Home Buyer Class on Oct. 11th, 2025 at Parkland Community Center

Dreaming of buying a home but not sure where to start? Join us for a free Homebuyer Education Class on Saturday, October 11th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Parkland Community Center – 214 121st Street S. Parkland, WA 98444.

This class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission and taught by Michelle Garrett, Broker with Collison Realty LLC, and Kari Cornfield, Retail Branch Manager with Sierra Pacific Mortgage.

You’ll learn everything you need to know to confidently begin your homebuying journey, including:
Budgeting and improving your credit
How to qualify for a mortgage
Down payment assistance programs available in Washington
Working with your real estate agent and lender
What to expect from offer to closing

At the end of the class, participants will receive a WSHFC Certificate of Completion, which is required to qualify for many Washington State down payment assistance programs. This certificate is valid for two years and can help you access thousands of dollars in homebuyer assistance when you’re ready to purchase your home.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this class will give you the tools, confidence, and resources to make homeownership possible.

To register for this free class please go to https://bit.ly/HomeBuyerClassParkland

RPAC & Washington Realtors Hill Day 2025 in Olympia, WA

Julie and I spent two days in Olympia with 550 Realtors from Washington State to learn about the housing bills that Washington Realtors and RPAC (Realtors Political Action Committee) support.  As part of this we got to go to Capitol Hill and meet with our legislators to lobby for housing legislation and share stories that our clients have encountered to help support the need for changing housing laws in WA state.

We had the chance to meet with Senator Steve Conway to discuss initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply. We talked about lot splitting as part of HB 1096 and establishing ADU guidelines for rural areas as part of HB1345. There are quite a few bills that are focused on increasing and improving housing and the housing supply in Washington State. The staff at Washington Realtors and RPAC are keeping a close eye on all these bills and are lobbying on behalf of all of us to ensure these bills are passed. The Realtor Pledge includes a line that states “I pledge myself … to protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it” and it feels really good to spend the time advocating for our clients and to be part of something as impactful as RPAC.

In addition to the work we were doing to advocate for housing in WA, we also used a few minutes of Senator Conway’s time to discuss Parkland Community Center and lobby for his continued support with our efforts to Save Parkland School. Parkland community members will greatly benefit from the Parkland Community Center! We have made it our mission at Collison Realty LLC to do all that we can, including donating our time and money, to support the Parkland Community Assn and working to secure the future of Parkland Community Center. If you’d like to learn more about Parkland Community Center and/or donate to the cause, please visit www.parklandcommunitycenter.org.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially joined the family business at Collison Realty!

As a third-generation real estate agent, I’m excited to continue my family’s legacy and work alongside my mom, Julie, to help people in our community make their real estate dreams come true.

For years, I’ve been passionate about giving back to my community. I’m actively involved in the Parkland Community Assn and am helping with the opening of the Parkland Community Center, a space that will provide vital resources and opportunities for local non-profits and community members. Additionally, as a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Parkland Spanaway, I’m dedicated to supporting local service projects that make a positive impact on our neighborhood.

Now, as a new broker at Collison Realty, I’m excited to use my skills and knowledge to help my clients achieve their real estate goals. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, my goal is to make the home buying or selling process smooth and stress-free. I’m here to offer personalized guidance and resources, such as:

• Resources for sellers: I’ll provide strategies and insights to help sellers maximize their outcomes and navigate the market with ease.
• First-time home buyer tips: I’ll be sharing practical advice to make the process less intimidating and help you feel confident every step of the way. Including offering First-time Home Buyer classes.
• Community news and updates: I believe in staying connected to the community, and I’ll be sharing local news and events that benefit everyone in the area.

I’m excited to bring my passion for real estate and my commitment to community service together. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, or you’re simply seeking real estate advice, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals and make your dream home a reality!

Thank you for your support as I embark on this exciting new journey!

Cheers,

Michelle Garrett (Collison)
Broker & Realtor
Collison Realty LLC
253-583-4261
michelle@collisonrealty.com

Congratulations on taking the first step towards homeownership!

As a new homebuyer, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right mortgage. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down into easy-to-digest chunks.

Let’s start with the basics. A mortgage is a loan you take out to buy a home. You pay it back over time with interest. The amount you can borrow depends on a few factors, including your income, credit score, and the value of the home you want to buy.

Now, let’s dive into the different types of mortgages.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage is a popular choice for many homebuyers because the interest rate stays the same throughout the life of the loan. This means your monthly payment will stay the same too. Fixed-rate mortgages are available in various terms, usually ranging from 10 to 30 years. They are a great option if you want predictable monthly payments and plan to stay in your home for a while.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that can change periodically. The initial rate is usually lower than a fixed-rate mortgage, but it can go up or down depending on market conditions. ARMs typically have a lower monthly payment in the beginning, but they can be riskier because you don’t know how much your payment will increase in the future. ARMs are a good option if you plan to move or refinance before the rate adjusts.

FHA Loans

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and require a lower down payment than most conventional loans. They are a popular choice for first-time homebuyers who don’t have a lot of money saved for a down payment. FHA loans have more lenient credit requirements than other types of loans, but they also require mortgage insurance, which can increase your monthly payment.

VA Loans

VA loans are available to veterans and their families and are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They require no down payment and have more lenient credit requirements than other types of loans. VA loans also have lower interest rates than most conventional loans, which can save you money over time.

USDA Loans

USDA loans are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture and are available to homebuyers in rural areas. They require no down payment and have low-interest rates. USDA loans are a great option if you’re looking to buy a home in a rural area and don’t have a lot of money saved for a down payment.

In conclusion, there are many types of mortgages available, each with its own pros and cons. As a new homebuyer, it’s important to do your research and choose the type of mortgage that best fits your needs and budget. Remember to consider your long-term goals, such as how long you plan to stay in your home and your overall financial picture. With the right mortgage, homeownership can be a dream come true for millennials and people of all ages. Good luck!

Moving can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a costly one.

From hiring movers to buying packing supplies, the expenses can quickly add up. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you save some money with these easy-to-follow tips.

Start early

One of the best ways to save money on your move is to start planning early. This will give you time to research your options and find the best deals. You can also take advantage of sales and discounts on packing supplies and other moving essentials.

Declutter before you pack

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. The less you have to pack, the less you’ll have to pay to move. Consider selling or donating items you no longer use, and only take with you what you truly need.

Get creative with packing supplies

You don’t have to spend a fortune on packing supplies. Get creative and use items you already have, such as towels, sheets, and clothing to wrap fragile items. You can also ask friends and family for boxes and packing materials, or check online for free boxes.

Compare moving quotes

When it comes to hiring movers, it’s important to get multiple quotes and compare them. Don’t just go with the first company you find. Take the time to research and read reviews to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Move during the off-season

Moving during the off-season, typically from October to April, can save you money. This is because demand for movers is lower during this time, and they may be more willing to negotiate on price.

Pack and unpack yourself

While hiring movers can be convenient, it can also be expensive. Consider packing and unpacking yourself to save money. You can also enlist the help of friends and family to make the process go quicker.

Sell items you no longer need

Another way to save money during a move is to sell items you no longer need. This can include furniture, clothing, and electronics. You can use sites like eBay and Craigslist to sell your items and make some extra cash.

Remember, moving doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these tips, you can save money and make your move a little less stressful. Remember to start early, declutter, get creative with packing supplies, compare quotes, move during the off-season, pack and unpack yourself, and sell items you no longer need. With a little planning and effort, you can save money and enjoy your new home.

As someone who has been selling homes in Washington State for decades, I understand the challenges that first-time home buyers face in this market. Buying a home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, but with the right guidance, it can be a simple and seamless process. In this blog post, I will provide you with a guide to help you navigate the home-buying process in Washington State.

Before Buying a Home:

1. Determine your budget – Before you start your home search, determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your search and prevent you from falling in love with a home that is outside of your price range.
2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage – Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is important because it will give you an idea of how much you can afford and will also make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
3. Research neighborhoods – Research different neighborhoods in Washington State to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, and amenities.

During the Home Buying Process:

1. Hire a real estate agent – Hiring a real estate agent is crucial because they have the expertise and knowledge to help you find the right home at the right price.
2. Attend open houses and schedule showings – Attend open houses and schedule showings to get a feel for different homes and neighborhoods. Be sure to ask questions and take notes to help you remember each home.
3. Make an offer – When you find the right home, make an offer. Your real estate agent can help you with this process, and they will negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal.

After Buying a Home:

1. Close the sale – Once your offer is accepted, you will need to close the sale. This involves signing paperwork and transferring funds. Your real estate agent will guide you through this process.
2. Move in – Congratulations, you are now a homeowner! It’s time to move in and start making your new house a home.
3. Maintain your home – Maintaining your home is important to protect your investment. This includes regular cleaning, repairs, and upgrades. Make a plan for regular maintenance and budget for unexpected repairs.

Buying a home in Washington State can be a complex process, but with the right guidance, it can be a simple and seamless experience. By determining your budget, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, researching neighborhoods, hiring a real estate agent, attending open houses and showings, making an offer, closing the sale, moving in, and maintaining your home, you can navigate the home-buying process with confidence. As an experienced real estate agent, I am here to help you every step of the way.