We just listed this 2638sf three bed, three bath condo with dynamic views of Mt. Rainier and Commencement Bay. That’s not a typo. 2638sf. A secure elevator opens directly into the unit – the only one on the floor – offering a level of privacy rarely achieved with condo living.       […]

    We just listed this meticulously maintained two bed, two bath creek-side traditional on a wooded five acre parcel on the Key Peninsula.  If you’re looking for privacy and seclusion, this is the house for you.                                      […]

      As a Realtor and current member of the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, nothing makes me crazier than seeing houses that are marketed incorrectly as Craftsmen. A Craftsman has a distinct architectural style that’s rarely seen with new or newer construction homes. A Craftsman is almost always an older, historic home with hallmark […]

        We just listed this meticulously maintained single story Craftsman bungalow in a prime North End location – just blocks from Puget Park and the Proctor District. Features of this tastefully designed three bed, one bath home include:   Hardwood floors Gas fireplace Original built-ins Original leaded glass windows Updated kitchen Updated […]

    Despite Redfin’s recent announcement that Tacoma’s housing market is the “hottest” in the nation, the market in Tacoma’s North End looks a lot like it did a year ago. Our median home price is essentially unchanged, the number of homes selling remains steady and inventory levels are still incredibly tight.       […]

    We just listed this fantastic five bed, four bath English Tudor Revival nestled between Old Town and the Stadium District, offering a great bed and bath count, close proximity to the Annie Wright Schools and a perfect combination of original character and modern updates.         Features include:  Hardwood floors  Original […]

  Before moving to Tacoma in 2010, Mark and I came up from Los Angeles for a couple of exploratory visits.  There were a lot of things about Tacoma that appealed to us, but it was ultimately the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) that played the pivotal role in our decision to make the move. We were […]

  I’ve always had a deep appreciation for historic homes.  It’s one of the reasons that I love living and working in Tacoma, with its abundance of intact architecturally significant historic buildings.  It’s no accident that Tacoma still has so many incredible old homes.  In part, it’s because city leaders recognize and appreciate that historic […]

Jeff and I recently bought a duplex in North Tacoma that we’re pretty excited about.  We weighed the pros and cons of purchasing in the current market and ultimately decided that the property met our needs, both for the short term and the long.  In light of our recent purchase, I thought it might be […]

    10712 255th St E, Graham, WA   Designer inspired fixtures and finishes on the inside AND a spectacular, secluded setting on the outside.  It’s a winning combination.  Jeff, Mark and Miles recently listed this sophisticated single story three bed, two bath Contemporary in Graham. Nicely sited at the end of a quiet street, […]

  Waterfront living isn’t unique to the Puget Sound region, but it’s definitely part of what makes working as a Realtor in the area so special.  Jeff, Miles and I have listed and sold some really great waterfront properties over the years. They’ve each had features you would expect to find with a waterfront property, […]

Obtaining a post-secondary education is a big accomplishment, but it can also be a challenging journey for many.  In addition to their academic demands, many students experience unexpected life events that can add a whole new level of difficulty to the process. Many high performing students at local Pierce College have been faced with these […]

Jeff, Mark and Miles recently listed 2207 N Washington Street, a 1925 Craftsman that comes complete with a covered front porch and porch swing.  A great home in an even greater location, just blocks from all that the Proctor District has to offer.  The farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, happy hours at Cactus and date nights […]

I’d like to begin this post with a disclaimer.  The information I’m sharing here is anecdotal in nature, and my opinions are based largely on my own personal experience investing in and selling residential real estate since 1993.  I know that quite a few Realtors may disagree with me, but I’m having a distinct feeling […]

Jeff Williams and Mark Pinto were recently interviewed by Kate Martin of the Tacoma News Tribune to explore the current trends for the over million dollar housing market in Pierce County.  As the listing agents for three of the over million dollar listings that are currently pending sale in Pierce County, they shared insight about buyers for […]

The number of buyers searching for homes in Tacoma’s North End far exceeds the number of homes for sale, which often results in multiple offer situations that require buyers to compete for the house of their dreams.  For buyers who plan to finance their home purchase, obtaining loan pre-approval before submitting an offer is critical.  […]

Redfin recently conducted a study looking at more than 7 million home sales over the course of the past four years to determine what impact, if any, seasonality had on the sales process.  Not surprisingly, the study confirmed that listing your home for sale in the springtime was likely to result in a quicker sale […]

Diana Olick of CNBC recently wrote an article that sums up the reason for frustration for many home buyers and sellers in the South Sound region.  Olick notes,  “Housing demand is rising rapidly, but a key cog in the wheel to homeownership is in deep trouble. The people most needed to close the deal are […]

Tacoma was recently featured in a report by KIRO-7 news’ Kevin McCarty.  McCarty notes, “Tacoma has always been a beer town… and these days business is booming”.  “Several independent craft beer makers are reviving the city’s historic brewery district.  Craft breweries large and small are popping up in and around the city’s historic brewery district along Pacific […]

Tacoma recently ranked as number 10 on Trulia’s top 10 housing markets to watch in 2016, a list that also included cities like Grand Rapids, MI, Charleston, SC and Austin, TX (see the full report here).  Trulia’s rankings were based on a number of different criteria including strong job growth, low vacancy rates and high […]

Sales data for third quarter 2015 are in, and unlike previous years where we've seen a weaking in third quarter in north end home values, this year we've seen the market remain strong.  Inventory levels are a incredibly low levels.  We expect a slow down due to seasonality in the fourth quarter but all indications […]

The number of homes in foreclosure has hit its lowest mark since January of 2008 – just another sign that the housing market has fully recovered.  Only 1.1% of all houses in Washington State are in active foreclosure.  The rate may be a bit higher in Tacoma’s North End, given the fact that Pierce County […]

  According to an article in the Seattle Times, Gene Balk examined recent census data surrounding an emerging trend that points to a shift from King County to more affordable Pierce county.  Gene notes, "It's no secret that newcomers are pouring into King County from around the country and the globe.  In fact, we broke a record in 2014 for the […]

After a very strong spring real estate market, prices for homes in the North End of Tacoma (zip codes 98403, 98406 and 98407) are weakening and inventory is increasing. With interest rates staying low and inventory on the rise the market has created a window of opportunity for buyers this fall.  Click here for full […]

  One of the things I love most about selling real estate in downtown Tacoma is introducing clients to the different condominium buildings there – some shiny and new and others tastefully restored.  The Vintage Y at 714 Market Street falls into the tastefully restored category.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the […]

There are a lot of misconceptions about historic homes and historic districts in Tacoma.  As a Realtor, a former board member of Historic Tacoma and a current member of the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, I’m often asked about the potential impact that historic designation might have on a property.  Many people worry that historic designation is a negative thing.  I believe (and […]

As a Realtor who comes from Pasadena, California (the birthplace of Craftsman architecture), and a current member of the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, nothing makes me crazier than real estate agents who incorrectly market houses as a Craftsman.  It is our job as Realtors to understand houses!  Craftsman is a distinct historic architectural style, and 95% of the […]

As a commissioner for the City of Tacoma's Landmarks Preservation Commission and a former board member of Historic Tacoma, I've had a lot of experience with historic properties.  I've also been buying, renovating and selling historic homes myself for more than twenty years (45 houses and counting).  Not surprisingly, clients often seek my advice when they're thinking about buying an […]

The demand for rental homes in Tacoma’s North End is high, with landlords charging as much as $1800-$2000 per month for a nice three bedroom house in a desirable location like Proctor or the Stadium District.  Many homeowners were able to secure extremely low interest rates by refinancing when the market was low, which prompts […]

The Proctor District is one of  North Tacoma’s most popular neighborhoods.  Historic homes, great public schools, tree lined streets, views of the water and a charming central business district are just a few of the things that make this neighborhood so special.  For those who aren’t familiar with Proctor (and for those who are already […]

  With market values in Tacoma’s North End on the rise, we’re often asked by our clients to “keep our eyes open” for a house exactly like theirs but with a water view.  The implication being that if they found a view home that was as nice as their current residence, they would want to buy […]

  As we start the New Year, we thought it might be a good idea to take a quick look back at what happened to the housing market in Tacoma’s North End in 2013 and to make a few predictions about what to expect in 2014.  The market in Tacoma’s North End essentially took two steps […]

Congratulations to Jeff,  recently nominated and approved by the Tacoma City Council to serve a two year term on the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission.  The mission of the group is as follows: The Commission reviews and approves applications for changes to registered Landmarks and buildings within local historic districts, reviews nominations and advises City Council regarding […]

Homeowners in Tacoma’s coveted North End really like their garages, whether they’re attached or detached, one car or two.  Some people use their garages as workshops.  Others use them for overflow storage.  Some people actually use them the old fashioned way – for parking cars.  Regardless of how it’s used, the presence of a garage in […]

As a Realtor who also happens to be President of the Washington State Quarter Horse Association, I’m often asked to help clients who are purchasing or selling a horse property.  Buying or selling a horse property involves a special set of considerations above and beyond those associated with a typical real estate transaction.  Below is […]

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, you may be experiencing a whole host of emotions.  Excitement, fear and confusion tend to top the list.  The process can admittedly be daunting, particularly for first time home buyers, but it’s important to keep things in perspective.  Step one – take a deep breath.  Step […]

Have you ever wondered about the multicolored contemporary building next door to the Museum of Glass on Dock Street?  Well, wonder no more.  The building is called Thea’s Landing, which makes sense given its location on the historic Thea Foss Waterway.  The mixed use complex was built in 2002 and offers spectacular views of downtown […]

Driving through Tacoma’s stylish Stadium district is a popular activity for out of town visitors and Tacoma residents alike, this writer included.  The Stadium Seminary National Historic District was first listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and occupies the area between North I Street and the shoreline and between First Street […]

  We had dinner Tuesday night with a friend of ours on her rooftop deck at the Triangle Townhomes in downtown Tacoma.  We helped her purchase her unit there a few years ago, and she couldn't be happier.  The Triangle Townhomes were designed by Seattle-based Johnston Architects and built in two phases in 2005 and […]

I was was recently interviewed by Fox 13 News regarding a proposal going in front of the Tacoma City Council that recommends the city start "flipping" derelict properties.  Given my experience flipping houses I feel that an $800K grant is not enough money for the city to impact the many derelict properties in Tacoma.  I believe the […]

Western Washington | second quarter 2013, Volume XXII Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner We have been looking for balance within the real estate market for several years now. During the crash, there were clearly far more sellers than buyers, but when we found the bottom of the market and prices started to rise, the tables were […]

  Windermere Real Estate is proud to partner with Gardner Economics on this analysis of the Western Washington real estate market.   Matt Gardner provides indepth analysis of first quarter 2013 economic and real estate data on Windermere.com.   In his first quarter 2013 recap Gardner observes, "The Samuel Taylor Coleridge quote, “Water, water everywhere, nor […]

  The Perkins Lofts in Downtown Tacoma   If you're looking for lofts for sale in downtown Tacoma, the historic Perkins Building is sure to show up on your list. The Perkins was designed by the architectural firm of Russell & Babcock and constructed in 1907 as a newspaper plant for the Tacoma Ledger and Daily News, founded by […]

As a member of the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, former board member of Historic Tacoma and a long time restorer of historic homes, Jeff is frequently asked by friends and real estate clients about restoring their houses.  In Tacoma, and across the country for that matter, many home owners believe vinyl windows are an inexpensive […]

4715 N. 33rd Street, Tacoma This charming 1948 brick-faced bungalow was an abandoned property that Jeff purchased from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Misguided renovations had left the property sub-optimized.  One of two downstairs bedrooms had been converted to a bathroom, the original bath was converted to a laundry, and there was no […]

  Windermere Professional Partners Agents Present $9,000 Check to Northwest Furniture Bank! Caring for the Community, Local News, Windermere This week Windermere Professional Partners agents returned to Northwest Furniture Bank to present them with a check for $9,000. Last time the agents were atNorthwest Furniture Bank they were delivering mattresses, assembling furniture, and painting walls. So what happened? […]

    We here in Tacoma have been anxiously awaiting the start of construction by boutique hotel chain McMenamins to restore the Elks Lodge in downtown.  Well the latest from McMenamins website shows some amazing "before" pictures of the heavily vandalized property, and predicts an opening in late 2013.  Oh, please let me it be […]

    Watch List Updates February 11, 2013     Quick Links Visit our Website  About Us Latest Newsletter Join Us Historic Tacoma maintains a Watch List of vulnerable properties; click through on the links for more details and photos. Elks Lodge-McMenamins project In the original redevelopment plans, the 1937 annex to the north was to be demolished to […]

Finished in just six weeks and sold in only four days, this charming North Tacoma bungalow now has a new lease on life! Click here for all the before and after photos.