OUR TEAM
Company: Rethinking Real Estate LLC
Site: https://rethinkingre.com
Susie is known for her tenacity, responsiveness, and ability to think outside the box to achieve her clients' goals. She excels in the aesthetics of home presentation, assisting clients with staging and remodeling to elevate their homes' appeal. Her knack for showcasing properties in their best light not only leads to quick sales but also secures premium prices. She consistently finds innovative ways to save her clients money, making her an invaluable asset to those looking to navigate the real estate market efficiently and effectively. Her dedication to her clients’ success and satisfaction sets her apart, ensuring that every transaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Don is highly regarded by his clients for his patience, attention to detail, and ability to skillfully negotiate complex deals. His insatiable curiosity about the latest technology, from AI and quantum computing breakthroughs to the newest sustainable tech innovations, keeps him ahead in leveraging tech advancements in real estate. Don's firsthand experience in rentals and property management allows him to adeptly find the right tenants and manage every aspect of property management, ensuring well-maintained and profitable properties. Additionally, his forward-thinking approach in applying cutting-edge technologies to optimize home marketing and sales significantly enhances client experiences, making him a trusted advisor in an ever-evolving real estate market.
Susie's Blog
15 Fun & Clever Winterizing Tips to Keep Your Home Warm, Safe, and Efficient All Season,
Winter is coming, and whether you’re a homeowner protecting your investment, a homebuyer preparing to move in, or a home seller trying to attract buyers, winterizing your home is essential. Not only will these steps keep your home cozy, they’ll also save money, prevent costly repairs, and make your property more appealing to buyers. Ready to winter-proof your space? Let’s dive in with these 15 fun, effective tips! 1. Service Your Furnace for Energy Efficiency You furnace is going to be working full time now. A well-maintained furnace is a huge selling point for buyers and a must for owners. Schedule an HVAC professional to tune it up and replace filters. Highlight this in your real estate listing as having been done. This will show you are on top of your maintennace program. 2. Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction for Better Heating Don't forget to do this one! Flip the switch on your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in winter, pushing warm air down this will help you on your heating costs. It’s a small, budget-friendly tip with big comfort payoffs. 3. Insulate Your Attic to Prevent Ice Dams Ice dams can cause roof damage, a red flag for buyers and a headache for owners. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic protect your roof and improve energy efficiency—key for resale value. 4. Inspect the Roof for Potential Problems After our most recent storm I mentioned getting up to see what your roof looked like, so here is one more reminder. Loose shingles, cracks, and leaks scare off potential buyers. It is also one of the first things an inspector looks at. Mention any updates in your real estate marketing as a "winter-ready home improvement. 5. Seal Windows and Doors to Block Drafts Homeowners can save up to 30% on heating by sealing drafts.There are several ways to seal windows, including caulking, using foam tape, weatherstripping, and even installing window shades will help reduce heating costs. Buyers and sellers love hearing about reduced energy costs. 6. Clean Gutters to Protect Your Foundation I never truly understood the importance of clean gutters until I became a real estate agent. Seeing the damage caused by pooled water—rotted fascia boards, soggy siding, and even foundation issues—was eye-opening. Clogged gutters trap water, which can seep into vulnerable areas like fascia boards and soffits, leading to costly repairs. For sellers, dirty gutters can signal neglect to buyers. A quick cleaning keeps water flowing, protects your home, and ensures a great impression during showings. Add this simple task to your pre-sale maintenance checklist! 7. Check Exterior Drainage to Prevent Water Issues Standing water near your foundation can cause flooding, a big concern for buyers. Adjust the slope of your yard if needed and mention this proactive maintenance in showings or home tours. If you have put a french drain in or done other drainage mitiagation updates let the buyerr know so they don't have to worry about that. 8. Winter-Proof Outdoor Faucets Frozen pipes are a nightmare for any homeowner. Disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and shut off their water supply. This one is easy, in fact i just had to do this yesterday on our house. Make sure you actually use the strap in the inside of the cover to loop it to the faucet so if you have winds it doesn't blow off. 9. Winterize Your Sprinkler System Buyers with lawns and gardens appreciate a well-maintained sprinkler system. Drain the lines and insulate outdoor connections to avoid winter damage. 10. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors With homes sealed up tight in the winter, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and fire incidents increases. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly, and replace batteries as needed. Inspectors and Appraisers will look to see if you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so stay ahead and make sure they are in working order. 11. Store Lawn Equipment for Long-Term Care Clean and store mowers, garden tools, and patio furniture. Buyers see these small details as signs of a well-maintained home, making your property more attractive. 12. Prune Trees and Shrubs at the Right Time I am famous with my neighbors of pruning at the wrong time since I have been in real estate, so learn from me, :) Delayed pruning in late winter protects plants from frost damage. A nicely prined yard alos let's buyer's know that the maintenance on the outside of the house isn't a huge chore because it is already done. 13. Test and Showcase Your Sump Pump If you have a sump pump, a functional sump pump is a great selling point in areas prone to storms. Test it by pouring water into the pit to ensure it’s ready for winter. Mention this feature in listings to ease buyer concerns about flooding. 14. Clean and Inspect the Chimney for Safe Fires I know this is not a sexy topic but If you have a fireplace, buyers will love knowing it’s been professionally cleaned and inspected. It’s both a safety measure and a selling point, especially for cozy winter showings. 15. Add Insulated Curtains or Window Film for Extra Warmth Windows are a common source of heat loss, even with good seals. For a quick and stylish fix, install insulated curtains or apply window film. Both options help keep the cold out and the heat in, making your home more energy-efficient and cozy. We keep our curtains closed during the day in our primary bedroom since we are ot using it during that time and it makes a huge difference to our heating bill. Why Winterizing Matters for Buyers, Sellers, and Owners For homeowners, keep in mind that during the winter months there are less buyers out and weather can retrict showing on homes. Not only does winterizing reduces energy bills and prevents costly damage, it’s a way to market your home as move-in ready, appealing to buyers looking for a low-maintenance property. And for buyers, these tips ensure your new home is comfortable and efficient from day one. Share the Warmth: Winterizing Your Home Can Boost Value Winterizing is more than just a seasonal chore—it’s a smart investment in your home’s comfort, safety, and resale value. Whether you’re selling, buying, or staying put, these steps make a big impact. Take action today, and enjoy a cozy, stress-free winter! 💡 Curious about more homeownership tips? Follow us at Rethinking Real Estate for insights and advice that keeps you informed! We have more blog posts at https://rethinkingre.com/blog or go to our youtube channel at https://youtube.com/@rethinkingre
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Elevate Your Shower Remodel: 11 Tips for a Blend of Luxury and Function!
The shower has transformed from a quick morning stop into a space for pure relaxation and rejuvenation. Today’s homeowners are looking for features that combine durability with elements of luxury, creating a personal retreat that still meets everyday needs. To help inspire your next remodel, we spoke with design professionals about the top finishes, fixtures, colors, and materials that bring a fresh, elegant feel to any shower space. 1. Infuse Spa-Like Elements Bring the serenity of a spa to your home with features like a steam system, multiple spray heads, or a rain shower head. Adding these elements can create a calming environment that offers relaxation beyond the daily routine. And don’t forget a built-in bench for the ultimate touch of luxury and practicality. 2. Combine Overhead and Handheld Showerheads For a versatile showering experience, many designers recommend a combo of an overhead rain shower and a handheld showerhead. This gives you both the luxury of a rainfall shower and the functionality of a handheld for easy rinsing and cleaning. It also makes your shower adaptable to different height people using your shower. You know the kids love your bathroom better :) TIP: A hand shower with additional plumbing on the wall can serve as a focal point in the bathroom, especially when integrated with dramatic tilework. 3. Go Bold with Shower Jets For a true spa-at-home vibe, water jets can deliver targeted streams of water that relieve muscle tension. With adjustable settings, you can customize your experience, from a gentle mist to a powerful massage. Tip: Delta’s H2Okinetic PowerDrench Spray, which has special technology that sculpts water into a unique wave pattern, forming a powerful, drenching spray is a pretty cool showerhead. 4. Opt for a Sliding Handheld Shower If space or budget constraints rule out a dual shower station, consider a handheld shower on a sliding rod. It provides flexibility for different heights and adds a striking focal point when paired with elegant tilework. 5. Future-Proof with Accessibility Features Adding features like grab bars and curbless entries enhances accessibility for years to come, while also adding style. A sleek, curbless shower adds a streamlined look and is perfect for maintaining open flow within the bathroom. 6. Invest in Built-In Storage Create ample, accessible storage with recessed niches or a built-in bench. Opt for larger and deeper niches to accommodate shampoo bottles, razors, and other essentials without cluttering the space. Tip: Go bigger and deeper than your contractor recommends. Most people have oversize shampoo bottles, soap, razors, kids’ products and more. If you don't have pre labled containers you may consider hiding the storage area on the front side so no one can see it. 7. Prioritize Drainage and Lighting A quality drain prevents standing water, and lighting can make or break your shower space. LED lights or a clerestory window allow for natural and ambient light, creating a welcoming environment. 8. Embrace Smart Features Smart technology is everywhere, including in the bathroom. Smart showers have many features that can make your shower experience more convenient and safer, including: Digital temperature control: Set and lock in your preferred water temperature, and use sensors to ensure the water is the right temperature. Safety features: Prevent scalding with built-in safety features, like heat range limits for children. Voice control: Use a voice command system, like Alexa, to control your shower hands-free 9. Choose the Right Door and Curtain Options A frameless glass shower provides a sleek, open feel, while a fabric curtain can soften the look and add a touch of color or pattern. For guest bathrooms, some designers favor curtains as a budget-friendly, flexible option to adapt the decor over time. Shower doors, on the other hand, offer a watertight barrier that keeps water contained and prevents splashes on the floor. Curtains offer more versatility than doors, allowing for easy, cost-effective updates to the bathroom's style. In larger bathrooms, opting for no door or curtain can create a more spacious look with less upkeep. Tip: Most shower curtains and liners are machine washable. Use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle for best results. 10. Pick a Striking Tile and Grout Finish Make a statement with bold feature tiles or porcelain in matte finishes for safety. Consider colored grout to add a custom touch while keeping maintenance easy. Tip: Choose matte-finished tiles for shower floors to enhance slip resistance; smaller tiles, like mosaics, provide even better traction. For the walls, opt for a glossier finish—these tiles are easier to clean, reflect light well, and keep the space feeling bright and open. 11. Experiment with Mixed Hardware Finishes Don’t feel limited to matching everything. Try mixing hardware finishes, like matte black with brushed nickel, for a unique and balanced look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the shower space.Metals, like colors, come in temperatures, with warmer tones being those we associate with yellows like brass, copper, gold, and bronze. In the same way, silver tones like stainless steel, nickel, chrome, and aluminum are considered cool tones. Black may be neutral, but it acts like a cool metal would. Any black metal, like cast iron, can easily work with other metal tones in your bathroom design plan.TIP: Try pairing shiny, polished fixtures with matte metals for a clean, modern look. For a sleek bathroom, try brushed finishes in complementary colors. Oil-rubbed bronze allows you to see just hints of bronze, so look for other warm-toned metals like polished bronze, copper, or even gold. 💡 Curious about more homeownership tips? Follow us at Rethinking Real Estate for insights and advice that keeps you informed! We have more blog posts at https://rethinkingre.com/blog or go to our youtube channel at https://youtube.com/@rethinkingre
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Fright Night Lights: Easy Halloween Lighting Ideas for Your Home
Good eeeeevening!When the calendar flips to October and the nights grow longer, it’s the season to turn your abode into the most spook-tacular spot on the block! But what’s that you say? You don’t want to use just any old light bulbs? Check out these Halloween Flame Bulbs. Oh, my ghoulish friend, have no fear (or maybe have just a little!). This blog post will guide you through the most eerie-sistible lighting tricks and treats for Halloween with direct Amazon affiliate links to save all that shopping time. 1. Ghostly Glows Who knew that phantoms were such environmentalists? Opt for LED bulbs with a soft, eerie blue or green hue. Not only will they conserve energy, but they'll also give your house that ghastly glow, making it look like it's haunted by a few energy-saving spirits. 2. Jack-O-Lantern Jive Are your carved pumpkins feeling left out in the dark? Ditch the traditional candles and pop in a flickering LED light or even a color-changing bulb. It’s safer, lasts longer, and gives Mr. Pumpkin a disco vibe. He's been waiting all year for his moment to shine! Check out Pumpkin Lights that come in a 4-pack with a variety of colors and a remote control. 3. Witchy Hat Decor Halloween witch hats with lights are ideal for decorating yards, costume parties, or hanging on trees, porches, and more. You can even wear them as part of your costume! Find them here. 4. Let the Doorbells Bring the Fear Create a spooky doorbell with sound effects when rung! Ring and Google Nest doorbells both offer creepy sound effects like ghostly moans or witches' cackles. Enhance the experience with Halloween Doorbell Sensors. 5. Mummy-fied Chandeliers Wrap your chandeliers with white cloth strips or add skeletons for a tomb-raider feel. Check out the Skeleton Chandeliers. 6. Pathway to the Underworld Guide trick-or-treaters with luminescent pathway markers like glowing orbs or skeleton hands. Grab these hand lights here. 7. Monster Motion Sensors Make guests jump with motion-sensor lights that activate as they approach. We recommend Spidey Motion Lights. 8. Bat-tastic Bulb Covers Turn regular lights into flying bats with bat-shaped bulb covers. Find glowing bat LED covers on Amazon. 9. Final Frontier - UV Lights Want to see what's lurking in the shadows? Use UV (black) lights to highlight ghostly figures or spider webs. Check out Halloween UV Lights. There you have it—a guide to lighting up your Halloween in the most spook-tastic way possible! It’s all about setting the mood, whether you're going for fun and playful or dark and eerie. Get out there, have a blast, and light up the night!Happy Haunting!
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How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your Home: Key Tips for Homeowners,
For many homeowners in Washington State, selling a home can come with significant financial benefits. One of the biggest concerns for sellers, however, is whether they will have to pay taxes on any profits they make from the sale. Fortunately, the federal tax code and Washington State laws offer some relief for homeowners through the Capital Gains Tax Exclusion for primary residences. Let’s break down what this means and how you can potentially avoid paying capital gains tax when selling your home. What Is Capital Gains Tax? Capital gains tax is a tax on the profit made from the sale of a property or an investment. When you sell your home for more than you paid for it, the difference between the selling price and the purchase price is considered a capital gain. This gain is generally subject to federal capital gains tax, and in some states, it’s also subject to state taxes. However, Washington State does not impose a state-level income tax on your personal residence, which means that, for most Washington homeowners, only the federal capital gains tax applies when selling their homes. How Does the Capital Gains Tax Exclusion Work? Under federal law, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains from the sale of their home if they are single, and up to $500,000 if they are married and file jointly. This means that, in many cases, homeowners can sell their primary residence without paying any capital gains tax at all, as long as certain conditions are met. What Conditions Must Be Met to Qualify for the Exclusion? To take advantage of the capital gains tax exclusion, the IRS requires that the following conditions be met: Ownership Requirement: You must have owned the home for at least two of the last five years before the sale. The ownership does not need to be continuous, but it must total at least two years. Use Requirement: You must have lived in the home as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years. Again, the two years don’t need to be consecutive. No Other Capital Gains Exclusion in the Last Two Years: You cannot have claimed the capital gains exclusion on another home sale within the last two years. This rule is designed to prevent homeowners from flipping properties tax-free. Primary Residence: The exclusion only applies to your primary residence, not second homes or investment properties. although there is a way to defer captial gains on investment property. We will go into more detail on this in another blog post. Examples of How the Exclusion Works: Let’s say you and your spouse bought your home in Lake Tapps 10 years ago for $300,000. Now, you’re selling it for $800,000, which means you’ve made a profit of $500,000. If this was your primary residence, and you meet the ownership and use requirements, you can exclude the entire $500,000 gain from federal taxes. Essentially, you would owe no capital gains tax on the sale. However, if you’re single and made the same $500,000 gain, you would only be able to exclude $250,000 of that profit from taxes. The remaining $250,000 would be subject to federal capital gains tax at a rate that could range from 0% to 20%, depending on your income level. Partial Exclusion: There are certain situations where a homeowner may qualify for a partial exclusion of capital gains. This may apply if you had to sell your home due to specific circumstances like a job change that required relocation, health reasons, or other unforeseen events. In these cases, you might be eligible for a prorated portion of the exclusion, even if you didn’t meet the full two-year requirement. Washington’s Stance on Capital Gains: Washington State, unlike many other states, does not have an income tax. Additionally, the state does not have a specific capital gains tax on the sale of primary residences. While the state does levy a capital gains excise tax on certain sales of stocks, bonds, and other assets, homes are generally excluded from this, meaning your home sale will not trigger a state capital gains tax. This lack of a state capital gains tax can be a significant advantage to Washington residents, making it an even more appealing place to sell a home. What If You Exceed the Exclusion Limits? In the event that your profit exceeds the capital gains exclusion limits (for example, if you are a single filer who made more than $250,000 in profit on your home), you will be required to pay capital gains tax on the amount exceeding the exclusion. We recently had this happen with a client of ours. She had bought her home when she was single and then married her husband and never changed the title to add his name Federal capital gains taxes are calculated at rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your taxable income. Most homeowners fall into the 15% bracket. There may also be an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) if your income exceeds certain thresholds ($200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married couples filing jointly). Tips for Reducing Your Capital Gains: Even if your home’s sale exceeds the exclusion limits, there are ways to reduce the amount of profit subject to capital gains tax: Home Improvements: The cost of major home improvements, such as a kitchen remodel or adding a deck, can be added to your home’s original purchase price, reducing your taxable gain. Selling Costs: Expenses like real estate agent commissions, title insurance, and transfer taxes can also be subtracted from your sale price, reducing the taxable gain. Document Everything: Keep thorough records of home improvements and selling expenses. These documents are essential for calculating your actual gain and maximizing the exclusion. Final Thoughts: For many Washington homeowners, the capital gains tax exclusion on primary residences offers an opportunity to keep more of the profit from selling their home. By meeting the ownership and use requirements and understanding the exclusions, you may be able to avoid paying any capital gains tax on the sale of your home. If you are getting ready to sell your home and would like to talk to a real estate agent who is familiarized with Capital Gains Tax give us a call at Rethinking Real Estate. We would love to help you save more money. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with a tax advisor or real estate professional to make sure you’re taking advantage of all the tax breaks available to you. 💡 Curious about more homeownership tips? Follow us at Rethinking Real Estate for insights and advice that keeps you informed! We have more blog posts at https://rethinkingre.com/blog or go to our youtube channel at https://youtube.com/@rethinkingre
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10+ Spine-Chilling Haunted Spots in Tacoma to Explore This Halloween
As Halloween approaches, there's no better time to explore the haunted history and eerie charm of our local landmarks. One such place is the Old Tacoma City Hall, a building steeped in both history and mystery. Built in 1893, this former government headquarters may have fallen into disrepair, but it remains very much alive—at least in the realm of the supernatural. The infamous spirit, Gus, has been known to cause quite a stir, from flipping lights to breaking wine bottles, making the Old City Hall a must-visit for those who love a good ghost story. As you embrace the haunted history of Tacoma, why not take your Halloween plans up a notch? This season, the city is buzzing with spooky events perfect for all ages. From haunted house tours to family-friendly trick-or-treating events, there's something for everyone looking to get into the Halloween spirit. 1. Fright House Station One of the most popular haunted houses in the area, Fright House Station offers multiple haunted attractions all under one roof. Prepare to scream your way through this terrifying, immersive experience that’s perfect for adults and older kids who love a good scare. Location: 626 E 25th St, TacomaDates: Open weekends through October 2. Hoot and Howl Guests can stroll along Northwest Trek’s illuminated animal paths, searching for all eight trick-or-treat stations while enjoying festive games like pumpkin checkers and tic-tac-toe. Don’t forget to snap some spooky photos along the way! Keep your ears open for nighttime animal sounds (did you catch that howl?) and meet the barn owl, raccoons, or beavers along with their keepers. Location: NW Trek 11610 Trek Dr E EatonvilleDates: October 25-26, 2024 5:00-9:00pm 3. Haunted Hike at Point Defiance Park Visitors to Point Defiance Park often report eerie encounters with the ghost of Jennifer Bastian, a fourteen-year-old girl who tragically went missing in 1986. Her body was later found near the main road of Five Mile Drive. Many believe her restless spirit still lingers, appearing at night alongside her bike. Witnesses claim to have seen her with hollow eye sockets and a chilling smile as she gazes at those who pass by. For a spine-tingling experience, join a guided hike through the haunted woods of Point Defiance Park, where the ghostly tales and spooky legends of the Pacific Northwest come alive. It's the perfect way to soak in the crisp fall air while enjoying a few well-timed frights! Location: Point Defiance Park, TacomaDates: Fri.-Sun., Oct. 16-Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 4. LeMay Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Take a Halloween trunk or treat tour around the Historical Marymount Campus with over 50 trunk hosts each year kids come to enjoy a safe and unique way to trick-or-treat as they work their way from car to car around our campus. Decorated in themes ranging from “Mad Scientist” to “Charlie Brown Halloween,” this event is one that both children and adults will look forward to. Location: 325 152nd St E, TacomaDate: October 26 1:00-3:00 5. The Haunted Woods at Maris Farms Venture to Maris Farms in nearby Buckley for a haunted corn maze and creepy farm experience that’s sure to give you goosebumps. If you’re looking for a real scare, this attraction is packed with live actors, special effects, and plenty of terrifying surprises. If nothing else, you gotta check out their video preview of the event here. Wow! Location: 24713 Sumner Buckley Hwy, BuckleyDates: Weekends through October 6. Rocky Horror Picture Show at Blue Mouse Theatre For fans of cult classics, catch a live screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Blue Mouse Theatre. Join in with fellow fans in this interactive showing, where costumes are highly encouraged. Location: 2611 N Proctor St, TacomaDates: October 28 & 31 7. Halloween Pub Crawl – Tacoma Downtown For adults looking for a lively night out, the Tacoma Halloween Pub Crawl is a fun way to celebrate. Dress up in your best costume and enjoy special drinks, themed parties, and plenty of entertainment across multiple bars. Location: Various locations in downtown TacomaDate: October 28 8. Halloween Glow Golf Show up in costume and score an exclusive goodie bag filled with candy and wearable Halloween surprises. Bring your friends for a frightfully fun 9-hole golf adventure at Meadow Park, Tacoma. Tee off with glowing golf balls while you sip on devilishly delicious drinks from the bar. This is one Halloween experience you won’t want to miss—tricks, treats, and a whole lot of fun await! Location: Meadow Park Golf CourseDates: Fri-Su October 31, 10:00 am-3 pm 9. Tacoma Ghost Tours Explore the haunted history of downtown Tacoma with this 90 min guided ghost tour. Learn about the city’s eerie past, including haunted hotels, ghostly sightings, and mysterious deaths, as you walk through Tacoma’s streets and historic buildings. Location: Tours start at Pantages Theater, TacomaDates: Offered nightly through October 10. Sumner Street of Treats Bring your children to Historic Downtown Sumner for a night of Trick or Treating. This annual event is sponsored by the downtown merchants and is open to all children. The City even closes the street for the safety of the kids who will be celebrating along the main street as they show off their costumes and receive treats from the merchants. Location: Main Street SumnerDate: October 31 4:00p,-7:00 pm Bonus #11: You know Rethinking Real Estate always gives you more than you expect. 11. My Haunted Forest Nestled in the heart of Washington State, My Haunted Forest is more than just a Halloween event – it’s an immersive medieval experience that combines thrilling entertainment with a deep commitment to community and inclusivity. Established eight years ago, My Haunted Forest has grown to become one of the region’s most anticipated and spine-chilling attractions. From heart-pounding scares to breathtaking special effects, My Haunted Forest promises an adrenaline-pumping experience. Our attractions are designed to leave you breathless and eager for more, with a mix of new characters and classic frights steeped in medieval lore to keep you on your toes. Location: 17616 S. Vaughn Rd NW, Vaughn, WADate: Oct. 1-30 💡 Curious about more homeownership tips? Follow us at Rethinking Real Estate for insights and advice that keeps you informed! We have more blog posts at https://rethinkingre.com/blog or go to our youtube channel at https://youtube.com/@rethinkingre
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Why Skipping a Well Test Could Cost You: A Real-Life Tale of Water Woes and Solutions
At Rethinking Real Estate, we’re all about making sure your home is safe and secure, and that includes the water you drink! If your property relies on a private well, it's essential to regularly test your water to ensure it’s free of contaminants. Why Well Testing Matters Protecting Your Health: Contaminants like coliform bacteria, nitrates, and even arsenic can be present in your well water without any noticeable signs. Since these contaminants can lead to serious health issues, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, annual testing is highly recommended. Water quality can fluctuate based on various factors, so testing regularly ensures you’re drinking safe water. Ensuring Adequate Water Flow: Besides testing for contaminants, it’s also important to check the well's water flow, particularly if you plan to use the water for more than household needs. If you're planning to raise animals or use the well for irrigation, a flow test can determine if your well produces enough water to meet your requirements. How to Test Your Well Water In Washington State, private well owners are responsible for testing their own water. There are two primary water testing options available on the market today: At-home test stripsAt-home, do-it-yourself water testing kits are popular thanks to their low cost and rapid results. You can find dozens of them for sale on Amazon. But while you’ll have your results shortly after taking your samples, what you’ll see will be limited in both accuracy and information (there’s a reason professional lab equipment costs millions of dollars). Laboratory test kits. Laboratory water testing kits are more expensive and require waiting several days for results. But those results are far more accurate and comprehensive. Contact a Certified Lab: If you decide to go the Lab Kit method, then you need to find a certified laboratory that can handle the testing. In Washington, there are many state-accredited labs that can analyze your water for common contaminants like coliform bacteria, nitrates, and arsenic. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. Inspectors: Some home inspectors can also test the well water if you are buying a new home, so ask how they test (Lab vs Strip) and what the cost is. You also want to know which Lab they are sending it to. Collecting the Sample: The lab will provide instructions and the necessary materials for collecting a water sample. Follow the directions carefully, as improper sampling can affect the results. The time of day you collect your water sample can also impact your results.Certain plumbing-dependent metals like lead are most likely to show up after water has sat in the pipes overnight. For sampling bottles labeled for metals testing, you may choose to collect them first thing in the morning. This is generally called a “First Draw Sample.”Dissolved gasses and other VOCs are more likely to diffuse out of the water if they sit in the plumbing for a long time. To capture whether your water has VOCs (or radon) it’s often better to let the water run for a few minutes first. Testing for Flow: If you're concerned about water pressure or flow, this test involves running the water continuously to observe if the well can maintain steady pressure. It's especially crucial for properties with higher water needs, such as farms or homes with large gardens. Review the Results: The lab will provide a report detailing whether the water meets safe drinking standards and if any further action is necessary. If contaminants are detected, treatment options like filtration or shock chlorination may be required. A Recent Client’s Story Water testing may seem like an unnecessary expense when buying a rural property, but skipping it can lead to much bigger problems down the road. Recently, we worked with a client purchasing a rural property with a private well. Since they planned to keep animals, we strongly recommended conducting not only a water quality test but also a flow test. The client was initially hesitant, considering the $450 cost. However, after explaining the importance of ensuring both water safety and the well’s flow capacity, they decided it was worth the investment. What the tests revealed was eye-opening. After just a few minutes of running, the well lost half its pressure, and the water turned slightly brown—an indication of potential issues. This could have easily been missed if they hadn't performed the tests. Now, we're helping the client explore the costs and process of installing a new well, which can be quite an undertaking. In this specific area, wells typically need to be drilled between 150 and 400 feet to reach a reliable water source. For this client, the estimated cost for a new well is around $15,000. That’s a hefty price tag, and it’s certainly not a surprise anyone wants after closing on their dream property. The takeaway? The cost of water testing pales in comparison to the potential expenses—and headaches—of discovering well issues after the purchase. Testing is an essential step to protect your investment and ensure the property can meet your needs, especially in rural areas with private wells. When Should You Test? Annually for Quality: At least once a year, test for coliform bacteria and nitrates. If you live in an area with known arsenic contamination, test for that as well. After Major Events: If there’s been flooding, nearby construction, or you’ve made repairs to your well system, it’s a good idea to test the water immediately afterward. During Property Transactions: If you’re buying or selling a property with a private well, water testing is typically required as part of the sale process to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Why Invest in Testing? We get it testing may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it's a critical part of ensuring the safety and functionality of your home’s water system. Whether you're dealing with unexpected issues like our recent client or ensuring your water is safe to drink, a small upfront cost can save you from much larger problems down the road. 💡 Curious about more homeownership tips? Follow us at Rethinking Real Estate for insights and advice that keeps you informed! We have more blog posts at https://rethinkingre.com/blog or go to our youtube channel at https://youtube.com/@rethinkingre
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The Book
On Real Estate Word Puzzles
Rethinking Real Estate LLC
We see home ownership as a cornerstone of generational wealth and a unique journey for everyone. Through tailored guidance and education, we empower every client, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and support needed to to find their perfect fit.
REVIEWS
In the realm of customer service, Donnie And Suzie stand above the crowd. They do more than just “sell a house”, They ensure that you find your home. They worked hard to understand what it is we were looking for And to meet those needs in a way that was so much more than just a business transaction. Their approach to real estate is very refreshing in a world of gathering basic information and throwing a list at you. Do yourself a favor and give them a call. You won’t be disappointed.
