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Industry News
News In Brief: October 2022
The New York Times reported that the Bank of America is offering mortgages for first-time homeowners that do not require down payments, minimum credit scores or closing costs in a program aiming to boost homeownership rates among first-time Black and Latino buyers. Under the trial program, which was announced last [..]
Industry News
New NWMLS website designed to enhance online experiences, productivity
When Northwest Multiple Listing Service unveils its redesigned website on September 13, users will find several new features, improved navigation, better functionality, and a mobile-friendly design. The launch culminates months of preparation and testing. It also reflects feedback from Northwest MLS membership, according to Tara Marino, the organization’s director of [..]
Industry News
Report concludes housing stock is in “dire need of investment” to meet demands
Some 4 million renter households have been priced out of homeownership in the past year due to rising home prices and mortgage interest rates. Eroding affordability was among findings in the latest State of the Nation’s Housing report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Authors of the 48-page report [..]
Industry News
Industry expert testifies for ways to alleviate housing crisis
Recent record-setting surges in home prices and rents have exacerbated longstanding housing affordability challenges, a housing studies leader told members of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means during testimony in mid-July. A comprehensive, substantial approach by public, private and nonprofit sectors is needed to alleviate the housing crisis, [..]
Industry News
Puget Sound region among markets with lowest vacancy rates
Only five major markets in the U.S. have a lower housing vacancy rate than the tri-county Puget Sound region according to Anytime Estimate, a real estate data company. For the area encompassing King, Pierce and Snohomish counties the vacancy rate for rental units and owned homes was 5.4%. Minneapolis has [..]
Industry News
Multifamily construction hits 50-year high
One in three renters would sacrifice space to achieve their dream of homeownership, according to research by RentCafé, which tracks the apartment market. In new research, the company reported multifamily construction during the past two years reached a 50-year high. RentCafé analysts said 420,000 new apartments are expected nationwide this [..]
Industry News
Seattle startup offers weekly neighborhood deals to simplify and streamline home maintenance tasks
Weekly deals on various home maintenance chores can be scheduled effortlessly with just a few clicks, according to a Seattle-based start-up whose co-founder and CEO is an experienced real estate professional. Ashley Hayes Michael (“UrbanAsh”) partnered with Patrick Opie, a tech consultant with a background in mathematics and physics, to [..]
Industry News
Annual conference to showcase how builders adapt to address climate change
Built Green’s 2022 conference draws on the experiences of builders and allied businesses that adapted during recent unpredictable events, including the pandemic, to address climate change. The daylong event on September 15 will be held at South Seattle College. The agenda features keynote speaker Chris Magwood, co-founder of Builders for [..]
Industry News
News In Brief: September 2022
According to the Seattle Times, about 40% of the 4.8 million registered voters in Washington participated in the Aug. 2 midterm primary election, with the highest turnouts recorded in the eastern and far west parts of the state. The turnout for these primary races for state legislative and U.S. House [..]