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The South Sound has a rich history of cultures and families that have led to a variety of unique street names. I challenged friends and past clients to pronounce a few of the more interesting ones. We included: Sprague, Steilacoom Blvd, Oxalis, Dechaux, Wollochet, Bujacich, and Verde. We also included: Puyallup, Nyanza, and Cirque, but our volunteers managed to pronounce those three correctly so they were cut from the final video. The other streets were not so lucky. How well did you fair in the results? Were there any great ones we left off? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for watching! John Douville www.cascadehomegroup.com 253-230-4931

A North Tacoma craftsman incredibly updated and ready to be called home. An expansive main level boasts beautiful built-ins, oak/fir flooring, and an open layout between living, dining, and a handsomely remodeled kitchen. Updates including wiring, plumbing, windows, and AC/heat provide modern comforts, but at no loss to craftsman charm. Four bedrooms including two masters and three full baths give everyone space to relax after a long day. Close to 6th Ave dining/shops, Proctor district and more. FEATURES American Craftsman Architeture 4 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms 2939 Square Feet 1.5 Story With Finished Basement Built in 1924 Oak/Fir Flooring 2016 Furnace New Central Air 2016 Water Heater Updated Wiring Updated Plumbing Vinyl Windows Throughout Second Master Bedroom Cozy Living Room Fireplace Fiber Internet Quartz Kitchen Countertops Open Concept Main Floor Living Room A warm and open living room full of natural light and classic craftsman charm. Dining Room Open dining space for any occasion complete with a built in dining room hutch. Kitchen Prepare an incredible dinner or chat with guests in a spacious and beautiful kitchen. Bedrooms Four large bedrooms, including two masters, provide the ideal room for personal space and private relaxation. Bathrooms Three full and updated bathrooms, one for each level, give the personal bathroom privacy and space often lacking in most craftsman homes. Bonus Rooms Two flexible bonus spaces make for the perfect media or storage rooms. Behind The Home A newly poured concrete patio and quaint backyard fully fenced and accompanied with a detached garage. Offered At: $575,000 1205 N Anderson St. Tacoma, WA 98406 MLS# 1237347 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

Every so often that perfect home does make it's way to the market. You'll spare no time falling in love with this Charming 1925 fully-restored Craftsman Bungalow in an amazing location. If you weren't a homebody before, you will be now. Thankfully the Three Bridges Neighborhood has so much to offer. Near Proctor, UPS, 21st Street shops, and just block from Cooks Tavern/Brewer's Row, you'll find more than enough to entice you out from this incredible home. Main floor has a formal living room w/fireplace, dining room, gourmet kitchen w/quartz counters & stainless appliances two large bedrooms & full bath w/vintage tub & pedestal sink. Two bedrooms and full bath upstairs. Basement has a finished family room & laundry area. Fenced side-yard & 1 car garage. A gorgeous home that won't last long! Features Fully restored. Lovable corner lot. Exceptional craftsmanship. 1 car detached garage with extra long parking strip. Vinyl windows. Solid wood three window front door with matching sidelights. An open concept first floor brimming with natural light. Beautiful crown molding accenting the first floor living spaces. Solid oak flooring on the main level. Cozy wood burning fireplace on the main level trimmed and working. Sleek off white quartz countertops in the kitchen paired with matching cupboards. Two well sized bedrooms per floor, complimented by a full bathroom per floor. Upper floor skylights that flood rooms with natural light. An incredible basement loaded with space and a single finished room. Located in the prized Three Bridges District of North Tacoma! So much more...... Video Tour A cozy living room for any day. A spacious living room awaits you upon entry to this North Tacoma home. Solid oak flooring and crown molding frame the exceptional craftsmanship from top to bottom. A dining room ready for gatherings. South facing windows flood an incredible dining room. Entertain guests over fun filled dinners then relax around the warm fireplace. Kitchen space for any cook. Enjoy preparing meals in a kitchen made for any cook. Take pride in a kitchen that surrounds you with elegant finishes and more natural light. A second driveway side door into the home provides a quick and easy place to drop off groceries or access your car. Bathrooms with a touch of vintage character. Wainscoting and subway tile add just the right amount of character to bathrooms that fit this craftsman's style so well. The perfect place for an escape. Four large bedrooms boast enough space for everyone to escape from the stresses of life or enjoy time and peace to themselves. An enormous basement for many projects. You'll find nonstop storage and space for all your hobbies in the partially finished basement. A single finished room lends comfortable space for an office or crafts room. And unfinished space works well for storage or messy projects. Offered At: $500,00 2118 N Cedar St. Tacoma, WA 98406 MLS# 1220490 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

On a recent call from a client I was told about an interesting electrical issue. She had lost power in her garage, bathrooms, and outdoors. My immediate thought was to have her check the GFCI. Unfortunately she didn't know what a GFCI was. It occurred to me that she is probably not alone. It's important for home owners and buyers to understand the basics of how the systems in their homes work. There's no need to be an electrician, but if the system provides a safety feature in your home it's probably best to understand how it works. This is also a great tip for buyers that will soon hear about the need for GFCIs during their inspection. GFCI is an acronym for ground fault circuit interrupter. They provide a safety measure against shock hazards in your home and are most commonly located in your kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and outdoors or wherever water is most likely present. GFCIs are typically located at the first outlet on a circuit and can control the flow of power to all outlets that are installed down circuit. The GFCI measures the amount of power traveling out through the black or hot wire and back through the white or neutral wire. These two amounts should always be equal. When a shock hazard occurs, such as an electrocution, the GFCI can measure the difference between the two wires and it will turn off the circuit almost instantaneously. Hopefully preventing any injury or death. GFCIs should be tested once a month. Each GFCI will have two buttons on it. A "test" button and a "reset" button. To test the unit, press the "test" button. A click or a pop will occur and the circuit will go dead. Then press the "reset" button. Another click or a pop will occur and the circuit should power back up. In the event that the "reset" button does not reset the circuit then you most likely have a bad unit. If you have a failed GFCI, it is highly recommended that a professional replace it. Electricity is not something to be meddled with by the inexperienced. Serious injury and death can easily and quickly occur. If you have any questions feel free to comment below and I'll do my best to answer. Thanks for reading.

An immaculate home in an incredible community. This custom rambler features superb finishes with Brazilian cherry hardwoods and fine tile that runs wall to wall. Granite, maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar, and a built-in wine cooler accent a gorgeous kitchen. Entertain within the formal dining/living room, or invite guests to dine on an impressive composite deck. A master suite complete with vaulted ceilings, enormous walk in closet, and luxurious 5 piece bathroom is your place to escape the world. Don't miss the video tour. Features Elegant trim throughout home Deluxe blinds Vinyl windows Alarm system with exterior door alerts Updated wiring Updated plumbing Bedroom suite off kitchen for guests French doors off living room and master bedroom to composite deck Closet systems in all five bedrooms Beautiful gabled front entry Vaulted ceilings in master Dual walk-in custom shower in master bath Large jetted tub in master bath Large chicken coop Beautiful manicured and mature landscaping Incredible composite deck, well placed in contour of home Sprinkler systems Seamless additions have given space and function to a well designed rambler. Imagine a home where you can relax in your own personal space or join everyone for gatherings or nights in front of a good movie. Additions to this expansive floor plan have done just that. Flexible living spaces located off the kitchen and main entry provide the ideal locations to spend time together. And for those times of personal relaxation, five bedrooms supply everyone with their own space. View from granite front entry landing over primary living room and access to back deck. Secondary view of front entry living room. Second living room or formal dining room located just off kitchen with back yard deck access. An outstanding kitchen perfectly positioned between the two living areas. Incredible attention was paid to upgrades and fine finishes. A bedroom suite located just off the kitchen complete with nearby exterior access and dedicated bathroom. Three bedrooms can be found on main hallway of home, each with Brazilian hardwoods, bright windows, and large closets including shelving systems. A master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, a deluxe bedroom fan, enormous walk-in closet with french doors, and yes even access to the patio through bright natural lit french doors, what more could you ask for? A bathroom that takes luxury to the next level. Fine cabinets and natural light greet you upon entry. A dual head walk-in shower or large jetted tub waits to relax and ferry your stresses away. Play your favorite music over the built in speakers while you wake up in the morning or prepare for a night out. A large and open backyard framed with mature and well manicured landscaping waits for summer fun. BBQ on a solid composite deck, raise chickens in the cute chicken coop and enjoy direct access to the yard from Granview and the sidewalk approach. Offered At: $469,950 8066 Colgate Dr W University Place, WA 98466 MLS# 1210427 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

After a recent outing with buyers of mine the subject of gas furnace efficiency came up. My buyers were interested in some tips to spotting a high efficiency furnace. I thought I might share my discussion I had with them and help out anyone else with the same question. Watch the video or read below. Either way the fun doesn't end with all there is to know about furnaces! Keep in mind these tips only work with a properly installed furnace. If a furnace was installed with duct tape and bubble gum there is a good chance these tips will be of little help. Tip #1 The Energy Guide Sticker...... Yes, It Can Be That Simple: The Energy Guide Sticker is that big yellow label on the side of all new furnaces. Yes, this tip is that simple. Read the sticker, if the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating is 90 or over then you have high efficiency. 80 to 90 is standard efficiency and anything under 80 is just poor efficiency in my opinion. Often times the Energy Guide label on furnaces is torn off, scratched, or painted over. If that's the case then try the next tip. Tip #2 Exhaust Pipes..... Plastic Pipes Equal More Heat In The House: Take a look at the exhaust pipes on the furnace, are they white plastic (pvc) or black plastic (abs)? If so, then you got yourself some high efficiency there, very nice! In a high efficiency furnace there is a secondary stainless steel heat exchanger. This heat exchanger will further scrub the exhaust of heat and pump that little bit extra back into the house. Not Bad! By the time the exhaust leaves the furnace it'll be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit which those plastic pipes can handle with ease. The pipes will also most likely exit the the house horizontally and not through the roof. Another advantage to the exhaust's low temps. Less holes in the roof equals less roof worries. Unfortunately sometimes new furnaces are installed and exhaust pipes are used from the previous unit. In this case you could be looking at galvanized steel or a combination of that with brick and mortar. The next tip will help in that scenario. Tip #3 Condensate Pump....... The Water Needs To Go Somewhere: As exhaust from a high efficiency gas furnace cools in the secondary heat exchanger it creates a combination of water, carbon monoxide, and carbonic acid. Thus the need for it to be stainless steel. While the carbon monoxide will exhaust from the home as a gas the water and carbonic acid will not. These two byproducts must be removed from the furnace and the home. Typically this is done with a condensate pump located somewhere near the base of the furnace. If a pump is not present, look for a drain pipe on the furnace that most likely runs to a drain located in the foundation. Summary: Wow, again who knew it could be so exciting. Use these tips when touring homes in your area to identify and understand the benefits of a high efficiency gas furnace.

A quintessential classic Tacoma craftsman, charming and modestly updated to suite modern life. A naturally well lit dining room hungers to entertain friends over dinner fashioned within an updated kitchen. Spacious living rooms provide creative freedom for theater spaces, pool tables, or a potential studio dwelling. Guests have a place to stay in a large second master. Take on hobbies or shop projects in over 600 square feet of clean unfinished basement space. Proctor and it's many amenities are only a stones throw away. Enjoy the farmers market or a tasty beverage at a restaraunt full of friendly local faces. Don't miss the listing video. Features: 4 Bedroooms 3.25 Bathrooms Master Bedroom and 2nd Master Suite 3004 Square Feet Finished 648 Square Feet Unfinished Basement Territorial Corner Lot Newer Roof Finished Fir Floors Quartz Counter Tops Many Other Updates View from Cedar Street. View from North 22nd. Open living room and dining room. Spacious kitchen featuring updated cabinets, quarts counter tops, and stainless steel appliances. Entry into kitchen from back yard. Kitchen eating space, office, or lounge room. Main level master with full bath, South facing. Upstairs master suite with 3/4 bathroom, South facing. Third bedroom, facing West over large side yard. Fourth bedroom facing North over backyard. Downstairs rec room. Back entrance to downstairs. Laundry in basement. Side Yard 1 car garage with additional covered parking spot. Back entrance to home. Offered At: 575,000 3019 N 22nd St Tacoma WA, 98406 MLS# 1185504 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

A North Tacoma rambler you can't miss. The desirable floor plan features solid oak hardwoods filling all three bedrooms, living and dining rooms. Custom cabinetry compliments granite tile counter tops and a classic tin ceiling within the kitchen. Updated vinyl windows and dining room slider. Cool off on hot days with central a/c then entertain or relax on the privacy screened patio as the sun begins to set. Just minutes from Proctor, 6th Ave, and Pearl Street. Features 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 1008 Finished Square Feet Central A/C Updated Windows Excellent Corner Lot Newer Roof Solid Oak Floors Spacious 2 Car Garage A bright and spacious corner lot. Solid oak hardwoods fill the living room. Each room compliments adjacent spaces creating excellent ambiance and flow. A quaint dining room positioned between the kitchen and privacy screened patio. Direct access to the patio with a slider. A bright kitchen featuring granite counter tops and tile floors. Further kitchen highlights include custom cabinetry and a classic tin ceiling. The home features three flexible bedrooms with wall to wall solid oak hardwoods. An updated bathroom featuring modern touches. A privacy screened patio ready for your summer bbq fun. Direct access to the kitchen and dining room. Rear kitchen door with access to paver walkway between side yard and patio. Fully fenced side yard with access to garage and driveway. Offered At: 295,000 1202 N Mullen St Tacoma, WA 98406 MLS# 1177131 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

Sale includes two large parcels, each approximately half an acre in size. A beautifully kept single story home positioned in the heart of a mature neighborhood. The design features bedrooms and living spaces in a well balanced layout lending to entertaining or privacy. Bright space abounds from the living room's vaulted ceilings. Accomplish dream projects in the large detached garage with shop located on the second lot. Take advantage of the extra parcel to host events, or build a dream garden Features: 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1665 Finished Square Feet 2196 Square Feet Including Garage 2 Car Attached Garage Bonus 2 Car Detached Garage/Shop 2 Parcels Included Quiet Neighborhood Two parcels approximately half an acre each included. Start those dream projects in the detached garage/shop. A spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and accent lighting perfect for entertaining or lounging at the end of a long day. Bright kitchen space with room for the casual breakfast or dinner. A dining room fit for every occasion. Flexible bedroom space for guests or the home office. A large master bedroom featuring a full bathroom and walk in closet. Take advantage of the abundant space for BBQs, yard games, RV parking, gardening.... the possibilities are endless. Offered At: 345,000 18 Kayla Dr Montesano, WA 98563 MLS# 1151683 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

A beautiful home in a growing community. Be part of the developing city of Bremerton with an adorable mid-century home. Enjoy the privacy and space afforded by a quite corner lot. Born in a time of solid built homes with classic elements, it takes no exception. Curved hand troweled ceilings and cute archways add tasteful charm. Natural light fills each room and tempts you to visit the nearby water. Local parks, beaches, shops, and restaurants provide year round entertainment and adventure. Features: 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 1225 Finished Square Feet 2044 Total Square Feet 1 Car Attached Garage New Interior Paint Corner Lot Spacious Living room filled with great natural light and finished with curved hand troweled ceilings. Arched entrances at both the kitchen and hallway. A fun kitchen that provides ample cupboard space and a cute tucked away spice cabinet. More natural light flooding the kitchen eating space. Community and great adventures surround the home in all directions. Each room features two well placed windows and a large closet. Upstairs you'll find the largest room with enough space for both an office and bed, highlighted with curved ceilings and fir floors. An extra deep garage provides enough space for both a car and small workbench. The unfinished basement has excellent ceiling height, plenty of room for storage and features flexible space for a man cave, gym or more. Maintained landscaping adds texture and life to this beautiful corner lot. Offered At: 225,000 2003 8th St Bremerton, WA 98337 MLS# 1132936 Full Listing Available Here John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com

I love pho. I mean it. Pho is better than pizza, better than hambugers, better than tacos. Yeah,....tacos! This is serious folks, pho is no punny business. Yet I see too many restaurants touting ridiculous names. Pho Sho, Pho Reals, Pho Shizzle! PHO SHAME I say. Let the bowl do the talking, not a cliche name. There are many pho houses in my hometown of Tacoma and everyone here has a favorite. Without bribery or persuasion I've taken it upon myself to try just about all of them. You can thank me later. I wasn't interested in ambiance, I wasn't interested in service, I was focused on that delicate and intense flavor you find in the best of the best. I've chosen two of my favorite locations to share. And although my decision was based primarily on quality, I also picked these two with effort to share the main two different styles of Pho. North vs South or pho bac vs pho nam. Please keep in mind neither of these restaurants are considered primarily North or South by actual designation and they do serve both styles. SOUTH 38TH ST: South 38th and the Lincoln District is a hub to find Vietnamese food, restaurants, and community. The area provided a great place for the developing Vietnamese culture of Tacoma to take root. The setting of it's shops and restaurants was relatively similar to the type of neighborhoods Vietnamese immigrants experienced back home. The opening of the East Asia Supermarket in the early 80s further cemented the Lincoln neighborhood as a hub for the Vietnamese community as it provided a source of certain foods typically only found in the International District of Seattle. Merely by coincidence, or maybe not, two of my favorite pho houses reside on this street. PHO BAC (NORTHERN PHO): Vien Dong has received more than it's fair share of accolades for providing a consistently supreme bowl of pho. I've been visiting Vien Dong for years and feel it's difficult to leave out such a steady example. Their recipe shines as what the potential of a true pho bac broth can be. Pho bac is traditionally based on how well a simple beef broth can be produced. The addition of too many ingredients is frowned upon and the diner is encouraged to enjoy the subtle yet powerful flavors derived from the slow cooked beef bones and marrow. Vien Dong does include the inescapable side of sprouts, basil, lime, peppers, along with topping the dish off with cilantro and onions. But try to leave them out, focus on the aromatic broth, the thin sliced rare beef, and the chewy noodles. Think of it like sushi. We're aiming for perfection found within preparation, simplicity, and time. Vien Dong's Facebook Page PHO NAM (SOUTHERN PHO): Less than a block from Vien Dong is a relatively new pho house called Pho Dragon. 38th street has seen a revival of new restaurants and shops over the past few years. The diversity and culture of the new businesses has also seen the wonderful introduction of Mexican, Japanese, and Southern-American style cuisine. I feel another blog post coming on....... Although Pho Dragon is still a Vietnamese restaurant it is considered a part of the new and exciting array of restaurants to open their doors lately. Pho Dragon fits the bill for pho nam, hands down. Their addition of an abundance of herbs, spices, pork, and garnishes hardly goes unnoticed. From beginning to end each bite exhibits one unique flavor after another working in perfect harmony. Yum. www.phodragon.com I remember the very first bowl of pho I had. I was about nineteen and a particularly finicky eater. If it wasn't Americanized pasta, hamburgers, pizza and so on then I wasn't interested. But a friend took me by the hand, guided me through the experience of this weird dish of alien flavors, and by the end I was drinking broth straight from the bowl (not recommended). The experience opened my eyes. I dropped my guard and became a more adventurous diner over time. So, get out there and do the same. Visit both locations, visit more. Even try the ones with terrible names. Test the different styles and recipes. Then leave me comments of your favorite spots. It'll be the pho battle of the century. Pho Sho.

MLS# 1063841 Seclusion and serenity are waiting for you. Rooted into nearly 2 lush acres lies a home of remarkable value and charm. This custom Dutch Colonial style home invites you to cozy up and relax among the woods. Experience all summer can offer with large bbqs and yard games. Taunt the crisp air of winter with warm coffee and a book from the kitchen bay windows. Company has a place to stay during the holidays with a freshly updated studio located on the main floor. 5 Bedrooms 3.25 Bathrooms 3559 square Feet 1.79 Acres Dutch Colonial Style Construction Video Tour Cozy Family Room Kitchen With Breakfast Bay Formal Dining Room Upper Level Full Bathroom Master Bedroom Bedroom With Bay Windows Recreation Room Second Kitchen in Studio Studio Living Room and Adjacent Bedroom Nearly 2 Acres of Land With A Seasonal Pond. Offered At: 549,900 700 SW 368th St Federal Way, Wa 98023 MLS# 1063841 John Douville johndouville@windermere.com 253.230.4931 www.cascadehomegroup.com