Tagged: real estate

Seattle homes are now worth 14.4 percent more than they were a year ago. That’s according to Seattle based real estate firm Zillow, who release monthly reports on the value of homes in Seattle and elsewhere in the region. On the national level, the US has just made it through our 12th straight month of increasing home values. Top Zillow officials say that these numbers are a good indicator that local and national housing markets are showing significant improvements. Ross Reynolds talks with Zillow's Cheif Economist Stan Humphries about buying, selling and renting in western Washington.

We've been taking a look at the rise of microhousing in Seattle. Tiny apartments that offer cheaper rent for less living space have been popping up in high demand neighborhoods like the University District and Capitol Hill. Some residents have voiced concerns over the new developments, fearing they skirt zoning laws and create too much density too quickly. Today, KUOW's Jeannie Yandel takes us inside a micro apartment. Also, we'll talk with Seattle microhousing developer Jim Potter.

As the cost of living continues to rise in the city, people are finding it harder to find an affordable place to live. To accommodate the demand, developers are building microhousing -- tiny studio apartments with private bathrooms that share a kitchen with other units. The microhouses boast affordable living in high-demand neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and the University District. However, residents in some neighborhoods fear the developments skirt zoning laws and create too much density too fast. City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen is considering legislation that could put new restrictions on microhousing. He joins us to explain.