New Year, New Home | A Fresh Start for 2026

Hello January!

January has always been one of my favorite months. There’s a collective exhale after the holidays, a sense of clarity, and a renewed openness to possibility. A new year invites fresh starts—and for many, that means imagining what home could look like next. Whether it’s a new neighborhood, better light, or more breathing room, January is when those ideas begin to take shape.

From a market perspective, Seattle is just starting to stretch awake. After the slowest weeks of the year in late December, activity begins to build again—new listings quietly come online, buyers re-engage, and momentum starts to return. It’s a thoughtful window: less noise than spring, but enough movement to create real opportunity for buyers who are ready and sellers who are planning ahead.

If New Year, New Home has been on your mind, now is the perfect time to start the conversation—and set the tone for what’s ahead. Let’s make 2026 a year that truly feels like home.

Happy New Year,

–Matt

Speaking of new possibilities, this month’s inspiration includes a New York home informed by the Japanese concept of Kintsugi, along with the resurrection of the Case Study homes to support homeowners impacted by last year’s wildfires in Southern California. Plus, an article on why selling your home in the winter gives sellers an edge.

Winter has a way of sharpening the desire for light, warmth, and space. As the Pacific Northwest settles into its coldest stretch, my mind wanders—naturally—to the desert.

This month’s MCModernae travels to Palm Springs, where midcentury modernism feels inseparable from its landscape. The selections span the iconic and the attainable: Richard Neutra’s Edgar Kaufmann House—also known as the Desert House—thoughtfully updated by Marmol Radziner and quietly offered off-market for approximately $25M, alongside a beautifully refreshed 1957 William Krisel, offered at just $1.7M.

Just Listed & Freshly Priced for 2026!

Capitol Hill

745 Bellevue Ave E, #402

3 BD 2 BA 2031 SF

Offered at $1,750,000

Top 10 Things to Do in Seattle in January 2026

Happy New Year, Seattle! It’s not only a new month, but a brand-new year for exploring our city. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of Seattle in January 2026, we have plenty of options for you. Whether you’re interested in catching a live show, getting outdoors, going shopping, or seeing an immersive exhibition, there’s something on this list for you.

Rainy Day Activities

The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to rain, but this winter, the region is making waves with record-breaking rainfall on top of its already well-earned reputation as one of the wettest places in America. While the gray skies and steady drizzle may feel relentless, they’re also part of what makes Seattle so uniquely charming. When the rain rolls in, the city doesn’t slow down — it gets creative. From cozy coffee shops and world-class museums to indoor markets, live music, and hidden gems, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace a rainy day. Here are 40 things you can do in Seattle when the rain won’t quit.

Annual New Years Day Polar Plunge

January 1st - Lake Washington

Brave the chill and kick off the New Year with Washington’s annual Polar Plunge — an icy tradition that brings thousands together along our shores. From Seattle to Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Edmonds, Ocean Shores, and Bellingham (home of the world record!), communities across the state dive in together. One splash, endless bragging rights, and the coldest start to the year.

Catch a Kraken Game

January 1 - January 31

There are plenty of opportunities to catch a hockey game in Seattle this month! The Seattle Kraken will be playing several exciting home games at Climate Pledge Arena throughout January.

Check out their game schedule below.

Get Free Admission at Seattle Museums

January 1 - January 31

Seattle is a beautiful city to explore, but it can also get expensive fast. If you’re a student, a parent with young children, or just on a tight budget, there are ways to immerse yourself in the city’s art and culture without spending any money.

If you or someone you know is thinking about a move this year, I’m always happy to connect.

Matt Mather

Broker

M: 310.600.0257

[email protected]

modernaehomes.com