We have launched a new benefit for our South King Chapter members. Check out the “Current Members” tab at the top of the page. Every member in our chapter is listed so if you are looking for another agent, a title or escrow officer, an inspector or…… they are all there.
We have had great speakers this last quarter. Jason Watabe, John L Scott, Mercer Island, Elizabeth Davidson, CB Danforth Seattle and Jess Salazar, Benchmark Realty made up our International Panel in September. Washington State is enjoying an influx of people from many parts of the world but a high percentage is from the Asian coutries and Mexico. These speakers shared valuable insights into understanding and working with their cultures.
In October we had Don Holt and Michael Briggs, 2 tax experts from Auburn who shared tax tips some of us never knew! Did you know that CPA’s and Enrolled Agents are required to take more than 30 hours of continuing education EACH year?! Other tax preparers don’t have to do that. It can be worth it to get the right help with your taxes.
And in November we all hung on the edge of our seats listening to a New Construction Forecast from Sam Anderson, the EO of the Master Builders of King & Snohomish counties. Washington State Employment Security Department estimates that more than 70,000 construction industry jobs have been lost in Washington state since July 2007, the hardest hit employment sector in the state. This translates into $225 million in lost revenue to the state in B & O and retail sales taxes.
But there is room for optimism! Housing affordability is near a historic high. Home prices nationwide have returned to a healthy average of about 3 times household income compared to the unsustainable 5 times household income at the height of the boom. Mortgage rates are very attractive and expected to remain low for at least the next couple of years. New home sales are up, not just in Washington, but on a national basis. Washington is among the top 20% of states which is expected to be closer to normal by the end of 2013 as our economy and quality of life are very strong. This is good news for our industry!
WCR is a great place to find out what is happening in our industry. You can pick up information that you can use that day to help make your business more successful and profitable. The programs, speakers and events for 2012 are already in the planning stages. Come share the excitement!
