Karen Prins Real Estate

08/06/2026

As a buyer or seller, understanding national housing trends can provide the context you need for local real estate decisions. This market outlook explores the factors expected to influence the housing market in the coming months, including mortgage rates, inventory levels, home prices, and buyer demand. While forecasts vary and real estate remains highly local, many experts anticipate a market characterized by modest price appreciation, gradually improving inventory, and continued opportunities for well prepared buyers and sellers. Staying informed about both national and local trends is a critical component of making confident real estate decisions. Let's dive in.

Mortgage rates are holding steady, home prices are still rising, and there are no signs of a crash coming. Here’s what the 2026 housing market means for you.

08/03/2026

SOLD! 🌿🏡

So excited for my buyers on this beautiful Normandy Park mid-century retreat!

With nearly half an acre of lush, wooded surroundings, incredible indoor-outdoor living, and thoughtful updates throughout, this home offers that rare combination of privacy, space, and modern comfort. From the stylish kitchen and expansive windows to the second primary suite, movie-ready rec room, and serene backyard, there is so much to love.

And then there’s The Cove. With deeded access to 18 acres and 700 feet of waterfront, this home offers a truly special PNW lifestyle.

Congratulations to my wonderful buyers on finding such a unique place to call home! 🤍

07/31/2026

Jeff Tucker's latest market update highlights how broader economic conditions are continuing to influence residential real estate. While mortgage rates remain elevated and inflationary pressures persist, buyer activity has proven more resilient than many expected. Nationally, active inventory is up slightly compared to last year, giving buyers more choices, while pending home sales have also increased, reflecting continued demand despite higher borrowing costs. As the market evolves, staying informed about both economic trends and local housing conditions can help buyers and sellers make confident, well informed real estate decisions.

Windermere Principal Economist Jeff Tucker shares the latest Numbers to Know, covering oil and gas prices, mortgage rates, inflation, and national housing inventory trends for July 2026.

07/28/2026

Seafair is almost here with a Boeing airshow July 31 - August 2. If you're hoping to catch the Blue Angels from the Eastside, here are a few of the best viewing spots to add to your weekend plans:

📍 Meydenbauer Bay Park (Bellevue) – Beautiful waterfront views with plenty of open space to watch the show.

📍 Chism Beach Park (Bellevue) – A local favorite with a sandy beach, grassy areas, and excellent views over Lake Washington.

📍 Medina Beach Park (Medina) – A quieter option offering panoramic views of the lake, Seattle skyline, and the Blue Angels overhead.

📍 Aubrey Davis Park (Mercer Island) – One of the area's best elevated vantage points with sweeping views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline.

Wherever you decide to watch, plan to arrive early, bring sunscreen, water, and a blanket or lawn chair to make the most of one of the Pacific Northwest's favorite summer traditions.

07/23/2026

The July 2026 Local Market Update shows a housing market that continues to become more balanced across the Puget Sound region. 🏡 Inventory increased across all four major market areas in June, giving buyers more choices and greater negotiating power than we've seen in recent years. At the same time, well-prepared and competitively priced homes are still attracting strong interest, proving that strategy matters more than ever. As buyers become more selective and sellers adjust to changing conditions, today's market is creating opportunities on both sides of the transaction. Whether you're considering a move now or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding local trends is key to making informed decisions.

Inventory continued to grow across all four of our local market areas in June, creating a more balanced environment than we’ve seen in recent years. Compared to June 2025, home prices softened in each market area, and buyers are benefiting from increased selection and more negotiation power. Well-...

07/20/2026

Congratulations to my buyers who are PENDING! 🎉

From the moment we stepped inside, it was easy to see why this home stood out. Set on nearly half an acre, it offers the perfect blend of timeless architecture, thoughtful modern updates, and the kind of indoor outdoor living that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.

I'm so excited for my clients as they move one step closer to calling this exceptional property home. Congratulations! 🏡

07/16/2026

Seattle is seeing a creative approach to addressing both housing demand and underused office space.

The city's first office-to-apartment conversion is now leasing, transforming a former office building into new residential homes in the heart of downtown. As workplace needs continue to evolve, adaptive reuse projects like this offer an innovative way to increase housing supply while bringing new energy to urban neighborhoods. It's an exciting example of how Seattle is re-imagining existing spaces to meet the needs of a growing city.
https://getthewreport.com/the-state-of-real-estate/seattles-first-office-to-apartment-conversion-is-now-leasing/

07/14/2026

Providing knowledgeable guidance, responsive communication, and trusted resources is at the core of every client experience. Thank you for the thoughtful review and for trusting me to help with both the sale of your home and the purchase of your next one. My goal is to make each step of the process as smooth and successful as possible.

07/14/2026

June brought another month of steady activity across the Eastside market. The median sold price climbed to $1,560,000, and 78% of homes sold within 30 days, showing that desirable homes continue to move quickly. Although 38% of sales followed a price adjustment, the market remains balanced, making preparation and pricing more important than ever for sellers seeking an edge. Let's connect if you're thinking about making a move.

07/09/2026

Congratulations to my sellers on the successful sale of this exceptional Yarrow Point residence!

Located on one of the community's most coveted streets, this home captured the essence of luxury living with beautifully curated interiors, a thoughtfully designed floor plan, and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces made for entertaining.

Set in the heart of Yarrow Point with western exposure, lake views, and easy access to parks, top-rated Bellevue schools, and the best of the Eastside, it's easy to see why this home attracted such strong interest.

Wishing my sellers all the best as they begin their next chapter! 🤍