Category Archives: Buyers

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Ensuring Public Availability of Residential Listings

I’m so glad that Washington Realtors® is standing up for what is best for buyers and sellers!

“As an organization, Washington REALTORS® is committed to advocating for you – our members – and your clients. We are the leading advocates for homeownership, with a long-standing record of representing the interests of homebuyers, sellers, and property owners throughout the state through our legislative advocacy efforts. Our top public policy priority has consistently been to build communities that have a strong economy and attractive, affordable home choices.

Each legislative session, our government affairs team and legislative steering committee watch for proposed legislation that could impact REALTORS®, our clients, or the industry in our state. While there’s a lot to cover in this short session, there’s one key bill that we anticipate dropping next week that you will see a lot about in the coming weeks – a bill intended to promote equal access to housing by ensuring public availability of residential listings.”

In this video update, WR President Ryan Beckett and Annie Fitzsimmons walk through this bill and why Washington REALTORS® decided to support it: https://vimeo.com/1152370938/f0bd7de906

FAQs: https://www.warealtor.org/advocacy-legal/government-affairs/legislation/2026-legislative-session/ensuring-public-listings

Stay tuned for updates, as WR Legislative Day is January 29, and we’ll be meeting with our Legislators from across the state in Olympia to advocate for this bill, as well as others.

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Where Mortgage Payments Are Cheaper Than Rent

Over the past five years, housing prices and rents have surged, making it difficult to save for a down payment. However, in 119 out of 215 metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are lower than rent, mainly in the Midwest and South.

Explore the data collected by the National Association of Realtors.

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Buying Raw Land? Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Break Ground


Unlike a standard home purchase, land deals come with hidden complexities—zoning restrictions, utility costs, financing hurdles, and environmental red tape. One overlooked step can turn a “great deal” into an expensive mistake.

Read more…

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5 Hidden Deck Dangers to Watch For


Decks are a selling point in real estate. But decks can take a pounding during an active summer. Since this tends to happen mostly beneath the boards, homeowners may overlook the warning signs until it’s too late and becomes costly damage.

Beware of these common issues when assessing an outdoor deck…

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Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time: How Bridge Loans Can Help


One of the biggest stressors for home buyers and sellers is the prospect of being financially responsible for two homes. To avoid that possibility, many buyers make their offer contingent on the sale of their existing home. But contingencies can weaken buyers’ chances of landing the home they want. So, some buyers lean on personal loans, piggyback loans or even their 401(k) savings.

Find out why more borrowers are temporarily tapping the equity in their current home to avoid making a contingency offer on their next home.

Read the details…

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What Percentage of Your Paycheck Should Go To Your Mortgage Payment?


The road to homeownership has been a challenge for many Americans—stubborn mortgage rates and inflation keep this dream out of reach for many. And for those who can afford a home, not ending up “house poor” is also key.

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The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective


Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.




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Buying a Home May Help Shield You from Inflation



It feels like everything is getting more expensive these days. That’s because inflation has remained higher than normal for longer than expected – and that’s impacting the costs of goods, services, and more. And with rising costs all around you, you’re probably questioning: is now really the right time to buy a home?

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Updated Forecast for 2025



Analysts are now anticipating just one rate cut in 2025, versus the two previously forecast. Some have even suggested that the Fed may not cut rates at all this year. This means that new homeowners and prospective buyers shouldn’t expect mortgage rate relief anytime soon. Also, with the lack of housing supply and demand expected to increase, housing prices are expected to continue to increase.





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Final Walk-Through Red Flags


Final walk-throughs can uncover problems that could delay closing. Most walk-throughs go smoothly, but it’s useful to know what to watch for and how to resolve issues quickly.

Read the details…