Section
Housing, neighborhoods, development, affordability, renting, and ownership across Washington and the region.
October 11 edition
Monthly housing cost includes more than rent or a mortgage. Utilities, insurance, taxes, transportation, parking, building fees, and maintenance can materially change affordability.
Comparing total cost against income and savings produces a more realistic decision than comparing listing prices alone.
Read article →Turning an office into housing can help reuse underoccupied buildings, but floor depth, windows, plumbing, structure, zoning, and financing determine feasibility.
Successful conversions need careful design and do not automatically produce affordable units without specific policies or subsidies.
Read article →Before signing, renters should examine water pressure, appliances, locks, windows, heating and cooling, signs of moisture, and the condition of common areas.
Photographs and written records at move-in can prevent disputes. Lease terms should be read fully, including fees, renewal rules, and maintenance responsibilities.
Read article →Reliable transit can expand access to jobs and reduce transportation costs, increasing demand near stations and frequent bus routes.
Value also depends on walkability, schools, public space, safety, retail, and future development—not proximity alone.
Read article →