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 Hill Day, TPCAR has continued to hold personal meetings with legislators from each district in Pierce County to reinforce the importance of Realtor® issues this session. Top issues for the industry this year are tied to housing supply, seller disclosure, and “love letters.”

HB 1951 seeks to remove the "don't know" check mark from the seller disclosure form, making all sellers answer either yes or no to every question on the form and make them liable for those answers- even if they do not have actual knowledge about a question. The REALTORS® are strongly opposing this bill and ask all members to respond to our Call to Action today to send a pre-written message to your Representative.

Addressing housing supply, HB 1298 (SB 5221) would allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) outside urban growth areas (UGAs), subject to size limitations and other requirements. Detached ADUs are a cost-effective solution to housing supply and should not be allowed only in urban areas. REALTORS® also support SB 5670 (HB 1782) to give developers additional building options like duplexes and triplexes in areas close to transit.

Thank you to all TPCAR members for your participation in Hill Day and your response to REALTOR® Call to Action alerts. The combined efforts of local REALTOR® Associations and their members are critical for the success of our members and their clients.