The Radar Report: Chicago, Green Lake, and the Spring Surge 🐾

By Lubaba Al-Arab | April 20, 2026

🐾 From the Trail & The Saddle

Radar and I were out at Green Lake yesterday, and even though the Seattle Cherry Blossom Run officially crossed the finish line on Saturday, the energy around the lake is still electric. The blossoms are in full peak, and it finally feels like the "spring market" is here.
I also spent some time this week at Novella Farms in Redmond for my riding lesson. There’s a specific kind of "equestrian patience" you learn when working with horses—it’s about staying grounded and looking three steps ahead. I find myself using that same mindset every day in real estate negotiations, whether I'm navigating a trail or a complex closing.

Trail Ride in Redmond

🏠 The Hyper-Local Pulse: Seattle & The Eastside

If you’ve been watching the "For Sale" signs, things are moving with intent this month. We are in a "Value Market"—buyers are being selective, but they are ready to pounce on the right lifestyle entry point.

Fremont & Green Lake: We’re seeing a fascinating split. While the median days on market has nudged up to 15 days, well-priced "turnkey" gems—like a recent 4-bed on N 44th St—recently went for 22% over list price. In these urban hubs, "move-in ready" remains the magic phrase for 2026.

Kirkland: Inventory here has jumped nearly 29% year-over-year. The median price is holding firm, but for the first time in years, buyers have enough breathing room to keep their inspection contingencies in place.

Kent (Meridian Firs): In the South End, we're seeing a very balanced market. For my neighbors in Meridian Firs 1 & 2, the market remains a fantastic entry point. While the broader area is seeing higher peaks, our townhomes are holding steady with a median value around $415k. It’s the perfect balance of affordability and East Hill convenience. Precision in pricing is currently the difference between a 10-day sale and a 60-day sit.

💡 The Investor’s Corner: The Chicago Strategy

In a high-appreciation market like Seattle, we play for the 'Home Run'—building massive equity over time. But I often advise my clients to look at real estate like a balanced stock portfolio. For me, Chicago represents the 'Steady Dividend.' While our PNW homes are growing in value, the Midwest offers consistent rental yields that provide great cash-flow stability. Whether you are looking for local growth or out-of-state income, I love nerd-ing out on these strategies—feel free to pick my brain!

🥙 Neighborhood Cheat Sheet

• Eat: Today is the first full weekday of Seattle Restaurant Week (running through April 29th)! It’s the best time to hit the $35 and $50 curated menus at our local spots in Fremont and Green Lake.
• Do: This coming Saturday, April 25, there’s an Earth Day Litter Clean-Up at Green Lake Park (10 AM). I’ll be there with Radar—if you see a tall German Shepherd pulling a real estate agent toward a squirrel, come say hi!

Ready to see what your home is worth in this "Spring Surge"? Click the links below.

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