The Puget Sound region is a great place to live and work, as reflected in the fast pace of growth over the past decade. More people coming to the region means we need more people working in skilled trades—to build housing, commercial space, infrastructure, and transportation projects.

Recently, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) partnered with Redfin to conduct a survey of homebuilders. The survey showed 82% have had difficulty finding qualified workers in the past year. In the same survey, the greatest skilled labor needs reflected in the housing industry are framing, carpentry, superintendents, and program management.

Workforce development continues to be a top priority for the residential building community in our growing regional economy. MBAKS works with schools and communities to provide background and shine light on the opportunities available in the homebuilding industry.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

King County’s August median home price of $815,000 stayed relatively flat compared to the previous month, which was $810,000. Snohomish County saw a month-over-month dip in its median home price of single-family homes and condos—from $737,500 in July to $700,000 in August. Year-over-year prices were up 5.6% in King County and 4.9% in Snohomish County.

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By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

The latest Builder’s Bulletin includes annual population estimates recently released by the Office of Financial Management (OFM). According to OFM, the Puget Sound Region’s population as of April 1, 2018 was 4,134,660. Over the past year, the region added 67,860 people, which is down from last year but still strong.

The Builders' Bulletin is intended to provide a convenient way to track housing in our market and includes information from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, State of the Cities Data Systems, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

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