Posts by Johnine Larsen
Fresh Look, Fresh Vision for 2025
Welcome to the New Real Estate Gals Website: Fresh Look, Fresh Vision for 2025 We’re thrilled to introduce you to the brand-new Real Estate Gals website! 🌟 Our new digital home is designed to reflect our commitment to providing unparalleled service to Seattle’s sellers. With a fresh design, exciting updates, and a roadmap for 2025,…
Read MoreHome Staging FAQ
You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort? Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide how much you should prioritize staging as you prep for…
Read More2025 Housing Market Forecasts
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market. And whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home next year, having a clear picture of what they’re calling for can help you make the best possible decision for your homeownership plans. Here’s an early look at the most recent projections on mortgage…
Read MoreToday’s Biggest Housing Market Myths
Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s housing market. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important. If you partner with a real estate agent, they can clear…
Read MoreThe Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now
The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing. And if you aren’t working with an agent, you may not realize that. Here’s the downside. If you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And…
Read MoreWhy Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier
Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it’s important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs. If it’s too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To…
Read MoreWhy Fixing Up Your House Can Help it Sell Faster
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices. But they want a home that’s move-in ready. A recent press release explains: “Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices, but only if the house is…
Read MoreHousing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024
As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales. Home Prices Are Expected To Climb Moderately Home prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most trusted sources in the industry:…
Read MoreWhat To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June
June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready. If You’re Buying This June A lot of homebuyers with…
Read MoreMore Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership
With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so…
Read MoreSummer in Seattle – 2024
Welcome to a curated collection of quintessential Seattle summer experiences, handpicked by the one and only Johnine! With over three decades of local knowledge, she’s uncovered the hidden gems and cherished traditions that make summertime in the Emerald City truly special. From vibrant neighborhood festivals to scenic hikes and beachside art fairs, these are the…
Read MoreHow Buying or Selling a Home Benefits Your Community
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, it’s important to know it doesn’t just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too. Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes (see visual below): When a house is sold, it really boosts the local economy.…
Read More