Top 3 Location Features That Boost Your Home’s Value
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Top 3 Location Features That Boost Your Home’s Value

When it comes to real estate, the old saying holds true: location, location, location! While a home’s size, style, and features are important, its location can make all the difference in its value and appeal. Here are the top three location factors that increase home value and why they matter so much to buyers and investors.

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June Home Maintenance: Power Washing Your Exterior for a Fresh Summer Look
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

June Home Maintenance: Power Washing Your Exterior for a Fresh Summer Look

As June rolls in, it’s the perfect time to give your home’s exterior a fresh, clean start. Months of rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures can leave behind grime, mildew, and dirt that dull your home’s appearance. A thorough power washing can restore its shine and help maintain the integrity of your property. This blog post will guide you through the key action items for a successful exterior power washing project: cleaning siding, washing windows, scrubbing the patio, and spraying walkways.

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DIY Home Projects to Celebrate June: Graduations, Summer Vibes, and Seasonal Transitions
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

DIY Home Projects to Celebrate June: Graduations, Summer Vibes, and Seasonal Transitions

As June arrives, the world seems to bloom in full force, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and a sense of new beginnings. For many, it’s the season of graduations, family gatherings, and preparing the home for summer adventures. It’s also the perfect time to tackle DIY projects that enhance your living space and reflect the spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting a graduation party or creating a summer oasis at home, here are some inspiring DIY ideas to get you started.

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Top 3 Mistakes Home Sellers Make – And How to Avoid Them
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Top 3 Mistakes Home Sellers Make – And How to Avoid Them

Selling your home is an exciting journey, but it can also be a challenging one. Even with a great market, certain missteps can cost you time, money, and potential buyers. Let’s dive into the top three mistakes sellers make and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth and successful home sale.

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Embracing May: A Celebration of Spring Planting and Gardening
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Embracing May: A Celebration of Spring Planting and Gardening

May is the perfect time to dive into the joys of spring planting, vegetable gardening, and cultivating vibrant flowers. As nature springs to life, so do opportunities to make the most of this growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this guide will help you maximize your May gardening experience.

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May Home Maintenance: Inspect Your Roof and Chimney Before Summer
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

May Home Maintenance: Inspect Your Roof and Chimney Before Summer

As the warm days of summer approach, May offers the perfect opportunity to assess the condition of your roof and chimney. These crucial components of your home bear the brunt of harsh winter weather and spring rains, and any unnoticed damage can lead to costly repairs or safety hazards down the line. By taking the time to inspect and address potential issues now, you’ll ensure your home is ready to withstand summer’s heat and any storms that might come your way.

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Top 3 Real Estate Trends to Watch
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Top 3 Real Estate Trends to Watch

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about what’s happening in real estate, understanding these trends can help you make better decisions. Here are three key shifts I’m noticing right now that are changing the way people approach homeownership and lifestyle choices.

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April Home Maintenance: Service Your Lawn Equipment for Spring and Summer
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

April Home Maintenance: Service Your Lawn Equipment for Spring and Summer

Servicing your lawn equipment in April is a smart way to prepare for the busy months ahead. By following these steps to sharpen blades, change oil, check belts, and clean filters, you’ll ensure your tools are ready to tackle any yard work challenge. With your equipment in top shape, you’ll spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying a lush, healthy lawn.

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Maximizing ROI and Joy: April Home Updates for Interiors and Exteriors
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Maximizing ROI and Joy: April Home Updates for Interiors and Exteriors

As the days grow longer and warmer, April is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor tools for the busy spring and summer months ahead. After a long winter in storage, your lawn equipment may need some attention to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. By servicing your tools now, you’ll save time, improve performance, and avoid frustrating breakdowns during the peak of the season.

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Washington's New Rent Control Law: What It Could Mean for Property Owners and Renters
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Washington's New Rent Control Law: What It Could Mean for Property Owners and Renters

As a real estate broker, I work with landlords and investors who are always evaluating whether to hold, sell, or manage their rental properties differently. With new rent control legislation (EHB 1217) making its way through Washington’s legislative process, landlords may soon face new regulations that impact rental income and property strategies. At the same time, this bill aims to create more stability for renters by capping annual rent increases.

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Top 3 Things Buyers Look for in a Home
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Top 3 Things Buyers Look for in a Home

When buyers walk into a potential home, they often have a checklist in mind. As a seller, understanding what today’s buyers value most can help you prepare your home to make a great impression and stand out in a competitive market.

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Welcoming March: Home Tips for a Fresh Start to Spring
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Welcoming March: Home Tips for a Fresh Start to Spring

March is more than a bridge to spring; it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate your home and lifestyle. From deep cleaning and gardening to preparing your property for sale, this season brings endless possibilities. By following these tips and ideas, you can ensure your home is ready to embrace the vibrant energy of spring.

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March Home Maintenance: Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts for Spring
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

March Home Maintenance: Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts for Spring

As the winter frost melts away and spring rains are on the horizon, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and prepare your home for the seasonal shift. One essential task for March is cleaning your gutters and downspouts. While it may not be the most glamorous of chores, properly maintained gutters can save you from costly repairs, water damage, and other headaches down the line. Here’s why this task is crucial and a step-by-step guide to help you tackle it effectively.

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Top 3 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Top 3 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

Selling your home can feel like a monumental task, but with the right strategy, you can make it a smooth and swift process. Whether you're preparing to list your property or hoping to attract the perfect buyer, focusing on key aspects can set you up for success. Here are three essential tips to help you sell your home quickly and at the best possible price.

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February: A Month of Opportunities in Real Estate
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

February: A Month of Opportunities in Real Estate

February is often considered a transitional month—winter is still holding on, but hints of spring are in the air. As a real estate broker, I’ve seen February become a pivotal time for buyers and sellers. It’s a month brimming with potential, where strategic moves can set the tone for a successful year in real estate. Whether you’re considering listing your home, buying your first property, or investing in real estate, this guide will help you make the most of February’s unique opportunities.

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February Home Safety Check: Testing Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Home Maintenance Kate Ledbetter Home Maintenance Kate Ledbetter

February Home Safety Check: Testing Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Home maintenance isn’t just about comfort and appearance; it’s also about safety. One of the simplest but most critical steps to protect your household is ensuring that your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are in good working order. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends testing these alarms monthly and replacing batteries and units periodically to maintain optimal performance. February, with its quieter winter days, is an ideal time to give these life-saving devices a little extra attention.

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Top 3 Signs It’s Time to Move
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Top 3 Signs It’s Time to Move

Deciding to move is never easy, but recognizing the signs—space constraints, lifestyle changes, and high maintenance costs—can help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re upsizing to accommodate a growing family, relocating for a new chapter in life, or seeking a property with fewer upkeep demands, moving can provide the fresh start you need.

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Shoreline Real Estate Market Update: December 2024
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Shoreline Real Estate Market Update: December 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, the Shoreline real estate market remains robust, demonstrating steady activity despite the seasonal slowdown. Here's an in-depth review of the December market performance, highlighting key metrics and emerging trends.

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Embrace a Fresh Start: January Tips for a Brighter New Year
Kate Ledbetter Kate Ledbetter

Embrace a Fresh Start: January Tips for a Brighter New Year

January is here—a month that symbolizes fresh beginnings and the promise of change. As we step into the New Year, many of us feel inspired to set goals, renew our spaces, and refresh our lives in ways that help us feel more fulfilled. Whether you’re looking to organize your home, improve your health, or reconnect with loved ones, January offers the perfect time to turn your aspirations into actions. In this guide, we’ll explore seven powerful ways to embrace the New Year, and each one is designed to help you create a brighter, more fulfilling 2025.

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January Home Maintenance: Weatherproofing Essentials to Keep Your Home Cozy and Efficient
Home Maintenance Kate Ledbetter Home Maintenance Kate Ledbetter

January Home Maintenance: Weatherproofing Essentials to Keep Your Home Cozy and Efficient

As temperatures drop and winter settles in, January is the perfect time to ensure your home is fully weatherproofed. Effective weatherproofing keeps your living space warm and cozy while reducing energy bills, making it an essential step for homeowners during the colder months. A well-insulated home isn’t just about comfort; it also protects your property from potential damage caused by cold drafts and moisture buildup. This month, set aside some time to inspect and enhance your home’s weatherproofing with these practical steps.

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