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Category: Industry News
Industry News
Seattle ranks high in three categories, but below-average on the environment
Seattle ranks among the top 10 large cities based on AARP’s recently redesigned Livability Index with a score of 60, placing it 8th on the list. The Emerald City notched strong performances in the transportation, neighborhood, and health categories, but was below the national average on its environment score. AARP [..]
Industry News
Affordable Housing Week: May 8 – 14 All in for Housing
Affordable Housing Week will be observed May 8-14 when the Housing Development Consortium hosts a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists who will discuss homelessness and affordable housing in King County. Now in its seventh year, this year’s event is focused on the theme “All in for Housing.” It will [..]
Industry News
Canada inposes 2-year ban on foreign homebuyers
Foreign buyers cannot buy homes in Canada for two years due to a government ban designed to cool the country’s overheated market. Average prices soared more than 50% during the past two years, to more than $868,400 (in Canadian dollars), according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. Along with blocking [..]
Industry News
Priced-out trend is real
The priced-out phenomenon is real, explained internationally acclaimed economist and syndicated columnist Elliot Eisenberg, in a recent blog. Dr. Eisenberg compared the median price of a house and interest rates in March 2021 and March 2022. In March 2021, the median price was $326,350 and the interest rate on a [..]
Industry News
Improving housing inventory, rising costs may bring some “normalcy” to Western Washington market
KIRKLAND, Washington (May 5, 2022) – Rising interest rates and inflation, coupled with slight improvement in inventory, may bring some normalcy to Western Washington’s frenzied housing market suggest some brokers with Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Read the Full Press Release Other resources: Market Report Video Statistical Reports (Members Only)
Industry News
Action plans being implemented to combat appraisal bias
Various studies and anecdotes show appraisers tend to undervalue homes in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. That devaluation amounts to about $156 billion in lost equity, according to one well-known educator, journalist, and scholar. In his book, Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities, Andre Perry, [..]
Industry News
Builders reveal what buyers really want
Double sinks and walk-in pantries topped the list of most popular features first-time homebuyers want, according to research by the National Association of Home Builders. Using a four-tiered scale (see box) NAHB asked hopeful homeowners to rate 200 home features, including 30 in the kitchen. The 2021 version of What [..]
Industry News
California lawmakers considering bill to convert golf courses into housing
Legislators in California are considering a bill that would provide incentives to golf courses who want to convert their property into affordable housing. Upon clearing the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, Assembly Bill 1910 was sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. According to an analysis of the [..]
Industry News
Earth Day marks 42nd anniversary with return of in-person events
Stewardship Partners will be observing the 42nd annual Earth Day with month-long, “in the field” events. The volunteer opportunities include multiple riparian restoration events focusing on salmon habit restoration on the Snoqualmie River in Carnation and Duvall. Also returning this year is The Great Global Cleanup being organized by Earthday.org. [..]
Industry News
Issues & Impacts: April 2022
Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by the SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within your Governmental Affairs Department. SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® (SKCR) is ensuring that public policies support homeownership and your business’s bottom line. View the full publication