Puget Sound Veteran Real Estate Pro

05/17/2026

🇺🇸 Off to tour new construction homes with my veteran client here in the Puget Sound area… and honestly, helping fellow service members never stops being rewarding.

There’s something deeply meaningful about helping military families achieve homeownership… especially here near JBLM and throughout Western Washington.

As a real estate broker and veteran, specializing in VA home loans isn’t just part of my business… it’s personal.

Too many veterans and active-duty families don’t realize the powerful benefits they’ve earned:

🇺🇸 Zero down payment options
🇺🇸 No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
🇺🇸 Competitive interest rates
🇺🇸 Flexible qualification guidelines

A VA loan can truly be a game changer… but having the right team matters. From timelines and inspections to appraisals and negotiations, military moves require strategy, communication, and experience.

Whether you’re PCSing to JBLM, buying your first home, upgrading for more space, or finally using the VA benefit you earned years ago… I’m here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.

Serving those who served our country is an honor I never take lightly.

If you’re Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Retired, or a Veteran thinking about buying in the Puget Sound region, my inbox is always open.

05/16/2026

05/05/2026

**Buyer Tips for Lewis and Thurston County… more inventory is helping, but preparation still wins.**

If you’re thinking about buying in Lewis or Thurston County right now, the good news is that buyers have more choices than they did a year ago. In **March 2026**, active listings rose to **610** in Thurston County, up **30.34%** year over year, and to **314** in Lewis County, up **12.14%** year over year. Thurston had **2.09 months of inventory**, while Lewis had **4.69 months**. ([Northwest Multiple Listing Service][1])

What that means in real life…

In **Thurston County**, the market is still relatively competitive. Good homes that are priced well can move quickly, so buyers need to be ready when the right opportunity shows up. In **Lewis County**, there is generally a little more breathing room, which can create better opportunities to compare homes, negotiate terms, and stay disciplined. ([Northwest Multiple Listing Service][1])

Another factor buyers need to keep in mind is financing. Freddie Mac reported the average **30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.30%** on **April 30, 2026**. Rates are still much lower than the peaks buyers were dealing with before, but they remain high enough that your monthly payment matters just as much as your purchase price. ([Freddie Mac][2])

My advice for buyers right now is simple…

Get fully pre-approved before you start seriously shopping.
Know the monthly payment that feels comfortable for your household… not just the maximum amount a lender says you can borrow.
Separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves.
And do not assume every home will turn into a bidding war.

Across the broader NWMLS market, inventory was up **29.3% year over year** in March 2026 while sales were largely unchanged, which is another sign that buyers may have more room to be thoughtful and strategic than they did last spring. ([Northwest Multiple Listing Service][3])

This is a market where smart buyers can still do very well… but the edge goes to the buyers who are prepared, informed, and clear on their numbers before they make a move.

If you’re thinking about buying in Lewis or Thurston County and want a strategy that fits your goals, reach out. I’d be happy to help you map out the next step.

[1]: https://www.nwmls.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Breakouts_Thurston-March2026.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Breakouts: THURSTON MAP AREAS Northwest Multiple Listing Service ..."
[2]: https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mortgage-rates-average-630?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Mortgage Rates Average 6.30% | Freddie Mac"
[3]: https://www.nwmls.com/inventory-jumps-29-as-rising-mortgage-rates-stall-sales/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Inventory Jumps 29% as Rising Mortgage Rates Stall Sales"

04/14/2026

VA buyer tip for the JBLM community…

If you’re stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and thinking about buying in the surrounding area, one of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until the “perfect” time instead of getting a real strategy in place.

A VA-backed home loan can be a powerful benefit. The VA says nearly 90% of VA-backed loans are made with no down payment, and for eligible buyers with full entitlement, there are no VA loan limits. The VA also notes that the funding fee may be waived for some eligible borrowers, including many veterans receiving disability compensation. (Veterans Affairs)

That said… using your VA benefit well is about more than just zero down.

For JBLM buyers, the real strategy is knowing:
• how far you want to commute
• which areas fit your budget and lifestyle
• how long you expect to stay in the home
• and how to structure a strong offer without overpaying

For some buyers, that might mean looking closer to base for convenience. For others, it may mean heading a little farther out for more space, different home styles, or a better monthly payment fit.

My advice?

Get your Certificate of Eligibility lined up early, work with a lender who truly understands VA financing, and build your home search around your payment comfort zone… not just the maximum number on paper. The VA’s home-buying guidance also emphasizes starting with eligibility, your COE, and a clear financing plan before you shop. (Veterans Affairs)

The buyers who do best are usually the ones who understand both the benefit and the local market.

If you’re buying around JBLM and want a strategy built around your VA loan benefit, commute, and long-term goals, reach out. I’d be happy to help.

04/13/2026

Waiting for rates to drop could cost you more than buying now…

Yes… interest rates matter.

But so do home prices.
So does competition.
So does the amount of equity you are missing while you sit on the sidelines.

Here’s the truth…

Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the record lows we saw a few years ago, but they are not historically unusual. Buyers have purchased homes through much higher rate environments for decades. And while many people are waiting for the “perfect” rate, home prices have continued to rise.

That means if rates drop later, you may not be shopping in the same price range anymore.

A lower rate on a more expensive home does not always create a better deal.
And if rates do come down, more buyers usually jump back into the market… which can increase competition, create multiple-offer situations, and push prices even higher.

The better question is not…
“What if rates fall?”

It is…
“Does buying now make sense for my budget, goals, and timeline?”

Because if the payment works today, the home fits your needs, and the numbers make sense, buying now can put you in a position to start building equity now… and refinance later if the opportunity comes.

Date the rate…
Marry the house…
Build the wealth.

If you want to know whether buying now or waiting is the smarter move for your situation, send me a message and I’ll help you run the numbers.

03/09/2026

70 N Rim view Place, Hoodsport, WA 98548
MLS #: 2488183

https://hollandhomegroup.com/70-n-rim-view-pl

Welcome to your Pacific Northwest escape at Lake Cushman… where towering evergreens, fresh mountain air, and endless recreation create the ultimate vacation lifestyle. Located in the highly sought-after Lake Cushman community, this beautifully positioned home offers the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and adventure. Whether you're searching for a weekend retreat, full-time residence, or high-demand vacation rental, this property delivers versatility and long-term value.Listed as a 2-bedroom home due to septic capacity, the flexible floor plan includes additional finished rooms ideal for guest space, home offices, or hobbies. The lower level features a spacious rec room perfect for game nights or movie marathons, plus a generous bonus room adding even more usable space. Large windows invite natural light and capture the serene wooded surroundings.For investors, strong demand for short-term and seasonal rentals in this destination community presents a compelling opportunity. Buyers seeking a vacation home that can help offset ownership costs through rental income will appreciate the flexible layout, amenities, and lifestyle appeal.

View photos and detailed information for 70 N Rim view PL, Hoodsport, WA 98548 - Northwest MLS (NWMLS), MLS #2488183, don't miss your chance to own this hot property!

03/08/2026

Helping veterans navigate the home buying & selling process! Specializing in PCS moves, investing and using your VA loan.

12/07/2025

🇺🇸 Why Working with a Veteran Feels Different 🇺🇸

When you’ve worn the uniform, you understand more than just discipline…
you understand mission, communication, and taking care of your people.

That’s exactly how I approach serving my military community in real estate.

✨ Clear, direct communication
✨ Calm under pressure during negotiations
✨ Strategic planning around PCS timelines
✨ A shared sense of mission… getting you home smoothly

Whether you’re Active Duty, Retired, Guard, Reserve, or a Veteran starting your next chapter, you deserve someone who speaks your language and understands the realities of military life… because they’ve lived it.

If you’re PCSing to or from JBLM, thinking about using your VA loan, or exploring your first home purchase, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

📲 Send me a message anytime…
Your mission is my mission.

10/25/2024

Looking for VA and FHA financeable homes under $350K? Here is a list of all homes in Lewis, Cowlitz, Thurston and Mason Counties. Contact me if you see a home you would like to call Home!

09/12/2024

Mortgage rates fall to lowest level in over 18 months

08/27/2024

Massive price reduction on this wonderful Hiawatha home! Motivated seller.....Please share!

702 E Hiawatha Boulevard, Shelton, WA 98584
$450,000
3bd
2ba
1,522sqft
Richard Beckman Rlty Group LLC
Source: Northwest MLS

https://www.darinholland.com/idx/listing/featured/303109127/702-E-Hiawatha-Boulevard-Shelton-WA-98584