Advocacy
Issues & Impacts Q3 2024
Issues & Impacts Q3 2024 Back to News Center October 30, 2024 Issues & Impacts is a quarterly publication produced by Seattle King County REALTORS® to inform members about current issues and successes within the Government Affairs Department. IN THIS ISSUE: Mayor Harrell Announces ADU Proposal “Rent-Back” Protection Following Closing Woodinville Landlord-Tenant Issues Schools and…
Read MoreMayor Harrell Announces Proposal to Boost Production of Accessory Dwelling Units for More Diverse Housing Opportunities
Mayor Harrell Announces Proposal to Boost Production of Accessory Dwelling Units for More Diverse Housing Opportunities Back to News Center October 29, 2024 In September, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a package of new legislation to streamline the permitting process and increase production of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Seattle, creating more diverse and affordable housing…
Read MoreProtection of Seller Opportunities to “Rent-Back” Following Closing
Protection of Seller Opportunities to “Rent-Back” Following Closing Back to News Center October 29, 2024 In 2023, REALTORS® won an important victory when the legislature exempted short-term seller rent-back agreements from the coverage of the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA). However, a trial court eviscerated the exemption in Federal Way where voters approved eviction protections…
Read MoreWoodinville Landlord-Tenant Issues
Woodinville Landlord-Tenant Issues Back to News Center October 29, 2024 The City of Woodinville is exploring whether to add a set of tenant protections similar to Kenmore, Redmond, and Shoreline. Action is expected by the end of the year. SKCR’s goal is to seek a balance balanced approach to landlord tenant regulation that does not…
Read MoreSchools and Public Safety
Schools and Public Safety Back to News Center October 29, 2024 REALTORS® know “strong schools” and “public safety” are two of the most important factors homebuyers consider when looking for a home in a neighborhood they can afford. Our primary focus remains fixed on “housing supply” and “affordability” because that’s where REALTORS® can provide unique…
Read MoreAccessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) & Middle Housing
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) & Middle Housing Back to News Center October 29, 2024 Seattle King County REALTORS® is working throughout the region to encourage cities to adopt flexible and bold comprehensive plan policies to not just accommodate, but encourage ADUs and middle housing in their cities, in compliance with HB 1110 and HB 1337.…
Read MoreKittitas County Homeowners’ Insurance
Kittitas County Homeowners’ Insurance Back to News Center October 29, 2024 Kittitas REALTORS® identified an emerging issue involving lack of access to homeowner insurance for (a) homeowners needing to renew their coverage, (b) buyers purchasing a property, and (c) properties previously insured under homeowner insurance policies that have expired or been canceled. Increasingly, wildfire-related losses…
Read MoreSeattle Affordable Housing
Seattle Affordable Housing Back to News Center October 29, 2024 In 2023, Seattle voters approved a nearly $1 billion renewal of the Seattle Housing Levy. Accordingly, this year marks an all-time high, $340 million, in spending on income-qualified/subsidized housing for households earning 80% and below area median income. While SKCR’s focus is on increasing market-rate…
Read MoreInventory
Inventory Back to News Center October 29, 2024 All 39 cities in King County are continuing their work to meet the Legislature’s December 31 deadline for each city to update its 20-year comprehensive plan, including new requirements to accommodate middle housing and more ADUs. In addition, cities must meet a June 30, 2025, deadline to…
Read MoreOn-site Sewer (Septic) Systems
On-site Sewer (Septic) Systems Back to News Center October 29, 2024 The Board of Health’s Stakeholder Expert Technical Team is in the process of recommending changes to the regulations governing on-site sewer (septic) systems in King County. The revisions, which are required by April 2025, will likely be adopted before the end of this year…
Read More