NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
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Real Estate Price Gains to Continue

11/30/2015

 
A group of more than 20 leading economic and housing experts, including National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, participated in a consensus economic and real estate forecast that projects GDP growth of 3.5% and an annual unemployment rate of 6.2% in 2021. Housing prices are expected to climb 8% next year and 5.5% in 2022, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates of 3.0% and 3.25% for 2021 and 2022, respectively. The group said remote work will continue to be a factor in real estate markets but that the share of Americans working from home will decline post-pandemic, from 21% this year to 18% in 2021 and 12% in 2022. 
In conjunction with the forecast, NAR identified 10 markets that have shown resilience during this pandemic period and are expected to perform well in the next two years. In alphabetical order, the markets are:
  • Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Ga.
  • Boise City, Idaho
  • Charleston-North Charleston, S.C.
  • Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
  • Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Ind.
  • Madison, Wis.
  • Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Ariz.
  • Provo-Orem, Utah
  • Spokane-Spokane Valley, Wash.
NAR released the consensus forecast and top 10 markets report today as part of the association’s virtual Real Estate Forecast Summit. Watch for in-depth coverage of the event tomorrow at REALTOR® Magazine Live.

NPSAR REALTOR® Party Endorsements

Recently, members of the Government Affairs Committee along with other association members, held interviews with our legislative Candidates for the upcoming 2020 elections.  We interviewed 8 candidates for 4 separate races representing Skagit, Island County and District 10.  Washington Realtors provided all associations with a comprehensive list of questions to ask each candidate.  Questions were based on issues surrounding housing opportunities, land use, taxes, and other real estate industry topics of concern.  Additionally, candidates were given an opportunity to share their top legislative priorities along with any updates surrounding their current campaign.
 
As members of “The REALTOR® Party” we speak with one voice to advance candidates and public policies that build strong communities and promote a vibrant business environment.”
We thank all members of our association for entrusting this incredible opportunity to endorse future leadership that may best represent our industry and the communities we serve.
 
Ron Muzzall – State Senator – D-10
Ron Muzzall’s family has resided on Whidbey Island for over 100 years.  Currently he and his family run a successful business on the island.  Mr. Muzzall spent 15 years on the board of Skagit Farmer’s Supply and has served on the board of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and Land O’Lakes Cooperative.  Ron believes in responsible government and sensible spending of taxpayer money.  He currently serves in Olympia on the Ways & Means committee, Health & Long-Term Care and State Government, and the Tribal Relations and Elections Committee.
 
Greg Gilday – State Representative – D-10, Position 1
Greg Gilday is an Attorney, Realtor and President of a local title and escrow company.  His legislative priorities include and emphasis on smaller government, more control at the local level and lower taxes.
As an active member of the Realtor community, Mr. Gilday understands that many of the key factors that drive up the cost of housing include over regulations, redundancies, and not enough incentives to build.  These factors impede the growth of more housing that could meet the “missing middle” need such as triplexes and duplexes.  He believes that when local jurisdictions have more options towards way to increase housing supply then those jurisdictions will be empowered to do what is best for their communities based on their needs.
 
Bill Bruch – State Representative D-10, Position 2
Bill Bruch has a strong background in the real estate industry as a project and property manager. His legislative priorities include the support of governance at the local level.  He believes that local governments should feel empowered to make their own decisions as it relates to what will work towards providing more housing in their communities.  He would like to see state and local governments look towards viable solutions to streamline the permitting process and allow local jurisdictions an easier path towards building out of urban areas, if needed, to provide more growth. 
 
Ron Wesen – Skagit County Commissioner D-1
Ron Wesen is a 4th generation Skagitonian, running his organic century old family dairy farm.  He promotes sensible spending of public dollars.  Mr. Wesen’s priorities include providing a safe, attractive and affordable community, and the support of development in Skagit county that provides affordable options for new homes and business while maintaining the community heritage and natural beauty within the area.
Peter Browning – Skagit County Commissioner D-2
Peter Browning’s top legislative priorities include thoughtful growth as it relates to conserving the Skagit farmland while looking towards living wage housing options that might include more urban village opportunities.  He pointed towards urban villages as one way to reform the states GMA and increase land and housing supply in the county.
 
Damien Greene- Island County Commissioner, D-1
Damien Greene is a lifetime resident of Island County, spent the past decade serving on the South Whidbey School Board and currently an Engineer with BNSF Railway.  His legislative priorities include strategic growth management to improve quality of life in the county while limiting cost burdens to Island County taxpayers.
 
Dan Evans – Island County Commissioner D-2
Dan Evans is a strong supporter of NAS Whidbey and understands that economic growth throughout the county is vital for the future.  One of his top legislative priorities include housing availability, recognizing that this is an issue that must be addressed at the local level of government.  He believes that more emphasis should be placed on educating the public on not only the difficulties in increasing the housing supply in the county, but how the opposition to more housing impacts those individuals who might be of lower income, renters or potential first-time homeowners.
 
Andrew Miller – Skagit PUD, D-1 
Andrew Miller is a Realtor, military veteran, and current business owner/farmer in Skagit County.  Central to Andrew’s goals for continued growth and prosperity in the county include housing and water supply.  Andrew recognizes the importance of PUD working with the county to provide adequate water resources for further housing and economic development along with the need for further high-speed internet development to encourage business and community growth.
 
All endorsed candidates understand the importance in maintaining a strong relationship with our state and local association as stakeholders in our communities.  They oppose rent control, establishing a tax on income from Capital Gains, increased B&O tax, further REET authority being granted to local government, along with opposition towards a state income tax and mileage tax.  Additionally, they oppose ordinances or other imposed costs such as requiring the removal of gas appliances or wood stoves that would complicate real estate transactions or impose other similar “point of sale” mandates to buyers or sellers.

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.


525 E College Way # J  |  Mount Vernon, WA 98273 | (360) 416-4902
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

Real Estate Price Gains to Continue

11/30/2015

 
A group of more than 20 leading economic and housing experts, including National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, participated in a consensus economic and real estate forecast that projects GDP growth of 3.5% and an annual unemployment rate of 6.2% in 2021. Housing prices are expected to climb 8% next year and 5.5% in 2022, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates of 3.0% and 3.25% for 2021 and 2022, respectively. The group said remote work will continue to be a factor in real estate markets but that the share of Americans working from home will decline post-pandemic, from 21% this year to 18% in 2021 and 12% in 2022. 
In conjunction with the forecast, NAR identified 10 markets that have shown resilience during this pandemic period and are expected to perform well in the next two years. In alphabetical order, the markets are:
  • Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Ga.
  • Boise City, Idaho
  • Charleston-North Charleston, S.C.
  • Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
  • Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa
  • Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Ind.
  • Madison, Wis.
  • Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Ariz.
  • Provo-Orem, Utah
  • Spokane-Spokane Valley, Wash.
NAR released the consensus forecast and top 10 markets report today as part of the association’s virtual Real Estate Forecast Summit. Watch for in-depth coverage of the event tomorrow at REALTOR® Magazine Live.

NPSAR REALTOR® Party Endorsements

Recently, members of the Government Affairs Committee along with other association members, held interviews with our legislative Candidates for the upcoming 2020 elections.  We interviewed 8 candidates for 4 separate races representing Skagit, Island County and District 10.  Washington Realtors provided all associations with a comprehensive list of questions to ask each candidate.  Questions were based on issues surrounding housing opportunities, land use, taxes, and other real estate industry topics of concern.  Additionally, candidates were given an opportunity to share their top legislative priorities along with any updates surrounding their current campaign.
 
As members of “The REALTOR® Party” we speak with one voice to advance candidates and public policies that build strong communities and promote a vibrant business environment.”
We thank all members of our association for entrusting this incredible opportunity to endorse future leadership that may best represent our industry and the communities we serve.
 
Ron Muzzall – State Senator – D-10
Ron Muzzall’s family has resided on Whidbey Island for over 100 years.  Currently he and his family run a successful business on the island.  Mr. Muzzall spent 15 years on the board of Skagit Farmer’s Supply and has served on the board of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and Land O’Lakes Cooperative.  Ron believes in responsible government and sensible spending of taxpayer money.  He currently serves in Olympia on the Ways & Means committee, Health & Long-Term Care and State Government, and the Tribal Relations and Elections Committee.
 
Greg Gilday – State Representative – D-10, Position 1
Greg Gilday is an Attorney, Realtor and President of a local title and escrow company.  His legislative priorities include and emphasis on smaller government, more control at the local level and lower taxes.
As an active member of the Realtor community, Mr. Gilday understands that many of the key factors that drive up the cost of housing include over regulations, redundancies, and not enough incentives to build.  These factors impede the growth of more housing that could meet the “missing middle” need such as triplexes and duplexes.  He believes that when local jurisdictions have more options towards way to increase housing supply then those jurisdictions will be empowered to do what is best for their communities based on their needs.
 
Bill Bruch – State Representative D-10, Position 2
Bill Bruch has a strong background in the real estate industry as a project and property manager. His legislative priorities include the support of governance at the local level.  He believes that local governments should feel empowered to make their own decisions as it relates to what will work towards providing more housing in their communities.  He would like to see state and local governments look towards viable solutions to streamline the permitting process and allow local jurisdictions an easier path towards building out of urban areas, if needed, to provide more growth. 
 
Ron Wesen – Skagit County Commissioner D-1
Ron Wesen is a 4th generation Skagitonian, running his organic century old family dairy farm.  He promotes sensible spending of public dollars.  Mr. Wesen’s priorities include providing a safe, attractive and affordable community, and the support of development in Skagit county that provides affordable options for new homes and business while maintaining the community heritage and natural beauty within the area.
Peter Browning – Skagit County Commissioner D-2
Peter Browning’s top legislative priorities include thoughtful growth as it relates to conserving the Skagit farmland while looking towards living wage housing options that might include more urban village opportunities.  He pointed towards urban villages as one way to reform the states GMA and increase land and housing supply in the county.
 
Damien Greene- Island County Commissioner, D-1
Damien Greene is a lifetime resident of Island County, spent the past decade serving on the South Whidbey School Board and currently an Engineer with BNSF Railway.  His legislative priorities include strategic growth management to improve quality of life in the county while limiting cost burdens to Island County taxpayers.
 
Dan Evans – Island County Commissioner D-2
Dan Evans is a strong supporter of NAS Whidbey and understands that economic growth throughout the county is vital for the future.  One of his top legislative priorities include housing availability, recognizing that this is an issue that must be addressed at the local level of government.  He believes that more emphasis should be placed on educating the public on not only the difficulties in increasing the housing supply in the county, but how the opposition to more housing impacts those individuals who might be of lower income, renters or potential first-time homeowners.
 
Andrew Miller – Skagit PUD, D-1 
Andrew Miller is a Realtor, military veteran, and current business owner/farmer in Skagit County.  Central to Andrew’s goals for continued growth and prosperity in the county include housing and water supply.  Andrew recognizes the importance of PUD working with the county to provide adequate water resources for further housing and economic development along with the need for further high-speed internet development to encourage business and community growth.
 
All endorsed candidates understand the importance in maintaining a strong relationship with our state and local association as stakeholders in our communities.  They oppose rent control, establishing a tax on income from Capital Gains, increased B&O tax, further REET authority being granted to local government, along with opposition towards a state income tax and mileage tax.  Additionally, they oppose ordinances or other imposed costs such as requiring the removal of gas appliances or wood stoves that would complicate real estate transactions or impose other similar “point of sale” mandates to buyers or sellers.

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.