Derek A Cassel - Boise, ID Real Estate Agent - Boise REALTOR

What year did you become a real estate agent?
The agent has not answered this question.

How many years have you been in Real Estate?
I've enjoyed four exciting years as a full time agent.

What is the average home price in your market?
According to my free monthly market report, our average home price right now is about $212,000.

Are there any new developments or trends in your area?
Our market has cooled somewhat after two years of intense growth. The good news is that we've avoided the serious downturn in values that other parts of the country are experiencing. In comparison to the last few years, this is as close to a buyers' market as we've experienced.

Why do you enjoy being a real estate agent?
In my previous job, I spent all of my time stuck in front of a computer. What sets Real Estate apart is that I get to be with people. I really missed them! I love walking people through the complicated process that is real estate. It is so fulfilling to see a smiling face as I hand the keys to a person who originally came to me with a hundred fears and concerns.

What is the most challenging issue you face as a Real Estate Professional?
One of the greatest challenges I face is the misinformation that many clients come with. We've all seen the "get-rich-quick in Real Estate" infomercials on TV. It's sometimes difficult for people to let go of the idea that real estate investment is somehow different that everything else in life. There is money to be made for sure, but it takes work just like everything else.

Tell us one of your client success stories or an interesting moment in your profession.
Recently, a former client called to let me know that his parents were looking to buy a second home in Idaho. We spent several intense days looking at houses, but we kept running into the fact that they wanted the features of a newer house, but they weren't particularly interested in living in a subdivision. That's a tall order in our area! Most of our newer homes are built in subdivisions. After a long Saturday morning of seeing homes, we pulled up in front of one last house that I had picked myself. We went in and they fell in love. I was so pleased that we had found the perfect fit. The house is technically in a subdivision, but it sits in a cul-de-sac with the back windows overlooking horse pastures. I just talked with Pat yesterday and they couldn't be happier with their new home. They insist that I stop by every time I'm in the area. It's wonderful to find a house that perfectly fits, but it's even better to find new friends.

What is your best characteristic?
I set people at ease. Real Estate is stressful enough without having a high pressure salesperson breathing down your neck.

Who or what inspires you the most?
I'd have to say that my dad inspires me. He was the most honest person that I've ever met. He liked people and they liked him. I consider it a high compliment when people see in me characteristics that I associate with my dad.

What is the best advice you ever received?
Add ice cubes after you've already poured the soda into the glass. It fizzes less than doing it the other way around. :)

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I'm from back East originally, but I'm having a hard time thinking of living anywhere other than Idaho right now.