Press Releases

Real Estate Industry Calls Zestimate’s Accuracy Into Question, Even After Upgrades

Published on Rismedia

Carrie Lukins, broker/owner at Sellstate Alliance Realty & Property Management agrees—the onus for home valuations should be on real estate agents, not technology.

“Though Zillow may have updated their algorithms for Zestimates, a computer never takes the place of a local expert. A local REALTOR® who has intimate knowledge of your individual market will always be far more superior than Zillow,” says Lukins.

“Their data is culled from the entire nation, not your individual neighborhood,” adds Lukins, who is only incentivized to compete even more amid the increase in data adoption. “We can always appreciate that Zillow is trying to squeeze out the local expert; that just encourages us to educate the consumer and our local community about our value and expertise.”

Sellstate Alliance owner Carrie Lukins garners national honor

Local REALTOR® recognized for significant contributions to U.S. housing market

February 3, 2021

Carrie Lukins - Partner - Sellstate Alliance RealtyCOLORADO SPRINGS – Carrie Lukins,Co-Owner/REALTOR® of Sellstate Alliance Realty & Property Management, received national honors Monday from RISMedia, a respected real estate industry news source.

Lukins was named a 2021 Real Estate Newsmaker, a dynamic group of key influencers credited with newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry and its efforts to positively affect consumers and the communities they serve. Lukins’ Sellstate Alliance brokerage recently celebrated $1 million in social impact contributions to the Pikes Peak region in just the last two years.

“It is an extreme honor to be named alongside many real estate titans throughout the nation and in the industry,” said Lukins. “It is humbling to see the vision and efforts of giving back to our amazing Colorado Springs community come to light on a platform like RISMedia. Through the power of real estate, our entire group of REALTORS® has devoted our hearts and time giving back to those in our community who need it the most, and we will continue to do so for many years to come.”

The 2021 Real Estate Newsmakers were nominated by RISMedia readers and editors. Nominees include real estate’s most profitable and productive professionals. Award categories include: Influencers, Trailblazers, Futurists, Achievers, Crusaders, Inspirations, Luminaries and Trendsetters. Honorees are named in an online directory at RISMedia.com and in the February issue of its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine.

“Every year, we’re amazed by the incredible ingenuity and success of members in the real estate community, ranging from the glass ceilings being shattered by industry leaders, to the creativity and innovation being implemented at a record pace, and all the way to the wonderful charitable work being accomplished across the nation,” said John Featherston, CEO, president and publisher of RISMedia. “This year, more than ever, we are proud to recognize the hard work, dedication and determination of real estate’s finest professionals—the 2021 Real Estate Newsmakers—who went above and beyond in 2020 even amid a turbulent time for the industry, and the world, facing the challenges head-on and without fear. Help us in celebrating their hard-earned recognition.”

RISMedia plans to honor their Real Estate Newsmakers, including the 2021 Hall of Fame, later in the year. Organizers are monitoring the appropriateness in relation to the ongoing pandemic. In past years, RISMedia has honored the group at their Real Estate Newsmakers Reception & Dinner at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Colorado Springs realty company exceeds $1M given back to Pikes Peak community 'heroes'

Jan 5, 2021

In the last two years, Sellstate Alliance Realty in Colorado Springs, Carrie Lukins, Preston Smith and their brokerage have surpassed $1 million in social impact.

The business has given back to Pikes Peak region individuals and charitable organizations with an emphasis on five “hero” groups (military, law enforcement, firefighters/EMS, healthcare professionals and teachers).

“In addition, we have sponsored, raised funds and hosted days of giving for all the K9 officers of El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Springs Police Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Fountain and Woodland Park Police departments,” Lukins said.

This community effort aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for law enforcement officers who are partnered with canine deputies. “These officers may assume a modest financial burden related to quality of life of the canine,” Lukins said. “Any assistance we can provide to make the unexpected expense easier on the officer is an honor we gladly will help with.”

It’s part of their business mission to value character over profits.

The 719 Heroes initiative at Sellstate Alliance has enabled the now 58-member brokerage to make home purchasing and selling easier for those who have sacrificed to educate, heal, protect and serve the community, often eliminating roadblocks for them.

“Through 719 Heroes at Sellstate Alliance, we’re able to deliver on our commitment to reward .7% of the sales price of the home to local heroes when they purchase or sell a home with Sellstate Alliance. This is just one reason we’re excited for the social impact our agents make every day,” Lukins said.

“We created ‘12 HEROES of Christmas’, where every year we help 12 local heroes in need. We’ve done this by providing car help, bunk beds, house cleaning, kitchen remodels, and a variety of different ways. We sponsor golf tournaments, food drives, school supply drives, clothing and coat drives,” said Smith.

Efforts include a partnership to reduce veteran homelessness, provide firefighters with protective vests; provide school supplies to local students. Some of the organizations they support are Mt Carmel Veteran Service Center, Habitat for Humanity, Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, The American Legion, TESSA and many other local foundations.

According to Smith, more than 90% of Sellstate clients are “local heroes” and 100% of the Sellstate staff and agents have served in one of these callings or has a family member who has. “Our team is focused on what makes a business successful. It takes commitment to put this community first, a pledge to honor local heroes, and be the very best REALTOR for all of our clients” Smith said.

Lukins added, “We have had nothing but positive feedback from recipients and the community. They tend to rally around us and support our culture of contribution and giving.”

Sellstate Alliance Realty & Property Management (sellstatealliance.com), which operates from 1155 Kelly Johnson Blvd Ste. 206, Colorado Springs (80920), is opening new offices in Pueblo and Falcon, and the team hopes to give back another $1 million in 2021. “Within the next five years we would love to reach $5 million-plus and extend our campaigns to smaller towns in the Pikes Peak region. We believe we can’t make an impact on the world unless we make an impact and impart positive change where we live,” Lukins said.

Smith and Lukins believe that these campaigns benefit the community. As more benefits are given, more people are impacted. A positive difference can be made whether through support of a financial amount, food, necessities, moral support or volunteer time, they said.

“When we see people contributing to the advancement and benefit of others, our community loves to offer their support and assistance — this makes our giving that much larger. We can all give, but when we give together, we are able to give big,” Lukins said.