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        <title>The Cascade Team Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/author/marisa-ormando/</link>
        <description>Check out the latest Seattle and San Diego real estate news at The Cascade Team blog.  Stay informed on local housing trends.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/exciting-news-we-now-offer-recallchek.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/exciting-news-we-now-offer-recallchek.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Exciting News… We now offer “RecallChek”  </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 Follow or Like Us On:   


 


The CascadeTeam is now the ONLY Real Estate Brokerage in the United States to offer RecallChek to the public.  This program was only offered directly to inspection companies that then re-sell the product to consumers (Typically for $39.95). Through The Cascade Team however, for only $19.95 our clients, friends, family, and of course our agents can enter their home information and the automated RecallChek system will search through millions of recalled items and let the home owner know if something in their home is on the list. On average 1 out of every 10 homes has a recalled item. Then on an ongoing basis RecallChek will submit your homes information every month and alert you to any undated recalls….. Get new appliances? No problem. You can update your home information for FREE at any time!


The RecallChek Story


Since 1974, American citizens have been protected from dangerous items in their homes by federal law. Congress perscribed a system whereby if a manufacturer designed a dangerous product, they MUST recall all those items and FIX THEM FOR FREE!The problem in the law is that most often it's up to the consumer, to find out whether appliances are potential fire or safety hazards!There is a database designed and managed by the government, but you would have to wade through 205 MILLION recalled items to find out if a dishwasher or air conditioner is a hazard to your clients family, until now.RecallChek is the first consumer appliance recall reporting system ever created, and is available to you now.


How It Works


You simply take down the model numbers from all of the major appliances in your home, including, but not limited to, HVAC equipment, water heaters, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and dryers. You may also include garbage disposals, exhaust fans, and smoke detectors. Serial numbers are optional, but are encouraged to be submitted as well. Within 2 business days of submitting your appliances, you will receive a detailed report summarizing our findings. Watch the video below for more information.


 




 


Ready To Sign Up?


If you are ready to sign up, click on the link below to be taken to the registration page.


 


 


 




abellahomes has the experience, knowledge, guidance &amp; answers for your home purchase or home sale needs.


 abellahomes


Marisa Ormando, Broker &amp; Stan Chang, Managing Broker (Husband Wife Team)


marisa@abellahomes.com (425)445-9616 or stan@abellahomes.com (425)445-2510


 


 


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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2012 13:05:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/sammamish-real-estate-homes-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/sammamish-real-estate-homes-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Sammamish Real Estate &amp; Homes For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Follow or Like Us On:   


 


Looking for Sammamish real estate? Contact abellahomes as we are here to assist you!


To see all the newly listed real estate in Sammamish Click Here. 


 


Be sure to watch our new commercial





 


Align yourself with abellahomes to represent you when selling your home will make all the difference. Technology is moving quickly today &amp; working with tech savvy real estate consultants who understand how the leverage Social Media in today’s fast paced Internet world will make all the difference! 


We are not just your typical Agents but Tech Savvy Real Estate Consultants. Look no further; Experience the Difference…


 abellahomes


Marisa Ormando, Broker &amp; Stan Chang, Managing Broker (Husband Wife Team)


marisa@abellahomes.com (425)445-9616 or stan@abellahomes.com (425)445-2510


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 13:18:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/ascent-at-talus-open-house-sunday-may-6th-1-4pm.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/ascent-at-talus-open-house-sunday-may-6th-1-4pm.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Ascent At Talus - Open House Sunday May 6th, 1 - 4pm </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 










 MLS® #348357$294,8882 Bedrooms, 2.50 BathroomsIssaquah, Wa

Stunning Townhome In Highly Sought After Ascent At Talus W/attached 2 Car Tandem Garage. Kitchen Has Updated Appliances, Alde...

Read More »

Listing courtesy of The Cascade Team








 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 16:55:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/ascent-at-talus-townhome-for-sale-by-abellahomes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/ascent-at-talus-townhome-for-sale-by-abellahomes.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Ascent At Talus ~ Townhome For Sale by abellahomes </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 MLS® #348357$294,8882 Bedrooms, 2.50 BathroomsIssaquah, Wa


Stunning Townhome In Highly Sought After Ascent At Talus W/attached 2 Car Tandem Garage. Kitchen Has Updated Appliances, Alde...

Read More »

Listing courtesy of The Cascade Team


Follow or Like Us On:   


 


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:13:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/sammamish-real-estate-is-heating-up.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/sammamish-real-estate-is-heating-up.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Sammamish Real Estate is heating up….</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Follow or Like Us On:   


 


How many homes are for sale in Sammamish?


-          185 Residential homes for sale


-          16 Condo’s for sale


 


How many homes are short sales / banked owned (REO’s)?


-          Currently less than 5% of the homes for sale currently on the market.  It used to be as high as 30%.


 


What is the average days on market?


-          Currently over 90 homes under contract in Sammamish!  The DOM’s (days on market) are much shorter &amp; averaging about 3 months.


 


What is the average sales price in Sammamish?


-          The average sales price for a home in Sammamish is currently 575k during the last 3 months.


 


Sammamish is ranked 15th on the Best Places to Live by Money Magazine. This fairly new incorporated city has people relocating &amp; moving here the last several years with a rising population of 45k+.   We will soon have retail shops at The Commons. We opened a Library &amp; Teen Recreation Center .


Sammamish is well known for its 2 popular school districts Issaquah School District &amp; Lake Washington School District.  Also, home to a private school with approximately 800 students grades 6th – 12th known as Eastside Catholic School. We have many diverse cultures here on the Plateau.  Also, the Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for local events &amp; businesses.  


The Sammamish Plateau offers a wonderful quality of life. Its home to lakes, parks, nearby trails for your enjoyment.  Whether you’re relocating, purchasing your first home or just looking for an investment – look no further.  Sammamish is abella place to live. 


 


Do you want to know what your home is worth?


- Look no futher ask abellahomes


 


 abellahomes has the experience, knowledge, guidance &amp; answers for your home purchase or home sale needs.


 


abellahomes


Marisa Ormando, Broker &amp; Stan Chang, Managing Broker (Husband Wife Team)


marisa@abellahomes.com (425)445-9616 or stan@abellahomes.com (425)445-2510


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:52:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/sold-by-abellahomes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/sold-by-abellahomes.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Sold by abellahomes…</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Follow or Like Us On:   


 


Congratulations to our clients who just purchased this wonderful home in Issaquah Highlands!





3171 NE Marquette Wy, Issaquah 98029


MLS# 280258 / $375,300


This home was a short sale purchase.  We are so thankful for being able to represent them and to all our clients as we truly are working for you! 


What a Pleasant Surprise A Gift for US:





It was a wonderful &amp; thoughtful gesture!  Stan &amp; I wishing them all best with their home!


 Advantages For Our Short Sale Clients


If you think you might need assistance in selling your home as a Short Sale working with The Cascade Team on a short sale transaction, you will receive the following benefits:




FREE legal consultation and direct access to our in-house short sale team.


Leading edge software program to manage the process and submit a complete package to the lender, which helps expedite the assignment of a negotiator.


You get the same aggressive marketing program to bring in an offer as quickly as possible.


You have our short sale team following up on a regular basis with the lender and negotiating on your behalf.


Online access for our client, agents and buyer to stay up to date on the progress being made with the lender.


You will have your real estate agent as a trusted resource to walk you through the process.


We are licensed agents and CDPE Certified Negotiators.  This is very important, as many negotiators do not carry real estate licenses. The Washington State Department of Licensing is starting to come down on unlicensed negotiators. In addition, many negotiators pass their fees along to the buyers, which deters them from making an offer on your home. Our negotiator works with the lender to pay the fee and the buyer is never stuck having to pay to purchase your house. With our short sale negotiator's track record, this means that you, our client, get your home sold and closed quicker.




If you are in a situation where you need to sell your home and you owe more than what it is worth contact abellahomes, for more information. We would be happy to assist in determining if a short sale is your best option or not.  Feel free to check out our short sale video library to learn more about the HAFA program and loan modifications.


 


abellahomes


Marisa &amp; Stan


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:36:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/leveraging-social-media-to-market-your-home-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/leveraging-social-media-to-market-your-home-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Leveraging Social Media to market your home for sale….</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


Follow or Like Us On:   


 


NAR (National Association of Realtors) released their 2011,”Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.”  Guess what they found? According to NAR 88% of buyers (that’s up from 8% previously) use the Internet to search for available properties. We have all heard agents say they market homes on the Internet.  What does that really mean? When a home is listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) it’s suppose to get that property listing onto other websites; like Trulia, Realtor.com, Zillow, etc…   Did you know our MLS doesn’t feed to Realtor.com &amp; your home isn’t listed on that website?  Having your home as a “featured listing” will rank higher when searching for homes on Trulia or Zillow.  Placement does matter; it makes it easier for potential buyers to find your home for sale.  However, having all this technology doesn’t replace hiring an agent to sell your home but rather increases your chances of selling.  The study showed that 91% of home buyers who used the Internet to search for homes actually purchased through an agent.  In fact, Internet home buyers were more likely to contact a real estate agent (91%) than buyers who did not use the Internet to search for homes (70%).  


The truth is most agents DON’T do enough to promote/market homes for sale online. The majority of brokerages in this industry are far behind what technology has to offer. I always say to my clients, it’s free &amp; its how much time the agent invests in it.  Realtors can input your home listing into the MLS and put it on YouTube, Facebook &amp; tweet it occasionally. That’s not enough!  Do they really understand how SEO works? Do they track web traffic to your listing &amp; provide that feedback to you?  Do they use Social Media daily? Are they really social? Are they hyperlocal? Have they ever offered to post a blog about your home sale? Do they ever ask you about the memories you’ve shared in your home? Have they ever asked for a scrap book to tell a story about the home?  Do they market your home daily online – most often the answer is NO! They’re banking on the fact that you’re just as ignorant as they are!  It’s not just any home – it’s your home!  Getting maximum Internet exposure is very important to your bottom line.  The faster you get an offer on the home the better the outcome on sales price!  Many agents are running looking for their next listing. It’s not about doing a deal!  We will eventually get paid when the sale is final but when it takes months, it cost you money!!!  Social media must be done daily! Yes, it’s a time consuming tedious task but it benefits you the client!  Our clients know us all too well &amp; know how far we’ll push the envelope to market &amp; sell their home with the best of intentions. It’s about your abellahome, not the home down the street that might sell next week!  We’re committed to our clients not a future client. We will not chase them &amp; beg them to list their home with us for were truly committed to task at hand – your bottom line!   


We provide Outrageous Service to YOU – the client! 


How do we leverage Social Media? 


We continuously, drive Internet traffic with specific key words. Include the URL for the property website &amp; blog about it. The reason this is important is that all of the content that is created surrounding this online marketing campaign needs to be aligned with the consumer in mind (SEO 101).


We have created a microsite to tell a unique story that can serve as a platform for search engine optimization (SEO) and lead conversion. The abellahomes website is SEO-friendly and it also supports all types of media, including images, video, documents and social media widgets. There you can find local community &amp; school information, Sammamish HOA’s, Vintage Home Values, Sammamish Home Values, &amp; so much more…


We have built a campaign for every major medium and service. Abellahomes has a Facebook page (abellahomes), Twitter Account (@abellahomes), YouTube Channel (abellahomes channel) &amp; Pinterest. It doesn’t stop there our Real Estate Company promotes &amp; markets all the company listings as well.  Now you’re getting 2x the Internet exposure! By creating multiple sources of photo, video and/or written content, this ensures that the home would show up in any kind of search and on just about any website or service. Also, devoting much time to ensure they get ranked effectively to pull up on search engines. 


We work together with our Sellers &amp; collaborate to make it personal unlike the traditional way of real estate.  Traditionally, sellers and buyers are discouraged from sharing personal information because it may jeopardize the sale. Social media provides a certain amount of distance between people, allowing you to use a more personal touch in highlighting the features of a property. Tell a story about your home &amp; we’ll blog about it! It’s a Social Media Marketing Campaign staring your HOME! Write a blog post about why someone might want to live in your home &amp; post photos, videos, and share stories.


This communication between the seller &amp; buyer online can make a connection. The seller is able to share what they love about the house: inside, outside, what’s great about living there, the change of seasons, what’s nearby, the community — everything from the owner’s point of view. The house, in this way, can become more than a collection of rooms — it becomes a home in a buyer’s eyes.


We believe in sharing often by posting content daily! That’s what SM is all about. Posting regularly helps you build interest and followers over time, and ensures you remain at the top in searches for your keywords. We post daily on a range of subjects designed to inform potential buyers about the house and increase their interest in the property.


Having a Tech Savvy Real Estate Consultant is what’s needed! Creating compelling content on multiple platforms is a time-consuming endeavor and needs to be agile to be effective. The future of real estate marketing is changing. Playing an important role along with your real estate agent will connect all the right dots to serve you and bring a successful sale on your home.


For the Great News!  We charge a 1% Listing Fee and offer a whole lot of other “personal service.”


Align yourself with abellahomes to represent you when selling your home will make all the difference. Technology is moving quickly today &amp; working with tech savvy real estate consultants who understand how the leverage Social Media in today’s fast paced Internet world will make all the difference!  


We are not just your typical Agents but Tech Savvy Real Estate Consultants. Look no further; Experience the Difference…


 


abellahomes


Marisa &amp; Stan


Reference:  NAR (National Association of Realtors) 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:13:10 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/daylight-savings-begins-march-11-2012-at-200am-its-the-perfect-time-for-spring-cleaning.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/daylight-savings-begins-march-11-2012-at-200am-its-the-perfect-time-for-spring-cleaning.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Daylight Savings begins March 11, 2012 at 2:00am ~ It's the perfect time for Spring Cleaning </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Move your clocks ahead 1 hour in spring (spring forward, fall back). 


Here in Sammamish, the birds are serenading, the flowers are blooming and our homes may be feeling the winter blues. The time has come for spring cleaning.  I've put together a checklist for you!


 


Around the House


Wash windows inside and out &amp; wipe down the sills. Remember to clean the window screens! 


Dust or wash window treatments.   


Dust those hard to reach surfaces, ceiling fans, above kitchen cabinets and baseboards and doorways. 


Wash out trash cans. 


Move furniture away from walls and clean underneath. 


Consider having your carpets professionally cleaned, steam clean tile grout or wax wood floors.


Clean upholstered furniture. Vacuum pillows, as well as underneath the cushions. Look for stains and clean according to the care label.


Have your furnace checked, have ducts cleaned &amp; replace filters.  


Investigate all doors and windows for leaks and drafts, particularly near the corners.


Check your carbon monoxide detector &amp; smoke detectors throughout the home.  Replace batteries if needed. 


 


Kitchen &amp; Baths


Clean inside the refrigerator &amp; self clean the oven.   


Thoroughly clean the microwave including the filters.


Organize pantry and throw out any expired foods.


Replace or wash the shower curtain.


Deep clean the faucets, tub &amp; toilets.  


I personally prefer CLR for the tough jobs.  


 


Bedrooms


Check your mattress, flip if needed.  


Change your bedding for spring / summer.


Organize your closet, out with the old &amp; in with the new.  Give it a good vacuum.  Donate what clothing you don’t wear often.


 


 Home Office


Clean up the stack of papers on your desk – purge those unnecessary items.  


 


Outside


Sweep porch and deck, as well as around doors and windows to get rid of cobwebs and debris. 


Wash outdoor furniture.


Once you’ve begun your spring cleaning. You’re sure bound to come across a few things that could some TLC around the house. 


 


What should every homeowner take into consideration when properly maintaining their home? Miles Wood, Cutting Edge Remodeling has put together a checklist for you.    




Check the underside of your deck for any rot on the joists or support columns, also check the ledger board that mounts to the house


Apply some pressure back and forth to the deck railing to ensure that the posts are in good condition


Look for any cracked or peeling paint on the siding


Inspect the caulking around windows and doors for any cracking


Check the windows for any moisture between the panes of glass, a sign that the window needs to be replaced


Ensure that the roof and gutters are free of debris


Replace the filter in the HVAC system


Check all the door knobs and make sure they function properly 


Inspect the faucets, and showers for any dripping water after they have been shut off


Look for any cracked caulking around the bathtubs and shower walls


Listen to the toilets for any running water while unused


Open the cabinet doors below the kitchen and bathroom sinks to check for any water leaking from the drains or supply lines


Replace any burnt out light bulbs


Check for any cracks in the drywall




 If everything checks out, that just means you can spend the repair money on projects that will be enjoyable! Some of the more popular projects from last year were basement remodels, garages with finished interiors, media rooms, and outdoor living spaces. The best part is that all of these can add value to your home. Here is more information about Miles Woods Company on Sammamish KOMO.


Marisa Ormando


abellahomes


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:59:16 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/warren-buffets-take-on-the-current-housing-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/warren-buffets-take-on-the-current-housing-market.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>Warren Buffets take on the current housing market…</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 

 


If you’re a first time home buyer, seller, investor or renter living on the Eastside, you may want to consider these interesting facts about the Sammamish Home Market.  In the last 3 months the average home sales price in Sammamish was $565k &amp; condos were $270k. We currently have 174 homes for sale with a median asking price $650k for approximately 3000SF of living space.  The median prices for condos are $205k for approximately 1300SF. 


Sammamish is ranked 15th on the Best Places to Live by Money Magazine. This fairly new incorporated city has people relocating &amp; moving here the last several years with a rising population of 45k+.   We will soon have retail shops at The Commons. We opened a Library &amp; Teen Recreation Center . 


Sammamish is well known for its 2 popular school districts Issaquah School District &amp; Lake Washington School District.  Also, home to a private school with approximately 800 students grades 6th – 12th known as Eastside Catholic School. We have many diverse cultures here on the Plateau.  Also, the Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for local events &amp; businesses.   


The Sammamish Plateau offers a wonderful quality of life. Its home to lakes, parks, nearby trails for your enjoyment.  Whether you’re relocating, purchasing your first home or just looking for an investment – look no further.  Sammamish is abella place to live.  


 abellahomes has the experience, knowledge, guidance &amp; answers for your home purchase or home sale needs.   


  


abellahomes 


Marisa Ormando &amp; Stan Chang


 


Source: NWMLS Housing Market Statistics


 


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:07:15 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/abellahomes-has-been-named-a-2011-five-star-real-estate-agent-for-4-years-in-a-row.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/abellahomes-has-been-named-a-2011-five-star-real-estate-agent-for-4-years-in-a-row.html</link>
            <author>marisa@thecascadeteam.com (Marisa Ormando)</author>
            <title>“abellahomes” has been named a 2011 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent for 4 years in a row!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
"abellahomes" has done it again!  


 


We have been named a 2011 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent for 4 years in a row!   


 


Stan &amp; I will appear in the December issue of Seattle Magazine and we will be featured in the 2011 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent Special Section. Thank you for believing in us!  We couldn't have achieved this without you &amp; appreciate your continued support over the years! This is truly a great honor!!! This really means so much to us!!!


Thanks:)Marisa &amp; Stan


www.abellahomes.com 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:48:27 -0700</pubDate>
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