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.