Business Even home appraisers are doing their jobs remotely Remote appraisals shot up during the pandemic, replacing in-person inspections by appraisers. Even as restrictions ease up, they could be the standard for how homes are valued. Anthony Tellez
Two homeless sweeps in Ballard in two days About two dozen people experiencing homelessness in Ballard were displaced this week by the City of Seattle. Tent encampment sweeps have picked up around the city heading into summer, despite insufficient housing or shelters available. Casey Martin
Politics Is social housing the answer to Seattle’s affordable housing woes? ‘The reality is this could be an enormous game-changer, if we have the political will, if we want to fund this mechanism.’ – HON’s Tiffani McCoy Kim Malcolm Andy Hurst
Health Parent group sues Kirkland and King County over supportive housing A group of Eastside parents called Keep Kids Safe is suing the city of Kirkland and King County over a plan to convert an old hotel into permanent supportive housing. The parents claim the city and county did not discuss the plan with the public before purchasing the property. Casey Martin
Seattle's hot housing market means more competition for renters The spring and summer housing forecast is bright — for sellers anyway. Angela King Katie Campbell
City of Burien determined to open supportive housing despite lawsuit The city of Burien, like the rest of the Puget Sound region, is growing fast. And that means some people are getting priced out of their homes. Burien could soon get new supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, but not everyone in town supports the project. Casey Martin
Health Mackenzie Scott’s donation is a ‘launching pad’ for Seattle housing services This week Seattle author and philanthropist Mackenzie Scott announced she’s donated $436 million to Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit housing group. Affiliates in Washington say they’ll receive $15 million of that to buy land and repair homes. Casey Martin
Seattle removes two downtown homeless tent encampments in one week On Friday over a dozen people surviving in tents near Westlake Park were told to leave by the city of Seattle. The clearing came two days after an encampment was removed across the street from City Hall on 4th Avenue. Casey Martin
Law & Courts Seattle's eviction moratorium expired. What happens now? The Seattle City Council voted 5-3 last week against another proposal to extend the moratorium. After being in place for two years, Seattle’s eviction moratorium ends today. Tenant lawyers say renters behind on payment could see an eviction notice as early as this week. Brandi Fullwood Jeannie Yandel
National First-time homebuyers are getting squeezed out by investors With a historic shortage of homes for sale, investors making cash offers are pushing first time homebuyers out of the market. Chris Arnold Anthony Tellez
