By Logan Riely, Seattle Times

The 24th Annual Gingerbread Village was unveiled Monday at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel lobby. Creations were inspired by scenes from the wizarding world.

The event came together with more than 1,000 volunteer hours, an estimated 1,200 pounds of dough, 800 pounds of icing, 200 pounds of white chocolate, 250 pounds of almond paste, and hundreds of pounds of candy.

By MBAKS Senior Policy Analyst Allison Butcher

Low Inventory Driving Home Prices Up

The latest Builder's Bulletin for February 2017 shows a continued decline in the inventory of homes for sale in King and Snohomish counties and prices still on the rise. According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, in December 2016, both counties had less than a months' supply of inventory, far below the four to six month level considered by many industry analysts as an indicator of a healthy market. Meanwhile, the December median home price for single-family homes and condos was up 12.2 percent year-over-year in King County and 12.4 percent in Snohomish County.

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, U.S. Census Bureau, Office of Financial Management and the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Download this month's report:

Association Seeking Nominations for MBAKS Hall of Fame

Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties? The MBAKS Hall of Fame Award honors those who have made significant and lasting contributions to the association.

We are asking members to nominate someone deserving of this award and submit it to Kelsey Burdulis kburdulis@mbaks.com by Friday, September 6, 2024. Download the nomination form.

Nomination Period Open for Exceptional Service Award

Do you know an association member or staff member who has performed distinguished service to MBAKS on a sustained basis for at least 10 years? Now is the time to consider nominating them for an Exceptional Service Award. The award represents the highest recognition for members and staff for their professional leadership and exemplary service to the association.

If you would like to recommend someone for this award, please submit your nomination to

Kelsey Burdulis- kburdulis@mbaks.com by Friday, September 6, 2024. Download the nomination form.