Sandy and Company Real Estate Video Blog

At 21, he's buying a condo and with no money down

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

If you’re in your 20s and think homeownership is impossible, here’s how one 21-year-old made it happen with a zero-down program.

Are you around 20 years old and thinking a home of your own is completely out of reach?

I met a young man last week who’s only 21, and he was buying a condo. He didn’t have a stockpile of money. In fact, he was using the Washington State Bond Program, a zero-down program to help first-time homebuyers.

Let me tell you why I was so pleased for that young man.

But before that, did you know that the average homebuyer right now is between 38 and 40 years old, give or take?

I was genuinely excited for him, and here’s why: did you know that the average homebuyer today is around 38 to 40 years old?

In the 1960s, that number was in the early 20s. By the 1980s, the first-time homebuyer was in their late 20s. In the early 2000s, it was the early 30s, and so on. We have taken longer and longer to buy our first home—and that’s exactly why I was so excited for him.

The best way to make more money is by having more time.

In 1995, we bought a home for $120,000. It’s worth roughly $600,000 now, give or take.

Did we think it was a lot of money? Oh, yeah.

The danger in waiting is that you don’t have as much time for your equity to build.

“The danger in waiting is losing the years your equity could be growing”

According to Realtor.com, the average renter has about $10,000 net worth for everything they own: cars, personal items, and money in the bank. On the other hand, the average homeowner has about $430,000 of net worth. Where do you think all that money is? It’s not all in the bank. It’s in their house.

So if you’re looking for a way to make more money over time, homeownership is really the best way to go.

Back to my young man: he’s a smart guy and a hard worker. He works in HVAC and has been living at home, paying a pretty decent amount to his parents, more than most pay.

As soon as he was able, he called a real estate agent and asked, “What would it take for me to buy this?” Then he took a class. Next week, he gets the keys.

If this sounds like you and you’d really like to know, “What can I do to get into my own home, start building equity, and have something I can sell down the road to move into the next thing?” We’re teaching another online class this month.

It’s an evening class, and it is free.

New Homebuyers Online Class

When: March 18 & 19, 2026

You can even be smarter than the young man I met. He took the class after he had already signed the papers, was under contract, and had a closing date. You can start before you get that far and learn how to:

Choose your Realtor
Choose your lender
Choose your home

We’ll also talk about what it means to take care of a home and get ready for homeownership, all for free over a couple of evenings.

Click this link if you want to sign up.

If you’re in the greater Seattle area, send me a text, an email, or a DM, and let’s talk about how we can help you get started. Let’s see what we can do to get you into your first home and start on the path to homeownership, equity, and a much greater net worth.

We’re passionate about helping people build stability and wealth, one smart home decision at a time.

If this sounds like you or someone you know and love, please share this. Let’s get the word out and help people get into homes earlier so they can be better off in the long run.

If there’s anything else we can help you with regarding your real estate needs, whether it’s information on how to sell your home, how to get ready, or details about our area, please reach out: message, call, or text us at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com. Let’s talk about how we can help.

Our motto is making lives better. How can we help you with yours?

How to Know — and How to Access Your Home’s Value to Support Your Next Chapter

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to move or stay, these two questions can guide your decision.

Hey there, friends! I’d love to share a conversation I just had with a lovely couple I’ve been talking with on and off for probably ten years.

He said his wife had been having health problems and they were discussing getting hospice involved.

He wanted to know, first of all, how to know when it’s time to move out of your house. For most people, there are two factors:

First, can you handle the upkeep of the home and yard and keep all that space functioning for you? Do you have the physical ability to do the work, or the financial ability to hire someone to do it? Even when you hire help, it still requires energy and attention.

Second, do you have the physical ability to manage daily life in your house? For many people, the biggest issues are too many stairs or an unsafe bathing situation. Some people simply can’t get into the tub anymore and need to change their space.

If you’re tired of those barriers, it’s time to consider a home that fits you better, whether a smaller, single-level place of your own, a senior community where you don’t have to worry about repairs and yard work, or, if you’re not ready for a senior community, perhaps an apartment. Those are some options.

I told him I can’t decide what’s right for him, but I knew he really wanted to stay in his home as long as possible, which had been their goal all along.

“Can your house still take care of you the way you once took care of it?”

His next question was:

How do you get the money to make this work? How do you make your equity work for you or otherwise use your house to help meet your needs? There are a few tools. I’m not the one who assembles them, but I have a team and connections to people who can help.

One option is a line of credit. It requires monthly payments, so you need to consider how to manage that.

Another option is a reverse mortgage if you have enough equity. In their case, they could access up to half the home’s value, which might give them what they need. They were thinking they might need about $100,000 for the next year to cover medical expenses and other costs, since healthcare and related needs can get expensive, and their house is paid off.

A line of credit can also be structured to provide those funds.

I’m honored to come alongside these wonderful people and give them resources to help make life work as best as possible. When we face challenging situations, sometimes we don’t get to make the choice we’d prefer; that’s part of life.

Those of us who’ve come this far usually recognize that. Within the options available, it’s an honor for me to help people find ways to live the life they want as much as possible. Let me help you research which option works best.

He said, essentially, “I know it’s your job to sell houses and you get paid for that. Can I pay you for this information so we can make the right choice?”

I stopped him and said, “This is my joy. This is my heart; to help you do what’s important. If I help people, I will eventually sell a house and provide for my family. I’m honored to help you understand the best options and resources at no charge.”

If you’re trying to figure out how best to live, whether staying in your current home, moving to a simpler lifestyle and smaller home, or giving up your house for a more manageable living arrangement, I’d be honored to talk with you and see what makes sense.

If there’s anything we can do to help you with your home or real estate needs, message or call us at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com, so we can be of service. Whether you need help now or a few years from now, we’d be honored to stay in touch and be a resource.

Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy, and if we can help with your real estate needs, reach out. We’re here for you.

Our motto is “making lives better.” How can we help you with yours?

A Step-by-Step Virtual Homebuyer Class for Washington Buyers

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our two-night Zoom session covers every detail you need to go from browsing listings to holding your keys.

We have some exciting news!

Howard and I are going to be running some first-time homebuyer classes, not necessarily just for first-timers, but also for anyone who needs a refresher on how home buying works.

On February 18 and 19, that’s Wednesday and Thursday night, we’re going to be doing a 2.5-hour Zoom session, and we’ll tell you all about what it takes to purchase a home.

These classes also qualify for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission credit. If you’re planning to use a state bond loan, you will need to take this homebuyer class.

This will enable you to access a zero-down loan, allowing you to purchase anywhere in Washington State. It’s a pretty nifty program.

Whether or not I’m your agent, and whether or not Howard is your lender, we can help you with that class, provide more information, and get you on your merry way.

“Buying a home starts with understanding the process, not guessing your way through it.”

If you’re not already under contract and want to learn more, message me, call me, or text me. Let’s get you on the schedule for that.

I want to share everything about home buying so that you know our goal is to help everyone get into homes. This way, you can start putting your money where your home is, not where your landlord’s is.

I’m super excited to see you there. Again, here are the details for the buyer seminar:

First-Time Buyer Seminar
Dates: February 18 and February 19
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Format: Live Zoom class

Let me know if you’d like to join us. And if you already own a home or know someone who would benefit from a class like this, feel free to pass it along.

If you have any questions about this event or any other real estate matters, message, call, or text me at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com.

Have a super blessed day. Stay safe, stay healthy, and we’re excited to assist you and your people with their home needs.

Comfort and Market Stability in 2026?

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

A warm home is more than just heat; it’s a feeling of comfort, peace of mind, and making confident moves in a changing market.

I want to talk to you about what’s hot when it’s not.

As we enter January 2026, it’s cold out there, but fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way inside our homes. Here are three things that I think are amazing when the weather is cold, and we want to make things warm and inviting inside our home:

First, I love a good fire. I really enjoy the smell and the crackle of the logs when you have a wood fireplace. But there is nothing that beats being able to turn on the flames with a flick of a switch.

I confess, I am really fond of having a gas fireplace. It brings me cozy warmth when I’m really cold.

The second thing is my kitchen. When we get those ovens heating up, and we’re making cookies or bread or whatever else tickles our fancy, it warms the whole house. Even better, whether you’re cooking with someone or doing it in anticipation of the people you love coming home, that just makes it even better.

Give me some heat in the kitchen, good food, and the people I love to share it with; that is heat in my home.

“Comfort at home changes how we see everything, including the market.”

The third item is a bit more personal. If you love a good, steamy shower or bath, that is another source of warmth on a chilly night. Run the tub and just slip in because there is nothing like that heat completely surrounding you and warming you up.

We’re in the Pacific Northwest. It’s chilly, but it doesn’t have to be in our home. So if you have this, enjoy it. Remember, using what you love really fosters the contentment of a good life.

And that’s what we love: having our homes reflect that life is good. It inspires us to help connect you with the right home that fits you. If you don’t have that, let’s talk. Whether it’s your first home or your next best fit, our joy is to connect you with a home you feel good coming home to, where you can share love, warmth, and joy.

If you’re worried about how cold the market is out there, 2026 is projected to be a year of stability. With stability comes better options.

If you have a home already and need to move up to the next best fit, we can work with that next seller to get you what you need and sell your last home. If you’re looking for your first home, we’re getting more closing costs covered and negotiating on price. This is the year that, if you can do it, let’s make it happen.

Sarah and I are here, excited to help you make this transition. We’re ready to make it fabulous for you. Let’s bring the heat home in 2026. Message, call, or text me at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com. We’re easy to reach, and we’re glad to help you make your heart your home.

Have a super blessed day. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Oh, what a year it’s been!

2025 has been a wild ride with some ups and downs. Some were lovely. Others we’re relieved to have behind us.

But isn’t that every year? (to some degree…)

Isn’t that life?

Thank you for being in our lives so that whether in high markets or low, high life or low, we know we have each other’s backs and are glad to see each other’s fronts.

We’re so blessed with family, clients, and colleagues who all feel like friends. Friends we trust and are grateful for in so many ways. We can’t and wouldn’t want to do life without you all.

We wish you all a Christmas full of love and support and the confidence that you’re living a good life.

A rich life.

Rich with friends and family and most importantly the Christ Child who came to Earth long ago for you.

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years

Sandy and Sarah

A Special Thanksgiving Message to All of You

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Your trust and support mean everything to us.

Hey there, my friends!

As we approach Thanksgiving this year, I started thinking about our kitchen table, and I’m coming to you from my kitchen table.

I want you to think about who will be around your table, whether it’s on Thanksgiving Day or in the days before and after. Our family is known for gathering at various times.

Think about those people: if you weren’t at their table, or if they weren’t at yours, it would truly be felt. We are so grateful for them because these are the very relationships for which we are living our lives.

I want to express my gratitude to all of you for allowing us to care for you in your homes. Sarah and I are incredibly thankful for allowing us to take care of the people around our own tables. We are grateful that our lives have intertwined.

We’re able to provide help, service, and benefit to you, and at the same time, you offer help, service, and benefit to us. It’s a perfect relationship, and we appreciate it deeply.

This Thanksgiving, whether surrounded by all the people you wish to have at your table or noticing an empty chair, I encourage you to take a moment to express gratitude for what you have, for what you have experienced, and to look forward to the love, dreams, and joy that awaits you.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

As always, if you need anything related to real estate, we’re here to help. Free to reach out at (425) 422-7372 or sandy@sandyandcompany.com.

Thank you so much for all that you have contributed to Sarah and me this year, and have a blessed day.

The Advantages of Buying or Selling Your Home During Winter

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Waiting for spring? You're missing a big opportunity. Data shows high inventory and low competition right now.

Why should buyers and sellers consider getting out in the market right now? A lot of people are wondering what to do right now with the way the market, finances, and the world feel uncertain.

If you’ve been thinking of making a move, this might surprise you: winter can bring opportunities for both buyers and sellers that just don’t exist in spring or summer.

So let’s break down what’s really happening this season, and how it could work in your favor.

Opportunities for homebuyers. First, there’s less competition in the winter, which means you may be able to secure a better deal.

Currently, there are twice as many homes available compared to this time last year, but about half as many buyers. This creates opportunities for you to find the right house at the right value, and potentially receive assistance with your closing costs or purchase with a lower or no down payment, depending on your financial situation.

“If you already own a home, you don’t necessarily have to rush; you’re not desperate. Instead, you can be proactive in looking for what that next step should be.”

Opportunities for both a seller and a buyer. One of the biggest advantages is that it allows you to secure the right house for your next life stage. If you already own a home, there’s no need to rush; you’re not desperate. Instead, you can be proactive in exploring what your next step should be.

If you know you want to transition to a no-stairs home next year, it’s wise to start looking at options now. Winter might be the ideal time to find that perfect home for your next chapter.

Opportunities for sellers. You’ll encounter less competition from other sellers during this time of year. Even if you have a great house, it may not have a standout feature to differentiate it from the other ten similar homes in the area.

This is an excellent opportunity to say, “Hey, look at mine!” with fewer houses competing for attention.

Winter brings more serious buyers. As people aren’t trudging through homes in the rain and cold just for something to do on a Saturday afternoon. They’d rather be cozy at home with a cup of tea, working on a project or watching a game. Selling your home in the fall could attract buyers who are serious and ready to make a deal, allowing you to sell your house without the hassle.

Family timing is crucial. Life events often prompt changes in your living situation. If you’re facing challenges at home, we are here to help. We are currently assisting a family in Monroe whose father has gone into the hospital and won’t be able to return home. They needed to act quickly to ensure he has the resources he needs and to alleviate his worries about the house while he’s away.

We stepped in to help, and we are here for you, rain or shine, snow or sleet. We may not be the post office, but we are close. We’re glad to support you through all seasons and in whatever way is helpful for your home.

If you found this helpful, please reach out! Message or call us at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com. We are located in the Pacific Northwest, serving the entire state and we’re glad to be here for you.

Remember, our motto is: Making lives better. How can we help you with yours?

Why Estate Planning Isn't for "Someday"

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We talked with two families just this week whose parents didn’t have a will or a power of attorney. Both parents are in the hospital, and their families are scrambling to get legal authority to handle the parents’ bills, house, and other property.

We can’t stress this enough! Powers of attorney and wills are documents that are vital if you have anything of value: house, assets, and especially under-age children. These are how you make sure that you determine what happens to what’s important to you- not left to others to figure out in a difficult and emotional time.

We’ve seen good families split apart at the seams from arguing over the house, its contents and how to handle a sale. We’ve heard others make siblings swear that they’ll provide a home for their children and not let them go to So-and-so. And medical directives too: we’ve watched friends agonize over what extent of medical treatment their parents would want and they should authorize.

A will is you telling others what “will” happen. Let it be what you want instead of what others decide for you. For your finances, your health, your children.

Do you know a good estate attorney? We know a few good ones and could refer one to you. Is it an expense? Of course, but it’s more important than saving for your next home upgrade or vacation. And probably much cheaper too.

When you’re ready to sell the family house, we’ll be here for you then, too. In the meantime, please do what you can to make the hard decisions easier for those you love and put it in writing.

Have a blessed day and call us when we can help with your real estate needs!

Sandy and Sarah

4 Easy Ways to Prepare Your Washington Home for the Winter Season

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Broken pipes, damaged roofs, and busted furnaces – avoid these expensive surprises this winter with our simple, proactive home maintenance checklist.

Fall is officially here! Pumpkin spice is back, pampas grass is showing its beautiful foliage that will last through winter, and school buses are on the road. Like it or not, summer is gone, and it’s time to get your home ready for the colder months.

Here are four things you should check off your list before winter:

1. Protect your outdoor faucets. It may not be freezing yet here in the Northwest, but it will be soon. If you’re still watering your garden, make sure to put those hoses away and cover your faucets before the first freeze. Broken pipes are expensive, and one of the best ways to protect your investment is by taking care of your plumbing as you go along. Ensure that your faucets and pipes are in great condition to last through the winter.

2. Clean your gutters and roof. Clogged gutters are one of the worst things for your roof. All the debris in the gutters can affect the roof, trapping moisture and causing damage over time. Before you know it, all that wood in your roof will be soggy, leading to a mess later on. So, take care of your roof by cleaning it a couple of times a year and ensuring your gutters allow water to drain away from your home.

“One of the best ways to protect your investment is to take care of it season by season.”

3. Service your furnace and AC. Don’t wait until it’s too cold to have your heating system checked. Schedule a service now while it’s mild so your HVAC company can take care of both your furnace and AC in one visit. A little maintenance goes a long way in avoiding costly surprises.

4. Inspect your fireplace and chimney. If you love cozy fires in the winter, make sure your chimney is clear and safe. Birds and other critters may have nested there over the summer. A quick inspection ensures your flue is clean so you only get warmth, not smoke or unwanted surprises, when you light that first fire.

Taking care of these fall maintenance tasks helps prevent bigger problems later and keeps your home in great shape.

What’s happening in the market? If you’re looking to buy or sell a house soon, we are at an incredible point in the market. With the Federal Reserve meeting in the coming week, around the time you might be watching this, our lenders are already lowering their interest rates.

This will create opportunities for the next set of buyers to find homes that truly fit their needs. We have several clients ready for this change, eager to find something that suits their budget.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now is a great time to talk. Whether you need help with fall maintenance resources or navigating the real estate market, we’re here for you. Contact us at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com. Let’s get those seasonal to-dos done and chat about your real estate goals.

Remember, our motto is: Making lives better. How can we help you with yours?

August 2025 Market Update

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

"And don't color on the window please!"

How do you balance life while thinking about preparing for your next home? I was just talking with a great client and friend. We were reconnecting, and as she shared what was happening in her life, she was also managing the kids, reminding them not to color on the windows. It made me laugh, and I realized I needed to capture this inspiration right away.

What’s happening right now in real estate? We’re hearing that interest rates are expected to drop next month. This is an opportunity for anyone looking to buy or refinance.

I recommend that you start preparing your applications and get that approval ready. Because when the rates drop, I don’t want you to be caught off guard. To help you get started, try answering these questions:

“When rates fall, only the prepared can get the best home deals.”

What are you doing right now to improve your financial situation and prepare for your next home?
If you’re already in a home but considering refinancing, what steps can you take now to ensure you have a lovely household in a home that fits your budget?

What can you do right now? First, remember to keep the kids from coloring on the windows! Tomorrow, they’ll be starting kindergarten, and before you know it, they’ll be graduating. You’re doing an amazing job as a parent.

Our clients are incredible, and our friends are wonderful. We’re excited to share our knowledge to help you achieve your ideal home and lifestyle, both now and in the future.

If you need help with anything real estate-related, whether you’re looking to buy or sell, we’re here for you. Call us today at (425) 422-7372 or Sandy@SandyAndCompany.com. We’ve been around for a long time and plan to be here for much longer. Let’s discuss how we can assist you with your home.

Remember, our motto is: Making lives better. How can we help you with yours?