The strides that have been made in the automotive industry in the 21st century in regard to electric vehicles are truly remarkable. From 1997, when the first hybrid vehicle was mass-produced by Toyota, the world has become increasingly more aware of the positive effects of transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric-powered vehicles. As time goes on, these cars of the future become more accessible, allowing consumers to purchase them for prices that are more in line with the rest of the industry. In this month’s blog, we’re diving into the benefits of the growth of the EV industry, from environmental impacts to costs to the consumer.

For developers looking to get their project off the ground, one of the first steps is figuring out just where they will literally get their project off the ground. Land acquisition is more complicated than finding an empty lot and deciding to build there as land can be acquired in a multitude of ways, from purchasing it directly from the current landowners to entering into an option contract (where a developer can have a hold, of sorts, on the land without immediately paying the full price). In this blog, we’ll cover some of the basics of land acquisition and helpful information to keep in mind when undergoing the complex—but exciting—endeavor.

During this holiday season, I’m hoping that we can all extend the thoughtfulness that we engage when purchasing gifts for loved ones to how we treat our planet and find creative ways—both big and small—to mitigate some of the damage done during this time of year and prove that you can have a jolly holiday that is also eco-friendly.

Seattle, affectionately known as the “Emerald City” for its lush, green forests that offer year-round beauty to the city and surrounding areas, is green in more ways than one. The city is dedicated to prioritizing sustainability with clear goals that push builders, residents, and leaders to consistently innovate as they aim to build a better future with a greener present. With goals to reduce energy use in residences by 20 percent by 2030, increase solar capacity, and acquire electricity from renewable resources, like wind and solar power, Seattle is at the forefront when it comes to sustainability within urban spaces.

During a year where the real estate market weathered challenges caused by high-interest rates, inflation, and international events affecting the US and the world, we’ve seen a market that has been affected but not devastated. Although the market has not returned to the bidding wars and intense buyer activity of 2021, it’s managed to come through many obstacles, proving that the Puget Sound region remains one of the most desirable areas of the country to purchase property.

From chic patio spaces to serene pools, building rooftops serve as an extension of commercial and residential spaces and utilize a space sometimes ignored. But what if there was a way to transform a roof into something more than just an extra level to play and soak in views? That’s where “green roofs” come in and present a new way to upgrade rooftops so that they’re sustainable, functional, and beautiful—a lush oasis atop an urban structure, seeming to perfectly personify the future of responsible, mindful development within cities.

As the need to switch to more sustainable practices becomes more and more immediate, many people have realized that the function of new buildings, homes, and infrastructure around us is matched in importance by the structure of those new builds–more specifically, what they’re constructed from. Read on for some of the top sustainable building materials that developers are using today to ensure we have a better tomorrow.

Many builders are constructing new single-family and multifamily residences with an eco-friendly approach, utilizing our greater understanding of the importance of sustainable day-to-day living and the ways in which developing homes with greener practices makes a major difference in our effect on the climate both today and tomorrow. However, for those with homes that were not built recently, and therefore likely weren’t constructed with the same level of attention to sustainability as newer homes tend to be, a green upgrade may be necessary. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can transform your home in the pursuit of better energy efficiency, ranging from the simple to the more involved.

Earlier this year, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1110, marking an important step towards increased availability of more affordable housing in the state. House Bill 1110, also referred to as the “Middle Housing Bill,” aims to increase more multifamily developments on areas of land previously exclusively zoned for single-family residential usage. The bill’s major aim is to increase housing inventory—and more specifically, affordable housing—which remains one of Seattle’s biggest current problems.

As global leaders and organizations around the world focus more on climate change, the urgency to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable environments has significantly risen. Commercial real estate stands as a substantial contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions and demanding 34% of the energy use worldwide.

The luxury real estate sector has long been at the forefront of integrating sustainable solutions into modern architecture, creating paradigms that resonate across various market segments. Historically, it has championed unique and progressive design technologies that eventually become more accessible and cost-effective for a broader audience.

Sugarcane has long been a staple in the world of agriculture, producing not just sweeteners for our morning coffee but also a significant amount of waste. Each year, about two billion tons of sugarcane are produced worldwide, resulting in approximately 600 million tons of bagasse fiber waste. Historically, such agricultural by-products have often found their way into compost piles or were repurposed for animal feed. However, the tide is turning, thanks to innovative minds at the University of East London (UEL).

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's the linchpin reshaping industries, and real estate is no exception. With the U.S. taking determined strides towards a sustainable future, real estate professionals, particularly in Washington State, should understand the evolving landscape.

This year’s New Development Yacht Party is going down in history as a night to remember! The exclusive gathering was more than just a party on a yacht. It was a symphony of interactions, a melting pot of brilliant ideas, and a testimony to the power of connection!

As the Executive Director of the Land Division at Realogics Sotheby's International Realty, I am constantly exploring ways to enhance our collaborations with residential real estate developers, architects, and builders. The truth is, no project can be successful without robust partnerships. As a dedicated advocate of sustainable development, I also work tirelessly to ensure that our collaborative projects adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Navigating this bustling industry in Seattle is both rewarding and challenging, and it's my goal today to share five tips that can help you forge meaningful relationships with key players in the Seattle real estate market.

Building upon the Q1-2023 data, the present Western Washington real estate market maintains its cooler demeanor compared to the same period last year. The impacts of inflation and rising interest rates continue to exert a moderating influence on the market. The unprecedented surge witnessed in early 2022 has now transitioned into a more stable environment, marked by a decrease in frenzy.

The modern homebuyer is shifting towards a sustainable future, as eco-friendly homes are increasingly in demand. This trend isn't only a reflection of global climate change concerns but also a smart financial move. A recent report by Texas-based energy provider, Payless Power, reveals that homeowners are prepared to pay an additional $50,000 for a home that promotes energy efficiency and hence, saves on energy costs. This blog post aims to provide some insights and helpful tips on making your home more green and energy-efficient, irrespective of your budget.

Sustainability in architecture is no longer a trend; it's a necessity. As we witness the increased effects of climate change, it's crucial that we turn towards building materials and techniques that not only minimize harm to the environment but actively work towards repairing it. After all, we can’t just rely on Millennials and Gen Z to clean up all our messes, right? And yes… that was a rhetorical question. At the forefront of these eco-friendly solutions is the increased use of sustainable timber in construction and I’m delving into the top 5 reasons why this product must become a core global building material.

As a sustainability expert and real estate pro/investor who's always excited about potential, Tacoma's Climate Action Plan has sparked my enthusiasm. Before I dive in too deep, let me give you some background information…In December 2019, the Tacoma City Council passed Resolution No. 40509, “declaring a climate emergency in Tacoma and calling for a transformative climate action plan to reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate impacts [the city]can no longer avoid.”

My story with Tacoma isn't about a disconnected dream, but rather, a genuine love for a place brimming with potential. It's a tale of a vision brought to life not by a reckless bet on a random gamble, but by a keen understanding of the enduring principles of real estate and a deep commitment to sustainable development.