Nicole Graafstra Real Estate

08/13/2026

Which hot dog would you pick?

Option 1: New York-Style Reuben Dog with swiss cheese, thousand island dressing and sauerkraut
Option 2: BLT Dog
Option 3: Buffalo Dog with blue cheese crumbles and buffalo wing sauce, or
Option 4: Breakfast Dog with hash browns, bacon bits, and an egg.

08/12/2026

Put these iconic homes on your must-visit list.

Hit the road to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic designs.

08/11/2026

Spice up your normal ham recipe with this sweet and spicy showstopper!

Serves 6–8

Ingredients:
½ cup rice wine vinegar
½ cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons fish sauce
½ cup ketchup
6 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 spiral sliced ham

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, whisk together the sweet garlic chili sauce ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.make-the-sauce.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, coat with the sauce, cover with foil, and cook for 30 minutes.coat-ham-with-sauce
4. Remove the pan from the oven, remove the foil, and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and roast for 10–12 minutes or until the sauce caramelizes slightly and the ham is hot throughout. Serve warm.
Tip: You can adjust the spice level of this medium-heat recipe by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes in the chili sauce. Use one additional teaspoon for more heat and one less teaspoon for a milder flavor.

08/10/2026

This statement summer wreath is so sweet!

A homemade wreath is a simple, sophisticated way to bring the season to your front door.

08/09/2026

Here’s how to prioritize your mental health and better avoid common stressors this season.

Learn three excellent ways to reduce summertime stress.

08/08/2026

Here's why summer might be your best bet for buying and selling!

Find out how to buy and sell smarter in summer.

06/07/2026

Just Listed!
Tucked away on over two peaceful acres near Three Lakes, this private retreat offers the added value of a new roof and solar panels, blending thoughtful design with inviting spaces. Step in from the covered porch to refinished hardwood floors and a seamless, open layout. An upper-level catwalk overlooks the great room with soaring cathedral ceilings and a custom wood-burning fireplace. The newly remodeled kitchen features updated finishes, stainless steel appliances, and a generous pantry—ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Four spacious bedrooms include a main-level primary suite with en-suite bath. An oversized bonus room above the garage offers flexible, private space or could serve as an additional primary suite. Outside, enjoy more than two acres of serene, park-like grounds surrounded by nature. Conveniently located between Monroe, Snohomish, and Lake Stevens with easy access to freeways and outdoor recreation.

05/12/2026

Thinking about selling but not sure your home is market-ready?
Compass Concierge can help front the cost of improvements like staging, painting, flooring, landscaping, and more — with nothing due until closing.
It’s one more way I help sellers prepare strategically, market beautifully, and make a strong first impression.
Curious what updates would make the biggest difference in your home? Message me.

05/12/2026

Month-to-date, the housing market continues to show a more active spring environment
compared to the same point last month, with inventory levels expanding across nearly every county in
the region. At the same time, pending sales are running ahead of prior month-to-date levels in many
markets, particularly in Snohomish, Pierce, Whatcom, Kitsap, and King counties, signaling that buyer
demand remains active even as supply increases. While closed sales are generally trending lower
month-to-date, this appears to reflect transaction timing more than weakening demand, especially
given the strength in pending activity. Overall, the market continues to move toward a more balanced
spring dynamic, where buyers have more options while contract activity remains steady across much
of the region.