Agenda

Futurecast Forum

“THRIVE IN ‘25” REAL ESTATE SUMMIT

JUNE 5, 2025 9AM-12PM

Kirkland Performance Center

350 Kirkland Avenue | Kirkland, WA 98033

Box Office: 425.893.9900
Get Your Tickets

DOORS OPEN & CHECK-IN | 8:00 AM

Early Morning Mix & Mingle

Vendors & Hospitality Service

New Developments Showcase
Greenroom Media Interviews

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 9:00am opening remarks. and sign up for the (optional) luncheon at Moss Bay Beer Hall as service begins at 12pm just a few blocks away.

OPENING REMARKS | 9:00 AM

The Role of Futurecast Forum & Industry Outlook

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 for the conversations that will 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.

Dean Jones

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

PART 1 | 9:15 AM

Debate: Trumponomics, Consumerism, & Trajectory of Fundamentals

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, what might come of the Fed’s decision, and 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!

  • Jonathan Woloshin

    CFA

    Head, Real Estate & Financials
    UBS Wealth Management Chief Investment Office
    UBS Financial Services

  • Matthew Gardner

    PRINCIPAL

    Gardner Economics

PART 2 | 9:45 AM

Myth & Fact of Custom Home Building and Integration of Technology

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 you perhaps you remember 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, you will learn how you can add this 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!

  • Stacy Eakman

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Alair Homes

  • Lee Travis

    PRESIDENT & CEO

    Wipliance

PART 3 | 10:00 AM

5 Trends to Thrive in ‘25

Panel Discussions

House Bill 1110 & Future of Housing in Washington State

Moderator: Dean Jones, President & CEO Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

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 as you know it, 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 YIMBY’S (“yes” in my backyard).

  • Dean Jones - Moderator

    President & CEO

    Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Tadashi Shiga

    Vice President of Land Division

    Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Kelly Mann

    Land Use Attorney and Vice President of Development Strategy

    Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Trevor Johnson

    CEO

    Blackwood Builders & Former President of Master Builder Association of King and Snohomish County

The Silver Tsunami & $90 Trillion “Great Wealth Transfer”

Moderator: Anne Hartnett, Founder & Managing Partner of Seattle Agent Magazine

The Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) represents a significant portion of the U.S. population. Many are transitioning out of the workforce and entering retirement, leading to increased demand for healthcare, 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 U.S. history, with a ripple effect, both opportunities and challenges, in the financial markets, healthcare, and housing with a rising need for proactive tax deferral strategies to minimize liabilities and an 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!

  • Anne Hartnett - Moderator

    FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER

    Seattle Agent Magazine

  • Kurt Owen

    UBS Wealth Management

  • Tyler Kowel

    Pitch CPA

FOMI vs FOMO & First Time Buyer Desires

Moderator: Chris Ishii, City Lifestyle Magazine

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. And 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!

  • Chris Ishii - Moderator

    Mercer Island City Lifestyle Magazine

  • Jolene Messmer

    LOAN ORIGINATOR

    Movement Mortgage

  • Shannon Olcese

    MANAGING BROKER & VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

    Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Rebecca Mitsui

    Global Real Estate Advisor

    Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

Cityscape 2.0 & Urban Living Performance

Moderator: Rick King, Loan Originator of Movement Mortgage

For decades, downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue have been two pistons in the economic engine of Puget Sound’s economy. That is until the COVID-19 pandemic, along with political dysfunction and social disruption, put a kink in the fuel line, with notable market segments 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 competing. Restorative civic leadership, reset asset pricing, and a renewed interest in urbanity is jumpstarting the economy and opportunity abounds within a new market cycle. Millions of square feet of unleased or sublet office space provides 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. Our 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!

  • Rick King - Moderator

    LOAN ORIGINATOR

    Movement Mortgage

  • Dehlan Gwo

    VICE PRESIDENT OF NEW DEVELOPMENT

    Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Joe Fain

    PRESIDENT & CEO

    Bellevue Chamber

  • Claire Sumadiwirya

    Bellevue City Council Member

Artificial Intelligence Impact on Regional Economy & Housing

Moderator: Carese Busby, Loan Originator of Movement Mortgage

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.

  • Carese Busby - Moderator

    LOAN ORIGINATOR

    Movement Mortgage

  • Ofer Avnery

    Co-Founder

    Realtie

  • Oren Rubin

    AI Expert Serial Entrepeneur (Former Principal of Testim.io

  • Matthew Gardner

    PRINCIPAL

    Gardner Economics

PART 4 | 11:45 AM

Prizes & Adjournment

Throughout the Futurecast Forum event, the audience will rejoice in surprise and delight with impromptu prizes and interactive real time surveys between sessions. Upon conclusion, closing remarks and raffled prizes will be distributed by sponsoring brands.

Monica Bussell

PUBLISHER

Build Magazine