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

We went looking for a farmers market and found Wild Hare Farm.

Sometimes the best local finds happen completely by accident.

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


STORIES FROM HOME

"From the moment we began working with Madison and Regina, we knew we were in exceptional hands. Their gracious professionalism, deep knowledge, and genuine warmth shaped every step of our journey.


Although we’ve purchased homes before, their continual updates, thoughtful explanations, and steady, patient support made us feel genuinely cared for.
When we unexpectedly lost a property due to an unethical selling agent, they stood by us with calm, unwavering professionalism.


We wholeheartedly recommend trusting this exceptional team with life’s most important real estate milestones. Their stylish eye, family‑centered spirit, and heartfelt dedication set them apart in every way. When the day comes for a new chapter and the search for our final, forever dream home, we will undoubtedly call on Madison and Regina again." E. SANDSTROM | TACOMA, WA

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WILD HARE FARMSTAND

By RM Home Specialists • August 24, 2026
Last Tuesday, we were on a mission for fresh produce. With the recent lettuce parasite concerns and other produce recalls top of mind, we decided to skip our usual grocery store run and head to the Lakewood Farmers Market. Except… apparently we picked the one Tuesday it wasn't happening. Naturally, we Googled “farm stand near me.” The place with some of the best reviews was about 20 minutes away, tucked into the Puyallup River Valley: Wild Hare Organic Farm . So, off we went.

HOA or No HOA—That Is the Question

By RM Home Specialists • August 18, 2026
No one really wants to be told what to do at their own home. After all, isn’t the freedom to enjoy your property one of the biggest reasons to own it?

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.
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