You’ve likely already seen this big news by now: On September 18, the Federal Reserve decreased rates by a half point. This is the first cut since 2020, and although the cut was expected now that inflation is more under control, the sizable amount of the decrease is a welcomed surprise.

Real estate data, trends, and history can tell us a great deal about what might lie ahead in the future, and those who find major success in the housing and development markets are typically ones who do their research and heed expert advice.

An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit, meaning an addition to the main house with all of the basic necessities for a residence, like a kitchen, bathroom, place to sleep, etc. A DADU is a detached accessory dwelling unit, which is essentially the same in function as an ADU except these are specifically separate buildings from the main house.

This blog’s spotlight for spectacular developers focuses on a local industry professional who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking shop with recently: Nick Garton, co-founder of Garton Developments.

It’s no secret that I’m passionate about local development and construction companies that are at the forefront of sustainable practices and eco-friendly innovation. So, when I learned about Martha Rose Construction, owned and operated by Martha Rose, a remarkable professional who has been in the industry since 1972, and their projects in the region, I was excited to do a deep dive and learn more about what makes this company, and the individual behind it, so special.

When we talk development news, particularly development news in major urban centers like Seattle, countless factors go into how many new property buildings are currently in the development process. From the economy, to world events, to market trends, a developer is often forced to wait for the right timing, plan for delays, and stay on top of current news and regulations. Some of these regulations appear as curveballs when it comes to getting a new project off the ground, but there’s often sound reasoning when we take a look at the bigger picture.

I’m thrilled to share a recent new development project I’ve had the pleasure of consulting on: Wallingford9, located in the vibrant Wallingford neighborhood in Seattle. This community of nine brand new townhomes offers residents intentionally designed homes with modern features and impeccable style and finishes.

If there is one thing on everyone’s minds these days it’s AI or artificial intelligence—and its roots stretch back further than you may realize. The term “artificial intelligence” was first coined back in 1955 in a research project proposal. The proposal states, “a truly intelligent machine will carry out activities which may best be described as self-improvement.” So, although we’re now nearly 70 years out from the first usage of the word, the goal of AI usage has remained relatively unchanged.

Imagine waking up each morning to the serene beauty of Washington’s shoreline, where the gentle lapping of waves greets you and panoramic vistas of the Puget Sound or Lake Washington stretch out before you. Owning a waterfront home in Washington offers a unique lifestyle defined by natural beauty, tranquility, and endless recreational possibilities.

Originally published on SIR.com.

Trends are supposed to be ephemeral—but in architecture and design, sustainability is vaunted for its permanence; for being “evergreen” in more ways than one. Sustainability grows and gains in value because of its positive impact on the planet and its economic efficiency. So why is sustainability so worthwhile for luxury homeowners?

As many of my friends, colleagues and fellow brokers know, I pride myself on staying informed of the latest developments in our region, so when I became aware of Sammamish’s new Town Center project, a city council-designated zone, I was thrilled to dive into the details and discover what this development will bring to the table.

In the world of sustainable design, the goal is for a home to do the absolute maximum on the absolute least amount of energy. We want our homes to work for us, but we don’t want it to come at a cost to our earth. So, where do designers start when attempting to construct a home that meets sustainability requirements while also not costing a fortune and remaining comfortable? They can follow the standards of Passive House, a set of design principles that aims to create energy-efficient buildings. In this blog, we’ll be featuring a firm that makes Passive House design look like an art form: Artisans Group, an award-winning, PNW, women-owned firm that pairs sustainability with style in a remarkable way.

As we progress further into a stage of design and construction that is increasingly focused on improving sustainability and eco-conscious practices and materials, there’s nothing more exciting than learning about a new innovative technique implemented by today’s designers. In this blog, we’re highlighting the remarkable efforts of Atelier Jones, a design firm founded by Principal Architect Susan Jones over 20 years ago.

The final version of the state’s middle housing model codes has been published (which you can find here). These models are important in the implementation of the bill and in ensuring that select cities throughout the state are beginning to comply with the law.

It has been incredibly inspiring to see the advancements in sustainable construction and living we have made in the industry over recent years, particularly in Seattle. Developers are not just looking for ways to build green, but they are also focused on marrying that with innovation, style, and increased comfort and convenience—proving that there is no reason why we shouldn’t all be prioritizing going green.

I’m pleased to announce that the Forecast Report now features a companion podcast series “Market Perspectives” hosted by Dean Jones as he interviews industry experts. I was honored to be featured as the series’ very first guest, kicking off episode one with a chat about everything from House Bill 1110 to new developments in the greater Seattle area.

Towering above Seattle like an elegant but forceful wave is Skyglass Apartments, a 31-story new construction project of apartment units in the South Lake Union neighborhood. Skyglass is a masterful example of what happens when innovation meets artistry. Referred to as the “cloud tower,” Skyglass is design firm Hewitt’s latest project in the city.

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty featured an incredibly informative piece from Movement Mortgage about sellers who list their home for sale “as-is” and how buyers can receive a loan that’s actually based on the home’s future condition, instead of its current condition. For buyers, these loans allow more purchasing options and the opportunity to take a home that requires some significant updates to transform it into their dream home. Lenders, like Movement Mortgage, who offer renovation loans will appraise the home’s hypothetical, future condition, accounting for its upgraded features and state with your renovation plans in mind.

As you brush up on the latest real estate news, you’re likely to encounter some headlines about revisions to Washington state’s RCW 18.86, or the Agency Law, which covers brokerage service agreements, dual agency term changes, duties brokers owe, and more. It was signed into law on May 4, 2023, but went into effect on January 1, 2024, which is why you’ve probably seen mention of it recently. As the first state to enact this type of legislation, it will be interesting to see the effects of it on our local real estate market, particularly because this is the first time the law has been updated since it was enacted in 1997.

As we explore more sustainable ways to live to reduce our carbon footprint and the harm we cause the environment, the home is a wonderful place to start. Certain measures, like installing smart-home tech or EV charging, are one-time additions that then seamlessly incorporate into your every day, meaning that by just existing, you’re doing your part in practicing greener living. In this blog, we’re exploring the benefits of installing solar panels on your home, leading to lower electricity usage and bills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and more.