Real estate remains a top wealth allocation choice across all generations, with the emerging affluent identifying it as their primary growth opportunity.
The 2024 Study of Wealthy Americans by Bank of America reports that young wealth holders, digital nomads, and professionals in finance and technology view real estate as a leading asset class, alongside cryptocurrency and private equity. In contrast, older wealthy high-net-worth individuals prefer real estate in addition to U.S. and international stocks.
Bank of America reveals that individuals aged 21 to 43, particularly digital nomads and those in finance and tech, view real estate as their best wealth-building opportunity, along with cryptocurrency, private equity, and personal brand income.
For those over 44, the study indicates a strong preference for real estate, which they rank highly alongside U.S. stocks and equities from emerging and international markets.
Younger buyers are prioritizing real estate purchases but may have more diverse family structures and priorities than previous generations. Contact me to learn how I can help prepare your home for sale so it appeals to the emerging affluent.
As the season turns and the days grow brighter, we’re taking a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful Easter. It’s a time for renewal, fresh starts, and a little fun—whether you’re dyeing eggs, enjoying a garden stroll, or simply relaxing at home. This time of year reminds us of the beauty in change—something we see often in real estate. If a new beginning is on your mind, we’re always here to help you find the perfect fit, whether it’s your next home or your next investment. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, color, and new opportunities.
Cheers, Erin Harold
Looking for a little springtime fun for the kids?
Download our cheerful activity sheet, packed with coloring, a word search, and seasonal trivia—perfect for keeping little hands busy while you enjoy the season.
Helping my dear client find her dream home in beautiful Florida was truly a heartwarming journey! From the very first conversation, I could feel how much this move meant to her—and I was all in. We laughed through showings, celebrated the little wins, and stayed hopeful through the challenges. Hearing her light up when she walked into the one was everything. Now she’s living her dream, and I’m just so honored to have been a part of it. Cheers to new beginnings and sunny days ahead!
Sotheby’s International Realty: Your Global Connection to Exceptional Homes and Lifestyles
At Sotheby’s International Realty, we understand that finding the perfect property isn’t just about a location—it’s about the life you envision. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat in the rolling hills of Tuscany, a chic apartment in the heart of Paris, or a luxurious beachfront home in the Caribbean, our global network is designed to help you navigate the world of luxury real estate wherever you wish to be.
Global Reach, Personalized Service
With an unparalleled global presence, Sotheby’s International Realty connects you with the best properties, no matter where you are in the world. From New York City to Dubai, London to Sydney, and everywhere in between, we offer a portfolio of exceptional properties that spans continents. As a member of this esteemed network, I have the privilege of leveraging these resources to assist you in both buying and selling real estate across the globe.
Whether you’re searching for your dream home, a vacation property, or an investment opportunity, I work closely with a team of highly specialized professionals from around the world to ensure you receive expert guidance and access to exclusive listings. Through our connections and innovative digital platforms, your property search transcends geographic boundaries.
Transformative Experiences, Tailored to You
Sotheby’s International Realty is built on centuries of tradition, and that tradition is reflected in our unwavering commitment to excellence. However, we also understand that luxury real estate is about more than just tradition; it’s about innovation, convenience, and providing a service that is as exceptional as the homes we represent. My role is to make sure that the entire process, whether buying or selling, is seamless, personalized, and tailored to your unique goals. From navigating international markets to providing insider knowledge on local trends, I offer a level of expertise and insight that ensures every transaction aligns with your personal vision. Whether you’re moving across the globe or simply seeking a second home in an exotic location, I am here to guide you through each step, utilizing the expansive resources of Sotheby’s International Realty.
The One for an Exceptional Home and Life
Sotheby’s International Realty isn’t just about finding a property; it’s about helping you live an exceptional life. Our network of agents is dedicated to delivering transformative experiences that exceed expectations. With local expertise, global reach, and an unwavering focus on delivering excellence, we are the one for those seeking an exceptional home and life. Whether buying, selling, or simply exploring options, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore the world of possibilities and make your dreams of owning an extraordinary property a reality. Sotheby’s International Realty—the one for an exceptional home and life.
I hope this message finds you well and you are enjoying the fresh energy that comes with the spring season!
I’m excited to share our Spring 2025 Market Report, offering a current look at the real estate trends shaping King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Chelan Counties. This spring brings renewed activity and opportunity to the market, with strong buyer interest, evolving commute priorities, and continued inventory challenges defining much of the landscape. Whether you’re actively considering a move or simply staying informed, this report offers valuable insights to support your real estate goals.
Some highlights include:
Low inventory continues to drive competition, especially for well-located, move-in-ready homes across all price points. The return to in-office work is influencing buyer behavior, with increased demand for homes near urban job centers like Seattle and Bellevue. Stable pricing and growing inventory in several counties are providing opportunities for both buyers and sellers this season.If you’re curious about what these trends mean for your next move—or just want to better understand the market—I’d love to connect. As always, I’m here to help you make confident, informed decisions this spring and beyond. Looking forward to catching up soon!
Erin Harold +1 2063268961 Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty Russ Lyon International Realty
As you may have noticed, the stock market has been facing significant turbulence lately, with market fluctuations and uncertainty creating a ripple effect on portfolios everywhere. While volatility is part of the stock market’s nature, these recent trends signal a possible downturn that could last for some time. It’s at times like these that we must step back and reassess where our money is placed—especially if we are looking to preserve and grow our wealth.
Why Is the Stock Market Struggling? There’s no denying that stock markets are experiencing a crash of sorts. Economic factors such as rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and shifting global market conditions are driving down stock prices across a broad spectrum of industries. For those heavily invested in the stock market, these declines can lead to significant financial losses, and recovery may take years, depending on the severity of the downturn.
However, there’s a silver lining for savvy investors: real estate.
While the stock market continues its unpredictable ride, real estate remains a time-tested method of wealth preservation, especially during uncertain economic climates. Here’s why: Tangible Asset Value: Unlike stocks, which can fluctuate rapidly based on market sentiment and economic changes, real estate offers a tangible, physical asset. Land and property values tend to rise over time, even during downturns, making them an ideal long-term investment.
Consistent Income: Real estate, particularly rental properties, can provide consistent cash flow through rental income. This allows you to weather market volatility while still enjoying financial returns on your investments.
Hedge Against Inflation: As inflation rises, so do property values. Real estate is historically one of the best hedges against inflation, protecting your wealth from eroding in value during economic uncertainty.
Equity Growth: Instead of seeing your stock portfolio decrease in value, real estate provides an opportunity to build equity over time, increasing the overall worth of your assets.
Lower Volatility: Real estate is generally less volatile than the stock market. While it can experience fluctuations, it doesn’t suffer from the dramatic daily swings that often characterize stock prices. It’s a stable, secure asset that can weather economic storms more effectively.
Why Now Is the Time to Act! With stock prices tumbling, there’s a window of opportunity to diversify your portfolio and protect your wealth by transferring funds from the stock market into real estate. If you’re considering diversifying your investments, now is the time to take action before the market’s unpredictability leads to even greater losses.
Additionally, with current interest rates still relatively low in comparison to historical standards, it could be an ideal time to secure financing for real estate investments before rates rise even further.
Your Path to Diversification! If you’re unsure where to start with real estate investments, we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re interested in residential, commercial, or rental properties, we can help you make informed decisions and find opportunities that align with your financial goals.
Protect your wealth and grow your assets in the face of the stock market downturn. Real estate remains one of the most reliable and rewarding forms of investment, and now is the time to act. Don’t wait for further market declines—let us help you make the transition to more secure, profitable investments. If you’re ready to make the move from the stock market into real estate, or if you simply want to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Take control of your financial future. Move your money to safer ground today.
Thinking about making a move? Let’s talk. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, we’re here when you’re ready.
This month, uncover groundbreaking innovations in architecture and design that are reshaping our experience of home. Explore a building trend rooted in environmental respect, indulge in the luxury of branded residences, see how designers are elevating home viewing into state-of-the-art cinema experiences, and visit iconic residences crafted by women architects.
Designing a Climate-Resilient Home Today’s luxury properties can have a low environmental impact without sacrificing elevated aesthetics. Tour Climate-Resilient Homes
From Fendi to Bulgari: Living in a Luxury Branded Home The biggest names in luxury are expanding into residential developments. What’s on offer is a bespoke, luxurious lifestyle. Explore Branded Residences
The 2025 Luxury Outlook℠ Report Explore how global migrations, branded residencesand changes in wealth are shaping the luxury real estate market. Browse the Latest Trends
How to Design the Perfect Home Cinema Upgrade your viewing experience with a bespoke movie theater. Get the Details
Celebrating the Towering Talents of Women Architects In a world of high-rise living, women architects have pioneered a bold new era of vertical design and luxury. Visit Landmark Towers
This Kelkari condominium is nestled in the Sycamore neighborhood of Issaquah, WA. You will enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with views of the Cascade Mountains, Squak Mountain Park, and Issaquah Creek from your private balcony. You can see the paragliders soar through the skies from nearby Tiger Mountain, and the homecoming fireworks display from the local high school. This 2-bed, 2-bath condo offers single-level living with an open floorplan, and plenty of natural light. The primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and double vanity in its en-suite bath. Updated flooring, kitchen cabinets, and countertops will envelop you in serenity and style. It includes individual parking space, with secure elevator access from the garage, and storage both on the balcony and in the parking garage. The community is serene and offers a clubhouse. Close to I-90, it is just 30 min. from downtown Seattle, and mere minutes to Amazon, Tmobile, and Microsoft. You are just an afternoon stroll from the boutique shopping district, restaurants, and festivals of downtown Issaquah.
The real estate landscape is changing, and staying informed is more important than ever. Recent legal actions have reshaped how real estate agents are compensated, bringing new dynamics to the way home buyers and sellers navigate the market.
In a landmark decision, a federal jury found that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and several major brokerages conspired to keep commissions high. As a result, real estate agent compensations for both the buyer and seller are undergoing significant changes.
One of the most notable shifts is that home sellers are no longer automatically responsible for paying both their and the buyer’s agent. Now, buyers may need to negotiate and pay their agents directly. Also, buyers will no longer be able to view homes for sale with an agent, without first signing a buyers’ agency agreement. These changes are nationwide, with EVERY brokerage firm, and not optional.
As your dedicated agent, I’m here to help you understand these updates and explore the best strategies for your unique situation. Whether you have questions about agent compensation changes or want to discuss your options about how to buy or sell a home within the confines of the new requirements, I’m just a call or email away. Together, we can ensure your next real estate move is informed and successful.
As we embrace the vibrant summer season, I’m excited to share our Summer Market Report for the local real estate market. This comprehensive report is now available and offers valuable insights into the current trends, recent sales, and statistics shaping our local real estate landscape.
Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply staying informed about the market, this report is designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. It highlights the resilience and dynamic nature of our market, showing how Western Washington continues to be a sought-after area for homeowners and investors alike.
Included in the report are detailed analyses of key areas, including King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Chelan Counties, providing a closer look at how different communities are performing. You’ll find information on the latest price trends, inventory levels, and what these mean for you as a buyer or seller in today’s market.
We understand the importance of staying informed and are here to provide you with all the resources you need to navigate the real estate world with confidence. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about the report or if you need advice tailored to your specific real estate goals.
Thank you for allowing us to be your trusted partner in your real estate journey. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams, this season and beyond.
