Posts Categorized: Buying a Home

Golden Handcuffs Breaking?

  Let’s talk about something we’re really starting to feel here on the ground already in 2026... are the golden handcuffs starting to break??? There’s a big shift happening in the housing market right now, and it’s something economists are calling the easing of the “lock-in effect.” For years, homeowners with those ultra-low 2–3% rates felt stuck — moving meant giving up a golden handcuffs, their ultra low mortgage rate. But now, more and more homeowners already have rates in the 5–6% range, and life is doing what life does: new jobs, growing families, downsizing, and fresh starts are bringing people back into the market. Here’s what that means locally in Fairwood, Renton, and SE King County: For sellers: We’re starting to see more homeowners willing to list, which means healthier inventory and real buyer activity — not just tire-kickers. For buyers: More homes coming to market means more choices, less pressure, and better opportunities to find the right fit instead of settling. We’ve already seen this play out with homes going pending quickly when they’re priced and prepared right — and that’s a great sign of a more “normal,” balanced market returning. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines wondering, “Is this my year?” — let’s talk. Whether you’re thinking about making a move or making an offer, having a plan in a shifting market makes all the difference.

Is the Summer Slowdown… Ending?

why is real estate not selling

 

The Summer Slowdown May Be Ending...

Every summer, the real estate market traditionally slows down as families focus on vacations and enjoying the sunshine. This year was no different—but according to this Realtor.com article (CLICK HERE TO VIEW), there are signs the slowdown may already be breaking.

For sellers, this is welcome news. After months of hesitation, buyers are starting to come back. Online listing views are climbing, and homes are beginning to move again.

For buyers, the timing couldn’t be better. Interest rates are at the lowest they’ve been in months, and inventory has now increased for the 21st month in a row. That means more choices, less competition, and the rare chance to negotiate from a position of strength.

At the Rosie Rourke Team, we see trends weeks or months before the headlines catch on, simply because of the volume we do. In just the last week, we’ve helped 9 clients go under contract—7 buyers and 2 sellers! On top of that, our listings are seeing 20–30% more online impressions compared to just a few weeks ago.

📌 Our message to sellers: Hang in there—the historic summer slowdown is breaking, and a busier fall market is right around the corner.

📌 Our message to buyers: This is your moment. Rates are low, inventory is high, and you have the upper hand. The most savvy buyers are taking action now, before competition ramps back up in the fall.

QUESTIONS? REACH OUT!!!

All sharing mentioned in this policy excludes mobile opt-in and consent; opt-in information is never shared with anyone for any purpose. See our Privacy Policy at https://www.rosierourke.com/privacypolicy for details on how we handle your information.

Real Estate Through the Generations

real estate agent near me who helps all generations

 

Gen Z to Baby Boomers by The Numbers

How The Rosie Rourke Team Helps Every Generation Buy and Sell With Confidence!

 

Real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every generation has its own goals, challenges, and reasons for buying or selling—and that’s exactly why having the right real estate team makes all the difference!

The 2025 NAR Generational Trends Report reveals who’s making moves right now:

  • Millennials (26–44) are leading the charge—making up 29% of buyers, with many purchasing their first home.

  • Gen X (45–59) represents 24% of recent buyers—typically high earners looking for more space.

  • Baby Boomers (60–78) are the biggest group of sellers, making up 53%, often downsizing or relocating to be closer to family.

  • Gen Z (18–25) is starting to enter the market, representing 3% of buyers.

  • Silent Generation (79–99) makes up 4% of buyers, often seeking senior housing and proximity to healthcare.

Here’s how the Rosie Rourke Team supports each group:

🧑‍🎓 Gen Z (18–25)
Just starting out and often working with limited income or support from family.

Buying older homes and looking for affordability and flexibility.

How we help: We’re patient guides, offering trusted lender referrals, budgeting help, and education every step of the way.

🧑‍💻 Millennials (26–44)
Often first-time buyers, commuting to jobs, and juggling student loans.

Looking for good school districts, home offices, and starter homes that stretch their budget.

✨ How we help: We understand their tech-savvy, fast-paced lifestyle—and we combine smart strategy with top-notch negotiating to get them into the right home at the right price.

🏡 Gen X (45–59)
Earning the most income, often upgrading or buying multigenerational homes.

Prioritize neighborhood quality and space.

✨ How we help: We focus on lifestyle goals, investment potential, and finding homes that check all the boxes—whether it's a backyard for the dogs or room for extended family.

👵 Baby Boomers (60–78)
Downsizing, relocating for retirement, or moving closer to loved ones.

Ready for a simpler lifestyle—but still want comfort and value.

✨ How we help: We offer compassion, patience, and expertise in helping them right-size and transition smoothly into the next chapter.

🎖️ Silent Generation (79–99)
Looking for senior-friendly communities or homes near healthcare.

Often selling long-held homes or buying with cash.

✨ How we help: With deep experience in estate transitions and senior moves, we provide white-glove service with care, discretion, and attention to detail.

No matter what age or stage, one thing stays the same—everyone needs a trusted advisor. And that’s what our team is all about. We’re here to listen, guide, and celebrate with you every step of the way. Because real estate is more than a transaction—it’s your life. 💗

Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s chat about your goals!

Home Buying Tips

home buying tips and hacks

 

Home Buying Tips and Hacks in 2025!

Thinking of buying a home in 2025? We have 4 hacks, tips, & basically everything you need to know to successfully buy a home crammed into 4 super short videos!
 
Part One - Learning the Process is Essential!
Part Two - You need to change your way of thinking about your first time purchase. Think of it as a bank account vs. your dream home!
Part Three - Hooking up with the right local lender and building a unique timeline for you!
Part Four - The best time to buy for you is NOW! Even you aren't ready, at least talk to a realtor and a lender to get the ball rolling. The earlier you have the conversation the better, even if you aren't ready just yet.
 
Contact us and download our FREE home buyer's guide + our FREE home buyers road map at https://rosierourke.com/buying/
 
Thinking of leaving Seattle or the Eastside and heading South? Learn more about Renton and the affordable Fairwood area on our Discover Fairwood page: https://rosierourke.com/fairwood/

Summer Market Update 2024

what is going with real estate

 

Summer Real Estate Market Update:

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

As we move through the summer months, the real estate market remains dynamic, offering unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

For Sellers:
Summer is traditionally a strong season for home sales, and this year is no different. With high demand and limited inventory, sellers are in a favorable position to attract motivated buyers. If you've been considering selling, now is an ideal time to list your property. Homes that are priced right and marketed effectively are selling quickly, often with multiple offers.

For Buyers:
While the market is competitive, interest rates remain favorable, making it a great time to secure financing and invest in your future. If you're looking to buy, it's important to be prepared to act fast when you find the right home. Working with an experienced real estate agent can give you an edge in navigating the market and finding the best deals.

Good News for Home Buyers – Summer 2024

when is the best time to buy a home

According to Redfin, Home Prices Hit New Highs, But Buyers Find Some Relief in Summer of 2024 in King County including Renton, Fairwood, Kent, Auburn, and Maple Valley! 

In a recent report by Redfin, the median home-sale price in the U.S. has reached an all-time high of $396,000, marking a 4.8% increase year-over-year. Despite the rising prices, there are signs of relief for buyers. The report highlights a decline in pending home sales by 3.8%, the largest year-over-year drop in nearly four months, and an increase in the number of price drops among sellers, indicating that the market may be cooling off slightly.

The report also points out that new listings are still historically low, which contributes to the high prices. However, the share of homes that have been on the market for 30 days or longer is growing, leading to more opportunities for buyers to negotiate better deals. Homes in good condition and in desirable locations continue to sell at high prices, while those needing work or in less popular areas are selling below the asking price.

Mortgage rates have seen a slight decline, with the weekly average dropping to 6.95%, providing some financial relief to buyers. Redfin's Homebuyer Demand Index, which measures requests for tours and other buying services, has also declined by 17% year-over-year, reflecting the impact of high costs on buyer activity.

Overall, while home prices continue to climb, there are emerging opportunities for buyers to find more favorable conditions in a market that is showing early signs of rebalancing.

For more detailed insights and to read the full article, you can go to Redfin's press release page.

Spring Market Update!

what is going on with real estate right now in renton fairwood maiple valley

 

Real Estate Market Update 2024

Hi everyone, Rosie Rourke here, your hometown real estate agent! Here's a quick
update on the spring real estate market, enjoy!

Home Inventory Trends:
Inventory remains tight, with limited supply compared to demand, leading to a competitive market. New listings are being snapped up quickly, often resulting in multiple offers on desirable properties, especially when they are presented well with our concierge listing program (shameless plug, lol).

Pricing Trends:
Home prices in Fairwood continue to rise steadily, fueled by high demand and low inventory. Sellers are generally able to command strong prices for their homes, especially in well-maintained or updated homes.

Buyer Behavior:
Buyers are facing stiff competition and may need to act fast when a desirable home becomes available. Many buyers are willing to pay above asking price to secure a home. Our open house research is showing a surge of buyers coming down from the eastside and Seattle to SE King County, it is the target area for homeownership right now!

Interest Rates:
Interest rates remain relatively low, motivating buyers to enter the market and take advantage of favorable financing options. Low interest rates continue to contribute to buyer demand and may offset some of the upward pressure on prices.

Market Outlook:
The spring market is expected to remain competitive, with strong demand from buyers and limited inventory. Sellers can expect favorable conditions for listing their homes but should still ensure their properties are well-presented to stand out.

FREE HOME VALUATION REPORT
If you are thinking about selling your home this year or you are planning to make a move   2-5 years, it’s a good idea to see where you stand in the market. We offer a FREE home pricing valuation that includes a FREE report! Book your consultation (which is no-obligation at all) with our team below or call our office directly at 206.719.5870

What’s Going on with Real Estate?!

 

Hello friends and Happy New Year! Guess what? Interest rates went down a touch, and I just wanted to keep you posted about this exciting news because people have been waiting on the sidelines for the interest rates to drop. They were above 8% in October and over the last few months they have dropped into the mid-6% range. This has created a lot of movement in the real estate market. We are seeing our listings in Fairwood (and all over King County I might add) gain a lot more interest and sales are happening again! Rosie actually predicted this would happen a few months ago during her Winter Real Estate Market Update:

 

Here's something to consider. With falling interest rates, our prediction is that we're going to see a floodgate of stampeding buyers, coming out to play in this market. When this happens (spoiler alert, it already is happening, our first listing of the year sold in 3 days with multiple offers!!!), sales prices will go up, due to competing offer situations. Sellers will not be as inclined to negotiate terms as they are right now. We are confident that now is a  great time to get back into the market.

Buyers - Act before the market heats up even more. More buyers = more competition for you! If you are a buyer interested in winning your dream home please check out https://rosierourke.com/buying.

Sellers - It’s time to get your ducks in a row to be prepared to take advantage of the intensifying market. My team is ready and eager to help you price your home, manage your pre-inspection, help you get your home ready, and expertly market its flood of buyers entering the market right now. Our open houses are busy, private showings are up, and online traffic is through the roof on our listings. Learn more about our stress-free listing program and take advantage of the market at https://rosierourke.com/selling.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? A FREE HOME VALUATION?

 

Winter Market Update!

 

Winter ❄️ is here... and so is another market update from your hometown realtor, Rosie! She recaps the crazy year that was real estate in 2023 and gives you a glimpse to what 2024 has in store for you. SPOILER ALERT... it's good news! BUT, you have to be prepared and have your 🦆🦆🦆in a row to take advantage of the good news.

Watch the video, post your questions in the comments, and reach out to us so we can help you plan for real estate success in 2024!

Mortgage Rates in 2024

will mortgage rates drop in 2024

Homebuyers can expect mortgage rates in the 6% range next year, says NAR’s Lawrence Yun

Today we saw Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors chief economist, join ‘Squawk Box’ on CNBC to discuss the state of the housing market, why he believes it’s a strange market of record-high home prices, deep-slumping home sales, and more. It's a great video and he talks about his predictions for interest rates in 2024! Here is the video:

We are already beginning to see rates drop. Mortgage demand jumped to six-week high as interest rates continue to drop according to the Mortgage Bankers Association What does this mean for you?

For Sellers: Buyer demand will be picking up as mortgage rates drop. More buyers means more opportunity to sell your home! If you are thinking of selling in 2024 NOW is the time to start planning with us - LEARN MORE HERE

For Buyers: With rates dropping, there will be more competition for you to deal with. We will see the return of multiple offers and over asking price offers. BUY NOW before the flood gates open, save money on the purchase price, than refinance your loan in the Spring when rates hopefully hit 6%! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE