Blog Kristi Jenkins December 8, 2025
Murray Franklyn has long been known for building high-quality luxury homes on the Eastside, but The Vintage signals a step forward, blending elevated design, thoughtful floorplans, and community-centered living in a way that mirrors how buyer expectations have changed.
More Eastside buyers are looking for homes that support multi-gen families, hybrid working, or long-term guest spaces. The Vintage reflects this with:
Main-floor guest suites
Flexible bonus rooms that convert to offices, studios, or additional bedrooms
Larger kitchens designed for hosting and everyday convenience
Expanded mudrooms, storage zones, and utility spaces
This shift means builders are no longer designing for a “one-size-fits-all” family. Instead, they’re building for evolving lifestyles, a trend redefining new construction across the region.
The Eastside’s competitive market demands homes that feel intentionally upgraded from the moment you walk in. At The Vintage, this means:
High-end appliance packages
Elevated millwork and statement staircases
Designer lighting
Spa-inspired bathrooms
Expanded outdoor living space
High ceilings and oversized windows to maximize natural light
Today’s buyers want new-construction that doesn’t look cookie-cutter, they want personality, warmth, and architectural detail. The Vintage delivers that, and more builders are following suit.
The rise of hybrid work has changed how people shop for homes. Buyers want separation, soundproofing, and intentional workspace placement. The Vintage incorporates:
Dedicated home offices (not converted bedrooms)
Thoughtfully positioned workspaces away from main traffic areas
Bonus rooms that support kids at home, second offices, or creative studios
Optional tech packages for connectivity, security, and smart-home needs
This is becoming a new baseline expectation, not an upgrade.
The Vintage sits in one of the Eastside’s most sought-after areas. Woodinville offers a rare blend of:
Wine country lifestyle
Top-tier schools
Expansive lots compared to central Bellevue or Kirkland
Easy access to Redmond, Bothell, Totem Lake, and I-405
A slower pace without sacrificing convenience
The Eastside is growing, but many buyers still crave space and community. This is why Woodinville continues to attract families priced out of Bellevue’s core or those wanting a more private suburban feel.
One of the biggest overlooked advantages of buying new construction is the built-in community experience. Because most families move in within a similar timeframe, everyone starts on equal footing, new homes, new routines, new neighbors. This creates an environment where friendships form naturally and quickly. In The Vintage and other Eastside new-build communities, we’re seeing:
• Move-in Momentum
When dozens of families move in over the same 6–12 months, it sparks unusually fast relationship-building. Kids play together, dogs meet on walks, and neighbors are outside at the same time unpacking, gardening, and settling in, which leads to organic conversations and long-term connections.
• Neighborhood Traditions That Build Themselves
New communities often develop shared rituals right away, such as:
– First-year block parties
– Neighborhood summer BBQs
– Holiday decorating competitions
– Halloween routes and group trick-or-treating
– Community garden days
These traditions become part of the community’s identity within the first year.
• Social Groups That Form Naturally
Because everyone moves in at the same time, you often see quick formation of:
– Parent groups
– Dog-walking meetups
– Wine nights
– Playdate circles
– Fitness/walking groups
– Carpool and school-bus chats
These form organically simply because everyone is in the same life transition.
• Digital Neighborhood Hubs
New construction communities commonly launch their own communication channels early on, Facebook groups, group chats, community newsletters, shared calendars for events which keep people connected and informed from day one.
• A Shared Sense of “We Built This Together”
Unlike established neighborhoods where social dynamics already exist, new construction developments give residents the chance to shape the culture together.
People take pride in being the founding group, which creates stronger long-term bonds and a deeper sense of ownership.
With The Vintage’s layout, lot sizes, and shared lifestyle appeal, it’s exactly the kind of community where strong neighborhood culture forms quickly and evolves into something special over time.
Builders across the Eastside are adapting to what communities like The Vintage reveal about buyer demand:
Larger, more adaptable layouts
Luxury materials that don’t feel mass-produced
Energy-efficient and smart-home technologies
Outdoor areas designed for year-round use
Neighborhood-focused planning rather than standalone spec homes
The market is moving away from dense, narrow developments and toward communities that feel intentional, private, and high-end, even before you walk through the front door.
If you’re considering new construction, here’s what to keep in mind:
Act early to secure preferred lots and personalization options
Expect higher-quality finishes and smarter layouts, the standards have risen
Compare builders for craftsmanship, warranty programs, and upgrade transparency
Look at long-term resale value, not just the build itself
Evaluate community development plans, amenities and surroundings matter more than ever
As the Eastside grows, communities like The Vintage are shaping how future developments will look, feel, and function.
Website: Murray Franklyn | Luxury New Construction Homes - Home
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From Beepers to Bidding Wars: Buying a Home in 1995 vs. 2025
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Top 5 Best Ways to Shake Off a Pulled Offer on Your Home
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With a 20-year total of more than $100M in sales, her experience shines through. Whether she’s working with first-time home buyers or seasoned investors in a complex deal, Kristi walks through each stage of the home sale and makes sure you feel supported and understood.