The celebrity rescue went viral. What happened before it is the part homeowners, buyers, sellers and renters need to understand. A pipe failed beneath Brenda Daurham’s kitchen sink on Valentine’s Day. Six months later, Tyler Perry was paying a $17,827.96 lien that had been recorded against her home. What happened between those two events is where this story becomes useful. Daurham, 81, told FOX 32 Chicago that she had paid for homeowners insurance for more than 40 years. Afte

Pacific Northwest winters don't always bring dramatic snowstorms, but rain, wind, freezing temperatures and power outages can still do plenty of damage to a home. The good news is that some of the most useful winter preparation is pretty simple. A few checks now can help prevent water damage, frozen pipes, wasted energy and an expensive surprise later in the season. 1. Start with water. Around here, it's usually the bigger threat. Before the heavy rain really settles in, clea

For years, Seattle-area buyers were trained to behave like contestants on a game show. See house. Love house. Panic. Waive something important. Offer more money. Refresh your phone 47 times. Wonder whether another buyer has already offered their firstborn and a kidney. But something interesting is happening in 2026: The market is making buyers think again. And that may be a much bigger change than a few percentage points in home prices. Welcome to the Great Real Estate St

(Photo credit: Refined Interiors via Houzz) Seattle Agent Magazine recently highlighted the most popular emerging home trends for summer 2026, based on Houzz’s 2026 U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report. The data comes from year-over-year growth in U.S.-based Houzz searches from January through March 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. A major theme is warmth and softness. Homeowners are showing more interest in curved forms, including scalloped tile, arched range hoods

If you’ve been thinking about using the Covenant Homeownership Program, this is the moment to pay attention. As of April 20, the process is changing - and it’s going to impact how, when, and if you’re able to use this opportunity to buy a home. This isn’t a minor update. It’s a structural shift. And it requires action. What’s Actually Changing The program is moving to a pre-reservation system. That means you can no longer shop for a home first and secure Covenant funds later.

Hello friends — Joana here. Every once in a while, the mortgage world shifts in a way that doesn’t just adjust the rules… it redefines who gets a chance at homeownership. And this week, we’re witnessing one of those moments. Fannie Mae has officially removed the long-standing 620 minimum FICO requirement for conventional loans run through Desktop Underwriter® (DU). No more one-size-fits-all threshold. No more “620 or you’re out.” Instead, DU will evaluate borrowers based on

If you’ve ever watched the news and heard that the Federal Reserve “cut interest rates,” you might assume that mortgage rates are about to drop too. After all, lower Fed rates should mean cheaper borrowing, right? Not always. In fact, mortgage rates sometimes rise right after the Fed lowers rates - and it leaves homebuyers scratching their heads. Here’s why that happens and what it really means for your buying power. The Fed Doesn’t Actually Set Mortgage Rates Let’s start wi

I've seen firsthand how the housing market is evolving. One of the most significant and rewarding trends is the rise of multigenerational households. Far from being a trend of the past, more families are discovering that living together can be a powerful strategy for building financial stability and generational wealth. In fact, studies from the Pew Research Center have shown that people in multigenerational homes are less likely to live in poverty. Here's how sharing a home

Recently, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed new legislation that is vital for homeowners to understand, especially those who receive unsolicited offers for their property. These new protections are designed to safeguard our community, particularly seniors, low-income families, and residents in historically marginalized communities, from deceptive and high-pressure tactics. This is a significant win for local homeowners, and here's what you need to know about the new

When you apply for a mortgage, car loan, or personal loan, lenders look at more than just your credit score. They want to know if you can...

It’s exciting to start scrolling through listings, saving your favorite homes, and imagining yourself in a new space. But here’s the...

In today's fast-paced world and inflated economy, achieving financial wellness has become a priority for many people. As a real estate...