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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.

King County recorded a 1.5 months' supply of housing inventory as of June 2023, indicating a slight increase from the 1.34 months' supply reported in June 2022. Similarly, Snohomish County saw its inventory supply rise to 1.07 months, up from 1.34 months a year earlier. Despite the increase, the current supply falls notably short of a healthy level.

The April 2023 population estimates have been released, highlighting a 1.1% growth since April 2022 in Washington. According to estimates from the Office of Financial Management, Washington's total population has surpassed 7.9 million residents, with a total of 4,437,100 just in the Puget Sound region. King County has witnessed the largest influx, with an addition of 30,100 individuals since last April. Snohomish County follows closely with a growth of 12,500 over the same time period.

The construction sector in Washington showed significant growth, with an increase of 5200 jobs between April 2022 and April 2023. The total employment in construction statewide reached 236,800, underscoring the industry's importance and contribution to the state's economy. Unemployment overall has remained low, with a rate of 3% in the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett area.

Since 1993 the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) has built almost 600 wheelchair access ramps for families in need. Built by MBAKS members and community volunteers, these ramps provide a much-needed benefit for those who struggle to get themselves or their loved ones safely in and out of their homes.

The HMI was 45 nationally, while in the West the HMI was 41. While this is still below 50 and indicates pessimism about the housing market, the sentiment is slowly rising compared to months prior. The HMI is based on a monthly survey of NAHB members designed to take the pulse of the single-family housing market.

For the 37th year in a row, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) hosted their annual Remodeling/Trades Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards.

With so many unique and storied residential neighborhoods, Seattle and its surrounding communities are jam-packed with classic single-family houses, representing over a century of West Coast design trends.