October 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…
COT 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…
Why 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…
Tacoma-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…
Track Office Agent Rosters in 3 Simple Steps For all TPCAR Designated Brokers, Managing Brokers, and / or Office Staff assigned primary user access, you’re able to verify that your current Office Agent roster is accurate and complete in these three easy steps. Log on to your TPCAR InfoHub account by going to www.tpcar.org and…
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Pauses Septic Stress Testing Requirement
After several conversations and additional feedback provided by Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has made the decision to pause implementation of the septic stress test requirements which were originally effective as of July 15, 2024. This means that, for the time being, a stress test will not be required when…
New septic system stress testing requirements begin July 15
RSS Repair, Replacement, and Testing Guide Starting July 15, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will require stress tests of drainfields for property sales inspections of gravity and pump to gravity systems. This document outlines the requirements and policies for repairing or replacing septic tanks, including details with regards to testing procedures, repairs, and replacements of…
RSS Repair, Replacement, and Testing Guide
Starting in July, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will require stress tests of drainfields for property sales inspections of gravity and pump to gravity systems. This document outlines the requirements and policies for repairing or replacing septic tanks, including details with regards to testing procedures, repairs, and replacements of defective tanks. Requirements for Repairing Septic…
NAR advocacy nets win for VA buyers
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation until the agency deems it necessary to engage in a formal rulemaking process, a VA official said Tuesday at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference in New York. Although not an official announcement, the comments from…
TPCAR advocacy nets positive response from Pierce County Council
TPCAR member response to Call to Action regarding short-term rentals and rural zoning nets success At yesterday’s Pierce County Council meeting, Resolution R2024-158s, drafted to include provisions which would have restricted short-term rentals (STR) and removed bonus density provisions for rural lands within the urban growth area (UGA), was amended after successful lobbying by TPCAR.…
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…
Read MoreTacoma-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…
Read MoreNAR 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…
Read MoreRealtors 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…
Read More1031 Exchangers Can Help Their Kids Buy a House
As house prices and mortgage rates rise, young couples struggle with down payments and loan qualifications. 1031 parents who have business or investment real estate can help them purchase a principal residence while still receiving all the advantages of being a real estate investor and completing a 1031 exchange. The investor-parents (the exchangers) can exchange…
Read MoreNAR Focuses on Fair Housing During Black History Month
As NAR recognizes Black History Month, we honor the legacy of great black leaders by carrying on their fight to eliminate housing discrimination, expand homeownership, and reduce wealth inequality. While the long-lasting impact of historical discrimination would make closing the homeownership gap in America challenging enough, fallout from the pandemic is likely to exacerbate that…
Read MoreUpdate on HB 1951
Thank you all for your response to the Washington REALTORS® Call to Action on HB 1951. Across the State, WR Members sent Legislators over 8,000 emails asking them to not pass HB 1951! While the Consumer Protection and Business Committee made significant changes to the bill at the REALTORS ® request, including removal of the…
Read More2022 Hill Day Recap
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…
Read MoreSafeShowings App Now Available
Introducing SafeShowings! SafeShowings Keeps Real Estate Professionals Safe! The number of crimes and murders committed against real estate professionals continues to increase every year. This is why all real estate professionals must put their safety first! Watch the video below for information on how to use your NEWEST member benefit to deter criminal behavior against Real Estate…
Read More5 Tips to Kick Off 2022
We are only 11 days into 2022, and between holidays, weather, and closures, it has been quite a year already! Aegis Land Group Title Company has compiled 5 Tips to Kick off 2022! Check them out to ensure a successful New Year! Shift your attitude Attitude controls everything. Start your day deliberately with the…
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