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How Long Is a Contract With a Realtor? Listing and Buyer Agreements Explained
How Long Is a Contract With a Realtor varies by agreement. Learn typical listing terms, Washington’s 60-day buyer agreement default, and the contract clauses to review before signing.

Matthew Chapman
Aug 258 min read


Do You Get Your Realtor a Gift? What Agents Actually Appreciate
Do you get your realtor a gift after closing? You are not required to, and most agents do not expect one. But some gestures matter far more than others. A 25-year King County broker covers what agents actually remember, when a gift makes sense, and what to give if you decide to say thank you.

Matthew Chapman
Aug 257 min read


Selling A Home During Divorce in Bellevue, WA: What You Need to Know
Selling a home during divorce in Bellevue involves more than choosing a listing price. Learn how Washington community property rules, court orders, timing, taxes, and the King County market can shape your sale.

Matthew Chapman
Aug 249 min read


Is Bellevue, WA Safe? What the Crime Data Actually Says
Is Bellevue, WA Safe? This guide breaks down recent crime data, property crime trends, neighborhood context, and what home buyers should know before choosing a home.

Matthew Chapman
Aug 207 min read


11 Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling Your Home in Bellevue or the Eastside
Selling your Bellevue home? Here are the 11 questions to ask a realtor when selling, covering pricing, marketing, contracts, and commission, before you sign anything.

Matthew Chapman
Jul 2612 min read


Realtor vs. Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference?
Realtor vs real estate agent can be confusing. Bellevue Top Realtor Matthew Chapman explains the real difference and why it matters when you buy or sell a home in Bellevue, WA.

Matthew Chapman
Jul 258 min read


Is Bellevue, WA, a Good Place to Live?
An honest 2026 look at whether Bellevue, WA is a good place to live, covering cost of living, schools, neighborhoods, safety, and weather, plus how it compares to the wider Eastside.

Matthew Chapman
Jul 1210 min read


The Real Risks of Buying a House Without a Realtor in Bellevue
Thinking about buying a home in Bellevue without a Realtor? While skipping an agent may seem like a way to save money, it can expose you to costly mistakes in pricing, negotiations, inspections, contracts, and legal compliance. This guide explains the biggest risks of buying a house without a Realtor, why those risks are amplified in Bellevue's competitive real estate market, and how experienced local representation can help protect your investment, reduce stress, and avoid e

Matthew Chapman
Jun 298 min read


Condo vs House in Bellevue, WA: 12 Factors to Consider
Condo vs house in Bellevue, WA? The decision comes down to far more than price, HOA health, financing eligibility, school boundaries, commute access, and resale all matter. Here are the 12 factors that determine which property type is right for you in Bellevue's competitive market.

Matthew Chapman
Jun 2311 min read


Ultimate Guide to Sammamish, WA Homes for Sale
Credit: Photo by inboundREM The Sammamish Plateau is widely recognized as one of the most desirable residential destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its forested surroundings, excellent schools, and convenient access to Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle, Sammamish continues to attract professionals, growing families, and luxury homebuyers. The city offers a balanced lifestyle that combines suburban privacy with access to major employment centers and outdoor recreat

Matthew Chapman
May 286 min read


What is a Buyer's Agent in Real Estate?
What is a buyer’s agent in real estate, and do you really need one in Bellevue’s competitive market? This guide explains how buyer’s agents protect your interests, negotiate stronger offers, navigate contracts, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Learn how Bellevue broker Matthew Chapman helps buyers win homes with smart strategy, local expertise, and proven results.

Matthew Chapman
May 279 min read


10 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent When Buying a Home in Bellevue
Buying a home in Bellevue is high-stakes, and the wrong agent makes it worse. Use these 10 smart questions to ask a real estate agent when buying to find someone with the local expertise, multi-offer strategy, and honesty to guide you. Get insider tips from top 1% Bellevue agent Matthew Chapman of Windermere Real Estate.

Matthew Chapman
May 269 min read


What Does a Real Estate Agent Do For a Buyer?
Wondering what a real estate agent does for a buyer in Bellevue's fast-moving market? Windermere Realtor Matthew Chapman breaks down every phase of the process, from pricing strategy and offer negotiation to closing, and what truly great local representation looks like.

Matthew Chapman
May 2612 min read


Home Buying Process in Bellevue, WA
Learn the complete home buying process in Bellevue, WA for 2026, including budgeting, pre-approval, home searches, competitive offers, inspections, and closing. Matthew Chapman of Windermere Real Estate shares local insights to help buyers navigate Bellevue’s fast-moving housing market with confidence.

Matthew Chapman
May 2114 min read


Ultimate Guide to Mercer Island, WA Homes for Sale
Credit: Photo by inboundREM Nestled on a scenic stretch of land in Lake Washington, Mercer Island offers a rare blend of tranquility and connectivity that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in the Seattle metro. With sweeping water views, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community, it’s no surprise buyers consistently rank it among the most desirable places to live in Washington. Positioned between Seattle and Bellevue, the island provides quick access to major emplo

Matthew Chapman
Apr 215 min read


Ultimate Guide to Homes for Sale in Newcastle, WA
Credit: Photo by inboundREM Nestled on the Eastside of Seattle, Newcastle, Washington, offers a rare combination that today’s buyers are constantly chasing: elevated views, quiet neighborhoods, and quick access to major job centers. Tucked between Bellevue and Renton, this small but highly desirable city has steadily built a reputation as one of King County’s most attractive residential pockets. What makes Newcastle especially compelling is how effortlessly it blends suburba

Matthew Chapman
Mar 235 min read


2026 Seattle Property Market Healthy Reset
Is the Seattle real estate market forecast 2026 predicting stability? We analyze the 'Healthy Reset' in Puget Sound housing market trends and inventory.

Matthew Chapman
Feb 235 min read


Maximizing 2026 Washington State Property Tax Exemptions
For many homeowners in Washington, property taxes represent the largest recurring housing expense. However, if you qualify for state programs designed for seniors, people with disabilities, or veterans, you can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your annual bill. Navigating the nuances of Washington state property tax exemptions 2026 can feel overwhelming. But understanding income thresholds, eligibility criteria, and application steps empowers you to take control of your

Matthew Chapman
Jan 224 min read


How Much Cash Do You Need for a Seattle Mortgage?
Find out the cash requirements for buying a home in Seattle, including down payments, closing costs, and how to plan your finances for a smooth mortgage process.

Matthew Chapman
Dec 22, 20255 min read


A Local’s Guide to Edmonds Farmers Market
Credit: Photo by inboundREM The Edmonds Farmers Market is more than a collection of stalls—it's a Saturday tradition that draws locals and visitors alike to the heart of downtown Edmonds, Washington. Nestled just a few blocks from the sparkling Puget Sound waterfront, this market has been serving the community for decades, offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted treasures. If you’re looking to experience the best of local flavor, artistry, and friendly vibes,

Matthew Chapman
Nov 25, 20255 min read

