Gig Harbor extends its short-term rental moratorium
On September 12, 2022, the City Council extended the moratorium allowing the city to evaluate the drafted regulations for Gig Harbor against legal framework currently taking shape across the country. This action further extends a moratorium which began one year ago. The city currently does not have any code which directly applies to short-term rentals…
Sumner City Council relaxes rules on ADUs
At its August 15 meeting, Sumner City Council unanimously approved changes to the city code regarding accessory dwelling units. City code previously only allowed ADUs on lots of 12,000 square feet or more. The changes adopted lower that number to as low as 4,000 square feet if the ADU is attached to the main unit,…
Update on real estate class action lawsuits
Class action attorneys will soon begin to notify members of the class in the Sitzer/Burnett class action lawsuit in Missouri. Plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit are raising questions about how broker compensation is paid. Although the judge granted class certification in the case in April, the ruling was procedural and does not reflect on…
Bailey : 2022 TPCAR Mascot
Meet Bailey! TPCAR’s Chief Barketing Officer TPCAR is proud to introduce Bailey, our new Chief Barketing Officer. Bailey comes to TPCAR with 5 years of experience in sales and advertising layout, with a focus on real estate barketing. Bailey is results-driven, especially when it comes to getting treats and belly rubs. Bailey is a lifelong…
Call for Board Nominations
Show your commitment to the value of TPCAR membership and help to shape its future! You may nominate yourself or a committed TPCAR colleague. Nominating candidates for office is a valuable service to the association and your thoughtful participation in this process is greatly appreciated. Eligible candidates must be members in good standing of the…
TPCAR comments on Home In Tacoma – Phase 2
The Tacoma Pierce County Association of Realtors (TPCAR) believes home ownership needs and opportunities must be at the heart of Phase 2 of Home in Tacoma. Home ownership provides countless benefits to our communities, and to the homeowner as well. While public comment is reviewed, and the next phase of Home in Tacoma is shaped,…
Tacoma set to begin Phase 2 of Home in Tacoma Project
Home In Tacoma – Phase 2 Project Overview Home In Tacoma – Phase 2 will be a high-profile public process to implement the new policies through changes to residential zoning and standards, along with actions to promote affordability and ensure that housing supports multiple community goals. Because housing and neighborhoods are important to all of…
Tacoma-Pierce County REALTORS announce endorsement of Bethel Schools Levy Renewal
TACOMA, Washington (April 18, 2022) – Bethel School District’s 2022 Levy Renewal has earned and endorsement from the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS® (TPCAR). The proposals on the April 26 ballot seek to extend funding for an educational programs and operations levy, as well as a technology levy, for the district which serves more than…
NAR Study Shows Lack of Affordable Housing Biggest Obstacle to Home Buying
WASHINGTON (April 12, 2022) – The lack of affordable homes is the top obstacle holding back potential home buyers of all races, but other obstacles to homeownership varied by race/ethnicity according to a new report released today by the National Association of Realtors®. NAR partnered with Morning Consult for its latest study, 2022 Obstacles to Home…
Realtors Property Resource
Realtors Property Resource (RPR) is the nation’s largest property database, exclusively for REALTORS®. RPR is a one-stop-shop which puts public and MLS data, tools, and reports at your fingertips so you can respond to questions and requests instantly, and position yourself as an essential part of every transaction. Attached are three sample reports for the…
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…
Read MoreTacoma-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…
Read MoreNew 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…
Read MoreRSS 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…
Read MoreNAR 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…
Read MoreTPCAR 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.…
Read MorePRELIMINARY 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…
Read MoreBuyer 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…
Read MoreUpdate 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…
Read MoreIn 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…
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