How will this economy affect the local housing market compared to the Great Recession?
BY JENNIFER HAWKINS, TPCAR Board Director Question: What are the similarities and differences between the potential recession we’re facing and what happened in 2008 in regard to housing? I would like to start off by saying recession does not equal housing crash. In fact the 2008-2009 recession is the only recession that created a housing…
How is a Home Warranty Different from Homeowners Insurance?
How is a Home Warranty Different from Homeowners Insurance? Homeowners insurance and home warranties are both designed to help safeguard your home, but they each offer different types of protection. A home warranty is an excellent supplement to a homeowners insurance policy, and a homeowner should consider purchasing both. What is homeowners insurance? Homeowners insurance covers…
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…
Pierce Transit Proposition 1 – TPCAR suggests a vote of YES
TPCAR supports a YES vote on Pierce Transit Proposition 1 because a growing Pierce County will require continued investment in the infrastructure that connects people to jobs, housing, services, and economic opportunity. Proposition 1 would provide additional funding to expand transit service, including greater frequency, longer operating hours, additional routes, and improved regional connections. These…
Read MoreTacoma’s Proposed 2027–2028 Budget: What Real Estate Brokers and Agents Need to Know
The City of Tacoma is currently faced with a $40 million budget deficit. To help close this gap, officials are now proposing a restructure of the city’s business licensing fee system, aiming to generate an extra $6.2 million in revenue. Because of the unique ways the city calculates gross income for licensing, these changes directly…
Read MoreTacoma Is Considering New Tree Regulations: What REALTORS® Should Know
The City of Tacoma is working on a major update to its tree and landscape regulations and the final rules could affect homeowners, buyers, developers, and properties throughout the city. No final ordinance has been adopted and the City is still developing draft regulations and taking public input with its next public hearing scheduled for…
Read MoreTPCAR Announces Endorsements for the 2026 Primary Election
Ballots for Washington’s 2026 Primary Election will be mailed beginning July 17 and must be returned by Tuesday, August 4. As REALTORS®, we have an important opportunity to support candidates and policies that understand the connection between housing, economic opportunity, and strong communities. The Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS® is pleased to announce its endorsements…
Read MoreA Major REALTOR® Advocacy Win: How the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Could Expand Homeownership Opportunity
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act took effect Saturday, July 11th, advancing one of the most significant bipartisan federal housing packages in nearly two decades. For REALTORS®, this legislation matters because it addresses the problem at the center of today’s affordability crisis: there are not enough homes available for the people who want to buy them. The…
Read MoreRent Cap Reminder for 2027
The maximum annual rent increase percentage is calculated using the June 12-month percent change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, all items, for the Seattle area as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is expected to be released in mid-July. Landlords issuing rent increase notices on or after June 1,…
Read MoreSound Transit Reaffirms Commitment to Tacoma Dome Link Extension
Sound Transit recently approved an updated delivery plan for its ST3 expansion program, providing greater clarity on the future of light rail service in Pierce County. While the agency is faced with significant funding challenges across the regional system, the Tacoma Dome 2035 Link Extension remains a committed project and continues to move forward as…
Read More2026 Election Season Underway: Candidate Filing, Local Races, and TPCAR’s Advocacy Process
Election season is officially underway in Washington State, with candidate filing week running from May 4 – May 8, 2026. Candidates must file by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8 in order to appear on the ballot for this year’s Primary and General Elections. This year’s election cycle includes several important races throughout Pierce County and across Washington…
Read More2026 Washington Legislative Session Update
Housing and Policy Changes Impacting REALTORS® and Property Owners The 2026 Washington Legislative Session has been another busy year for housing policy. Over 600 bills were introduced, with roughly 140 housing or real estate issues included. Major themes included increasing housing supply, expanding zoning flexibility, tenant protections, and new tax policies.Several bills passed focusing on…
Read MoreWashington Senate Bill 6346: What REALTORS® Need to Know
This week, Washington lawmakers introduced companion bills, SB 6346 and HB 2724, that would create a new state tax commonly described as a “millionaires’ tax.” The bills would impose a 9.9% tax on Washington taxable income beginning January 1, 2028. Both bills are written to include a $1,000,000 standard deduction (combined $1,000,000 for spouses/domestic partners), meaning that the tax would be paid upon any income…
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