New consumer campaign shows how REALTORS® fought for affordable housing options in King County

Washington state, including King County and the Seattle metro area, has not built enough housing to keep up with the demand. Condos in particular have been underbuilt because of harsh liability laws. With very few condos built in the last decade, this more affordable middle-market option was not available to first-time buyers and to older buyers who wanted to downsize but stay in their communities.

Last year, REALTORS® decided enough was enough. REALTORS® took the lead in assembling a coalition of nonprofits, builders, housing advocates and more to tell the Legislature that it was time to act. This Unlock the Door Coalition succeeded in passing the #1 legislative priority: condo liability reform.

Now that the new condo law has been signed by Governor Jay Inslee, Seattle King County REALTORS® are informing consumers about the win and the affordable homeownership options it will open up in our market. Your Association was successful in securing a grant from the National Association of REALTORS® through their Consumer Advocacy Outreach Program.

SKCR received the maximum grant award of $35,000 and invested and additional $15,000 to help the campaign have the greatest impact. The campaign launched in early May and is targeted at consumers interested in housing issues in our region. SKCR is working with an advertising agency to execute the campaign. Social media posts will direct traffic to this landing page, www.kingcounty.homes.

So far, the campaign has reached over 130,000 area consumers and has a Facebook engagement rate of 27.8%. The campaign will run through June 20, so be on the lookout for weekly posts and let your clients know that REALTORS® fought for affordable options, because That’s Who We R.

Questions, comments or concerns? Contact CEO Russ Hokanson.