RE radar

September brought the first Fed rate cut of 2025 — but did that actually help mortgage rates? In this episode of RE radar, I break down exactly what happened with rates, prices, and home sales across Seattle.

We’ll look at how mortgage rates dipped (and then jumped), why both home prices and total sales volume slid, and why more listings and pending sales might actually signal a stronger market heading into fall.

Plus, I’ll share w...

There’s a LOT of bad real estate advice floating around — from TikTok to the headlines. In this episode of RE radar, I’m busting six of the biggest myths I hear from Seattle buyers and sellers all the time.

Some of these misconceptions? They could end up costing you thousands if you believe them. Here’s what we’re breaking down today:

- Do you really need 20% down to buy a home?

- Is spring actually the only good time to sell?

- Do...

Seattle real estate had a big summer — and I’m breaking it all down in the Season 3 kickoff of RE radar.

🏡 Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• June’s record-breaking median home price of $1,040,000

• Why sales surged in June as mortgage rates dipped

• July & August’s seasonal slowdown (and why it wasn’t a crash)

• Year-over-year price growth and what it means for buyers & sellers

• A prediction for Seattle’s Sept...

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Understanding Home Value series—where we wrap things up with the biggest factor of all: external forces.

I’m Nathan Mathisen, and on this episode of RE radar, we’re diving into the myths and realities around recessions, interest rates, and what actually drives housing prices on a big-picture scale.

💥 Spoiler alert:

– Recessions don’t always mean a housing crash

– Rising interest rates don’t automatica...

In Episode 2 of the "Understanding Home Value" series, I’m breaking down the features inside the home that can either boost value—or quietly kill it.

From awkward floor plans to smart upgrades that deliver a huge ROI, this episode is all about helping homeowners and buyers understand what really matters when evaluating a property. Whether you're prepping to sell or house hunting with intention, these insights will give you a sharpe...

Welcome to Episode 1 of our three-part RE radar series: Understanding Home Value.

Today we tackle the timeless saying — "location, location, location" — and break down what that actually means in today’s market. I'm Nathan Mathisen, your host and local Seattle realtor, and in this episode, we explore:

📍 The macro view — how city, neighborhood, and reputation affect baseline value

🚦 The micro view — how street placement, traffic, ...

What really happened in Seattle’s housing market this May? In this month’s RE radar, I break down key trends in both residential and condo sales — including why prices are slipping, pending sales are shifting, and why even with a flood of new listings, closed transactions are still way down.

We’ll talk about:

🏠 Median price drops from April to May

📉 28% fewer closed sales compared to 12-year average

📈 Listings climbing, but bu...

In this episode of RE radar, I’m breaking down the key differences between condos, townhomes, and single-family homes—so you can figure out which type of home actually fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget.

We’ll cover:

- What each type of home really means

- Ownership structure and maintenance responsibilities

- Pros and cons of privacy, cost, space, and HOA rules

- Real-life examples that bring it all together

- Whether you're...

The Seattle real estate market just hit its highest median sale price ever — and we’re only in May.

In this episode of RE radar, I (Nathan Mathisen, your host and local realtor) break down exactly what happened in April 2025, from skyrocketing prices to a flood of new listings.

Here’s what you’ll learn: Seattle’s new record-high median sale price: $880,000 Why more sellers are back this year than we’ve seen in over a decade Why clo...

What exactly is an *Office Exclusive* (aka pocket listing, private listing, or exclusive listing)? And is it actually a good strategy for selling your home — or just clever marketing?

In this episode of **RE radar**, I dive into one of the lesser-known listing strategies in real estate: **office exclusive listings.** Using new data from Bright MLS (covering over 100,000 homes), we break down: - What office exclusive listings actual...

Welcome back to RE radar — your go-to real estate podcast and YouTube series for making sense of the housing market. In this episode, I break down what happened in March 2025 in the Seattle real estate market. Spoiler: sellers are finally returning in full force… but buyers? Not quite there yet. I walk through key stats like median home prices, total inventory, new listings, and closed sales, and compare where we stand now versus y...

🏡 Big Changes for ADUs & DADUs in Washington! 🏡

Welcome back to RE radar, your go-to podcast for real estate education! I’m Nathan Mathisen, and today I’m joined by Patrick Cobb, Partner & Managing Principal at Stack, to break down the latest updates in ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) regulations in Washington State. If you're a homeowner, investor, or developer, this episode is...

Seattle’s real estate market is shifting! 📉🏡 Home prices jumped 7% in February, inventory is rising, and mortgage rates are stabilizing between 6.5%–7%. What does this mean for buyers and sellers in 2025? In this episode of RE radar, I break down:

✅ Seattle median home prices & appreciation trends

✅ New listings & inventory – is the market heating up?

✅ Mortgage rate trends & what to expect next

✅ Key takeaways for ...

Mold can be a nightmare for homeowners, but how much do you really know about it? In this episode of RE radar, I sit down with James Mallory, President of Environix, to break down the facts about mold, how to prevent it, and what to do if it shows up in your home. We also dive into asbestos—should you be worried?

📌 Topics we cover:

✔️ Common causes of mold in homes

✔️ What happens if you ignore mold problems

✔️ Prevention tips e...

Seattle’s housing market is kicking off 2025 with some big changes! After years of post-pandemic fluctuations, we’re seeing signs of stability—and even growth. In this episode of RE radar, I break down what’s happening in the market right now.

Home prices are on the rise, with the median sale price in Seattle hitting $775,000 in January—up 2.6% from last year. But the real story is in the number of new listings, which just saw thei...

Thinking about buying your first home but not sure how to afford it? In this episode, we’re diving into the top first-time homebuyer programs available in Washington state, including the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) and Seattle’s down payment assistance programs. Learn how these programs can help you qualify for loans, defer payments, and secure down payment assistance.

Whether you’re just starting your homeo...

First-time homebuyers, this one’s for you! I tackle 3 key questions to help you navigate the home-buying process:

🏠 What hidden fees should you plan for? ⚠️ What are the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make? 🚀 How do you even start the journey to homeownership?

With tips on managing expectations, understanding costs, and taking the first steps, this episode is your go-to guide to buying your first home. Let’s get started!

...

In this episode of RE radar, I’m diving into the most pressing questions from first-time home buyers, sourced directly from my Instagram poll. We’re exploring some big topics, starting with what Seattle's real estate market might look like in 2025. I’ll break down the key factors that influence interest rates, why we’re likely to stay in a seller’s market, and my predictions for where rates will land next year.

From there, we’ll co...

Buying or selling a home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially when you understand the language of real estate. In this episode of RE radar, I’m breaking down some of the most commonly used terms, like pre-approval, PMI, and ADU, in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, these definitions will help you feel more confident navigating the process.

Plus, I’ll take you on a d...