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March/April 2026
 

March/April 2026

Welcome to the March/April 2026 issue of our newsletter!

In this issue, we share our latest Market Update, the newest GG Magazine, and a selection of local events and happenings, including Spring activities, the SoundTransit Crosslake Connection, and Easter egg hunts. You will also find a Spring Break 2026 playlist and more. See “In This Issue” for a quick preview.

Thank you for your continued support of our team!

In This Issue

  • Market Update
  • GG Magazine
  • Selected Local Events and Happenings
  • Etcetera
 

MARKET UPDATE

March/April 2026 Market Update (image credit: Gemini)

Key Takeaways

• Inventory is improving. More homes are coming onto the market compared with last year, giving buyers more options.
• Mortgage rates have moved higher. Global conflict has pushed rates upward in recent weeks, causing some buyers to reassess timing.
• Preparation and pricing matter more. Homes that are well prepared and priced appropriately are continuing to attract the strongest interest.

 

Inventory improves while higher interest rates shape buyer and investor decisions

The Puget Sound housing market entered spring 2026 with more homes coming onto the market and steady buyer demand. Mortgage rates have ticked higher in recent weeks as global conflict has affected financial markets (surprise!), causing some buyers to reassess timing. Even so, well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest.

Spring Market: The Early Results

Inventory across the Puget Sound region has increased modestly compared with last year, giving buyers more options than they have seen in recent years.

For buyers, this means more opportunity to evaluate properties carefully. For sellers, it reinforces the importance of pricing correctly and presenting a home well from the start, including maintenance, necessary repairs, and staging.

Values across most areas of our market remain relatively stable, with modest appreciation rather than the rapid price increases seen earlier in the decade. In this environment, pricing and presentation are often the difference between immediate interest and extended time on the market.

Commercial Sidebar:
What We Are Seeing

Commercial real estate across the Puget Sound region continues to adjust to the higher interest rate environment, with valuation trends varying by property type.

Office: Values remain under pressure in parts of the Seattle office market, particularly older downtown assets, while smaller suburban office properties continue to lease.

Retail: Neighborhood retail and service-oriented locations remain relatively stable, supported by restaurants, cafés, and local service businesses.

Industrial: Industrial properties remain strong, although cap rates have expanded as interest rates have risen.

Multifamily: Multifamily valuations have adjusted from peak pricing due to borrowing costs, though investor interest remains strong given long-term housing demand in the region.

Closing Thoughts

Across both residential and commercial markets, the theme this spring is adjustment. Higher interest rates are shaping decisions, but activity across the Puget Sound region remains steady.

Well-positioned properties, thoughtful pricing, and careful preparation continue to make a meaningful difference.

As always, we remain available to discuss market conditions, answer questions, and provide guidance as you evaluate real estate decisions.

Julie & Robert

Fontanez Laing Team
 
GG Magazine

The latest issue of GG Magazine celebrates not only extraordinary craftsmanship, but also the new, modern look of GG, showcasing its stories even more beautifully. In THE HANDMADE EDITION, GG takes you into the world of artists and designers who prove that true perfection takes time and dedication.

GG Magazine Spring 2026

Highlights of this issue:

  • Pierce Brosnan: An exclusive interview about the healing power of painting and his first solo exhibition.
  • Kelly Wearstler: A portrait of the designer on the importance of materiality and tactile storytelling.
  • Mercedes-Maybach: From Naples to Saint-Tropez, accompany GG to the world premiere of the limited V12 Edition and take a look behind the scenes of the automobile production facilities.
  • Zeus+Dione: How traditional Greek craftsmanship becomes a global statement for luxury and soul. 

Call, text or email us for your copy of GG Magazine (in English or Spanish) or explore the digital version at the links below.

GG in English
GG en español
 

SELECTED LOCAL EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

🖌 🎶🛍 Mercer Island ArtWalk: April 3rd
Engel & Völkers Mercer Island is a host venue for the Mercer Island Art Walk - join us from 5pm to 8pm!

🖌 Other Area Art Walks: West Seattle Art Walk (April 9th), Downtown Seattle Art Walk (April 24th), Ballard Art Walk (April 11th)

Daffodil Parade in Tacoma: April 4th

Cambodian Cooking Class in Tacoma: April 4th

Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley: April 1st - 30th

Japanese Festival in Seattle: April 10th - 12th

Wine Walk in Burien: April 11th

Hawaiian Festival: April 18th

Night Market in Columbia City: April 18th

Children’s Festival: April 18th - 19th

Seattle Mariners Schedule at T-Mobile Park

🚆SoundTransit Crosslake Connection
Grand Opening Celebration: Saturday, March 28th

Celebration at Seattle, Mercer Island and South Bellevue Stations

Celebration at Bellevue Downtown Station

Celebration in the BelRed Arts District

Celebration in the Spring District

🥚Easter Egg Hunts: April 4th-5th

Kids Out & About

Seattle’s Child

Seattle Community Centers

Tacoma (Pierce County)

Olympia (Thurston County)

Spokane Valley

 

· · · ETCETERA · · ·

  • Recipe recommended by our awesome Transaction Coordinator Erin Kubo:
    Chili Crispy Pork Noodles (if you make it, send us a picture . . .)
  • History of Easter
  • 6 Spring Home Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2026
  • Best Spring Break U.S. Road Trip Ideas for Families
  • What Will Our Homes Look Like in 2026?
  • Here is your Spring Break Playlist on Spotify
 

Read our most recent past newsletters here:

January/February 2026

November/December 2025

September/October 2025

July/August 2025

May/June 2025

March/April 2025

January/February 2025

November/December 2024

 

Thank you for reading!

Julie Fontanez and Robert Laing

Fontanez Laing Team

Fontanez Laing Team

Global Real Estate Advisors

 

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | TRUSTS & ESTATES PROPERTY ADVISORY 

 

Engel & Völkers Seattle Eastside

 

1208 4th Avenue I Seattle I WA 98101

Julie Fontanez: 206.651.5770 | julie.fontanez@evrealestate.com

Robert Laing: 206.552.0599 | robert.laing@evrealestate.com

www.fontanezlaing.com

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