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Category: Industry News
Industry News
Interest in newly-built homes is shrinking
Low inventory and rising costs are contributing to a steady decline in interest for new construction, according to the latest Housing Trends Report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). By the 4th quarter of 2020 (after the start of the pandemic) 42% of buyers were looking to purchase [..]
Industry News
Community reuse center notches notable numbers for 2021
The RE Store, a community reuse center that is part of RE Sources, posted some impressive numbers for its waste reduction efforts during 2021. The nonprofit organization operates a retail location in the Fountain District of Bellingham as well as an online store for curbside pick-up. Among last year’s accomplishments [..]
Industry News
Economist expects “rocky road” for homebuyers
Forecasts from some of the country’s largest real estate services firms predict a less frenzied housing market in 2022, with prices rising at a more moderate rate than during 2021. Buyers should expect a rocky road over the next few months, suggested Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. Data compiled [..]
Industry News
Responding to drought, Las Vegas bans grass for new homes
Building on existing restrictions for water use, the Southern Nevada Water Authority passed resolutions last month that ban grass for all new housing and commercial developments in the Las Vegas metro area. The not-for-profit water agency also approved a measure to ban evaporative cooling machines, also known as “swamp coolers.” [..]
Industry News
Amazon commits $21 million to kick-start housing by developers of color
Amazon is funding a $21 million program to help real estate developers of color advance their careers. The free, part-time professional development program is offered in partnership with social impact and economic justice groups to support developers and facilitate affordable housing projects in three metro areas, including the Puget Sound [..]
Industry News
Design firm touts “5 Ps” to address functionality, livability in pandemic era
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a national design firm developed a white paper centered on “Five Ps” that impact home design and the “work from home” era. On target designs that inspire positive feelings and moods, foster activity, and even motivate a sale, begin with a robust understanding of [..]
Industry News
Forterra-led coalition launches “Forest to Home” initiative to produce affordable housing using renewable materials
“Forest to Home,” an initiative of Forterra, got underway last month when construction started on the first homes being built with an engineered wood product known as cross-laminated timber (CLT). The milestone is part of Forterra’s goal to create “local, affordable housing built by local labor with resources from local [..]
Industry News
“Hi Neighbor” fund increases home buying power for Blacks
Eligible Black/African American homebuyers can borrow up to $12,000 to layer into a mortgage loan to use toward their home’s purchase cost. Dubbed the “Sam Smith ‘Hi Neighbor’ Homeownership Fund,” the deferred loan product is designed for first-time homebuyers. The new purchase assistance program is a private/public partnership between HomeSight, [..]