Buying a first home in the Seattle-Tacoma area has become one of the toughest challenges in the country, according to a new study ranking the region among the nation's worst places for first-time homebuyers because of soaring housing costs and limited affordability.A new study from WalletHub ranked Seattle 204th and Tacoma 190th out of 300 in a survey ranking American cities for first-time homebuyers.Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill, co-hosts of "The Jake and Spike Show" on KIRO Newsradio, asked listeners what they look for in buying a home, and the ensuing discussion centered around affordability.DEM WHO WELCOMED SOCIALIST MAYOR'S 'CHANGE' NOW SOUNDING ALARM OVER BILLIONAIRE EXODUS: 'GRAVELY CONCERNED'Homes for sale in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.The National Association of Realtors is scheduled to release existing homes sales figures on June 21.
(David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)Chris, a military veteran in Marysville, texted a response to the KIRO Newsradio textline, sharing that he is looking to purchase a home, but the prices are "ridiculous" for a home that is essentially on top of another home next door."We look for affordability first, and then space," Chris said."I don’t like being surrounded on all four sides by other homes.
Since I’m ex-military, being close to a military facility is important to us as well, so we can use those benefits I’ve earned from my retirement from the U.S.Navy.
Homes are going for $550,000-$600,000 for a standard three-bedroom, two-bath home.It’s very difficult to find something affordable."Jake addressed "shocking" housing market developments over time and how something he once considered affordable is no longer so."I mean, it is shocking the amount of money that you see houses going for these days," Jake said.
"The costs, it’s so strange when you live in a state for a long time.I was born and raised here, and if God wills, I will end up dying in Washington...