My Blogs Posts

What Questions to Ask at an Open House

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Walking into an open house can feel exciting and a little nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. There’s a lot to take in, and it’s easy to get caught up in the feel of a space without digging into the details that matter later.

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How to Host a Housewarming Without the Stress

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Once the boxes are unpacked and the keys are in hand, it’s natural to want to gather friends and family to celebrate. But hosting a housewarming shouldn’t add pressure or turn into another to-do list.

The Day You Close: What Really Happens

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Closing day feels like the finish line, but it’s also a beginning. For many people, especially first-time buyers or sellers, that last step can feel overwhelming. There’s paperwork, appointments, final walkthroughs, and that long-awaited moment of handing over or receiving keys.

How to Handle Competing Offers (Without Panic)

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You’ve found the home you love, and now your agent tells you there are other offers on the table. That’s a tough spot to be in. The emotions can rise quickly, and it’s hard not to feel pressure. But I promise, there is a way through it that doesn’t require panic or second-guessing.

Why Your Realtor Should Know Your Goals, Not Just Your Budget

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Of course budget matters. But if that’s all your realtor is focused on, something big is missing. You’re not just buying a number on a page. You’re looking for a place where you’ll build memories, create routines, and feel safe. That’s why I take time to ask my clients about their hopes, their lifestyle, and what really matters in their day-to-day life.

The #1 Thing First-Time Sellers Forget to Do

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One of the most common things first-time sellers overlook is preparing emotionally for the sale. You’ve lived in this space. You’ve made memories here. That attachment is real. Letting go can bring up more feelings than expected. It's not just about cleaning closets or touching up paint.

Preparing Your Home for Photos and Showings

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Getting your home ready to list is more than a quick clean and a camera. Good photos and strong showings start with preparation, and I always recommend starting with simplicity. Clear off surfaces, let in light, and think about creating a sense of space and calm.

Understanding Escrow in Plain English

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Escrow is one of those words that gets tossed around a lot in real estate, but it often leaves people feeling confused or intimidated. If you're buying or selling a home for the first time, you might wonder what it really means. In simple terms, escrow is a safe, neutral space.

My Favorite Tips for Settling Into Your New Home

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That first week in a new home can feel like a blur. Boxes everywhere, a few things you can’t find, and emotions running from excited to overwhelmed. One thing I always remind people is to give yourself time.

Buying a Home With Pets in Mind

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If you’ve got pets, you already know they’re family. So when you're looking for a new home, their comfort and safety matter just as much as your own. I always tell my clients to think about the full picture. Is there a yard that works for your dog’s size and energy level?

How I Vet the Service Providers I Recommend to Clients

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When someone trusts me to help them buy or sell a home, I know that trust doesn’t end at closing. Homes come with long to-do lists, and not every task is simple. You might need a roofer, a landscaper, a pet sitter, or a flooring expert.

The Best Community Events to Check Out This Year

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One of my favorite things about real estate is staying connected with people long after the transaction is done. That’s why community events mean so much to me. They give me a chance to bring people together, support local businesses, and keep those relationships strong.

The Real Role of a Realtor (Hint: It’s Not Just Contracts)

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When most people think of a real estate agent, they imagine someone who shows houses, writes up contracts, and helps close a deal. That is part of the job, of course, but it is only the surface.

Teaching Homebuyer Classes Is the Best Part of My Job

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There is something really special about watching the light bulb go on for someone who thought homeownership was out of reach. I see it all the time in my first-time homebuyer classes.

How to Choose the Right Lender for You

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One of the biggest steps in buying a home happens long before you get the keys. It’s choosing the lender who will walk that financial path with you. For first time buyers especially, this part can feel overwhelming.

What’s the Deal With Earnest Money?

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When you first step into the world of home buying, it can feel like a whole new language. Terms get tossed around that might not make sense right away, and one of those is “earnest money.”

The Timeline of a Typical Home Purchase Explained Simply

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Buying a home is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming when you do not know what to expect. There are a lot of steps involved, and for first-time buyers, the process might seem confusing at first.

Building Credit for Your Future Home

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Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming when you hear words like "credit score" or "debt-to-income ratio." The truth is, your credit is one of the biggest tools you have when it comes to getting approved for a home loan.

Why I Do Real Estate Differently

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Buying or selling a home can be one of the most emotional experiences in a person’s life. For many first-time buyers and sellers, the process feels confusing, overwhelming, and fast-moving.

The True Costs of Buying a Home (And How to Plan for Them)

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Discover the hidden costs of buying a home and learn how to budget effectively. Get expert tips on planning for expenses beyond the sale price. Don't let unexpected fees catch you off guard!

What Makes a Neighborhood Feel Like “Home”

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I think we all know that finding a house is only part of the journey. It’s the neighborhood that makes it feel like home. When I talk with first-time buyers, they’re often focused on the number of bedrooms, the backyard, or the kitchen layout. Those things matter, of course.

Why Every First-Time Buyer Needs a Hand Holder

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Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. There are so many steps, forms, numbers, and decisions happening all at once.

7 Reasons to Get a Home Inspection

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If you're a first-time homebuyer, the whole process can feel a bit overwhelming. From seal-the-deal negotiations to reading fine print on paperwork, purchasing your first house is a significant milestone. One step that should not be overlooked in this process is the home inspection.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask “Dumb” Questions

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I cannot count how many times a client has looked at me, half embarrassed, and said,
“This might be a dumb question, but...”
Let me say this as clearly as I can. There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to buying or selling a home. None. Zero.

How I Blend Peer Counseling with Real Estate

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Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time. There’s paperwork, timelines, emotions, and big decisions that come all at once. I’ve watched many people start the process feeling unsure, and I get it.

Dog Days of Spanaway:

An Event you don't want to miss!

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There is something special about living in a community where people and pets come together to celebrate the simple joys of life. Dog Days of Spanaway is one of my favorite events of the year because it brings out everything I love about this community.

My Top 5 Resources for First-Time Homebuyers

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Buying a home for the first time can feel overwhelming, but with the right resources, you can navigate the process confidently. As a passionate real estate agent, I love helping first-time buyers feel informed and prepared. Here are my top five resources to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Understanding the Emotional Side of Selling a Home

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Selling a home is more than just a financial decision. It’s often an emotional journey, filled with memories and a sense of connection to space. As a real estate agent who genuinely cares about my clients, I understand that saying goodbye to a home can feel overwhelming.

Building Your Real Estate Vision Board

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When you're thinking about buying or selling a home, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many moving parts, decisions to make, and emotions tied to the process.

Dog Days of Spanaway: Community, Dogs, and Dream Homes

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Spanaway is more than just a place to live; it’s a community where people and their pets come together to create lasting memories.

What to Know Before You Start House Hunting

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If you are thinking about buying your first home, I want to start by saying this. You are not alone. This process can feel big, and sometimes a little scary, but it does not have to be.

How to Sell Your Home Fast Without Undercutting Your Price

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While the average time on the market varies significantly by region, homes take about 2 to 2.5 months to sell. However, by following these key steps, you can shorten that timeline while still getting top dollar.

10 Homebuying Myths First-Time Buyers Believe

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Buying your first home is exciting, but I know how overwhelming it can feel too. There is a lot of advice out there, and not all of it is helpful. As someone who has walked hand-in-hand with a lot of first-time buyers, I hear the same worries come up again and again. So I wanted to take a few minutes to clear up some common myths that might be holding you back from moving forward with confidence.

Homebuyer Classes: Why You Should Take One

(Even If You're Nervous)

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Are you a first-time homebuyer feeling overwhelmed by the process of buying a home? The journey to homeownership can be a daunting one, filled with unfamiliar terms, financial decisions, and important choices. That's why attending homebuyer classes can be an invaluable resource for those looking to buy their first home.

How to Build a Team of Trusted Pros When Buying a Home

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Buying a home is exciting, but it can also feel confusing and stressful, especially for first-time buyers. There are a lot of moving parts, and it helps to have the right people in your corner. You shouldn't have to figure it out by yourself.

How to Sell Your Home Fast Without Undercutting Your Price

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Price It Right from the Start! Overpricing can drive buyers away, while underpricing leaves money on the table. The key is finding the right balance to attract serious buyers without deterring them.

I’m Not Just a Realtor; I’m Your Real Estate Counselor!

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Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction. It’s a big moment in someone’s life, filled with questions, decisions, and emotions. I work closely with first-time buyers and sellers to make sure they feel supported and understood throughout the entire process. Real estate is not just about closing a deal for me. It’s about building trust and guiding people through each step with clarity and care.

What to Expect at Your First Buyer's Meeting

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Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. I totally get it. I’ve been there myself, and that’s exactly why I’m here to help guide you through every step. I’m not just your real estate agent; I’m your advocate, your cheerleader, and yes, sometimes even your hand-holder. If you’re meeting with me for the first time as a buyer, here’s what you can expect.

Why I Host Pet Photos With Santa (Yes, It’s Real Estate Related!)

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People often laugh when I tell them I host pet photos with Santa. It may sound like just a cute holiday event, and yes, it absolutely is. But for me, it is also part of how I do real estate.

Why Working With First-Time Buyers Is My Passion

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Are you a first-time homebuyer feeling lost in a sea of real estate listings, contracts, and confusing jargon? Look no further! Meet Tausha, your dedicated real estate agent who is passionate about guiding first-time buyers like yourself through the exciting journey of purchasing your very first home.