As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what clients around Lake Sammamish — from Sammamish and Issaquah to Bellevue and Redmond — have asked me most this year. Interestingly, those same questions mirror the top real estate searches people typed into Google throughout 2025. Buyers and sellers alike have been navigating fluctuating mortgage rates, evolving prices, and shifting expectations.
Let’s take a look back at the year’s most common questions and how they shaped the market here on the Greater East Side.
Key Takeaways
- Buyers and sellers in 2025 focused on timing, affordability, and future value.
- Lake Sammamish and surrounding cities reflected national housing trends in local ways.
- Mortgage rates, pricing, and buying strategy were the top discussion points of the year.
- Local expertise turned broad online answers into actionable guidance.
“Is 2025 a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home?”
This was the most common question I heard and saw online in 2025. After years of change, everyone wanted to know whether the market had finally reached stability.
What It Meant Locally on the Greater East Side
- Around Lake Sammamish, demand for waterfront and lake-view properties stayed solid, even as the pace of offers slowed.
- In Bellevue and Redmond, homes close to tech hubs remained competitive, particularly those with updated features or lake access.
- Sellers who priced realistically and presented their homes well saw steady activity, while buyers found fewer bidding wars than during the pandemic years.
For most clients, success came from focusing on readiness rather than timing. Market cycles matter, but personal goals and financial preparedness matter more.
“Will Home Prices Drop or Rise in 2025?”
After several years of strong appreciation, many hoped prices would ease in 2025. Instead, most areas experienced a period of balance.
What We Saw Around Lake Sammamish
- Prices generally stabilized, with some micro-markets showing slight adjustments and others modest gains.
- In Sammamish and Issaquah, steady demand for single-family homes near outdoor amenities helped support values.
- Bellevue’s luxury segment held strong thanks to limited inventory and continued interest from relocating professionals.
While not a dramatic year for growth, 2025 reaffirmed the long-term strength of the Greater East Side housing market.
“What Are Mortgage Rates Doing, and Will They Go Down?”
Affordability dominated the year’s search traffic. Many buyers and homeowners watched interest rates closely, hoping for relief.
Lake Sammamish Context
- Rates generally hovered in the mid-to-upper 6% range, with occasional fluctuations.
- Some buyers paused their plans early in the year, but others moved forward, locking rates before anticipated changes.
- Sellers who understood buyers’ financing pressures often structured creative offers to make deals work.
In short, rates remained manageable — and those who acted strategically often found opportunities others missed.
“How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?”
This question remained a major theme in 2025, as affordability continued to shape decisions across the Greater East Side.
Local Insights
- Buyers targeting Lake Sammamish or Bellevue homes often aimed for higher down payments, typically around 15–20%, to stay competitive.
- Redmond and Issaquah offered slightly more flexible price points, where smaller down payments were still accepted.
- Many local lenders tailored programs to accommodate variable income structures common in the tech and professional sectors.
Ultimately, 2025 reinforced that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all number — it’s about balancing comfort, competition, and long-term financial health.
“Should I Rent or Buy in 2025?”
This question was especially popular among relocating professionals and first-time buyers considering the East Side lifestyle.
What to Consider
- Buying made sense for those planning to stay five or more years, particularly in appreciating areas near Lake Sammamish.
- Renters enjoyed flexibility but often found monthly costs similar to entry-level mortgage payments.
- Many investors used 2025 to acquire rental properties, taking advantage of consistent demand from the region’s growing workforce.
For most people, the decision came down to lifestyle stability rather than short-term market timing.
“What Should I Look for in a Real Estate Broker?”
As online information expanded, buyers and sellers wanted to know how to choose a professional who truly added value.
What Makes the Difference on the Greater East Side
- Local Knowledge: Expertise with lakefront zoning, waterfront permitting, and Greater East Side neighborhood trends.
- Market Strategy: Understanding how to position homes effectively in Sammamish, Bellevue, and beyond.
- Communication: Keeping clients informed at every step with clear, honest updates.
- Comprehensive Service: Offering top-tier staging, marketing, and negotiation tailored to the property type.
Choosing a knowledgeable Real Estate Broker isn’t just about closing a deal — it’s about maximizing your results with insight and care.
FAQs
Is 2025 ending as a buyer’s or seller’s market?
It’s finishing in balance. Sellers benefit from limited inventory, while buyers enjoy slightly more flexibility than in previous years. Both sides can find success with the right approach.
Will mortgage rates drop in 2026?
Economists expect gradual easing, but major declines seem unlikely in the short term. Focus on purchasing when it fits your life, then plan to refinance if rates improve.
Which Greater East Side areas saw the most activity in 2025?
Sammamish and Bellevue remained the most competitive for detached homes, while Redmond and Issaquah continued to attract strong interest for condos and townhomes.
Contact Me Today
If you’re curious how 2025’s market trends impact your property on Lake Sammamish or across the Greater East Side, I’d love to help. This year has shown that informed, locally grounded decisions are what lead to lasting success.
Reach out to me,
Margo Allan, and let’s turn what we learned from 2025 into a smart plan for your 2026 goals. Whether you’re buying, selling, or preparing your home for the next season, I’ll help you navigate every step with confidence and care.
