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Category: Industry News
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
Northwest MLS fall meetings update members on diverse topics
Amid pandemic-related uncertainties and ever-changing mandates, Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) stayed focused not only on its core services, but also on some strategic initiatives, reported CEO Tom Hurdelbrink during last month’s meetings for member-brokers. The meetings, held virtually, also included updates on the latest membership survey, MLS services and [..]
Industry News
Potential buyers cite bidding wars as top obstacle
Getting outbid is the top reason serious house-hunters say is why they can’t buy a home. Nevertheless, about half these long-time searchers intend to keep looking for the “right” home in the same location. Those conclusions were among findings in the 3rd quarter Housing Trends Report from the National Association of [..]
Industry News
Rising prices appear to be discouraging prospective buyers
Fewer prospective buyers tried to buy a home during the third quarter of 2021 compared to the previous quarter. The decrease reversed six quarters of steady gains, according to the Housing Trends Report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The share of would-be buyers trying to find a [..]
Industry News
40% of pet owners say caring for furry friends is as costly as kids
Six of every 10 pet owners (61%) admitted having a pet is costlier than they anticipated, but an even larger number (74%) say cost doesn’t matter so long as they have a healthy, happy, safe fur baby. Those were among findings from a recent survey of 2,000 dog and cat [..]