The recent news is about a major Lake City community center redevelopment in Seattle

​ What the project is Seattle is redeveloping the Lake City Community Center site at 12531 28th Ave NE into a mixed-use building with a new community center at street level and affordable housing above.​ The effort is described as a “$100‑million‑plus” project when combining the community center and housing components, led by nonprofit Mercy Housing in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Office of Housing.​ Budget and timeline The city’s specific community center redevelopment budget is about $40.5 million, funded by local bonds, real estate excise tax revenues, and a state grant.​ Planning and design run from 2024–2026,…
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Seattle Housing in 2025: The Market Shift Everyone Felt

Seattle’s 2025 market wasn’t driven by any single force—it was the intersection of economic pressure, shifting buyer behavior, and a meaningful rise in available homes. Together, these factors reshaped pricing across the city and especially influenced how quickly (or slowly) homes moved. High mortgage rates were the biggest drag on momentum. Elevated borrowing costs kept many would‑be buyers on the sidelines, stretching affordability and creating a more cautious, wait‑and‑see mindset. With fewer buyers ready to jump, demand softened, and some neighborhoods felt real downward pressure on prices. At the same time, inventory climbed. More homes—both resales and new construction—hit the…
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The Moment It Really Clicked: Why Buyers Are Craving Wellness‑Ready Homes

The Moment It Really Clicked: Why Buyers Are Craving Wellness‑Ready Homes The moment this really clicked for me wasn’t while looking at virtual tours online; it was on a quiet Tuesday night, standing in a simple backyard after a showing. The house wasn’t flashy—no dramatic entry or over‑the‑top finishes—but the air felt clean, the light was soft, and there was an easy sense that life here would run at a calmer pace. My client looked around and said, “I don’t just want more house. I want this feeling.” Training and experience in green building and sustainability make it hard to ignore how…
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Hidden Gems: Northeast Seattle’s Sleeper Neighborhoods Worth Watching in 2026

While neighborhoods like Ballard and Capitol Hill dominate Seattle's real estate conversations, savvy homebuyers and investors are turning their attention to northeast Seattle's under-the-radar communities that offer exceptional value and quality of life. Wedgwood stands out as one of northeast Seattle's best-kept secrets. This family-friendly enclave boasts tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community feel that's increasingly rare in the city. With median home prices still below the flashier neighborhoods to the west, Wedgwood offers remarkable value without sacrificing livability or convenience to major employment centers. Lake City is experiencing a renaissance that many haven't noticed yet. As one of Seattle's…
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Most Competitive Seattle Zip Codes (Still Seeing Bidding Wars)

Based on current market data for early 2026, here are the Seattle zip codes still experiencing competitive conditions and occasional bidding wars: Capitol Hill Area: 98112 (Capitol Hill core) - Tight inventory with strong demand​ 98122 (Capitol Hill/Central District) - Competitive for well-priced homes​ North Seattle:​ 98107 (Ballard) - Continues to be one of Seattle's most competitive markets; buyers should expect to compete in bidding wars for the best Ballard bungalows and townhomes​ University District: 98105 - Spring 2025 saw near full price or mild bidding wars, though softened slightly by fall​ Key Context for 2026: Market Reality: The days of "20-person bidding wars on…
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Negotiating in the New King County Market: What Sellers Should Expect

The King County real estate market has shifted, and sellers need to recalibrate their negotiation expectations for 2026. With inventory up 25% year-over-year and days on market stretching to around 30 days, the automatic bidding wars and waived contingencies of recent years are largely behind us. Contingencies Are Back Today's King County buyers are no longer skipping inspections or appraisals to win deals. Expect offers to include standard contingencies, and be prepared for inspection requests. Smart sellers are getting ahead of this by conducting pre-inspections and addressing major issues upfront, giving them control over the repair narrative before buyers start…
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