Lower Columbia Association of Realtors

06/01/2026

is here
June is National Homeownership Month. On Tuesday, June 2, 2–3 p.m. Eastern time, NAR kicks it off with a webinar, "REALTOR®-Led Initiatives Turning Barriers into Doorways." The session demonstrates how national advocacy, local leadership and targeted resources come together to help you expand access to homeownership. Practical examples and actionable strategies from national, state and local advocacy experts will help you make an impact in your own community.

Register for tomorrow's webinar.

06/01/2026

We talk a lot about the value of homeownership. It isn't just about driving home sales. It's about the association’s core principles. The preamble to NAR's Code of Ethics, written in 1924, starts: "Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization." That may sound a bit high-flown, but it's really as democratic as it gets. Our free society thrives when real estate ownership is available to more people. There's no more fitting message for the start of National Homeownership Month. —Stacey Moncrieff

05/29/2026

Spring real estate is springing. April pending sales rose from a year ago. Showings are up 8% YOY. The market isn’t waiting around. Neither should buyers. If you’re thinking about a move let’s talk about what’s actually available in SW Washington.
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/economy/more-buyers-step-back-into-the-housing-market National Association of REALTORS®

Pending Home Sales Rise 1.4% in April—Buyers Returning with Cautious Optimism

Pending home sales are a forward-looking indicator of future closings based on contract signing. In April, pending sales rose 1.4% month-over-month and are up 3.2% from a year ago, according to NAR’s latest Pending Home Sales report.

Insider Insight: Dr. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist
“Buyers are coming out with cautious optimism despite increasing economic uncertainty and a slight rise in mortgage rates. Demand will easily be even higher once mortgage rates retreat to the levels they were at earlier this year.”

"Historically low foreclosure sales imply minimal price discounts, with a majority of markets selling at a higher price from a year ago. Unless supply meaningfully increases, home price growth could outpace wage growth and further erode the homeownership rate. All efforts need to be focused on boosting housing supply."

NAR’s chief economist says “cautious optimism” is emerging as the real estate market shakes off some economic headwinds.

05/27/2026

396–13. That’s how the US House voted just voted on a bill to build more homes, cut construction delays & expand access to homeownership. REALTORS® lobbied hard for this measure as a policy solution to the housing affordability crisis. Let’s get it done in the Senate.
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/modified-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-passes-in-the-house National Association of REALTORS®

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Passes House 396–13

A bipartisan housing package aimed at closing the nation’s supply gap passed the House on May 20 by a decisive 396–13 vote. NAR actively lobbied for the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including a letter penned by NAR President Kevin Brown sent to Congressional leadership earlier this week, urging them to swiftly support the measure that takes meaningful steps toward making homes more affordable and homeownership more accessible. The bill now heads to the Senate.

What the Bill Would Do

Provide new federal resources to build more homes
Streamline federal processes that delay construction
Modernize federal programs to expand homeownership opportunities
Improve access to credit
Insider Insight: NAR President Kevin Brown
“This legislation confronts barriers to housing at all levels of government and represents the kind of comprehensive response needed to restore affordability and expand the dream of homeownership to more Americans. It gives communities new tools and resources to plan and build for growth, streamlines federal processes that delay construction, and updates financing options for manufactured and rural housing.”

NAR and real estate leaders have been advocating on behalf of housing consumers for the past year—and now encourage the Senate to move the bipartisan bill across the finish line.

05/26/2026

The American Dream at 250: NAR Wants to Hear Your Story
To highlight how property rights have shaped our nation during its 250th anniversary, NAR is launching The American Dream at 250—a campaign that celebrates how homeownership helps unlock the American Dream.

To help us spotlight authentic stories from REALTORS® and their clients, we’re inviting anyone with a story to share to record a short video describing how homeownership unlocked their, or their clients’, American Dream. Visit HERE to submit a video:https://nationalassociationofrealtors.ugc.photoshelter.com/America250?narmail=Surrogate&date=05-21-2026&user=2735576&itid=18193187

Selected videos will help kick off the campaign and will be featured on our social channels, American Dream at 250 website and in articles highlighting real estate’s impact on the development and culture of America over the past 250 years.

You're invited to record a short video, one minute or less, describing how homeownership has made a difference for you or your clients. Selected videos will help kick off the campaign later this month, showcasing powerful examples of homeownership’s role in the American Dream—250 years later.

05/22/2026

NAR just released new resources worth bookmarking. Clear rules = better markets. https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts National Association of REALTORS®

NAR has developed three new MLS and CCP policy guidance resources to support consistent policy implementation across the industry and promote a clear understanding of how NAR’s policies and guidelines are intended to operate.

Given the continued industry discussion surrounding these topics, we are providing these materials to share additional background and clarification regarding:

Policy Statement 8.5 (Non-Filtering of Listings) and “Objective Criteria” in the Selection of Listings for Online Display
Filtering of Listings on IDX or VOW Display
1:1 Broker to Broker Communications

In particular, the materials are intended to provide clarity and additional information about objective criteria in IDX and VOW policies and the Non-Filtering of Listings policy, as well as the distinction between permissible one-to-one broker communications and activities that may trigger Clear Cooperation Policy requirements.

Whether you’re a REALTOR®, brokerage leader, MLS executive, homebuyer, or home seller, the resources here provide the facts and latest news on NAR's policy updates.

05/13/2026

Housing affordability doesn’t improve by accident—it takes smart policy and sustained investment. is calling on Congress to fully fund key housing programs that help communities build more homes and create pathways to homeownership.

NAR urges Congress to protect housing funding in FY2027 for vouchers, fair housing, counseling, HOME and CDBG programs to support renters and first-time buyers.

05/12/2026

As REALTORS®, we are proud to be part of an association that’s committed to listening and showing its work. NAR’s CEO just gave a candid interview about transparency and how is supporting members

NAR CEO Nykia Wright explains what accountability and transparency mean to her and how the association is showing up for real estate professionals and stakeholders, in a way it hasn’t in years.

05/10/2026

Home prices rose in 71% of markets last quarter, but dig deeper into the data: the average monthly mortgage payment is $140 less than a year ago. Small but significant movement on affordability. Thinking about a move?
Talk with a REALTOR

NAR's quarterly Metropolitan Median Area Prices and Affordability report provides a breakdown of condo and co-op prices by metro market.

05/08/2026

Six Forces Shaping Commercial Real Estate Today

In this episode, Shannon and Patrick break down the key policy and market dynamics shaping commercial real estate today. From tax policy to insurance, to construction and energy costs, to rent control measures, NAR advocacy is working on dozens of federal, state and local actions that impact how CRE is transacted. Whether you’re in brokerage, development or investment, this episode connects the dots between market forces and the advocacy efforts shaping the future of commercial real estate.

In this episode, Shannon and Patrick break down the key policy and market dynamics shaping commercial real estate today.