By Margo Greenman, 425 Business

With inventory down 25 percent, home values and rents both increasing, and more people moving to the region, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties said the local housing market is struggling with a housing affordability crisis.

"Despite efforts to add more housing, including a rise in apartment home construction in the region, the demand for housing has significantly outpaced supply," Master Builders Association executive director Shannon Affholter said in a press release. "Lack of buildable land and other barriers to new home construction have contributed significantly to escalating housing costs and a housing supply shortage in King and Snohomish counties. Unfortunately, this is making it harder for families and workers to find attainable housing near job centers."

January 3, 2019
Media Contact:
Caia Caldwell, Public Relations & Media Specialist
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
p 425.460.8213
m 717.479.1231

Bonnie Geers Named 2019 Board President of Master Builders Association

She is a member of the senior management team at Quadrant Homes, and former titles held include vice president of community development and vice president of entitlements. Based out of Bellevue, Quadrant Homes is entering its 50th year.

Geers previously worked as an associate attorney with Oade, Stroud & Kleiman P.C. in East Lansing, Michigan, practicing land use, real estate and business transactions, and estate planning. She has maintained her membership in the Washington Bar Association since 2000.

A member of MBAKS’ board of directors since 2014, Geers also served as the president of the Affordable Housing Council from 2014–2017.

Geers previously worked as an associate attorney with Oade, Stroud & Kleiman P.C. in East Lansing, Michigan, practicing land use, real estate and business transactions, and estate planning. She has maintained her membership in the Washington Bar Association since 2000.

“For decades, the Master Builders Association has stood as a testament of the value we deliver to our members,” said Bonnie Geers. “I am honored to have been chosen to lead the board and confident in our association’s leadership to represent our industry needs and support sound housing policy.”

About MBAKS

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest local residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 3,000 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region

Contact: data@mbaks.com

In July 2023, the unemployment rate in Washington stood at a healthy 3.6%, while the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett metropolitan area boasted an even lower rate of 3.1%. Notably, the construction sector in the state experienced growth over the past year, adding 4,500 jobs between July 2022 and July 2023. With a total statewide construction employment of 240,900, these figures reflect a positive trend in Washington's labor market and its continued commitment to economic development.

Read the full September Builders Bulletin: