Dear Real Estate,

Remember when we first got together? People didn't think we’d last. Maybe they didn't always say it, but they thought it. “You could do so much better. Why would you be a real estate agent?” “What’s your back-up plan?” “You should get a real job...” I’m sure they were well-intentioned. But I ignored them. There were times, though, when even I wondered if you were worth the chase. You do tend to play hard to get. Not even sure you know you’re that way. But maybe you do. Maybe you just wanted to see how much I really cared. I've come to love and appreciate that about you. If you were too easy, our relationship wouldn't be so rewarding...and my love and respect wouldn't be so deep. Who knows, maybe I’d have scrammed when times got

Buyers Pour into the Housing Market Amidst Rising Mortgage Rates

Just two weeks ago we predicted that January would be a competitive month as buyers rush to find a home before mortgage rates climb—and that's exactly what we're seeing.

Prices surged last week 16% over 2021, kicking off what could be the most competitive month in housing history.

You can find our full report in this week's housing market update. 

Projections are homes listed by March and closing in April will see the maximum number of bidding wars and escalating prices.

According to NWMLS, despite historically low inventory levels, home sales in the Central Puget Sound region increased to levels not seen since 2006, with Pierce and Kitsap counties seeing the most sales

Here is your chance to be part of an innovative Real Estate Brokerage that's changing how things are done!

• Issaquah, WA
• Full-time
• Salary: $18.00 to $20.00 /hour

Transaction Duties:

Create Files for New Transactions: Read through contracts and file; ensuring we have mutually signed contracts, and all forms relating to the transaction. Creates commission disbursement forms.

Escrow Duties: Open escrow and assists with communication between agents, escrow, and The Cascade Team; ensuring Escrow receives all pertinent forms for each transaction.

Time Frames and Deadlines: A real estate Transaction Coordinator's job includes paying attention to deadlines for items such as earnest money, inspections, and other related deadlines.

•         Seattle area home prices are expected to increase by another 18% in 2022
•         Mortgage rates are expected to climb to around 3.7%
•         Buying NOW lets you lock in what’s going to be the best price of the year and also the best rate!

There’s a myth that the real estate market shuts down over the holidays and that it’s a terrible time to buy a home—because who wants to buy a home when you could be spending that time with family. You saw where we said “myth,” right? 

The truth is that buying a home over the holidays can yield you a great deal while minimizing the competition. Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the market now. 

Look past the sparkle

You’re going to see some inflatable Santas and lights galore.

Would you buy a haunted house? According to a recent poll that’s been released by Real Estate Witch, 73% of Americans said that they would at least consider it. The recent poll surveyed a total of 1,000 Americans who were asked 20 questions regarding their paranormal experiences, what they prefer when buying a home, etc…

WHAT’S SCARIER THAN LIVING IN A HAUNTED HOUSE?

Among people who believe in the supernatural, 44% say paranormal activity has increased since the pandemic began — yet more than half of Americans say problems such as mold or foundation issues are still scarier than living in a haunted house.

As Americans plan their Halloween costumes and indulge in scary movie marathons this October, many sense a ghostly chill in the air. 

Justice Department probe, civil lawsuits pose challenge to real-estate industry practices

“Plaintiffs’ allegations plausibly show that the Buyer-Broker Commission Rules prevent effective negotiation over commission rates and cause an artificial inflation of buyer-broker commission rates,” the judge wrote last year. “But-for Defendants’ conspiracy, each Plaintiff would have paid ‘substantially lower commissions.’”

Transparency in Commissions

Fact: Real estate brokers’ commission rates are not regulated in any state and are ALWAYS 100% negotiable.

The end goal of this lawsuit is for “Buyer Agent Commissions” to be fully seen as a fee paid for and financed in the buyer’s loan.

For example, on a $1 million home with a 3% commission the

• August show month-to-month drops in new listings, total inventory, pending sales, close sales, and median prices
• NWMLS statistics show the volume of new listings added during August declined from July (down 11.5%)
• “We are seeing homes stay on the market slightly longer and more instances of sellers overpricing their properties."
• Prices showed signs of moderating during August. The average price was down $10,000 from July.

Northwest MLS brokers say August housing activity follows patterns of seasonal slowing KIRKLAND, Washington (September 7, 2021) – August typically brings a dip in housing activity and this year was no different, according to representatives from Northwest Multiple Listing Service when commenting on newly-released

We are very happy to welcome Karen Williamson and the new Managing Broker for The Cascade Team Spokane.

Learn more about our dynamic new Spokane Managing Broker at the link below!

Karen Williamson

Managing Broker  

The Cascade Team, Spokane

509-808-1108

The Cascade Team Real Estate is looking for a dynamic and Broker/Agents for Spokane.

We have closed over 800 Spokane area transactions and are looking for an aggressive Broker/Agents looking to take their careers to the next level of success!

Here is your chance to be part of an innovative Real Estate Brokerage that's changing how things are done!

The Ultimate Agent Experience!

Imagine having clients actually chase after you to list their home….

Then Having a

Home buyers are finding some relief, but Northwest MLS brokers say it is temporary.

•          New listings slightly outgain homes going under contract.
•          Highest level of Inventory since October of 2020
•          There is some ‘normalization’ in our market as it relates to the historical summer slowdown.”
•          This is due to a typical mid-summer season market combined with some buyer fatigue
•          14 of the 26 counties in the Northwest MLS report showed year-over-year (YOY) gains in new listings
•          Buyers act NOW. Sellers don’t panic.
•          With a lack of new construction coming on the market in suburban areas after years of under building, increasing demand still has few places to go.
•          Interest

Bidding Wars and multiple offers have been the story of 2021 so far. But now inventory is increasing (Up 50% in the past 30 days) and while inventory is still historically low, pricing your home correctly is more important than ever.

Our 18-Point Analysis will bring you the most accurate assessment possible when it comes to your home's value. Click here to learn more! We factor in sold homes, active, pending, pending inspection, builder, size, beds, baths, school, year built, upgrades, lot size, assessments, condition, view, curb appeal, title issues and easements.

On average, serious buyers look at about fifteen properties before they make an offer. Doing so gives them a basis for determining how competitively a property is priced, both in