It’s been over five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a rollercoaster of political and economic influences, Fed policies, social issues, demographic trends, and game-changing technological advancements that have led to the present market truths being digested by consumers, developers, and real estate brokers alike. At the midpoint of this decade, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) explores the trendlines that continue to shape the market, starting with Washington’s House Bill 1110.
In luxury housing, the only way to get exactly what you want, where you want it, for the price you set, and on a schedule that you can follow—is to build it! The problem is that an inordinately small percentage of consumers will embark on such a journey because most fear the design and construction process, many suffer from analysis paralysis, or you perhaps you remember the movie “The Money Pit” from 40-years ago. Reality offers a better plot with a storybook ending thanks to modern day approaches in construction management, virtual reality imaging, and integration of extraordinary technology in the home for next level entertainment, house management, security, lighting, and wellbeing. Not only will you be inspired to consider building your next address, you will learn how you can add this industry segment to your real estate pipeline. Better designs and high-tech systems align to not just change where you live but how you live!
Featuring:
Stacy Eakman Founder & CEO - Alair Homes
Lee Travis President & CEO - Wipliance
Moderator: Dean Jones, President & CEO Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
In case you missed it, HB1110 is the largest upzone in Washington state history, and among the most comprehensive legislative housing bills in the US. In the larger cities, the single-family zoning as you know it, is fundamentally changing by July 1, 2025, to allow for “missing middle” housing options that include multiple dwelling units. A modern day “space race” is afoot between municipal governments as they draft their new zoning guidelines and vie for developers to invest in their city limits, with further incentives within walking distances of rapid transit nodes. This catalyst will affect land values significantly and prompt thousands of “make me move” transactions with would-be sellers that do not know it yet. Learn how leaders have aligned technology, brokerage operations, the builder industry, and evolving lifestyle trends to make the most of this real estate gold rush of YIMBY’S (“yes” in my backyard).
Featuring:
Moderator | Dean Jones President & CEO - Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Tadashi Shiga Vice President of Land Division - Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Kelly Mann Land Use Attorney and Vice President of Development Strategy - Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Trevor Johnson CEO - Blackwood Builders
Moderator: Anne Hartnett, Founder & Managing Partner of Seattle Agent Magazine
The Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) represents a significant portion of the U.S. population. Many are transitioning out of the workforce and entering retirement, leading to increased demand for healthcare, second home and senior housing, and retirement services. It is estimated that Baby Boomers will pass down over $90 trillion in wealth to younger generations (Gen X and Millennials) by 2045. This is the largest wealth transfer in U.S. history, with a ripple effect, both opportunities and challenges, in the financial markets, healthcare, and housing with a rising need for proactive tax deferral strategies to minimize liabilities and an influence estate planning to address intergenerational wealth transitions effectively. Learn from this expert panel of financial advisors, estate planners, and tax professionals to help navigate these sweeping changes. This is a paradigm shift that you can bank on!
Featuring:
Moderator | Anne Hartnett Founder & Managing Partner - Seattle Agent Magazine
Kurt Owen - UBS Wealth Management
Tyler Kowal - Pitch CPA
Moderator: Chris Ishii, City Lifestyle Magazine
First-time homebuyers in America are experiencing significant changes in housing trends due to demographic shifts, economic conditions, and evolving societal norms. But as the cost of housing continues to rise, consumers must resolve their fear of mortgage interest (FOMI) or accept fear of missing out (FOMO). This veteran panel in lending and brokerage understands you can always refi, but you cannot rebuy, and innovative mortgage solutions and new housing product lines are helping to stop the perpetual cycle of renting. Policies supporting affordability, creative financing options, and market adjustments will play critical roles in determining the future trajectory of this segment. And parents can play a meaningful (and tax free) role too, helping their kids with gifted down payment options to acquire newly built micro-housing options. So, if you are ready to liberate your basement – listen up!
Featuring:
Moderator | Chris Ishii - Mercer Island City Lifestyle Magazine
Jolene Messmer Loan Originator - Movement Mortgage
Shannon Olcese Vice President of Sales - Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Rebecca Mitsui Global Real Estate Advisor - Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Moderator: Rick King, Loan Originator of Movement Mortgage
For decades, downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue have been two pistons in the economic engine of Puget Sound’s economy. That is until the COVID-19 pandemic, along with political dysfunction and social disruption, put a kink in the fuel line, with notable market segments still sputtering today. But just as cities did not dry up after the Spanish Flu pandemic a hundred years ago, our cities are rebooting, and they are competing. Restorative civic leadership, reset asset pricing, and a renewed interest in urbanity is jumpstarting the economy and opportunity abounds within a new market cycle. Millions of square feet of unleased or sublet office space provides a runway for new businesses and job growth. Hospitality is already back, and a resurgence of in-city residents are finding condominium values at 20-40% below replacement costs creating a “buy the dip” moment for savvy investors. Our curated panel will explore the relationship between private and public interests amongst policy changes and highlight a growing rivalry to attract and retain talent—supply and demand is never evenly distributed!
Featuring:
Moderator | Rick King Loan Originator - Movement Mortgage
Dehlan Gwo Vice President of New Developments - Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Joe Fain President & CEO - Bellevue Chamber
Claire Sumadiwirya - Bellevue City Council Member
Moderator: Carese Busby, Loan Originator of Movement Mortgage
The meteoric adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to have a profound impact on information technology (IT) work, as well as broader commercial and housing markets, particularly in the Puget Sound region, which encompasses established tech hubs like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond. Companies here (e.g., Microsoft, Amazon, startups) are increasing investments in AI technologies, fueling demand for specialized roles such as machine learning engineers, data scientists, AI ethicists, and algorithm developers. Upskilling in AI tools and frameworks will become essential for existing entry-level IT professionals, who otherwise face job obsolescence (estimates are between 40-60% of the IT labor pool could be affected). The rapid adoption of AI in the Puget Sound region will transform IT work, catalyze commercial real estate development, and reshape housing dynamics. While this evolution presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation, proactive measures are necessary to address challenges in affordability, workforce displacement, and infrastructure capacity. Strategic planning and investment can help the region balance growth with sustainability and equity.
Featuring:
Moderator | Carese Busby Loan Originator - Movement Mortgage
Ofer Avnery Co-Founder - Realtie
Oren Rubin - AI Expert Serial Entrepeneur
Matthew Gardner Principal - Gardner Economics