In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about The Fish Peddler in Tacoma, WA.

Community Recommendation: The Fish Peddler Restaurant

The Fish Peddler is one of the premier seafood joints in Pierce County. It is located right off of Dock Street in Tacoma. The Fish Peddler serves the highest quality seafood and proteins available. Their parent company, Pacific Seafood Group ensures that! “Any fresher we would be under water!” They serve lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Chef Sean Sullivan has created a personal and curated menu for your enjoyment. The Fish Peddler really gives you a taste of the Pacific Northwest! From their phenomenal clam chowder to their delicious Dungeness Crab Mac n Cheese, there is sure to be something for all types of guests.

Here’s what others have to say about The Fish Peddler:

GREAT service! Really good food! We went in with a group of 11 on a super busy night. The staff kept us informed of time it would take to be say and the menu items that were 86’d. Our waitress was very kind and took her time with us. She brought the kids food early so they were kept entertained! From drinks to dinner to dessert everything was TASTY! -Kristin

So good, better than good. I love that they have many fresh options, not just a menu full of fried foods. Staff was friendly and helpful, worked together as a team. everything was out of this world! -Sonda

We had the BEST experience at dinner last night. First time at the fish peddler and everything was great. We had the Manhattan chowder to start, spicy crab boil for dinner and the bread pudding for dessert. I truly can’t wait to go back. Come for the food stay for the people!!! The service was amazing (I think her name was Patricia) We will be back 10/10. -Amber

You might also like: Community Recommendation Series: Ryan’s Place

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Ryan’s Place in Sumner, WA.

Community Recommendation Series: Ryan’s Place

Ryan’s Place is a sports bar in Sumner with arguably the best view and the best staff around. Their mission is to offer a home away from home and they definitely do that. Ryan’s Place is also a huge partner in Pierce County and they make it a priority to host many local events. Recently, Ryan’s Place hosted our VAREP Poker Run where we raised the most money and had the highest attendance of any Poker Run to date. Now, to get to their delicious food. I love that they serve a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and wings for lunch/dinner but also have omelettes, pancakes, and bacon for breakfast. Great food, amazing service, and a stunning view… Ryan’s Place is a must try!

I love this place it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious pizza and drinks. Never have to wait for a table. This restaurant feels more like a family always welcoming and the employees love to have a conversation with you. -Nataliya

Had a great experience here for the first time. Bartender ladies were really kind and attentive. She forgot my drink and kindly took it off our tab. My husband and I ordered the Wings naked and then tossed in the hot sauce. Very good and crispy. We shared the Italian pizza which was really good too. We will definitely be back! -Tiffany

Went here for lunch, was cleaner than the previous owners. We had a bbq chicken pizza and honesty my husband and I are pizza snobs and I was pleasantly surprised! The man-mosa PSA: will knock you on your butt. Had a drink called Green Tea was really good! FYI if you were a BLT fan (Bonney Lake Tavern), the owner is from BLT and has the famous pressure cooker with the most delicious drumsticks! Give them a shot, you won’t be disappointed! It’s not your typical “bar food” it’s much better! -Alisha

You might also like: Community Recommendation Series: Blue Max Meats

It wasn’t so long ago that everyone thought millennials would never buy homes. With overwhelming student debt, an inadequate savings account, and average credit scores, millennials were often looked over as a prominent home buying generation. But, in 2021, millennials have passed up baby boomers and Gen Xers for the sixth year in a row! If you aspire to be one of the many millennial homebuyers in 2021, here are four things to make that dream come true.

Tips For Millennial Homebuyers

Pay off Major Debts

One of the largest hurdles for millennial homebuyers is student loans. Over 44 million Americans are paying off student loan debt. Since buying a home is likely the most expensive investment you’ll ever make, it’s best to be as close to debt free as you can. If paying off your loans is not possible in the next decade, then it’s best to get on a budget and manage your monthly payments, seeing how much room you’ll have for an incoming mortgage payment as well as a down payment. A mortgage lender can tell you how to get on track with your payments before buying a home.

Down Payments

Most of us don’t pay cash for our first home, so buying a home requires a down payment. Having a strong down payment can help lower your interest rate as well as pay off your entire mortgage faster. While 10-20% down is ideal, some loan types – such as FHA – require as little as 3.5% down. The catch with a lower down payment is the additional requirement of mortgage insurance added to your monthly mortgage payment. If you feel overwhelmed saving for a down payment, you’re not alone. Some millennials need more than seven years to save for a down payment, so don’t feel bad if it takes time.

Affordable House in a Seller’s Market

A big challenge millennial homebuyers face is the rising value of homes. It’s best to be patient and to not give in to the temptation to stretch your dollars and buy a home that’s out of your price range. No home is worth sacrificing your retirement or your kid’s college fund! That’s why it’s best to find an affordable house in a seller’s market. It may require some renovation, but at least you won’t be struggling to make your mortgage payment each month.

Know the Buying Process

One of the best things you can do as a millennial homebuyer is to get familiar with the buying process. Working with experts who know what they’re doing (agent, lender) will likely result in a seamless process that’s enjoyable and exciting for you and for them! Remember, a good agent and lender is more concerned about your bank account, not theirs. Being confident and knowledgeable about the home buying process will help you move faster on the road to closing on a home.

You may also like: 4 Simple Ways to Save for a Down Payment

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Alyssa Bailey Photography in Puyallup, WA.

Community Recommendation Series: Alyssa Bailey Photography

Tis the season for family photos! While anyone can take a family selfie with their cell phone, it takes a talented photographer with professional experience and equipment to snap a natural and frame worthy family portrait. I’ve known Alyssa Bailey for many years and she just keeps getting better and better! I am constantly amazed at the beauty of her photography and have used her for my family photos in the past. She’s warm, personal, and helps bring out the fun and sweet side of the people she’s photographing. And on top of everything, she offers family, kids, maternity, newborn, and senior photos – talk about doing it all!

Here’s what people have to say about working with Alyssa Bailey Photography:

“Alyssa made this session so much fun! Thank your for capturing my crazy family!” – Jessica

“I am so in love with the photographs by Alyssa Bailey! She did an absolute amazing job at both taking them and making us feel comfortable and making it fun, and also editing them and making them even more beautiful. She is awesome and we are so thankful!” – Jackie

“Alyssa has a natural gift as a photographer. Her pictures are magazine perfect!” – Kim

“I cannot even see to type, crying my eyes out I love them SO much.” – Robin

As you can see, Alyssa’s customers love her and her work so much. Pictures capture a moment in time, and when done at a professional level, can be a person’s most treasured piece of art in their home. You can reach Alyssa Bailey Photography at her Facebook Business Page, or emailing her at alyssabailey1130@gmail.com.

You may also like: Community Recommendation: Pour Me Bar & Bistro

The Seattle-Tacoma housing market continues to be attractive for home buyers. However, you need to consider if now is the right time for you to jump into home ownership. Just because your friends and family all own homes, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a financially smart decision for you to. Here are 4 signs you’re ready to buy a home.

4 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

No more debt

One of the top signs you’re ready to buy a home is that you no longer have debt. You have eliminated credit card debt as well as your car payment and you’re now banking more each month. The extra cash flow that is no longer going toward your monthly debt can cover home owner expenses such as property tax, homeowner’s insurance, repairs, and furnishings. Considering the down payment is the top hurdle for most home buyers, the extra cash can cover that expense as well.

Credit score

If you’ve been watching your credit report and taking actions to improve your score, now could be the time to buy a home. Since your credit score is one of the most important factors in qualifying for a home loan, a higher score could land you a higher loan amount. With a higher credit score comes a lower interest rate, which ultimately means a lower monthly mortgage payment and less money over time.

Thought about all the monthly expenses

With owning a home comes many monthly expenses outside of your mortgage. Utilities, property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance bills are all costs you have to budget for. If you have done the research to include a ballpark estimate of all of these expenses and you’re comfortable with the outflow, it’s one of the best signs you are ready to buy a home.

Ready to settle down

Unless you’re in the house flipping business, your home is a long term investment. It’s best to plan to stay in a home for at least five years. If you’re just starting a family and need a certain number of bedrooms and outdoor space, it may be a wise decision to look into buying a home since renting an apartment of that size could cost as much or more. Additionally, if you have dreams of making your house a home, with personalized renovations and décor, owning a home may be right for you.

You may also like: Financial Benefits of Owning a Home

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar in Eatonville, WA.

Community Recommendation: Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar

Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar is located at the foothills of Mt. Rainier and gives off a warm family feel right when you enter the restaurant. When the co-owners adopted Bruno the dog from the Humane Society, they wanted to share his love for everyone by opening a restaurant that was perfect for Eatonville locals. Serving hearty American comfort food, Bruno’s is the perfect place to recharge. For a tail-wagging good time and amazing food, there’s no place better. One of my favorite features of Bruno’s is that they are dog friendly inside of the restaurant so you can dine with your pup at your feet, and meet new pups as well. The chowder, chicken friend steak, and homemade pies are must haves when you stop in!

Here’s what people have to say about Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar:

We had a wonderful dinner today! The 2 lb clams were wonderful, the beers were great, and the fish and chips, along with the chicken-fried steak, were delicious as usual. Best of all, our server Makai was outstanding! If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop on by for a down-to-earth dining experience 😋

-Ruth

This place and staying at the motel next door was definitely small town hospitality at its best. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and great food whats not to love? This is going to be one of my new go to places when staying over when doing hikes on Mt. Rainier and to tired to drive home.

-Eric

Amazing food (best chicken fried steak ever!), fabulous friendly service and we got to dine with our dog at our feet, her own bowl of water and a puppy burger served as well as we enjoyed the patio with others. She even made another Sheltie friend! Can’t recommend enough. We have made it our go to after going to Mt Rainier just to have green beans and fresh pie!

-Serenity

You may also like: Community Recommendation: Deep Root Farm in Puyallup, WA

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Deep Root Farm in Puyallup, WA.

Community Recommendation: Deep Root Farm in Puyallup, WA

With a name like Deep Root Farm, you would imagine that this company has fresh, local, and delicious food. This is beyond true! Every single person I talk to that has tried Deep Root has been blown away (including myself) and has told everyone they know to try this place! Deep Root has a variety of products from hydroponic micro-greens to baked goods. Deep Root is best known for their Amish bread and famous cinnamon rolls. Impress everyone at your next brunch with fresh scones and homemade jam. One of the best parts about this company is the owner – Monica Flores. She is so passionate about her business and it shows in every delicious decadent loaf of bread that she bakes. It’s one thing to sell good products, but it’s another to build relationships with every customer!

Here’s what others have to say about Deep Root Farm:

Her Amish breads are one of the best breads we have had, especially the garlic and herb one. We almost finish the entire loaf at dinner, and did I mention, they are huge. They are such a steal! Customer service are super friendly and great, too. We can’t wait to order more. You rock, Monica. -Nickie

I picked up my first order today and I’m in big trouble! Her rolls almost didn’t make it home. I ate 3 in the car. It’s only an 8 minute drive! Soft, light, buttery. Best thing that’s been in my mouth in a long time! Bread is gorgeous and we may have dessert before dinner. The cinnamon rolls are calling my name! Cornbread is beautiful! She is one of the nicest people I have met in a long time! We’re going to have a long, yummy friendship! Thanks so much!!! -Iris

Monica puts her heart and soul into everything she bakes and it definitely shows. If you haven’t tried her cinnamon rolls or fresh made dinner rolls, you’re missing out! They are absolutely the best I’ve ever had. Thank you Monica, I can’t wait to place another order soon!! -Nicole

You may also like: Community Recommendation: Bertoglio’s Pizza in Yelm, WA

 

In this series, I highlight the businesses I like to refer to my friends, family, home buyers and sellers in the Pierce County area. This month I’m talking about Bertoglio’s Pizza in Yelm, WA.

Community Recommendation: Bertoglio’s Pizza in Yelm, WA

Really great pizza places are hard to come by, but if you’re in the Yelm area, you’re lucky to have a gem right in your neighborhood! Bertoglio’s Pizza is a deliciously wonderful restaurant! The combination of high quality ingredients and top notch customer service makes this pizzeria a family favorite. Bergoglio’s Pizza has an extensive gluten free menu which includes cauliflower crust options. They also offer take and bake pizzas which is unique since you don’t really get that option with most pizza places. This is a great place for a date night, a casual weekend lunch joint, or a Sunday family dinner – especially in the summer months!

See what others have to say about Bertoglio’s Pizza:

“This is the BEST pizza I have probably ever had in my life. I have never had a pizza where everything about it is up to par and on the same level of excellence!! The pizza sauce is one of a kind, as well as their crust. Our favorite is the Canadian Bacon Pineapple Pizza – the pineapples are HUGE!! Definitely a summer favorite and our first choice when we want pizza!! So happy they are here!” – Longview

“The owner was very friendly and we could tell he took pride in his pizza, using quality ingredients. We ordered 2 pizzas: BBQ vegan chicken with pineapple and vegan cheese, and the second was vegan beef crumbles with black olives, mushrooms, and vegan cheese. Our family of 5 loved them! The BBQ was my favorite. If this place didn’t serve vegan pizza, I don’t know what we would have ended up eating. So thankful for this place!” – Christine

You may also like – Community Recommendation: Crockett’s Public House

There are many benefits of owning a home – personalization, community, and ability to make it your own. One of the often-overlooked benefits of owning a home is the equity you build over time. Here are 3 benefits of growing equity in your home.

3 Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home

What is home equity?

First off, let’s take a look at what home equity is, and how it affects you as a home owner. Home equity is the portion of your home that you truly own – the difference between the home’s fair market value and the outstanding balance of all liens on the property. Home equity is also known as real property value. The average home increases between 3% and 5% in equity per year.

Move up opportunity

One of the biggest benefits of growing equity in your home is the move up opportunity. With the rise in prices, homeowners naturally experience an increase in home equity. This increase allows them to put this money down toward a larger house to fit their family’s needs in the future. For example, if a family puts down $55,000 into the house, and the house has increased in value by $10,000, then the family’s home equity is really $65,000. When you buy your first home, the down payment is often times one of the largest hurdles to overcome. When you buy your second and third homes, you’re able to use your home equity toward the down payment of the new home, granted the market is healthy.

Gain in seller’s profit

In today’s market, when a home buyer looks at the amount paid when they bought their home and then the amount they received after selling, it’s clear that some homeowners were able to walk away with a large gain. A seller’s profit is jumping fast compared to over the last few years.

Out of a negative equity situation

Negative equity occurs when there is a decline in home value, an increase in mortgage debt, or both. Often times home owners see this situation when the housing market crashes and their area’s home values decrease. Many families experienced these challenges over the last decade. The good news is many families have moved beyond a negative equity situation since the market has recovered and they are able to use the growing equity in their home to get out of their negative situation.

You may also like: 4 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

While yes we all have the dream to decorate every inch of our home for the holidays, time and money don’t always allow that to happen. You’ve still go shopping and wrapping to do, not to mention your everyday life to live. Here are 4 ways to simply decorate for the holidays with a big impact.

How to Simply Decorate For The Holidays

Target The Tree

Your Christmas tree will be the center of attention in your home, so it makes sense to spend time and energy into nicely decorating it. For an easy, simple look, go with a monochromatic color scheme. This could mean a white flocked tree with crème and blush ornaments, or a green tree with silver ornaments and garland. Using a monochromatic scheme also coordinates with any room décor which eliminates the worry of balancing a color palette.

Mantle Magic

Simply decorating your mantle can complement the tree and bring holiday cheer. Choose a statement making garland to drape across the mantle. A good tip is to coordinate with the type of tree you’ve chosen, so if you have a flocked tree then go with a flocked garland. Then add some candles on the mantle to light at night, giving your fireplace a warm white color. Keeping the mantle simple will add elegance without having to spend a bunch of extra money on knick knacks.

Table Top

Focusing on the table top is key in simply decorating for the holidays. The holidays are a prime time for entertaining, so you want to make the gathering dining area festive. Adding another garland to your table as a table runner can do wondering for adding the seasonal flair to your table. Then you can add candles or ornaments along the garland to bring in the extra pop of color.

Front Porch

The front porch is visible by your guests as well as any car driving by. Consider adding a simple wreath to your door and some lights to your home. Adding décor that is visible in the day and night will serve as dual purpose. Additionally, if you’ve chosen to go with a monochromatic color scheme inside your home, consider going with a monochromatic color scheme outside as well. So, if you have a flocked tree inside, add some white lights to the outside of your home to tie your décor all together. This will also maintain the simple yet elegant décor feel to your home.

You may also like: 5 Simple Ways to Decorate Your PNW Backyard