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        <title>The Cascade Team Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/</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/the-cascade-team-top-10-most-viewed-listings-of-the-day.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/the-cascade-team-top-10-most-viewed-listings-of-the-day.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>The Cascade Team Top 10 Most Viewed Listings of The Day</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



  


Here are the Top 10 most viewed Real Estate Listings on www.TheCascadeTeam.com for the Day: May 17th 2012 


Most Viewed Listings




MLS #351456


MLS #357256


MLS #307243


MLS #351948


MLS #352382


MLS #351504


MLS #352862


MLS #356654


MLS #352591


MLS #269363




 


More Technology, Service &amp; Marketing 


Welcome to The Cascade Team Real Estate. We pride ourselves in the fact that we provide more technology, more service and more marketing to get your home sold fast.  Our team of local real estate agents welcomes the opportunity to guide you through the buying or selling of your next home.  In addition, we provide more information than most other real estate brokerages, by allowing you to see more detials about the property of interest.  From customized homes search to FREE email notifications when new listings hit the market, we've got you covered.  Our team of local agents is ready to assist and answer any home buying or selling questions you might have. Our Real Estate Team has a wide variety of experience and housing market knowledge, enabling them to provide you with the highest level of Simply Outrageous Service!... READ MORE


The Cascade Team - Comcast Commercial


Be sure to check out our new Comcast commercial that officially launches May 7, 2012.







 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 13:44:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/welcome-to-the-cascade-team-madhu-gottumukkala.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/welcome-to-the-cascade-team-madhu-gottumukkala.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Welcome to The Cascade Team Madhu Gottumukkala</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



View Agents


Welcome to The Cascade Team Madhu Gottumukkala. Madhu recently moved to the area from Texas. He plans to focus his business on the Eastside and the I-90 corridor. Madhu has great customer service skills and will be focused on developing a thriving Real Estate business based on delivering Outrageous customer service and leveraging all that The Cascade Team has to offer.


madhu@thecascadeteam.com


Real Estate Intelligence Is Evolving


Leveraging Real Estate Technology In Today's Changing Real Estate Market!


It takes more than a MLS listing, sign, some paper fliers, and an open house to sell your home in today’s market. Make sure your real estate agent has real leading edge housing market intelligence.  Take a look at our quick video and then scroll down to see everything we offer our home sellers for only a 1% listing commission.  You'll be amazed!  Our leading edge marketing plan is degined to sell your house as quickly as possible.


If you are looking for employment, The Cascade Team is always looking for Amazing people. Click HERE to learn more!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 10:42:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/queen-anne-real-estate-home-for-sale-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/queen-anne-real-estate-home-for-sale-update.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Queen Anne Real Estate &amp; Home For Sale Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There are currently 110 active residential homes for sale in Queen Anne, with an average price of $918,443.  The average size of homes in Queen Anne is 2648 square feet.  In addition, there are 136 condos for sale in Queen Anne, at an average price of $373,651.  The average size of a Queen Anne condo is 1036 square feet.  There are a number of expensive homes in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood for sale, but with the market heating up, and the desirable location of these properties, I wouldn't expect them to last long.  Home buyers are clammering to purchase homes in the Queen Anne area.  Lastly there have been 41 sold homes in Queen Anne at an average price of $722,821, with an additional 27 condos sold at an average price of $358,156.


Feel free to contact us for more information on Queen Anne real estate, or with any questions you may have.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 09:49:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/beautifully-updated-burnstead-home-at-snoqualmie-ridge.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/beautifully-updated-burnstead-home-at-snoqualmie-ridge.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Beautifully Updated Burnstead Home at Snoqualmie Ridge</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Property Website


Priced at $459,000


Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5Home Size: 2,580 sq.ft. Garage: 2Lot Size: 5,431 sq.ft. Community: Snoqualmie RidgeCounty: King Property Type: Single Family HomeYear Built: 2000 MLS Number: 357256


Lavishly updated Burnstead residence in prime CVES location! This gorgeous home boasts a fully remodeled kitchen with oversized custom quartz island w/eating bar, elegant chef's appls, quartz serving bar with beverage fridge, Canyon Creek cabinets, huge walk-in pantry, gleaming new hardwoods throughout main, all new high end carpeting, Anderson windows, fresh interior paint, 3 spacious beds, over $50k into updates, near shopping amenities, across from park, fully fenced, backs to greenbelt!


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 09:30:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/cottage-home-for-sale-issaquah-highlands.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/cottage-home-for-sale-issaquah-highlands.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Cottage Home for Sale Issaquah Highlands</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Property Website


Priced at $400,000


Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5Home Size: 1,890 sq.ft. Garage: 2Lot Size: 3,000 sq.ft. Community: Issaquah HighlandsCounty: King Property Type: Single Family HomeYear Built: 2003 MLS Number: 357338


Picture perfect COTTAGE home with 4 upstairs bedrooms and rocking chair front porch in the heart of the coveted Highlands! Bright and open floor plan with maple hardwood floors on the main level. Chef's kitchen with shaker style maple cabinets, tile counters, breakfast bar, gas range and eating nook with slider opening to backyard with patio. Huge master suite with double doors and elegant master bath. Custom interior paint colors, fully fenced backyard and oversized 2 car garage. Hurry, this will not last!


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 13:42:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/issaquah-highlands-home-for-sale-dr-horton-gem.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/issaquah-highlands-home-for-sale-dr-horton-gem.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Issaquah Highlands Home for Sale - DR Horton Gem</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Property Website


Priced at $625,000


Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5Home Size: 3,010 sq.ft. Garage: 2Lot Size: 5,110 sq.ft. Community: Issaquah HighlandsCounty: King Property Type: Single Family HomeYear Built: 2003 MLS Number: 357221


Prepare to be wowed by this DR Horton gem, located in the coveted Issaquah Highlands community.This home has it all with maple hardwoods throughout the entire home, wainscoating, 20 ft plus ceilings, plantation shutters and amazing westerly views. Gourmet kitchen with slab granite, shaker-style maple cabinets, stainless, Jenn Aire appliances, walk-in pantry and planning desk. Master suite has double doors, sitting room and covered balcony. Huge master bath with vessel sinks, maple vanities and Jacuzzi tub. Surround sound, secuirty system, air conditioning too. The fully fenced backyard has a Koi pond, with waterfall, raised garden beds, outdoor lighting and custom cedar shed.


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 13:10:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/wa-state-legal-changes-for-home-selling-in-effect-june-7th.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/wa-state-legal-changes-for-home-selling-in-effect-june-7th.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>WA State Legal Changes for Home Selling in Effect June 7th</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



  


Legal Bulletin 194 


June 2012 Legislative Changes 


By Northwest Multiple Listing Service 


May 15, 2012 


1. Introduction 


This bulletin summarizes amendments to the Agency Reform Act (RCW 18.86), the Seller Disclosure Act (RCW 64.06), the State Building Code (RCW 19.27), and the corresponding revisions to “The Law of Real Estate Agency” pamphlet and NWMLS forms. Please read this bulletin carefully.


2. Short Sale Legislation 


a. The Law of Real Estate Agency Pamphlet


House Bill 2614 creates new law and revises existing law with regard to short sales of owner-occupied properties. Effective June 7, 2012, RCW 18.86.120 requires an additional disclosure to be made in “The Law of Real Estate Agency” pamphlet (the “Pamphlet”). The revised Pamphlet will include the following disclosure:


Section 12: Short Sale.


When the seller of owner-occupied residential real property enters into a listing agreement with a real estate licensee where the proceeds from the sale may be insufficient to cover the costs at closing, it is the responsibility of the real estate licensee to disclose to the seller in writing that the decision by any beneficiary or mortgagee, or its assignees, to release its interest in the real property, for less than the amount the borrower owes, does not automatically relieve the seller of the obligation to pay any debt or costs remaining at closing, including fees such as the real estate licensee’s commission.


RCW 18.86.030 requires brokers to provide the Pamphlet to all parties to whom the broker renders real estate brokerage services, before the party signs an agency agreement with the broker, signs an offer in a real estate transaction handled by the broker, consents to dual agency, or waives any rights under RCW 18.86. You must give the revised Pamphlet to all of your new clients with whom you establish an agency relationship with on or after June 7, 2012. You do not need to provide the revised Pamphlet to existing clients to whom you have already given the old Pamphlet prior to June 7, 2012. Page 2 of 4


b. The Listing Agreement


The revision to the Pamphlet requires brokers to give a separate written disclosure to sellers stating that a lender’s decision to release its security interest in the property does not automatically relieve the seller’s obligation to pay any outstanding debt. NWMLS will revise its listing agreements (Form 1A (Exclusive Sale and Listing Agreement) and Form 1B (Exclusive Agency Sale and Listing Agreement)) to include this new disclosure. The new disclosure, in Paragraph 4 of the revised listing agreements, provides:


If the proceeds from the sale of the Property are insufficient to cover the Seller’s costs at closing, Seller acknowledges that the decision by any beneficiary or mortgagee, or its assignees, to release its interest in the Property, for less than the amount owed, does not automatically relieve Seller of the obligation to pay any debt or costs remaining at closing, including fees such as Firm’s commission.


By including this new disclosure in the listing agreement, brokers will not need to separately give this written notice to sellers because the notice will be given at the time the seller executes the listing agreement. You must use this revised listing agreement for all listings taken on or after June 7, 2012. Please note that NWMLS Rule 3 requires that all listings be taken on the current version of NWMLS’s listing agreement.


For existing listings, that are or may become short sales, you must give the above notice to your seller clients on or shortly after June 7, 2012. Rather than having your client sign a revised listing agreement, NWMLS will publish a new “Short Sale Disclosure” (Form 22SSD) that you can provide to sellers of existing listings. That form will be available in the “Pamphlet” section of Xpress Forms.


In addition to the new short sale notice in the listing agreement, NWMLS also revised Paragraph 8 of the listing agreements. The revisions in Paragraph 8 are unrelated to the short sale legislation and were made to ensure that NWMLS and its members receive the proper permission to use the listing data and the photographs of the property. For example, members often provide the listing data and photographs to third parties that provide services to the members. The revisions to Paragraph 8 make clearer that NWMLS and its members are permitted to provide this information to those third parties.


c. Other Critical Provisions of House Bill 2614


There are two other noteworthy provisions in House Bill 2614. The first provision requires that a lender in a short sale, upon its “first written notice” to the seller, provide notice that it either “waives” or “reserves” the right to collect the full amount of the debt. The idea behind this requirement is to give the seller notice early in the process about whether the seller will be obligated for any existing debt after closing. Page 3 of 4


The second noteworthy provision shortens the statute of limitations for a lender to bring an action to collect any outstanding debt after releasing its security interest in the property from six years to three years. This means that lenders will have less time to file claims against sellers to pursue any outstanding debt after a short sale.


3. Carbon Monoxide Legislation 


a. Seller Disclosure Act – Form 17 and Form 17 Commercial


Senate Bill 6472, effective June 7, 2012, revises the Seller Disclosure Act (RCW 64.06) and requires revisions to Form 17 (Seller Disclosure Statement – Improved Property) and Form 17 Commercial (Seller Disclosure Statement – Commercial Property).


Form 17 will include two new questions in Section 5 (Systems and Fixtures) as follows:


E. Is the property equipped with carbon monoxide alarms? (Note: Pursuant to RCW 19.27.530, Seller must equip the residence with carbon monoxide alarms as required by the state building code.)


F. Is the property equipped with smoke alarms?


Form 17 Commercial will include one new question in Section 5 (Systems and Fixtures) as follows: “Are there any defects in the following systems? If yes, please explain. . . . (5) Carbon monoxide alarms.”


The revised forms should be used as follows:


 Sellers should use the new version of Form 17 (rev. 6/12) or Form 17 Commercial (rev. 6/12) for transactions where the parties reach mutual acceptance on or after June 7th.


 Sellers should use the prior version of Form 17 (rev. 7/11) or Form 17 Commercial (rev. 6/10) for transactions where the parties reach mutual acceptance before June 7th and the seller provides Form 17 or Form 17 Commercial to the buyer before June 7th.


 Sellers should use the new version of Form 17 (rev. 6/12) or Form 17 Commercial (rev. 6/12) for transactions where the parties reach mutual acceptance before June 7th, but the seller does not provide Form 17 or Form 17 Commercial until June 7th or later.


Page 4 of 4 


b. Brokers Not Liable for Seller’s Failure to Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms


In addition to the revisions to the Seller Disclosure Act, Senate Bill 6472 modifies the section of the Washington State Building Code related to carbon monoxide alarms (RCW 19.27.530). Effective June 7th, RCW 19.27.530 will provide:


Real estate brokers licensed under chapter 18.85 RCW shall not be liable in any civil, administrative, or other proceeding for the failure of any seller or other property owner to comply with the requirements of this section or rules adopted by the building code council.


This means that, in addition to the protections in the NWMLS purchase and sale agreement related to the installation of carbon monoxide alarms, real estate brokers also have a statutory exemption from liability.


4. Availability of Revised Forms 


The revised listing agreements, Form 1A and Form 1B (rev. 6/12), the revised seller disclosure forms, Form 17 and Form 17 Commercial (rev. 6/12), and the new Short Sale Disclosure (Form 22SSD) are currently available for order and distribution in hard-copy. The Pamphlet is currently available for order and will be available for distribution in hard copy soon.


The revised forms, including the Pamphlet and the new Short Sale Disclosure, will be available on Xpress Forms on May 31, 2012, a week before the new laws are effective. NWMLS will remove the old version of the forms at the same time.


PLEASE NOTE: You must not use the old listing agreements, the old Pamphlet, or the old seller disclosure forms after June 6, 2012. You should recycle your old forms to prevent any inadvertent use. You may, however, use any of the new forms or the revised Pamphlet before June 7, 2012.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 09:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/celebrate-the-completion-of-our-third-home-the-angela-house.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/celebrate-the-completion-of-our-third-home-the-angela-house.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Celebrate the completion of our third home, the Angela House!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 The Cascade Team is Proud to recognize such a wonderful cause to have one of our amazing agents: Ann Meisner be a part of the project.


Key players in completion of this beautiful new home in the heart of the Issaquah Highlands is Polygon Homes. And of course a battalion of dedicated volunteers. 











 




Ann Meisner


Real Estate Broker









 










Office Phone

425.502.6404 - Ext. 175






Cell Phone

206.953.9745






Fax

425-502-6408






Email

ann@annmeisnerhomes.com






Website

http://annmeisner.thecascadeteam.com/








Selling a home or buying a home is all “about you”. I am committed to giving you the best “service experience” possible. I listen carefully to your needs and wishes, and direct you through this important event with honesty, integrity and clarity. I help you to be successful by communicating effectively and negotiating strongly on your behalf. The Cascade Team Real Estate is a full service brokerage. Our motto is simple and it guides us in our high level of service to clients. “Simply Outrageous Service! Not Outrageous Commissions.” You will receive highly qualified, professional representation from day one and every step along the way. You will be well informed and guided throughout your process , to achieve the highest and best value in navigating this complex market. My goal is to serve you in achieving positive results whether you are buying or selling your home, always keeping your best interests in mind. I serve clients throughout Greater Seattle, Greater Eastside, and South King; helping them with information, market analysis, buying , and selling. I consult with people about real estate matters to assist them with their decisions about their personal property, investment properties, and lifestyle transitions. As for me: Bachelor of Science Degree ( Nutrition Major), Registered Dietitian and Health Care Administrator in hospitals and long term care facilities. Became a licensed Real Estate Professional in 2003 and Associate Broker in 2008. Registered instructor for Home Buyer Classes sponsored by The Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Community Involvement: On Advisory Board of LEO ( Life Enrichment Options), a non-profit organization providing housing, employment, recreation, and education for adults with special needs. Interests in addition to Real Estate: Running, Tennis,Hiking, Golf, Travelling Please feel welcome to call or email me anytime. I am always happy to help and would appreciate the opportunity to work with you .







 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 15:45:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/perfection-found-in-amber-ridge-bothell.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/perfection-found-in-amber-ridge-bothell.html</link>
            <author>info@thecascadeteam.com (The Cascade Team Real Estate)</author>
            <title>Perfection Found in Amber Ridge - Bothell</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


Property Website


$505,000-


15303 92nd Place, Bothell


Open HouseSunday 5/20/12 - 1:00 to 4:00pm;


4Bedrooms


2½Baths


2,630SQ. Feet


0.21Acres


Perfection Found in Amber Ridge?Elegantly updated 4 bed home offers architectural beauty and an oasis of gardens,yard &amp; patio with pergola! Bright, airy entry &amp; main living area features vaulted ceilings and skylights. Updated granite/stainless kitchen offers superior storage, large breakfast area, built-in desk/planning center and is open to the family room with fireplace. 3-car garage, newly refinished hardwoods &amp; all new carpet on main, all baths updated, architect. comp roof, Inglemoor HS.


Provided by: The Cascade Team


 Listing Agent: Shannon Woodcock


 Contact: 206.484.5330


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 11:06:00 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/redmond-ridge-real-esate-housing-market-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecascadeteam.com/blog/redmond-ridge-real-esate-housing-market-update.html</link>
            <author>james@HallTeamRe.com (James Hall)</author>
            <title>Redmond Ridge Real Esate &amp; Housing Market Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


As of May 14, 2012, there are currently 34 residential homes for sale, at an average price of $527,036. We have seen a decrease in housing inventory, but a slight uptick home prices since the last report, but home buyer activity seems to be strong. In addition, there are 2 short sale homes at an average price of $380,000, with 0 Bank owned homes listed. Lastly, there have been 2 new homes that have came on the market in Redmond Ridge in the last 7 days, and 27 sold homes in the last three months.


The latest housing numbers for Redmond Ridge are showing some positive signals towards price stabilization, however there is definitely a swing towards a lack of housing inventory avaialable to satisfy the number of home buyers currently looking for new homes. With rates at or near historic lows, it is a great opportunity for any home buyer looking to purchase a home in Redmond Ridge. Any home seller wanting to sell in today's market needs to price correctly, even though the market is heating up as houses still need to appraise. Home sellers need to remember they are in beauty contest and a price war at the same time, and the house that shows the best and is priced right will sell relatively fast.


If you would like more information on Redmond Ridge homes for sale, or would like to speak with one of our local Redmond Ridge real estate agents, please contact Us or visit www.HomesinRedmondRidge.com 






 


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            <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 -0700</pubDate>
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