Trends

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How will interior design evolve in 2026?

Bold, geometric designs like chevrons, sunbursts, zigzags and stepped shapes are making a huge comeback as of late — and Houzz said that will continue into 2026.

Income growth outpaces Seattle rental growth

The typical asking rent for an average rental unit reached $2,224. Though that’s a 2.7% increase from last year, the median household income outpaced this acceleration, growing 3.9% during the same time frame.

NAR’s Lawrence Yun expects 14% surge in existing-home sales in 2026 

The chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® also predicts home prices will climb 4% compared to 2025. 

The 10 most expensive homes sold in greater Seattle in October

A $25 million waterfront estate on Mercer Island was the most expensive home sold in greater Seattle in October.

Eco-friendly features top Realtor.com’s 2026 trend forecast

At the top of the list? WaterSense fixtures — the plumbing solution, which claims to reduce water use by more than 20%, increased in popularity by 289.6%.

First-time homebuyers hit record low in Realtor buyer/seller survey 

At the same time, the average age of the first-time buyer hit an all-time high of 40, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. 

NAR: Home prices rose in 77% of metro areas in Q3

Nationwide, the median price for a single-family home increased 1.7% year over year to $426,800. Prices increased by the same annual rate during the second quarter.

The 10 most expensive new listings in Seattle

Half of the 10 most expensive new listings in Seattle were listed by Windermere Real Estate agents — including the top three, led by a $7.7 million mansion with mountain views.

Existing-home sales tick 1.5% higher in September

Given the rate of sales, the nation had a 4.6-month housing supply, up from 4.2 months a year prior.

RE/MAX: Seattle home sales rise annually in September

Nationally, home sales in the 52 metro areas surveyed by RE/MAX increased 8.5% year over year for the fourth time in 2025, but declined 4.6% month over month.

Zillow: The top home trends for 2026

Tapping into Realtor intel, Zillow analyzed its listing database for keywords that are increasing most in popularity heading into the new year.

Attracting broker talent, building teams and agent legacy plans

Agent Publishing Founder and Publisher Anne Hartnett discusses Brokerage Culture with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s Val Burmester, Rachel Schindler and Dean Jones.

The 10 most expensive homes sold in greater Seattle in September

Modern architecture is a prominent theme on this month’s list of the 10 most expensive homes sold in greater Seattle.

Cotality: Pace of home-price growth slowed again in August 

The pace of home sales, meanwhile, remained at “multi-decade lows” even as affordability reached its most favorable level since 2022.

Seattle named one of America’s best foodie cities

Accessibility, quality and diversity propelled Seattle’s status.

Case-Shiller: Seattle home prices inch higher in July as national market downshifts to ‘slower gear’ 

The pace of home-price appreciation declined to its weakest pace in 10 years, according to the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. 

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