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Kaitlyn Rappels For Habitat
This time last year, I decided to rappel down the second tallest building in Tacoma, WA all in the name of charity.
Habitat For Humanity has long been an organization that I feel strongly about. After working for years with foster children and families struggling to procure safe housing, I realized just how much of a problem this truly is for so many. God only knows my family could have used those kinds of resources when I was growing up.
Homelessness or even unsteady housing situations can lead to so many other disadvantages in life that I don’t even have time to talk about. Just know that having a place to call home is absolutely essential. Owning that place you call home is just that much better.
Learn more at https://www.tpc-habitat.org/
You Asked For It!
This time around, Aaron and I decided to answer a few questions that we have received from you all! We broke each question down into a separate video, so make sure to keep an eye out for the next two videos as well.
This first question is all about the type of questions that YOU should be asking US! What important information should you gather when deciding who you want to work with on one of the most important sales and/or purchases of your life? Learn how to vet a Realtor and mortgage lender to see if it’s going to be the right fit for you. And if you’re interested, one of us shows off a bit of our rapping skills at the very end… Can you guess who?
DIY Fire Pit For Your Backyard
DIY FIRE PIT FOR YOUR BACKYARD
Summer is finally here which means plenty of nights spent enjoying the outdoors. While the days may be warmer than usual, some nights are still a little chilly. If you have been thinking of ways to still be outside while also being warm and cozy, a fire pit could be the right choice for you. Here is the way to make your own backyard fire pit for this summer!
PREPARE
First, make sure building your own fire pit doesn’t break your local fire code. Check for suggestions or guidelines on how far the pit needs to be away from your home or other structures for safety purposes.
Now that you know you can build, it is time to pick up supplies! You may already have some of these items at home, but you can find whatever you don’t have at your local hardware store. This is what you’ll need:
Bricks for the wall
Gravel
Twine
Tape Measure
Stake
Shovel
Trowel
Level
BUILD
The first step you’ll make is creating a circle where you want your fire pit. Take your stake and place it in the center of where you want your circle. Next, you’ll want to cut your twine to half of the length of your goal size. If you want a pit 5 feet in diameter, make your twine 2.5 feet long. Tie one end of your twine to your stake and the other end to your trowel. Drag the trowel with the twine fully extended around the stake, using the sharp part of the trowel to create a clear circle in the grass.
The second step requires your shovel. You will shovel out all of the grass inside of the circle you have created, and tamp down the dirt remaining in the circle with the bottom of your shovel. Make sure your circle is level, and make adjustments by adding or removing dirt to do so.
Next, you will add several inches of gravel. Make sure you spread the gravel evenly, covering your entire circle.
Now is time to add your bricks. Create a circle with your bricks, leaving a few inches of gravel around the outer rim as a safety buffer. You will want to stack your bricks until the wall of your fire pit is at least a foot tall.
ENJOY
Now you can use your brand new fire pit. If you’re still looking for a home where you can build a fire pit, give me a call!
REMinute- What are Your Home Priorities?
Click here for the printable Home Priority Game Board ——–> Housing Priority Game
When you’re looking for a new home, sometimes your desires can get in the way of reality. I know we all have that huge (and often unrealistic) list of what we WANT in a house, but don’t always have the means for it.
My perfect dream home has an ocean front view with a slide (Yes, a slide!) from my huge master suite that leads down to my immaculate kitchen with heated floors and indoor garden- But we can’t always get what we want (Cue the music).
In today’s clip, Aaron and I play the ‘Home Priority Game’. This game allows home buyers to truly narrow down their WANTS and their NEEDS in a new home. It gets you really thinking about what is going to be most important to you and your family, when it comes down to it.
Print out the game-board we’ve provided for you and play it on your own. Then make sure to let us know where your priorities lie, and maybe what you were being unrealistic about!
REMinute- Getting to Know Us
We typically discuss real estate related questions that help our audience feel more comfortable when it comes to buying or selling a home. However, today Aaron and I thought that it might be helpful for everyone to get to know us a bit better. Find out how I become a Realtor, and why Aaron decided to switch over to lending, after being a Realtor! We also discuss our hobbies and what we enjoy doing in our spare time!
Light & Bright Narrows Condo
Plenty of natural light floods this meticulously, well cared for space, particularly from the secluded covered-deck with gorgeous view of blooming trees. Inside, you’ll find stainless steel appliances, an off-kitchen eating space, a warm, brick fireplace, over-sized bedroom, walk-in closet, & plenty of storage throughout. The well managed HOA includes a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, newly installed hot tub, sauna, covered parking slot and 24-hour front security. Don’t miss the video tour!
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- 808 square feet
- Carport parking
- Offered for $239,950
The Westgate North Shopping Center is just a few minutes away from this home. Safeway is an easy stop for groceries, and if you’d rather eat out you can try Joeseppi’s Italian Ristorante, which is a casual family-owned restaurant & deli, or delicious, fresh made burgers, onion rings and shakes at Red Wagon. There’s also a few little shops in this center, a MultiCare Urgent Care Center, Bank of America, Columbia Bank, Rite Aid and a Planet Fitness that just opened.
The Titlow Beach Marine Preserve – home to Titlow Park which is perfect for the most incredible views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, evening walks along the 1.3 mile beach front and forest route and some splendid sunsets. This is also a haven for kayakers for an easy launch and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some playful seals and occasional orca pods. The newly installed Titlow Park Sprayground is a summertime favorite to splash, play or cool off and is free to use! If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, you can dine in or get a to go box of some delicious halibut fish and chips from Steamer’s Seafood Cafe. Locals are also a fan of the Beach Tavern for their comfort bar food, beers on tap and sports viewing.
Take in some community theater at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse just 2 miles away on 6th Avenue. Currently playing is The Drowsy Chaperone – With the house lights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theater producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. Playing now through April 14th. You can catch other shows like The Full Monty May 10th – June 2nd and Mamma Mia July 12th – August 4th.
If you’d like some of the most highly rated donuts in town to go with your morning coffee, then make a trip to Pao’s Donut and Coffee Shop. They have giant raised cinnamon glazed rolls that are bigger than an adults hand (good for sharing), varieties of scones, get a bag of donut holes at just $1 for 10, classics like a maple bar, chocolate bar, cinnamon cake, powdered, raspberry and lemon filled, nuts, sprinkles, apple fritter, and many more! Whatever your heart and stomach desires, Pao’s probably has it! Insiders Tip – get there early to get your favorites, they sell out fast – cash only.
Call or text Kaitlyn Marty at 253-678-2449 for more info on this listing or a private showing.
CHARMING STADIUM CONDO
This beauty is located in the highly sought-after area of Stadium District! Within minutes of excellent shopping and entertainment, such as Stadium Thriftway, Indo, Wright Park, Rhein Haus, bus routes, and much more- A commuter’s dream! This secure, ground-floor unit features gorgeous cherry hardwood floors, slab granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a seating bar, sleek scarlet-red washer and dryer, an upfront assigned parking spot, and spacious, private storage! FHA Approved!
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- 700 square feet
- Off street parking
- Ground floor
- Offered for $222,500
There’s no shortage of greatness about living in this location! Public transportation, endless dining options, easy commute, stunning views of the skyline, social opportunities, entertainment in many forms and the energy that comes from living in downtown Tacoma.
The Theater District Station, a part of the Tacoma Link Light Rail is less than a mile away and is a 1.6-mile light rail line ending at Tacoma Dome Station and is free to ride. The city is currently working on an expansion plan with construction finalizing in 2022. This project will more than double the current length and will reach new destinations like the Old City Hall, the Stadium District, Wright Park and the Hilltop communities. Check here for link updates! If you commute north and want to skip driving you can catch the Sounder Train at the Tacoma Dome Station northbound to Seattle – it’s convenient, cheap (about $5 to ride) and less of a hassle than sitting in I-5 traffic for events or commuting!
There’s no shortage of places to wine and dine at in this area.The Arthouse Cafe is across the street – serving up breakfast and lunch and a weekend brunch that ends at 3PM. They offer all the classics like eggs benedict, scrambles, frittas, hash, and pancakes. Try the dutch baby with maple curd and candied bacon, or the breakfast pizza with prosciutto, sausage, two cheeses, grilled onions and cage free eggs on top.
Have all your prescriptions sent to Rankos’ Stadium Pharmacy, operating since 1929, and you’ll never have to go far! They’re an independent pharmacy dedicated to providing high quality care and keep prices low.
If you’ve got a craving for classic old-time American burgers, fries & shakes served in a charming, retro-inspired space, then take a trip to Shake Shake Shake. Home of the famous Tiger Shake swirling with almond roca and salted caramel – named after the Stadium High School’s mascot. And if you’re looking for a little extra pep, you can get a boozy version called The Drunken Tiger.
Some other great places to grab a bite to eat or a good cocktail or craft beer is The Copper Door, a low-key hub with rotating taps, board games and their farm-to-table kitchen nibbles. The Harvester Restaurant, a diner serving old-fashioned breakfast & dinner. Indo Asian Street Eatery a hip, rustic-chic spot for Southeast Asian fare ranging from dumplings & curry to pad Thai & banh mi. Rhein Haus a light-filled, lodge-style restaurant with a stone fireplace & boccie courts for German fare & beer – they have a wicked good weekend brunch too!
Looking to get outdoors in the fresh and open air for a while? Lucky for you Wright Park is less than a mile walk. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around this 27 acre park, surrounded by 600 robustious trees. It’s a wonderful place to slow down to and gather one’s thoughts, read a book or have a picnic and enjoy the beams of sunlight peeking through, warming your skin.
Also just a couple blocks away is Anthem Coffee, Starbucks and the North Slope Coffee House, Stadium Thriftway for groceries, Morrell’s Dry Cleaners, La Bella Nail Spa, Mud Bay, and Orangetheory Fitness.
Call or text Kaitlyn Marty for more information on this listing at 253-678-2449
PNW RE Minute- Shopping For Your Home
Even though shopping for your home is one of the best parts of the process, it can sometimes get a little out of hand and feel a bit overwhelming. At times, home buyers will have too many “Wants” on their list, and then have a difficult time compromising when they don’t find their dream house meeting ALL of the criteria.
It’s important to go over your pros and cons list with your Realtor before even beginning to look for a house. This way, your Realtor will be able to help you narrow down what’s most important and available in your price range. They will also know to steer clear of any homes with your absolute “Nopes!”- Perhaps near a noisy train track, ugh…
Aaron and I discuss tips and tricks when searching for that perfect dream home. What’s your Must-Have or Deal Breaker in a home? Comment below!
