Journal

Insights & perspectives

Market updates, neighborhood guides, and expert advice for Mercer Island, Bellevue, and the Greater Eastside.

Recent

A sunlit patio container garden with terracotta pots of red geraniums, herbs, and a cherry tomato plant beside a watering can
Gardening September 14, 2026

Gardening Made Easier, Starting Today

A beginner-friendly guide to container gardening, no experience necessary. Simple pots, easy plants, and the one small routine that makes patio gardening work.

Read Article
Blue house with a red front door, the home featured in the market outlook article
Market Update September 11, 2026

Market Outlook: With More Homes on the Market, Isn't It Time to Buy?

July's numbers are in: Washington inventory up nearly 20%, King County up about 24%, and more homes with less pressure to settle. Why the best reply is action.

Read Article
The contemporary front facade of a Mercerwood Drive home on Mercer Island, with a raised wooden walkway and walls of glass
Home of the Week September 1, 2026

Home of the Week: 9360 Mercerwood Drive, Mercer Island

I share my walkthrough of a Mercerwood Drive home set up like a mini Disneyland where all the kids come to play, with a playroom, family room, and skylit living spaces.

Read Article
The Mercerwood rambler home featured in the walkthrough video
Listings August 30, 2026

Too Much House? This Rambler Fits Easier Living

An easier-living Mercer Island rambler in Mercerwood: one level, no stairs, a newer roof, windows, kitchen, and baths, and a level fenced yard.

Read Article
A woman holds a young child with a stuffed giraffe in a warm outdoor setting
Downsizing August 23, 2026

How to Downsize on Mercer Island, Bellevue and the Greater Eastside

A step-by-step guide to downsizing without the overwhelm. How to prepare, how to start the retirement process, tips for retirement downsizing, and a simple checklist.

Read Article
George holds a SOLD sign on the front porch of his new Eastside home, a light grey house with warm afternoon light
Client Stories August 19, 2026

Finding George's Next Chapter, Door by Door

I share George's story: how 24 door knocks, a patient search, and a dog named Bonsai led to far more than a home sale.

Read Article
Cozy Sammamish kitchen with white dog
Client Stories August 19, 2026

Sammamish Real Estate: Two Countries, One New Home

Eduardo and Patti found their Sammamish home from Mexico City and Peru via video calls with me, two weeks before their move.

Read Article
Modern corner-lot home in Kennydale, Renton with clean architectural lines and landscaped front yard
Listings August 12, 2026

A Modern Corner Lot Home with Lake Views in Kennydale

A 2022-built, 5-bedroom home on a corner lot in Lower Kennydale, Renton with lake views, no HOA, and room to spare.

Read Article
Rear facade of a two-story Bellevue home with a prominent brick chimney and raised wood deck at golden hour
Listings August 8, 2026

A Bellevue Home That Shows What Smart Upgrades Can Do

Fresh paint, new hardwood, updated kitchen, new AC, and a new deck. This Somerset home proves the right upgrades make all the difference.

Read Article
A Sold sign placed in front of a craftsman home in the Pacific Northwest on a sunny afternoon
Selling August 3, 2026

When Do You Actually Get Paid After Selling Your Home?

A step-by-step breakdown of the timeline from accepted offer to money in your account. Washington is a dry-closing state, here is what that means for sellers.

Read Article
Blue Angels jets flying in diamond formation over Lake Washington with the Seattle skyline in the distance
Community July 28, 2026

Seafair Is Back and Lake Washington Is About to Get Loud

Blue Angels schedule, the best free viewing spot on Mercer Island, and traffic tips for Seafair weekend July 30 through August 2.

Read Article
The remodeled kitchen and living area of the top-floor 2-bedroom condo for rent in the Renton Highlands
Rentals July 21, 2026

2-Bed Condo for Rent in Renton Highlands

A top-floor 2-bedroom condo available September 1: updated kitchen, fireplace, office nook, pool and gym, $2,500 a month.

Read Article
Cluster of purple lavender flowers in full bloom against a soft green background
Community July 17, 2026

Your Eastside Week Ahead — July 17–23

Alki Art Fair, Kirkland Uncorked, Sequim Lavender Festival, King County Fair, and more, my picks for the week ahead.

Read Article
Nighttime Bellevue Washington skyline with the illuminated fountain reflected in the water
Events July 13, 2026

Your Eastside Week Ahead — July 13–19

Bellevue Art Fair, free Movies in the Park, Kirkland Wine Walk, World Cup watch parties, and more things to do on the Eastside this week.

Read Article

More to come

My journal of market insights, neighborhood deep-dives, and practical advice for buyers and sellers on the Eastside is just getting started. Check back for expert perspectives on the topics that matter most.

Get in Touch

STAY AHEAD ON MERCER ISLAND, BELLEVUE & THE EASTSIDE