SEATTLE, WA - September 16, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Greg Nickels today sent legislation to the City Council to increase the supply of affordable, workforce housing in Seattle. The legislation is modeled after successful programs downtown and requires developers to provide for new affordable housing units, in exchange for permission to build larger buildings. more »

TACOMA, WA - September 15, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Chris Gregoire today applauded community organizations that provide families an affordable home. The governor spoke at the 15th annual affordable housing conference in Tacoma, a two-day event hosted by Washington’s Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. more »

OLYMPIA, WA - September 05, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — Rising mortgage payments have paved the way for scammers who peruse foreclosure listings. Grasping at any offer for help, their victims have paid for false promises, been cheated out of equity and, in severe cases, were tricked into transferring ownership of their homes. more »

Lynnwood, WA - September 4, 2008- (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the winners of the 2008 Economic Development and Workforce Best Practices awards. Five projects were recognized as models of success in workforce and economic development at the Governor’s Economic and Workforce Development Conference. more »

DFI alleged firms engaged in deceptive radio and direct mail advertising campaigns

OLYMPIA, WA - August 19, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) entered into Consent Orders today with two firms previously charged with false advertising. more »

DFI Alleges Paramount Equity Mortgage Made Deceptive Fee Disclosures, Collected Unearned Points and Fees, and Engaged In False Advertising

OLYMPIA, WA - August 17, 2008 - (RealEstateRama) — “An examination conducted by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) reveals that Paramount Equity Mortgage, Inc. (Paramount), a licensed mortgage broker headquartered in California, has engaged in a number of deceptive lending practices. As a result of the findings, DFI has given notice that it intends to revoke Paramount’s license to do business in Washington, fine the firm $500,000 and require restitution for Washington borrowers. more »

Vancouver, WA (RealEstateRama) July 15, 2008 – With the Mt. Adams wildfire so close, Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway is reminding homeowners to create defensible spaces before homes or neighborhoods are actually threatened. more »

OLYMPIA, WA – Island, King, Snohomish, and Thurston counties. “Every family in Washington State deserves a safe and decent place to live” said Juli Wilkerson, CTED Director. “These projects will help reduce homelessness and move us closer to achieving the goals set forth in the state’s 10-Year plan to reduce homelessness.” more »

“The oldest and strongest emotion in mankind is fear.” - H.P. Lovecraft

If you watch only national news of financial turmoil and declining housing prices you may fear now is not the time to buy a home. While that may be the case in other states, it’s not an accurate picture of the market in Washington. Washington State has a unique set of positive economic variables that sets us apart from much of the country. more »

OLYMPIA, WA- The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) has awarded more than $32 million for 25 multifamily affordable housing projects in 12 Washington counties. A total of 1,084 housing units and 27 beds in facilities serving vulnerable populations will be created in Snohomish, King, Whitman, Jefferson, Pierce, Thurston, Walla Walla, Spokane, Kitsap, Okanogan, Clallam and Stevens counties. more »