Author: james@murtingroup.com

5 VA Home Loan Myths That Keep Veterans From Using Their Benefit

Many veterans and service members never use the home loan benefit they earned because of a few common myths. Here’s the truth, from a fellow veteran.

How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell in the Pacific Northwest (Rain or Shine)

Moss, gutters, gray skies, and muddy entryways: here’s a Pacific Northwest seller’s checklist for getting your home ready to list, and which projects are actually worth the money.

Living in Orting, WA: A Local’s Guide to Life in the Shadow of Mount Rainier

Thinking about moving to Orting? From the Foothills Trail to the Daffodil Parade and those Mount Rainier views, here’s what it’s really like to live here.

Can You Do a Short Sale With Two Mortgages, a HELOC, or an HOA Lien?

A second mortgage, HELOC, or HOA lien doesn’t automatically rule out a short sale. Here’s how multiple liens work in a short sale and what to expect.

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: What’s the Difference When Buying a Home?

They sound alike, but sellers treat them very differently. Here’s what pre-qualification and pre-approval mean, what you’ll need, and why it matters before you start touring homes.

Selling Your Home on PCS Orders: A Guide for JBLM and South Sound Military Families

Got PCS orders? Here’s how to plan the sale of your South Sound home around your report date, including selling after you’ve already moved and what to do if you owe more than it’s worth.

What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Pierce County?

From Washington’s excise tax to title, escrow, and commission, here’s a clear look at the costs of selling a home in Pierce County, and how to estimate what you’ll walk away with.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams: 6 Red Flags Every Washington Homeowner Should Know

Homeowners who fall behind are prime targets for “rescue” scams. Learn the six biggest warning signs, and where to get real help for free.

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure in Washington: What’s the Real Difference?

Both end with the home being sold, but a short sale and a foreclosure are very different for your credit, your control, and your next move. Here’s how they compare.

Behind on Your Mortgage in Washington? What to Do Before Foreclosure Starts

Fell behind on your house payment in Washington? Here’s how the process works, what your options are, and the first steps to take before your choices start disappearing.