RE radar

Nathan Mathisen

Welcome to RE radar! I’m Nathan Mathisen, your host and local Seattle realtor. RE radar aims to be the ultimate destination for buyers, sellers, and anyone intrigued by the dynamic world of real estate. Whether you’re navigating your first home purchase, considering selling your property, or simply curious about the ins and outs of the industry, this podcast is your go-to resource. Join me as I dive deep into common real estate questions, providing practical insights and actionable tips to empower you on your real estate journey. From understanding market trends to mastering negotiation strategies, each episode is packed with valuable information to help you make informed decisions.

  1. Jul 21

    What It REALLY Costs to Buy & Own a Home (Most Buyers Don't Know This)

    Buying a home isn't just about qualifying for a mortgage. Many buyers focus on the monthly payment—but that's only part of the story. Between the down payment, closing costs, inspections, maintenance, utilities, insurance, HOA dues, and future repairs, the true cost of homeownership is often much higher than people expect. In this episode of RE radar, Nathan Mathisen breaks down what it actually costs to buy and own a home so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises after closing. Topics Covered: 🏡 Down payments and upfront cash requirements 💰 Closing costs explained 🔍 Home inspections, sewer scopes, and appraisals 📈 What makes up your monthly housing payment 🛡️ Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and PMI 🏢 HOA fees for condos and townhomes 🔧 The real cost of home maintenance and repairs ⚡ Utilities and ongoing ownership expenses 🛋️ Furniture, upgrades, and hidden homeowner spending 📊 How to determine what you can comfortably afford One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is focusing solely on whether they can qualify for a home. The better question is whether they can comfortably afford the entire ownership experience. Homeownership can be an incredible wealth-building tool and provide long-term stability, but it's important to understand the full financial picture before making the leap. If you're considering buying a home in Seattle, Washington, or anywhere else, this episode will help you understand the costs that often get overlooked. 🎙️ RE radar with Nathan Mathisen 🏠 Realtor | John L. Scott Real Estate 📍 Seattle, Washington Subscribe for: • Home buying education • Seattle real estate insights • Washington housing market updates • Homeownership tips • Real estate investing and strategy #HomeBuying #Homeownership #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateEducation #SeattleRealEstate #WashingtonRealEstate #REradar #NathanMathisen #HomeBuyingTips #PersonalFinance

  2. Jul 7

    How to Sell a House in Washington State: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

    Thinking about selling your home in Washington State? Many homeowners assume selling is as simple as putting a sign in the yard and waiting for offers. In reality, the decisions you make before your home hits the market can have a major impact on how quickly it sells and how much money you ultimately walk away with. In this episode of RE radar, Nathan Mathisen breaks down the entire home selling process from start to finish, covering everything from preparing your home for sale to negotiating offers and making it all the way to closing day. Topics Covered: 🏡 Preparing your home before listing 💰 Which improvements may be worth making before selling 🔍 Pros and cons of pre-inspections and sewer scopes 🛋️ Staging, cleaning, and professional photography 📈 Pricing strategy and timing your listing launch 📣 Marketing and showings 📝 Reviewing and negotiating offers ⚖️ Understanding contingencies and contract terms 🔑 What happens between mutual acceptance and closing Whether you're planning to sell in the next month or simply want to understand the process before making a move, this episode provides a practical roadmap for sellers in Washington State. The biggest mistake many sellers make isn't pricing—it's underestimating the preparation required to maximize their home's value. A strong strategy before listing can make a significant difference in your final result. Have questions about selling your home in Seattle or anywhere in Washington? Feel free to reach out. 🎙️ RE radar with Nathan Mathisen 🏠 Realtor | John L. Scott Real Estate 📍 Seattle, Washington Subscribe for: • Seattle real estate updates • Home buying and selling education • Washington real estate tips • Housing market analysis • Homeowner strategies #HomeSelling #WashingtonRealEstate #SellYourHouse #SeattleRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #RealEstatePodcast #REradar #NathanMathisen #WashingtonHomeSeller #JohnLScott

  3. Jun 23

    The Washington State Home Buying Process Explained (2026) | From Pre-Approval to Closing

    Thinking about buying a home in Washington State? The home buying process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time buyer. Between pre-approvals, inspections, earnest money, contingencies, appraisals, and closing, there are a lot of moving pieces—and making the wrong decision can be expensive. In this episode of RE radar, Nathan Mathisen walks through the entire Washington State home buying process from start to finish, explaining what typically happens at each stage and what buyers should be paying attention to along the way. Topics Covered: 🏡 Getting pre-approved vs. pre-qualified 💰 Down payments and monthly payment trade-offs 🔍 How to search for the right home 📝 Writing a competitive offer 🔒 Financing, inspection, and title contingencies 🚽 Why sewer scope inspections can be worth every penny 📊 The appraisal process 📑 What happens during mutual acceptance 🔑 Closing day and getting the keys Whether you're planning to buy your first home, your next home, or you're simply curious about how the process works in Washington, this episode will give you a practical framework for what to expect. Have questions about buying a home in the Seattle area or anywhere in Washington? Feel free to reach out. 🎙️ RE radar with Nathan Mathisen 🏠 Realtor | John L. Scott Real Estate 📍 Seattle, Washington Subscribe for: • Seattle real estate updates • Home buying and selling education • Washington real estate tips • Market analysis and trends #HomeBuying #WashingtonRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #SeattleRealEstate #HomeBuyingProcess #RealEstatePodcast #REradar #NathanMathisen #WashingtonHomeBuyer #JohnLScott

  4. Jun 9

    Seattle Real Estate Market Update (May 2026) | Prices Hit $1.025M as Buyer Activity Surges

    Seattle's housing market delivered some surprising numbers in May 2026. In this episode of RE radar, Nathan Mathisen breaks down the latest Seattle residential real estate statistics, including: • Median home prices • New listings and seller activity • Inventory levels • Buyer demand and pending sales • Why some homes are getting 20+ offers while others sit on the market • What buyers and sellers need to know heading into summer Key May 2026 Seattle Housing Market Stats: 🏡 Median Sale Price: $1,025,000 (+3.7% year-over-year) 📈 Pending Sales: Up 10.2% year-over-year 📋 New Listings: Down 5.9% year-over-year 🔑 Active Inventory: Highest level since 2019 The Seattle market continues to be highly property-specific. While buyers have more options than they've had in years, well-prepared homes in desirable neighborhoods are still generating intense competition and multiple offers. Whether you're considering buying, selling, investing, or simply keeping an eye on the market, this episode provides a clear snapshot of what's happening right now in Seattle real estate. Have questions about your neighborhood or a specific property? Reach out anytime. 🎙️ RE radar with Nathan Mathisen 📍 Seattle, Washington 🏠 John L. Scott Real Estate #SeattleRealEstate #SeattleHousingMarket #SeattleMarketUpdate #RealEstatePodcast #REradar #NathanMathisen #HomePrices #SeattleHomes #WashingtonRealEstate #HousingMarket

Ratings & Reviews

About

Welcome to RE radar! I’m Nathan Mathisen, your host and local Seattle realtor. RE radar aims to be the ultimate destination for buyers, sellers, and anyone intrigued by the dynamic world of real estate. Whether you’re navigating your first home purchase, considering selling your property, or simply curious about the ins and outs of the industry, this podcast is your go-to resource. Join me as I dive deep into common real estate questions, providing practical insights and actionable tips to empower you on your real estate journey. From understanding market trends to mastering negotiation strategies, each episode is packed with valuable information to help you make informed decisions.