2025

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot.But here’s what you need to remember. While...

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.Here’s what the experts are saying...

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives.Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move,...

When your house doesn’t sell, it does more than disrupt your plans, it hits close to home. You prepared for the next chapter. You told people you were moving. You pictured where you’d go next. And then nothing happened.It’s normal to feel frustrated, confused, or even a little embarrassed. But here’s the part you have to remember: just because your house didn’t sell the first time, doesn’t mean...

Hearing talk about home prices falling? That may leave you worried about whether your house is losing value. But here’s what you need to know. While some local markets have seen small price dips this year, home prices are not falling nationally. So, don’t let the headlines scare you. The vast majority of the country is actually seeing prices rise. While that may feel surprising after the...

Spring gets all the attention, but it’s not always the best time to sell a house. Yes, more buyers show up, but so do a lot of other sellers. Winter is different. With fewer homes on the market, your house has a much better chance of standing out. And that one advantage can make a big difference. Winter Is When Your Listing Stands Out History shows the number of homes for sale tends to drop...

**More Homes, Fewer Buyers — Strategy Matters Closing Out 2025 | Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Update 12-17-25** **Hosted by Tony Meier | Windermere Real Estate | 36 Years Experience | 779 Closed Sales** This week’s Eastside market continues to reflect a seasonal shift — one where clarity, preparation, and informed decision making matter more than ever. While interest rates have improved year...

The housing market hasn’t felt this energized in a long time – and the numbers backing that up are hard to ignore. Mortgage rates have eased almost a full percentage point this year, and that shift is starting to wake up buyers.Home loan applications have risen. Activity has picked up. And sellers who step in early could benefit from the momentum long before the competition catches on.Let’s take a...

One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list.Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to hold firm, there’s another lever you can pull. That’s seeing if you truly need all of your desired features. Because the truth is, a small compromise could be the...

I am Tony Meier with Windermere Real Estate in Kirkland. Over 36 years, 74,000 plus hours, and **776 successful Eastside closings**, I have learned how to read the data and translate it into calm, confident moves for seasoned homeowners. In **“2.4 Months of Inventory is the Bright Spot?? Eastside, Seattle and Snohomish County Real Estate Insights | December 2025,”** I unpack what this month’s numbers...

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A lot of people are asking the same thing right now: “Is it even a good time to sell?” And the truth may come as a bit of a surprise...For many homeowners, the answer is a strong yes.Why? Because of one major factor working in your favor: your equity. Odds are, if you’ve lived in your home for a while, you know you have significant equity. But how much are we really talking about? The number might...

3 Fed Rate Cuts... Mortgage Rates Don't Budge! Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Update • 12-10-25 **Hosted by Tony Meier • Windermere Real Estate • 36 Years Experience** Welcome back to your weekly Eastside housing update. Even with *three* recent Federal Reserve rate cuts, the mortgage market has barely moved — and the gap between policy and mortgage pricing is becoming a defining trend for...

Published on: December 3, 2025 Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), the source for the most current, accurate market listing data in Washington state, today released its November 2025 Market Snapshot. Market Recap November 2025 saw more homes on the market year-over-year, with active listings up nearly 24%. Month-over-month, inventory declined as expected for this time of year, reflecting the...

Published on: November 5, 2025 Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), the source for the most current, accurate market listing data in Washington state, today released its October 2025 Market Snapshot. Market Recap Mortgage interest rates continued to trend lower in October, ending the month at 6.17% for 30-year fixed-rate loans, the lowest level since early October 2024. Across NWMLS...

What is the Crime Rate in Redmond, WA? By Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast Detailed Crime Statistics (2025) Violent crimes (2024 data): 108 incidents; 130 per 100,000 residents.beautifydata+1​ Property crimes (2024 data): 2,278 incidents; 2,753 per 100,000 residents.areavibes+1​ Total reported crime: 2,386 cases. Chance of violent crime victimization: 1 in...

What is the Median Income in Redmond, WA? By Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast Redmond’s Key Income Statistics Median household income: $162,099 (2025 data) Median family household income: $205,606 Median non-family household income: $105,944 Per capita income: $118,942 These numbers shape Redmond’s reputation as one of Washington’s and the nation’s...

Is Redmond, WA Expensive to Live? By Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast National and Statewide Rankings Redmond’s cost of living is 43% higher than the national average and 256% higher than Washington’s state average, placing it in the top 1% of the most expensive cities globally. It’s a premium suburb, rivaling metropolitan areas like Bellevue, Kirkland, and even parts of Seattle...

Redmond, Washington is unquestionably a wealthy area—ranking among the most affluent cities in the Pacific Northwest by virtually every measure: household income, per capita income, home values, and employment opportunities. Below, Eastside real estate expert Tony Meier explores the latest facts and figures that define Redmond’s elite economic profile in 2025. Is Redmond, Washington a...

Is Redmond, Washington a Good Place to Live? By Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast National Recognition & Community Satisfaction Redmond earned the top spot as “most livable small city in the United States” in a SmartAsset study, outscoring hundreds of communities nationwide on diverse criteria—quality of schools, healthcare access, economic opportunity, safety, local...

What Salary is Considered Upper Class in Washington State? By Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast Defining "Upper Class" in Washington: 2025 Data In Washington state, the “upper class” income threshold is generally defined by economists and policymakers as households earning at least twice the state’s median income or those who rank within the top 10% of all earners. For 2025, the...

To live comfortably in Washington—and especially in sought-after areas like Redmond or the Greater Eastside—requires a significantly higher income than state or national averages due to exceptional housing prices, rising everyday costs, and the region’s robust economy. Below, Eastside authority Tony Meier shares a facts-only, meticulously sourced analysis for 2025, providing real numbers on what...

Living in Redmond, WA, is widely recognized as an expensive proposition, ranking among the nation’s priciest communities thanks to a perfect storm of tech-fueled prosperity, exceptional public amenities, and persistent housing demand. As Tony Meier of Windermere Real Estate Northeast—a trusted, data-driven advisor with decades of experience guiding residents through the Eastside market—this post...

A living wage in Redmond, WA refers to the minimum income required for an individual or family to meet basic needs—housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials—without financial stress or government assistance. As of 2025, calculating a true living wage in Redmond means considering one of the highest cost-of-living environments in both Washington state and the nation. Below, Tony...

What is a Good Salary in Redmond, Washington? Expert Analysis from Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast Introduction Determining a “good” salary in Redmond, Washington, is a nuanced task shaped by the city’s thriving tech economy, high cost of living, and rapidly evolving local real estate market. As a long-standing broker with more than three decades of experience in Eastside real...

Listed at $1,225,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to this beautifully updated rambler in Bellevue’s Ardmore neighborhood. Move-in ready and thoughtfully refreshed, this 1,250 square foot home with detached 192 .s.f. flex space, combines comfort, convenience, and versatility, all set on a 7,210 square foot lot in one of...

Published on: October 6, 2025 Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), the source for the most current, accurate market listing data in Washington state, today released its September 2025 Market Snapshot. Market Recap Inventory is climbing, giving buyers more options, while home prices are showing signs of moderation after years of rapid growth. The median sales price in September dipped...

Listed at $2,000,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Set within Highgrove at English Hill, this 5,240 square foot Redmond residence delivers privacy and room to breathe on a 67,522 square foot lot in the highly regarded Lake Washington School District. This home is ready for its next chapter—priced to let you bring your imagination and...

Listed at $1,200,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to your private retreat on the Sammamish Plateau. Nestled in the heart of the Plateau, this 1,821 sq ft tri-level home offers 1.21 usable acres of privacy in a park-like setting within the top-rated Lake Washington School District. From the moment you arrive, the winding drive...

Listed at $1,090,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the sought-after Kingsgate neighborhood of Woodinville. Nestled within the top-rated Northshore School District, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers 1,870 square feet of comfortable living space designed for both everyday enjoyment and easy...

Published on: September 4, 2025 Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), the source for the most current, accurate market listing data in Washington state, today released its Market Snapshot for August 2025. Market Recap In August, both active listings and home sales declined compared to July—by 2.7% and 7.7%, respectively—across the 27 counties in the NWMLS coverage area. This...

Listed at $799,950 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to this beautifully updated four-bedroom, three-bath home blends modern updates with a relaxed, indoor–outdoor lifestyle. Fresh exterior and interior paint set a crisp tone from the curb, while a 2022 roof and an attached two-car garage add confidence and everyday convenience. Step...

Listed at $500,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Experience the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath ground floor condo in Kirkland’s coveted Downtown Kirkland neighborhood. Nestled within the quiet Mira community, this 930 SF residence offers a fresh, move-in-ready feel and a...

Listed at $1,650,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath rambler tucked into Redmond’s desirable English Hill neighborhood. Set on an 8,247 sq ft lot in the award-winning Northshore School District, this 1,680 sq ft home blends comfort, style, and smart functionality—paired with serene...

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Listed at $1,390,000 ">Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to your dream home in Redmond’s highly desirable English Hill neighborhood. Nestled on a generous 7,359‐SF lot in a quiet cul-de-sac and backing to a lush greenbelt, this 4-bedroom, 2,086-SF residence blends modern upgrades with timeless charm. From the striking two-story...

Listed at $1,650,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to this captivating 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home on a sunny corner lot in Redmond’s coveted English Hill neighborhood. From the moment you arrive, a grand driveway, two-car garage, and elegant brick accents create an inviting sense of luxury. Step onto the covered front porch, where...

Listed at $1,450,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to your dream home in Redmond’s coveted Education Hill neighborhood, where peaceful cul-de-sac living meets the best of Pacific Northwest beauty. Set on a spacious lot backing to a lush greenbelt, this 2,500-square-foot two-story residence offers four bedrooms and two-and-a-half...

Listed at $1,950,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to an extraordinary retreat in Redmond’s Union Hill, where style meets comfort in a meticulously renovated 3,280 sq. ft. home. Set on a lush 26,418 sq. ft. lot, this residence offers privacy, modern upgrades, and indoor-outdoor living with close proximity to Redmond Ridge trails...

Listed at $1,250,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Nestled in Redmond's highly sought-after English Hill neighborhood, this stunning home offers a perfect blend of elegance, functionality, and tranquility. Situated near major tech employers like Microsoft, Google, and Meta, this residence provides both convenience and a peaceful retreat...

Listed at $1,250,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website   Discover the perfect balance of comfort and convenience in this updated 3-bedroom, 1.75-bathroom rambler nestled in Redmond’s sought-after English Hill. Boasting 1,518 sq. ft. of single-level living, this home pairs modern touches with a welcoming layout. A tidy front yard and...

Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen dramatically. If you own a home, that means your house may be worth a lot more than you think. ​ Nationally, prices are up nearly 60% since 2019. ​And, if selling has been on your mind, you can use that bigger-than-expected return to power your next move. ​Do you want to know how much your home is worth in today’s market? Let’s connect.​ The...

It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted. But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees to return to the office. And that’s leading some people to make decisions about where they live and if they need to move. How Return-to-Work Policies Are...

Selling a house comes with a lot of moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers ever step through the door. And one way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection. What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?  A pre-listing inspection is essentially...

More people are taking steps to buy a home. And, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this may be the sign you’ve been looking for. For the past few years, a lot of would-be homebuyers hit pause on their plans. With rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges, buying just didn’t seem doable. But now, more of them are getting back out there. That’s because...

When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you. Here’s a quick rundown of some things...

A study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why. Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of...

Over the past few years, you’ve probably seen a whole lot of headlines about how home prices keep going up. But have you ever stopped to think about what that actually means for your home? Home prices have risen dramatically over the past five years — far more than usual. And if selling has been on your mind, this could mean a bigger-than-expected payday when you list. So, how much has your...

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market. What Is an ADU? According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on...

  Are you trying to buy a home but you feel like you’re up against deep-pocketed Wall Street investors snatching up everything in sight? Many people believe mega investors are driving up prices and buying up all the homes for sale, and that’s making it hard for regular buyers like you to compete. But here’s the truth. Investor purchases are actually on the decline, and the...

Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts, experts say rates will decline, but not by as much as a lot of people want. The good news? Even if they don’t drop substantially, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable. How Much Will Rates Drop? A few months ago, experts were...

With more homes for sale and buyers being more selective, it’s smart to make strategic updates.​ But how do you decide what’s worth doing? ​You lean on an agent. An agent will be able to tell you what buyers want, quick wins that’ll have a big impact, and what projects have the best ROI. What projects are on your to-do list before selling? With only a month left before spring, let’s connect...

Listed at $1,350,000 Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in Redmond’s sought-after English Hill neighborhood, offering a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and functionality. Nestled among lush greenery and mature trees, this residence provides privacy while conveniently close to Microsoft, Google,...

For the past few years, it’s been mostly a seller’s market. But dynamics are shifting as the number of homes for sale grows. And that means that the market is balancing out a bit. As a result, some sellers are finding they need to be more flexible to close a deal. One strategy that can help? Offering concessions. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains: “As...

After years of suburban and rural migration during the pandemic, cities have been making a comeback in the past couple of years. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the percentage of people moving to cities has risen to 16%. While that may not sound like a big number to you, it is the highest level in a decade – and that’s a big deal (see graph...

It feels like everything is getting more expensive these days. That’s because inflation has remained higher than normal for longer than expected – and that’s impacting the costs of goods, services, and more. And with rising costs all around you, you’re probably questioning: is now really the right time to buy a home? Here’s the good news. Owning a home is actually one of the...

Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. If you’ve already got a move on your mind, why not list this spring and take advantage of the added buyer demand? Since spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house market-ready. You’ve...

If you’re like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, there’s a major hurdle standing in your way — the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too. But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think...

This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below): Here's why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t...

Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down. Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy Pace At the national level, home prices are still going up, but at a much more moderate, normal pace. For example, in...

You may be sitting on the sidelines wondering if it’s better to buy now or wait. But buying before the spring rush may be a game-changing decision. Moving this winter can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiating power, and lower prices. If you’re able to buy now, stay ahead of the game and outrun the competition. To tackle your homebuying plans this year, let’s...

There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you. What’s a...

If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes. Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making,...

The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget. But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built...

Are you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this. Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise. If you're able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it'll be worth it in the long run. Let’s connect if you're ready to...

In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house. It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local...

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen. There are options that can help make buying a home...

  Wondering what to expect when you buy or sell a home this year? Here’s what the experts say lies ahead. Mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly. Home prices are forecast to rise in most areas. And, there will be more homes available for sale. Want to know more about what this could mean for your plans this year? Let’s connect to discuss your 2025...

There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now. What Is Pre-Approval? Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home. To determine that number, a lender looks at your...

Are you hesitant to sell your house because you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now? Here’s some perspective that can help. The market actually isn’t at a standstill. While there weren’t as many sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.15 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to...

Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back. The Myth: You Need To Have Perfect Credit According to Fannie Mae, only 32% of potential homebuyers have a good...

Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize. What Is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what...

Experts say rates will come down slightly in the year ahead – but some volatility is expected. So, you shouldn't try to time the market. Instead, it's better to focus on how even a small change impacts your future mortgage payment. As rates come down, even a little bit, your monthly payment on your next home will too. Want to see what this looks like at a different price point? Let’s...