Seattle is a city where food, culture, and community intertwine. From iconic seafood eateries to inventive global cuisine, the Emerald City has something for every palate. As a local realtor, I love introducing new residents to the 10 best restaurants in Seattle, because great food often leads to discovering great neighborhoods.Canlis – Elevated Northwest DiningCanlis is a Seattle institution. The restaurant’s panoramic Lake Union views and James Beard Award-winning chefs have made it a symbol of Pacific Northwest elegance. Expect an artfully curated menu featuring salmon, wagyu, and local vegetables—each plate celebrating the region’s bounty.Altura – Italian Sophistication on Capitol HillAltura’s intimate tasting menu blends Italian technique with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Chef Na... 10/28/2025

Your Guide to Free Things to Do in SeattleSeattle, WA, is a city where breathtaking scenery meets vibrant city life. From the sparkling waters of Puget Sound to the bustling arts scene, it’s no wonder so many people choose to live here. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy everything the city has to offer. As a local realtor, I often point clients to the best free things to do in Seattle so they can get a true feel for the neighborhoods, parks, and cultural spots that make this city special.Waterfront Walks and ViewsSeattle’s waterfront is a lively, scenic area that’s perfect for a free afternoon stroll. You can enjoy views of ferries, fishing boats, and the Olympic Mountains, plus stop at public piers that are open to visitors. The revitalized area offers wide sidewalks, publ... 08/19/2025

Your Guide to Chapman Realty in Seattle, WAIf you’re buying or selling a home in Seattle, choosing the right real estate partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. That’s where Chapman Realty comes in. Known for its deep roots in the Seattle area and commitment to personalized service, Chapman Realty has built a reputation for results, reliability, and local expertise. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to list your home, working with a knowledgeable team like Chapman Realty can make all the difference.Seattle’s Competitive Real Estate Market: Why Local Knowledge MattersSeattle’s housing market continues to evolve rapidly. From Queen Anne to West Seattle, Ballard to Beacon Hill, each neighborhood offers something different in terms of p... 08/11/2025

Exploring the Best Seattle Neighborhoods for Young ProfessionalsWhen it comes to relocating for career growth, lifestyle, and convenience, few cities offer the dynamic mix of opportunity and vibrancy that Seattle does. As a local real estate professional, I’ve guided countless young professionals through the process of finding the perfect neighborhood to call home. If you're wondering where to plant roots in a city known for its tech boom, waterfront views, and coffee culture, this guide to the best Seattle neighborhoods for young professionals is your starting point.Why Seattle Appeals to Young ProfessionalsSeattle’s job market is a magnet for ambitious individuals. With major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and the University of Washington, the city offers high-paying jobs i... 08/11/2025

If you're considering buying property in the Pacific Northwest, exploring Seattle homes for sale is an excellent starting point. As a local realtor, I can attest to the appeal of living in this dynamic and scenic city. Seattle offers a rich mix of natural beauty, diverse neighborhoods, and strong economic opportunities that make it one of the most sought-after housing markets in the country.Why Buy a Home in Seattle?Seattle is more than just the home of tech giants and coffee culture—it’s a city built around quality of life. With quick access to Puget Sound, mountain ranges, lush parks, and vibrant city centers, homeowners here enjoy a balance of urban and outdoor living. Whether you're a first-time buyer or relocating for a new opportunity, the Seattle housing market has something to o... 06/27/2025

Seattle Real Estate May MarketThe Northwest Multiple Listing Service, in which Seattle trends closely, is seeing a noticeable shift with more homes hitting the market than we've seen in recent years. In May, total active listings surpassed 18,000 for the first time since 2018. The good news is this gives homebuyers more choices and potentially less competitive pressure. Home prices are essential even from a year ago, with a decline of less than 1% from last year. The NWMLS median sale's price in May was $654,995 compared to $660,000 last May.  In addition, King County, where Seattle real estate is located, the median sales price was $865,000 versus $875,000 the previous year. The amount of NWMLS sales dipped 3.3% compared to last year, but increased 9.9% over April. Nevertheless, the sa... 06/11/2025

Seattle has long been a vibrant hub for innovation, culture, and outdoor living, making it an ideal city for young professionals. If you’re considering buying a home in the Emerald City, choosing the right neighborhood is key to balancing lifestyle, convenience, and investment potential. As a local realtor, I’ve guided many young professionals in finding homes that perfectly fit their dynamic needs. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best Seattle neighborhoods for young professionals.Why Seattle Appeals to Young ProfessionalsSeattle is home to major employers in tech, healthcare, and creative industries, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. This economic diversity fuels demand for housing that’s close to work, entertainment, and social scenes. Young professionals often seek neig... 05/28/2025

Moving to Seattle can be an exciting new chapter, whether you're relocating for work, family, or lifestyle. As a local realtor deeply familiar with the Seattle market, I’m here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the move smoothly and confidently.Why Moving to Seattle Is a Great ChoiceSeattle, WA, is known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving economy, and vibrant cultural scene. From the iconic Space Needle and waterfront views to the surrounding mountains and Puget Sound, Seattle offers a unique blend of urban living with easy access to outdoor adventures.Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods offer a variety of housing options—from modern downtown condos to charming family homes in suburban communities. The city also hosts a robust job market, particularly in ... 05/23/2025

What You Need to Know Before MovingSeattle is one of the most dynamic and desirable cities in the United States, attracting professionals, families, and retirees alike. If you’re considering a move here, understanding the Seattle cost of living is critical to making a smart real estate decision. As a local realtor, I often get asked about expenses beyond the home price, so in this post, I’ll break down the key costs that impact daily life in Seattle.Housing Costs: The Largest ExpenseThe biggest factor in Seattle’s cost of living is housing. The median home price currently hovers around $800,000, though this varies widely by neighborhood. Areas like Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Ballard are among the priciest, with demand consistently high due to their proximity to downtown and amenities... 05/23/2025

Seattle, Washington, is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere, lifestyle, and set of amenities. Whether you’re moving to Seattle for work, education, or to embrace the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, understanding the top neighborhoods can be key in finding the perfect place to live. In 2025, the city continues to evolve, with new developments and revitalization projects shaping the landscape. As a local realtor, I’ve highlighted some of the best neighborhoods in Seattle that will attract both home buyers and sellers in 2025.1. Capitol Hill Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most iconic neighborhoods, known for its vibrant arts scene, trendy eateries, and bustling nightlife. It's a hub for creative individuals, young professionals, and LGBTQ+ culture. As of 2025,... 04/30/2025

Seattle Real EstateThe trends of Seattle real estate follow closely what happens across the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  The real estate prices remain strong while inventory continued to increase over last year.  Inventory at the end of February was 10,448 which was up 39.4% from the previous year.  While inventory was up dramatically, sales were up only 1.9%.  Nevertheless, the 4,268 closed sales meant there was only 2.45 months of inventory at the end of the month.  Anything under 4 months is a seller’s market.  Thus, the NWMLS median sale’s price was $630,000 in February which was up from last February ($608,111).  In addition, in the county were Seattle real estate is located, the King County median sales price was $820,000.  Luxury Real Estate Around SeattleLuxury HomesIn K... 03/10/2025

Eastside Seattle is a collection of thriving communities located just east of Lake Washington, offering a mix of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Known for its top-rated schools, lush green spaces, and strong job market, the Eastside is a prime destination for homebuyers seeking a high quality of life. From luxury waterfront estates to charming suburban enclaves, the area provides diverse housing options that cater to professionals, families, and retirees alike. With easy access to Seattle via the I-90 and SR-520 bridges, Eastside residents enjoy a seamless connection to the city while benefiting from quieter, family-friendly neighborhoods.Real Estate Market in Eastside SeattleThe demand for homes for sale in Eastside Seattle remains strong, driven by the region’s booming tec... 03/05/2025

Is Seattle real estate expensive?  The simple answer is yes.  With limited land (Seattle is surrounded by water) and a strong economy with companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco having a major presence here, Greater Seattle home and condos have a long history of steadily rising prices.  Greater Seattle Home SalesSeattle is more than just the real estate in the city limits.  Seattle is physically small.  For example, Wikipedia ranks it the 137 our of 150 major cities when ranked by square miles.  Thus for Seattle real estate, we will look at county real estate numbers.  In January, 829 homes sold for a median price of $855,000 in King County.  Both these numbers were up from the previous January when 756 sales for a median price of $849,850.  Greater Seattle Condo SalesSe... 02/20/2025

Northwest MLS MarketTransactions across the Northwest MLS, have been down the last two years.  For example, during the 5 years between, 2017 and 2022, the average of number of sales in February was 5,426 .  Furthermore, the least amount of sales transactions during that time was in February 2019 being 5,145.  In contrast, the past two Februarys the number of sales was 4,258 in 2023 and 4,189 in 2024.   Nevertheless, the median price has generally trended up, with 2023 the only year to see a dip from the previous year.  Median price across the NWMLS in February 2017 was $335,515 and now this past February median price was $608,111.Seattle Real Estate MarketSeattle has generally followed similar trends as the overall NWMLS real estate market, but February 2024 bucked the trend of the rece... 03/05/2024

Overall Greater Seattle Real Estate MarketThe Greater Seattle real estate market is part of the Northwest MLS.  Pending Sales in August were down 25% across the NWMLS, but the median price In August was the same as July ($615,000) and actually higher than the previous year ($600,000).  Prices remain strong because of low inventory.  Many current homeowners are locked in at historically low interest rates; thus, are generally choosing to stay put rather than sell.  Only 8,152 new listings were added in August.  Down 18% from the previous August which added 9,914.The Greater Condo MarketThe condo market has also faired well. Median prices in August ($465,000) did dip from July ($480,000), but for the second month in a row they did exceed the previous year’s median price ($450,000 in Augus... 09/14/2023

Is it wise to buy a house in Seattle now?It is a complex question that you really should speak to a Seattle real estate broker about, but...the simple answer is yes!  Prices peaked across the NWMLS (26 counties in WA State) in the May of 2022 (median price of $660,000).  However, as the interest rates continued to increase the real estate market began to fade.  Median prices declined each month, but the prices were still higher than the previous year.  Finally in December 2022 it was the first time that median prices dipped below the previous year.  It was a minor dip (Dec 2022 = $570,000; Dec 2021 = $572,900), but a dip nonetheless. Then 2023 began and while the median price again dipped in January ($557,250), something began to happen.   The median price in Feb ($575,000) not only inc... 06/15/2023

Has the Seattle real estate market improved?  Seattle is part of the NWMLS.  While pending sales across the NWMLS are still down 9% from last January, the market has shown resilience to begin 2023.  For example, pending sales in January are up 44% over December.  In addition, prices in January are up 0.41% when compared with last January. The improved market seems to correlate with the recent interest rate drop.  Interest rates peaked in November with a Freddie Mac U.S. weekly average of over 7%.  Last week, that number was 6.09%.Inventory is up from the historically low numbers from a year ago.  This January ended with 8,220 active listings versus 3.092 a year ago.  Nevertheless, across the NWMLS inventory is only 2.52 months which is still a sellers’ market.  Four to six months is an ... 02/11/2023

2022 started out the year with both historically low interest rates and record low inventory.  This created a very hot (seller’s) market across the NWMLS and the Greater Seattle condo market.  For example, 2021 ended with the Freddie Mac 30 year fixed rate of 3.05% and NWMLS had 0.40 months of housing inventory.  In comparison, at the end of 2022, Freddie Mac 30 year interest rate was 6.42% and inventory was at 2.09 months.  Thus the real estate market changed drastically over the course of the year.  Nevertheless, the condo market had modest increases at year end.  Across the NMWLS, condo prices were up 1.15% in December 2022 compared to December 2021.  In addition, for the year, 2022 median prices finished above the previous year.Looking at the Seattle condo market, where the vast maj... 01/23/2023

How to Rock a Low House Appraisal Value!!!  You found the perfect home... And the seller accepted your offer... And your mortgage application is underway... Until your appraisal comes in low.  What now??? Never mind all the bad advice that swirls around this dilemma.  There are a handful of effective ways to deal with an appraisal value that comes in under your offer price, so if you find yourself in this stressful situation today, get in touch.  Or perhaps you're a Realtor or buyer looking to better understand all of the tactics and tips that you can use to negotiate a low appraisal in today's challenging real estate market.  If so, come as you are and let's learn how to rock a low appraisal value today.   Smells like teen spirit,  Rob SpinosaSVP of Mortgage LendingGuaranteed RateNMLS:... 10/25/2022

How to Rock Adding a Co-Signer on a Mortgage!!!  When your fantasy of owning a home meets the reality of qualifying mortgage, it can sometimes mean that you'll need a little help.  And in more than a few of those cases, the most elegant solution can be a co-signer, technically known as a "non-occupant co-borrower" within the mortgage industry. So, who makes a good co-signer and who's just "bad company?" Let's learn how co-signers can impact, both good and bad, the three most critical elements of any loan approval; income, assets and credit. I won't deny it,  Rob SpinosaSVP of Mortgage LendingGuaranteed RateNMLS: 22343 Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 rob.spinosa@rate.com Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 *The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-r... 08/25/2022