Therapeutic design principles, as discussed by designers and psychologists in the article, prioritize creating spaces that foster relaxation, safety and emotional well-being. Experts like Rachel Blindauer recommend focusing on soft textures, muted color palettes and the intentional use of asymmetry to avoid rigidity.
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Existing-home sales increased by 1.7% month-over-month in February, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales Report.
Month-over-month sales rose in the Midwest, South and West, and fell in the Northeast. Year-over-year sales rose in the South and fell in the Northeast, Midwest and West.
Affordability improved for the eighth consecutive month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index—increasing to 117.6 in February from 117.1 in January and 103.1 a year ago. This marks the highest level since March 2022.
“Housing affordability is improving, and consumers are responding,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Still, there is a long way to go to return to pre-pandemic levels of transaction activity. There are more than 6 million more jobs than in 2019, yet home sales per year are down by one million.”
“Despite the modest gain in home sales, actual housing demand remains muted relative to wage growth and job gains,” Yun continued. “Wage growth is now outpacing home price growth by almost four percentage points. Mortgage rates are also measurably lower compared to a year ago.”
“Inventory is growing, but sluggishly,” he added. “If demand picks up notably in the coming months and outpaces supply growth, home prices will inevitably rise. That is why increasing supply is so important to help limit home price growth, improve housing affordability, and boost transactions.”
Read more details, including regional data, here…
Source: National Association of REALTORS® 3/10/26
Inventory continued to expand across the region in February, providing buyers with significantly more options than a year ago. Active listings increased nearly 28% year over year to 13,341 properties, with 19 of 27 counties posting double-digit gains. Compared to January, inventory rose 7.8%, signaling continued seller participation heading into the spring market.
Closed sales totaled 4,139 transactions, down 3% from February 2025 but up 19.5% from January. The median sales price for residential homes and condominiums reached $620,000, down 1.6% from last year while rising 4.2% compared to the prior month.
Active Listings
Closed Sales
Median Sales Price
Source: NWMLS 3/4/26
Open shelving remains a popular kitchen design trend in 2026, despite predictions of it falling out of favor. The trend offers affordability and adaptability, making it a practical choice for a range of kitchen layouts. Read more…
A new federal residential real estate rule aimed at cracking down on money laundering went into effect March 1st. It impacts transactions involving buyer entities or trusts where the purchase is not financed, such as all-cash sales and sales involving non-regulated lenders. Here’s what you need to know…
Did you know that 80% of real estate agents burnout in their first two years? From finding suitable properties to pricing them to market demand and listing them, working in real estate is taxing. The constant need for a fresh set of ideas and solutions can be draining.
The lack of routine and a schedule combined with a constant high-pressure state can make even the most optimistic agents feel fatigued. The business is set up so that if you don’t take intentional care of yourself, burnout is almost inevitable. The best way to avoid burnout is to make sure you’re taking care of yourself and your business in a way that’s sustainable and prioritizes your needs.
Existing-home sales decreased by 8.4% in January, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Existing-Home Sales Report.
Month-over-month and year-over-year sales fell in all regions.
“The decrease in sales is disappointing. The below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation this January make it harder than usual to assess the underlying driver of the decrease and determine if this month’s numbers are an aberration,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Affordability conditions are improving, with NAR’s Housing Affordability Index showing that housing is the most affordable it’s been since March 2022. This is due to wage gains outpacing home price growth and mortgage rates being lower than a year ago. However, supply has not kept pace and remains quite low.”
“Due to low supply, the median home price reached a new high for the month of January,” Yun added. “Homeowners are in a financially comfortable position as a result. Since January 2020, a typical homeowner would have accumulated $130,500 in housing wealth.”
Affordability improved for the seventh consecutive month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index—increasing to 116.5 in January from 111.6 in December and 102 a year ago.
Read more details, including regional data, here…
Source: National Association of REALTORS® 2/12/26
$689,950
3 bedrooms + large loft; 2.5 bathrooms; 2,090 square feet
Beautifully maintained former model home offered for sale for the first time! This spacious residence features a bright, open floor plan with generous room sizes, abundant storage, and thoughtfully designed living spaces throughout. The kitchen includes some stainless steel appliances, a double oven, double sink, center island, eating area, and a large pantry — ideal for everyday living and entertaining! All appliances stay, including washer and dryer. The versatile layout offers 3 bedrooms plus a large loft that can serve as a family room, office, or flexible bonus space. The primary suite includes a bathroom with a wide soaking tub for relaxation. Energy-efficient gas furnace and water heater add comfort and efficiency. Enjoy outdoor living with a patio, fully fenced yard featuring a gate, sprinkler system, and access from the 3-car garage, where all shelving is included for added storage. Two security systems are installed — one monitoring doors and windows and another with cameras. Located in the Fern Crest community, residents enjoy two parks with playgrounds, including one with a sport court and expansive open space. Conveniently situated on Kent’s East Hill near shopping, dining, and the scenic Soos Creek Trail!
A link to more details, photos, floor plan and the 360 degree tour on my website…
January housing market data shows a continuation of recent trends, with growing inventory outpacing buyer demand across much of Washington state. Active listings increased nearly 21% year over year, while closed sales declined 7% and median prices fell 3%.
“Substantial year-over-year growth in active listings continues to be accompanied by much slower, even negative growth in sales and median prices,” said Steven Bourassa, director of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington.
Compared to December, inventory rose nearly 6% in January, while closed sales dropped 31% and median prices declined about 3%. The data suggests more homeowners are willing to sell, while affordability constraints continue to limit buyer participation.
Active Listings
Closed Sales
Median Sales Price
Source: NWMLS 2/4/26
Interior designers offer tips to make small homes feel more spacious, including maximizing natural light with wall mirrors, using soft paint colors to reflect more light and choosing appropriately scaled furniture. They also recommend multifunctional furniture for added storage, utilizing vertical space for storage and shelving, and installing curtains close to the ceiling to create the illusion of height.
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Managing The Real Estate Details 