Blog + News

In a housing market where nearly half of Americans worry they may never own a home, we’re facing unique challenges. With the scarcity of available homes for sale and a growing trend of properties selling above asking price, many prospective buyers, including first-time buyers, are feeling disheartened. However, there’s a strategy that most potential homebuyers are unaware of—one that can reveal more affordable options even in the face of stiff competition.

Mortgage rates continue to be top of mind and a tricky challenge to navigate for even those with extensive experience in purchasing real estate or seasoned investors with multiple assets. So, it’s no surprise that many first-time buyers find themselves overwhelmed by the high rates as they attempt to search for their perfect abode or starter home. However, the first step to achieving success amid a market marked with obstacles is to understand exactly what is going on, how it directly affects you, and strategies you can employ to reach your real estate goals, regardless of rates.

As we march ever forward after a challenging few years, Seattle’s downtown core is coming back to life. From the sparkling tech headquarters in South Lake Union, to the beloved live music venues of Belltown, to the quirky vintage shops of Capitol Hill, these urban neighborhoods showcase our resilient Pacific Northwest nature, while providing city conveniences and easy access to all things Seattle.

Water defines life in the Pacific Northwest. Nowhere is this more true that in Western Washington, where urban lakes, Puget Sound, coastal shores, and idyllic islands entice the bold and beckon those who long for a respite. There is truly nothing like a piece of shoreline to call your own. With this in mind, Realogics Sotheby's International Realty presents the 2023 Waterfront Report to help inform the next steps on your selling or buying journey.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we want to shine a light on the importance of mental well-being and how to nourish your own. With our roots in psychology, this topic is not just relevant, but deeply personal. We believe in fostering communities where mental wellness is not only acknowledged but actively nurtured and celebrated.

If you’ve seen the headlines, you already know—inflation and rising interest rates cooled the market in the latter half of 2022. That slow pace carried into the first quarter of the year, and while the headlines might suggest the housing market has been in a slump, many areas have simply not seen the rocketing (and in many cases, unsustainable,) growth that marked the pandemic-era housing boom. As a result, the median sold price for single-family homes stayed relatively flat year-over-year.

Current headlines are awash covering rising mortgage rates, high inflation, and political turmoil. But guess what? Investors and economists have already factored in these uncertainties, and there are signs of a strong rebound in our historically “first in – first out” Puget Sound economy. The window of opportunity is here, don’t miss it. The housing market is rebounding faster than the media can catch up. But when the market rebound makes a headline, prepare for FOMO.

Can you believe March is nearly here and spring will bloom in less than a month? Life passes us by in a blur when we’re having fun and working hard, so it’s no surprise that intentionally slowing down and evaluating the wellness level of our home isn’t at the top of the priority list. When we’re in need of inspiration, we look to others who are doing admirable work and that inspires us to get started. Here are some of the best home wellness insights we’ve come across recently