Just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Thank you all for a wonderful year that was filled with far more joy and happiness than tears and here's to an amazing 2012!

Please enjoy a rendition of "The 12 Days of Commission!"

Just the headlines for now:

• EXISTING U.S. HOME SALES REVISED DOWN BY 14% FROM 2007-2010
• EXISTING HOME SALES REVISED DOWN BY 15% IN 2010 TO 4.19 MLN

Thank you NAR for proving what everyone knew: that the US housing market is one big lie. And next: here come the historical GDP revisions.

At The Cascade Team we have said all along... You NEED Real Estate Brokers to tell you the TRUTH and not the lie that you want to hear!!

The three charts that matter:

And the reasons for the "rebenchmarking"

• Fewer FSBO home sales and more REALTOR®-assisted home sales (e.g., no net increase in home sales in a case where 80 MLS sales and 20 FSBOs shifts to 90 MLS sales and 10 FSBOs)
• More Homebuilders seek REALTOR®-assistance in listing

Southern California’s real estate market is remaining geared towards home buyer's in the month of December. Prices have trended down quite sharply over the last couple of months, but it appears that Carlsbad home prices over the last few weeks have stabilized, at least temporarily.  We are hopeful this trend will continue and establish a floor for pricing on Carlsbad area homes.

As of Monday December 19, 2011, the median price for a single family residential Carlsbad home has declined slightly to $612,995 with an average of 144 days on market, down 5 days from the last report.  About four weeks ago we saw a sharp drop in home prices, which could have been fueled by short sales and/or bank owned homes hitting the market. Days on market have held fairly

More Sunday Real Estate Funny HERE

Property Website

Priced at $399,000

Bedrooms:  2 Bathrooms:  2
Home Size:  1,607 sq.ft. Garage:  2
Lot Size:  4 sq.ft. Community:  Issaquah Highlands
County:  King Property Type:  Single Family Detached
Year Built:  2005 MLS Number:  303128

Property Description

Quaint yet spacious rambler in the special enclave of Dahlia Park! 2 bed, 2 bath + den home can easily be converted to a 3 bdrm by adding a closet! Features include, formal entry, chef's kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counter tops, a gorgeous master suite, custom lighting throughout, beautiful millwork, Brazilian hardwood floors much more. Close proximity to shops, dining, trails and parks!

Property Website

Priced at $724,950

Bedrooms:  4 Bathrooms:  2.75
Home Size:  3,150 sq.ft. Garage:  3
Lot Size:  7,035 sq.ft. Community:  Trossachs
County:  King Property Type:  Single Family Detached
Year Built:  2004 MLS Number:  303520

Property Description

Check out this John Buchan Treasure in the highly desirable Trossachs Community! There are over $150,000 of luxurious upgrades! Come home each day and come home to pure elegance and taste! Enjoy the gourmet kitchen, which is a chefs dream, featuring a Subzero, Dacor Range & Ovens, custom cabinetry, slab granite countertops with an intricate slate backsplash. Enjoy the luxury of this stunning home including cherry hardwood floors, designer carpet, Plantation shutters/custom crown molding,

Property Website

Priced at $220,000

Bedrooms:  2 Bathrooms:  2
Home Size:  1,285 sq.ft. Garage:  2
Community:  Issaquah Highlands County:  King
Property Type:  Condo or Townhouse Year Built:  2007
MLS Number:  303212

Property Description

Urban living in the heart of the Highlands! This immaculate, sleek condo has hardwood floors throughout all main living spaces with an open great-room concept. Kitchen boasts granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Home has 2 large bedrooms + den and 2 full baths. Enter the covered balcony from the great-room and from either bedroom. South-facing home provides sunlight and territorial views. Secure entry, parking and storage. Enjoy nearby dining, shopping, trails and Blakely Hall community center.

As of December 15, 2011, there are currently 456 active residential homes for sale in Bellevue, with an average price of $831,483.  This number is showing a reduction in housing inventory from the last report and an uptick in pricing.  In addition, there are 89 short sales in Bellevue, at an average price of $489,381, along with 32 bank owned homes, at an average price of 501,379.  While still a buyers market, the reduction of inventory and the uptick in Bellevue home prices is a postive sign as we head into the beginning of the year. 

Next, there are currently 287 active residential condos for sale in Bellevue, with an average price of $318,581.  In addition, there are 64 short sale condos in Bellevue, at an average price of $189,565, along with 32

Southern California’s real estate market is remaining geared towards home buyer's in the month of December. Prices have trended down quite sharply over the last couple of months, but it appears that prices over the last few weeks have stabilized, at least temporarily.  We are hopeful this trend will continue and establish a floor for pricing on Carlsbad area homes.

As of Monday December 12, 2011, the median price for a single family residential home in Carlsbad has risen to $619,000 with an average of 149 days on market, up 10 days from the last report.  About four weeks ago we saw a sharp drop in home prices, which could have been fueled by short sales and/or bank owned homes hitting the market. Days on market have held fairly steady over the last few

Property Website

Priced at $2,320,000

Bedrooms:  4 Bathrooms:  4.5
Home Size:  5,796 sq.ft. Garage:  5
Lot Size:  29,962 sq.ft. Community:  Sammamish Sunset
County:  King Property Type:  Single Family Detached
Year Built:  1997 MLS Number:  302858

Property Description

Welcome to the TOP of the world! Imagine a 180 degree view of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades Mountains from the top of the Space Needle. That is what you feel in this home. Absolutely stunning, serene, private and protected. Lake Sammamish to one side and protected Greenbelt to the other. 5790 square feet bright and open living perfectly designed to capture the view from every room. 5 car Garage, vaulted ceilings, sunk in living room, 2nd kitchen, intercom, surround sound. Private