Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty has just released its 2025 Market Report, diving into year-over-year data, market trends, housing policies, and economic factors shaping the current market and potential future market conditions. From comparative analysis of the state’s counties’ median sales prices, rankings of highest home prices by school district, updates on House Bill 1110, and the 4-1-1 on mortgage interest rates, this report is your one-stop-shop for a look at the whole picture of our region’s real estate market—past, current, and future.
The report kicks off with an insightful executive summary by RSIR President and CEO Dean Jones, including a helpful breakdown of what exactly happened with inflation, the bank rate hikes starting from 2022, and the 2024 Presidential Election. Many homebuyers and sellers are wondering how these factors affect one major obstacle in their real estate journeys: high mortgage interest rates. The report features projections from industry experts like Economist Matthew Gardner who discusses the issue of many homeowners feeling “locked in” to their current lower rate (with 79% of today’s owners having a rate below 5%) and not willing to sacrifice their lower rate for a higher one. There’s good news on the horizon, however, as he predicts that rates will decrease by the end of the year, hopefully settling at 6.4% by the fourth quarter.
Although the minimal decrease in rates is not what most potential buyers were hoping for, it doesn’t have to deter your plans. We can identify your buying goals and needs in relation to your budget and find you a home in your preferred neighborhood. The best way to approach the market is with strategies suited to the individual’s circumstances, so having an honest conversation to kick off our collaboration will help us chart the best path forward.
For those interested in investment properties, you’ll want to check out the report’s breakdown of House Bill 1110, featuring a Q&A with RSIR Executive Director of Land Division Tadashi Shiga. House Bill 1110 is “the most impactful upzone in Washington state history in a generation,” according to Shiga. It addresses the lack of housing throughout the state—a major concern for renters looking to purchase, particularly those who are currently priced out of the market—by mandating that cities allow for the development of more multi-family housing, encouraging the building of everything from small apartment buildings to ADUs and DADUs.
The report also covers how to unlock wealth strategies in real estate and the exciting collaboration between RSIR and UBS Wealth Management. Through this partnership, you can purchase real estate with long-term financial goals in mind, with experts who know how to navigate Washington estate and capital gains taxes in your corner. From legacy planning to tax efficiency, RSIR and UBS will expertly guide you through your most ambitious real estate goals.
I invite you to explore the full report for an incredibly compelling read, whether you’re planning an immediate purchase, considering a sale down the road, analyzing your investment opportunities, or are just interested in learning more about the market. Reach out to me to discuss the findings—we can utilize this report as a highly effective tool as you reach your goals.
