What began as an extension of 2021’s high-flying real estate frenzy soon enough tumbled and fell to a near standstill by the Federal Reserve’s hiking of interest rates, rendering borrowing costs too pricy for most would-be homebuyers, who, no matter how hard they tried, couldn’t bend the numbers to their will. 

As rates rose, existing-home sales fell, builders pumped the brakes, price growth decelerated, and property sat on the sidelines far longer than forecasted. Real estate companies, meanwhile, braced for lean times after riding high through most of 2020 and 2021, with thousands of workers laid off and quarterly earnings reports showing losses — in some cases, to an unprecedented degree. 

To better measure an immeasurable 2022, we searched high

Mortgage rates continued their plunge from a peak of 7.08% in November, marking their biggest three-week drop in 14 years.

“Mortgage rates continued to drop this week as optimism grows around the prospect that the Federal Reserve will slow its pace of rate hikes,” says Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater.

Mortgage rates this week

30-year fixed-rate mortgages

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.49%, down from 6.58% the week prior, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. A year ago, the 30-year rate averaged 3.11%.

Mortgage rates began to slide below 7% after the most recent inflation data was released in mid-November. The consumer price index was at 7.7%, coming in below economist's expectations.

“Data shows that mortgage

Our Top 8 Tips

Whether you are getting ready to put your house on the market, or just need some advice to keep your home in tip-top shape, autumn is the perfect time to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. A well-cared for home not only looks good, it also can attract more buyers. Following these easy, inexpensive maintenance tips before winter arrives can really pay off big!  

1. Clean Roof and Gutters
   Before inclement weather arrives, check your roof for potential problems; shingles that are buckled, cracked, or missing; moss; and rust spots on flashing. Any loose, damaged, or missing shingles should be replaced immediately. Moss should be removed as it retains moisture and can promote rot. While you’re up there, check that the gutters are

“As for the interest rate ‘elephant in the room,’ the time has come for buyers and sellers to revisit financing methods from previous markets,”

•          “Mortgage programs are offering below-market rates with various buydown options – something we have not seen for years!”
•          Buydowns, adjustable-rate loans, carrying back second deeds of trust, and closing cost allowances as possible options.
•          Sellers need to be “laser focused on price and condition
•          “What your neighbor’s house sold for six months ago has very little bearing on your home’s value today.”
•          This is the new normal until interest rates go down.”

KIRKLAND, Washington (November 7, 2022) – Brokers with Northwest Multiple Listing Service

You may be aware of a new rule change from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service regarding “Offering” a Buyer’s Agent Compensation (We no longer use the term Commission). While it’s a confusing topic for both consumers and real estate agents alike, The Cascade Team has put together some Questions and Answers on the topic.

What is a “Fair” amount to pay for real estate compensation?

“Fair” is whatever you and the agent decide is fair, and just as you are not under any obligation to pay more than you want, the agent is not under any obligation to do business with you if they are not going to earn what they expect.

The Cascade Team will charge a total of 2% compensation to sell your home if the buyer comes unrepresented.

This includes full

SEATTLE — Housing prices coming down are a welcome sight for those in Seattle looking to buy a home. For-sale signs and open houses dot lawns in West Seattle. 

"We saw the open house sign and decided to come check it out," said Jennifer. 

Jennifer came to look at homes with her son, Brandon who is also looking to buy in the future. She has seen more houses on the market, which makes her feel better about what's available. 

"I'm renting in Arbor Heights and me and my girlfriend are looking to buy a house eventually but just how expensive everything is right now," said Brandon.

Housing prices are cooling down and the 30-year mortgage dropped a quarter of a percent this week, according to the NASDAQ. Even with this

Over the past few year’s buyers within the Washington housing market have been taking hit after hit. Back in 2020 through 2021 buyers were faced with the lowest inventory of homes Washington has ever seen. This was then coupled with an excess of other buyers all trying to lock in a sub 3% rate. These factors led to bidding wars of hundreds of thousands over asking price and buyers having to submit offers on close to ten homes before acceptance.

Then another punch in the nose befell home buyers. Just as inventory began creeping up so did interest rates. “Experts are forecasting that the 30-year, fixed-mortgage rate will vary from 5% to 7% by the end of 2022. Here are their more detailed predictions, as of late May 2022:” (Forbes). Some say

It’s no secret that housing prices across the Seattle and Eastside markets saw record growth in 2021, which has continued well into 2022.  That being said, many homes that are in historically desirable and competitive neighborhoods are starting to see a shift in the market.  It is my belief that the market will remain strong through the summer for sellers who have priced, prepped, and marketed their property correctly.  

We are still in a strong sellers market, but it's critical that every seller understands the conditions of the market, and work with a professional that has a deep and local market knowledge.  So as sellers begin to make plans for the spring and later parts of 2022, here are 4 things you MUST be aware of when looking to sell your

This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden Opportunity This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden Opportunity |

If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial. After all, you’ll want to balance getting the most out of the sale of your current home and making the best investment when you buy your next one. If that’s the case, you should know – you may be able to get the best of both worlds today. Here are four reasons why this spring may be your golden window of opportunity.

1. The Number of Homes on the Market Is Still Low Today’s limited supply of houses for sale is putting sellers in the driver’s seat. There are far more buyers in the market today than there are homes available. That means purchasers are eagerly waiting

Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July. However, this year’s expected to be much different than the norm. Here are five reasons to list your house now rather than waiting until the spring.

1. Buyers Are Looking Right Now, and They’re Ready To Purchase The ShowingTime Showing Index reports data from more than six million property showings scheduled across the country each month. In other words, it’s a gauge of how many buyers are out looking at homes at the current time. The latest index, which covers November showings, reveals that buyers are still very active in the market. Comparing this