The Interest Rates are Rising
RM Home Specialists • October 7, 2022

Sellers are having to revisit their expectations

We have all seen the news and real estate headlines about the changing market. Our team is here to report that the change is here in the Pierce county real estate market! In a matter of months, the interest rates have crept up to a "normal" rate. 7.9% is the average interest rate over the last 40 years and we are still shy of this as of October 2022.


The rate on January 6th, 2022 was 3.22% and in September 6th, 2022 we were seeing a 6.29% interest rate. We took this rate jump and had our preferred lender, Lindsey Waldron with Guild Mortgage, chime in about what this change looks like in a real scenario with a 20% down conventional buyer purchasing a 500K home. The estimated monthly in January was $2,334 (including taxes, insurance, and P&I), while the same house same down payment would be $3,073 just 8 months later. Naturally, this $739 monthly difference is making buyers hesitant to put the pen to paper. And even some are no longer qualified for the same purchase amount as earlier in the year.


A housing Reversion not a recession. We will be back to a sustainable market. The COVID real estate market with low mortgage rates and lack of inventory creates a strong seller advantage and many frustrated buyers. The supply and demand levels were all off!


The strategies for our sellers in the Greater Tacoma, WA neighborhoods start with the market preparation. Buyers can be a little bit pickier now- they are paying more for your home! There has also been an increase of the available houses on the market, the rising inventory gives the buyer an opportunity to choose their favorite. Strategies like seller pre-inspections, curb appeal refreshes, professional cleaning, staging, and hand-picked handyman fixes with will make your listing shine above the competition. 


Competitive pricing is just as important as the pre-listing preparation. The 2020-2021 home prices were an anomoly. The sweet spot is picking up where we left off in 2021, that gradual increase a much more sustainable rate. Over pricing in this market is a huge mistake, your listing will sit with low showings and lack of offers. When priced a bit more conservatively it puts the seller in the position of power and creates excitement around the propery. 


Now more than ever it's important to partner with professionals-both on the buy and sell side. Your Realtor, Lender, Escrow team- it all makes the difference. There is a lot of skill and creativity needed to be successful with strategies to exceed your real estate goals in this changing market. 


Success stories are still happening: on some properties sellers are still receiving multiple offers or waived contingencies. And buyers are able to negotiate a bit more to find the balance with their financials and home buying goals. Hang in there Tacoma! 


-Regina + Madison 

Gated Comfort, Garden Charm and an Unbeatable Lakewood Location

By RM Home Specialists • July 30, 2026
Some homes stand out because of their finishes. Others win you over with their location. This beautifully upgraded condo at Clover Creek Crossing offers both, along with the intimate feeling of a small, established community. Clover Creek Crossing is a gated community of just 10 units offering a quieter and more personal alternative to a large condominium complex. Surrounded by lush landscaping and with access to Chambers Creek, the setting feels peaceful and tucked away yet it is wonderfully connected to everything Lakewood has to offer. Step inside, and you’ll immediately appreciate the bright, open layout and the extensive upgrades completed throughout the home. The recent remodel included new flooring, appliances, kitchen cabinetry, extended granite countertops, updated bathrooms, lighting, ceiling fans and fixtures, as well as fresh interior paint. The gas fireplace was replaced and refreshed, built-in bookshelves were relocated, and a new patio slider was installed to create an easy connection between the interior and outdoor living spaces. The improvements went well beyond the cosmetic. A new furnace and water heater were also added during the remodel, while air conditioning provides a welcome layer of comfort during the warmer months. It is the kind of thoughtful updating that allows a new owner to move in and enjoy the home without facing a long list of projects. One of the home’s most enchanting features is its private brick patio. Framed by greenery and equipped with its own watering system for the garden beds, it is a delightful place for morning coffee, container gardening, outdoor dining or a quiet evening with friends. It feels like a secret garden—beautiful, manageable and surprisingly private. Parking is another standout benefit. The home includes both a private garage and an additional covered carport, providing valuable space for vehicles, storage or hobbies. Then there is the location. Clover Creek Crossing places you just steps from Lakewood Towne Center and the Lakewood Racquet Club , with shopping, dining, fitness and everyday conveniences close at hand. Quick access to I-5 makes commuting to Tacoma, Olympia, JBLM and surrounding areas simple, while the gated entry and natural surroundings welcome you home to a calmer pace. This is more than an upgraded condo . it is a charming, comfortable retreat in the center of it all.

Craftsman Charm in the Heart of South Tacoma

By RM Home Specialists • July 24, 2026
Incredible deals can be found in South Tac, where vintage Craftsman character meets a wonderfully connected Tacoma lifestyle. As an example of this, welcome to our newest listing at 1424 S 55th . From its welcoming entry and coved ceilings to charming built-ins, cozy fireplace, vintage kitchen, and flexible basement rooms, and central A/C this home offers warmth, personality, and room to make it your own. The central South Tacoma location makes everyday conveniences at your doorstep. Enjoy quick access to I-5 for commuting, shopping and conveniences at Tacoma Mall , and the independent shops, neighborhood gathering places, and globally inspired eateries found throughout the historic South Tacoma Business District. Summer may be when this home shines brightest. The fully fenced backyard is ready for gardening, entertaining, or relaxing among established native landscaping, raised garden boxes, trellises, a patio, and a useful storage shed. When the temperature climbs, head inside and enjoy the home’s upgraded heat pump and refreshing A/C—a feature Northwest buyers increasingly appreciate. Outdoor recreation is also close at hand. Walk around the lake, picnic, play, or visit the dog park at Wapato Park , cool off at Stewart Heights Pool , or explore the fitness, recreation, and family programs available at the STAR Center . As longtime Pierce County real estate professionals, RM Home Specialists at Windermere West Campus understand what makes South Tacoma special—from its central location and distinctive older homes to its rich mix of locally owned businesses, diverse dining, parks, and community amenities. We’re proud to help buyers and sellers recognize the value and possibilities found in this vibrant part of our Tacoma. Charming, comfortable, and connected—1424 S 55th Street is ready for its next chapter. Regina and Madison RM Home Specialists Licensed Managing Brokers | Realtors® Windermere West Campus

From Mountains to Main Street: The Pierce County Lifestyle

By RM Home Specialists • July 22, 2026
Discover the trails, parks, restaurants, local favorites, and welcoming communities that make Pierce County one of the Pacific Northwest's best places to live. Pierce County offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and everyday convenience. Whether you're looking for more space, easy access to outdoor recreation, or a welcoming place to call home, it's easy to see why so many people are putting down roots here. Residents enjoy peaceful neighborhoods while staying close to shopping, dining, healthcare, and major commuter routes. It's a lifestyle that offers room to breathe without sacrificing convenience. Outdoor enthusiasts have endless opportunities to explore. Spend the day at Spanaway Park and Spanaway Lake enjoying walking trails, fishing, boating, playgrounds, or a lakeside picnic. Throughout the year, the area hosts community events, and during the holidays, Fantasy Lights transforms the park into one of the region's favorite seasonal attractions. For even more recreation, Sprinker Recreation Center offers ice skating, pickleball, tennis, sports fields, and activities for all ages. And with Mount Rainier National Park , Crystal Mountain , countless hiking trails, lakes, and rivers all within easy reach, adventure is never far from home. Food lovers will appreciate the area's diverse dining scene, featuring everything from family-owned Mexican restaurants and authentic Asian cuisine to cozy cafés, breweries, and local favorites throughout Puyallup and the surrounding communities. Downtown Puyallup adds even more charm with boutique shopping, year-round events, and the iconic Washington State Fairgrounds . What truly makes Pierce County special is its balance. You can enjoy a quiet evening at home, spend the weekend exploring the mountains, or meet friends for dinner, all without traveling far. It's a place where community, convenience, and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle come together. Featured Home If you've been dreaming of finding an affordable home with room to grow, this new Puyallup listing is one you'll want to see. Located at 19113 85th Ave Ct East in Spanaway , i t offers comfortable one-level living, a spacious yard, RV parking, and a custom-covered front porch perfect for your morning coffee. The standout feature is the incredible detached two-car garage, ideal for woodworking, restoring cars, hobbies, projects, or extra storage. With a back deck for entertaining and a location just minutes from Canyon Road, shopping, dining, and commuter routes, this home is full of opportunity for its next owner. Regina, Madison, and Stacey RM Home Specialists Licensed Managing Brokers | Realtors® Windermere West Campus
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