NEWS & INSIGHTS
What’s Happening
Industry News
News In Brief: April 2022
The median home sales price in the United States rose 7 percent over the four-week period ending March 13, marking the largest month-over-month surge since Redfin began tracking the statistic in 2017. The median sales price was up 17 percent year over year to a record high $376,350 and up [..]
Industry News
Champion for families experiencing homelessness named 2022 First Citizen
Few can deny homelessness is a worsening problem, but one organization serving Seattle and King County is making remarkable progress in achieving its goal of “No Child Sleeps Outside.” From modest beginnings in 1999 as a drop-in day center for women experiencing homelessness, Mary’s Place has grown to five 24×7 [..]
Industry News
Action plans being implemented to combat appraisal bias
Various studies and anecdotes show appraisers tend to undervalue homes in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. That devaluation amounts to about $156 billion in lost equity, according to one well-known educator, journalist, and scholar. In his book, Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Black Cities, Andre Perry, [..]
Industry News
Builders reveal what buyers really want
Double sinks and walk-in pantries topped the list of most popular features first-time homebuyers want, according to research by the National Association of Home Builders. Using a four-tiered scale (see box) NAHB asked hopeful homeowners to rate 200 home features, including 30 in the kitchen. The 2021 version of What [..]
Industry News
California lawmakers considering bill to convert golf courses into housing
Legislators in California are considering a bill that would provide incentives to golf courses who want to convert their property into affordable housing. Upon clearing the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee, Assembly Bill 1910 was sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. According to an analysis of the [..]
Industry News
Issues & Impacts: April 2022
Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by the SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within your Governmental Affairs Department. SEATTLE KingCounty REALTORS® (SKCR) is ensuring that public policies support homeownership and your business’s bottom line. View the full publication
Industry News
Real Change committee files initiative to form social housing in Seattle
“Social housing,” a concept popular in Europe, is being proposed for Seattle by House Our Neighbors (HON), a political committee of Real Change. The group filed an initiative late last month to create a Seattle Social Housing Developer. In announcing the initiative, HON said signature gathering would “begin soon.” It [..]
Industry News
Earth Day marks 42nd anniversary with return of in-person events
Stewardship Partners will be observing the 42nd annual Earth Day with month-long, “in the field” events. The volunteer opportunities include multiple riparian restoration events focusing on salmon habit restoration on the Snoqualmie River in Carnation and Duvall. Also returning this year is The Great Global Cleanup being organized by Earthday.org. [..]
Monthly Market Update
Rising interest rates not yet slowing home sales or “too concerning” for NWMLS officials
Rising mortgage rates are not yet slowing home sales in most areas across Washington state, according to several brokers who commented on the latest statistical report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.