Newsletter

Spring traditionally brings more listings — and more competition.

Right now we’re seeing:

Buyers who are serious and financially prepared

Sellers who are pricing more strategically

Continued demand for well-maintained, move-in-ready homes

The biggest difference this year? Preparation matters more
than ever. Homes that are thoughtfully prepped and correctly priced are still
generating strong interest.

If you’re curious what your home might realistically sell
for in today’s market (not last year’s headlines), I’m happy to run a
customized valuation for you.

Open the windows on the first sunny day.

It’s amazing what fresh air can do for a home — and for us.

With spring energy in the air, many homeowners are asking:

“Do I update this house… or is it time for something new?”

Before committing to a big remodel, consider:

Will the improvements significantly change how you live?

Are you remodeling for enjoyment or resale?

Is your current layout the real issue?

Would moving better support your next chapter?

Sometimes a renovation adds joy and value. Other times, that
budget could be the down payment on a home that already checks the boxes.

I’m always happy to run the numbers both ways. Clarity is
powerful — especially before writing big checks.

Join me as we celebrate the beauty of spring, great relationships, and 40 incredible years in real estate! This year-long milestone is truly about gratitude — for the clients, friends, and referrals who have made this journey so meaningful.

Enjoy a fun, relaxed spring gathering with a “Spring Has Sprung / Cherry Blossom” vibe to welcome the season of new beginnings. Think fresh flowers, light refreshments, and a little bubbly to toast the season and the amazing people who have supported my business over four decades.

Whether you’re just curious about the market, want a quick
real estate update, or simply want to stop by and say hello, I would love to
see you there.

Come celebrate roots, growth, and new opportunities —
because great homes and great relationships both take time to grow.

Please reply to this email or text to RSVP and the get the address andmore details.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about closets — it’s about protecting (and growing) your home’s value.

Here are 5 high-impact, low-drama projects:

1. Declutter storage areas. Garages, pantries, and closets
should feel spacious, not stuffed.

2. Touch up paint. Neutral, fresh walls photograph
beautifully and feel move-in ready.

3. Boost curb appeal. Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, and a
clean entryway go a long way in Seattle’s spring market.

4. Service major systems. Furnace, heat pump, and roof
maintenance now prevents negotiation headaches later.

5. Wash windows (inside and out). More light = more
perceived value.

Even if you’re staying put, these simple updates protect
your largest financial asset — your home.

Storage space is critical to a comfortable and clean-living experience. And while some homes come with ample storage areas, it’s probably more likely that you lack it. Fortunately, a little creativity can go a long way. If your home doesn’t present a lot of opportunities to store your belongings, you still have options. Use these clever strategies to help create more storage in each part of the house.

Living Area; In living rooms, you can use a coffee table, ottoman or end table that has built-in cabinetry or drawers. Floating wall shelves can help, too, since they can create a floating console table of sorts — without taking up valuable floor space.

Bedroom; Consider purchasing a bed frame with underside drawers, or take it further and opt for a Murphy bed that stows away in the wall when you’re not using it. You could also add shelving for books, decor or even clothes and shoes.

Kitchen; Installing shelves or cabinets in an island can be a great way to add extra storage without expanding outward. A hanging pot rack can also save space in a small area, as can storage hooks on the insides of your cabinet doors.

Bathroom;Need a way to organize bathroom items? Use an over-the-door rack to store toiletries and makeup or hang a pegboard up for easy jewelry storage. Mounted hooks are another great option to keep things neat.

Still struggling to fit your belongings into your home? Reach out if you’re on the lookout for a property that offers more storage space.

Yes, insurance costs have gone up- a lot! But so have the costs of replacement and repairs. Make sure you have proper coverage.

You may live in the same house you did a few years ago, but that doesn’t mean your insurance policy should remain the same. Even if your home is relatively unchanged from when you first bought it, there’s a chance your original homeowners policy is out of date, which could mean you’re over- or underinsured.

Here are 4 scenarios in which you should update your insurance. (Some of them may surprise you.)

Home Renovations: Updating your kitchen or bathroom, adding a new guest suite and other renovations require updating your insurance policy. This will ensure your new features and materials are covered if they get damaged. your insurance to reflect that.

Safety and Security: Adding a security system or safety features like a video doorbell, motion-sensor lights.

Getting a Dog: A new pet can add more liability to your household. You should always update your homeowners insurance when adding a dog to the family.

Housing Market Shifts: As your local housing market heats up or cools down, your home’s value may change, and the replacement coverage you need could change with it.

Moving? That’s also a good time to update your homeowners insurance coverage.

If you are looking for a GREAT insurance broker to discuss your needs, please contact Julie Janowicz of DCI at 425-967-5302 or julie@dcigi.com

www.dcigi.com

Is 2026 really the “year of the buyer”? 🧐 Rates are easing—but inventory is the real story. Local supply is up 31.7%, giving buyers leverage we haven’t seen in years across the Eastside and North Sound. More days on market = more negotiating power. Stop chasing rates. Start exploring your options