Just when you think a home showing can’t get any more awkward… it does.In Episode #2, we rewind back to 2009 — I had only been licensed about six months. Still learning. Still figuring things out. Still thinking I’d “seen it all.”I hadn’t.I was out showing a tri-level home in Mill Creek with a couple of older clients. Everything was going smoothly… until it wasn’t. Let’s just say we discovered we were not alone in the home — and the surprise guest was not dressed for company.What followed was one of those moments every REALTOR® eventually experiences — the unexpected, slightly shocking, and absolutely unforgettable situation that no class or training prepares you for.Real estate isn’t just contracts and keys. It’s people. It’s unpredictability. And sometimes… it’s stories like this.If y... 02/19/2026

I've seen a lot of things over my career and this one ranks right up there. In Episode 1 of Real Stories by Toby goes back to showing out in Gold Bar where an unexpected event took place shocking both myself and my nice, older client. Tune-in to this minute and half video to hear what happened on that day. 02/18/2026

Over the years, I’ve shared a lot of video content centered on the how of real estate✔️ Buying and selling processes✔️ Home loans✔️ Inspections✔️ Market updates✔️ Drone videos and property visualsAll of that information is important, helpful, and necessary. But after nearly 18 years of selling homes, I’ve realized something:some of the most meaningful moments in real estate don’t live inside a checklist or a transaction timeline.They live in the stories and here is the intro video:Why This New Series?This new video series takes a different route—one that steps away from the routine and leans into experience.Instead of focusing on processes, these videos are built around short, real-life stories pulled from nearly two decades in the field. Moments that made me pause. Situations that taug... 01/22/2026

Edmonds Farmers MarketIf you’re researching the Edmonds farmers market, you’re probably interested in more than fresh produce—you’re exploring a community that understands how weekend rituals, local growers, and real conversation shape quality of life. Buyers moving from Bellevue, Seattle, or the Eastside often ask what makes Edmonds special, and the farmers market is usually the first answer. It’s not simply a place to shop; it’s a gathering ground where residents meet neighbors, support artisans, and slow down long enough to enjoy the waterfront breeze.As a local realtor working with clients moving from Bellevue to Snohomish County, I’ve seen how the market becomes a deciding factor for homebuyers. It reflects values: sustainability, connection, and local ownership. Those who fall in ... 12/08/2025

Edmonds Neighborhoods Offer the Best of Puget Sound LivingIf you're considering buying or selling in Edmonds, WA, it's essential to understand the layout and appeal of the many distinct Edmonds neighborhoods. This scenic city on the shores of Puget Sound offers a unique lifestyle that combines the convenience of Seattle access with the comfort of small-town living. Whether you're drawn by the panoramic waterfront views or the close-knit community vibe, Edmonds has a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and goals.Why Edmonds, WA Is One of Washington’s Most Livable CitiesBefore diving into individual neighborhoods, it's worth noting why Edmonds consistently ranks as one of the top places to live in Snohomish County: Coastal Location: Breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Moun... 07/22/2025

Now here is a fun YouTube video for everyone to watch. I'm experimenting with Google Veo AI video creator using virtually staged photos of the Lake Stevens condo. After many attempts at the opening scene, I settle on this one where the car doesn't even stop before the prospective homebuyers are running out of it. The other scenes, living room - bedrooms - kitchen- backyard - all turned relatively good for a first run. I used prompts associated with living a in a home and what I thought marketers would put together for a commercial.How do you think the AI created video turned out?AI Video - Short 06/24/2025

I occasionally make video memes. Some have performed very well while others have fallen flat. Yesterday's video inspiration stemmed from driving back from Burlington to Marysville in the torrential downpour we were experiencing. The rain and wind have been relentless and then during the drive Forest Gump's voice popped into my head and this is the result. 02/26/2025

On a crisp February morning, I had the opportunity to capture the serene beauty of Lake Ki blanketed by a delicate layer of ice. Located in the Seven Lakes area north of the Tulalip Reservation, Lake Ki spans approximately 100.6 acres and is one Snohomish County's deepest lakes with an average depth of 33 feet - Snohomish County.As I navigated the shoreline, I was struck by the lake's stillness. The usual gentle ripples were absent, replaced by a mirror-like surface that seemed to pause time itself. A particularly captivating sight was a lone ball, frozen mid-bounce on the ice, epitomizing the tranquil ambiance.Lake Ki is renowned for its recreational offerings. During warmer months, residents and visitors indulge in activities such as fishing and boating, with motorized boats observing... 02/15/2025

Couldn't be more excited this morning. "Why?" you may be wondering. Let me tell you.Monday I filmed a clips at our latest property for sale - development opportunity in downtown Marysville - and it has been well received across multiple platforms. The video was first published on YouTube (video is below), personal Facebook page, then TikTok (huzzah for no ban), and today will be Instagram.The 24hr performance of the video is as follows. YouTube: 417 views and 5 likes Facebook: 454 views, 33 likes, and 2 shares Tiktok: 109 views and 2 likes That is a fair amount of views, for my little channel, to have with a short, vertical form video. If you're interested in seeing the format, here is the video. 01/29/2025

Last Friday was a big day for us as it marked the start of the roof tear off and installation. Friday's was decent yet the weekend's weather was rain, rain, and more rain which created stress because only the roofing underlayment was installed. Klim Roofing & Construction, our preferred roofer, ensured us it was dried-in and would be fine and they were correct.Then Monday came and along with it, lots and lots of wind. Across the area, gusts of 60+mph were reported yet without a weather station my guess was upper 40s to low 50s at the house. Klim sent the crew out and made sure the underlayment was in good shape, again it was, and with much jubbilation the roofing material arrived later that day. With trees and power out across the area, everyone involved is making it happen.Yesterday th... 11/06/2024

Hey AR Peeps! Random thought the morning while driving to the office was, I was curious if other creators make videos that are slightly outside the realm of the real estate transaction / video tours / advice segments?The YouTube Thursdays group has folks across the US that make various types property tours, have live video real estate talk shows, and tips on how-to create better videos and increase engagement.Lately, I've been trying to add some mix of very generic shorts, b-roll footage, to bring more viewers into the channel.While the numbers aren't massive, the supplemental videos have added a few subscribers here and there which we all know is a great feeling and often hard to do.Let me know your thoughts and while you're here, watch my latest b-roll footage showing our home's inter... 10/30/2024

In my latest video I wanted to talk shops! Honestly, I could talk shops all day long. What people use them for, their hobbies, how to build one, what features do you like or would do differently next, heating and cooling, electrical, how many outlets you have, lifts, and more.Yet, this video is about how I'd like to work with you and sell your home and show case its shop to attract buyers. In addition, the video talks about where you can see all the County's homes that have shops and how you can purchase one for yourself. Thanks for tuning-in to this video and Lets Talk Shop! 10/03/2024

Exciting News! 🚁✨Today marks our first home filming with the new Autel Evo Lite+ drone! We're thrilled to support Autel, a fantastic local company based right here in Bothell. By partnering with a local leader in drone technology, we're able to produce higher quality advertising content for our home sellers.Why We're Excited: Local Support: Proud to support Autel, a Bothell-based company, and contribute to our local economy. Higher Quality Ads: The Autel Evo Lite+ allows us to capture stunning aerial footage, showcasing homes like never before. Enhanced Marketing: Our home sellers will benefit from cutting-edge technology that highlights their properties beautifully. We're committed to providing the best service and innovative solutions for our clients. Stay tuned for some amazing new h... 07/02/2024

it has been a while since last publishing a video. You may ask Why?Well, my builder and good friend have put Toby to work in the rain and sun for full days. It has been really fun being able to put my hands on a project that has taken lot of planning and time. Yet, the shop is coming along nicely and hope you enjoy this update on site visits, clearing, foundation, and framing.*Note: I have so much video and pictures and they can all be seen on my personal Facebook page. 06/04/2024

This week has been busy making videos with 4 shorts completed and 1 long version - below - and with today's post's video being a catch up. As mentioned in the video intro, I missed a step videoing and explaining a step to get to where I am - the permit approval video with a few picture inlays. Hope you enjoy and thank you for tuning in. 03/28/2024

For this YouTube Thursday, here is the latest video in the Build a Shop series. The video is a brief update on the personal shop and its progress yet totally highlights I skipped making a Permit Approval video. I'll get that made while I continue to film the progress.  03/07/2024

It has been crazy to say the least. Monday was a really big day in the shop build progression.Monday, Ford Crane came to the house and boomed a 16x16 playhouse approximately 120ft across the back yard. I had to dig out the playhouse foundation to make way for steal i-beam supports - they can be seen in the video. Then the crane company setup spreader bars and started moving - a longer video is in the works. It took 2 picks to move and set the playhouse into its new home.One YT commenter asked "but why?". A fair question. The playhouse is 16'x16' (256sf) and was situated where the new shop is to be built. The playhouse is sided with hardi-board, has vinyl windows, sheetrock, tongue and grove ceiling, and flooring so it was far cheaper to move than replace.It went so smooth and the playho... 02/29/2024

With AI and AI images being so popular and trendy these days, I thought wouldn't it be fun to see what AI thinks real estate agents look like from each of the 50 States.The results were nothing short than hilarious with some States being far funnier and less serious than others. New Mexico kills me with the alien and the Open Galaxy side rider and then there is Las Vegas with the agent has me saying "Liberty Bibberty" from the Liberty Mutual commercials - LOL.If you have a moment, go vote on your favorite, chime in on AR or Facebook, and let us know if AI missed or hit the mark and have a laugh at the AI generated nonsense as we know, the real estate industry could use a laugh right now.Being AR doesn't have a photo gallery option, all the AI pictures have been uploaded to the Team's Fa... 11/08/2023

With the summers being hotter each year, I hear people complain about how hot it is, they can't cool down, and are always in a search for a place to chill. On the weekends, our local lakes and sprinkler parks are packed, people park illegally, and just over populate the local areas. All this compounds into frustration. So, what can homeowners do to elevate stress and making living better?Simple, add a whole house AC unit or Heat Pump and/or ductless mini splits to add air conditioning to the home while being energy efficient.For many, cost is always the factor yet if you're living in a home and hot as all-get-out then paying for AC is going to be a welcomed upgrade that you get to enjoy during ownership. Here are two videos, a long & short form video, detailing the enjoyment of adding A... 08/21/2023

Are you have trouble locating a well for a property? Or, did you spot a well on a property can wondering how to find more information? If so, then watch our latest short on how to search for well logs in Washington State.What if you're need a more in-depth look at water and wells? In the article How Do I Find Watershed Information in Snohomish County? has a deep dive into local water information in a ease to follow format.Thank you for tuning into another short video from the Barnett Associates Team and we'll see you on the next one. 07/28/2023