Sarah Eggleston - South King County Realtor

22/10/2026

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Renting can be a good fit for the right person with the right house, but it isn’t the only option. A smart sales strategy can help your house stand out to buyers from day one.

So, if you’re on the fence, let’s sit down and compare what selling and renting would each look like for you.



Sarah Eggleston | [email protected]

Selling your house is a big step, and you want it to go smoothly. And with houses taking a little longer to sell these days, renting it out might start to sound like a nice backup plan.

22/10/2026

Behind every home sale is a story.

Whether it’s needing more space, simplifying life, or starting a new chapter, homeowners in Covington and Black Diamond make moves for many different reasons.

Thinking about your next chapter? Let’s talk through your options. ⁣
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21/10/2026

Are home prices going up or down? It depends on where you look.

Over the past year, prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. In Seattle, they dipped about 1.6%. That’s a nearly 9-point gap between two major cities.

Look at little closer, though. Home prices are rising in 13 of the 19 major cities on this chart. And where prices are down, the dips are small (less than 2%).

So, this isn’t a crash. It’s just a market normalizing after overheating during the pandemic. And that’s hitting some areas differently than others.

Here’s what it really means. Your local market matters.

If you’re selling where prices are still rising, you may not need to cut your price. And if you’re buying where prices are softer, you may have more room to negotiate.

National headlines can’t tell you which side your neighborhood is on. Local data can. Let’s look at how prices are moving in your area, so you can set your price or...



Sarah Eggleston | [email protected]

21/10/2026

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about a third of major markets.

And nationally, the gap is pretty big. A newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less than an existing one.

Prices can look very different from one area to the next, though. So, what neighborhoods do you have your eye on? Let’s tour a new home and an existing one, and see how they compare.



Sarah Eggleston | [email protected]

21/10/2026

Once your home hits the market in Tacoma or Maple Valley, the process becomes about learning what buyers are responding to.

Strong strategy comes from paying attention, adjusting when needed, and staying focused on the goal.

Thinking about listing your home? Let’s discuss the process. ⁣
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20/10/2026

Buyers, this is big.

The housing market is giving you a level of negotiating power we haven't seen since the years following the housing crash.

According to Redfin, there are now 63% more sellers than buyers nationwide, and 41 of the 50 largest metros favor buyers. That means, in most places, you have more say in what you're willing to pay, what you're willing to accept, and what you want to negotiate.

And sellers have more reason to listen.

Of course this varies market to market, but this shift is creating opportunities for buyers who are ready to jump in – even with today’s higher rates.

DM me, and let's make sure you know how to take advantage of it.



Sarah Eggleston | [email protected]

20/10/2026

Saving for your first home? 🏡 Don’t forget, there’s more to budget for than just the down payment!

You’ll also want to plan for closing costs, inspections, appraisal fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and moving expenses.

Here’s the good news: depending on your loan program, the property, and the terms of the deal, seller concessions may help cover some eligible closing costs.

Instead of asking, “How much do I need for a down payment?” let’s look at the bigger picture and figure out what you may need to get the keys to your first home.

📩 Thinking about buying your first home in Washington? Send me a message, and let’s explore your options! ⁣
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19/10/2026

What if your first home isn't a house at all?

If you've been struggling to find a traditional single-family home that fits your budget, don't overlook condos.

According to Zillow, the typical starter condo costs under $200k nationally. Part of the reason they can be more affordable than a single-family home is because they’re normally smaller.

Sure, you may trade some square footage or a backyard for shared walls and an HOA fee. But you could also get a lower purchase price, great amenities, and less maintenance to handle yourself.

And if that means getting your own set of keys sooner, it could be an option worth exploring.

Your first home doesn't have to check every box you originally imagined. It just needs to be the right fit for your life and your budget right now.

Let's look at what's available in our area and see if a condo could be your way into homeownership.



Sarah Eggleston | [email protected]

19/10/2026

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

The first home you buy doesn't have to be a single-family house. If affordability has been holding you back, let's expand your search and see whether a condo could fit the price point you're looking for.



Sarah Eggleston | [email protected]

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re co...

19/10/2026

Thinking about selling in Kent or Renton? The first step isn’t putting up a listing—it’s creating a plan that fits your goals.

Every homeowner’s situation is different, which is why understanding your timeline and priorities matters.

Curious what selling could look like for you? Let’s start the conversation. ⁣
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