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- Nearly two-thirds – or 59% – of U.S. homebuyers think purchasing a home is more stressful than dating, according to a new report from Redfin. Based on the results of a Redfin commissioned survey conducted in May and June of 2023, of the life events participants had to choose from, most felt that two were more nerve-wracking than homebuying: 1) 57% said divorce is more stressful; 2) 56% said finding a new job is more stressful. The aforementioned survey was given to more than 5,000 U.S. residents and focused on the roughly 1,000 participants who bought a home in the last year, Redfin wrote. As mortgage rates are the highest they’ve been in over two decades, the Redfin report states many people are moving out of necessity, not simply because they want to. The two major life events that likely spur relocation are divorce or securing a new job. While the U.S. unemployment remains at a low rate, thousands of workers have been laid off and forced to find new jobs in the past year. Redfin’s report cited certain employers’ return-to-office policies as a major reason that one in 10 U.S. home sellers are relocating. Redfin’s report indicated that there is likely a divide in how each generation perceives the stress of home buying. While two-thirds of millennials and Gen Xers said it’s more stressful to buy a home than dating, baby boomers and Gen Zers perceived dating to be more stressful. Baby boomers, according to Redfin, recently overtook millennials as the largest homebuying generation. Mostly because they’ve spent years building home equity, making it easier to buy a home despite when mortgage rates are high. Sixty-seven percent of Baby Boomers said divorce is more stressful than homebuying, compared with 61% of millennials and 48% of Gen Z participants. To view the Redfin report in its entirety, click here.
- A new report shows employees want more than just salaries and job titles. They’re prioritizing their work wellbeing more than ever before. Indeed experts from job listing site Indeed compiled a list of the top 20 companies for work wellbeing in the U.S. Redmond-based Microsoft ranked No. 15 on the work wellbeing list. Experts say the list is not only based on how employees feel at work, but how they compare against competitors to help them attract, hire and retain talent. Also making the list of top companies for work wellbeing: H&R Block, Delta Airlines and Nike to name a few.
- Public safety and illegal public drug use are the top concerns among surveyed Seattle registered voters, according to the latest findings from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce survey: The Index. This is the fifth installment of the Chamber’s quality of life public opinion research project and the second installment this year. 88% of voters surveyed believe the city addressing violent crime and gun violence would have the most significant impact on improving quality of life in Seattle. 81% of respondents believe Seattle’s “hands-off” approach to public use of fentanyl and meth has contributed to street crime and hampered downtown Seattle’s recovery. Polling was conducted by EMC Research, which interviewed 700 Seattle voters across each council district from Sept. 14-24, according to the Chamber’s website. There is also optimism in the data despite the concerns, voters surveyed indicated they remain proud to be a Seattleite and remain optimistic about the city’s future.
- Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) President and CEO Tom Hurdelbrink was named the ninth recipient of the Shuttleworth MLS Executive of the Year Award for his “thoughtful, collaborative and visionary leadership style.” The Shuttleworth MLS Executive of the Year Award is an annual award from the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) that recognizes leaders who have exhibited the highest qualities of leadership within their organizations and demonstrated a dedication to excellence in building a better marketplace. Hurdelbrink has led NWMLS since 2008, and his leadership has had a significant impact on the MLS industry nationwide. His interest in technology solutions helped guide NWMLS to launch both one of the nation’s first systemwide electronic signatures programs, followed by a robust transaction management platform, and the data management company for MLSs called MLS Grid. Northwest MLS’s ongoing revisions have continuously influenced MLSs, associations, and brokers across the country to implement similar modifications. Under Hurdelbrink’s leadership, NWMLS has seen significant transformation and growth, including the expansion of its membership and service area. He and his team have been instrumental in the adoption of significant rules and forms changes that have led to greater transparency, flexibility, and options for NWMLS brokers and their clients. He has also served and participated in various real estate boards and groups including the MRED Board of Directors, COVE MLS Group, Real Estate Standards Organization, Washington Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives. Hurdelbrink will retire at the end of 2023, with current NWMLS General Counsel Justin Haag succeeding him as President and CEO in January 2024. Hurdelbrink says he is “honored” to receive recognition from CMLS and credits his organization with the success of the Northwest MLS model.
- The U.S. South has turned into a hotbed of new-home construction over the past several years. However, as reported in Seattle Agent Magazine, several other cities around the country, including Seattle, are making significant strides in addressing housing shortages with new construction. MoveBuddha analyzed new construction data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine the cities with the most new construction relative to population. Most of the top cities are in the southern part of the country with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ranking at No. 1 with approximately 10,688 new homes per every 100,000 residents. Seattle ranked No. 20, with approximately 733 new homes per 100,000 residents.
- The Washington State Department of Health is urging people to donate blood as blood banks across the state face critical shortages, according to the Seattle Times. Local and regional blood banks are particularly low on platelets and types O and Rh negative blood, the department said Wednesday. Donations dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to DOH, and blood banks are still feeling the effects as many regular donors are giving blood less often. Rising rates of influenza, the common cold and other respiratory diseases are also keeping people from donating. With fewer donations, blood banks may not be able to meet the need for blood and blood products (such as plasma) during a large emergency or natural disaster, DOH said. Trauma patients, transplant recipients and those undergoing cancer treatment also depend on blood banks. To learn more about donating blood, including eligibility requirements, and to make an appointment, visit Northwest Blood Coalition members’ websites: vitalant.org, crbs.net, bloodworksnw.org and redcross.org/local/washington.