Hilltop Roots. Built for What’s Next.
RM Home Specialists • May 6, 2026

A Builder Who Sees What Others Don’t.

There’s something powerful about coming home, not just to a house, but to a neighborhood that shaped you.  For Michael Hopkins, Hilltop isn’t a trend or an opportunity on paper. It’s personal.


Born and raised just blocks from where he’s now building, Michael’s story has come full circle. As the founder of Tac Build LLC, he’s not just constructing homes, he’s investing back into the very community that raised him.  And that’s what makes this newly built home so meaningful.


A Builder Who Sees What Others Don’t.


For over 18 years, Michael has specialized in new construction and development, following a decade in remodeling and flips. He’s also been a loan officer, giving him a rare, dual perspective on both building homes and helping buyers finance them. That edge matters.


Because building in areas like Hilltop isn’t always easy or widely pursued. Michael’s mission is clear: create quality, attainable homes in neighborhoods where others may hesitate to build. Places rich in culture, history, and potential.

But there are real challenges.


Government regulations often require builders to shoulder the cost of infrastructure; sidewalks, lighting, and improvements that add value to the community but also increase the final cost of the home.  And for many builders, especially developers of color, access to capital can be the deciding factor in whether a project moves forward or not.


Michael speaks candidly about this. Not from a place of limitation but from experience, resilience, and vision. Because despite the obstacles, he’s here building homes. 


More Than Development—A New Chapter in Hilltop Living


I’ve had the privilege of working with Michael on different projects since 2006, watching his journey evolve through different seasons of the market and his business. Seeing him build in the very neighborhood he grew up in just five blocks from these homes feels special.


He’s witnessed Hilltop’s transformation firsthand: the growth of local businesses, the renewed interest and the steady energy of a neighborhood that’s evolving while still holding onto its roots.


RM Home Specialists are proud to be bringing one of these three newly built homes to market. This home represents everything today’s buyer is looking for:


  • Thoughtful, modern design
  • Low-maintenance, new construction peace of mind
  • City views, private back yards bordering a green belt
  • A location that keeps you connected -to Tacoma, freeways, medical campuses, theater, shops, and restaurants.
  • A chance to build equity in a neighborhood that continues to rise.


Why Hilltop? Why Now?


Hilltop has always had heart. Now, it also has momentum.


With its proximity to downtown Tacoma, access to transit, local businesses, and a deep sense of community identity, Hilltop is becoming one of the most compelling places to invest, not just financially, but personally.


Step into this home and its’s story: A story of legacy, growth, and possibility-built by someone who knows this neighborhood not just as a builder, but as a neighbor.


If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to explore Hilltop, this is it.


Let’s look together. Call us at RM today for a tour or additional information. 



Regina Madiera-Gorden | REALTOR®

RM HOME SPECIALISTS, Managing Broker

Windermere West Campus

Cell: 253-381-6685 | call/text/email

Gated Comfort, Garden Charm and an Unbeatable Lakewood Location

By RM Home Specialists • July 30, 2026
Some homes stand out because of their finishes. Others win you over with their location. This beautifully upgraded condo at Clover Creek Crossing offers both, along with the intimate feeling of a small, established community. Clover Creek Crossing is a gated community of just 10 units offering a quieter and more personal alternative to a large condominium complex. Surrounded by lush landscaping and with access to Chambers Creek, the setting feels peaceful and tucked away yet it is wonderfully connected to everything Lakewood has to offer. Step inside, and you’ll immediately appreciate the bright, open layout and the extensive upgrades completed throughout the home. The recent remodel included new flooring, appliances, kitchen cabinetry, extended granite countertops, updated bathrooms, lighting, ceiling fans and fixtures, as well as fresh interior paint. The gas fireplace was replaced and refreshed, built-in bookshelves were relocated, and a new patio slider was installed to create an easy connection between the interior and outdoor living spaces. The improvements went well beyond the cosmetic. A new furnace and water heater were also added during the remodel, while air conditioning provides a welcome layer of comfort during the warmer months. It is the kind of thoughtful updating that allows a new owner to move in and enjoy the home without facing a long list of projects. One of the home’s most enchanting features is its private brick patio. Framed by greenery and equipped with its own watering system for the garden beds, it is a delightful place for morning coffee, container gardening, outdoor dining or a quiet evening with friends. It feels like a secret garden—beautiful, manageable and surprisingly private. Parking is another standout benefit. The home includes both a private garage and an additional covered carport, providing valuable space for vehicles, storage or hobbies. Then there is the location. Clover Creek Crossing places you just steps from Lakewood Towne Center and the Lakewood Racquet Club , with shopping, dining, fitness and everyday conveniences close at hand. Quick access to I-5 makes commuting to Tacoma, Olympia, JBLM and surrounding areas simple, while the gated entry and natural surroundings welcome you home to a calmer pace. This is more than an upgraded condo . it is a charming, comfortable retreat in the center of it all.

Craftsman Charm in the Heart of South Tacoma

By RM Home Specialists • July 24, 2026
Incredible deals can be found in South Tac, where vintage Craftsman character meets a wonderfully connected Tacoma lifestyle. As an example of this, welcome to our newest listing at 1424 S 55th . From its welcoming entry and coved ceilings to charming built-ins, cozy fireplace, vintage kitchen, and flexible basement rooms, and central A/C this home offers warmth, personality, and room to make it your own. The central South Tacoma location makes everyday conveniences at your doorstep. Enjoy quick access to I-5 for commuting, shopping and conveniences at Tacoma Mall , and the independent shops, neighborhood gathering places, and globally inspired eateries found throughout the historic South Tacoma Business District. Summer may be when this home shines brightest. The fully fenced backyard is ready for gardening, entertaining, or relaxing among established native landscaping, raised garden boxes, trellises, a patio, and a useful storage shed. When the temperature climbs, head inside and enjoy the home’s upgraded heat pump and refreshing A/C—a feature Northwest buyers increasingly appreciate. Outdoor recreation is also close at hand. Walk around the lake, picnic, play, or visit the dog park at Wapato Park , cool off at Stewart Heights Pool , or explore the fitness, recreation, and family programs available at the STAR Center . As longtime Pierce County real estate professionals, RM Home Specialists at Windermere West Campus understand what makes South Tacoma special—from its central location and distinctive older homes to its rich mix of locally owned businesses, diverse dining, parks, and community amenities. We’re proud to help buyers and sellers recognize the value and possibilities found in this vibrant part of our Tacoma. Charming, comfortable, and connected—1424 S 55th Street is ready for its next chapter. Regina and Madison RM Home Specialists Licensed Managing Brokers | Realtors® Windermere West Campus

From Mountains to Main Street: The Pierce County Lifestyle

By RM Home Specialists • July 22, 2026
Discover the trails, parks, restaurants, local favorites, and welcoming communities that make Pierce County one of the Pacific Northwest's best places to live. Pierce County offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and everyday convenience. Whether you're looking for more space, easy access to outdoor recreation, or a welcoming place to call home, it's easy to see why so many people are putting down roots here. Residents enjoy peaceful neighborhoods while staying close to shopping, dining, healthcare, and major commuter routes. It's a lifestyle that offers room to breathe without sacrificing convenience. Outdoor enthusiasts have endless opportunities to explore. Spend the day at Spanaway Park and Spanaway Lake enjoying walking trails, fishing, boating, playgrounds, or a lakeside picnic. Throughout the year, the area hosts community events, and during the holidays, Fantasy Lights transforms the park into one of the region's favorite seasonal attractions. For even more recreation, Sprinker Recreation Center offers ice skating, pickleball, tennis, sports fields, and activities for all ages. And with Mount Rainier National Park , Crystal Mountain , countless hiking trails, lakes, and rivers all within easy reach, adventure is never far from home. Food lovers will appreciate the area's diverse dining scene, featuring everything from family-owned Mexican restaurants and authentic Asian cuisine to cozy cafés, breweries, and local favorites throughout Puyallup and the surrounding communities. Downtown Puyallup adds even more charm with boutique shopping, year-round events, and the iconic Washington State Fairgrounds . What truly makes Pierce County special is its balance. You can enjoy a quiet evening at home, spend the weekend exploring the mountains, or meet friends for dinner, all without traveling far. It's a place where community, convenience, and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle come together. Featured Home If you've been dreaming of finding an affordable home with room to grow, this new Puyallup listing is one you'll want to see. Located at 19113 85th Ave Ct East in Spanaway , i t offers comfortable one-level living, a spacious yard, RV parking, and a custom-covered front porch perfect for your morning coffee. The standout feature is the incredible detached two-car garage, ideal for woodworking, restoring cars, hobbies, projects, or extra storage. With a back deck for entertaining and a location just minutes from Canyon Road, shopping, dining, and commuter routes, this home is full of opportunity for its next owner. Regina, Madison, and Stacey RM Home Specialists Licensed Managing Brokers | Realtors® Windermere West Campus
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