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…
Proposed Property Tax Changes Could Deepen Housing Affordability Crisis in Tacoma and Across Washington
As Washington state lawmakers weigh new revenue sources to balance the state budget, proposed changes to the state’s property tax cap are raising alarms among housing advocates—including the Washington REALTORS®, who recently commissioned an analysis to better understand the potential impacts on homeowners. The proposals under consideration would remove the long-standing 1% cap on annual…
Read MoreRent Control Advances in Washington: What HB 1217 Could Mean for Housing Providers
On Thursday, April 10th, the State Senate passed an amended version of HB 1217 which would implement rent control in Washington State. Due to changes made from the House version which was approved in March, the bill must move back to the House of Representatives for a vote of concurrence to be enacted into law.…
Read MoreWashington Rent Control Bill Moves to Senate with Key Amendments
One of the most hotly debated issues this legislative session has involved ESHB 1217 which would enact rent control regulations across Washington State. This bill passed out of the House of Representatives on Monday, March 10th by a vote of 53 – 42. While the bill did move out of the House, several amendments were made…
Read More2025 Legislative Days Event Recap
On January 29 – 30th, nearly 50 TPCAR members joined with 600 REALTOR® members from across the State to gather at the Capitol in Olympia and lobby REALTOR® and housing consumer issues with legislators from every district in the state. The event offered attendees an opportunity to hear from the Washington REALTORS® (WR) lobby team…
Read MoreTPCAR Advocacy Report – January 2025
Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS® advocacy team has hit the ground running in 2025 as several carry-over items from 2024 will continue to be worked on this year. Those include: Pierce County TPCAR has been tracking proposed short term rental regulations (STR), as well as accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, for unincorporated areas of Pierce…
Read MoreTacoma City Council Enacts Home in Tacoma Phase 2 – Effective February 1, 2025
Tacoma is moving forward with its Home in Tacoma Phase 2 ordinance, a major update to zoning and building regulations aimed at increasing housing density and creating more opportunities for homeownership. As a REALTOR®, understanding these changes is essential to helping your clients navigate the evolving real estate landscape. Key Zoning Changes The new ordinance…
Read MoreOctober Advocacy update
In alignment with our mission to keep members informed on key planning and policy changes, TPCAR shares recent developments impacting Pierce County’s rural density planning and Tacoma’s business resilience efforts. These updates highlight important shifts in growth management strategies, with implications for land use and local business support. Home In Tacoma Update: Phase 2 of…
Read MoreCOT Business License Update – Oct 2024
TPCAR continues to meet with the City of Tacoma’s Licensing Department to ensure current information is available for REALTOR® members who sell real estate in the city. Current updates on license requirements and how B&O taxes are apportioned between the brokerage and agent are shared in this update. We continue to work on the concerns…
Read MoreWhy Local Elections Matter More to REALTORS® Than You Think: Make Your Voice Heard!
The Importance of Voting in Local Elections for REALTORS® As a REALTOR®, you’re likely well aware of how government policies directly impact the housing market, property rights, and the real estate profession. While the Presidential election captures the most attention in 2024, our local elections can have a far more immediate and lasting effect on…
Read MoreTacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS® – September 2024 Advocacy Update
TPCAR’s Advocacy team continues to make strides on several issues for our members, as well as track other items which may be of interest to the members and our industry. Below is a report on the past month of advocacy activities and other upcoming items we will be working on in the Fall. Home in…
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