Event Sparks a Conversation About Seattle and Bellevue’s Trajectory into 2020 and Beyond
On September 26th more than 400 registered guests joined industry thought leaders during the 2017 “State of the Market” Event held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. The first panel included Ada Healy of Vulcan Real Estate, Martin Selig of Martin Selig Real Estate and Tom Alberg of Madrona Venture Group and was moderated by John Hempelmann of Cairncross & Hempelmann. The second panel, moderated by Dean Jones, Principal of Realogics, Inc. and CEO of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, comprised of Jennifer Foschler of O’Connor Consulting Group; Brenda Gage of JayMarc Homes; Trevor Bennett of Caliber Home Loans; Christian Chan of Burrard Group and Brian Evans of Madrona Financial Advisors.
Above & Below: Noted panelists attended the BISNOW “2017 State of the Market” Event on September 26th to discuss the current market fundamentals and projected growth in the region.
The BISNOW platform was a timely opportunity for Realogics, Inc. to launch The FutureCast Forum, which Jones described as a collaboration of stakeholders to explore the current and projected market fundamentals and trends influencing the Seattle/Bellevue metro area by 2020 and beyond. Its founding members and guest columnists will provide timely insights on the state of the economy, commercial and residential development, evolving demographics, wealth management considerations, government policy, lifestyle pursuits and international catalysts that are shaping the regional landscape.
“Our members will help articulate our regional growth, discuss the issues and opportunities; and measure the market pressures into 2020 and beyond,” said Jones. “This is just the beginning of the conversation.”
Jones launched the beta website at www.Seattlein2020.com and announced an encore discussion panel to be held on Thursday, September 28th in downtown Seattle – prospective guest are welcomed to register only for more information at www.Seattle2020VIP.com.
The FutureCast Forum will include contributions from more than a dozen industry leaders representing the following discussion categories (additional categories to be announced):
1. Residential Real Estate
The Puget Sound region is home to meteoric job and population growth, which is placing significant pressure on the housing and resulting in the fastest-rising median home prices in the nation. Will demand outstrip supply? We’re following the trends.
2. Retail Trends
In a city that spawned Nordstrom and Amazon there’s clearly no lack of retail leadership in the global economy but is there more in store? Plenty of brands and innovative developments are making their way here. Get in the express line and check it out.
3. Government Policies
The Seattle/Bellevue metro area has been historically a late bloomer economically and the same holds true in with policy making. Are we following in the footsteps of other more established metro municipalities and is that a good thing or a bad thing? Read up and cast your vote.
4. Transportation
Remarkably, the Seattle area twice voted down a major transportation plan in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the Feds were willing to share with the infrastructure – today we have relatively small town infrastructure with big city needs. So where are we really going?
5. Market Fundamentals
Jobs, population and housing, oh my! Our Emerald City is witness to a tornado of development and market dynamics that are changing so quickly it’ll make your head spin. So where does this yellow brick road lead anyway? Click your heels and find out.
6. In-City Development
When was the last time you saw tower cranes in downtown Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Renton, the University District, West Seattle, Ballard and Greenlake all at the same time? Exactly – urbanization is real! Get to know what’s up, downtown.
7. Single-Family Neighborhoods
Many of the region’s close-in communities have experienced a renaissance of redevelopment and custom home building is on the rise too. Preferred schools, commute times and spirit of place are driving the trends. Have a look beyond the gates.
8. Lifestyle Pursuits
Living in the Puget Sound region has so many rewards so it’s no wonder we’re being discovered by new residents on a daily basis. Whether planning dinner or the next chapter of life, to enjoy the best of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, it’s best to get the on an insider’s flightpath.
9. Design Trends
Economic prosperity, international influences and a pursuit of affordability in the fastest-rising home and commercial market in the US are just a few influences that are challenging the status-quo for all property types and price points. Prepare to be moved.
10. Commercial Investment
The Pacific Northwest has become a top market of equity placement and economic growth for many reasons including meteoric job and population growth, favorable tax policies (for now) and a perfect storm of economic fundamentals (for now). Learn how to read these trade winds.
11. International Trends
The Seattle/Bellevue went from a fly-over city to a global destination for immigration, education and investment by foreign nationals. As the closest mainland port to Asia and a relative bargain compared to other West Coast cities, the Puget Sound region is on the map – find out why.
12. Wealth Management
There are trillions of dollars migrating between the generations in a great liquidation event that takes place as Baby Boomers become retirees and Millennials grab the reigns as the next stewards our regional economy. Invest in a greater perspective.
13. Lending
Following the credit crunch of the Great Recession and a bounty of new regulations, the mortgage lending industry has been witness to dramatic reform. Yet interest rates remain at historic lows and innovative products and processes have made applying for and securing a mortgage more accessible – find out what’s trending in lending.
14. Workspace
Real estate fundamentals, the sharing economy and social trending is changing how and where we work. Executives today want to work smarter not harder to get ahead. As the Seattle/Bellevue metro area grows, it’s clear not all offices are created equal.
Each quarter the FutureCast Forum members review the many thoughts and articles submitted to rank the top ten most influential or notable findings on a particular topic. These top ten lists provide a quick reference point to what’s trending at the FutureCast Forum. Didn’t see what you expected? We’re working on new lists so check back soon and register to join our newsletter. Or make a recommendation – we’re eager to capture what’s relevant to the consumers, stakeholders and policy makers in hopes of sparking conversation.