Executives from Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR), UBS Wealth Management, Gardner Economics, Movement Mortgage, Alair Kirkland, Wipliance, and noted industry experts jointly announced a Futurecast Forum event scheduled for June 5th, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (PST), entitled: “Thrive in ‘25” Real Estate Summit to be held at the Kirkland Performance Center.
This annual think tank draws market luminaries within real estate economics and brokerage, wealth management, mortgage lending, development and technology, and members of government, who converge to share their insights on trending topics. The pundits will prognosticate regional market fundamentals, outline transformative policies and their impacts (such as House Bill 1110 and the looming conformance deadline on July 1, 2025), and opine on key development and design trends. A chief consideration is the rise of artificial intelligence and resulting attrition of regional jobs, along with corporate productivity boosts, while analyzing these potential impacts on commercial and residential housing demand. A Futurecast Forum audience is typically comprised of civic leaders, real estate brokers, local builders, and members from the title, escrow, and mortgage industry, as well as media outlets.
“Once again, we will assemble key opinions on important industry movements to better serve our clients and help lead the next evolution of housing in the Pacific Northwest,” said Dean Jones, President & CEO of Realogics, Inc., and Founder of the Futurecast Forum. “Our keynote presenters and a panel of experts will explore the trend lines before they become headlines. We will provide our audience with important insights, which they can apply immediately to their business to thrive in 2025 and beyond.”
The location, preliminary schedule, and content providers are as follows:
June 5, 2025
Kirkland Performance Center
350 Kirkland Avenue. Kirkland, WA 98033
DOORS OPEN (8:00 a.m. PST) – Early Morning Mix & Mingle
Vendors & Hospitality Service
- New Developments Showcase
- Greenroom Media Interviews
ABOUT: Arrive early and join scores of your peers over coffee and pastries in the lobby to network with industry professionals and explore pop-up exhibitors. A photographer and videographer will be on location to capture the guests and interact with live interviews, along with members of the media. Next, be sure to secure preferred seating in the theater for the 9:00 a.m. opening remarks. and sign up for the (optional) luncheon at Moss Bay Beer Hall, as food and beverage service begins at 12:00 p.m. just a few blocks away.
OPENING REMARKS (9:00 a.m. PST) – The Role of Futurecast Forum & Industry Outlook
- Dean Jones, President and CEO | Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
ABOUT: A welcome address to the audience with a brief run of show outline and acknowledgements to participating speakers, vendors, and media partners. As this is the midpoint of 2025 (at the midpoint of the decade), it is timely to consider all that is affecting the residential and commercial real estate ecosystem and set up the conversations that lead to where the markets are heading next—so you can get there first! This is a primary function of the Futurecast Forum: The future is near. Plan with perspective.
PART 1 (9:15 a.m. PST) – Debate: Trumponomics, Consumerism, & Trajectory of Fundamentals
- Jonathan Woloshin, CFA | Head, Real Estate & Financials | UBS Wealth Management Chief Investment Office | UBS Financial Services
- Matthew Gardner, Principal | Real Estate Economist | Gardner Economics
ABOUT: The suggestion that 2025 was the kickoff to a new “Golden Age of America” remains to be seen. The Futurecast Forum will host leading economists who are on the frontlines of industry with key insights about how policy is shaping the markets; whether or not the US is experiencing an economic recession; and what might come of the Fed’s decision; all the while considering the tremendous fortunes being earned and lost in the stock markets, with implications on both housing and the commercial real estate sectors locally. To be sure, consumer confidence has been rocked, but in the disruption, there is also plenty of opportunity for those who know how to read the proverbial tea leaves (Trump, tariffs & taxes, oh my)—this debate will most certainly stir the pot!
PART 2 (9:45 a.m. PST) – Myth & Fact of Custom Home Building and Integration of Technology
- Stacy Eakman, Founder and CEO | Alair Kirkland
- Lee Travis, President and CEO | Wipliance
ABOUT: In luxury housing, the only way to get exactly what you want, where you want it, for the price you set, and on a schedule that you can follow is to build it! The problem is that an inordinately small percentage of consumers will embark on such a journey because most fear the design and construction process; many suffer from analysis paralysis; or some recall the movie “The Money Pit” from 40 years ago. Reality offers a better plot with a storybook ending thanks to modern-day approaches in construction management, virtual reality imaging, and integration of extraordinary technology in the home for next-level entertainment, house management, security, lighting, and wellbeing. Not only will you be inspired to consider building your next address, but you will also learn how you can add this important industry segment to your real estate pipeline. Better designs and high-tech systems align to not just change where you live but how you live!
PART 3 (10:00 a.m. PST) – 5 Trends to Thrive in ’25 (Lightning Round Panel Discussions)
House Bill 1110 & Future of Housing
- Moderator: Dean Jones, President | Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
- Panelists: Tadashi Shiga, Realtie and RSIR Vice President of Land Division; Kelly Mann, Land Use Attorney and RSIR Vice President of Development Strategy; Trevor Johnson, Blackwood Builders & Former President of Master Builder Association of King and Snohomish County
ABOUT: In case you missed it, HB1110 is the largest upzone in Washington state history and among the most comprehensive legislative housing bills in the US. In the larger cities, the single-family zoning is fundamentally changing by July 1, 2025, to allow for “missing middle” housing options that include multiple dwelling units. A modern-day “space race” is afoot between municipal governments as they draft their new zoning guidelines and vie for developers to invest in their city limits, with further incentives within walking distances of rapid transit nodes. This catalyst will affect land values significantly and prompt thousands of “make me move” transactions with would-be sellers that do not know it yet. Learn how leaders have aligned technology, brokerage operations, the builder industry, and evolving lifestyle trends to make the most of this real estate gold rush of YIMBYs (“yes” in my backyard).
The Silver Tsunami & $90 Trillion “Great Wealth Transfer”
- Moderator: Anne Hartnett, Founder and Managing Partner | Seattle Agent Magazine
- Panelist: Kurt Owen, UBS Wealth Management; Tyler Kowel, Pitch CPA; (additional guest to be announced)
ABOUT: The Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) represents a significant portion of the US population. Many are transitioning out of the workforce and entering retirement, leading to increased demand for healthcare; downsized housing (like single-level, lock-and-leave condominiums), second-home and senior housing, and retirement services. It is estimated that Baby Boomers will pass down over $90 trillion in wealth to younger generations (Gen X and Millennials) by 2045. This is the largest wealth transfer in US history, with a ripple effect, both in opportunities and challenges. The financial markets, healthcare, and housing will see a rising need for proactive tax deferral strategies to minimize liabilities and influence estate planning to address intergenerational wealth transitions effectively. Learn from this expert panel of financial advisors, estate planners, and tax professionals to help navigate these sweeping changes. This is a paradigm shift that you can bank on!
FOMI vs FOMO & First-Time Buyer Desires
- Moderator: Chris Ishii | Mercer Island City Lifestyle Magazine
- Panelists: Jolene Messmer, Loan Originator of Movement Mortgage; Shannon Olcese, Managing Broker & Vice President of Sales, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty; Rebecca Mitsui, Builder Services Group of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
ABOUT: First-time homebuyers in America are experiencing significant changes in housing trends due to demographic shifts, economic conditions, and evolving societal norms. But as the cost of housing continues to rise, consumers must resolve their fear of mortgage interest (FOMI) or accept fear of missing out (FOMO). This veteran panel in lending and brokerage understands you can always refi, but you cannot rebuy, and innovative mortgage solutions and new housing product lines are helping to stop the perpetual cycle of renting. Policies supporting affordability, creative financing options, and market adjustments will play critical roles in determining the future trajectory of this segment. Parents can play a meaningful (and tax-free) role too, helping their kids with gifted down payment options to acquire newly built micro-housing options. So, if you are ready to liberate your basement – listen up!
Cityscape 2.0 & Urban Living Renaissance
- Moderator: Rick King, Loan Originator | Movement Mortgage
- Panelists: Dehlan Gwo, VP of New Development Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty; Joe Fain, President & CEO of Bellevue Chamber; Claire Sumadiwirya, Bellevue City Councilmember
ABOUT: For decades, downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue have been two pistons in the economic engine of Puget Sound’s economy. That was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with political dysfunction and social disruption, which put a kink in the fuel line. Notable market segments like commercial offices are still sputtering today. But just as cities did not dry up after the Spanish Flu pandemic a hundred years ago, our cities are rebooting, and they are also competing. Restorative civic leadership, reset asset pricing, and a renewed interest in urbanity are jumpstarting the economy and opportunity abounds within a new market cycle. Millions of square feet of unleased or sublet office space provide a runway for new businesses and job growth. Hospitality is already back, and a resurgence of in-city residents are finding condominium values at 20-40% below replacement costs, creating a “buy the dip” moment for savvy investors. This curated panel will explore the relationship between private and public interests amongst policy changes and highlight a growing rivalry to attract and retain talent—supply and demand is never evenly distributed!
Artificial Intelligence Impact on Regional Economy & Housing
- Moderator: Carese Busby, Loan Originator | Movement Mortgage
- Panelists: Ofer Avnery, Realtie; Oren Rubin, AI Expert and Serial Entrepreneur (Former Principal of Testim.io); Matthew Gardner, Principal of Gardner Economics
ABOUT: The meteoric adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to have a profound impact on information technology (IT) work, as well as broader commercial and housing markets, particularly in the Puget Sound region, which encompasses established tech hubs like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond. Companies here (e.g., Microsoft, Amazon, startups) are increasing investments in AI technologies, fueling demand for specialized roles such as machine learning engineers, data scientists, AI ethicists, and algorithm developers. Upskilling in AI tools and frameworks will become essential for existing entry-level IT professionals, who otherwise face job obsolescence (estimates are between 40-60% of the IT labor pool could be affected). The rapid adoption of AI in the Puget Sound region will transform IT work, catalyze commercial real estate development, and reshape housing dynamics. While this evolution presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation, proactive measures are necessary to address challenges in affordability, workforce displacement, and infrastructure capacity. Strategic planning and investment can help the region balance growth with sustainability and equity.
PART 4 (11:45 a.m. PST) – Prizes & Adjournment
- Monica Bussell, Publisher | Build Magazine
ABOUT: To close out the Futurecast Forum event, the audience will rejoice in surprise and delight with impromptu raffle prizes. Upon conclusion, closing remarks and raffled prizes will be distributed by sponsoring brands.
MEDIA PARTNERS
- Seattle Agent Magazine
- City Lifestyle Magazine – Mercer Island
- City Lifestyle Magazine – Bellevue
- City Lifestyle Magazine – Kirkland
- City Lifestyle Magazine – Snohomish
- Build Magazine
The Futurecast Forum began in 2017 to compare predictions from fellow market pundits as Seattle was then the fastest-growing large city in the US, and the impacts on the economy and lifestyle trends for urbanization were unprecedented. This later became where the COVID-19 pandemic originated in the US in 2020, which caused significant disruption to residential and commercial market trends, requiring real time monitoring. More recently, legislated policies like House Bill 1110 and revisions to the Washington State Condominium Act are garnering significant industry attention and remain historic changes with great impacts to the supply and demand of all industry segments. The 2025 Futurecast Forum will explore the greatest influences and trends affecting the second half of the decade, outlining the headwinds but also arraying compelling opportunities.
The Puget Sound Regional Council has projected that nearly six million residents will live in the metro area by 2050 and according to the VISION 2050 report, there is an immediate need for 410,000 households with a target delivery of 810,000 units over the next 25 years.
The one-hour pre-mingle, and three-hour presentation promises to offer rich content from leading opinions not limited to the macroeconomy, commercial and residential real estate trends, and the potential influence of Fed policies and the Trump Administration. Qualified respondents will also offer thoughts on a survey about the market trajectory to compare perspectives and summarize the likely outcome of these influences on consumers in the years ahead.
The event is timed strategically between two closely watched Fed Meetings scheduled for May 6-7 and June 17-18, 2025, with much at stake surrounding the US bank rate and mortgage lending dynamics. This date also provides a full month to monitor the markets (and ongoing media cycle) following President Trump’s first one hundred days in office. The recently published S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index will also reveal how the Seattle Metro compares to the top 20 cities with home value trends. It is also three weeks before municipal governments of larger cities in Washington must upzone single-family zoning in accordance with House Bill 1110.
“With the spring sales season in full bloom, our housing market will be abuzz—and reacting to various federal and state-level policies, recent Fed decisions and projected actions, and whether or not the US economy is experiencing a recession,” added Jones. “We want to spark the conversations that will lead to future real estate transactions, so our audience can better harmonize with the market truths.”
Highlights from the 2023 Futurecast Forum
Information will be obtained from sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed. Guests will be encouraged to perform independent due diligence before relying on content provided therein. E&OE.
For more information, visit www.FuturecastForum.com
The FutureCast Forum was founded by Realogics, Inc. in August 2017 as a platform for industry experts to collaborate and share perspectives on the current and projected market fundamentals for the Pacific Northwest. Its founding members and guest columnists provide timely insights on the state of the economy, commercial and residential development, evolving demographics and psychographics, wealth management considerations, government policy, lifestyle trends and international/interstate influences that are reshaping the regional landscape.
Editor’s Note: Speaker headshots and past event photography are available upon request.