If you’ve been thinking about simplifying, downsizing, or finding a home that better reflects this season of your life, I’d be happy to help you explore your options. Whether it’s this Fox Island property or another home that’s a better fit for your goals, my job is to help you find a place that truly works for the way you live.
Adventure really does begin at home.
Doug Lawrence
Broker | Better Properties Gig Harbor
253.341.5287
douglaslawrence15@gmail.com
douglawrencerealestate.com
For years, real estate conversations in Western Washington have centered on Seattle. While the Seattle market remains influential, many buyers today are discovering that some of the region’s most compelling opportunities can be found throughout Pierce and Kitsap counties.
Having worked with buyers and sellers across the South Sound since 2010, I’ve watched these communities evolve from alternatives to destinations in their own right. What attracts people today isn’t simply affordability—it’s the combination of lifestyle, accessibility, and long-term value that many buyers are seeking.
One of the most significant shifts over the past decade has been how people think about location. Largely since the COVID pandemic that brought work-from-home to the forefront, today’s buyers are no longer focused solely on minimizing commute times to a single employment center. Remote and hybrid work arrangements have expanded the search area for many households, allowing them to prioritize quality of life, outdoor recreation, community character, and housing options that better fit their goals.
As a result, communities throughout Pierce and Kitsap counties have experienced growing interest from buyers who want more space, different neighborhood options, or closer proximity to the natural beauty that defines the Pacific Northwest.
The diversity of housing opportunities across the region is one of its greatest strengths. Buyers can explore established neighborhoods in Tacoma, Fircrest, and University Place, growing communities such as Puyallup and Bonney Lake, waterfront and maritime communities throughout Gig Harbor and Port Orchard, or the unique lifestyle offered by communities across the Kitsap Peninsula. Each area offers distinct advantages, and understanding those differences is critical when making a long-term real estate decision.
Population growth has also continued to support housing demand throughout the broader Puget Sound region. Pierce County has added substantial population growth since 2010, while regional planning projections anticipate continued demand for housing throughout the coming decades. At the same time, housing supply remains a challenge in many communities, contributing to continued interest in well-positioned properties.
What often gets overlooked in national real estate headlines is that real estate remains intensely local. Two homes with similar features can perform very differently depending on neighborhood trends, school districts, transportation access, local development patterns, and community amenities. That’s why local experience continues to be one of the most valuable resources for buyers and sellers. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients throughout the South Sound and have seen firsthand how different communities grow, adapt, and create value over time.
Whether you’re considering a move across town, relocating from another part of Washington, or evaluating opportunities throughout Pierce and Kitsap counties, understanding the local market is about more than tracking prices. It’s about understanding communities, recognizing trends, and finding the right fit for your goals.
The Pacific Northwest continues to attract people who value opportunity, natural beauty, and community. Pierce and Kitsap counties remain at the center of that story. If you’re buying or selling, give me a shout; let’s explore the possiblities.
— Doug Lawrence
The decision to buy a home is one of the most significant financial investments you will make in your lifetime. While renting might seem like a more convenient and affordable option, homeownership offers numerous long-term benefits that can greatly outweigh the initial costs.
Even in a market like this one, where prices are high and so are the interest rates, it can still be in your best interests to go with ownership versus renting, as we will see. In this blog post, I want to explore the advantages of buying a home and explain why it is a smart investment for your future.
One of the most significant benefits of homeownership is the opportunity to build equity. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments contribute to your landlord’s mortgage, owning a home allows you to build equity with each mortgage payment you make. Over time, this equity can be used to finance other investments, such as home improvements, education, or even the purchase of a second property.
Historically, real estate has been a stable and appreciating asset. While the rate of appreciation varies depending on factors like location and market conditions, homeowners can generally expect their property to increase in value over time. This appreciation can provide a significant return on investment when it comes time to sell, allowing you to capitalize on the growth in your home’s value.
Owning a home comes with several tax benefits that can help offset the costs of homeownership. Mortgage interest and property taxes are typically tax-deductible, which can result in significant savings come tax season. Additionally, homeowners may be eligible for other tax breaks, such as deductions for home office expenses or energy-efficient upgrades.
Renting often comes with uncertainty, as landlords can choose to raise rents or decide not to renew a lease. Homeownership, on the other hand, provides a sense of stability and predictability. Fixed-rate mortgages offer a consistent monthly payment, allowing you to budget more effectively and avoid the stress of potential rent increases. Additionally, owning a home gives you the freedom to make long-term decisions about your living space, without worrying about the constraints of a lease agreement.
Homeownership allows you to truly make a space your own. Unlike renting, where you may be limited in your ability to make changes to your living space, owning a home gives you the freedom to personalize and customize your environment to suit your tastes and needs. This sense of pride and ownership can lead to a greater connection to your community and a deeper sense of satisfaction with your living situation.
Paying a mortgage each month can serve as a form of forced savings, helping you to build long-term wealth. As you pay down your mortgage, you are effectively investing in an asset that will continue to appreciate in value. This forced savings can provide a financial cushion and help you achieve long-term financial goals, such as retirement or funding your children’s education.
Is Buying the Right Choice, Right Now?
While the initial costs of homeownership may seem daunting, the long-term benefits usually far outweigh the short-term expenses. Building equity, appreciating value, and enjoying the stability and personalization that come with owning a home can provide a solid foundation for your financial future. Making a smart investment in homeownership, is one way to secure your financial future—plus, you’ll enjoy the many benefits that come with owning your own home!
If, as many experts are predicting, interests come down this fall, we can expect the real estate market to warm up. According to Forbes magazine, “… the housing market will only see renewed momentum once mortgage rates drop enough to ease affordability challenges and incentivize homeowners locked in at low rates to move so inventory grows substantially to meet demand.”[1]
If you’ve been waiting in the wings for the most advantageous time to sell your home and/or make a move to another one, this rate drop, when it happens, might be your opportunity. You’ll want to be prepared to take quick action. Here are some things you can be doing now to prepare your home for sale so when the timing is right, you are ready for action!
I can confidently say that first impressions matter, and a well-prepared house can fetch you the best possible price. So, let’s dive right in!
The first step in preparing your home for sale is to declutter and depersonalize it. This means removing any excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal items. The goal is to create a clean, uncluttered space that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house. Remember, you want them to see their belongings in the space, not yours.
Before putting your home on the market, ensure that all necessary repairs are completed. This could include fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in the walls, and addressing any issues with appliances or electrical systems. Additionally, consider replacing outdated fixtures and hardware, such as cabinet handles or light switches, to give your home a more modern and polished look.
A clean house is essential when selling. Deep clean your home, paying special attention to the kitchen, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Don’t forget to clean windows, curtains, and baseboards, as well as any appliances that will be included in the sale. A spotless home will not only make a great impression but also make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
First impressions are crucial, so make sure the exterior of your home is just as inviting as the interior. Enhance curb appeal by trimming overgrown bushes, mowing the lawn, and adding some potted plants or flowers. Power-washing the exterior, repairing any damaged siding, and applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door can also go a long way in making your home more attractive to buyers.
While you may love your bold, colorful walls, potential buyers may not share your taste. To appeal to a broader range of buyers, consider repainting your walls in neutral colors, such as beige, gray, or white. This will create a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision their own style and design preferences in the space.
Good lighting is essential when selling a home. Ensure that all light fixtures are in working order and replace any outdated or damaged fixtures. Additionally, consider adding additional lighting sources, such as floor lamps or table lamps, to brighten up dark corners and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Home staging can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your property. Consider hiring a professional home stager or follow some basic staging tips, such as arranging furniture to create a natural flow, adding decorative accents, and setting the dining table to create a welcoming atmosphere. Remember, the goal is to make your home feel warm, inviting, and ready for its new owners.
Buyers are always on the lookout for ample storage space. Organize your closets, cabinets, and other storage areas to showcase their full potential. Remove any unnecessary items and neatly arrange the remaining contents to make the space appear larger and more functional. (Need help with this one? If you’re local to the Gig Harbor, Washington area where I am, I highly recommend Northwest Home Coach.)
Obviously, there are a lot of eager agents to choose from! Make sure you select one with home you can have a trusting relationship and good rapport, and in whose negotiating and problem-solving skills you can have the utmost confidence. Preparing your home for sale requires time, effort, persistence, wisdom, and attention to detail. By following these tips and selecting the right agent, you’ll be well on your way to showcasing your property in the best possible light, attracting the right buyer, and locating and purchasing your next new home.
Doug Lawrence is a Managing Broker with Better Properties in Gig Harbor, Washington. He can be reached at 253.341.5287 or by email at douglaslawrence15@gmail.com.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/. August 14, 2024
Do you know what your home is worth? I mean, do you really know its accurate value in today’s market? Based on the last few years of activity, and recent interest rate hikes, homeowners have good reason for uncertainty, but also for optimism.
House values can be determined in several ways. There is the tax assessed value, which is the formula your local government entity uses to determine the taxation value of your house and land. Then there is the market value determined via a professional consultation with a licensed real estate professional (that’s me), which factors in square footage, amenities, location, and, most importantly, what similar houses have sold for within a reasonable distance from your home.
With the availability of real estate search engines like Zillow and Red Fin, and our increasing reliance on technology, there is a general assumption that the app on your phone is accurate. Not necessarily. I used my own house as a test case and was surprised, although not really, to find a more than $100,000 spread between four different real estate apps.
Most apps rely on algorhythms and public records to determine house values. Depending on their public record source, the information will vary based on the accuracy of the record. I’m sure this contributed to the erroneous values assessed to my own house, considering that, between the various reports, there was up to a 1000-square foot difference in the stated size of my house!
It’s important to remember that these discrepancies exist. If I were a seller, I would obviously want to sell my house for the highest price possible. And if I were a buyer, I would want to purchase for the lowest price. In the case of my home’s online assessed value, that could be a $100,000 discrepancy! That’s why, when it comes to determining your house’s value, it’s imperative that you enlist the help of a real estate professional to be your expert advisor.
What I do for both my sellers and my buyers is to systematically assess a home’s true value. This takes into consideration:
All of these factors and more go into a systematic process of determining the value of the home you want to sell or purchase.
So back to my original question: Do you know what your home is worth? Perhaps you are pausing now before answering, because you realize the answer isn’t necessarily found in an app or an assumption. That’s where your local real estate professional can be an invaluable asset. Call for an APP-ointment today; it’s the most accurate real estate “app” at your disposal!
Doug Lawrence is a licensed real estate broker with Keller Williams West Sound in Gig Harbor, Washington. His mantra, both personally and professionally, is “love where you live!” He is an avid fan of the beautiful Pacific Northwest and enjoys helping people find their perfect fit. You can reach him at dlawrence@kw.com or text at 253.341.5287
