Seattle-area First-Time Homebuyers Face Ongoing Challenges in 2025
As we move through 2025, first-time homebuyers in the Seattle area may not see much relief in the housing market. The region, known for its high home prices, continues to be one of the least affordable in the country, and this trend is expected to persist throughout the year.
The start of a new year is an ideal time to set goals and envision the opportunities ahead. For those considering buying or selling a home, 2025 presents unique possibilities in the Bainbridge Island real estate market. Whether you’re looking to purchase your dream home, invest in a new property, or sell your current residence, having clear and actionable goals can make all the difference. Here’s how to set real estate goals for the year with confidence and clarity.
On the idyllic forested shores of Bainbridge Island is the desirable neighborhood of Rockaway Beach. Located on the southeast portion of the island, residents enjoy seamless access to downtown Seattle just a ferry ride across Elliott Bay. The career opportunities, in-city amenities, and lively entertainment of the city are never far away, while the slower-paced island lifestyle creates a peaceful day-to-day surrounded by nature and enriched by small-town ambiance.
Discover one of Whidbey Island’s most significant homes, a masterpiece by renowned waterfront architect Robert Maloney that marries old-world charm with classic Hampton beach sophistication.
There is a certain kind of magic in the air on Bainbridge Island during the autumn months. From the stunning foliage to the seasonal produce to community events, it’s the perfect transition from an action-packed summer into cozy harvest season. Take advantage of the last string of sunny days and make this a month to remember with our curated list of the top October events to keep you and your loved ones entertained this month.
Seattle-area First-Time Homebuyers Face Ongoing Challenges in 2025
As we move through 2025, first-time homebuyers in the Seattle area may not see much relief in the housing market. The region, known for its high home prices, continues to be one of the least affordable in the country, and this trend is expected to persist throughout the year.
The start of a new year is an ideal time to set goals and envision the opportunities ahead. For those considering buying or selling a home, 2025 presents unique possibilities in the Bainbridge Island real estate market. Whether you’re looking to purchase your dream home, invest in a new property, or sell your current residence, having clear and actionable goals can make all the difference. Here’s how to set real estate goals for the year with confidence and clarity.
On the idyllic forested shores of Bainbridge Island is the desirable neighborhood of Rockaway Beach. Located on the southeast portion of the island, residents enjoy seamless access to downtown Seattle just a ferry ride across Elliott Bay. The career opportunities, in-city amenities, and lively entertainment of the city are never far away, while the slower-paced island lifestyle creates a peaceful day-to-day surrounded by nature and enriched by small-town ambiance.
There is a certain kind of magic in the air on Bainbridge Island during the autumn months. From the stunning foliage to the seasonal produce to community events, it’s the perfect transition from an action-packed summer into cozy harvest season. Take advantage of the last string of sunny days and make this a month to remember with our curated list of the top October events to keep you and your loved ones entertained this month.
The market is seeing price growth, which is good news for sellers, but that does mean that buyers will need to be aware that if they continue to wait to make their purchase, they could be looking at higher listing prices in the future.
Currently, on Bainbridge Island, we’re seeing an over 27% year-over-year increase in the average sales price. Of course, negotiation tactics and making a strong offer have a big impact on sales price. It’s still a seller’s market on the island with 1.8 months of supply. However, if buyers are encouraged by the lower rates to make their purchases and sellers remain hesitant to list their homes, we might see even less supply in the coming months.
Although it’s tempting to time the market by reading predictions about rates and looking ahead to what a post-election market might look like, the best way to achieve your buying or selling goals is to do so when you’re ready. Understanding the market, having a clear picture of your budget and financials, and enlisting the help of an experienced broker will allow you to find success, regardless of market conditions.
If you’re interested in diving into more market data or want to discuss your buying or selling plans, please reach out to us today.
Living near the water is a dream for many, offering serene views, recreational activities, and a unique lifestyle. Seattle and its surrounding areas boast some of the most sought-after waterfront communities, each with its own distinct charm. From tranquil island retreats to vibrant suburban enclaves, these neighborhoods offer something for everyone. In this blog, we'll explore the best waterfront communities in the Seattle area, including Bainbridge Island, Medina, Mercer Island, Kirkland, and West Seattle.
7 Expert Negotiation Strategies for Real Estate Success
You’ve identified all your major needs and wants in a home, diligently searched within your budget, and found the right property for your lifestyle. However, the hurdle of negotiations still looms, so read on for our top seven strategies for how to ensure success.
Neighborhood Spotlight: Exploring Poulsbo, Washington
Sited along idyllic Liberty Bay in the Kitsap Peninsula in Kitsap County, Poulsbo offers scenic beauty, small-town charm, and plentiful waterfront recreation opportunities to both residents and visitors alike. With a small population of approximately 12,000 (as of the most recent census data), Poulsbo, or “Viking City,” was founded in the 1880s by a Norwegian immigrant who was drawn to a landscape he considered similar to his Scandinavian home. The land was once inhabited by the Suquamish People.
Bainbridge Island Waterfront Market Report
Matt Paige and Danny Varona of the Paige & Co. real estate team at Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty proudly present this in-depth exploration of the waterfront real estate market on Bainbridge Island. Read on to discover the trends that are likely to shape the waterfront market on the island in 2024.
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2024 Forecast Report
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present you with our 2024 Forecast Report. In this report, you’ll find curated pieces on our local housing markets, year-over-year comparisons, retrospective reviews, and more all provided by some of the most knowledgeable thought leaders in the region. As mortgage rates decline and the desirability of the region endures, beckoning people worldwide with job opportunities and beautiful natural scenery, demand to own remains high and activity is projected to return. The experts featured in the 2024 report have provided their data-backed predictions on what we can expect in the upcoming year.
Exploring Washington State’s Stunning Mountain Ranges
For the outdoor enthusiast, there is no better place than Washington State to explore, adventure, and make memories. With mossy rainforests, crystal clear lakes, and towering pines, you could live in the state for your entire life and still be surprised by the natural beauty. As people travel from all over the country and world to catch a glimpse of the iconic landscapes, one prominent feature seems to pull the most visitors and inspire the most photographs: the mountain ranges. In this blog, we’re going to break down Washington’s two most iconic mountain ranges and the best ways to fully enjoy their majestic peaks. Who knows—it may just inspire you to pack up and move closer to one of these beautiful ranges.
Decoding the Appraisal Process: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers
When you’re searching for a home or selling one, you likely have many questions about what homes in the area are valued at, how this is determined, and how this affects you as you embark on your home-buying or selling journey. We’re breaking down the basics so that you have a better idea of how the appraisal process works and what it means for you as a participant in the market.
Top Tips for Relocating to Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a Pacific Northwest paradise, with waterfront recreation, lush forests, and a small-town atmosphere, the island draws visitors from all over the world to its scenic shores. It’s no surprise that folks dream of owning a home on the island.
The Ultimate Guide to Staging Your Home for a Quick Sale
As you prepare to list your home for sale, one of the most important thoughts to keep front of mind is how your home will immediately appear to a potential buyer touring it or viewing photos of it through marketing materials. Regardless of location, square footage, or access to nearby amenities, the way your home simply looks has a powerful impact on buyers. Staging, which is the process of arranging furniture and décor (among other techniques), allows you to transport buyers to an imagined future in the home, helping them to envision their life in the property by providing a stylish, intentional design within it that highlights its best features and distracts from any of its less desirable traits. Continue reading for our guide on how to strategically stage your home to maximize its appeal so that it sells quicker and for the best possible price.
Investing in Fall Real Estate: Opportunities and Strategies
When is the best time to buy or sell real estate? This is often the question at the top of both first-time buyers and seasoned investors’ minds, but the answer is less about waiting for the perfect market conditions and more about making the market work for your situation. If you feel ready to make your real estate investment move but aren’t sure if this fall is the best time, first ask yourself the question if this fall is the right time for your goals—if it is, then do not hesitate and instead work with the conditions the market has presented you with. There are certain unique perks to capitalize on when buying in the upcoming months. Read on for the advantages of investing in real estate during the autumn season.
Homebuyer's Checklist: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Smooth Purchase
For most people, a home is the biggest purchase they will make in their lifetime. Beginning the homebuying journey is incredibly exciting and likely feels like the start of a brand-new chapter, but it is also one that can probably feel overwhelming at times, particularly for first-time homebuyers, when you consider how many factors are involved in making the purchase. However, with a little research—and an experienced real estate advisor at your side—you can adequately prepare yourself ahead of time. Read on for a step-by-step guide to take you through the process so that you can successfully navigate the intricacies of purchasing a property.
4 Reasons Pre-Inspections Are So Important
When it comes to purchasing a home, there are countless factors to consider and steps to take to ensure you’re making the best choice for yourself and your household. In a competitive market, sometimes buyers will feel pressured to waive certain rights or skip common protective measures in order to win over a seller and be able to buy a property they’re excited about. However, even in markets where buyer demand is high and inventory is low, pre-inspections, which are inspections carried out by a professional third party that identifies any issues or areas of concern on the premises before an offer is even made, can save buyers money, worry, and regret down the line. Read on for four of the main reasons why we recommend requesting a pre-inspection on your next homebuying search.
