For some people, their lifelong career path was inspired by a parent’s love of the trade. Dusty Roberts is a real estate professional who tagged along with her mom to showings and open houses. She jokes that she hosted her first open house at just 4 years old. Today, she’s a hardworking pro herself with a deep love for the Pacific Northwest and all our region has to offer.
If you’re buying or selling, Roberts is happy to share her extensive knowledge and experience. Whether your family is growing, downsizing, relocating or a nearby JBLM transfer, she’ll work around the clock to find what you need.
After a Wealth of Exploration, Dusty Roberts Chose to Put Down Real Estate Roots in Olympia
After college, Roberts explored multiple industries including nonprofit, media and public relations sectors. She and husband Mike also took to the road, leaving their Texas home for a nomadic RV life, thanks to careers that allowed remote access.
The pandemic inspired them to find their forever home. “Olympia was at the top of our list,” says Roberts. “It’s been home ever since, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Alongside helping with marketing, administration, and transaction management for her family’s real estate team back in Texas, Roberts is also a residential real estate broker locally. “I love helping people navigate one of the most meaningful transitions in life: buying and selling a home,” she says. “While I’ve worked with all kinds of clients, I’m especially passionate about helping first-time homebuyers right now.”
Roberts believes that first-time buyers can feel shut out of the roller-coaster market, especially lately. “But as things shift,” she explains, “there are new opportunities to make those homeownership dreams a reality. It’s deeply rewarding to help people take that step, and I love teaching and guiding them through the process with confidence.”
Homeownership in Washington State Comes with a Few Quirks…Just Like Washingtonians
With industry experience across multiple areas, Roberts says that families might be surprised by regional quirks in our state’s process. “One thing that often surprises clients, especially those relocating from other states, is how closing works in Washington,” she says.
Roberts explains that typically, the day you sign your final documents isn’t the same as your actual closing day. A transaction isn’t officially closed until it’s recorded with the county. Because of this, buyers and sellers usually sign before closing day and wait for word that the transaction has been recorded.
Additionally, says Roberts, buyers technically don’t take possession until 9 p.m. on the day of recording unless permission has been granted by the seller. “These are small details that can be surprising to many, but understanding them helps set clear expectations and ensures a smoother experience.”
But as with any real estate purchase, she recommends parties never proceed without calling a quality home inspector first. She says that doing so empowers buyers with a clear understanding of a property’s condition and protects sellers from future disputes about undisclosed issues.
Roberts frequently works with Boggs Inspection Services because of their status as a trusted local leader and reputation for excellence. She appreciates how “they’re known for standing behind their work, and that kind of reliability provides invaluable peace of mind during what can be an exciting, but also stressful, process.”
Dwayne Boggs, President and CEO of the company, says his team also enjoys working with Roberts. “She is very professional and really cares about her clients and helping them make the right decisions,” he adds.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Real Estate Market
As we look towards 2026, Roberts explains that brokers are seeing more inventory, longer market times and reduced competition. She believes this will create new opportunities especially when paired with improving interest rates.
For buyers, Roberts suggests not waiting for the perfect rate percentage as that rapidly increases buyer demand, competition and leads to higher prices overall. She recommends buying when the right home presents itself and then looking into refinance options down the road.
On the seller side, Roberts reminds families that pricing is everything. “Homes that are priced correctly from the start tend to sell faster and often for more than those that start high and linger,” she says. “The market is more balanced now and buyers are savvy; they know their options.”
She also reminds sellers that professional marketing, quality photography and a strong online presence are must-haves. “Just make sure your home matches expectations in person,” she cautions. “If it looks far better online, that disconnect can turn buyers away quickly.”
You can reach out to Roberts through her Zillow portal, emailing Dusty@DustyRoberts.com or calling 360.399.2566. She’s also a great resource for advice on activities like hiking, biking, paddleboarding, travel, gaming, yoga, working in the family business or fun places to go with dogs.
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