Futurecast Forum Recap: What Buyers, Sellers, and Investors Need to Know to Thrive in 2025
Photo courtesy of Clarity Northwest & Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
The 2025 edition of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s Futurecast Forum: Thrive in ’25 brought together top minds in real estate, economics, and urban planning to explore the trends shaping tomorrow’s market. Held on June 5th at the Kirkland Performance Center, the forum provided an in-depth look at everything from mortgage rate trends to Washington’s latest zoning legislation—and how these forces are collectively reshaping the real estate landscape. I had the opportunity to attend the forum and offer these takeaways.
An Informed Perspective for a Fast-Moving Market
RSIR President and CEO Dean Jones kicked off the event, setting the tone for a day filled with dynamic discussions and expert insights. Attendees dug into some of the most pressing topics facing today’s market and those shaping its future. (For a full agenda, list of participants, and more, check out the official Futurecast Forum website here.)
Keynotes and panel discussions tackled inflation, interest rates, and economic policy. Economist Matthew Gardner and UBS’s Jonathan Woloshin addressed the uphill battle many buyers and sellers are facing due to elevated mortgage rates. They noted that over three-quarters of mortgage holders currently enjoy rates at or below 5%, which explains much of the market’s inventory stagnation—sellers are reluctant to give up their favorable terms. However, waiting for rates to drop significantly may not be a realistic strategy, as the decline is gradual.
Zoning Reform and the Push for More Housing
A major focus of the forum was Washington State’s House Bill 1110, which takes effect at the end of June. This legislation is expected to bring sweeping changes to zoning laws, opening the door to more “middle housing.”
Tadashi Shiga, Kelly Mann, and Trevor Johnson led a conversation on how this policy could alleviate the housing crisis. With the state facing a projected shortfall of 1 million homes by 2044, HB 1110 is seen as a critical tool in expanding the housing supply.
The Great Wealth Transfer: A Generational Shift in Real Estate
One of the day’s standout discussions centered around the so-called “Silver Tsunami”—a term used to describe the $90 trillion wealth transfer underway as Baby Boomers pass assets down to younger generations. Kurt Owen, Tyler Kowal, and Anne Hartnett explored the implications of this shift, noting that a significant portion—about 40%—will be tied up in real estate and “closely held businesses.”
This generational handoff is expected to unlock new pathways for younger generations to enter the real estate market, either as first-time homeowners or strategic investors. For those poised to inherit, it represents an opportunity not just to own a home, but to think bigger about long-term wealth building.
Events like the Futurecast Forum highlight just how impactful it can be when driven professionals and engaged community members come together to share ideas and shape the future of real estate. These conversations spark innovation, fuel progress, and help everyone—from first-time buyers to seasoned investors—navigate a rapidly changing market with greater clarity. If you'd like to explore how these insights could inform your next move, I'm here to help. Now is a powerful moment to act strategically and make informed real estate decisions.