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Category: Industry News
Industry News
94 communities in Washington earn “Tree City USA” designations
Nearly half of Washington’s residents (48.25%) live in one of the state’s 94 “Tree City USA” communities, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Collectively, these communities planted 46,517 trees, and spent, on average, $10.31 per capita for urban forestry management during 2019 (the most recent reporting period). Mountlake Terrace became [..]
Industry News
Resources abound for statewide info, help on COVID-19
More than 5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered throughout Washington, with nearly 29% of residents now being fully vaccinated. Even so, public health officials urge continued mask wearing (especially in crowded places), social distancing, and frequent handwashing. With vaccine supplies more plentiful statewide and eligibility open to everyone [..]
Industry News
REALTORS-led legislation addresses racial discrimination in housing
A bill championed by Washington REALTORS® and approved nearly unanimously by legislators will help property owners purge unlawful racial covenants and deed restrictions from their property records. In addition to amending RCW 64.06.020 and 49.60.227, the recently approved bill, HB 1335, adds a new section to chapter 49.60. It reads, [..]
Industry News
Green Home Tour offers free, inspirational showcase of projects
Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s annual green home tour is underway. This year’s event will showcase more than 20 homes and projects “in all shades of light to deep green.” The interactive virtual tours are scheduled for three Saturdays: May 1, 8, and 15. Different homes and projects will be featured from [..]
Industry News
Washington among states with strong employment in home building
Washington is among 15 states with the highest share of residential construction workers, according to NAHB Economics, an arm of the National Association of Home Builders. Using data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), researchers estimate 4.4 million people work in residential construction. That accounts for 2.8% of [..]
Industry News
Homebuilder acquires large parcel in Woodinville
Thirty-two acres in Woodinville where one home, a barn, and an arena are currently situated, will be redeveloped by homebuilder D.R. Horton. The parcel, which is near 132nd Ave NE and NE 143rd Place, sold for $19 million. Public records indicate plans for 87 townhomes and seven single family homes. [..]
Industry News
Builders use various strategies to cope with volatile lumber prices
Builders have been beset with unstable lumber prices. In fact, rising prices and the availability of building materials ranked as the top challenge builders expect to face this year, according to the April 2021 survey for the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. In its monthly survey – which the National [..]
Industry News
Washington repeats as Best State
Washington finished first in this year’s Best States rankings by U.S. News & World Report, retaining its top spot from 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the media company postponed publishing new rankings during 2020 to focus its editorial coverage more directly on that public health issue. The “Best States” [..]
Industry News
Raise your own veggies with a low-cost DIY raised garden bed
Whether you are an accomplished gardener or an aspiring one, you may want to check out the step-by-step guide to creating your own raised garden beds from pallets. The DIY plans are available from the RE Store, a non-profit program in Bellingham that diverts reusable material from landfills. If you [..]
Industry News
REALTORS® present 82nd First Citizen Award to “community treasure” Tomio Moriguchi and Family
Tomio Moriguchi and Family were honored as the 82nd recipients of the prestigious Seattle-King County First Citizen Award during a virtual ceremony last month. The event committee had hoped to honor “Tomio & Family” at a civic banquet — a traditional part of the recognition — during 2020 when they [..]