Washington Real Estate Resources | Mason County Shelton WA Homes Richard Beckman Realty Group LLC

April 6, 2007

 

Housing Opportunities - HB 1727

Our priority legislation is being threatened by a profusion of amendments offered by other interests that have little to do with increasing housing opportunities.  Lobbyists continue to work with all the parties involved to protect the primary purpose of the bill, holding cities and counties accountable for ensuring enough land is available to build houses. 

 

REALTORS worked with Cascade Land Conservancy to incorporate a new section into the bill that allows Rural Villages - using transfer of development rights to create environmentally friendly housing developments in rural areas while protecting working forests and farmland.

 

Legislators have received over 500 calls by REALTORS.  We need to continue our pressure.  Members are urged to call their Senator and tell them to vote yes on HB 1727 when it comes up for a vote, adopting ONLY Sen. Fairley’s amendment.

 

Sen. Jim Hargrove                    360-786-7646

Sen. Tim Sheldon                     360-786-7668

 

Affordable Housing For All - HB 1359

In a surprise move, Ways and Mean chair Sen. Marguerite Prentice offered an amendment that stripped out REALTOR priorities.  Lobbyists are working on bringing them back in.  Expect to receive a Call to Action on this bill next week with appropriate detail and instruction for how our senators need to vote.

 

Seller’s Disclosure - SB 5895

This bill has passed the legislature and is on its way to the Governor.  Staff is working to draft new forms for Dept. of Licensing review and details for member education and outreach will be presented at the REALTOR Spring Business Conference, April 25-27 in

 

Tax Incentives for Multiple Unit Housing- HB 1910

REALTORS were able to work this bill to a form we now support.  Cities with populations over 15,000 can offer developers of multiple-unit housing an exemption of the increased property tax for 8 years or 10 years if they set aside 20% of the units for low income.  Fifty percent of all units must be available for sale.

 

Homeowner’s Bill of Rights - SB 5550

This remains the last of the legislation REALTORS are actively opposing.  The bill would mandate warrantees on new construction that threaten to make insurance for builders unaffordable or unavailable.  It is hopeful leadership opposition will prevent it from progressing.