Track Office Agent Rosters in 3 Simple Steps For all TPCAR Designated Brokers, Managing Brokers, and / or Office Staff assigned primary user access, you’re able to verify that your current Office Agent roster is accurate and complete in these three easy steps. Log on to your TPCAR InfoHub account by going to www.tpcar.org and…
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Pauses Septic Stress Testing Requirement
After several conversations and additional feedback provided by Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has made the decision to pause implementation of the septic stress test requirements which were originally effective as of July 15, 2024. This means that, for the time being, a stress test will not be required when…
New septic system stress testing requirements begin July 15
RSS Repair, Replacement, and Testing Guide Starting July 15, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will require stress tests of drainfields for property sales inspections of gravity and pump to gravity systems. This document outlines the requirements and policies for repairing or replacing septic tanks, including details with regards to testing procedures, repairs, and replacements of…
RSS Repair, Replacement, and Testing Guide
Starting in July, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will require stress tests of drainfields for property sales inspections of gravity and pump to gravity systems. This document outlines the requirements and policies for repairing or replacing septic tanks, including details with regards to testing procedures, repairs, and replacements of defective tanks. Requirements for Repairing Septic…
NAR advocacy nets win for VA buyers
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation until the agency deems it necessary to engage in a formal rulemaking process, a VA official said Tuesday at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference in New York. Although not an official announcement, the comments from…
TPCAR advocacy nets positive response from Pierce County Council
TPCAR member response to Call to Action regarding short-term rentals and rural zoning nets success At yesterday’s Pierce County Council meeting, Resolution R2024-158s, drafted to include provisions which would have restricted short-term rentals (STR) and removed bonus density provisions for rural lands within the urban growth area (UGA), was amended after successful lobbying by TPCAR.…
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT GRANTED
This past weekend, the Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Sitzer v. Burnett class action lawsuit filed a Motion for Preliminary Approval of the proposed NAR settlement agreement with the federal court in the Western District of Missouri. Today, Judge Bough granted that motion which means that, as of today, the settlement agreement is preliminarily approved. Settlement…
Buyer Financing and Commission Financing After the Settlement
The below information was shared by NAR in The Hub. We strongly encourage all members to create your Hub account to track updates and information provided by NAR. The recently announced settlement raised several questions regarding access to mortgages and the ability to finance agent commissions. In short, under the settlement, buyers still have the same…
Update Regarding NAR Proposed Settlement in Class-Action Lawsuit
Following up on NAR’s March 15 announcement of a proposed settlement to end the Sitzer/Burnett class-action lawsuit, Washington REALTORS® has released a video update breaking down the three aspects of the proposed settlement and what their impacts are likely to be for real estate practitioners in Washington State. At a fundamental level, the proposed rules…
In the Mood for a Little Spring Cleaning?
In the mood for a little spring cleaning? Whether you hire a house cleaning service or you prefer DIY, you know why a good “Spring Cleaning” is so important. Spring is when we come out from the dark shroud of winter into the light and enjoy the blossoming trees and flowers. Spring is the season…
1031 Exchangers Can Help Their Kids Buy a House
As house prices and mortgage rates rise, young couples struggle with down payments and loan qualifications. 1031 parents who have business or investment real estate can help them purchase a principal residence while still receiving all the advantages of being a real estate investor and completing a 1031 exchange. The investor-parents (the exchangers) can exchange…
Read MoreNAR Focuses on Fair Housing During Black History Month
As NAR recognizes Black History Month, we honor the legacy of great black leaders by carrying on their fight to eliminate housing discrimination, expand homeownership, and reduce wealth inequality. While the long-lasting impact of historical discrimination would make closing the homeownership gap in America challenging enough, fallout from the pandemic is likely to exacerbate that…
Read MoreUpdate on HB 1951
Thank you all for your response to the Washington REALTORS® Call to Action on HB 1951. Across the State, WR Members sent Legislators over 8,000 emails asking them to not pass HB 1951! While the Consumer Protection and Business Committee made significant changes to the bill at the REALTORS ® request, including removal of the…
Read More2022 Hill Day Recap
On January 20, TPCAR joined with other local REALTORS® around the state for the Washington REALTORS® Hill Day. This year’s event was, again, held virtually and offered the opportunity to learn more from our keynote speaker, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, about housing issues and other policies being considered by the legislature. In the time following…
Read MoreSafeShowings App Now Available
Introducing SafeShowings! SafeShowings Keeps Real Estate Professionals Safe! The number of crimes and murders committed against real estate professionals continues to increase every year. This is why all real estate professionals must put their safety first! Watch the video below for information on how to use your NEWEST member benefit to deter criminal behavior against Real Estate…
Read More5 Tips to Kick Off 2022
We are only 11 days into 2022, and between holidays, weather, and closures, it has been quite a year already! Aegis Land Group Title Company has compiled 5 Tips to Kick off 2022! Check them out to ensure a successful New Year! Shift your attitude Attitude controls everything. Start your day deliberately with the…
Read MoreTPCAR Meeting with Rep. Kilmer Spotlights Homebuyer Issues
TPCAR Meeting with Rep. Kilmer Spotlights Homebuyer Issues On Wednesday, December 22, US Rep. Derek Kilmer met with TPCAR members, led by incoming Government Affairs Chair and FPC to Rep. Kilmer, Elaine Hilton, to share more about his current projects in Congress, Federal legislation currently being worked on which could impact housing, and to hear…
Read MoreHome In Tacoma Passes, Ensuring More Affordable Housing
On Tuesday evening, Tacoma City Council voted 7 – 2 in favor of Phase 1 of the City’s “Home in Tacoma” plan. Home In Tacoma aims to achieve a shared vision of all Tacomans having an opportunity for home ownership in a thriving, diverse, and growing city. Home in Tacoma creates a new vision for…
Read MoreChanges to Insurance Regulations May Delay Closings
At Cross Insurance Agency we believe in “Insurance with no surprises.” With that in mind, we felt it was essential to reach out to our partners and friends in the Mortgage and Real Estate industry with an update on some recent changes in the insurance marketplace in Washington state that may impact you and your…
Read More10 Dos and Donts for New Homebuyers with Septic Systems
Inspect your system annually. Routine maintenance allows you to catch issues before they become emergencies. Pump your tank every 3-5 years or as frequent as your service provider suggests, based on technology and system usage. Spread out your laundry loads over the course of the week. Excessive water discharge into the septic system is known…
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