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As market conditions shift and inventory increases, we are seeing that homes brought to market with sound property maintenance and thoughtful improvements are selling the fastest and yielding the highest returns. Inventory is up 62% year-over-year in King County and 48% in Snohomish County, highlighting the importance of standing out amongst the crowd. With interest rates remaining stubborn, monthly payments are buyers’ biggest concern, and many do not have the funds to make necessary repairs and improvements after a purchase. Eliminating property condition hurdles and even making modern improvements before listing the home is key to a seller’s success in getting their home sold!
Hurdles that we often encounter, which can adversely affect a home’s marketability, include deferred maintenance such as paint, carpet, and system improvements to HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. If a house needs a new roof or another central system replaced, this helps mitigate the upfront out-of-pocket expense. We have also seen sellers remodel and update areas of the house, such as the kitchen and bathrooms, to modernize and appeal to a broader audience. Exterior landscaping and junk hauling are also areas that help properly prepare a home for the market. A seller-procured pre-listing inspection often guides these improvements.
This is why Windermere offers two exclusive loan tools to provide sellers with access to funds based on their equity, helping them prepare their properties for today’s market. This approach is more efficient than wading through the red tape and longer timeframe associated with opening a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). The Windermere Ready Loan Program now has two loan programs, Notable Loans and Move Forward Financial (MFF) Loans.
The Notable Loans range up to $50,000, and the MFF loans range from $50,001 to $100,000. Notable funds can be available to the homeowner as soon as the same day the application is processed (within minutes), and MFF loans are funded within 10 days of application approval. Approval for both loans is based on the homeowner’s credit score rating and the Windermere broker’s approval of the home’s market value to establish equity within the required loan-to-value ratios. There is no need for an appraisal; both programs provide home sellers quick and easy access to funds via a loan against their equity. Then they can get to work preparing their homes for sale to attract the largest possible buyer audience.
The home equity serves as the basis for these loans, so it does not require employment verification, making this an excellent option for retirees or sellers in a job transition. Over 50% of all homeowners in the US have equity of 50% or more, making this tool the perfect solution to help would-be home sellers prepare their homes for the market and appeal to as many buyers as possible. Plus, there are no up-front costs; the loan fee and accrued interest are paid off at closing. Please review this link for an outline of the key differences between the two exclusive Windermere loan programs.
So, how do these programs work? First things first, contact me, your Windermere broker, as these programs are exclusive to Windermere brokers and their clients. We can evaluate which areas of improvement will yield the greatest return based on market data and trends, establish a budget with bids from my trusted vendors, and devise a winning strategy.
In the meantime, if you want to learn more about how home improvements can help maintain and enhance a home’s value, check out the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from NAR. This will provide valuable insight. As always, my goal is to help keep my clients up-to-date on the latest trends and empower them to make informed decisions.
Fishing, Family, and Forever Memories in Rivers Inlet
A few weeks ago, I returned from one of the most unforgettable trips of my life—and I still feel like I’m floating somewhere between the salt air and the sea spray. For several days, I had the joy of being in one of my favorite places on earth: the British Columbia fishing grounds. This time, our destination was Rivers Inlet, and I honestly can’t imagine a more beautiful place to cast a line and make some memories.
This trip was a generous and thoughtful gift from my dad, who treated all of us to a stay at Duncanby Lodge—a world-class fishing lodge that somehow manages to feel like both a luxury resort and a warm family retreat. They fly you in on a seaplane (which is an experience in itself), feed you like royalty, give you the coziest accommodations, and handle just about everything from baiting your hooks to positioning your boat right over the schools of fish. The care and attention to detail were incredible.
Some moments from the trip that will stay with me forever:
- My niece, Brooke, caught her very first fish—and it wasn’t a little one. This thing was a beast! Watching her haul it in was pure joy. That proud smile is burned into my memory.
- My nephew, Jack, likely hooked a tyee—a Chinook salmon over 30 pounds—but the house rule at Duncanby is to release them. And he did, respectfully. Jack and I also teamed up for some of the best jigging time I’ve ever had. We cracked open some beers, enjoyed the rhythm of the ocean, and reeled in a few rock cod. Later, those fish turned into some of the most delicious tacos I’ve ever tasted.
- My brother, Harry, pulled in a solid handful of Kings, grinning ear to ear with every catch. He’s got that quiet, steady fisherman vibe, and he absolutely cleaned up out there.
- And then there’s my dad, who—as usual—probably landed the biggest fish of the trip. But honestly, I think what meant the most to him was having his kids and grandkids by his side, sharing in one of his most beloved pastimes. Fishing has always been more than just a hobby for him. It’s where he finds his peace, his joy—and now, it’s a legacy he’s passing down.
We missed Cade, my other nephew, who stayed back to study for his firefighting and EMT certification. He’s working hard, and we’re all so proud of him. But Cade, you’re coming next time. That’s not optional.
I’m so deeply grateful to my parents—especially my dad—for creating space for all of us to have this experience together. It wasn’t just a fishing trip. It was laughter on the water, stories told under the stars, teamwork, quiet awe at the natural world, and moments I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
The fish were great. But the time together? That was the real catch.
My office just had our annual Community Service Day, where we worked with the Snohomish Garden Club, prepping, planting, and working hard to help make sure our local food banks will get thousands of pounds of fresh produce for our neighbors in need.
This is just a piece of the larger puzzle of Windermere’s commitment to community, and my office’s commitment to take on local projects.
Thank you for choosing Windermere and helping make all of this possible!
