The Cascade Team Real Estate

The Cascade Team Real Estate has redesigned the Home Page with easier access to the most cutting edge real estate tools availiable!

Open House: Looking for open house information. Use our map search tool and see all MLS scheduled open house listings in your area. This tool will allow you to see all real estate properties adveristing for open houses. Get out and see homes for sale in your neighborhood of interest. If your looking to buy a home, you can also see property details on any of the MLS listings and use our market snapshot tool to gain valuable insight into real estate values and do your own home value analysis. Whether your looking in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah or Snoqualmie, you can find everything you need right here.

Home Value Analysis: With the free Home Value Analysis Market Snapshot feature from The Cascade Team you can see exactly what the Agents see: Comparable homes in your neighborhood or any neighborhood you choose, side by side comps
showing Sqft Size, Bed, Bath, Days on Market, Price and Sold Homes to Active Listings. You can even compare the final “Sold” price to the “Asking Price”. And it’s all Free!

Sold Properties: The Cascade Team provides our clients a variety of real estate tools so they can not only see active homes for sale in your neighborhood, but also homes that have sold. In today's housing market, it's not just what homes are listed for, but rather what they have sold for. That is the true measure of a home property value. Us the map search tool below to see closed home values in your neighborhood and see what houses are selling for and the number of days on market. This will help you start the process of getting some comparable homes to determine price and how long it may take to sell. Our agents are neighhorhood specialists and would be happy to assist you in this process and will provide a complimentary comparative market analysis.

Use the "SORT BY" to see sold homes within the past 7 days, or all the way back to 2006. Then you can click on the red "SOLD" sign to switch over and see active for sale properties in the same area.

School Reports: Now you can compare Schools and different Communities and towns side by side just like you do homes in a Market Analysis! Simply click on the Community Reports icon. Then just enter the zip codes you want to compare, set the default distance (2 to 10 miles) and select Schools or Community info. You can find Student Teacher ratio, compare public and private schools, and more. Under Community info view nearby amenities such as shopping, grocery, arts and entertainment, population and median income!

Thanks you for spending time at www.TheCascadeTeam.com There are many more tools availiable here for you, and more coming in the following weeks, so be sure to keep checking back!

8 Biggest Communication Mistakes Agents Make

None of us get trained enough in the art of communication. Very few people have ever had anyone critique their communication style. Here are the eight most common mistakes agents make in their communication with clients:

Mistake #1: Speed.
This is by far one of the biggest mistakes we make when we communicate. We are either too fast or too slow in our speech.

You have to really pay attention to the way your clients are reacting to you as you talk. Only by doing so can you learn the correct speed of the conversation.
Most of the time, agents are too fast. I am constantly telling agents to slow down. I don't have to tell them to speed up quite as often, but this is also important.

Mistake #2: Voice inflection.
Many agents are monotone. The important points that need to be expressed are completely missed when you speak in a non-varied voice tone.

There's a big difference between saying, “I understand that” and “I understand that”. Your voice inflection means so much, especially when you highlight important points.

Mistake #3: Body positioning.
If you're communicating with someone about important information, then you need to look your clients firm in the eye and clearly say what needs to be said. There are times during this delivery that you lean forward a bit to show the seriousness of what you're saying. Then, after the delivery, you want to lean back to allow “space” for them to digest what you just told them.

Communication is a dance. There's leading and following. There's tempo and rhythm. Your clients' body language will become animated at times. It's important for you to note this. It tells you that your client is either excited or agitated. Use what you learn by observation. Complement what they're saying with their body language by countering theirs with your own.

Note: When a client becomes rigid and firm in their body language, it's usually an indicator that they don't like what you're saying.

Mistake #4: Avoiding important topics.
Agents often avoid talking about the important stuff—price reductions, low offers, and other money-related issues. They beat around these topics as opposed to dealing with them directly.

Talking around points does nothing other than give the other side more time to object or think of ways to not do what you're suggesting. You need to start off with, “This is something we need to talk about. It's very important and I want to address it.”

Then, handle the important information succinctly and clearly. People will respect you for being direct and straightforward with them.



Mistake #5: Not listening.
Many agents have a really hard time listening to the clues that the client is giving out. For example, the client might say, “You know, we're just not really interested in spending more than X dollars on a house.” Are they saying that they can't spend more or that they just don't want to? What does that mean? The problem is that agents don't dig deeper.

Dig!

Find out exactly what they mean. When somebody says something vague, stop. Bring attention to what they just said. Find out exactly what they mean.
You could ask, “What if we found the perfect house and it's $5,000 more than your budget? Does that mean that we shouldn't even talk about it?”

When you uncover the true parameters of your working relationship with your client, you are much better armed to help them.

Mistake #6: Not asking enough questions.
When you don't ask enough questions, you let the other side dominate the conversation. You are in charge of the interaction. You're the expert. You're the leader. You should be directing the conversation. You keep the flow going.
But be careful. Don't make the twin mistake of:

Mistake #7: Asking too many questions.
While you do want to lead, you don't want to make the client feel like they're being interrogated. That's too much pressure. There needs to be balance. Communication should be a conversation, not an interrogation.

Mistake #8: Saying the same thing over and over.
Many people in all walks of life make this mistake. I used to know someone who said, “Wonderful!” after every response the client gave them. It sounded fake and became annoying after a while.

Watch your words. Is there something you repeat too often? You may need to ask friends or colleagues about this one. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say to you. Don't take personal offense.

Great communication is something that is learned. None of us are born with it. We pick up both good and bad habits along the way.

Get to know your communication style. Sit down and analyze it with someone who can give you honest feedback.

Everyone has something in their communication that can be improved—including you.

Open Houses for January 30th & 31st 2010

Open Houses from The Cascade Team: Just click the location link to see complete details of each home!

Snoqualmie Ridge: $359,900 Largest & most popular cottage flr plan, this 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath home has new windows, carpet & tile flrs. Open 1-4:00 Sat Jan 30th

Snoqualmie Ridge: $479,900 Quality built Burnstead home on greenbelt lot across from park. Open 1-4:00 Sat Jan 30th

Snoqualmie Ridge: $479,900 3130 sqft Meticulously maintained, loaded w/ upgrades - 3 bdrm, w/ lg bonus/loft & 2.5 bath home. Open 1-4:00 Sun Jan 31st

Issaquah Highlands: $400,000 Immaculately maintained DR Horton built 3 Bedroom 2.25 bathroom park side home welcomes with country style front porch. Open 1-4:00 Sun Jan 31st

Issaquah Highlands: $399,950 Immaculately maintained Burnstead home with Pottery Barn styling,custom paint & beautiful millwork throughout. Open 1-4:00 Sun Jan 31st

Issaquah Highlands: $389,000 Mountain & city view Crofton Springs 2 bdrm plus loft/den 2.25 bath cottage. Open 1-4:00 Sat Jan 30th

Klahanie in Issaquah: $269,000 This well cared for 3 bedrm townhome feels like single family living & is conveniently located in a quiet cul de sac location. Open 1-4:00 Sun Jan 31st

Snoqualmie Ridge: $749,950 4,420 Sqft Golf Course Home; Spectacular DR Horton golf course home with fantastic mountain views. Open 1-4:00 Sat Jan 30th

See ALL area Open Houses from every Brokerage by clicking this link!

New Listing Fall City

Fall City - 4316 328th Pl SE - $329,000.00 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.5 Year Built: 1954 Subdivision: Fall City Lot Size: 0.287 School District: SVS Square Footage: 2300 Agent Name: Doug Young 425-533-7028 or Cary Porter 425-891-7447 Broker: The Cascade Team MLS #: 15449 Price: $329,000.00 4316 328th Pl SE Fall City, WA 98024 View Map View More Photos Web Commercial Free Market Snapshot Website Virtual Tour Charming rambler with basement on a large open lot on a quiet street. Features include extended hardwood floors, two fireplaces and partially finished basement. This home has a lot of potential with ample storage room. Outside you'll find a large deck area & outbuilding, with large fully fenced yard. Partial mountain views of Mt. Si. Home comes with FREE 1 year home warranty! For more information contact Doug Young at 425-533-7028. The Cascade Team 425.396.4569 Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 3083869

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

New Rental

Maple Valley - 28134 236th Pl SE - $2,350.00 per month Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.5 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 2004 Subdivision: Maple Valley Lot Size: 4950 Garage Size: 2 School District: THS Square Footage: 2990 Agent Name: Diego Vitelli 206-529-7728 Broker: The Cascade Team MLS #: 15578 Rent: $2,350.00 per month Available Date: Fri Jan 29, 2010 Deposit: $5,200.00 (First, Last, $250 Cleaning Fee and $250 Damage Deposit Minimum Lease: 1 year 28134 236th Pl SE Maple Valley, WA 98038 View Map View More Photos Website Virtual Tour This amazing home oozes comfort the second you enter and is located in the highly sought after Glacier Park neighborhood. The 2990 sq. ft. Capstone home features 5 bd, 3.5 ba w/ unrivaled upgrades and finishes throughout; complete w/ a huge main floor Guest Suite. The open floor plan is warm, inviting & perfect for entertaining that features a Chefs kitchen w/ slab granite, cherry cabinets, SS appliances and hardwood floors. Upstairs has an open loft area as well as a huge Bonus Room. Added piece of mind w/ security system and spacious fully fenced backyard! Neighborhood is convenient to everything; Glacier Park Elem is just across the street, new walking trail to Lake Wilderness and Elk Run Golf Course and just 2 miles south of Four Corners makes it a breeze to get in and out w/out traffic concerns! For more information contact Diego Vitelli at 206-529-7728. The Cascade Team 425.396.4569 Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 3084049

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

New Listing Snoqualmie Ridge!

Snoqualmie - 34006 SE Indian Plum St - $479,900.00 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 2006 Subdivision: Snoqualmie Ridge Lot Size: 5198 Garage Size: 2 School District: SVS Square Footage: 3130 Agent Name: Bridget Franklin 425-985-2158 Broker: The Cascade Team MLS #: 15206 Price: $479,900.00 34006 SE Indian Plum St Snoqualmie, WA 98065 View Map View More Photos Website Web Commercial Free Market Snapshot Virtual Tour Must see this meticulously maintained, loaded with upgrades - 3 bedroom, with large bonus/loft and 2.5 bath home. Loft could easily accommodate 4th bedroom PLUS large loft space. Gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances and breakfast nook - flows into family room with tile surround fireplace. Also features hardwood floors throughout main floor, wood wrapped windows throughout, upgraded trim, extra large bonus/loft, master suite with fireplace, walk in closet and 5-piece bath, fenced yard, designer paint colors - must see this like new home in Snoqualmie Ridge. For more information contact Bridget Franklin at 425-985-2158. The Cascade Team 425.396.4569 Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 2836422

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

New Listing Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie - 8314 Silva Ave SE - $364,900.00 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 2006 Subdivision: Snoqualmie Lot Size: 3600 Sq Ft Garage Size: 2 School District: SVS Square Footage: 1600 Agent Name: Bridget Franklin 425-985-2158 Broker: The Cascade Team MLS #: 15288 Price: $364,900.00 8314 Silva Ave SE Snoqualmie, WA 98065 View Map View More Photos Web Commercial Free Market Snapshot Website Virtual Tour Quality custom built home loaded with upgrades in downtown Snoqualmie. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home features hardwood floors through out main floor, wood wrapped windows, kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances and bar that opens to the dining room. The light filled family room has a gas fireplace and opens to the entertaining deck and fully fenced yard with custom patio. The master bedroom features vaulted ceilings and tiled bath. Must see this high end finished home! For more information contact Bridget Franklin at 425-985-2158. The Cascade Team 425.396.4569 Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 3083661

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Brokers Open Friday 1-29 from 11 until 1:00

Bellevue - 6591 163rd Pl SE - $711,000.00 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.5 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 2001 Subdivision: Lakemont Lot Size: 5665 Garage Size: 2 School District: ISS Square Footage: 3417 Agent Name: Cary Porter 425-891-7447 Broker: The Cascade Team MLS #: 10650 Price: $711,000.00 6591 163rd Pl SE Bellevue, WA 98006 View Map View More Photos Virtual Tour Website Free Market Snapshot Web Commercial This is Not a Short Sale. Stunning CamWest re-sale in Cougar Ridge West! 5 bedrooms, hardwoods, SS appliances, amazing bonus room in daylight basement w/ new carpet, 9' ceilings on 1st floor. Master w/ vaulted ceiling. Home is filled with light and windows. Gas FP, Views of Seattle & Mountains, large deck, new landscaping with fenced yard backing to greenbelt. You will be amazed at this home for this price! Close to shopping, schools, and parks. Home comes w/ 1 year Fidelity Home Warranty! Call Cary Porter for more details or for showing @ 425-891-7447. The Cascade Team 425.396.4569 Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 3063724

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

In case of fire DO NOT Twitter!

The top 5 GREEN home improvements

The top 5 GREEN home improvements that Real Estate Agents recommend to home sellers are:

1) Plant native trees and plants ($141 average cost / $399 average price increase / 284% average ROI / 65% of agents recommended)
2) Replace air filters ($141 cost / $399 price increase / 284% ROI / 65% recommended)
3) GREEN home staging ($223 cost / $445 price increase / 199% ROI / 47% recommended)
4) Weather strip and caulk doors and windows ($169 cost / $313 price increase / 185% ROI / 68% recommended)
5) Install programmable thermostats ($146 cost / $249 price increase / 170% ROI / 62% recommended)

The complete 9 GREEN home improvements are as follows:

Based on national average cost and return on investment (ROI) to sellers…

More "Green" Ideas at this link: Go Green with The Cascade Team!

Federal Housing Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

NEW - ”Move Up” Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit*


Who is eligible?

A “Move Up” buyer is defined as a home buyer who has owned and resided in a home for at least five out of the past eight years prior to the new purchase date. The new home purchase does not need to be more expensive than the previous home to be eligible.

Home Buyer can earn up to $125,000 for single tax payers or $225,000 for married couples to be eligible for the full credit.

When is the Tax Credit available?

The Housing Tax Credit for “Move Up” Home Buyers is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010 (the purchase must be complete by June 30, 2010 to be eligible for the credit).

How is the Tax Credit calculated?

The tax credit is equal to 10% of the homes purchase price up to a maximum of $8000.

What is the maximum home price?

The maximum sales price is $800,000.



$8,000 First Time Home Buyer Credit Extended*


How long has the Tax Credit been extended for?

The Housing Tax Credit has been extended to First Time Home Buyers with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010 (the purchase must be complete by June 30, 2010 to be eligible for the credit).

Who is eligible?

First Time Home Buyers who have not owned a principal residence during that prior three-year period.

Home Buyer can earn up to $125,000 for single tax payers or $225,000 for married couples to be eligible for the full credit.

How is the Tax Credit calculated?

The tax credit is equal to 10% of the homes purchase price up to a maximum of $8000.

What is the maximum home price?

The maximum sales price is $800,000.

For more information please visit the CHEST (Community Housing Economic Stimulus Team) website by clicking HERE

Article Information Proviced by:

Frank Hinkley
Mortgage Consultant
Phone: 425-945-8069
Email: frankh@guildmortgage.net
Address: 150 120th Ave. NE Ste. 200
Bellevue, WA. 98005
Cell: 206-979-4670
NMLS#: 3274

New Listing Snoqualmie Ridge!

$479,900.00 - Snoqualmie - 7619 Dogwood Ln SE Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Parking Spaces: 2 Year Built: 2000 Subdivision: Snoqualmie Ridge Lot Size: 5431 Sq. Ft. Garage Size: 2 School District: SVS Square Footage: 2580 Agent Name: Bridget Franklin 425-985-2158 Broker: The Cascade Team MLS #: 13424 Price: $479,900.00 7619 Dogwood Ln SE Snoqualmie, WA 98065 View Map Quality built Burnstead home on private greenbelt lot across from neighborhood park. This meticulously maintained home features 3 generous size bedrooms, main floor den & 2.5 baths. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, large eating area & island, walk-in pantry & built in desk. The kitchen is open to the light filled family room featuring a stone fireplace & custom built ins. The master suite has vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet & 5-piece tiled bath. The home also has new high efficient Anderson windows. Perfectly located on a greenbelt close to all Snoqualmie Ridge amenities. Virtual Tour Website Free Market Snapshot Web Commercial The Cascade Team 425.396.4569 Powered by vFlyer.com Equal Housing Opportunity VFLYER ID: 3074366 Photo Gallery All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change