Looking Ahead | Takeaways from RSIR’s Futurecast Forum

On Thursday, June 5, brokers, experts, press, and thought leaders gathered at Kirkland Performance Center for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s Futurecast Forum: Thrive in ’25. The event kicked off with a welcome address by RSIR President and CEO Dean Jones, and it was off to the races from there, with compelling debates, thought-provoking panels, and the type of market insights and data that will prove invaluable as we navigate the real estate market throughout the rest of the year.

To explore the full agenda, list of participants, and more, you can check out the official Futurecast Forum website here.

From tariff impacts on housing to inflation and mortgage rates, Matthew Gardner and Jonathan Woloshin covered all of the most pressing economic issues that continue to affect the market. Given the fact that 77.8% of mortgaged homeowners have a rate of 5% or below, it makes sense that many sellers are hesitant to list their homes and trade in their lower rates for the current higher ones. However, as both buyers and sellers adapt to the new normal, more people are realizing that waiting for a rate under 5% might mean waiting indefinitely. As Gardner discussed, rates have continued to trend lower, albeit gradually.

Another topic that is at the front of many Washington residents’ minds is House Bill 1110, which will go into effect at the end of this month. A panel comprised of Tadashi Shiga, Kelly Mann, and Trevor Johnson discussed how the bill will change the state’s zoning landscape. Given that Washington is currently facing a housing supply shortage, so extreme, in fact, that 1 million additional units are needed by 2044, the increase in middle housing that the bill aims to encourage will be absolutely necessary.

In the Silver Tsunami panel, which dove into the $90 trillion great wealth transfer as Baby Boomers’ inheritance is passed to younger generations, Kurt Owen, Tyler Kowal, and Anne Hartnett discussed the major shift and how it will affect homeownership. According to Hartnett, 40% of the inherited wealth is expected to be in real estate and “closely held businesses.” This will not only open the door for younger generations to make their first home purchase but also make savvy investments and expand their portfolios.

Overall, events like the Futurecast Forum are a reminder of the power of community and how when motivated industry professionals and community members come together and collaborate, innovation and growth follow. If you’re interested in discussing any of the key takeaways and how you can use them in your own buying, selling, or investing journey, please reach out to me today. This is an exciting time to make strategic market moves.