As we turn the page on 2025 and step into a brand-new year, it feels like a natural moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. The past year brought its share of complexity—shifting economic conditions, evolving buyer and seller behavior, and ongoing conversations around interest rates and affordability. Yet within that uncertainty came clarity, insight, and opportunity for those paying close attention.

Whether you’re considering your first home purchase, looking to grow your investment portfolio, or thinking strategically about selling, understanding the full scope of 2025 is key. A complete year of data offers valuable context—helping us separate short-term noise from meaningful trends that are shaping the road ahead.

In this market update, RSIR Chief Economist Matthew Gardner breaks down the key takeaways from 2025 and shares what they may signal as we move into 2026—providing perspective to help you make informed, confident real estate decisions in the year ahead.

After nearly a decade of record-low mortgage rates, today’s 6–7% rates might feel like a hurdle, but they’re far from stopping motivated buyers. In the Pacific Northwest’s waterfront and luxury markets, well-qualified buyers are still making moves. What’s changing is how buyers plan, sellers price, and agents guide clients. With the right strategy, today’s market still offers opportunity and possibility.

As we move deeper into the fall season, the economic landscape continues to shift under the influence of rising inflation and the Federal Reserve’s “higher for longer” rate policies. In this update, we break down the top 10 trends shaping the market today, what they mean for your finances, investments, and planning for the months ahead. Let’s take a closer look at the forces driving change and how to navigate them with confidence.

The Federal Reserve plays a quiet but powerful role in your financial life. When headlines announce that the Fed has cut interest rates, it can feel like abstract economic news. However, the truth is, those changes ripple straight into your household budget, your savings, and even the value of your home.