Pierce County Guide - Spring 2024

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our quarterly E-Magazine. In this edition, you'll discover valuable insights ranging from practical home maintenance tips to detailed analysis of Pierce County's real estate trends.

Additionally, I’ve gathered a selection of local events and community highlights to keep you engaged and connected with the BEST of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

It is my mission to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions in our dynamic real estate market. I hope you find this to be a valuable resource and look forward to future editions.

SPRINGHOME MAINTENANCE

Withthearrivalofspring,anaturalsense ofrenewalfillstheair,remindingusofthe importance of tending to our homes. Springcleaningisn'tjustatradition;it'sa necessarystepinpreservingthecomfort and value of your property. As the warmthoftheseasonunfolds,it'scrucial toaddressvariousmaintenancetasksto ensureyourhomeisinoptimalcondition.

So, as you embrace the newness that spring brings, remember that tending to your home is an essential part of this season ' s transition, safeguarding your investment and ensuring a comfortable and inviting living environment for you andyourlovedones.

Checklist

INSPECT & CLEAN HVAC SYSTEM

CLEAN GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

TEST SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

DEEP CLEAN CARPETS, UPHOLSTERY, & CURTAINS

AERATE & FERTILIZE THE LAWN

INSPECT WINDOWS & DOORS FOR DRAFTS

TRIM OVERGROWN SHRUBS & TREES

CHECK FOR SIGNS OF PESTS

CLEAN & SEAL THE DECK OR PATIO

AFRESHSTARTF YOUROUTDOOR SPACE

As the PNW transitions from the grip of winter to the embrace of spring, homeowners have a unique opportunity to rejuvenate their outdoor spaces The longer days and rising temperatures heraldthearrivalofanewseason,making itanidealtimetorevitalizeyouryard.In this article, we'll guide you through the process, from preparing your outdoor spacebeforeplantingtocreativeideasfor enhancingyourcurbappealthisspring

TimingisEverything

The timing for spring yard care in the PacificNorthwestiscritical.Asthelastfrost datestypicallyvaryfromlateFebruaryto early April depending on your specific location, it's essential to gauge the weather before launching into action. Once the frost subsides, it's time to get yourhandsdirty.

SettingtheStageforGrowth

Before you start planting, it's crucial to prepareyouryardforthevibrantseason ahead. Begin by clearing away winter debris such as leaves, branches, and deadplants.Acleancanvasisessential fornewgrowth.Next,considersoiltesting to determine its nutrient levels and pH, enabling you to select the right plants and fertilizers to suit your soil's specific needs.Trimovergrownshrubsandtrees, remove dead/diseased branches, pull/treat weeds and prevent problems fromspreadingFinally,enrichyoursoil

bfertilizer,ensuringitsreadytosupportthe growth and beauty of your yard this spring

PlantingforFreshCurbAppeal

Nowthatyouryardisprimedandready, it'stimetoinfuseitwithnewlife.Consider these creative ideas for enhancing your curbappealthisspring:

Flowering Gardens: Plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses for burstsofcolor.

Container Gardens: Jazz up your entryway or porch with container gardens filled with seasonal flowers andgreenery.

Native Plants: Reduce maintenance while supporting local wildlife. Native plantsthriveinthePNWconditions. VerticalGardening:Makethemostof vertical space with trellises, climbing vines,orhangingplanters.

Outdoor Lighting: Install outdoor lightingtohighlightthebestfeaturesof youryard.

Youryardcanbeaflourishingtestament tothearrivalofspringwithpropertiming, preparation, and a dash of creativity. Embrace the season ' s vibrancy by refreshingyouroutdoorspace,andwatch asittransformsintoaninvitingsanctuary that reflects the beauty of the region duringthisremarkabletimeofyear

PIERCE COUNTY

SOLD HOMES DAYS ON MARKET 43 MEDIAN PRICE $520,000 761

The#ofhomessold indicatesthemarket's activitylevelandhelps assessdemandand supplydynamics

Themediansoldprice providesinsightintothe affordabilityandoverall economichealthofthe housingmarket

AverageDOMreflectsthe market'space,indicating howquicklyhomesare sellingandthecurrent demandstrength

2 MaritimePier|GigHarbor PierIntotheNight (Monthly-FirstSaturdays)

11-14

10PLACESTOENJOYONYOUR NEXTNIGHTOUT

TIRED OF THE SAME OLD DATE NIGHT ROUTINE?

Enjoy HAVE GUESTS COMING INTO TOWN?

1.WoodenCity:Savorwood-firedpizzaandindulgeinfantastic cocktails.

2.CuernoBravo:Experienceoneofthebeststeaksyou'llevertaste inanexcitingatmosphere.

3.Asado:On6thAve-delightfulArgentine-themedsteakhouse.

4.BoomBoomRoom:Anothergemon6thAve-amid-century Vegascocktaillounge&restaurant.

5.MillhouseandBlindPig:Craftedcocktails&pizza.Locatedin Proctor&fromtheownersofGigHarbor’sMillvillePizza.

6.CooksTavern:AperfectblendofflavorsandambianceinProctor.

7.OvertheMoonCafe:Newtwistsoffavoritecomfortfood (OperaAlley)

8.Indochine:Asianfusionrestaurantindowntown Tacoma.

9.Matador:StylishSpacewithcontemporary Mexicandishes.

10.McMenamins:Forauniqueexperienceand spectacularsetting.

EXPLORE THESE FANTASTIC SPOTS IN TACOMA

NAVIGATINGTHEPACIFICNORTHWEST

REALESTATEMARKETIN2024: WHATSELLERSNEEDTOKNOW

Aswenavigatethrough2024,thePacificNorthwest'srealestatemarket presents a unique landscape for sellers. This year is marked by a combination of changing market dynamics and evolving buyer preferences,makingitessentialforsellerstostayinformedandadaptable.

Thecurrentmarketischaracterizedbyarelativebalancebetweensupply and demand, but with nuances that sellers must understand. While inventorylevelsarelowerthanusual,leadingtocompetitivepricing,the marketisn'tastightasinpreviousyears.Thismeanssellersneedtobe strategicinpricingandpresentingtheirhomes.

Today'sbuyersarelookingformorethanjustahouse;theyseekalifestyle. Homes that cater to the unique lifestyle preferences of the Pacific Northwest, such as eco-friendly features and outdoor living spaces, are particularlyappealing.Sellersshouldconsiderhighlightingtheseaspectsof theirhomestoattractpotentialbuyers.

Given the market's current state, pricing your home correctly is more importantthanever.It'sadelicatebalancebetweenattractingbuyersand ensuring you get the value your home deserves. Be prepared for negotiations and understand the local market trends to make informed decisions.

ThePacificNorthwestrealestatemarketin2024offersopportunitiesbut requiresawell-thought-outstrategy.Byunderstandingmarketdynamics, cateringtobuyerpreferences,andnavigatingnegotiationsskillfully,sellers cansellsuccessfullyinthislandscape.

HANDLEWITHCARE

Selling a home is a significant undertaking, and just like any cherished possession, it deserves to be handled with care Every home has a unique story, and ensuring a smooth transition to new ownership requires thoughtful preparation. In this article, we'll explore key considerations to guide you through the process and make your home-selling experience as seamless and rewarding as possible.

1. First Impressions Matter:

Enhance curb appeal with a well-maintained exterior, making a lasting impression on potential buyers.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize:

Create an inviting atmosphere by decluttering and depersonalizing living spaces, allowing buyers to envision their future home

3. Showcase Your Home's Best Features:

Highlight unique aspects through professional photography and staging to attract and engage potential buyers.

4. Set a Realistic Price:

Work with your real estate agent to determine a competitive listing price based on market trends and property attributes.

5. Address Maintenance and Repairs:

Tackle any necessary maintenance before listing to instill confidence in the property's condition

6. Create a Warm Atmosphere:

During showings, use natural light and subtle touches to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Remember, selling your home is not just a transaction; it's a significant milestone in your life's journey Approach the homeselling process with care, and you'll not only attract the right buyers but also ensure a positive and successful sale.

ADDINGABITOF GREENTOYOUR SPACETHIS

Spring

Bringing plants into your home goes beyond aesthetics; it's a transformative addition that enhances both your living space and overall wellbeing.Plantsnotonlycontributetoavisuallypleasing environment but also purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. They create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, promoting mentalhealthandreducingstress.

Additionally, caring for plants instills a sense of responsibility and routine, fostering a nurturing atmosphere. Whether it's a vibrant succulent on a windowsill or a leafy green companion in the corner, incorporating plants into your home adds a touch of nature's calming influence to yourdailylife.

CLIENTSuccessStory

Excited for my fantastic clients who finally found the home of their dreams after searching for over a year! They moved to Gig Harbor duringthepandemicintoahomethatneededimmediateremediation. Withlowinventory,limitedoptionsandchoosingfromout-of-state,they felt as if they chose wrong. Once they moved in, they began their projects,butresumedtheirsearchfortherighthome.That’swhenImet them. They came to an open house I was conducting and we hit it off. Little did we know, we would spend months together checking out homes all over the PNW. At the start of 2024 they decided to hit the pausebuttonandthat’swhentheyfoundtheone.ThenitwasGAMEON! Theyfoundanewconstructionhomeinanareathatsuitedthembetter andhavejustmovedit.Here’stonewchapters!

SarahHusby

InfinityRealEstateBroker

Sarah