NEWS & INSIGHTS
What’s Happening
NWMLS In The News
Northwest MLS to unveil powerful mobile app
Monthly Market Update
Northwest MLS brokers report improving inventory and year-to-date gains in sales, prices
Home buyers around Washington state found the largest selection of listings last month since December. Both pending sales and closed sales reached their highest volume in months. Brokers at Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) welcomed the uptick in activity but say rising interest rates are crimping activity. Northwest MLS statistics [..]
Industry News
U.S. revises, expands tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements
Recently enacted tax credits for energy-saving building products are expected to boost the repair and remodeling business sector by $12 billion per year, or 2.5% on the industry’s $490 billion volume, according to an analysis by John Burns Research and Consulting. Researchers at Burns believe the potential boost could exceed [..]
Industry News
Pollsters find pessimistic views of housing market, but Americans still favor real estate as an investment
U.S. adults are more pessimistic about the housing market than during the 2007-2008 financial crisis and housing bubble. Results from a Gallup poll indicate only 21% of respondents – a new low — say it is a good time to buy a house. Last year, 30% believed it was a [..]
Industry News
Homeowners in four cities in Washington among most cost-burdened
More than one in four homeowners in the United States are spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs, making them “house poor,” according to a study by Chamber of Commerce. The 30% rule has been in use since 1981 when the government found that people who spend [..]
Industry News
Women’s Council of Realtors Seattle Metro
“Generational knowledge is power in this industry,” observed Georgia Stevens, a second-generation REALTOR® and moderator at last month’s program of the Women’s Council of Realtors® – Seattle Metro. The event featured a panel of mothers and daughters who shared their “trials, tribulations and successes.” Stevens quizzed each duo on their [..]
Industry News
State groups receive $3 million in HUD grants to boost homeownership
Nonprofits and self-help housing organizations that encourage homeownership opportunities for hard-working, low-income families and individuals will receive $12.5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of that amount, Community Frameworks programs in Washington state will receive $3.5 million. Community Frameworks expects to leverage its [..]
Industry News
Innovators of building products are boosting bottom lines
Innovations in air conditioning, plumbing, and walls and ceilings are among products manufacturers are bringing to market to boost revenues, according to the New Home Trends Institute team at John Burns Research and Consulting. Researchers attribute the innovations to recent regulations intended to promote the responsible use of natural resources, [..]
Industry News
Retired Seattle Storm Champion Sue Bird receives 2023 “First Citizen” Award
Retired Seattle Storm player Sue Bird received the 2023 Seattle King County First Citizen Award before more than 200 friends and fans at a civic banquet on May 18. Described as “the most decorated champion this city has ever seen,” the future Hall of Famer is the 85th recipient of [..]
Industry News
News In Brief: June 2023
The Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) has been renewed for another 10-year term. In a unanimous vote, Seattle City Council’s decision to renew will extend cleaning, safety, and hospitality services until 2033. MID is managed by the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) and funded by downtown businesses and property owners. One hundred [..]