Architecture • Design • March 27, 2025

The Art of Pacific Lodge Architecture

by Windermere Staff

The Pacific Northwest is known for its lush forests, rugged coastline, and stunning mountain ranges. Naturally, architects and designers in the region draw from this unique environment, combining indigenous design principles with earlier frontier styles to create what we now know as Pacific Lodge architecture.

From its defining features to its deep regional roots, here’s everything you need to know about the Pacific Lodge home style and how it embodies the spirit of the PNW.

What is Pacific Lodge Architecture?

Drawing inspiration from mountain lodges, traditional log cabins, and the naturally sourced materials abundant in the region, Pacific Lodge architecture reflects a sense of warmth and connection to the land. Reclaimed wood, exposed beams, and stone are often emphasized to create spaces that feel both grounded and inviting, while expansive windows that frame the surrounding landscape allow natural light to pour in, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. The combination of rugged materials and thoughtful design results in homes that are both cozy and grand, seamlessly blending comfort, craftsmanship, natural beauty, and enduring charm.

Key Features of Pacific Lodge Homes

Exposed Wood Construction

Exposed wood construction is one of the defining elements of the Pacific Lodge home style. Signature woods found in the area, like Cedar, Douglas fir, and Western Larch, are commonly used to generate openness and enhance the home’s natural aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, soaring trusses, and large-scale exposed beams showcase these wooden elements, giving the home an inviting yet dramatic feel. These features celebrate the region’s timber-rich heritage and foster harmony between the home and its surrounding environment.

Expansive Living Spaces

Complementing the warmth and openness created by exposed wood, expansive living spaces are another essential feature of Pacific Lodge architecture. Open floor plans, high ceilings, and grand rooms characterize the Pacific Lodge home, along with common areas that are thoughtfully designed to flow seamlessly into each other, creating inviting spaces ideal for gathering. The broad nature of these rooms highlights natural light, further enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Large Windows

Pacific Lodge architecture prominently features large windows, such as picture windows and floor-to-ceiling glass, making the living spaces feel even more expansive and connected to the outdoors. Given the region’s frequent rain and cloudy skies, maximizing light is especially valuable, and oversized windows help to enhance brightness throughout the home. These large windows not only frame beautiful exterior views but also blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

Warm & Inviting Interiors

The warm and inviting interiors complement Pacific Lodge homes’ distinctive charm by bringing all these elements together. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtful blend of cozy furnishings, earthy tones, and richly textured materials. Sizeable stone fireplaces, leather seating, and more wood finishes provide a comfortable backdrop, while natural textiles like wool throws, woven rugs, and iron accents reinforce the home’s rustic yet elegant appeal. Deep forest greens, rich burgundies, and warm amber hues are often incorporated to add depth and complement the home’s natural feel.

Market News • More • March 18, 2025

Housing & Economic Update: What to Know About Inventory, Inflation & Interest Rates

by Windermere Staff

This is the latest in a series of videos with Windermere Principal Economist Jeff Tucker where he delivers the key economic numbers to follow to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.

The data coming in from the housing market so far this year are painting a picture of an early spring buying season that is a little friendlier for buyers. The first number to know this week:

28%

That’s how many more active listings there were this February compared to February 2024. This chart of the year-over-year change really shows how that growth had been slowing late last year but is picking up again so far in 2025. That’s mainly because buyers have taken their foot off the gas, in the face of higher mortgage rates in the new year.

Here’s how that inventory trend shapes up against the last several years.

We are now only 9% below February 2020 levels, before the pandemic helped trigger a multi-year shortage of inventory. So for the buyers who are shopping this spring, they’ll see the most options they’ve seen in 5 years. That should keep a lid on home price appreciation this spring, and force sellers to be a bit more conservative on their asking prices. The next number to know is:

1%

Pending sales are up only 1% from the same time last year, confirming that the late-2024 surge of buyer demand is over. For buyers shopping right now that should mean less competition from other buyers to worry about. The next number to know this week:

2.8%

That’s the inflation rate in February, as measured by the year-over-year change in the Consumer Price Index. That’s a welcome cooldown from 3.0% in January, and you can also see the annualized pace of monthly gains, in red here, cooled way down to 2.6%. This is a step in the right direction but there’s growing uncertainty about whether the disinflation in the price of goods will continue, especially as tariffs begin to kick in. That’s one reason the Federal Reserve is still holding steady on any further rate cuts for now. Speaking of interest rates, our last number to know this week:

About 6 and 3/4%

That’s where 30-year mortgage rates have hovered, as of mid-March, which is about a quarter point below their recent peak at the start of the year. Combined with more inventory, that makes a recipe for pretty good shopping conditions for buyers, as we enter the heart of the spring homebuying season.

Market News • More • Western Washington Real Estate Market Update • March 6, 2025

Local Look: Western Washington Housing Update 3/6/25

by Windermere Staff

Hi. I’m Jeff Tucker, principal economist at Windermere Real Estate, and this is a Local Look at the February 2025 data from the Northwest MLS.

Hi. I’m Jeff Tucker, principal economist at Windermere Real Estate, and this is a Local Look at the February 2025 data from the Northwest MLS.

After an impressive Q4, and a decent start to the year in January, this February saw buyer activity – and listing activity – slow down a bit relative to last year. I think the rise in mortgage rates back to around 7% this winter has finally cooled off some of the buyer enthusiasm we saw in Q4.

Here are the four key metrics I watch to track supply and demand in the market: closed and pending sales, which tell us a lot about demand; and listings – new and active – which tell us a lot about supply.

Across the Northwest MLS, closed sales of single-family homes were almost exactly flat year-over-year, at 3,550 vs last year’s 3,553. Pending sales, which will mostly close in March, dropped 4% from the same month last year. One extenuating circumstance was we had 1 less business day this February, since last year was a leap year, but this is still looking like a cooler market in terms of demand than we saw in Q4.

On the supply side, about 5% fewer new listings hit the market this February compared to last year’s, while the pool of active listings in the reservoir ended the month 33% higher than February 2024’s inventory.

The final key metric to check in on: the median price for those closed single-family home sales climbed just 2% year-over year in February, from about $635,000 to $650,000. That represents a further cooldown from median price growth we’d seen in Q4, and it seems to indicate that the higher levels of inventory are putting some competitive pressure on sellers, preventing prices from rising too much.

Putting it all together, this looks like a market where the normal seasonal upswing in sales and prices has begun, but the year-over-year comparisons are looking a lot cooler than they were throughout Q4 and into January. I think that cooldown was mostly due to interest rates rebounding this winter, which discouraged buyers, so looking ahead, if we see the recent dip in interest rates in late February and early March actually stick, I could see some of that heat coming back into the market right as we hit the spring buying season.

Now I’ll dig into the four counties encompassing the greater Seattle area, where a similar cooldown played out in February.

Residential closed sales were flat year over year here in King County; inched up 1% across the Sound in Kitsap County; dipped 2% in Pierce County, including Tacoma; and fell 3% in Snohomish County, including Everett. So for the 4-county region as a whole, that’s a dip of 1% from the same month last year. Not bad but it is a slowdown after 6% growth in January.

The median sale price was mostly flat, locally: 0% change from last year in King County and Snohomish County, up 4% in Kitsap County, and up 5% in Pierce County.

Looking ahead, pending sales were flat or down locally: down 4% in King, down 16% in Kitsap, flat in Pierce, and down 10% in Snohomish County. Altogether that makes a 6% decline across the 4 counties, suggesting we’ll see closings continue to fall year-over-year in March.

On the supply side, the 4-county greater Seattle area had about 35% more active listings at the end of February than the same time last year. That inventory growth comes in spite of a 7% decline across the region in the flow of new listings this February. Again, that was potentially impacted by the slightly shorter month, but it does suggest that sellers haven’t been flocking to list their homes in greater numbers yet this year. It could also be due to sellers jumping the gun on listing: year to date, new listings are up 8%, thanks to very impressive new listings in January. Now I’ll be curious to see if the recent dip in rates can help re-start the listing pipeline locally.

Buying • Selling • March 3, 2025

The Biggest Home Buying and Selling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

by Windermere Staff

There’s nothing more exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling than buying or selling a home. However, it’s a complex transaction, and there are several steps along the path that can confuse even the most seasoned buyers and sellers. How can you avoid potential selling pitfalls and common buying mistakes? Look to your real estate agent for advice and keep the following guidelines in mind.

Common Buying Mistakes

#1 Review Your Credit Reports Ahead of Time

Review your credit report a few months before you begin searching for homes. You’ll have time to ensure the facts are correct and be able to dispute mistakes before your mortgage lender checks your credit. Get a copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Why all three? Because, if the scores differ, the bank will typically use the lowest one. Alert the credit bureaus if you see any mistakes, fix any problems you discover, and don’t apply for any new credit until after your home loan closes.

10 Important People in the Home Buying Process

#2 Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before getting serious about your hunt for a new house, you’ll want to choose a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage (not just pre-qualified—which is a cursory review of your finances—but pre-approved for a loan of a specific amount). Pre-approval lets sellers know you’re serious. Most importantly, pre-approval will help you determine exactly how much you can comfortably afford to spend.

#3 Know What You Want

You and your real estate agent should both be clear about the house you want to buy. Put it in writing. First, make a list of all the features and amenities you really want. Then, number each item and prioritize them. Now, divide the list into must-haves and nice-to-haves.

#4 Account for Hidden Costs

In addition to the purchase price of the home, there are additional costs you need to take into consideration, such as closing costs, appraisal fees, and escrow fees. Once you find a prospective home, you’ll want to:

Get estimates for any repairs or remodeling it may need
Estimate how much it will cost to maintain (gas, electricity, utilities, etc.)
Determine how much you’ll pay in taxes monthly and/or annually.
Learn whether there are any Homeowners Association (HOA) fees associated with the property.

#5 Get a Home Inspection

Buying a home is emotionally charged—which can make it difficult for buyers to see the house for what it truly is. That’s why you need impartial third parties who can help you logically analyze the condition of the property. Your agent is there to advise you, but you also need a home inspector to assess any hidden flaws, structural damage, or faulty systems.

Making the Most of a Home Inspection

#6 Research the Neighborhood and Location

When house hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of the home itself—bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities—while overlooking the subtleties of the surrounding neighborhood. Take time to explore the area at different times of the day, research school options, check crime reports, and visit nearby parks, shops, and restaurants. A great home in the wrong location can quickly become the wrong home.

Common Selling Mistakes

#1 Avoid Getting Too Emotional About the Sale

Once you decide to sell your house, it’s time to strip out the emotion and look at it as a commodity in a business transaction. If you start reminiscing about all the good times you had and the hard work you invested, it will only make it that much harder to price, prepare, and market the home successfully.

Preparing to Sell Your Home: A Complete Checklist

#2 Make Repairs or Price Accordingly

Homes with deferred maintenance and repair issues can take far longer to sell and can be subject to last-minute sale cancellations. These homes also often sell for less than their legitimate market value. If you simply can’t afford to address critical issues, be prepared to work with your agent to price and market your home accordingly.

#3 Don’t Overprice Your Home

Getting top dollar is the dream of every seller. But it’s essential that you let the market dictate that price, not your emotions or financial situation. Allow your agent to research and prepare a market analysis that factors in the value of similar homes in the area and trust those results. Overpricing your home often spells trouble and can leave significant money on the table.

#4 Use High Quality Photos

Most prospective buyers today search for homes online first. To make a good first impression, you need a wealth of high-quality photos showcasing your home and surrounding grounds. In today’s market, buyers also expect virtual home tours, drone photography, and 3d walkthroughs to get a more immersive look at the home before scheduling an in-person visit. Investing in these visual tools can help your home stand out in a competitive market and attract buyers faster. It’s also critical that you stage your home to generate maximum buyer interest.

The process of buying or selling a home can have plenty of twists and turns, but with some wise decision-making, you can avoid the most common mistakes and pitfalls. Lean on your agent for guidance throughout the process. Connect with a local Windermere agent to begin your buying or selling journey:

Buying • Selling • February 24, 2025

Is Downsizing Right for You? Here’s How to Decide

by Windermere Staff

Choosing to downsize is more than just moving into a smaller space, it’s about curating a simpler lifestyle that fits your current needs. Whether you’re retiring, looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance home, or wanting a fresh start after your children have moved away, downsizing might be the best option for you. Before making the move, here’s everything to consider.

Why Downsizing Could Be the Right Choice

Increased Cash Flow & More Financial Flexibility

Downsizing can offer significant financial benefits, starting with a smaller mortgage, which frees up extra cash for other needs or desires. Home insurance costs also tend to be lower, as the size of the home typically influences insurance premiums. Downsizing to less square footage can also lower property tax bills. Finally, a smaller home also leads to decreased utility bills, as the cost of heating and cooling a smaller home requires less energy expenditure.

More Time, Less Maintenance & Stress

Bigger homes call for more maintenance. Downsizing can help cut down time spent on household chores such as cleaning and vacuuming, which will give you more hours to do something more enjoyable. Homeowners who have successfully downsized often feel happier because they are no longer overwhelmed by the demands of a larger home. Less responsibility, less housework, increased cash flow, and flexibility equals reduced stress.

A Greener Lifestyle

After downsizing, homeowners commonly buy less since they don’t necessarily have the room for it. Reduced consumption not only leads to a more minimalist lifestyle but also cuts down on waste. Less waste plus less energy expended to heat and cool the space means a smaller environmental footprint and keeps your home green.

What You Might Miss When Downsizing

While moving into a smaller space has benefits, there are trade-offs to consider. A smaller home means less storage space, meaning you’ll need to give away or donate furniture, books, kitchen supplies, and other belongings that may not fit. Less space and fewer rooms can also make the home feel cramped, especially if you’re a long-term homeowner used to larger square footage.

Remote work may also become more challenging in a downsized home. Finding a quiet, dedicated workspace can be difficult, and close quarters may make it harder to stay productive. Additionally, hosting overnight guests or bigger holiday dinners might be out of the question for a smaller home. Adjusting to a downsized lifestyle can take time for those accustomed to more space, requiring new habits and a fresh approach.

Questions to Ask Before Making the Move

Before downsizing, it’s crucial to reflect on how less space in your home will impact your lifestyle. Think about your attachment to your current home’s size. Do you need extra rooms for guests or a second bathroom for convenience? Will moving into a smaller home feel too much like a step backward? Or will it bring the sense of freedom and simplicity you’ve been looking for? Ask yourself these important questions to ensure you’re making the right choice:

What are my must-haves in a smaller home? Think about what you might miss from a more spacious home, or factors like location, accessibility, and storage solutions.
How will my daily routine change? Consider how a smaller space might impact your hobbies, work setup, or ability to entertain.
Does this move align with my long-term plans? Imagine the next 5, 10, or even 20 years, and start to question if a smaller home meets your future needs.
How much will it cost to downsize? Factor in moving expenses, costs associated with selling, new furniture purchases, and the amount it will cost to store or sell belongings you no longer have space for.
What will I do with sentimental or bulky items? Consider whether you’ll keep, donate, sell, or store them, and how much space you’re willing to dedicate to cherished belongings.

If you believe downsizing is the right option and are ready for the next step, you’re probably asking yourself, “Should I sell first or buy first?” When you’re prepared to discuss your options, connect with a Windermere agent by clicking the button below.

Market News • More • February 19, 2025

Housing & Economic Update: What to Know About Inventory, Inflation & Interest Rates

by Windermere Staff

We now have over a full month of data to see how 2025 is shaping up, and I wanted to focus today on one of my favorite leading indicators: inventory. So the first number to know this week:

25%

That’s how many more active listings there were this January compared to January 2024. For a sense of scale, it was about 829,000 active listings this year, compared to only about 666,000 active listings last year. And in fact we are now only 13% below January 2020 levels, on the eve of the pandemic. That’s a huge milestone the housing market is approaching, after really being defined by low inventory for the last few years.

Now, there’s a ton of data in this graph which makes it a little hard to read, so I’ll try highlighting a couple sections at a time:

Here’s what happened early in the pandemic: inventory plunged, first because sellers weren’t even sure about selling in the early pandemic, and then because demand actually took off, fueled in part by lower interest rates as well as booming demand for more space and maybe the chance to work from home. So ultimately just over a year later, by May 2021, for instance, we had 62% fewer active listings than in May of 2019. That helped fuel some extraordinary price appreciation and really frenzied competition in the market, for about a year.

Then in mid-2022, interest rates shot up from record lows of around 3%, above pre-pandemic levels, to the highest in a generation, which helped put the brakes on homebuyer demand for a while, which has slowly helped inventory build back up toward normal levels, and that’s almost where we are today.

Now what does higher inventory really mean: It should restore some balance to the market between buyers and sellers, putting a damper on home price appreciation; helping homes sell a little slower on average; and giving buyers more variety of choices and a little more negotiating power. All of that means the market is shaping up to be a little friendlier for buyers this spring.

Pending sales have risen just 2% from the same time last year, showing that the home-purchase surge in Q4 of 2024 has not really continued into the new year. That surge was driven by lower interest rates, so it’s perhaps not surprising to see it peter out now that interest rates are back up around 7%. The second number to know this week:

3%

That’s the inflation rate in January, as measured by the year-over-year change in the Consumer Price Index. As a reminder the Fed is aiming for inflation of just 2%, so this figure is still running a little too hot. This is just one data point, but stubborn inflation is one reason why the Federal Reserve did NOT opt to cut their short-term interest rate at their most recent meeting.

Speaking of interest rates, our last number to know this week: a little less than 7%. That’s where interest rates have moved recently, giving a little bit of relief to homebuyers, but still probably feeling a bit high for many folks. I think some gradual further declines are possible, but certainly not guaranteed, and really big declines seem especially unlikely any time soon.

Selling • February 17, 2025

Making the Most of a Home Inspection

by Windermere Staff

A home inspection can be a useful tool for buyers, sellers, and anyone looking to protect their investment and get the greatest possible value from their home.

Identifying Issues Early

When you’re selling a house, a pre-sale inspection can be incredibly beneficial. By identifying any potential problems your house may have, an inspection can give you an opportunity to address them before your first prospective buyer arrives. A pre-listing inspection can give you an edge as a seller, particularly in a competitive market. Potential buyers are likely to find the kind of detailed information an inspection provides reassuring—and are encouraged to give your home a closer look.

When Should You Get a Home Inspection?

Beyond routine maintenance and pre-sale inspections, there are several circumstances in which a home inspection could greatly benefit a homeowner. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself to determine if an inspection makes sense:

Was your home inspected when you bought it? If not, consider scheduling one, even if the home was new at the time of construction.
Are you an older homeowner looking to make upgrades to stay in your home? If you are, it makes sense to hire a professional who can inspect difficult-to-reach areas and point out maintenance of safety issues.
Are you buying a home that’s under construction? You may want to hire an inspector early on and schedule phased inspections to protect your interest and ensure that the quality of construction meets your expectations.
Do you have a baby on the way or small children? An inspection can alert you to any potential safety issues that could possibly affect a growing family, such as mold, lead, or structural problems. If mold or lead is present, be sure to rely on technicians or labs with specialized training in dealing with these conditions.

What Home Inspections Do Not Cover

For a variety of reasons, some homes will require special inspections that are not covered by a typical home inspection. A specialty inspection might include a sewer scope, septic system, geotechnical conditions (for homes perched on steep slopes or where there are concerns regarding soil stability) or underground oil storage tank. If you have any questions about whether your home needs a specialty inspection, talk to your real estate agent.

Choosing a Professional

If you decide to hire a home inspector, be sure they’re licensed in your state. They should be able to provide you with their license number, which you can use to verify their status with the appropriate government agency. It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Even among licensed and qualified home inspectors, there can be a difference in experience, knowledge, performance and communication skills, so learn what you can before you hire a home inspector to ensure that you get the detailed inspection that you want.

Understanding Your Home Inspection Report

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report covering any issues found. Focus on major concerns like structural and electrical and consult your inspector or a specialist if anything is unclear. You can ask your inspector to walk you through the report and help prepare you for the next steps.

What to Ask Your Home Inspector

When hiring a professional inspector, ask these important questions to make sure they are qualified and the right fit for the job.

What does your inspection cover? Insist that you get this information in writing. Then make sure that it’s in compliance with state requirements and includes the items you want to be inspected.
How long have you been in the business? Ask for referrals, especially with newer inspectors.
Are you experienced in residential inspections? Residential inspection in a unique discipline with specific challenges, so it’s important to make sure the inspector is experienced in this area.
Do you make repairs or make improvements based on inspection? Some states and/or professional associations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in an inspection. If you’re considering engaging your inspector to do repairs, be sure to get referrals.
How long will the inspection take? A typical single-family dwelling takes two to three hours.
How much will it cost? Costs can vary depending upon a variety of things, such as the square footage, age, and foundation of the house.
Can I be there for the inspection? Will you go over the inspection report with me? This could be a valuable learning opportunity. If your inspector refuses, this should raise a red flag.
Are you a member of a professional home inspector association? What other credentials do you hold? Ask to see their membership ID; it provides some assurance.
Do you keep your skills up to date through continuing education?An inspector’s interest in continuing education shows a genuine commitment to performing at the highest level. It’s especially important in older homes or homes with unique elements.

Buying • February 10, 2025

Finding Your New Home in Four Steps

by Windermere Staff

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for a new space, navigating the real estate market can feel confusing and overwhelming without the proper guidance and tools. But with some preparation and a solid game plan, you’ll be unlocking the door to your dream property faster than you can say, “Welcome home!”

These five steps will help you find a home that fits your budget and is suitable for your future needs. By taking the time to plan and work through each step, you can minimize potential headaches and enjoy a smoother, more rewarding home-buying experience.

Step 1: Talk to An Agent

Even if buying a home is just an idea in the back of your mind, your first move should be connecting with a licensed real estate agent. They’ll give you up-to-the-minute insights on real estate market trends, mortgage industry shifts, and what to expect at every stage of your journey. More than just a guide, a great agent will also connect you with trusted lenders, inspectors, and other professionals.

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial and emotional purchases a person will make. That’s why finding a credible agent who understands the home search process and takes the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests is so important. As you start your search, consider these 10 qualities to look for in a real estate agent to help you find the right fit.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

It may not be the most exciting part of the home-buying journey, but reviewing your finances upfront and understanding what you can afford will save you time and stress down the road. And with 2025’s mortgage rates and affordability challenges, understanding your budget is more important than ever. Your real estate agent can connect you with a reputable mortgage advisor who will help you determine how much you can borrow and explore financing options.

A mortgage advisor will also help you assess different loan options, down payment requirements, and potential programs and tools that could make homeownership more affordable. Once you have a solid budget in place, you can focus your search on homes that truly fit your needs, giving you a better shot at securing the right home in a competitive market.

Step 3: Envision Your Future

A general rule of thumb when purchasing a home is that the investment typically takes about five years to start paying off financially. That’s why choosing a home that meets your current needs and aligns with your future needs is essential. Think about what life might look like in the next five to ten years—will you need more space for a growing family or pets? Do future hybrid work opportunities make walkability, public transportation, or a home office more important? Consider factors like schools, outdoor spaces, and community amenities that align with your evolving lifestyle.

Once you have a clear vision, share these details with your real estate agent. They’ll help you identify homes that offer the flexibility and functionality to grow with you, ensuring your next home is the right fit for today and the future.

Step 4: Research Neighborhoods and Communities

Another critical step in finding the right home is researching and exploring the neighborhoods and communities that align with your lifestyle. Consider factors important to you, like local schools, dining and shopping, outdoor recreation, and community culture. It’s also worth looking into crime rates, insurance costs, potential future developments, or even risk zones such as flood zones, as these can impact both your living experience and long-term investment. A holistic approach to your home search will ensure you love your house and the life you build around it.

Step 5: Visualize Your Ideal Home

Once you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time to dream a little—but stay realistic. Make a list of the features that matter most, dividing them into “must-haves” and “really wants.” You can use visualization tools like mood boards or apps like Pinterest to bring your vision to life. When you’ve outlined your priorities, share them with your agent and stay flexible—you may find the perfect balance of practicality and potential in an unexpected place.

Bonus Tips: Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of the Real Estate Market

Real estate is always changing, and staying informed can give you a competitive edge. Follow local market reports, real estate websites, and social media platforms, and keep in touch with your agent for the latest insights on pricing trends, inventory, and new listings.

For more tips and a step-by-step guide to buying a home, visit our “Buyer Basics” page or to connect with an experienced Windermere agent, get started here:

Living • More • Windermere • February 3, 2025

Windermere Partners with Esterre to Reimagine Second Home Ownership

by Windermere Staff

As more and more people desire an escape from everyday life, the appeal of second home ownership has grown stronger. But when the dream of owning a vacation home meets the reality of maintenance, expenses, and logistics, many buyers begin to question whether the rewards outweigh the challenges. Esterre, in partnership with Windermere Real Estate, is changing the narrative by introducing a fresh, innovative approach to second homeownership that redefines what’s possible. Here’s all you need to know about this exciting new partnership.

The Challenges of Owning a Vacation Home

Beyond the upfront purchase of a vacation home, the ongoing costs of maintenance, landscaping, and furnishing can quickly add up, making the experience feel less like a relaxing retreat and more like managing a second job. On top of that, many owners find themselves traveling less and tied to their vacation homes to make the most of their investment. While the idea of having a dedicated getaway is appealing, it can limit the freedom to explore new destinations and create diverse experiences. These common hurdles have left many wondering if there’s a more flexible, hassle-free way to enjoy the benefits of second home ownership.

Meet Esterre

Esterre, founded in Seattle in partnership with Windermere in 2024, is redefining what it means to own a second home. By introducing a fresh approach to second homeownership, Esterre enables individuals to have an equal equity ownership in a portfolio of carefully curated properties in some of Washington State’s most desirable destinations. This model eliminates the headaches and stress of maintenance, furnishing, landscaping, cleaning, and financial management, offering owners a seamless, stress-free experience. Each home in the portfolio is thoughtfully designed and fully managed, allowing owners to simply enjoy their time away.

How Windermere and Esterre Are Simplifying Second Home Ownership

Windermere’s collaboration with Esterre marks an exciting step forward in the real estate world. Combining Windermere’s trusted expertise with Esterre’s innovative concept, this partnership offers a flexible, transparent, and economically sensible solution to traditional vacation home ownership challenges. For a fraction of the cost of purchasing a single vacation home, buyers gain equity in a portfolio of high-end properties across Washington State’s most scenic destinations, including Snoqualmie Summit, San Juan Island, Whidbey Island, Fidalgo Island, and the Olympic Peninsula, with more locations to come. These homes, all within a 2- to 3-hour drive from Seattle, are thoughtfully chosen to provide guests with various environments and experiences. Owners can enjoy over a month of annual access to these luxurious properties, with unlimited short notice stays available within 5 days of booking. And, unlike traditional timeshares, Esterre also incorporates a built-in exit strategy, selling the portfolio after 12 years and distributing the proceeds to owners.

Whether it’s a serene island retreat or a mountain escape, this partnership creates a unique opportunity for agents to connect with clients who dream of owning a second home but are deterred by the high costs and responsibilities. Together, Windermere and Esterre are opening doors to a more accessible, flexible, and memorable way to explore Washington State and build lasting memories.

Discover more at esterre-wa.com.

Design • More • January 29, 2025

Pantone 2025 Color of the Year: Infusing Mocha Mousse into Your Home

by Windermere Staff

Another year, another reason to repaint. Pantone, the global authority on color, has announced its 2025 Color of the Year, “Mocha Mousse.” And as this year’s interior design trends lean towards more earthy tones, this creamy, rich brown is set to be everywhere—from your morning coffee to your neighbor’s curtains. Whether aiming to create a relaxing and warm sanctuary or add a refined accent to your home, Mocha Mousse is the perfect color to set the mood. Check out these creative and stylish ways to introduce this timeless color into your home and elevate your atmosphere.

Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a warm, muted brown with creamy undertones inspired by the decadent qualities of chocolate mousse and coffee. Chosen for its perfect balance of richness and warmth, Pantone describes Mocha Mousse as reflecting our collective desire for comfort, indulgence, and connection. Its smooth and inviting tones combine sophistication with coziness, making it a versatile neutral color that can enhance any space.

How to Use Mocha Mousse in Your Home

Mocha Mousse follows the latest interior design trends that embrace earthy, neutral tones. From minimalist to eclectic, it pairs beautifully with various styles, materials, and color palettes, ideal for any room needing a warm hug. Whether used on accent walls, in textiles like throw pillows and drapes, or through smaller décor details, Mocha Mousse infuses spaces with elegance and a soothing ambiance.

Harmonizing Mocha Mousse with Complementary Color Pairings

Mocha Mousse isn’t just a color—it’s a mood setter, harmoniously blending with many design styles and color schemes. Pantone’s color enthusiasts created five unique palettes featuring the versatile hue, each designed to evoke a different mood. These palettes included a serene, airy combination of soft neutrals in “Relaxed Elegance,” calming, nature-inspired tones like willow green in “Floral Pathways,” and vibrant, exotic contrasts in “Uniquely Balanced.”

Using their expertly curated color stories and suggested harmonies, you can easily integrate the delicious 2025-color Mocha Mousse into your home’s existing color palette. For instance, it compliments warm tones like deep reds, pinks, or soft oranges, adding depth without overwhelming the space. If you have cooler shades like blues and greens, Mocha Mousse will balance these tones, creating a more grounded space. For a more subtle touch, you can also pair it with natural wood tones, light grays, or delicate creams to enhance its elegance. If you want to explore more color options that fit your style, check out these 11 Ways to Uncover Your Personal Color Palette.

Using Mocha Mousse with Interior Design Trends of 2025

Earthy, neutral tones are here to stay in 2025, and Mocha Mousse is leading the charge with its grounding, warm appeal. With brown furniture also remaining a strong trend, this hue can complement rich wood and leather pieces, adding comfort and sophistication. It beautifully blends with natural materials like stone, wood, and ceramics, enhancing modern, rustic, and bohemian interiors, along with many others. Similarly, Mocha Mousse pairs well with metals and verdigris, which have become increasingly popular.

Mocha Mousse naturally complements the curvier lines, soft shapes, and rounded furniture pieces that are defining 2025. It can be easily into spaces with arched doorways and rounded furniture to create a polished, inviting environment. You can also embrace it with the comeback of wallpaper, upholstered walls, and drapery, whether in subtle patterns or rich textures like suede and velvet, bringing more dimension to the room.

With Mocha Mousse as your foundation, you’ll effortlessly embrace this year’s design trends, creating a space that is timeless, warm, and sophisticated.