Dan Benz, Your Neighborhood Realtor

06/05/2026

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel high. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below!

06/02/2026

Thinking about selling your home off-market or as a private listing?
Before you do, consider this:
- A 2025 Zillow study found that homes sold off the MLS sold for a median of 1.5% less nationally, or about $4,975 less per sale. In some markets, the difference was much larger, with California sellers giving up more than $30,000 on average. (Zillow)
- A study by Bright MLS found that homes exposed to the MLS sold for an average of 17.5% more than off-market properties between 2019 and early 2023. (Realtor.com)

The more buyers who see your home, the better your chances of getting the highest price and best terms!
When a property is only marketed to a small group of buyers, you're limiting competition. And less competition can mean fewer offers, less negotiating power, and potentially leaving money on the table.
The goal isn't just to sell your home. It's to expose it to the entire market so every qualified buyer has a chance to compete for it.
That's how you create demand. And demand is what drives stronger results for sellers.
Before deciding to sell privately, make sure you understand what you may be giving up.
Want to know the pros and cons of both approaches? Let's talk.

05/26/2026

Attention Veterans! 👇
Here's What Most Veterans Don't Know About Their VA Home Loan Benefit

What Most Veterans Don't Know About Their VA Home Loan Benefit

Nearly half of Veterans (49%) feel homeownership is currently out of reach, according to a recent survey from NewDay USA.

But many are closer than they think. And you might be, too.

If you’re a Veteran, you probably know the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan benefit exists – it's been around for over 80 years. What you might not know is what it actually covers. Three misconceptions trip up Veterans the most (see graph below):

Any one of those beliefs could be holding you back. Let’s walk through all three, so you have the information you really need.

You May Not Have To Put Any Money DownThe potential to put zero money down is probably the biggest perk of a VA loan, but most homebuyers don’t even realize that’s an option. According to the NewDay USA survey, many respondents guessed they’d need to save somewhere between $10,000 and $19,900 before they could buy. That’s years of saving for an upfront cost that isn’t always required.

You May Have Lower Closing CostsAccording to the Department of Veterans Affairs, with VA loans, there can be limits on the types of closing costs buyers have to pay. That means more money stays in your pocket on closing day – and you have less to save up for before you can buy. The benefit combined with the down payment perk can speed up your buying timeline.

Your Monthly PMI Costs Could Be $0Unlike many other loan options, VA loans typically don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI), even with low or no money down. If you take out a conventional loan instead, you could pay $100 to $300 a month in PMI until you hit 20% equity, according to NewDay USA. Over time, that’s a difference of thousands of dollars.

Your BAH & BAS May Help You Qualify for MoreIf you’re on active duty or if you’re a qualifying reservist, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) may count toward income qualification on a VA loan. So, if you were running the numbers without factoring your BAH or BAS in, you could qualify for more than you thought. Both BAH and BAS are non-taxable, so they can help raise the amount you can qualify for.

Bottom LineVA home loans can put homeownership within reach, and a trusted lender can help make sure you understand the details before you move forward.

If you’re active duty, you’ve served, or know someone who has, connect with a trusted lender who can walk you through whether you’d qualify and what the VA benefit offers. You may be able to buy a home sooner than you thought!

05/24/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice made possible the freedoms we often take for granted, and today we remember that freedom has never been free. As we spend time with family and friends this weekend, may we also take a quiet moment to reflect on those who gave everything—and the loved ones they left behind. We remember. 🇺🇸

05/15/2026

Pricing Strategy Update:

80% of homeowners still expect to get their asking price or more when they sell. But right now, only about 40% actually do.

That might sound surprising, but it’s not. It’s normal.

The issue is where those outdating pricing expectations are coming from.

Some sellers are still pricing high just to “see what happens.” And that strategy doesn’t work now that inventory has grown.

When a house is priced above where it should be today, buyers don’t negotiate. They move on to other options.

That’s when homes sit, and sellers have to slash prices – sometimes below what they could’ve gotten if they’d just priced right from the start.

That’s why the sellers getting the best results right now are doing something different.

They’re pricing at (or even slightly below) market value from day 1. Because that’s what creates demand early and puts you in a position to sell faster… and potentially for more.

So don’t price based on the past. Price for today’s market.

If you want to be part of the forty percent with a winning strategy, DM me.

05/13/2026

Check out my new listing!👇👇
2 bed, 1.5 bath, 1088 sf, 2-story Condo in Federal Way for $322,000! Amazing location, close to everything! Gated Trinidad South community.

This is PERFECT for first-time home buyers! It is FHA eligible too!

Here's the description:
Welcome to gated Trinidad South in the heart of Federal Way - where comfort, convenience, and location truly come together. This townhome-style condo lives like a single-family home with a bright, open-concept main floor, spacious great room, and cozy gas fireplace, making it perfect for everyday living and entertaining.Major updates are already done for you: newer deck, windows, slider, and washer & dryer (all just 2 years old). The primary bathroom has been beautifully remodeled, and all appliances stay - this home is truly move-in ready!Step outside to relax on your private deck or enjoy being just minutes from literally everything. You’re close to all kinds of shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Commons at Federal Way, everyday essentials at nearby Costco and Trader Joe's, plus countless restaurants, coffee shops, and many other services nearby.Commuters will love the easy access to the Federal Way Transit Center and Link Light Rail, connecting you to Seattle, Tacoma, and beyond.Low-maintenance living, smart updates, and a location that puts everything within reach. This is the one you’ve been waiting for!
Here's the Property Website with photo gallery:
https://danbenz.nexthomesouthsound.com/listing/21-2521262/1040-S-320th-Street-5?brand_id=1&asset_id=1353

05/12/2026

*Shared with permission of the Listing Broker*
Got invited to a great Broker Open House at this gorgeous listing on Snag Island (Lake Tapps) this afternoon. What a stunner! If you or somebody you know is ready for a forever and significant upgrade to your lifestyle in one of the most elegant and beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest, reach out to me and let's make it happen together!
"Welcome to Snag Island on beautiful Lake Tapps, where luxury meets unmatched privacy and waterfront living at its finest. Situated on one of the most secluded and serene lots on the lake, this extraordinary estate offers 287 feet of pristine Lake Tapps frontage with breathtaking views and resort-style amenities throughout. This stunning 4,468 sq ft custom home features 4 bedrooms, 3.25 baths, and a fully finished daylight basement designed for both elegant entertaining and comfortable everyday living. Expansive windows fill the home with natural light while showcasing the incredible waterfront setting. Outdoor living is elevated with an impressive 1,654 sq ft deck, covered dock, and your own private boat launch, creating the ultimate lakefront lifestyle. The meticulously landscaped grounds offer beauty and tranquility from every angle. Car enthusiasts and hobbyists will appreciate the attached 3-car garage plus an additional 1,066 sq ft detached garage with 180 sq ft of extra storage. Additional features include a heat pump for year-round comfort and the added peace of mind of guarded security access. Rarely does a property combine this level of luxury, privacy, and premier waterfront access on Lake Tapps. This is more than a home; it is an exclusive retreat"

This 4468 square feet Single Family home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It is located at 21421 Snag Island Drive E, Lake Tapps, WA.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there! 💐

05/07/2026

Hey Realtor friends—PCS season is almost here!

If you have military or VA buyers moving to the JBLM area, I’d love the opportunity to serve them at a high level. As a Veteran and local REALTOR® and Military Relocation Professional, I specialize in helping active duty clients navigate the move with clarity, strong communication, and a smooth process from start to finish. I also partner with some AMAZING local lenders that are highly knowledgeable and experienced in VA loans.

You can trust they’ll be taken care of like they’re my own people and I’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Let’s take great care of these families together. And of course, I’m always ready to return the favor 🤝

Dan Benz, REALTOR®, MRP