Seattle Home Buying Guides & Market Insights
These articles are written entirely by Xan Roberti and reflect her research, perspective, and experience in the Seattle housing market.
Observed in the Wild: Pacific Northwest, Spring
Every May, the Pacific Northwest comes out of hiding. A field guide to the specimens you'll encounter when the sun returns — from the Sandal Pioneer to the Boat Person — and one realtor who has, against her better judgment, joined them.
From the Bay to the Sound
I've spent my whole life moving between the Bay Area and Seattle. Here's what I know: they're siblings, not twins — and where you belonged there will tell you exactly where you'll belong here.
We Found the Perfect Condo. Then We Read the HOA
You found the one — the view, the neighborhood, the balcony over the water. Then the HOA documents arrived.
The Hidden Value in Your Backyard
For most of human history, we lived in clusters — small dwellings, close together, occupied by people who knew each other. Now Washington State is catching up to what humans have always known. If you own property between Seattle and Tacoma, your lot may be worth more than you think. (image from CAST Architecture)
What Buyers Notice First in Seattle Homes
Most buyers decide how they feel about a home long before they look at the price. In Seattle homes, that reaction usually comes down to three things: feel, flow, and risk. Understanding how buyers experience these—often subconsciously—can make the difference between hesitation and confidence.
2026 Housing Forecast: The Market's Midlife Crisis
Is the housing market crashing? Booming? Having a midlife crisis? A look at what history (and one tarot card) tell us about 2026.
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying New Construction
Avoid costly mistakes when buying new construction in Seattle. Real estate broker shares 7 insider tips for navigating builders, upgrades, and contracts.
The Rent-Gap Reality
For the first time in years, Seattle's rental pipeline is shrinking. When fewer apartments come online, pressure shifts to the for-sale market. Right now, that's creating a quiet window of opportunity for those paying attention.
Cash In on the Short-Term Rental Boom: Why Seattle's Having a Moment
Want a Seattle pied-à-terre that pays for itself? Learn which buildings allow Airbnb, how to navigate STR regulations, and why the 2026 World Cup makes now the perfect time to invest in Seattle short-term rentals.
The Long Game of Homebuying
People often think buying a home is simple: see a house, fall in love, make an offer, and move in. In reality, the process looks a lot more like dating. You swipe through endless listings, go on awkward first showings, get ghosted after writing an offer, and occasionally question whether “the one” even exists.
Rentvesting: The Smartest Real Estate Move You Haven’t Considered (Yet)
Rent-what??? Think you have to choose between renting and owning? Think again.
Rentvesting lets you do both: live where you love, and invest where you grow. Learn how to hack the system — and start building your dream life right now.
Creative Ways to Afford a Home in Seattle: House Hacking, Co-Ownership, and More
Struggling to afford a home in Seattle in 2025? Explore creative strategies like house hacking, co-ownership, and ADUs to make homeownership more attainable. Learn how to team up with friends or family, generate rental income, and tap into down payment assistance programs to get the keys to your dream home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for smart investment strategies, this guide will help you navigate today’s market with confidence.
A Pet Lover’s Guide to Moving in Seattle
Seattle is a haven for pet lovers, with more dogs than children and a strong culture of treating pets as family. As more people prioritize their “fur babies” when buying homes, pet-friendly features are a major factor in real estate decisions. Condos often offer pet relief areas and proximity to parks, while single-family homes provide yards and space to roam. To ensure a smooth move, plan ahead by acclimating pets to travel, securing them on moving day, and keeping routines consistent in your new home. With careful preparation, both you and your pet can settle comfortably into your new Seattle home.
New Year, New Home Goals:
The New Year is a perfect time for Seattle homeowners to refresh their spaces, especially if you’re not quite ready to take the leap and move but still crave something new. A realtor is your ultimate connector, with resources for everything from contractors and gardeners to home organizers and floor refinishers. Renewal isn’t always about moving—it’s about making your home work better for you right now.
Bright Ideas: Safe and Stunning Holiday Light Tips for Every Homeowner
Whether wrapping trees or outlining rooflines, thoughtful planning and safety tips ensure a dazzling display that enhances curb appeal and builds community. Holiday lights have a fascinating history, evolving from ancient solstice bonfires to the twinkling electric displays we love today. Inspired by the 25,000 lights in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, modern decorators channel the same spirit of wonder and creativity. Rooted in traditions of hope and renewal, holiday lights now transform homes into festive showcases, blending tradition with cozy "hygge" warmth.
The Benefits of Buying a Home During Seattle's Off-Peak Season
Why on earth would you buy a home in Seattle this November or December? A lot of reasons! Learn what would benefit you in making a purchase in the off-season months: less competition and softer prices make this an ideal time to buy! Plus, with easier access to real estate professionals and more time to make informed decisions, this season allows you to explore your options thoughtfully. Don’t miss out on the chance to find your dream home without the pressure of peak-season chaos!
Ready to Break Up with Rent? Here's How to Know It's Time to Buy
Break free from the rent cycle in Seattle. Learn when it’s time to buy, understand financial and emotional readiness for homeownership, and see how expert insights can ease your transition. Start building equity and transform your homeownership dreams into reality.
Its not just Houses that get Haunted!
As Halloween approaches, Seattle's rich tapestry of eerie history invites exploration. Rooted in the ancient festival of Samhain, this spooky season calls to those like me—a descendant of witches and former Seattle Underground tour guide. In this blog post, we delve into haunted sites, from the ghostly George in the Masonic Home of Washington to the chilling tales of 3,260 souls at Georgetown's Potter’s Field, alongside the haunted Three Tree Point Store and the Schooner Equator. If you're curious whether your future dream home might harbor ghostly tales—or if it's time to sell a haunted property—look no further!
Why Downsizing Might Be Your Best Move This Fall
As Seattle’s sunny days wind down, you may be thinking about all that extra space in your home. Downsizing offers the chance to simplify, save money, and create more freedom for the things that truly bring you joy. Whether it’s moving to a cozier space here or relocating to a warmer spot, I’m here to help you navigate every step with ease and confidence.
What impacts Mortgage Rates Anyway?
A crystal ball, or the next best thing, clues for your next buy. Mortgage rates are only one part of the choice you make in buying or selling a home, but they are a big one. Rates are likely to change soon, but why? Knowing what influences mortgage rates helps you anticipate changes in borrowing costs, allowing you to plan and budget effectively. It also enables you to time your purchase or refinance wisely, potentially saving money and aligning with your financial goals.