Team Foster
Tere Foster and Moya Skillman
Compass
How is luxury evolving and what will matter most to buyers in 2026?
Privacy and security are near the top of the list. In addition, floor plans that offer functionality and flow for entertaining. The prime locations of West Bellevue and the Eastside in general continue to be in demand. Finally, we are seeing our luxury buyers seek homes that place an emphasis on health and wellness—saunas, cold plunges, and workout areas.
Where are you seeing overlooked opportunities for today’s luxury buyers?
We observe luxury buyers missing opportunities to make offers. For some reason there is an unwillingness for buyers to step forward and start a conversation with sellers via a written offer. I can’t tell you how many times we get a call after a sale closes from an agent saying my client regrets they never tried to make the offer. We encourage our buyers to start the conversation!
What should homeowners do now to best position their home for a future sale?
Do a seller pre-inspection to address maintenance issues in advance. At the very least check the attic and crawlspace and make any repairs needed. Do a sewer scope. Sewer lines age over time, tree roots grow, and a cleared blockage offers a cleaner report to prospective buyers. Even the “newer” areas of the Eastside can have issues. Working to address these now can make for a much smoother sales process.
\What defines a successful real estate move in 2026?
Be strategic. Sellers need to work with a real estate advisor to pinpoint the best list price for their home based on the micro-market trends in that specific community. Buyers should not shy away from making offers below list price and beginning a conversation with the seller. Work with your real estate advisor to present a written offer based on the latest data and market trends.
fosterrealty.com
Instagram: @Teamfoster_re
Max Rombakh
Windermere
How is luxury evolving and what will matter most to buyers in 2026?
Luxury in 2026 is defined by intention, not excess. Buyers are prioritizing thoughtful design, privacy, and functionality over sheer scale. Homes that feel curated, efficient, and emotionally compelling, while still offering flexibility for work, wellness, and entertaining will command the strongest demand.
Where are you seeing overlooked opportunities for today’s luxury buyers?
The best opportunities often lie beyond surface-level metrics like days on market. Buyers who work with experienced brokers that have deep luxury and hyper-local insight are able to identify properties with long-term value, and potential that the broader market frequently overlooks.
What should homeowners do now to best position their home for a future sale?
Homeowners should focus on timeless improvements that enhance livability and presentation rather than chasing trends. Thoughtful updates to kitchens, primary suites, lighting, and outdoor spaces paired with disciplined maintenance, will protect value and ensure a home feels current when it comes to market.
What defines a successful real estate move in 2026?
A successful move in 2026 is one that aligns lifestyle goals with long-term value. We help our buyers and sellers approach decisions strategically, grounded in real market data, decisions that will outperform those driven by emotion or short-term market noise.
MaxRombakh.com
Instagram: @MaxRombakh