Understanding wa senior citizen tax exemption income limits is essential for older homeowners in Bellevue who want to manage housing costs and plan for long-term financial stability. As a local Realtor working with many senior homeowners, downsizers, and multigenerational families on the Eastside, I often see confusion around how these exemptions work, who qualifies, and how income is calculated.Washington State offers meaningful property tax relief programs for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners, but eligibility is based largely on income thresholds that can change over time and vary by county. Knowing how wa senior citizen tax exemption income limits apply in King County and Bellevue can make a real difference in whether a homeowner chooses to stay, sell, or downsize.Why Prope... 02/05/2026

OCEAN SHORES, WA NEWSLETTER:2025 Year-End Review Real Estate Market Update for Ocean Shores and the North Beach Area, WA (click on the following link to view my newsletter with stats and good buys for real estate, as well as upcoming events): https://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/newsletters/4q2025#OceanShores, WA~ Presented by April Swenson, Real Estate Designated/Managing Broker at Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers Real Estate. 02/01/2026

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 1/30/26: 732 Albion Ave, #OceanShores, WA.This lot has been prepped for building with water and 200-amp power installed. Also, it was cleared with a driveway and surveyed. Rare Lifetime Community Club membership.Sold for $67,000 cash.Congratulations to my Sellers!!! I thank them for working with me again. :-)I do praise God for His blessings! 01/31/2026

Home prices were up last year in the Tri-Cities, but are still mostly flat over the past 4-5 years.This chart shows the median sales price across the Tri-Cities* for homes that sold in December each year. So this is basically "here's what prices looked like at the end of the year for the past several years."(*When we say "across the Tri-Cities," that includes only Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, and Burbank -- the core of our metro area. When you see data that comes from our local Realtors' Assn., it will also include cities and towns like Connell, Paterson, Basin City, Eltopia, and several others. We don't include those outlying areas in our market updates.)That $424,900 for December 2025 is up 1.2% from December 2024. And if you go back to 2021, when the Decemb... 01/30/2026

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 1/27/26: 332 Harbor View Lp, #OceanShores.This lovely Bay front home is bulkheaded and features an open floor plan, 3 BD, 2 BA, 1685 sq.ft., 2-car Garage with a huge Rear Deck. Gorgeous Bay and Mountain views. Located in a desirable neighborhood.Sold for $565,000 cash.Congratulations to my Seller and Buyer. Both are very happy! :-)I do thank God! 01/27/2026

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 1/22/26: 102 N. Oar Lp, #OceanShores, WA.This cute beach home is located just off of the Ocean Lake Way Beach Access Street with 2 BD, 1.75 BA, 1048 sq.ft. plus a 248 sq.ft. Enclosed Deck. Fenced and Landscaped Backyard.Sold for $345,500.Congratulations to my Sellers! They are so happy. :-)Also, thanks to Megan, Buyer's Broker, for working with me on this.I do praise God for His blessings! :-) 01/22/2026

Over the years, I’ve shared a lot of video content centered on the how of real estate✔️ Buying and selling processes✔️ Home loans✔️ Inspections✔️ Market updates✔️ Drone videos and property visualsAll of that information is important, helpful, and necessary. But after nearly 18 years of selling homes, I’ve realized something:some of the most meaningful moments in real estate don’t live inside a checklist or a transaction timeline.They live in the stories and here is the intro video:Why This New Series?This new video series takes a different route—one that steps away from the routine and leans into experience.Instead of focusing on processes, these videos are built around short, real-life stories pulled from nearly two decades in the field. Moments that made me pause. Situations that taug... 01/22/2026

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 12/26/25: 510 Chickamin Ct, #OceanShores, WA.This vacant and treed lot is located on a cul-de-sac near Duck Lake. Ready to build.Sold for $41,000 cash.Congratulations to my Buyers! I am excited for them.Thank you also to Mike A., Listing Broker, for working with me.Praise God and a very Merry Christmas! 12/30/2025

What You Should Know About King County Home LoansWhen buyers begin the process of purchasing property in Bellevue, one of the first questions they ask is how king county home loans work and what types of financing are available. King County’s housing market includes some of the most desirable communities in Washington, so understanding your lending options can make a meaningful difference in your ability to compete, qualify, and ultimately secure a home you love.Bellevue buyers often face a unique combination of strong home values, competitive bidding environments, and fast-paced market conditions. That means financing readiness is not an afterthought but a strategic advantage. Whether you are relocating for tech, upgrading to a larger home, or planning a first purchase, your awareness ... 12/29/2025

Understanding the Real Cost of Living in Issaquah WAWhen buyers begin exploring Seattle’s Eastside, one of the first questions they ask is about the cost of living in Issaquah WA. As a Bellevue-area realtor who regularly works with clients relocating for work, schools, or quality of life upgrades, I can say that Issaquah remains one of the most attractive communities in the region—yet it’s also one where costs vary widely depending on lifestyle, neighborhood, and housing preferences. Issaquah is known for its mountain views, excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and family-focused neighborhoods, all of which influence its overall affordability.Because Issaquah is situated just east of Bellevue and often considered part of the broader Eastside tech corridor, it benefits from proximity t... 12/27/2025

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 12/23/25: 492 Quinault Ave, #OceanShores, WA.This home features 4 BD, 2.5 BA, 2097 sq.ft., and a 2-car Garage. Needs some work.Sold for $250,000 cash "AS IS."Congratulations to my Seller, and a big thanks for working with me.I praise God for His blessings. 12/24/2025

A Time for Rest Happy holidays! I am getting into the holiday spirit here in Canada at my sister's home. My sister, I swear, is Santa's little elf. Everything here is decorated and I have never seen more Christmas anywhere. Every window that she has is decorated. My message to you this week is this: It doesn't matter what you do over the holidays, but it should be something that makes you happy. In real estate we work hard and we all need a break and some time off. Over the holidays, what we do at The Lones Group is we shut the office down, we take time to be with family, and we eat lots of great food! With my own family I will be cooking Christmas dinner, as always, and we'll sing some carols. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is also a big deal. It gets its name from England: Boxe... 12/19/2025

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 12/8/25: 356 N. Wynoochee Dr, #OceanShores, WA.This home was completely remodeled. Features 3 BD, 2 BA, 1484 sq.ft. and a 1-car Garage. It is near the Butterclam St Beach Access Path.Sold for $353,500 cash.A big congratulations to my Buyers!!! They are so happy to make this their new home.I also want to thank Paul S., Listing Broker, for working with me.Praise to God Almighty! :-) 12/08/2025

Edmonds Farmers MarketIf you’re researching the Edmonds farmers market, you’re probably interested in more than fresh produce—you’re exploring a community that understands how weekend rituals, local growers, and real conversation shape quality of life. Buyers moving from Bellevue, Seattle, or the Eastside often ask what makes Edmonds special, and the farmers market is usually the first answer. It’s not simply a place to shop; it’s a gathering ground where residents meet neighbors, support artisans, and slow down long enough to enjoy the waterfront breeze.As a local realtor working with clients moving from Bellevue to Snohomish County, I’ve seen how the market becomes a deciding factor for homebuyers. It reflects values: sustainability, connection, and local ownership. Those who fall in ... 12/08/2025

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 11/14/2025: 708 Cardinal Ave NE, #OceanShores, WA.This doublewide manufactured home sits on Duck Lake near Downtown with 3 BD, 2 BA, 1485 sq.ft., and a 2-car Garage.Sold for $285,000.Congratulations to my Sellers! It was a pleasure working with them. I thank God for all He gives! 11/15/2025

Is Your Brand Ready for MS Publisher’s End? Microsoft has announced that in October 2026, support for its Publisher software will come to an end and it will no longer be included in Office 365 or Office suites. If you use Publisher to manage your business collateral and, like many, have switched to Office 365 subscriptions, you will be left high-and-dry without a way to easily update listing flyers, presentation materials, or open house tools (to name just a few). You’ll lose the ability to open or edit Publisher files, unless you have prepared beforehand. Thinking ahead and converting your materials now makes a lot of sense. You have nearly a whole year to adjust to new publishing tools, but the best benefit may just be getting to use something other than Microsoft’s largely long aban... 11/07/2025

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATEJust SoldSOLD 10/30/25: 530 Canal Dr NE, #OceanShores, WA.This Golf Course front rambler features 3 BD, 1.75 BA, 1574 sq.ft., 3-car Garage, an Open Floor Plan, a Huge Rear Deck, and a Fenced Backyard.Sold for $399,900.Congratulations to my Buyers, whom were a great pleasure to work with... They are looking forward to retiring on this Golf Course at the Beach. :-)Thanks also to Jessie E., Listing Broker, for working with me.I give praise to God for His blessings! 10/30/2025

Exploring Bothell’s Culinary Scene for New Residents and Locals AlikeWhen homebuyers ask what makes Bothell, WA such a great place to live, I always mention the incredible variety of restaurants in Bothell. From farm-to-table dining to craft breweries and global cuisine, the city’s restaurant scene is a reflection of its diverse community and relaxed Pacific Northwest charm.Downtown Bothell: The Heart of the Food SceneDowntown Bothell has transformed into a lively destination filled with local eateries, wine bars, and outdoor patios. Whether you’re dining solo, on a date, or gathering with friends, you’ll find options that combine small-town friendliness with metropolitan flavor. Walkable streets and twinkling lights make it easy to explore one restaurant after another. Local Favorites ... 10/28/2025

Seattle is a city where food, culture, and community intertwine. From iconic seafood eateries to inventive global cuisine, the Emerald City has something for every palate. As a local realtor, I love introducing new residents to the 10 best restaurants in Seattle, because great food often leads to discovering great neighborhoods.Canlis – Elevated Northwest DiningCanlis is a Seattle institution. The restaurant’s panoramic Lake Union views and James Beard Award-winning chefs have made it a symbol of Pacific Northwest elegance. Expect an artfully curated menu featuring salmon, wagyu, and local vegetables—each plate celebrating the region’s bounty.Altura – Italian Sophistication on Capitol HillAltura’s intimate tasting menu blends Italian technique with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Chef Na... 10/28/2025

Lessons Learned from Giants I have been very fortunate in my life to have been able to benefit from the wisdom of others' greatness. When I first started selling real estate, I was young and naïve. I didn't know much about the housing market or even marketing. I had to rely on watching other agent's success to try and find clues that I could learn from. Early on in my career, my first mentor was my trainer, Garth, who taught me early on that good old-fashioned hard work would be my key to thriving and surviving in the real estate industry. He also taught me that doing thing right the first time would save me a lot of time along the way. He had a lot of great advice, but I was hungry for more. I knew that if I wanted to become a true expert, I'd have to watch the experts in action. Ther... 10/24/2025