NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
  • Home
  • Calendar
  • Member Info
    • REALTOR Offices
    • Affiliate Offices
    • Board & Committee Chairs
    • Committee Information
    • Applications and Member Documents
  • EDUCATION
  • Government Affairs
  • Professional Standards
  • Contact

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

11/30/2015

 

NWMLS: Market Activity Reports

Latest Housing News, Press Release, Infographic & Reports. Stay up-to-date with the latest real estate market data and statistical trends:
  • Latest Press Release: "Northwest MLS brokers say August housing activity follows patterns of seasonal slowing"
  • Market Activity Snapshot Shareable Infographic
  • Market Report Video (4 minutes)
  • Statistical Reports: Log in to view or print reports 

WASHINGTON:CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2

NPSAR Government Affairs Director, Ron Wortham in corporation with Realtors Property Resource (RPR), provides an in-depth look at Congressional District 2.  This report shows statistics on Housing Stock, Monthly Housing Costs, Median Values and much more!  Follow the link to read the report including Talking Points  on how to increase housing inventory, build strong, resilient communities, and 1031 Exchange Myth-busting.  Read More At: gad_report.pdf

 HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR      WASHINGTON IN 2021

Picture
              Make Housing Available and Affordable
It’s time for the residents of Washington across the state to come together and address the numerous obstacles associated with buying and owning a home. For most Washingtonians, home ownership is out of reach because of sky-high prices and low inventory. Whether you live in a rural area or a busy metro neighborhood, opportunities for home ownership simply don’t meet the need.

Practical, proven policies are available now to address this issue. As a state, we simply need to come together and make it happen.
This involves:
  • Greater emphasis on planning for the housing we need
  • Ensuring urban densities for housing are provided near transit
  • Providing long-term funding for long-term planning
  • Erase Out-Dated Racial Covenants

    Read more at: myneighborwa.com

'Should We Say Good-Bye to Gas Heat?'

[Continued]
The legislation is silent about use of natural gas for cooking and clothes dryers. In an interview, Ramel said lawmakers want to transition those appliances to clean energy as well. However, the details may be worked out later between natural gas utilities and regulators at the state utilities commission.
During the well-attended virtual public hearing before the state House Environment and Energy Committee, Cascade Natural Gas, Puget Sound Energy and the utility trade group Northwest Gas Association raised objections.
"[This bill] would jeopardize energy reliability, drive up costs to customers and put gas industry employees across Washington out of work," said Alyn Spector, energy efficiency policy manager for Cascade Natural Gas. "This is not the time to eliminate good paying jobs."
Business lobbying groups, including the influential Association of Washington Business and the home builders' Building Industry Association of Washington, also voiced their opposition.
"As we saw this summer in California, we cannot take a healthy grid for granted and losses from even short-lived interruption of power supply can run into the billions," said Peter Godlewski with AWB. "Shifting consumers and businesses away from natural gas to electricity puts severe pressure on the electric grid as a time when we’re retiring more generating capacity than ever."
At this juncture it is hard to gauge the prospects for the gas heat phaseout proposal. Inslee, who made combating climate change a central plank of his brief run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, has the benefit of large, supportive Democratic majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. But the capacity of lawmakers to get much done beyond the basics of passing new state budgets and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic while conducting most business virtually remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, an assortment of West Coast cities are tackling carbon pollution from buildings independently. Around 40 climate-conscious California cities and counties have already passed laws or codes to require new buildings to be all-electric.
Later this week, the Seattle City Council begins consideration of an ordinance to ban the use of fossil fuels for heating in new commercial and large apartment buildings. The proposed policy change does not apply to single family homes and duplexes because the city's energy code that is open for amendment pertains only to commercial buildings. The effective date of January 1, 2022, is much sooner than the state legislature’s proposal in the same vein.
"In Seattle, 35 percent of carbon emissions are from the building sector and they are rising," Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment Director Jessica Finn Coven told state legislators in testimony Friday. "Constructing homes and buildings right the first time reduces the likelihood of costly retrofits in the future."
The Bellingham City Council has also teed up electrification of buildings as part of a broader climate action package. In an email, Bellingham City Council member Michael Lilliquist said the pandemic had slowed down the work, but it is proceeding. He said city staff were running all of the proposed climate measures through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process.
"We are not yet at the stage to offer specifics that can be incorporated into an ordinance or program," Lilliquist said.

Skagit County Agriculture Impact

How Skagit County's agriculture affects the economy, both locally and globally.
Read Washington State University Research & Extension Fact Sheet.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATES INFORMATION

11/30/2015

 
Several Associated Press articles have hit the media today regarding the Flood Insurance Premium rise. NAR has worked vigorously to back a bill slowing the increase in rates to 18% per year, rather than the proposed 100% accelerated increase originally proposed.
President Obama signed the bill into law to slow the increase to 18% per year on Friday, March 21st, 2014.

Please familiarize yourself with the following articles, and stay in front of what will undoubtedly be a topic that your buyers will want your expertise on.

Nationally: Flood Insurance Hikes Still a Peril
Statewide: Flood insurance premiums set to rise in Washington
NAR: President Obama Signs Flood Insurance Bill Into Law

Any questions, please contact me at: rlwortham@gmail.com or 360-661-1500
Ron Wortham
Government Affairs Director
North Puget Sound Assoc. of REALTORS®

LOCAL LAND USE & WATER ISSUES

11/30/2015

 
Rural Water Supply for Enough Water to End Home Building Moratorium
Washington REALTORS® reached out to local associations for their areas' possible inclusion in SB 6312. In its final version, Sen. Mary Margaret Haughen's (10th District) legislation narrowly applied to 3 basins in rural Skagit County. With a building moratorium in one basin already, this bill would ensure homes could be built by providing a limited amount of water for residential use and funding to the Department of Ecology for mitigation purposes. REALTOR® efforts were critical in reaching agreement with nearly all stakeholders. While the bill did not pass in the regular session, it may remain alive in the special session.
Even private small exempt wells could be impacted by the Dungeness Water Basin ruling. Washington REALTOR® water rights expert Bill Clarke explains during this radio interview which aired on KNOP Radio in Port Angeles.

FLOOD INSURANCE CHANGES AS OF OCT 1, 2013

11/30/2015

 

BREAKING NEWS

•Flood premiums across the board will increase an average of 10% for policies written or renewed on or after October 1, 2013.  Many policyholders could see an increase in premium of up to 25%.
 
 •The federal policy fee for Preferred Risk Policies (PRP's) will increase from $20 to $22; and from $40 to $44 on Standard policies.
 
 •New Business or lapsed pre-FIRM policies in Special Flood Hazard Areas and Zone D will no longer be extended premium rate subsidy and will be subject to full-risk rating.  These properties will require an Elevation Certificate including photos in order to determine full-risk rating using the current FIRM.
 
 •Introduction of Reserve Fund:  A reserve fund fee of 5% of the premium will be applied to all policies with the exception of Preferred Risk Policies (PRP's).

Read More

Fact or Fiction?

11/30/2015

 
Federal health care legislation imposes a 3.8% tax on homes sales!
By: WA Realtor Association
FICTION! An article is still circulating that mischaracterizes and overstates what is actually in the recently passed legislation. Here are the facts.
There is a new 3.8% Medicare tax for "High Income Filers" that goes into effect January 1, 2013. The tax is on unearned income and will apply ONLY to single filers with more than $200,000 of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and joint filers with more than AGI of $250,000. Unearned income includes interest, dividends, capital gains and net rents. Keeping in mind the income limitations above, real estate income that will be affected for high-income filers includes:
  • Sale of a primary residence: If the gain from the sale of the property is below $250,000 (individual)/ $500,000 (couple) NO tax will have to be paid on the gain. The new Medicare tax would only apply to any gain realized over the $250K/$500K existing primary home exclusion that will bring the filers AGI over the $200K/$250K limits.
  • Second Home/Investment property: The additional 3.8% tax will apply to the portion of the gain realized on the sale of a second home or investment property that will bring the filers AGI over the $200K/$250K limit.
  • Rental Income: The portion of net rental income that exceeds the $200K/$250K AGI limits will be subject to the new 3.8% tax.
<<Previous
    Get Involved
    Picture
    Take Action

    Donate to RPAC

    Our Key Goals

    1. To inform and educate our members about public policy issues at the local, state, and national level which affect the real estate industry.

    2. To represent our members and the housing industry with government decision makers by demonstrating the vital role that home ownership plays in the continued health and prosperity of our communities.

    3. To provide prompt and reliable service to our members and the public by acting as an expert resource on policies affecting property rights, housing and real estate.


517 E. Fairhaven Ave - Burlington, WA 98233
Mission Statement: The North Puget Sound Association of Realtors advocates for Realtors and their clients,
and promotes the protection of property rights.

Copyright 2015 North Puget Sound Association of Realtors All Rights Reserved


  • Home
  • Calendar
  • Member Info
    • REALTOR Offices
    • Affiliate Offices
    • Board & Committee Chairs
    • Committee Information
    • Applications and Member Documents
  • EDUCATION
  • Government Affairs
  • Professional Standards
  • Contact

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

11/30/2015

 

NWMLS: Market Activity Reports

Latest Housing News, Press Release, Infographic & Reports. Stay up-to-date with the latest real estate market data and statistical trends:
  • Latest Press Release: "Northwest MLS brokers say August housing activity follows patterns of seasonal slowing"
  • Market Activity Snapshot Shareable Infographic
  • Market Report Video (4 minutes)
  • Statistical Reports: Log in to view or print reports 

WASHINGTON:CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2

NPSAR Government Affairs Director, Ron Wortham in corporation with Realtors Property Resource (RPR), provides an in-depth look at Congressional District 2.  This report shows statistics on Housing Stock, Monthly Housing Costs, Median Values and much more!  Follow the link to read the report including Talking Points  on how to increase housing inventory, build strong, resilient communities, and 1031 Exchange Myth-busting.  Read More At: gad_report.pdf

 HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR      WASHINGTON IN 2021

Picture
              Make Housing Available and Affordable
It’s time for the residents of Washington across the state to come together and address the numerous obstacles associated with buying and owning a home. For most Washingtonians, home ownership is out of reach because of sky-high prices and low inventory. Whether you live in a rural area or a busy metro neighborhood, opportunities for home ownership simply don’t meet the need.

Practical, proven policies are available now to address this issue. As a state, we simply need to come together and make it happen.
This involves:
  • Greater emphasis on planning for the housing we need
  • Ensuring urban densities for housing are provided near transit
  • Providing long-term funding for long-term planning
  • Erase Out-Dated Racial Covenants

    Read more at: myneighborwa.com

'Should We Say Good-Bye to Gas Heat?'

[Continued]
The legislation is silent about use of natural gas for cooking and clothes dryers. In an interview, Ramel said lawmakers want to transition those appliances to clean energy as well. However, the details may be worked out later between natural gas utilities and regulators at the state utilities commission.
During the well-attended virtual public hearing before the state House Environment and Energy Committee, Cascade Natural Gas, Puget Sound Energy and the utility trade group Northwest Gas Association raised objections.
"[This bill] would jeopardize energy reliability, drive up costs to customers and put gas industry employees across Washington out of work," said Alyn Spector, energy efficiency policy manager for Cascade Natural Gas. "This is not the time to eliminate good paying jobs."
Business lobbying groups, including the influential Association of Washington Business and the home builders' Building Industry Association of Washington, also voiced their opposition.
"As we saw this summer in California, we cannot take a healthy grid for granted and losses from even short-lived interruption of power supply can run into the billions," said Peter Godlewski with AWB. "Shifting consumers and businesses away from natural gas to electricity puts severe pressure on the electric grid as a time when we’re retiring more generating capacity than ever."
At this juncture it is hard to gauge the prospects for the gas heat phaseout proposal. Inslee, who made combating climate change a central plank of his brief run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, has the benefit of large, supportive Democratic majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. But the capacity of lawmakers to get much done beyond the basics of passing new state budgets and dealing with the coronavirus pandemic while conducting most business virtually remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, an assortment of West Coast cities are tackling carbon pollution from buildings independently. Around 40 climate-conscious California cities and counties have already passed laws or codes to require new buildings to be all-electric.
Later this week, the Seattle City Council begins consideration of an ordinance to ban the use of fossil fuels for heating in new commercial and large apartment buildings. The proposed policy change does not apply to single family homes and duplexes because the city's energy code that is open for amendment pertains only to commercial buildings. The effective date of January 1, 2022, is much sooner than the state legislature’s proposal in the same vein.
"In Seattle, 35 percent of carbon emissions are from the building sector and they are rising," Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment Director Jessica Finn Coven told state legislators in testimony Friday. "Constructing homes and buildings right the first time reduces the likelihood of costly retrofits in the future."
The Bellingham City Council has also teed up electrification of buildings as part of a broader climate action package. In an email, Bellingham City Council member Michael Lilliquist said the pandemic had slowed down the work, but it is proceeding. He said city staff were running all of the proposed climate measures through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process.
"We are not yet at the stage to offer specifics that can be incorporated into an ordinance or program," Lilliquist said.

Skagit County Agriculture Impact

How Skagit County's agriculture affects the economy, both locally and globally.
Read Washington State University Research & Extension Fact Sheet.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATES INFORMATION

11/30/2015

 
Several Associated Press articles have hit the media today regarding the Flood Insurance Premium rise. NAR has worked vigorously to back a bill slowing the increase in rates to 18% per year, rather than the proposed 100% accelerated increase originally proposed.
President Obama signed the bill into law to slow the increase to 18% per year on Friday, March 21st, 2014.

Please familiarize yourself with the following articles, and stay in front of what will undoubtedly be a topic that your buyers will want your expertise on.

Nationally: Flood Insurance Hikes Still a Peril
Statewide: Flood insurance premiums set to rise in Washington
NAR: President Obama Signs Flood Insurance Bill Into Law

Any questions, please contact me at: rlwortham@gmail.com or 360-661-1500
Ron Wortham
Government Affairs Director
North Puget Sound Assoc. of REALTORS®

LOCAL LAND USE & WATER ISSUES

11/30/2015

 
Rural Water Supply for Enough Water to End Home Building Moratorium
Washington REALTORS® reached out to local associations for their areas' possible inclusion in SB 6312. In its final version, Sen. Mary Margaret Haughen's (10th District) legislation narrowly applied to 3 basins in rural Skagit County. With a building moratorium in one basin already, this bill would ensure homes could be built by providing a limited amount of water for residential use and funding to the Department of Ecology for mitigation purposes. REALTOR® efforts were critical in reaching agreement with nearly all stakeholders. While the bill did not pass in the regular session, it may remain alive in the special session.
Even private small exempt wells could be impacted by the Dungeness Water Basin ruling. Washington REALTOR® water rights expert Bill Clarke explains during this radio interview which aired on KNOP Radio in Port Angeles.

FLOOD INSURANCE CHANGES AS OF OCT 1, 2013

11/30/2015

 

BREAKING NEWS

•Flood premiums across the board will increase an average of 10% for policies written or renewed on or after October 1, 2013.  Many policyholders could see an increase in premium of up to 25%.
 
 •The federal policy fee for Preferred Risk Policies (PRP's) will increase from $20 to $22; and from $40 to $44 on Standard policies.
 
 •New Business or lapsed pre-FIRM policies in Special Flood Hazard Areas and Zone D will no longer be extended premium rate subsidy and will be subject to full-risk rating.  These properties will require an Elevation Certificate including photos in order to determine full-risk rating using the current FIRM.
 
 •Introduction of Reserve Fund:  A reserve fund fee of 5% of the premium will be applied to all policies with the exception of Preferred Risk Policies (PRP's).

Read More

Fact or Fiction?

11/30/2015

 
Federal health care legislation imposes a 3.8% tax on homes sales!
By: WA Realtor Association
FICTION! An article is still circulating that mischaracterizes and overstates what is actually in the recently passed legislation. Here are the facts.
There is a new 3.8% Medicare tax for "High Income Filers" that goes into effect January 1, 2013. The tax is on unearned income and will apply ONLY to single filers with more than $200,000 of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and joint filers with more than AGI of $250,000. Unearned income includes interest, dividends, capital gains and net rents. Keeping in mind the income limitations above, real estate income that will be affected for high-income filers includes:
  • Sale of a primary residence: If the gain from the sale of the property is below $250,000 (individual)/ $500,000 (couple) NO tax will have to be paid on the gain. The new Medicare tax would only apply to any gain realized over the $250K/$500K existing primary home exclusion that will bring the filers AGI over the $200K/$250K limits.
  • Second Home/Investment property: The additional 3.8% tax will apply to the portion of the gain realized on the sale of a second home or investment property that will bring the filers AGI over the $200K/$250K limit.
  • Rental Income: The portion of net rental income that exceeds the $200K/$250K AGI limits will be subject to the new 3.8% tax.
<<Previous
    Get Involved
    Picture
    Take Action

    Donate to RPAC

    Our Key Goals

    1. To inform and educate our members about public policy issues at the local, state, and national level which affect the real estate industry.

    2. To represent our members and the housing industry with government decision makers by demonstrating the vital role that home ownership plays in the continued health and prosperity of our communities.

    3. To provide prompt and reliable service to our members and the public by acting as an expert resource on policies affecting property rights, housing and real estate.