Mary Shea Homes

09/08/2026

Single-Family Home Construction Declines, But New Permits Offer Glimmer of Hope
The latest data on single-family home construction shows a 9.9% decline from June and a 15.7% drop year-over-year, with total starts down 12.4%. Every region felt the slowdown, with the Northeast seeing the sharpest decrease. Yet, there’s a bit of optimism: building permits are up 5%, hinting at possible future demand—even as high mortgage rates and construction costs persist. Having spent over three decades investing in real estate and drawing from years of experience managing sales teams, I always keep a close eye on these trends. For buyers and sellers in Seattle, understanding the ebb and flow of new construction and permits can help you plan your next steps with confidence.

09/07/2026

Remote Work Could Be Your Affordability Answer

With remote work, where you live can be your decision instead of your employer's. And that puts more affordable places within reach.

Want to explore where that could take you? Let's connect.

For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away.

09/04/2026

US Existing Home Sales Edge Up | Put our experience, knowledge, service & professionalism to work for you! We make Real Estate easy!

09/03/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Let’s have a quick conversation about what's happening in our market and see whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/02/2026

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, let’s connect. That way you have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.

09/02/2026

AI Housing Predictions: Help or Hidden Influence? | Put our experience, knowledge, service & professionalism to work for you! We make Real Estate easy!

09/01/2026

What happened to home prices in Q2 2026?
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

08/31/2026

Cheaper Mortgages Won’t Fix US Housing | Put our experience, knowledge, service & professionalism to work for you! We make Real Estate easy!

08/31/2026

Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.

Affordability is definitely a challenge, but that doesn’t mean tapping your 401(k) is your only way in if you want to buy.

If you're considering using your 401(k) savings for a down payment, weigh all your options and talk with a trusted financial advisor before you make any decisions. They’ll help you make a plan to fit your goals and your budget.

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home.

08/27/2026

Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They're At

Right now, sellers are flexible on the price in ways they weren't before. Let’s take advantage of that flexibility.

You may be surprised by what's available – and how willing today's sellers are to work with buyers.

You're scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app.