NEWS & INSIGHTS
What’s Happening
Industry News
Built Green Conference 2021
Recognizing houses have become more than homes – “they are now offices, schools, gyms, and emotional shelter” — organizers of this year’s Built Green conference say the event will delve into how existing buildings can be retrofitted to bring them into a future while leaving no one behind. This year’s [..]
Industry News
Desire for homeownership continues trending upward
Americans have a growing desire to become homeowners, according to the latest Housing Trends Report, a research product created by economists at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Researchers reported 17% of American adults are considering a home purchase within a year. That seasonally-adjusted share for the 2nd quarter [..]
Industry News
Bellwether Housing adding 182-unit affordable housing project
Bellwether Housing broke ground on Flourish on Rainier, its latest affordable housing project, in mid-July. With an anticipated opening in summer 2023, it will encompass 182 family-centered homes, many with 3 or 4 bedrooms. It is not yet leasing. At the groundbreaking, Lisa Hawkins, a construction project manager at Bellwether, [..]
Monthly Market Update
Home buyers are finding some relief, but Northwest MLS brokers say it is temporary
KIRKLAND, Washington (August 5, 2021) – Competition for homes eased slightly in July across much of Washington state, but brokers from Northwest Multiple Listing Service expect the respite to be short-lived, with inventory still tight and prices still climbing. “Although the local market is intense, buyers can find some relief [..]
Industry News
News In Brief
A federal judge has upheld renter protections passed by the Seattle City Council in 2017, finding they are a reasonable approach for reducing housing discrimination. The protections, enshrined in the Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, prohibit most landlords from inquiring about the criminal history of renters or prospective renters. The city [..]
Industry News
Former SKCR staffer launches new venture
Val (Towler) Taylor, who worked at Seattle King County REALTORS™ for 12+ years before relocating to North Carolina, has taught herself various art mediums over the years. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she concentrated on learning to draw with watercolors and soft pastels. SKCR’s former director of membership and communications turned [..]
Industry News
Coalition documents gaps between renter wages and cost of rental housing
In no state, metropolitan area, or county can a full-time minimum-wage worker afford a modest two-bedroom rental home. Even a modest one-bedroom apartment is beyond the means of these workers in 93% of U.S. counties, according to Out of Reach 2021: The High Cost of Housing report. Researchers ranked Washington [..]
Industry News
SKCR Events Calendar
Date Event Time Where Phone August 12 Affiliate Council 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Zoom 425-974-1011 August 17 – 18 SKCR Planning All Day SKCR 425-974-1011 August 18 Affiliate Food Drive 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. SKCR 425-974-1011 For updates visit: www.nwrealtor.com and look under “Events”
Industry News
Oregon bans “love letters” in real estate transactions
Oregon lawmakers put the kibash on the use of “love letters” for real estate transactions, making the Beaver State the first in the nation to ban them. House hunters who hope to have their purchase offer favored by sellers can no longer include communications that convey their love of the [..]
Monthly Market Update
Market offers hope for homebuyers, but Northwest MLS brokers say it may be temporary
KIRKLAND, Washington (July 7, 2021) – Homebuyers may find some good news in the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). The number of active listings at the end of June, 6,358, reached the highest level since November when buyers could choose from 6,505 properties. The volume of new [..]