Description

Crack the Code. Read the Signals. Prepare for What’s Next.

Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS® (TPCAR) and the Pierce County Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) are teaming up for our annual Economic Forecast Luncheon at Farm 12 in Puyallup!

The real estate market can feel like a puzzle—interest rates, inventory, home prices, consumer confidence, affordability, housing production, and the broader economy all play a role. This year, we’re decoding the data and looking beyond the headlines to better understand what the numbers really mean for REALTORS® and their businesses in 2027.

Join us for an interactive, engaging, and insight-packed luncheon featuring Shannon Affholter from the University of Washington and our featured speaker, Dr. Jessica Lautz from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), both appearing in person.

What We'll Decode:

• The Local Housing Landscape – A closer look at housing production, land availability, development constraints, regulatory barriers, and other factors shaping our region’s housing supply.
• The National Picture – What’s happening across the U.S. and where the market may be headed.
• Interest Rate Clues – What rates could mean for buyers, sellers, and affordability.
• Inventory & Pricing Signals – Understanding the trends behind the headlines.
• The 2027 Forecast – What REALTORS® should be watching as we head into the new year.
• Business Takeaways – How to turn the data and insights into smarter strategies for your business.

TWO EXPERT PERSPECTIVES. ONE BIGGER PICTURE.

Shannon Affholter will kick off the program with a look at the local housing landscape, including issues surrounding housing production, land availability and constraints, regulatory barriers, and other factors influencing our region’s ability to create housing.

Then, Dr. Jessica Lautz will take the stage as our featured speaker, bringing a national perspective on the economy and real estate market and helping us connect the broader trends to what they could mean for REALTORS® in 2027.

COME READY TO DECODE!

This isn’t your typical economic forecast. Expect real data, local and national perspectives, interactive elements, and plenty of “aha!” moments to help you make sense of the market and prepare for what’s ahead.

Seats are limited! With members from TPCAR, WCR, and our partner organizations attending, this event is expected to sell out quickly.

PRICING

TPCAR & WCR Members: $59
Non-Members: $99

Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 

Dr. Jessica Lautz is the Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®. She has been with NAR since 2007.

The core of her research focuses on analyzing trends for both NAR members and housing consumers. She is in demand as a speaker and by major media outlets to provide commentary on the real estate market. She has testified before Congress on behalf of NAR.

She also volunteers at Nottingham Trent University as an industry fellow mentoring real estate graduate students, is a committee chair at the National Association of Business Economics.

Dr. Lautz has been recognized by Housing Wire's Women of Influence and RISMedia's Newsmaker award.

Jessica received her Doctorate of Real Estate from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. She also holds a Master's in Public Policy from American University and undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Law and Justice from Central Washington University.

Shannon Affholter, Assistant Teaching Professor, Runstad Department of Real estate | University of Washington 

 Shannon Affholter is currently providing consulting and advisory services in real estate investing and career preparation. He is also an instructor teaching leadership classes at the University of Washington, Runstad Department of Real Estate, and business classes at Everett Community College.

Shannon was the Chief Operating Officer at Oakpointe Communities, providing operational leadership for one of the largest land developers in the Puget Sound. Before Oakpointe, Shannon was the executive director at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, the largest local homebuilders association in the nation, where he oversaw the Association in its entirety.

Prior to his tenure at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Shannon was the Vice President of Business and Economic Development for Economic Alliance Snohomish County and was elected to serve two terms on the Everett City Council. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University.