As the Executive Director of the Land Division at Realogics Sotheby's International Realty, I am constantly exploring ways to enhance our collaborations with residential real estate developers, architects, and builders. The truth is, no project can be successful without robust partnerships. As a dedicated advocate of sustainable development, I also work tirelessly to ensure that our collaborative projects adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Navigating this bustling industry in Seattle is both rewarding and challenging, and it's my goal today to share five tips that can help you forge meaningful relationships with key players in the Seattle real estate market.

Building upon the Q1-2023 data, the present Western Washington real estate market maintains its cooler demeanor compared to the same period last year. The impacts of inflation and rising interest rates continue to exert a moderating influence on the market. The unprecedented surge witnessed in early 2022 has now transitioned into a more stable environment, marked by a decrease in frenzy.

The modern homebuyer is shifting towards a sustainable future, as eco-friendly homes are increasingly in demand. This trend isn't only a reflection of global climate change concerns but also a smart financial move. A recent report by Texas-based energy provider, Payless Power, reveals that homeowners are prepared to pay an additional $50,000 for a home that promotes energy efficiency and hence, saves on energy costs. This blog post aims to provide some insights and helpful tips on making your home more green and energy-efficient, irrespective of your budget.

Sustainability in architecture is no longer a trend; it's a necessity. As we witness the increased effects of climate change, it's crucial that we turn towards building materials and techniques that not only minimize harm to the environment but actively work towards repairing it. After all, we can’t just rely on Millennials and Gen Z to clean up all our messes, right? And yes… that was a rhetorical question. At the forefront of these eco-friendly solutions is the increased use of sustainable timber in construction and I’m delving into the top 5 reasons why this product must become a core global building material.

As a sustainability expert and real estate pro/investor who's always excited about potential, Tacoma's Climate Action Plan has sparked my enthusiasm. Before I dive in too deep, let me give you some background information…In December 2019, the Tacoma City Council passed Resolution No. 40509, “declaring a climate emergency in Tacoma and calling for a transformative climate action plan to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate impacts [the city]can no longer avoid.”

My story with Tacoma isn't about a disconnected dream, but rather, a genuine love for a place brimming with potential. It's a tale of a vision brought to life not by a reckless bet on a random gamble, but by a keen understanding of the enduring principles of real estate and a deep commitment to sustainable development.

The forthcoming update to the city’s tree code presents us with a golden opportunity. It allows us to make the most of the tools we have at our disposal to tackle the housing crisis while maintaining and enhancing our tree canopy. If the city doesn’t strike the right balance, we risk going down the wrong path, where the city becomes increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible.

“We focus on sustainability because we know it’s the right way to build and know it is what everyone should be focused on. Climate change impacts all of us and is a key factor in how and why we build the way we do. Not only are the homes we build good for the Earth, but they are also good for the people who live in them. We create homes for one’s well-being and the health of our planet. Living sustainably is as much about the greater good as it is about a homeowner’s health, comfort, and livability.”

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some of the most inspiring real estate pros who have succeeded in bringing the Infinity Shore Club Residences to life on the sought-after shores of Alki Beach. Today, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible development that now stands where this project broke ground in 2020.

Look around you and chances are you’ll see quite a bit of concrete – from residential properties and office buildings to parking lots and core infrastructure components around the globe, this material is EVERYWHERE. Concrete manufacturing accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions and the demand for cement worldwide is expected to increase by nearly 50% to 6.2 billion tons by 2050.1 Is this sustainable? I don’t think so! There’s got to be a way to strike a balance between structural integrity, efficiency, and new, more cost-effective sustainable materials.

As we embrace the possibilities and impact of sustainable architecture in 2023, I believe it's crucial to acknowledge the trailblazers who have paved the way thus far. Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the most famous green architects and their design philosophies, which I hope you will find as equally energizing and inspiring as I do!

Can you believe it’s that time of year already? Summer has gone, Fall is here, and now it’s time to prepare for Winter, especially when it comes to your home. It’s not uncommon to hear people talk about high energy bills in the colder months, but what if we could provide some tips to save energy that are good for the environment and your wallet?