Uncategorized • July 16, 2026

Seattle Is One of the Best Places in America for New Graduates

by Marnie Oshan

Seattle Is One of the Best Places in America for New Graduates. Here’s Why It Matters.

Every year, thousands of college graduates ask themselves the same question: Where should I start my career?

According to a recent study by CoworkingCafe, one of the best answers in 2026 is Seattle.

The Emerald City was ranked the #3 large city in the United States for recent college graduates, climbing three spots from last year thanks to its strong job market, high educational attainment, growing number of entry-level professional opportunities, and exceptional quality of life. The study found that Seattle continues to offer one of the most balanced combinations of career opportunity, earning potential, and lifestyle among major U.S. cities.

As someone who has lived in Seattle for more than a decade and helps people relocate here every day, the ranking didn’t surprise me at all.

Seattle has always been much more than a place to find a job. It’s a place where people come to build a career, create a lifestyle they love, and often put down roots for years to come.

A City Built on Opportunity

Seattle has long been one of the country’s strongest economic engines.

Whether your background is in technology, healthcare, aerospace, life sciences, engineering, finance, architecture, sustainability, or creative industries, there are few cities that offer the diversity of career opportunities available here.

Global companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing, Expedia, Costco, Alaska Airlines, and hundreds of innovative startups continue to attract ambitious professionals from around the world. Add in world-class research institutions like the University of Washington and Seattle continues to produce an ecosystem where innovation is simply part of everyday life.

The CoworkingCafe report highlighted Seattle’s growing concentration of entry-level professional jobs, strong employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, and highly educated workforce as key reasons for its rise to the No. 3 spot.

Your Career Doesn’t Have to Come at the Expense of Your Lifestyle

Many cities can offer good jobs.

Far fewer can offer those jobs while also providing access to mountains, water, forests, professional sports, incredible restaurants, and a thriving arts scene.

One of the things that makes Seattle unique is that work is only part of the equation.

On any given weekend you can:

Hike in the Cascade Mountains
Ski or snowboard at Snoqualmie or Crystal Mountain
Paddleboard on Lake Union
Sail on Puget Sound
Catch a Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders, Kraken, Storm, or Reign game
Explore neighborhoods filled with local coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants
Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands
Visit Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, or the San Juan Islands

It isn’t unusual for people to work in one of the world’s most innovative industries during the week and spend their weekends hiking alpine lakes or watching orcas.

That balance is one of Seattle’s greatest strengths.

A Neighborhood to Match Your Priorities

One of my favorite things about helping people move to Seattle is showing them that there isn’t just one way to experience the city.

Every neighborhood offers something a little different, whether that’s a mix of housing styles, proximity to major employment centers, access to parks and waterfronts, or a unique collection of restaurants, shops, and local businesses.

Capitol Hill, Fremont, Ballard, South Lake Union, and Belltown each have their own distinct character, with a variety of housing options, neighborhood amenities, and convenient access to many of Seattle’s employment hubs.

Green Lake, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Madison Park each offer their own blend of architectural styles, parks, local businesses, and community spaces.

Across Lake Washington, Bellevue, Kirkland, Newcastle, and Redmond provide a range of housing options, from newer condominiums and townhomes to single-family residences, along with access to major employers, shopping, dining, and an expanding regional transit network.

One of Seattle’s greatest strengths is its variety. Whether you’re looking for an urban condominium, a modern townhome, new construction, or a home with more outdoor space, there are options throughout the region to fit a wide range of preferences and budgets.

Renting Today Doesn’t Mean Renting Forever

For many recent graduates, renting is a natural first step, and Seattle offers a wide variety of housing options, from apartments and condominiums to townhomes and single-family rentals.

One conversation I encourage people to have early is this:

What would it take to become a homeowner someday?

Many first-time buyers assume homeownership is years away when, with a little planning, it may be much closer than they think.

Whether that means purchasing a condominium in the city, a townhome in one of Seattle’s neighborhoods, or a home elsewhere in the region, having a long-term plan can make a meaningful difference in building equity over time.

Real estate isn’t just about where you live today. It’s about creating opportunities for tomorrow.

Seattle Continues to Invest in Its Future

Seattle isn’t standing still.

The city continues to evolve with new housing, expanding light rail, waterfront redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization, and ongoing investment in public spaces and transportation.

These improvements continue to reshape how people live, work, and move throughout the region, making Seattle even more attractive for both employers and residents.

Like any major city, Seattle faces challenges, including housing affordability and supply. But those challenges also reflect something important: people continue to want to live here. The demand for housing remains strong because the region continues to create opportunity.

More Than a Great Place to Start

Being named the No. 3 city in America for recent graduates is certainly an impressive recognition.

But I think Seattle’s greatest strength is something much harder to measure.

People often come here for a job.

They stay because they discover a community, a lifestyle, and opportunities they didn’t expect.

Whether you’re graduating this year, relocating for work, or simply considering your next move, Seattle offers something increasingly rare: the chance to build both a successful career and a fulfilling life.

And that’s why so many people who move here end up calling Seattle home.

If you’re thinking of moving to Seattle, or already live here and are looking to buy or sell, I’d love to be a resource for you. Feel free to call or text 206-659-8116 or email marnie@windermere.com

Uncategorized • July 7, 2026

How the FIFA World Cup Showcased Why Seattle Is One of the Best Places to Live

by Marnie Oshan

The World Came to Seattle, and Seattle Showed the World Who We Are

For the past several weeks, Seattle wasn’t just a stop on the FIFA World Cup schedule. It became a gathering place for the world.

Thousands of visitors filled our streets, restaurants, parks, waterfront, and neighborhoods. Flags from around the globe flew next to the Seattle skyline. Different languages could be heard in coffee shops, on light rail, around Pioneer Square, and throughout Seattle Center.

For a brief moment, the world got to experience what those of us who live here already know.

Seattle is a truly special place.

More Than a Host City

Hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events is about far more than what happens inside the stadium.

It is about welcoming people, creating memorable experiences, and giving visitors a reason to come back long after the final whistle.

Throughout the tournament, Seattle did exactly that. Visitors experienced world-class soccer at Lumen Field.. err, Seattle Stadium, but they also got to see waterfront sunsets, ferry rides across Puget Sound, hikes in the Cascade foothills, vibrant neighborhoods, great local restaurants, live music, and a community that was genuinely excited to welcome them.

For several weeks, Seattle reminded everyone that we are more than the headlines. We are welcoming, creative, diverse, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The Best of the Pacific Northwest

One of the things that stood out during the tournament was how naturally Seattle’s lifestyle became part of the experience.

Visitors grabbed coffee in neighborhood cafés before matches. They explored Pike Place Market, walked the waterfront, kayaked on Lake Union, took ferries across Puget Sound, and discovered that mountains, forests, lakes, and the ocean are all part of everyday life here.

That is something we can easily take for granted.

Where else can you ski in the mountains and paddleboard the same weekend? Catch a professional sporting event and then watch the sunset over Puget Sound? Spend Saturday hiking near alpine lakes and Sunday enjoying world-class dining?

For those of us who call the Pacific Northwest home, this balance is not a vacation. It is simply life.

A Global Stage for Seattle

Hosting the World Cup also showcased Seattle’s ability to welcome major international events.

The city welcomed fans from around the world while showing off its transportation network, hospitality industry, public spaces, and passionate sports culture. For many visitors, Seattle felt energized, welcoming, and easy to fall in love with.

That matters.

Global events like this leave lasting impressions. Not just for tourism, but for businesses considering relocation, professionals exploring career opportunities, students choosing universities, and families deciding where to put down roots.

The World Cup reminded people that Seattle is not simply a beautiful place to visit. It is an incredible place to build a life.

Why So Many People Choose Seattle

As someone who helps individuals and families relocate to the Seattle area, I often hear the same question:

“What is it really like to live there?”

The World Cup may have provided the best answer possible.

People experienced a city that is welcoming and inclusive, international and culturally rich, surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, full of opportunity, passionate about sports, and made up of neighborhoods that each have their own personality.

Whether you are drawn here by technology, healthcare, aerospace, sports, higher education, entrepreneurship, or simply the quality of life, Seattle offers something that is hard to replicate anywhere else.

Following the Tournament Beyond the Final Whistle

One of my favorite parts of the World Cup wasn’t just what happened on the pitch. It was all of the stories that surrounded it. The energy around the city, fans from every corner of the world, neighborhood celebrations, and the little moments that made Seattle such a memorable host were just as fun to follow as the matches themselves.

If you’re missing the excitement already or want to catch up on anything you missed, do yourself a favor and check out Sounder at Heart. They’ve been covering soccer in the Pacific Northwest for years, and their 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup coverage has been outstanding. They went far beyond the scores, capturing the atmosphere, the people, and everything that made this tournament so special for Seattle. Honestly, if you’re a soccer fan in the Pacific Northwest, it’s one of the best resources out there.

Full disclosure and shameless plug, my brother runs Sounder at Heart – but I’d be recommending their work even if we weren’t related. They do a fantastic job, and it’s been a lot of fun watching them help tell Seattle’s World Cup story.

Looking Beyond the Tournament

The matches have ended, the fans have started their journeys home, and the stadium has quieted down again.

But the impact of these past few weeks will last much longer.

For many visitors, Seattle moved from being a city on a map to a place filled with memories. For others, it may have become a future home.

And for those of us lucky enough to live here, the World Cup was a reminder of what makes this region so special.

Sometimes it takes seeing your hometown through the eyes of the world to appreciate just how remarkable it really is.

Seattle welcomed the world beautifully, and I think the world left with a new appreciation for the Pacific Northwest.

If you have been considering making Seattle home, or are simply curious about what it is like to live here, I would be happy to share what makes this region such an incredible place to call home. While the World Cup may be over, everything that made Seattle shine is here every single day.

First Time Buyer • Home Buying • Market Trends • Selling • June 29, 2026

Seattle Named America’s #6 Best City in 2026 — Here’s Why That Matters for Homebuyers and Investors

by Marnie Oshan

Seattle continues to earn national recognition – and for good reason.

In the newly released 2026 America’s Best Cities Report from Resonance Consultancy, Seattle was ranked #6 among the nation’s best cities, reinforcing what many of us who live and work here already know: Seattle remains one of the most desirable places in the country to live, work, and invest.

For anyone considering buying a home, relocating, or investing in Seattle real estate, this recognition is more than just a headline. It’s another indicator of the city’s long-term strength.

What Makes Seattle a Top-Ranked City?

Resonance’s annual rankings evaluate hundreds of metropolitan areas using a combination of objective data and public perception, measuring factors like:

Economic opportunity
Quality of life
Restaurants, entertainment, and culture
Outdoor recreation
Healthcare and education
Transportation
Housing and affordability
Public perception and desirability

Rather than focusing on just one metric, the report looks at what makes a city thrive as both a place to live and a place to build a future.

Why This Matters for Seattle Real Estate

Strong cities tend to create strong housing markets over time.

While no market moves in a perfectly straight line, cities that consistently attract talented workers, growing companies, entrepreneurs, students, and visitors often experience sustained housing demand.

Seattle continues to benefit from:

A diverse and resilient economy
Global technology and healthcare employers
World-class universities
An incredible outdoor lifestyle
A vibrant food, arts, and sports scene
Strong long-term population appeal

These aren’t short-term trends—they’re the kinds of fundamentals that help support real estate values over the long run.

A City That Continues to Evolve

Seattle has never stopped reinventing itself.

From expanding light rail service and ongoing waterfront redevelopment to growing neighborhoods across the Eastside and North Seattle, the region continues to invest in infrastructure and livability.

Whether you’re looking in established neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Ballard, Wallingford, or Madison Park, or exploring opportunities in Bellevue, Kirkland, Newcastle, or Renton, buyers have access to communities with distinct lifestyles and long-term potential.

What It Means for Buyers

National rankings shouldn’t be the only reason to purchase real estate—but they can reinforce the broader story.

If you’re planning to stay in the Seattle area for several years, buying a home here means investing in a city that continues to attract businesses, talent, and investment from around the world.

For first-time buyers, move-up buyers, luxury clients, and investors alike, Seattle remains one of the country’s most compelling long-term markets.

Thinking About Buying in Seattle?

Whether you’re relocating, purchasing your first home, searching for new construction, or looking to build long-term wealth through real estate, I’d be happy to help you navigate the market.

Every neighborhood has its own personality, pricing trends, and opportunities. My goal is to help you find the right fit—not just for today, but for where you want to be years from now.

If you’d like to learn more about the Seattle market or explore available homes, feel free to reach out anytime. You can reach me at marnie@windermere.com or 206-659-8116.

First Time Buyer • Home Buying • June 26, 2026

New Construction Homes for Sale in East Bellevue: The East Bellevue Collection

by Marnie Oshan

Looking for a new construction home in Bellevue, Washington? The East Bellevue Collection is a limited offering of five luxury single-family homes designed for buyers who want modern construction, spacious living, and one of the Eastside’s most desirable locations by esteemed home builder, Thomas James Homes.

Each home features approximately 3,010 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, premium designer finishes, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that balance everyday comfort with elegant entertaining.

Whether you’re relocating to Bellevue, moving up to a larger home, or searching for new construction close to major employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Downtown Bellevue, this collection offers a rare opportunity to compare multiple homes with the same highly desirable floor plan.

What Is the East Bellevue Collection?

The East Bellevue Collection consists of five newly constructed luxury homes located throughout East Bellevue.

Rather than choosing from a single available home, buyers can compare five homes built from the same award-worthy floor plan while selecting the lot, location, and move-in timeline that best fits their lifestyle.

One home is fully completed and professionally staged as a model home, while the remaining homes are in various stages of construction and nearing completion.

This allows buyers the flexibility to move immediately or reserve a home that will be ready in the coming months.

View all available homes here

Luxury Home Features

Every home in the East Bellevue Collection includes:

Approximately 3,010 square feet
Five spacious bedrooms
Four and one-half bathrooms
Open-concept great room
Designer kitchen with premium finishes
Large island ideal for entertaining
Dedicated dining space
Flexible living areas perfect for home offices or guest suites
Luxury primary suite
Energy-efficient new construction
Attached garage
Contemporary architecture
Builder warranty for added peace of mind

These homes are designed for today’s buyers, offering open living spaces, abundant natural light, and high-quality finishes throughout.

Why Buy a New Construction Home in Bellevue?

Many buyers choose new construction because it offers advantages that are difficult to find in older homes.

Benefits include:

Modern floor plans designed for today’s lifestyles
Lower maintenance during the first several years of ownership
Improved energy efficiency
New appliances and mechanical systems
Current building standards
Builder-backed warranties
Contemporary finishes without the need for remodeling

For many homeowners, purchasing new construction means spending more time enjoying the home and less time planning renovations.

Why East Bellevue?

East Bellevue has become one of the most sought-after residential areas on the Eastside.

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

Downtown Bellevue
Microsoft
Amazon
Google
Meta
Bellevue’s shopping and dining
Parks and trails
Highly regarded schools
Interstate 405 and State Route 520
Seattle via Interstate 90

Its central location makes East Bellevue especially attractive for technology professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and families seeking both convenience and long-term value.

Which Home Is Right for You?

Because all five homes share the same exceptional floor plan, buyers can focus on choosing the home that best fits their needs.

Some buyers want immediate occupancy.

Others prefer purchasing before completion to allow additional planning before moving.

Having multiple homes available provides flexibility that is rarely found in Bellevue’s new construction market.

Compare All Five Available Homes

I’ve created a detailed presentation featuring every home currently available in the East Bellevue Collection, including photos, availability, and property details.

Explore the complete East Bellevue Collection here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes are available?

The East Bellevue Collection currently includes five luxury new construction homes.

Are all of the homes the same?

They share the same thoughtfully designed floor plan, but each home has its own location, lot characteristics, and construction timeline.

Can I tour the homes?

Yes. A professionally staged model home is available for private tours, making it easy to experience the layout, finishes, and craftsmanship before comparing the remaining homes.

Are the homes move-in ready?

One home is completed and staged, while the others are in various stages of construction and nearing completion.

Who are these homes ideal for?

These homes are well suited for executives, growing families, relocation buyers, professionals working on the Eastside, and anyone seeking luxury new construction in Bellevue.

Schedule a Private Tour

If you’re considering purchasing a new construction home in Bellevue, I’d be happy to help you compare the available homes, explain the construction process, discuss builder warranties, and help you determine which property best fits your needs.

Whether you’re relocating from another state or simply moving across town, my goal is to provide expert guidance throughout the buying process and help you make a confident, informed decision.

Contact me today to schedule a private tour of the East Bellevue Collection.

Marnie Oshan, MBA 206-659-8116 marnie@windermere.com

Home Buying • Market Trends • September 12, 2025

How Interest Rates Are Affecting the Seattle Real Estate Market—and Why Now Could Be the Right Time to Buy

by Marnie Oshan

The Seattle real estate market has always been dynamic, but the past couple of years have brought especially dramatic shifts. Rising interest rates have slowed some of the frenzied activity we saw during the pandemic-era boom, creating a new landscape for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

The Role of Interest Rates in Today’s Market

Higher interest rates have undoubtedly impacted affordability, keeping some buyers on the sidelines. Yet, this has also led to less competition and more opportunities for those still in the market. Homes are no longer receiving dozens of offers within days, and buyers now have the breathing room to carefully evaluate their options, negotiate terms, and secure properties that would have been out of reach just a short time ago.

Why New Construction Is a Smart Play Right Now

New construction is particularly appealing in this environment. Builders in the Seattle area are motivated to sell, and many are offering incentives such as rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgrade packages that can offset today’s borrowing costs. For owner-occupants, this means the chance to purchase (and in some circumstances – customize) a brand-new home while taking advantage of builder perks. For investors, new construction offers modern, low-maintenance properties in high-demand neighborhoods—making them easier to rent and hold for long-term appreciation.

A Window of Opportunity

Markets move in cycles, and today’s environment represents a potential window of opportunity. While rates may seem high compared to recent history, they are still below long-term averages, and experts predict they could ease in the future. Buying now allows you to lock in a property at today’s prices—before demand surges again when rates decline.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

Whether you’re considering a personal move or exploring investment opportunities, Seattle’s current market offers unique advantages for those who act strategically. If you’d like to discuss what’s happening right now, evaluate specific neighborhoods, or explore new construction opportunities, I’d be happy to walk you through your options.

📩 Reach out to me anytime to start the conversation—I’m here to help you navigate Seattle’s real estate market with confidence.

Home Buying • Market Trends • August 12, 2025

Why Now Is a Smart Time to Invest in Seattle Real Estate 🏘

by Marnie Oshan

Why Now Is a Smart Time to Invest in Seattle Real Estate 🏘

And Why You Need the Right Agent in Your Corner

Seattle’s real estate market is shifting—and for savvy investors, that spells opportunity.

While headlines may focus on elevated rates or price fluctuations, serious investors know these transitional markets are when smart money moves. With inventory growing, seller concessions increasing, and rental supply tightening, the current environment offers rare leverage for those ready to buy.

But timing the market is only part of the equation—who you work with matters just as much as when you buy.

Why This Market Works for Investors

📉 Prices Are Stabilizing, Not Crashing

Median home prices in Seattle softened to ~$839K as of August 2025. Sellers are more negotiable, with increased room to buy below market—or at least with favorable terms.

🏗 Inventory Is Up, Competition Is Down

With listings up over 37% year-over-year, the market has shifted from frenzy to strategy. That means better selection and a chance to structure deals that protect your return.

💰 Motivated Sellers Are Offering Incentives

Nearly 70% of sellers in early 2025 provided buyer concessions—closing cost credits, inspection repairs, or permanent rate buydowns—allowing you to improve your cash flow or reduce out-of-pocket costs.

📈 Rent Growth Ahead

Seattle’s new apartment construction has dropped dramatically—permits are down 50%, and completions are slowing. That tightening pipeline, paired with a growing renter pool, makes rental properties increasingly valuable, especially in supply-constrained neighborhoods.

How I Help You Capitalize on This Market

As an investor-friendly Realtor with deep expertise in new construction, I bring more than just market knowledge—I bring strategic insight, strong builder relationships, and an investor’s mindset to every deal.

Here’s how I can help:

✅ I Understand the Numbers

I don’t just show homes—I analyze deals. Whether you’re looking at cash flow, long-term appreciation, rent comps, or exit strategy, I help you make decisions based on data, not emotion.

✅ I Know the Builders—and the Incentives

Having worked closely with builders across the greater Seattle area, I know which ones are offering rate buydowns, closing cost credits, early-phase pricing, and inventory discounts. This can make a major difference in your return.

✅ I Source Off-Market & Early-Release Opportunities

Through my builder and developer network, I can connect you with new construction homes and townhomes before they hit the MLS—giving you first-mover advantage in prime locations.

✅ I Advocate Like an Investor—Because I Am One

Your goals are my goals. I approach each transaction with a long-term perspective, ensuring your investment aligns with the market cycle and your personal strategy.

Seattle’s Current Market = Strategic Entry Point

Even with rates in the 6.6%–6.9% range, many investors are buying now with a refinance strategy in mind. And with sellers more flexible and competition lower, you can negotiate better terms, protect your downside, and position for strong long-term growth.

If you’re looking for:

New construction homes with rental upside
Turnkey or light value-add properties
Homes in up-and-coming urban infill areas
Multi-door investments or ADU/ DADU-eligible lots
Creative financing or concession-rich deals

…I can help you identify, evaluate, and negotiate with confidence.

Final Thought

Seattle’s market is in a moment of recalibration—not retreat. And for investors, that’s where the best opportunities are born.

Let’s talk if you’re ready to explore what’s out there. Whether you’re a first-time investor, scaling your portfolio, or 1031 exchanging into something more hands-off, I’ll help you navigate the current market and make strategic moves now that will pay off for years to come.

Whether you are ready to invest or just thinking about it, feel free to reach out! Call or text 206-659-8116 or email me at marnie@windermere.com

First Time Buyer • Home Buying • Market Trends • Uncategorized • August 5, 2025

Why Now is a Great Time to Buy New Construction—Can Even Be Cheaper Than Renting!

by Marnie Oshan

In today’s market, buying a home might seem like a bold move—but when it comes to new construction, it could be one of the smartest financial decisions you make. Despite high interest rates and lingering affordability concerns, a perfect storm of builder incentives and softening rents in certain areas has created a rare window of opportunity for buyers. In some cases, you can actually buy for less than it costs to rent.

Here’s why now is the right time to consider new construction:

Monthly Mortgage Payments Are Beating Rent

In several neighborhoods, the cost of renting a comparable home or apartment has climbed while builders have adjusted pricing and added concessions. With the right financing and incentives, you could own a brand-new home for less than you’re currently paying in rent—and build equity while doing it.

For example, a buyer using a builder-paid interest rate buy-down could see their monthly payment drop significantly, tipping the scales in favor of ownership, especially in suburban or growing metro areas where rents have remained high.

Builder Incentives Are Reducing Real Costs

To attract buyers in a slower market, many builders are offering substantial incentives that directly reduce your monthly costs. These can include:

Permanent rate buy-downs (e.g., 30-year fixed rates as low as 4.99% in some cases)
Closing cost credits

These incentives help offset higher interest rates, making new homes more affordable than resale options—and, surprisingly, even cheaper than many rentals.

New Construction = Long-Term Savings

Beyond just the purchase price, new construction homes come with long-term cost advantages:

Lower maintenance: Everything is brand new, from the roof to the HVAC.
Builder warranties: Most new construction warranties will include the structure and major systems and even some cosmetic items.
Energy efficiency: New homes are built to modern energy codes, often including double-pane windows, high-efficiency appliances, and smart home features that reduce monthly utility bills.

Inventory Is Available—But It Won’t Last Forever

After a multi-year housing shortage, we’re finally seeing more inventory in the new construction market. Builders are motivated to sell, but as the market stabilizes and rates eventually come down, demand is expected to rebound—and prices and competition will likely follow. The best deals are available now, while supply is strong and incentives are generous.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, now is the time to take a serious look at new construction. Between builder-paid rate buy-downs, closing cost assistance, and today’s rent-versus-buy math, buying a new home could actually cost you less each month than continuing to rent. That’s a rare opportunity in any market—and one worth exploring before it passes.

Want to find out if buying new construction is cheaper than renting in your area? Let’s connect and run the numbers together. You can reach me at marnie@windermere.com or 206-659-8116

Home Buying • Market Trends • January 30, 2025

January Market Update

by Marnie Oshan

As of January 2025, Seattle’s housing market continues to exhibit dynamic trends, particularly in the realm of new construction. The city remains a focal point for both buyers and investors, driven by its robust economy and desirable living conditions.

Current Market Overview

According to Redfin, the median listing home price in Seattle stands at approximately $885,000, with properties typically spending around 75 days on the market.

This reflects a balanced market, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

New Construction Trends

In 2023, Seattle achieved a significant milestone by completing 12,853 new homes, marking a 21% increase over the previous year and setting a new record for housing production.

theurbanist.org

Despite this surge, the city faces challenges in maintaining this momentum. Recent data indicates a decline in construction permits, suggesting potential slowdowns in future housing availability.

As of late 2024, builder sentiment in Seattle was measured at 44 out of 100, a notable decrease from the peak of 91 in March 2022, though slightly improved from the previous year. Additionally, the construction sector reported 129,300 jobs in November 2024, a reduction of 4,500 positions compared to the same month in 2023.

realestate.usnews.com

Factors Influencing New Construction

Several elements contribute to the current state of new construction in Seattle:

Geographic Constraints: Seattle’s unique topography, bordered by water and mountains, limits available land for development, inherently restricting housing supply.
noradarealestate.com
Zoning Regulations: Existing zoning laws further constrain the development of new housing projects, particularly in central urban areas.
Economic Considerations: While construction costs have seen a slight decrease of 1.8% year-over-year, they remain elevated, impacting the feasibility of new projects.
realestate.usnews.com

Looking Ahead

The combination of high demand and limited supply continues to characterize Seattle’s housing market. The recent decline in construction permits may signal a future slowdown in housing availability, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and sustained upward pressure on prices.

For stakeholders in the real estate sector, staying informed about these trends is crucial. Engaging with local policymakers, advocating for thoughtful zoning reforms, and exploring innovative construction methods could play pivotal roles in addressing the housing challenges facing Seattle in the coming years.

If you are interested in either buying or selling in Seattle, or just want to learn more about the housing market, feel free to reach out to me anytime. You can reach me at marnie@windermere.com or 206-659-8116.

Market Trends • March 5, 2024

Why We Aren’t Headed for a Housing Crash

by Marnie Oshan

Why We Aren’t Headed for a Housing Crash

If you’re holding out hope that the housing market is going to crash and bring home prices back down, here’s a look at what the data shows. And spoiler alert: that’s not in the cards. Instead, experts say home prices are going to keep going up.

Today’s market is very different than it was before the housing crash in 2008. Here’s why.

It’s Harder To Get a Loan Now – and That’s Actually a Good Thing

It was much easier to get a home loan during the lead-up to the 2008 housing crisis than it is today. Back then, banks had different lending standards, making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance an existing one.

Things are different today. Homebuyers face increasingly higher standards from mortgage companies. The graph below uses data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) to show this difference. The lower the number, the harder it is to get a mortgage. The higher the number, the easier it is:

The peak in the graph shows that, back then, lending standards weren’t as strict as they are now. That means lending institutions took on much greater risk in both the person and the mortgage products offered around the crash. That led to mass defaults and a flood of foreclosures coming onto the market.

There Are Far Fewer Homes for Sale Today, so Prices Won’t Crash

Because there were too many homes for sale during the housing crisis (many of which were short sales and foreclosures), that caused home prices to fall dramatically. But today, there’s an inventory shortage – not a surplus.

The graph below uses data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Federal Reserve to show how the months’ supply of homes available now (shown in blue) compares to the crash (shown in red):

Today, unsold inventory sits at just a 3.0-months’ supply. That’s compared to the peak of 10.4 month’s supply back in 2008. That means there’s nowhere near enough inventory on the market for home prices to come crashing down like they did back then.

People Are Not Using Their Homes as ATMs Like They Did in the Early 2000s

Back in the lead up to the housing crash, many homeowners were borrowing against the equity in their homes to finance new cars, boats, and vacations. So, when prices started to fall, as inventory rose too high, many of those homeowners found themselves underwater.

But today, homeowners are a lot more cautious. Even though prices have skyrocketed in the past few years, homeowners aren’t tapping into their equity the way they did back then.

Black Knight reports that tappable equity (the amount of equity available for homeowners to access before hitting a maximum 80% loan-to-value ratio, or LTV) has actually reached an all-time high:

That means, as a whole, homeowners have more equity available than ever before. And that’s great. Homeowners are in a much stronger position today than in the early 2000s. That same report from Black Knight goes on to explain:

“Only 1.1% of mortgage holders (582K) ended the year underwater, down from 1.5% (807K) at this time last year.”

And since homeowners are on more solid footing today, they’ll have options to avoid foreclosure. That limits the number of distressed properties coming onto the market. And without a flood of inventory, prices won’t come tumbling down.

Bottom Line

While you may be hoping for something that brings prices down, that’s not what the data tells us is going to happen. The most current research clearly shows that today’s market is nothing like it was last time.

Market Trends • March 5, 2024

Why There Won’t Be a Recession That Tanks the Housing Market

by Marnie Oshan

Why There Won’t Be a Recession That Tanks the Housing Market

There’s been a lot of recession talk over the past couple of years. And that may leave you worried we’re headed for a repeat of what we saw back in 2008. Here’s a look at the latest expert projections to show you why that isn’t going to happen.

According to Jacob Channel, Senior Economist at LendingTree, the economy’s pretty strong:

“At least right now, the fundamentals of the economy, despite some hiccups, are doing pretty good. While things are far from perfect, the economy is probably doing better than people want to give it credit for.”

That might be why a recent survey from the Wall Street Journal shows only 39% of economists think there’ll be a recession in the next year. That’s way down from 61% projecting a recession just one year ago (see graph below):

Most experts believe there won’t be a recession in the next 12 months. One reason why is the current unemployment rate. Let’s compare where we are now with historical data from Macrotrends, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Trading Economics. When we do, it’s clear the unemployment rate today is still very low (see graph below):

The orange bar shows the average unemployment rate since 1948 is about 5.7%. The red bar shows that right after the financial crisis in 2008, when the housing market crashed, the unemployment rate was up to 8.3%. Both of those numbers are much larger than the unemployment rate this January (shown in blue).

But will the unemployment rate go up? To answer that, look at the graph below. It uses data from that same Wall Street Journal survey to show what the experts are projecting for unemployment over the next three years compared to the long-term average (see graph below):

As you can see, economists don’t expect the unemployment rate to even come close to the long-term average over the next three years – much less the 8.3% we saw when the market last crashed.

Still, if these projections are correct, there will be people who lose their jobs next year. Anytime someone’s out of work, that’s a tough situation, not just for the individual, but also for their friends and loved ones. But the big question is: will enough people lose their jobs to create a flood of foreclosures that could crash the housing market?

Looking ahead, projections show the unemployment rate will likely stay below the 75-year average. That means you shouldn’t expect a wave of foreclosures that would impact the housing market in a big way.

Bottom Line

Most experts now think we won’t have a recession in the next year. They also don’t expect a big jump in the unemployment rate. That means you don’t need to fear a flood of foreclosures that would cause the housing market to crash.