When navigating the luxury real estate market, partnering with a knowledgeable local realtor is essential. A local luxury realtor understands market trends, exclusive neighborhoods, and property values, ensuring you secure the best deal. From selecting the finest properties to negotiating complex contracts, their expertise streamlines the process. They also have access to off-market listings and a network of high-end service providers, enhancing your experience. Kirkland Lifestyle asked our luxury real estate partners for some quick tips and market insight now that the 2025 real estate market is in full swing.
Catherine Ferrera and McKenna Ferrera
Compass
+What's trending in 2025:
Sustainability and adaptability, including green building materials, energy-efficient designs, and solar integration dominate new constructions & remodels. We are still seeing buyers prioritize flexible spaces, such as home offices and multipurpose rooms, cater to hybrid work lifestyles.
+Tip for Buyer:
Get connected & pre-approved with a vetted lender early! With buyer competition back, acting swiftly can be crucial, you will feel more confident making offers if you have discussed your various budget & loan scenarios with your lender prior. We are also encouraging our buyers to do sewer scopes on any SFR built in the 1970’s or earlier, due to a rise in sewer line issue in this age of homes.
+Tip for Seller:
Engage with a realtor early, they will offer a checklist of maintenance items & optional improvements to handle beforehand. This proactive approach can enhance your home's equity and simplify the selling process, ensuring your property is well-prepared & receives top dollar when you list.
+Personal highlight from 2024:
We helped a contingent buyer into contract on their dream home during the holiday season. We quickly prepped, photographed, & listed their current residence in just 3 days, going pending after only 8 days on the market. We simultaneously closed on their home sale & contingent purchase. It was a notable success during a typically quieter Holiday season
Instagram: @ferrerateam
Facebook: @resourcesforhomes
Mike Moghaddas
Compass
+What’s trending in 2025?
I’m seeing more interest in NW modern and traditional homes with sustainability as a top priority. From custom arched windows and doors, to earthy tones and unexpected patterns, it seems there's more bold expressions in design. ADUs are becoming very popular, providing extra income for investors and families.
+Tip for Buyer:
1. Get pre-approved 2. Get a good agent. 3. Be patient, rates should come down slightly, creating more inventory 4. Search in emerging areas if you’re buying for investment (the next big place is more profitable than the already discovered one) 5. If you find the perfect home now, don’t wait for lower rates. Rates may fall, but not by much.
+Tip for Seller:
1. Find a top agent who specializes in your area, return is always much higher when you work with one. 2. Don’t over-price your property. 3. Make sure your agent invests in luxury marketing (such as photography and staging). 4. Showcase your home in its best light. 5. Virtual tours reach more buyers, make sure to have a nice one. 6. Inventory is going to increase, so don’t wait too long to sell unless you want more competition!
+Personal highlight from 2024:
The sales of two beautiful waterfront properties that I had the opportunity to list and sell. The properties sold for $9,135,000 and $6,500,000 and offered over 90’ of lakefront in Kirkland with unbeatable west-facing views.
Teammoghaddasrealty.com
Instagram: @Mikemoghaddas
Brian Hopper
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
+What’s trending in 2025?
For Kirkland we will continue to see higher density housing; ADU’s, cottages, smaller residences in general. These new builds allow entry into homeownership more affordable. I do not support the intense densification of Kirkland’s residential neighborhoods, however, with 4-6 story buildings whatsoever.
+Tip for Buyer:
More inventory will come on earlier in the year than last year, but it will go quick. Don’t bet on expected higher rates this year to slow down home buyers, and be ready to compete against cash offers (ideally sell your home before purchasing). A local broker will open the door to more inventory.
+Tip for Seller:
Leaving no stone unturned in home prep prior to market paid dividends for my selling clients in 2024, and I expect the same in 2025. My team will see to it that our trusted vendor network has everything set for market. We know what will procure a quick profitable sale, and we only recommend improvements when necessary.
+Personal highlight from 2024:
We set a record on our ‘Gold Coast’ in Kirkland along the water; a home positioned on 60’ of water frontage sold for $8,300,000 equaling $138,000 a linear waterfront foot! I am proud to expand my team as we wrapped up a project over in Suncadia Resort with sales totaling over $27,000,000. I also celebrated my 20th year serving clients!
Instagram: @Hoppergroup
Max Rombakh
Windermere
+What's trending in 2025?
Views, large properties and close proximity to entertainment and amenities. “Third Places” will be the biggest trend in 2025. After five years of WFH and social isolation people are ready to get out of their home and gather in communal spaces like coffee shops, local restaurants, parks, sporting events and more—and we are so lucky to live in an area that provides all this and more. There’s a strong demand to live within walking distance to downtown Kirkland.
+Tip for Buyer:
Working with an expert in the area you’re looking in will save you time and money.
+Tip for Seller:
We represent the most homes in Kirkland. Selling your home requires strategy and market insight not every broker can offer. With over 200 five-star reviews online, the most common praise our clients write is “Max knows Kirkland”.
+Personal highlight from 2024:
We are proud to say we had another record-breaking year finishing #1 in Washington State and #1 in Kirkland with a total of $289MM in sales and 117 transactions. Thank you to our clients and the Kirkland community for trusting in me and continuing to allow me the opportunity to serve them with the utmost integrity and excellence.
Katherine Vincent
Premier Director, Windermere Yarrow Bay
+What’s trending in 2025?
Goodbye, neutrals and all white; hello, color-drenched walls, decor and even kitchen cabinetry. Warm colors set an earthy tone. Vintage pieces mix with modern to add depth and character with a focus on sustainability. Tactile touches featuring paneled walls and textured wallpaper – even on the ceiling. Formal dining rooms are back, even in an open concept home. Over-the-top Powder Rooms showcase color, wallpaper and one-of-a-kind vanities and fixtures.
+Tip for Buyer:
Stop 'waiting' for rates or home prices to go down. Get pre-approved and start looking seriously now. And yes, you do need an experienced Buyer's Broker to help you navigate the complicated process. Jump in the pool!
+Tip for Seller:
Don't wait for May because your yard will be in bloom. Get on the market as soon as possible to capitalize on the pent-up Buyer demand from not enough home options. Remember, one strong marketing feature is the correct price.
+Personal highlight from 2024:
My favorite 2024 client story was helping buyers who said they were 'downsizing'. They said they didn't want Kirkland, nor a condo, and they had a specific geographic area near their daughter. When nothing was available in their parameters, I asked them to trust me: I showed them a condo in Kirkland that I thought fit their wish list in other ways. It was bigger than their current home, but had an elevator...and it was perfect. Sometimes you have to listen to what a client's not saying.
KatherineVincentRE.com