Great News for the Real Estate Industry in WA

On Saturday, March 28th, in cooperation with Washington Realtors, Governor Inslee agreed to certain modifications to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order for the real estate industry.  Due to the fact that the vast majority of real estate brokers are abiding by the Order, several of the original restrictions on in-person activities have been revised – provided that strict protocols for social distancing are implemented.

The protocols that must be followed for the permitted in-person activities include:

  • In-person activities must be by appointment only
  • No more than two people, including the broker, may be at the property at any one time
  • Those two persons must strictly follow social distancing guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) by remaining at least six feet apart at all times.

The revisions to the Order are limited to allow the following in-person activities, provided the above protocols are followed:

  • Previews and showings of listings by appointment only
  • Listing presentations, photography, and creating virtual tours for new listings [Note: professional photographers are not considered “essential,” thus all photos must be taken by the broker or seller]
  • Inspections for pending transactions
  • Appraisals for pending transactions
  • Buyer “walk-throughs” for pending transactions prior to closing
  • Providing keys to buyers at closing

The Order strictly prohibits all other real estate brokerage services that are not conducted remotely from the broker’s home. Also, please note that staging and moving services are not considered essential and also remain prohibited by the Order.

Source: NWMLS 3/28/20

WA State Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order

Effective midnight on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, real estate brokers in the state of Washington are limited to providing services to their clients remotely from their homes using technology for a minimum of 2 weeks. You may read the document NWMLS created that provides details of how we’re effected. If you’re planning to buy or sell real estate soon, please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to explain what we may do to help you prepare to be ready when the order is lifted.

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6201 117th St Ct E, Puyallup, WA 98373

$409,900

4 bedrooms; 2.5 bathrooms; 2484 square feet

You’ll love this large, private, wooded corner lot. Enjoy entertaining on the spacious partially covered patio & in the fully-fenced yard w/multiple flower beds & gates. Well maintained w/newer roof, windows & serviced furnace/heat pump. Separate living/possible ADU downstairs w/private entrance, sink, range & space for frig. This home also features a tall carport ideal for an RV, as well as accessibility features. Bright w/many windows & skylights. Master w/double closets, deck & laundry shoot.

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Sold 4/20/20 for $430,000

28708 181st Ave SE, Kent, WA 98042

$439,950

3 bedrooms; 2.25 bathrooms; 1770 square feet

Live amongst mature trees in desirable Winterwood Estates! You’ll love your large, private lot with plenty of parking. Brand new carpet and gas water heater. Newer windows, deck and interior paint. Very light and bright with many windows, vaulted ceilings and skylights. Large and open living and dining rooms. Large master bedroom with double closets. Lots of storage with extra space in the garage and extra closets. Gas furnace and AC. Enjoy 2 neighborhood parks with play equipment, basketball court and horse arena. A must see!

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Sold 4/6/20

Washington REALTORS® 2020 Legislative Day Recap

Almost 500 REALTORS® and Affiliates showed up for the WR Legislative Day event on January 22-23rd in Olympia. The sheer number of REALTORS® who came from all over our state to represent members and property owners is a statement to our Legislators in itself!

REALTORS® met with Legislators throughout the afternoon to discuss Washington REALTOR® priorities, including the following:

  • EXPAND LOCAL HOUSING SUPPLY EFFORTS Last session, the Legislature passed HB 1923 that incentivized cities to adopt regulations and plans to increase housing supply and affordability. This bill was part of REALTORS® Unlock the Door housing supply campaign, and now over 50 cities are implementing the law. In 2020, will expand this program by extending the deadlines for local governments, including additional types of housing ordinances, and increase the number of cities that are eligible to participate. A range of aggressive and sustained action on housing supply is needed from addressing homelessness and low-income affordability, to stopping the alarming trend of decreased of homeownership.
  • EXTEND MULTI-FAMILY TAX EXEMPTION The state’s Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) has been successful in helping create thousands of new units of privately-owned affordable housing. This program has been central to urban redevelopment and housing supply efforts in both small and large cities. These bills extend the authorization for the MFTE and provide additional flexibility so the use of the MFTE can be tailored to meet the variety of needs at the local level.
  • PROTECT REALTORS® INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR & AGENCY LAW PROVISIONS Recently, the Legislature passed bills clarifying independent contractor status for real estate brokers and reaffirmed the state’s real estate agency laws; to include the statutory duties of brokers and dual agency requirements. Despite this, conflicting employment legislation has been proposed that would negatively impact the real estate industry by altering the status of real estate brokers as independent contractors and real estate agency laws. The unique structure of the real estate industry should be acknowledged and protected in future employment legislation.

8420 204th St Ct E, Spanaway, WA 98387

$379,999

4 bedrooms + den; 2.5 bathrooms; 2204 square feet

Absolutely Stunning! All of the updates & beautiful custom touches make this home truly one of a kind! Fresh paint & stylish throughout w/ crown molding & new floors. Gorgeous new kitchen w/ 1st class stainless apps & elegant marble floor. Luxurious master bath w/ custom counter, shower & floor. This unforgettable home offers a variety of entertaining options, including a large patio w/ gazebo that stays, a fully fenced large lot & RV parking. It also features a new roof & water heater, and A/C.

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Sold 2/28/20 for $385,000

1827 187th St Ct E, Spanaway, WA 98387

$294,900

3 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms; 1214 square feet

You’ll love this bright craftsman rambler w/ open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, fresh paint throughout the interior and all new blinds! Enjoy beverages on the covered front porch, BBQs on the back patio & entertaining in the fully-fenced (w/2 gates) level backyard that’s near a green area. Master bedroom features full bath & walk-in closet. You’ll appreciate the gated community w/ playground, basketball, picnic & relaxing area.

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Sold 12/24/19

A Possible New Way to Fund Roads in Washington State

Washington has been exploring a potential gas tax replacement to fund our roads and bridges. Conducted by the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC), the test-driving phase of the Washington Road Usage Charge (WA RUC) Pilot Project ended in January 2019. Approximately 2,000 drivers participated in the year-long WA RUC Pilot Project, reported their mileage, and provided feedback to help state decision-makers understand if this potential policy could work for Washington drivers.

Did you know that the current gas tax of 49.4 cents per gallon is used to fund the state’s roads and bridges? As cars become increasingly more fuel efficient and as more electric vehicles are on the road, gas tax revenue used to support our roads and bridges will decrease more each year. To ensure stable, long-term funding, we need to change the way we pay for our roads.

A road usage charge (RUC) system is a per-mile charge drivers would pay based on how many miles you drive, not how much gas you consume. This approach is similar to how people pay for their utilities, including electricity or water. The WA RUC Pilot Project tested a mock 2.4-cent-per-mile road usage charge for light-weight, non-commercial vehicles including gasoline-fueled, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Read more and watch a short informative video at WaRoadUsageCharge.org

1846 N Baltimore St, Tacoma, WA 98406

$359,950

3 bedrooms; 1.75 bathrooms; 1532 square feet

You’ll love this light and bright rambler with completely open floor plan, vaulted ceilings and skylights! The large kitchen with lots of cabinets and counters is conveniently located off the utility room and garage. You’ll appreciate the utility sink and all appliances that stay, including a freezer. The large master suite features a large walk-in closet and double sinks. Enjoy the fully-fenced yard with fruit trees, sidewalks, large covered patio and boat/trailer parking. Though exterior paint is needed, the home has a new water heater and some newer windows.

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Sold 1/10/20

6102-6104 85th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

$409,900

Duplex: 4 bedrooms; 3.5 bathrooms; 2888 square feet

Awesome Investment Opportunity! Well maintained duplex with spacious 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath units. Newer roof, garage doors w/ openers, and appliances. Updated windows & insulation. Well maintained synthetic stucco, brick chimneys & sprinklers. Tenants appreciate the large master bedrooms w/ double closets, living rooms w/ wood fireplaces, utility rooms w/ sink & cabinets, extra deep & wide garages, and large fully-fenced professionally maintained yards. Both long term tenants are month-to-month.

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Sold 9/13/19