NEWS & INSIGHTS
What’s Happening
Industry News
REALTORS® publish 41st edition of research profiling buyers and sellers
First-time buyers made up only 26% of buyers in the 2022 profile of home buyers and sellers report from the National Association of REALTORS®. That marks the lowest share since the data collection reports began in 1981 and was down from the 2021 figure of 34%. The 2022 report reflected [..]
Industry News
Governor’s budget priorities include housing
Gov. Jay Inslee’s budget proposal for 2023-25 includes a referendum that would allow legislators to front-load $4 billion of housing construction over the next six years. The fast-track construction plan recognizes the need to create more than 1 million housing units “for households of all incomes” by 2044. According to [..]
Industry News
PSBJ lists 23 real estate stories to watch in 2023
Of 23 “real estate stories to watch in 2023,” compiled by the Puget Sound Business Journal, about half the items on the list would add housing. The projects are scattered around the Puget Sound region. One of the most ambitious undertakings is Lakepointe Urban Village (formerly Hawk Property Subarea) where [..]
Industry News
Census survey shows most new homes have 3 bedrooms, but lot size is shrinking
Half the new single-family homes built in the Pacific division of the U.S. had 4 bedrooms, according to the Census Bureau’s latest Survey of Construction. This division, which includes Washington, Oregon, and California, ranks only behind the Middle Atlantic Census division (52.5%), the West South Central division (51.5%) and the [..]
Industry News
Unplugging electricity wasting devices can yield energy, money savings
Typical American homes pay about 10% of their electrical bill for “standby power” – electricity used by devices that are switched off or not performing their primary functions. The founder and author of an independent personal finance site recommends using an energy monitor to assess consumption for various devices and [..]
Industry News
Seattle’s 2023 Home & Garden Show returns for nine-day run starting February 25
Hundreds of exhibits, including a showcase of tiny homes, plus dozens of informative seminars will be featured at the 2023 Seattle Home & Garden Show. The event runs from February 25 through March 5 at the Lumen Field Event Center. Builders and remodelers will be joined by exhibitors of the [..]
Industry News
News In Brief
Americans will have two more years to obtain a Real ID driver’s license or identification card, the Department of Homeland Security recently announced and reported by the Seattle Times. U.S. air travelers will be required to present the Real ID credential to board a domestic flight beginning May 7, 2025. [..]
Monthly Market Update
For Northwest MLS brokers, December ends with a “whimper,” and 2022 was “a tale of two housing markets”
Last year was a tale of two housing markets, suggested broker Dean Rebhuhn in commenting on the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
Monthly Market Update
Despite seasonal slowdown, Northwest MLS brokers report pent-up demand for housing
November statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service surprised few brokers.