It’s not quite one-click real estate, but the companies behind “instant buying” platforms like Zillow Offers think their algorithms can transform how Americans buy and sell homes — and now they’re testing that theory in Portland.

The appeal is pretty simple: Instead of making repairs and hosting open houses themselves, home sellers can now share specs and photos with an online real estate company and get a cash offer within days.

That company then handles the dirty work of flipping the home and finding a permanent buyer, usually all within 90 days.

According to The New York Times, this instant-buying trend is catching fire in cities like Phoenix, where six percent of all homes sales now involve an instant buyer.

Nationally, more than 100,000 people have requested offers on their homes from Zillow, which is now buying up properties in 12 U.S. cities, including Portland.

If you have experiences — good or bad — with the instant-buying craze, we’d love to hear about it. Just hit reply or shoot us a note to give us the scoop. 👍

In other news… 

Could a cap-and-trade carbon tax still pass the Oregon Legislature? Tina Kotek says yes. The top Democrat in the Oregon House said she expects the climate bill to get another look in 2020, even if that means making some tweaks. (Street Roots)

Meanwhile, Oregon Republicans are launching an effort to recall Governor Kate Brown from office for, well, being a Democrat. (OregonLive)

The full Washington Park and Zoo Railway probably won’t reopen any time soon, but a group of its biggest supporters still have hope for a comeback. (OPB)

If the World Cup got you excited about women’s soccer, this guide has everything you need to know about our very own Thorns FC and the NWSL. (Thorns FC)

Big thanks to everyone who sent questions for our series about the foster care system in Oregon.

Here are the Qs we’ll be digging into over the next few months:

• “What kind of person is the best for becoming a foster parent? —Anna Walker 
• “How much help do foster parents (and institutional homes) get addressing emotional and social issues for the kids they care for?” —Alan Lehto

• “As a teacher, I have many students in foster care. How can the education system better support students in the foster care system?” —Dayle Westhora
• “What are the incentives for interested Oregonians to take in a foster child?” —Vanessa Holmgren

Stay tuned for updates on what we’re learning on the reporting trail, and if you have other burning questions about foster care, we’d love to hear them.

SPONSORED BY EVERY CHILD OREGON

Enjoy this live TV footage of a flower blooming in Vancouver.

We’ll see you tomorrow.

–  Bridgeliner