Real Estate News & Information December 11, 2025

Local Market Update – December 2025

In November, all four of our regions saw year-over-year growth and month-over-month declines in the number of active listings. While a seasonal dip is normal for this time of year, the annual increases in inventory levels are notable. Rising supply is playing a central role in moderating prices and creating a more balanced market environment. Ultimately, the long-term impact of this added housing stock will depend on whether buyers are able to overcome the still-high prices and re-engage the market.

KING COUNTY

Last month, King County’s median price for a single-family home fell 1% year over year, from $925,000 to $915,000. Compared to November 2024, the number of active listings jumped 35%. Closed sales didn’t keep pace with inventory levels, declining 13% from last year and 24% since October. For King County condos, the median sold price dropped 10% to $507,880, and active listings grew 16%.

SEATTLE

Seattle was the only one of our four markets to experience a year-over-year price increase, albeit a modest one. The city’s median residential sold price inched up 1% in November, from $968,000 to $973,500. Active listings advanced 32% year over year but saw a typical seasonal drop of 19% month over month. Closed sales dipped 11% compared to 2024. Seattle’s median condo price remained flat at $573,500, while active listings increased 21%.

EASTSIDE

On the Eastside, the median price for a single-family home decreased 7% year over year, from $1,537,312 to $1,430,000. Active listings were 73% higher than last November. Although more homes were on the market, the increase in supply wasn’t matched by sales activity. Pending sales rose 10% year over year, but closed sales sank 17%. Condos, a more affordable alternative to the Eastside’s seven-figure single-family home prices, saw annual price growth of 9% to $750,000, as buyers continued to look for lower-cost options.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

In Snohomish County, the median residential sold price edged down 4% to $750,000 in November, dropping from $784,975 a year earlier. Active listings increased 39%. Despite more supply, buyer activity softened: closed sales fell 16% year over year, and pending sales dipped 6%. In the county’s condo market, the median price contracted 9% year over year to $485,000 and active listings climbed 51%.

As the holidays get underway, the real estate market is settling into a state of balance. Year-over-year gains in supply are influencing pricing and giving fresh options for the buyers still out there. The combination of seasonal patterns and shifting conditions ahead of the busy spring market may create opportunities for both buyers and sellers. In a continually evolving real estate landscape, the expert guidance of a Windermere agent remains essential.

Read more.

BuyersReal Estate News & Information December 9, 2025

Seattle Homebuyers Less Likely to Back Out of Deals

Across the country, more homebuyers are walking away from purchase contracts, but in Seattle, most are staying the course.

In August, 15.1% of national real estate details fell through, marking the highest share since 2017. By contrast, the Seattle metro area saw a modest uptick from 9.7% to 10%, keeping local buyers among the least likely to renege on their contracts.

Other major tech hubs show similar resilience. New York City’s cancellation rate held steady at 9.3%, while San Francisco’s rose slightly from 3.6% to 5.9%. But in more volatile markets like the South, buyers are backing out in far greater numbers. Atlanta leads the nation at 21%.

The reasons vary. During the pandemic-era seller’s market, buyers often waived contingencies, leaving little room to withdraw from deals. As conditions have shifted toward more balance, contingencies such as inspection results, financing challenges, or low appraisals have reentered negotiations, and in many places, led to higher cancellation rates.

In Seattle, however, two factors are helping keep deals intact: financial stability and limited supply. According to Windermere Chief Economist Jeff Tucker, local buyers tend to have stronger financial footing and a clearer understanding of mortgage terms, making last-minute financing failures less common.

Low inventory also plays a role. Even as the national market tilts toward buyers, Seattle’s housing supply remains tight, especially for single family homes, and high demand often pushes buyers to waive contingencies to stay competitive.

The combination keeps the city’s deal cancellations comparatively low. While Seattle’s buyers now have slightly more leverage than during the height of the market, deep-pocketed purchasers and scarce listings continue to set the tone.

This post was based on information found on The Seattle Times.

Design December 4, 2025

What is Italianate Architecture?

Italianate architecture has roots in Italy’s countryside villas, palaces, and overall romantic building aesthetic. Those ancient buildings inspired a new wave of home design that borrowed from the classic concepts found throughout a country beloved for its classic details and charm. Let’s dive into this special version of Mediterranean design to learn what makes it so appealing.

History of Italianate Architecture

Emerging in the early 1800s as part of a classic architecture movement of the time, the Italianate architectural style was inspired by Italy’s awesome and inspiring classic buildings. The goal in creating this style of home design was to share the grand and charming characteristics of Italian architecture with the world. Closely associated with the Victorian period, Italianate architecture gained popularity in Europe and the U.S. during the 19th century.

Italianate architecture detached house | Image Source: Getty Images | Image Source: tomch

What is Italianate architecture?

For those who dream of taking a vacation to an Italian villa or countryside estate, this architectural style is for you. Square and symmetrical, homes built in this style are typically constructed from brick, stone, or stucco with well-constructed masonry walls. Common features of these distinct homes include tile flooring, columned entryways, and rounded windows.

Italianate houses typically have low-pitched roofs or a belvedere to capture views and emphasize verticality. The windows are a focal point of Italianate home exteriors. Tall and narrow, they are decorated with elaborate crown molding or hoods, evoking the grandeur of palatial Italian buildings. The Italianate style comes in many shapes and sizes, from townhouses and row houses to countryside estates and mansions.

Italianate architecture row house in Trieste, Italy | Image Source: Getty Images | Image Source: Leonid Andronov

Design December 2, 2025

Behr 2026 Color of the Year: How to Style Your Home with Behr’s Hidden Gem

Color has a way of reshaping the way a home feels, and for 2026, Behr has introduced a shade that truly sets the tone. Hidden Gem N430-6A, a smoky jade with an air of quiet confidence, is rich, refined, and just mysterious enough to keep your rooms interesting long after the paint dries.

As homes continue shifting toward more personal, expressive spaces, this jewel-toned green blue arrives right on cue. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a top-to-bottom refresh, here’s how to embrace Behr’s Hidden Gem and blend it seamlessly into 2026’s biggest interior design trends.

Behr Color of the Year: Hidden Gem

Each year, Behr’s color experts look to lifestyle trends, design movements, and cultural moods to select a single shade that reflects how people want to live. For 2026, the demand is clear: homeowners are craving comfort, character, and a stronger connection to the natural world. Hidden Gem brings all three into perfect balance, offering a sophisticated, versatile tone that feels intentional without overpowering a space.

With its deep teal base and soft smoky undertones, it offers a calm, eye-catching depth that shifts effortlessly with the light, perfect for layering with the color and design trends shaping homes in 2026.

Source: Behr 2026 Color of the Year – Hidden Gem

Balancing Hidden Gem with 2026 Color Trends

Color forecasters agree that 2026 will be defined by rich, soothing, nature-inspired hues that help homes feel more grounded and expressive. Hidden Gem fits neatly into this movement, especially as tranquil teals rise in popularity.

This year’s trend reports also point to the growing appeal of warm blacks and mellow reds. These deeper tones bring drama and intimacy into a space, particularly in small rooms or architectural moments. Hidden Gem pairs beautifully with warm blacks like Behr’s Cracked Pepper and earthy reds such as Terra Cotta Urn, creating a thoughtful contrast that feels modern and moody.

Uplifting yellows and soft neutrals will also remain strong throughout 2026. Subtle creams and warm whites help brighten teal-based palettes, while tones like Wheat Bread provide a soft foundation that allows Hidden Gem’s depth to shine. Pairing it with sunny tones like Beehive or 2025’s butter-yellow trend adds a fresh lift, keeping the look balanced and inviting.

Just like Pantone’s color stories, Behr’s 2026 palette is designed to influence cohesive, livable color combinations around its Color of the Year. And the good news? Hidden Gem is unusually flexible. If you are looking for more combinations, explore Behr’s full list of 2026 color trends for additional inspiration.

Source: Behr 2026 Color Trends

How to Align Hidden Gem with Other 2026 Home Trends

Beyond color, the home trends emerging in 2026 offer even more ways to weave Hidden Gem into a refreshed modern space.

Color Drenching and Moody Palettes

One of the biggest design shifts heading into 2026 is the rise of color drenching, where a single shade covers the walls, trim, ceiling, and sometimes even furniture in a room. The look creates a fully immersive, moody atmosphere that feels polished and cohesive. Hidden Gem is especially well-suited for this approach because of its depth and richness.

Alongside this trend, deeper, moodier palettes are also becoming more popular. Saturated hues like greens, ochres, burgundies, and tobacco-inspired tones are appearing more often in homes, reflecting a growing desire for warm color and expressive style.

Personalized Spaces and Self-Care at Home

Design is becoming more personal, and many homeowners are carving out spaces meant for calm, comfort, and everyday wellness. Cozy reading nooks, spa-inspired bathrooms, and small restorative spaces continue to rise in popularity, offering a way to slow down within the home.

Hidden Gem’s serene, smoky character makes it an ideal backdrop for these spaces. It brings a quiet sense of balance to reading nooks when paired with warm wood or soft, textured fabrics. In bathrooms, it complements natural materials and warm metals, creating the same soothing quality you’d expect from a spa.

Sustainability Remains a Priority

Sustainability continues to influence how people design and renovate their homes. From natural materials to energy-efficient upgrades and EV-friendly features, homeowners are seeking ways to make their spaces both stylish and environmentally conscious.

Hidden Gem’s nature-inspired tone fits comfortably within these choices. It pairs effortlessly with organic textures like stone, linen, clay, and reclaimed wood, creating a look that feels grounded and connected to the environment.

With Hidden Gem leading the way, 2026 offers endless opportunities to create a home that feels expressive, grounded, and beautifully your own.

From Don November 25, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear friends,

As we head into the holiday season, I’ve been reflecting on how challenging this year has been for so many in our community. Between rising costs, an unpredictable market, and the ups and downs that life always brings, it hasn’t been an easy road.

Yet even through the challenges, I’ve seen incredible resilience, generosity, and hope in the people around me, and that gives me a lot to be thankful for.

I’m grateful every day for my family, friends, good health, home, and our two loyal pugs, Buzz and Dexter. And I’m especially thankful for you — my clients and community — for your trust, referrals, and continued support. You make it possible for me to do what I love most: helping people find their footing, their home, and their next chapter.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you find time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate the small joys that keep us moving forward.

With gratitude and warm wishes for the season,

Don

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

Living November 20, 2025

Fire Safety: Preventing & Preparing for Fires at Home

A fire breaking out in your home is a serious potential hazard. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to identify the early signs of a fire and to prepare for an emergency. The following list will help you and your household put together your fire safety plan.

Fire safety

Having properly functioning smoke and CO2 detectors is crucial to your safety. Test your smoke and CO2 detectors frequently and swap out the batteries when necessary. It is recommended to have a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home.

Always keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen to combat flame outbursts from the stove or oven. It is best to have at least one fire extinguisher per floor for easy access. Keep in mind that fire extinguishers are used to control and extinguish small, contained fires. If a fire has spread throughout an entire room, or is beginning to engulf your home, know that fire extinguishers are no match for the blaze, and you should escape immediately.

Evacuation plan

A home fire can be very disorienting. During an emergency, it is critical that all members of your household know how to properly evacuate the home. Identify two ways to escape from each room in case one route is unsafe. Choose a meeting spot somewhere outside for everyone to meet a safe distance away from the fire. This can be across the street, down the block, at a neighbor’s house, or wherever makes most sense for you and your family. The most important thing is that you all have an agreed-upon rendezvous. Select an emergency contact whom you can reach out to if something goes wrong in the evacuation process or if a family member is missing.

Best practices

When escaping your home, crawl as low as possible to stay beneath the smoke. Test closed doors before using them to escape. If they are hot, that’s a sign that there are flames on the other side of the door and you should use an alternative escape strategy. Be careful that you don’t burn your hand when testing closed doors. Make sure everyone in your household knows the procedure for calling 9-1-1 and properly alerting the fire department. If you have pets at home, include them in your evacuation plans. If you are forced to decide between evacuating safely and trying to rescue a pet, know that firefighters are trained experts at saving animals from house fires.

Design November 18, 2025

How to Upgrade Your Dining Room

The dining room is a place of gathering, comfort, and community. Creating the right mood in the space is a matter of choices in décor and design. For example, a traditional dining room creates a heartwarming tone whereas a modern one feels minimalist and light. Homeowners can often feel puzzled when trying to upgrade their dining room, since it typically isn’t as simple as buying new appliances or green-lighting a remodeling project. Here are some simple ideas to help you upgrade your dining room and achieve the atmosphere you’re looking for.

Lighting

A light fixture is often the centerpiece of a dining room. Your choice in lighting can greatly reinforce the dining room theme you’re going for, so look for fixtures that reinforce the other elements of the space. A chandelier will add a formal touch to the room, while more modern fixtures like pendant and warehouse lights can deliver a sense of chic sophistication. If you plan to hang a chandelier, keep in mind that the bottom of the fixture should hang roughly three feet above the dining room table. If you have vaulted ceilings, it should hang even higher.

Flooring

A full dining room upgrade happens from the ground up. If your flooring is outdated or showing signs of wear and tear, it’s the perfect time to add a flooring upgrade to your project list. Choosing the right flooring is a matter of identifying what material will work best in the space, assessing your budget, and forming a plan for installation. Materials like vinyl, ceramic tile, and hardwood are popular options, not only for their durability, but also because they’re easy to clean. Other niche options like cork or concrete can help create a specific ambience but may not be as widely available. Once you’ve decided on your material, talk to local contractors to compare installation quotes. There are pros and cons to installing flooring on your own or hiring a professional; know what they are before making a final decision.

Table & Chairs

When it comes down to it, the essential function of your dining room is to provide a setting for enjoying a meal. Together with your main lighting fixture, your table and chairs help to form the focal point of the room. Size is a critical component of your dining room table. There’s a Goldilocks dynamic with dining room tables. The larger the table, the more room everyone has, but the more space it takes up. Make sure to take exact measurements before shopping around so you know exactly what size you’re looking for.

Your chairs will reinforce the look and feel of your table. Consider balancing wood grains and matching colors. For example, if your dining room table is designed with intricate wood grain, look at chair sets with simple colors and designs to bring balance to the room. When it comes to the height of the seats, arms, and back, choose dimensions that suit the dining experience you’re looking to create. Generally, high-backed, narrower chairs create a more formal atmosphere than their rounded, modern counterparts. Either way, choose the combination that looks best to you and feels most comfortable.

Color & Décor

A fresh coat of paint can take a dining room from stale to lively in a hurry. If you’re thinking about painting your dining room, think about how the color scheme would complement and/or contrast with the colors elsewhere in your home. A contrasting color will help differentiate the space, while a complimenting color will help to tie things together. New color in the dining room doesn’t have to come exclusively from painting a wall. Colored furniture pieces, decorative throw pillows, placemats, and table décor can help liven the space as well. Curtains and drapes can add a splash of color while softening the room, and when paired together with a decorative rug, can make your colors pop at different eye levels.

Real Estate News & Information November 13, 2025

Local Market Update – November 2025

As the year moves further into fall, all four of our local regions remain balanced. Rising inventory and easing interest rates are having a measured impact on affordability, creating a steadier environment across the Puget Sound. With supply elevated and prices holding relatively firm, both buyers and sellers are adjusting to a more even playing field. How the market evolves through winter will depend largely on interest rate trends and broader economic confidence.

KING COUNTY 
King County saw 4% annual price growth in October, with the median sold price for single-family homes rising from $960,000 to $997,000. Inventory remained strong, up 33% year over year, though it dipped 7% month over month as some sellers paused ahead of the seasonal slowdown. Sales activity was mixed: pending transactions fell 11% annually and 10% from September, while closed sales were down 8% year over year but rose 12% month over month, reflecting a slower pipeline of new deals but solid follow-through on earlier summer contracts. In the condo segment, the median price dipped 2% to $550,000, while active listings climbed 13%.

SEATTLE 
Seattle’s market remained active in October. The median residential sold price climbed 8% year over year to $1,049,999, up from $972,500. Active listings grew 21%, offering buyers more selection. Still, pending sales fell 5% from last year and 9% from September, suggesting measured buyer engagement despite growing supply. Meanwhile, closed sales increased 7% annually and 29% month over month, signaling that demand remains solid for well-priced listings. Median condo prices held steady at $577,562, with inventory up 13%.

EASTSIDE 
The Eastside’s median sold price for single-family homes held flat at $1,550,000, unchanged from October 2024. Inventory continued its sharp year-over-year rise, up 76% annually, but down 8% from September, as sellers stepped back for the slower season. Buyer activity softened: pending sales declined 14% year over year and 19% month over month, though closed sales rose 7% from September, hinting that demand remains steady for competitively priced homes. In the condo market, prices edged up 1% to $746,701, while active listings expanded 22%.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY
In October, Snohomish County’s median residential sold price fell 5% year over year to $770,000, as inventory surged 39%. Buyer activity slowed across both timelines: pending sales declined 8% annually and 9% from September, while closed transactions were down 9% from last year. In contrast, the condos market saw modest gains, with prices rising 3% to $525,000 and listings jumping 53%, giving buyers increased choice at more accessible price points.

With mortgage rates at their second lowest level since November 2024 and inventory still well above last year’s levels, both local and national markets continue to stabilize. Sellers are becoming more flexible, buyers are gaining leverage, but affordability remains a challenge for many. As winter sets in, the pace of new listings will naturally slow, but declining rates and broader selection may keep the market moving for those ready to act. As market conditions evolve, a trusted Windermere advisor can provide real-time pricing strategies and personalized guidance.

Read more.

Buyers November 11, 2025

What is a Buyer-Agency Agreement and Why Does it Matter?

In today’s evolving real estate landscape, one of the biggest changes buyers will encounter is the relatively new requirement to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement. While this added step may sound formal, it’s actually designed to make the home-buying process more transparent, secure, and ultimately more beneficial for everyone involved.

What is a Buyer-Agency Agreement?

At its core, a Buyer Agency Agreement is a written contract between you and your real estate agent. It outlines your working relationship, defining the agent’s responsibilities, the services they’ll provide, the duration of your partnership, and how their compensation will be handled. Think of it as the roadmap for your home-buying journey, ensuring everyone starts on the same page, with mutual understanding and trust.

Starting in mid-2024, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) began requiring agents to have a signed buyer agency agreement before showing homes to clients.  This change stems from a nationwide settlement designed to bring greater transparency and accountability to real estate transactions by ensuring all agent-buyer relationships are clearly defined in writing. In some markets, this requirement isn’t new; states like Washington, Idaho, and Utah have long recognized the importance of formalizing this relationship. But for many buyers, this will be their first time signing such an agreement, and understanding its purpose can make all the difference.

So, why does it matter?

Transparency and Trust

This agreement ensures clarity around both compensation and representation. It spells out how your agent is paid—whether by the seller, by the buyer, or by both—so there are no surprises later. With these details defined upfront, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your agent’s focus is squarely on your best interests.

Defined Roles and Responsibilities

A Buyer Agency Agreement clearly outlines what your agent will do for you: from helping you navigate listings and compare neighborhoods to guiding you through offers, inspections, and closing. It also defines your responsibilities as a buyer, such as communicating openly and working exclusively with your chosen agent throughout the duration of the agreement. Together, these expectations create a smoother, more collaborative experience.

Protection and Professionalism

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest investments, and having a written agreement in place protects both you and your agent by setting clear parameters for your working relationship. It ensures your agent is committed to advocating for your needs, maintaining confidentiality, and acting in your best interest throughout the process.

While some may see the Buyer Agency Agreement as an extra step, it’s really a safeguard, one that reinforces the professionalism and dedication that define Windermere Real Estate agents. It turns a handshake of trust into a documented commitment, empowering buyers to make confident, informed decisions at every stage of the journey.

Buyers November 6, 2025

Multigenerational Home Buying Guide

For any family looking forward to multigenerational living, there’s much to consider when trying to find the right property. Whether you’re planning to welcome your parents or grandparents, provide a comfortable space for adult children, or simply want to create a home that accommodates your extended family, finding the right place takes time. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors that play a role in your home search.

Multigenerational Home Buying

Prioritize Location

Just as with any real estate purchase, location is vital to finding the right home for your extended family. For your young ones, you might consider the nearby schools. For the older folks in your home, you’ll want to know your proximity to healthcare facilities and community spaces. And for everyone under your roof, you’ll want to be close to the places that help you all enjoy life, such as parks, bodies of water, and other recreational areas.

How to Search for a Home

Floor Plan

With more people living in a multigenerational home, layout can often take precedence over aesthetics. Of course, you still want your next home to look the part, but fundamentally, you have a lot of foot traffic to account for and future accessibility to think about. Homes with separate living spaces are a great option for accommodating a large family. Features like a furnished basement, a mother-in-law suite, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or a detached guesthouse can solve a lot of problems, present and future.

Private Spaces

Along with an ideal layout, it’s important to have private spaces so each person can enjoy their time at home. Make sure there are separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and if possible, separate living areas to allow family members to make the most of their personal space while still enjoying the benefits of living together. You can either look for homes that have defined private spaces or identify the ones that are good candidates for remodeling projects that can create them.

Buying with Remodeling in Mind

Home Inspection

A thorough home inspection is a necessity. With several people living with you—some of whom may be elderly—you need to know that your home can provide for everyone for years to come. The home inspection will help you to identify any potential issues with the property and make informed decisions about how to negotiate with the seller.

When looking for properties, look at the condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, and identify any potential structural concerns. Talk to your agent about the findings of the home inspection and what it means for you as you prepare to make an offer.

Home Inspection: A Reality Check from a Pro

Think About the Future

How will your needs change at home in the future? Thinking about the long term can help you narrow your home search. Maybe you’ll need additional space as your children grow up or as your parents age into their elderly years.

A home with a more flexible design and layout may be a better investment for you in the long term.

 

For more information on finding the right home, connect with a local, experienced Windermere agent today:

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­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: PeopleImages