About Tom

Tom Kelly has been a professional journalist for 36 years. He served The Seattle Times for 20 years, many as Real Estate Editor. Tom’s weekly real estate column, now being syndicated nationally, is featured in The Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle, Louisville Courier, Tacoma News Tribune, Portland Oregonian, Spokane Chronicle and dozens of other newspapers. The column typically focuses on residential mortgage and tax options for Baby Boomers and Retirees, providing consumer tips and helpful hints as well as explaining concepts and terms in a friendly, understandable style.

Tom has authored, or co-authored, five books – all available on this site. His latest venture is a book co-written with Mitch Creekmore, vice-president of Stewart Title International, “Cashing In on a Second Home in Central America.’’ The book, which includes research from Jeff Hornberger, international property specialist for the National Association of Realtors, was recently reviewed by the Los Angeles Times. Tom’s award-winning radio show “Real Estate Today” aired for 17 years on the CBS affiliate in Seattle and in more than 50 U.S., markets via syndication by Business Talk Radio. It was syndicated internationally by American Forces Radio to more than 450 stations in 160 countries around the world.

Tom was president of the Santa Clara University class of 1972, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Composition and was a three-year letterman in rugby. He and his wife Dr. Jodi Kelly, an Associate Dean at Seattle University, have four grown children and live on Bainbridge Island, WA, near Seattle.