When you think of the Zestimate, for many, it gives a false anchor for what the value actually is.

The Zestimate is just one of a slew of automated valuation models that are increasingly used by banks, investors, and laypeople to estimate the value of homes. No other model, however, has wormed its way into our culture like the Zestimate. The model, like other consumer-facing AVMs, is prone to errors that render it more of an amusement than a serious pricing tool. But while the algo's price-guessing skills may be suspect, it's undeniably elite at one thing: luring people to Zillow-dot-com.

The Zestimate is both everywhere and an enigma. About 104 million homes, or 71% of the US housing stock, have a little dollar figure hovering above them on…

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The truth is the only thing scarier than paying too high of a commission to sell your home… Is realizing that you don’t have too while getting even MORE service and support than most brokerages offer at a higher fee!

Discover how new commission rules can save you big money! Buyer agent commissions are now fully negotiable, and you are no longer beholden to paying a set commission to a buyer’s agent of 2.5% to 3% just to have them work against you negotiating down your price.

Buyer agents will have a Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement with their client guaranteeing them a certain commission. That commission can be negotiated as part of the offer and paid for as part of the seller’s proceeds, the buyer can pay their agent directly, or a…

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You’ve probably heard the news that there are changes coming in terms of how real estate commissions are paid. And while the seismic settlement announced by the National Association of Realtors earlier this month has not yet been approved it’s already sending shockwaves through the real estate industry.

This might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home seller or buyer, with headlines proclaiming things like:

  • “Real estate commissions are being slashed!”
  • “Selling your house will now be less expensive!”
  • “No more paying 6% to real estate agents!”

But you’re also probably not sure exactly what it all means, how it will work, or how you’ll benefit from the changes.

Unfortunately, even if you ask the most…

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Thanksgiving is almost here! So, before you sit down and eat your Thanksgiving meal, let's find out how well you know your Thanksgiving history...

1. FACT OR FICTION: IN 1863, ABRAHAM LINCOLN BECAME THE FIRST AMERICAN PRESIDENT TO PROCLAIM A NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING.

2. FACT OR FICTION: NATIVE AMERICANS USED CRANBERRIES, NOW A STAPLE OF MANY THANKSGIVING DINNERS, FOR COOKING AS WELL AS FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES.

3. FACT OR FICTION: ONE OF AMERICA’S FOUNDING FATHERS THOUGHT THE TURKEY SHOULD BE THE NATIONAL BIRD OF THE UNITED STATES.

4.FACT OR FICTION: THE TRADITION OF PLAYING OR WATCHING FOOTBALL ON THANKSGIVING STARTED WITH THE FIRST NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE GAME ON THE HOLIDAY IN 1934.

Ready to check your answers?


1. Fiction - George…

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Just Sold

Fun fact Wednesday- "Who you choose to work with matters"! We were under contract on this listing and the buyer's lender said it was impossible to close on the home and this would also put the buyers in jeopardy of losing their earnest money. cI called my preferred lender who I have worked with forever, who is solution focused and he encouraged me have the buyers (who were not my clients) call him. In the end, he was able to get US to the finish line and it only took 7 days to close!!! If you want to talk about market conditions and working with the best of the best, give me a call 714-655-0595. I would love to share all of my favorite people over coffee, including- contractors & lender info.

Warmly, 

Hailey Miller


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The Only Thing Scarier Than Paying A Desk Fee is Realizing You Don’t Have To!

 

Make this Halloween the year you finally elevate your career with increased sales and income by joining The Cascade Team. We'll show you exactly how our brokers outperform the average agent and keep more money in their pockets. We have first year agents make 6 (Six) figure incomes right out the gate on a regular basis.

Our "Rookie Of The Year" never had a real estate license before joining The Cascade Team and completed 121 transaction his first year! We will literally show you step-by-step exactly how and what to do so this can be YOU next year!

If your current or old brokerage has left you bewildered and haunted by all the promises and hopes of being a…

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In today's wild market, there are plenty of bad ideas on both sides of the buyer/seller equation. Here's how to correct those misconceptions so that everyone can get what they want.

The current market has buyers and sellers on pause. Interest rates have certainly put a damper on many would-be buyers and sellers’ plans. Depending on their budget, where they want to go or what kind of property they are looking for, inventory may be a concern, as well as insurance. 

Everyone seems to be in a state of flux. Many would-be buyers who are renting are continuing to do so, even though the landlord raised their rent, and while not ideal, they don’t know what else to do.

Sellers, despite being able to cash out and make some good equity, cannot make the…

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The Cascade Team is extremely honored to be recognized as the “Neighborhood Favorite” in Issaquah by NextDoor!

Thank you to our neighbors! We are honored to be voted a 2023 @Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave. This award means so much for our business and helps us become more recognizable in our community.

“Neighbors know best, and Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Faves are the only annual awards celebrating the businesses that are most loved by locals. This prestigious recognition is only awarded to 1% of the local businesses on Nextdoor and is a testament to the positive impact they have had on their community,” said Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar.

At The Cascade Team we understand first and foremost that it isn't about "Us". It's all about "You"! We are…

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Here is the link to my original 2023 PREDICTIONS

In early January we made our top 10 real estate predictions for 2023. So now, with the year a little more than half over, we are going to review and revise that same forecast and see where we actually are.

Original prediction: Sales prices will fall in 2023.

The most significant forecast was that sales prices would fall in 2023 without any sort of systemic decline in values. So far, prices are down by about 12% year over year; however, prices rose by 3.6% from March to April.

Taking into account interest rates remaining in the high 6% range currently we are standing by our original prediction that the median sales price for 2023 will be lower than that of 2022 however we do not anticipate…

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CHOOSE CARY AND KEENAN TO HELP YOU BUY YOUR NEXT HOME

At The Cascade Team we understand first and foremost that it isn't about "Us". It's all about "You"! We are dedicated to giving each of our clients the best experience imaginable. Simply Outrageous Service isn’t just a catch phrase for us. It’s how we do business!

From day one we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll keep you informed, we’ll be there through the tough negotiations, and we’ll help you make the right decisions for your family.

Our dedication to your successful dealings (buying or selling) are unwavering. We firmly believe in the WOW factor. And when you work with The Cascade Team that’s what we intend to deliver. Service and Quality that are so far beyond your expectations,…

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