The Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to a range of 3.75%-4%—the first increase since July 2023. As a Managing Broker who’s worked through a variety of market shifts here in the Puget Sound area, I know how closely these decisions can impact both buyers and sellers. The Fed has also indicated that another hike could still be on the horizon, given that inflation remains above their 2% target. The next opportunity for a rate reassessment will be at the Fed’s meeting on October 27-28, 2026. For those navigating their next move, understanding how rate changes shape affordability and strategy is key. My focus is always on helping you make informed decisions—grounded in local knowledge and guided by experience—no matter what the numbers say.