Episode Details
Back to EpisodesWhy No One Is Building Homes In Washington State Right Now with Ryan Gillis
Description
Why is the Washington housing crisis getting worse when everyone agrees the state needs more homes?
In this episode, Anton sits down with real estate broker and developer Ryan Gillis to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes of new construction in Washington State. The problem isn’t simply demand. Builders are facing a brutal equation: falling home prices, expensive land, financing costs, lengthy development timelines, rising fees, limited buildable lots, and buyers who increasingly prefer existing homes over new construction. Pasted text
Ryan walks through a real Redmond project where roughly $360,000 in affordable-housing fees changed what the developer could pay for the property—and explains how additional costs can ripple through financing, land values, and ultimately whether a project gets built at all. Pasted text
They also explore one of the biggest contradictions facing the Washington housing crisis: Washington needs more housing, yet experienced builders are questioning whether new projects still make financial sense. The conversation covers starter homes, townhomes, cottages, ADUs, land development, the urban growth boundary, builder margins, affordability, and what buyers actually want.
If you’re a homeowner, investor, developer, real estate professional, or considering buying a home in Washington State, this conversation reveals the economics behind the headlines.
Do you think Washington can make housing affordable again? Drop your take in the comments, and subscribe for more Washington real estate analysis.
About the Show
Welcome to the Anton Stetner Podcast, where we break down real estate, economics, investing, housing policy, and the trends shaping the future of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Whether you're a homebuyer, investor, business owner, or simply trying to make sense of today's economy, you'll find practical insights, market analysis, and conversations with industry experts designed to help you make smarter financial decisions.
🏡 Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Washington State real estate? Visit: RESG.com
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