If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably developed a pretty clear mental picture of what your new home should be like. But remember that even a home that’s not in ideal condition can still have great potential.
Here are some tips to help you look beyond bad decorating, old carpet and ugly wallpaper to see a jewel in the rough:
The floor plan is extremely important. Look at entrances and exits, where the rooms are located and how foot traffic will flow throughout the home. A good floor plan is worth a lot, especially when you consider the cost of changing it.
Walls and floor coverings make an important first impression. Paint is relatively inexpensive, so imagine the walls in the colors you would choose. Carpets and vinyl floor coverings can be removed and replaced, hardwoods can be refinished.
The kitchen is usually the center of any home. Paint and new appliances can make a huge difference if you don’t like what's there now. The most important thing to consider is whether it has enough counter and cabinet space to suit your needs.
Unless you're building your dream home, you will probably never find the perfect house. So before you make an offer, keep in mind what you can't live without and what you can improve upon with some well-placed upgrades and improvements.
If the house is cluttered and not as clean as you would like, remember that it will look different with your belongings and a thorough, professional cleaning is always an option.
If the exterior of the home doesn't have a great deal of curb appeal, just imagine it with a fresh coat of paint and new landscaping.
Please call or send us an email if we can help with more ideas on how to see past the surface when looking at a potential new home.
How to Give Your Home a Positive Image with the Right Scents
Taking advantage of a smell’s strong, almost subconscious effects on the brain is an easy way to accentuate your home’s positive image.
For a warm, inviting scent, boil a pot of water on the stovetop, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla, and add some cinnamon or cloves. The aroma of fresh-baked bread or cookies is another sure-fire winner.
While some smells create positive images, others create negative impressions and should be avoided. Cigarette or cigar smoke can make even a clean house seem dingy.
To absorb airborne smells, place a small bowl with half an inch of white vinegar in the room and let it sit for a few days. Vinegar sprayed on carpets, drapes or upholstery can also help with absorbed odors. (Be sure to test first on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t change the color.) A thorough cleaning can also help remove smoking or pet odors.
Use a lemon-scented wax to polish wood surfaces for a fresh, clean aroma. Bathrooms seem cleaner and brighter when scented candles are lit.
Please call or send an email if we can provide other tips to help you create a comfortable environment in your home or answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your trusted real estate resource.
For a warm, inviting scent, boil a pot of water on the stovetop, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla, and add some cinnamon or cloves. The aroma of fresh-baked bread or cookies is another sure-fire winner.
While some smells create positive images, others create negative impressions and should be avoided. Cigarette or cigar smoke can make even a clean house seem dingy.
To absorb airborne smells, place a small bowl with half an inch of white vinegar in the room and let it sit for a few days. Vinegar sprayed on carpets, drapes or upholstery can also help with absorbed odors. (Be sure to test first on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t change the color.) A thorough cleaning can also help remove smoking or pet odors.
Use a lemon-scented wax to polish wood surfaces for a fresh, clean aroma. Bathrooms seem cleaner and brighter when scented candles are lit.
Please call or send an email if we can provide other tips to help you create a comfortable environment in your home or answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your trusted real estate resource.
When was the Last Time You Did a Fire Safety Check?
In these hectic times it’s easy to overlook fire safety and safety precautions in your home. Here’s a list of things you can do to ensure the safety of you, your family and guests:
* Replace the old batteries in your smoke alarms with new ones. Test each alarm to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home – at least one per story near bedrooms or in hallways.
* Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re fully charged. Many models have a fixed lifespan before they must be serviced or replaced. Check the label on yours to make sure they’re still fresh. Your home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen. Keeping a second one in the garage is a good precaution.
* Check your home’s electrical outlets to make sure you don’t have too many lights or appliances for their rated load. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires. Replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or visible damage.
* Always store matches and lighters in a safe place out of the reach of children.
* Make sure your family has a home evacuation plan in case of emergency. Rehearse evacuation routes to make sure everyone is familiar with it.
Please call us or send an email if we can provide more information about home safety or maintenance.
* Replace the old batteries in your smoke alarms with new ones. Test each alarm to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home – at least one per story near bedrooms or in hallways.
* Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re fully charged. Many models have a fixed lifespan before they must be serviced or replaced. Check the label on yours to make sure they’re still fresh. Your home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen. Keeping a second one in the garage is a good precaution.
* Check your home’s electrical outlets to make sure you don’t have too many lights or appliances for their rated load. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires. Replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or visible damage.
* Always store matches and lighters in a safe place out of the reach of children.
* Make sure your family has a home evacuation plan in case of emergency. Rehearse evacuation routes to make sure everyone is familiar with it.
Please call us or send an email if we can provide more information about home safety or maintenance.
Featured Local Business of the Week: Mrs P's Bakery
Treat yourself, your family and friends this holiday season to Mrs P's Bakery (http://www.mrspscookies.com) on Wenatchee Ave. Trust us when we say, there is no better choice in Wenatchee for freshly baked goodies like cookies, bars, scones and much more! And should you have the opportunity to meet Mrs P, you'll be blown away by her good nature and love.
Just be careful, you may become addicted!
Happy Holiday,
Blaine & Erin Davidson
Just be careful, you may become addicted!
Happy Holiday,
Blaine & Erin Davidson
Effective Tips for Cleaning Your Garage
Does it seem as if the things in your garage multiply almost overnight? For most people cleaning their garage is an onerous task. Here are some effective tips for gaining space to actually park your car.
* Gather all items you're not using and have a garage sale, donate the items to charity or take them to the dump.
* Dust the walls and corners; get rid of the spider webs.
* Hang heavy-duty wall hooks for larger items like yard tools, bicycles or exercise equipment that are taking up floor space.
* If you don’t have shelves, consider buying adjustable steel shelves on wheels available at warehouse stores.
* Get boxes and other items off the garage floor.
* Clean the floor and remove oil drips with cat litter and Simple Green detergent.
* Make sure all flammable materials, tools and toxic chemicals are stored out of reach of children.
* Check your garage door to make sure the opener is working properly in reverse.
Keeping your garage clutter-free and clean will allow you to have useful storage and workshop space. While your garage usually won't make or break a deal when you decide to sell your home, a clean, well-maintained garage may be a tie-breaker by enhancing an overall impression of a well-cared-for home.
Please call or send us an email if you'd like some additional real estate tips or neighborhood information.
* Gather all items you're not using and have a garage sale, donate the items to charity or take them to the dump.
* Dust the walls and corners; get rid of the spider webs.
* Hang heavy-duty wall hooks for larger items like yard tools, bicycles or exercise equipment that are taking up floor space.
* If you don’t have shelves, consider buying adjustable steel shelves on wheels available at warehouse stores.
* Get boxes and other items off the garage floor.
* Clean the floor and remove oil drips with cat litter and Simple Green detergent.
* Make sure all flammable materials, tools and toxic chemicals are stored out of reach of children.
* Check your garage door to make sure the opener is working properly in reverse.
Keeping your garage clutter-free and clean will allow you to have useful storage and workshop space. While your garage usually won't make or break a deal when you decide to sell your home, a clean, well-maintained garage may be a tie-breaker by enhancing an overall impression of a well-cared-for home.
Please call or send us an email if you'd like some additional real estate tips or neighborhood information.
How to Organize a Block Watch—and Why!
A Block Watch is simply an extension of what you're probably already doing: watching out for your neighbors' property and taking action in case of an emergency or suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
Joining or starting a Block Watch doesn't require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings or take on extra responsibilities. You don't have to patrol the neighborhood or chase burglars. Block Watch just involves being alert as a part of your everyday life.
For example, when you go to the window to open or close the drapes, stop for a second and glance around the neighborhood to be sure everything is normal before adjusting the drapes. When you go out to get in your car, glance up and check the neighborhood. This is the kind of watching that's involved.
All a Block Watch requires is that you and your neighbors be familiar enough with each other to know who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn't; which cars are a part of the neighborhood and which aren't; and when something suspicious is going on. This concept of "neighbor watching out for neighbor" is important for those who live in condos as well.
For more information on real estate or neighborhood news, please contact us by phone or email.
How Value-Added Features Affect the Sales Price of Your Home
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, a recent report by the National Association of Realtors measured how certain characteristics influence the value of a property. Here are some of the findings:
* A remodel adding an additional 1,000 square feet of living space increases a home’s market value by just 3.3%.
* Adding an extra bedroom adds about 4% to the price while an additional bath can add 24%.
* Houses advertised as “fixers” sell for 24% less than other houses.
* A garage adds about 13% to the price.
* Central air conditioning adds about 12% to the price.
* A basement increases a home's value by an average of 9%.
* A sitting area in the master bedroom increases the price by about 8%.
* Features that add the most value are a family room, a dining room, a whirlpool and a security system.
This information can help determine the return you can expect to see on your remodeling investment as well as to compare property values when you’re shopping for a home.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like us to help evaluate your remodeling plans and determine how much they’ll return on your investment. Or, if you are considering a purchase, we can help you get the best buy on a home with the amenities that are important to you.
* A remodel adding an additional 1,000 square feet of living space increases a home’s market value by just 3.3%.
* Adding an extra bedroom adds about 4% to the price while an additional bath can add 24%.
* Houses advertised as “fixers” sell for 24% less than other houses.
* A garage adds about 13% to the price.
* Central air conditioning adds about 12% to the price.
* A basement increases a home's value by an average of 9%.
* A sitting area in the master bedroom increases the price by about 8%.
* Features that add the most value are a family room, a dining room, a whirlpool and a security system.
This information can help determine the return you can expect to see on your remodeling investment as well as to compare property values when you’re shopping for a home.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like us to help evaluate your remodeling plans and determine how much they’ll return on your investment. Or, if you are considering a purchase, we can help you get the best buy on a home with the amenities that are important to you.
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 12/6/07
A delightfully easy and fresh tuna dish...
Seared Tuna with Herb Salad
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 6-oz 1-inch-thick ahi tuna steaks
8 cups coarsely chopped fresh herbs: dill, chervil, basil, chives
Cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt
Course black pepper
Whisk 4 tablespoons oil and lemon juice in small bowl; salt and pepper to taste. Heat BBQ on high. Brush tuna with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 1 minute on each side, until grill marks appear but still rare. Place herbs in large bowl with cherry tomatoes and toss in dressing to coat. Top salad with Tuna and serve.
How to Use an Appraisal and Inspection When Buying a Home
Ever wonder about the difference between a property appraisal and an inspection, and how each is used during the home buying process?
An appraisal is a formal written assessment of the value of a home or property. A lender usually requires an appraisal to determine the market value of the property to make sure the amount borrowed does not exceed the value of the property being purchased. An appraiser is usually hired by the lender and their fee is one of the expenses included at settlement or closing.
An inspection is an onsite assessment of the systems and structural integrity of the property. An inspection is intended to find any hidden problems and as a condition of the sale. Prospective buyers hire an inspector directly and normally make payment at the time of the inspection.
Both appraisers and inspectors act as independent third parties while real estate agents represent either the buyer or the seller and thus have a stake in the outcome of a transaction. As an agent, I can still provide you with a free comparable market analysis or CMA which will give you a good idea of what your home is currently worth.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like to learn more about how much your home may be worth.
An appraisal is a formal written assessment of the value of a home or property. A lender usually requires an appraisal to determine the market value of the property to make sure the amount borrowed does not exceed the value of the property being purchased. An appraiser is usually hired by the lender and their fee is one of the expenses included at settlement or closing.
An inspection is an onsite assessment of the systems and structural integrity of the property. An inspection is intended to find any hidden problems and as a condition of the sale. Prospective buyers hire an inspector directly and normally make payment at the time of the inspection.
Both appraisers and inspectors act as independent third parties while real estate agents represent either the buyer or the seller and thus have a stake in the outcome of a transaction. As an agent, I can still provide you with a free comparable market analysis or CMA which will give you a good idea of what your home is currently worth.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like to learn more about how much your home may be worth.
Important Real Estate Documents to Keep in a Safe Place
As long as you own your home, here is a list of important real estate documents you’ll want to keep in a safe place:
1. Property deed: keep it for as long as you own the property.
2. Closing statements: keep statements for three years after your purchase to show capital gains.
3. Home improvement: some remodeling projects can reduce a potential capital gains hit when you sell your property, so save your receipts and consult your accountant.
4. Warranty information: keep until the warranty expires.
5. Loan papers: keep until paid off or refinanced, or in the case of mortgages that have tax-deductible interest, keep them for three years.
6. Insurance policies: keep until the policy expires.
7.Receipts or statements: save credit card receipts and/or checking account statements or cancelled checks for all major purchases such as appliances, furniture, antiques and art
When you sell your home, you’ll usually be required to submit a disclosure form. Receipts for major home improvements like a new roof or remodeling project can help you complete disclosure forms and substantiate the good condition of your home.
A bank safety deposit box or fireproof safe is the best place to store your important documents. Be sure to save an up-to-date household inventory, complete with appraisals, receipts and photos or a videotape for insurance purposes in case of loss.
Please call or send us an email if we can provide you with an updated home evaluation for insurance purposes.
1. Property deed: keep it for as long as you own the property.
2. Closing statements: keep statements for three years after your purchase to show capital gains.
3. Home improvement: some remodeling projects can reduce a potential capital gains hit when you sell your property, so save your receipts and consult your accountant.
4. Warranty information: keep until the warranty expires.
5. Loan papers: keep until paid off or refinanced, or in the case of mortgages that have tax-deductible interest, keep them for three years.
6. Insurance policies: keep until the policy expires.
7.Receipts or statements: save credit card receipts and/or checking account statements or cancelled checks for all major purchases such as appliances, furniture, antiques and art
When you sell your home, you’ll usually be required to submit a disclosure form. Receipts for major home improvements like a new roof or remodeling project can help you complete disclosure forms and substantiate the good condition of your home.
A bank safety deposit box or fireproof safe is the best place to store your important documents. Be sure to save an up-to-date household inventory, complete with appraisals, receipts and photos or a videotape for insurance purposes in case of loss.
Please call or send us an email if we can provide you with an updated home evaluation for insurance purposes.
Which is Better for You: A Condo or a Single Family Home?
Did you know that condominiums are one of the fastest growing segments of the housing market? Owning a condo is perfect for those with busy lifestyles, little interest in home maintenance or landscaping chores or who frequently travel. Condos are a fine choice for a first home or when downsizing from a larger house.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Condo:
· Fewer maintenance requirements.
· Usually less expensive than a single family home.
· You own the space inside the walls.
· There can be more security with neighbors close by.
· The exterior of the building, landscaping, surrounding roads and driveways, and common areas all owned by the condo association, a group made up of all unit owners.
· Special assessments by the association for painting or repairs can be a substantial added expense.
Single family home:
· Usually offers more storage space.
· You own the interior as well as the exterior.
· You are responsible for all maintenance, landscaping and repairs.
· You usually don’t have to pay community dues or special assessments.
· You have room to grow plants, flowers, trees, veggies, etc.
Think about how your household may change over the next few years. Will you still need a larger home or will you have enough space in a condo? Or would you be happier in a smaller house with room for a garden?
For more information about real estate options in our market, call or email us. We’d be happy to provide you with that info via email or we can show you what is available.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Condo:
· Fewer maintenance requirements.
· Usually less expensive than a single family home.
· You own the space inside the walls.
· There can be more security with neighbors close by.
· The exterior of the building, landscaping, surrounding roads and driveways, and common areas all owned by the condo association, a group made up of all unit owners.
· Special assessments by the association for painting or repairs can be a substantial added expense.
Single family home:
· Usually offers more storage space.
· You own the interior as well as the exterior.
· You are responsible for all maintenance, landscaping and repairs.
· You usually don’t have to pay community dues or special assessments.
· You have room to grow plants, flowers, trees, veggies, etc.
Think about how your household may change over the next few years. Will you still need a larger home or will you have enough space in a condo? Or would you be happier in a smaller house with room for a garden?
For more information about real estate options in our market, call or email us. We’d be happy to provide you with that info via email or we can show you what is available.
Organizing Tips to Remove Closet Clutter
Do you still have that horrid sweater your aunt gave you five years ago or ten pairs of old shoes that you can’t bring yourself to throw away because you might wear them again someday?
If you’re the kind of person who has a hard time throwing things away, cleaning out your closets regularly will save you time and energy and keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the task. Here are some tips to help you organize and unclutter your closet:
* Get rid of any clothes you haven’t worn in over a year.
* Store out-of-season clothes in a different location.
* Try on the clothes you can’t seem to get rid of - it will help you to make a decision.
* Buy good-quality clothes hangers: wire hangers don’t provide good support and will leave marks on your clothes.
* Wear a different pair of shoes every day. Shoes worn every day break down and wear out much more quickly.
* Hang clothes by style (i.e., shirts, suits, pants) or by color.
* If space permits, add a separate bar for shirts and pants.
When you do this regularly you'll find you really don’t need some of the clothing you thought you did. And you’ll actually wear and enjoy the clothes you do have.
If you’d like more information on getting rid of clutter in your home, please call or send us an email.
If you’re the kind of person who has a hard time throwing things away, cleaning out your closets regularly will save you time and energy and keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the task. Here are some tips to help you organize and unclutter your closet:
* Get rid of any clothes you haven’t worn in over a year.
* Store out-of-season clothes in a different location.
* Try on the clothes you can’t seem to get rid of - it will help you to make a decision.
* Buy good-quality clothes hangers: wire hangers don’t provide good support and will leave marks on your clothes.
* Wear a different pair of shoes every day. Shoes worn every day break down and wear out much more quickly.
* Hang clothes by style (i.e., shirts, suits, pants) or by color.
* If space permits, add a separate bar for shirts and pants.
When you do this regularly you'll find you really don’t need some of the clothing you thought you did. And you’ll actually wear and enjoy the clothes you do have.
If you’d like more information on getting rid of clutter in your home, please call or send us an email.
4 Effective Ways to Make a Move Go Smoothly with Children
Moving is considered one of the top five causes of stress. How you handle your children during and after the sale of your home can alleviate some of their stress and therefore yours.
Here are some 4 tips from the experts to make this a smooth transition:
1. A child should be told about an upcoming move only after you’ve decided to make it. Discussing the possibility before making the decision only causes unnecessary anxiety.
2. Keep children involved in their favorite activities, such as sports, academic clubs or the arts, before the move actually occurs. Children can do the research on the Internet to find out about events, teams and other interesting facts about their new area.
3. Another way to help children adjust to a new environment is to help them become familiar with the area before the move occurs. Take a vacation, or short trip to the area so it is more familiar when you actually do move.
4. One of the most overlooked tips is to have children stay with relatives or friends during the actual packing and loading. Most children don’t do well seeing their possessions packed into boxes and taken away.
Please call or send us an email for additional moving tips.
Happy Holidays!
Here are some 4 tips from the experts to make this a smooth transition:
1. A child should be told about an upcoming move only after you’ve decided to make it. Discussing the possibility before making the decision only causes unnecessary anxiety.
2. Keep children involved in their favorite activities, such as sports, academic clubs or the arts, before the move actually occurs. Children can do the research on the Internet to find out about events, teams and other interesting facts about their new area.
3. Another way to help children adjust to a new environment is to help them become familiar with the area before the move occurs. Take a vacation, or short trip to the area so it is more familiar when you actually do move.
4. One of the most overlooked tips is to have children stay with relatives or friends during the actual packing and loading. Most children don’t do well seeing their possessions packed into boxes and taken away.
Please call or send us an email for additional moving tips.
Happy Holidays!
Safety Tips for Weekend Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs
Many of us have a rather cavalier attitude about home improvements. We are convinced that we can tackle the project from start to finish and that no harm will befall us--even though we may be amateurs working with power tools or electricity at dizzying heights.
You can greatly reduce your risk of injury by employing these proven safety techniques:
*Do your own electrical work only if you have the necessary skills and knowledge
* Keep a tidy work area to avoid creating your own hazards
* Dress for safety: wear sturdy clothing, boots, gloves and safety glasses
* Keep drill bits, blades and cutters sharp; dull tools are dangerous
* Make sure your ladder is on a flat, firm surface and never stand on the top two rungs
* Wear a mask to avoid breathing dust and fibers and learn how to handle hazardous materials
* Equip your house and garage with fire extinguishers
* Keep a good first-aid kit on hand
Eliminating risky practices will free you to enjoy your home improvement project and the results of your work. If you'd like information on which home improvement projects may increase your home's value, please don't hesitate to call or send us an email.
You can greatly reduce your risk of injury by employing these proven safety techniques:
*Do your own electrical work only if you have the necessary skills and knowledge
* Keep a tidy work area to avoid creating your own hazards
* Dress for safety: wear sturdy clothing, boots, gloves and safety glasses
* Keep drill bits, blades and cutters sharp; dull tools are dangerous
* Make sure your ladder is on a flat, firm surface and never stand on the top two rungs
* Wear a mask to avoid breathing dust and fibers and learn how to handle hazardous materials
* Equip your house and garage with fire extinguishers
* Keep a good first-aid kit on hand
Eliminating risky practices will free you to enjoy your home improvement project and the results of your work. If you'd like information on which home improvement projects may increase your home's value, please don't hesitate to call or send us an email.
Featured Listing: 200 Tarn Place Wenatchee, WA 98801
Beautiful 2001 daylight rambler in Sunnyslope with all the upgrades. 4+ bedrooms, 2.5 bath and 3442 square feet. Sweeping views of the city, river and mountains. 1/2 acre lot with private backyard and a cooks kitchen with gas range. This house is a must see!
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/address.php?property_ID=14
Enjoy!
Which is Better for You: A New Home or a Resale?
When it’s time to make a move, one of the first decisions most people think about is whether to buy a brand new house or a previously-owned home. Here are some distinct advantages of each choice:
New house:
* Modern floor plans that could include a “great room,” bigger closets, more baths,
entertainment room, etc.
* The opportunity to choose upgrades and customize floor coverings, colors and more
* More energy-efficient insulation, windows and heating/cooling systems
* The added protection of a warranty from the home builder
Resale home:
* Existing features, including window treatments and mature landscaping
* Location -- existing homes are often closer to metropolitan areas instead of farther out in the suburbs
* Established neighborhoods and sense of community
* The opportunity to use an existing home as a base to remodel and create a unique property
Only you can decide if a brand new home or one with a few years on it is right for you. If you would like additional information on which option might work best for you, don’t hesitate to contact The Davidson Team with any questions.
New house:
* Modern floor plans that could include a “great room,” bigger closets, more baths,
entertainment room, etc.
* The opportunity to choose upgrades and customize floor coverings, colors and more
* More energy-efficient insulation, windows and heating/cooling systems
* The added protection of a warranty from the home builder
Resale home:
* Existing features, including window treatments and mature landscaping
* Location -- existing homes are often closer to metropolitan areas instead of farther out in the suburbs
* Established neighborhoods and sense of community
* The opportunity to use an existing home as a base to remodel and create a unique property
Only you can decide if a brand new home or one with a few years on it is right for you. If you would like additional information on which option might work best for you, don’t hesitate to contact The Davidson Team with any questions.
Hire a Pro or To Do It Yourself?
If you’re thinking about moving, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want to pack and move your possessions yourself or hire professional movers to do it for you.
Start by asking yourself some important questions:
* Do you have friends who are willing and able to help you move?
* Do you have access to a vehicle that can accommodate furniture and bulky items?
* Do you have the time?
* Do you have the needed strength and stamina?
If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you should probably consider hiring movers to do the job for you. If your answers are all ‘yes’ then moving yourself can be a cost-saving option.
Any friends you enlist should be strong enough to help with heavy loads like couches and beds while taking care with precious heirlooms and breakables. To avoid burning them out with multiple trips consider renting a truck large enough to handle everything in one trip.
Alternatively, you might want to hire help just to load and unload. Hired ‘muscle’ will carry the belongings you packed to the truck and then from the truck to your new house. All you have to do is pack, drive the truck, and unpack after everything has been put in your new home.
Please call or send us an email for a list of movers or other moving resources.
Start by asking yourself some important questions:
* Do you have friends who are willing and able to help you move?
* Do you have access to a vehicle that can accommodate furniture and bulky items?
* Do you have the time?
* Do you have the needed strength and stamina?
If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you should probably consider hiring movers to do the job for you. If your answers are all ‘yes’ then moving yourself can be a cost-saving option.
Any friends you enlist should be strong enough to help with heavy loads like couches and beds while taking care with precious heirlooms and breakables. To avoid burning them out with multiple trips consider renting a truck large enough to handle everything in one trip.
Alternatively, you might want to hire help just to load and unload. Hired ‘muscle’ will carry the belongings you packed to the truck and then from the truck to your new house. All you have to do is pack, drive the truck, and unpack after everything has been put in your new home.
Please call or send us an email for a list of movers or other moving resources.
Local Boy, Great Story
Here's a link to an outstanding article from today's Wenatchee World about a local man who was recently honored with the Army's Comendation of Valor medal. Great work Jason, thanks for being a hero!
http://wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071108/NEWS04/711080068
http://wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071108/NEWS04/711080068
The Best Ways to Conserve Water and Save Money
It’s easy to take fresh water for granted. But as our water bills continue to rise, here are some simple steps you can take to conserve this precious natural resource:
Turn off the tap. A running faucet wastes 7 gallons of water every minute. Shut off the faucet while you brush your teeth to save at least 1000 gallons of water a year. When washing dishes, turn off water to apply soap, then rinse.
Fix leaks: Household leaks account for 13% of all home water usage. A single dripping faucet can waste 2700 gallons a year.
Buy water-thrifty appliances: When you replace your old appliances look for energy efficient appliances. An Energy Star washing machine can save up to 7000 gallons of water per year.
Rethink the need for a water-hungry lawn and garden. Plants with succulent or leathery leaves usually need less water and most conifers require less than deciduous shrubs and trees.
If you do have a yard, water it in the early morning or at dusk. Use a water timer to precisely measure the amount you use.
A beautiful yard or potted plants on a deck can provide you with hours of enjoyment and enhance curb appeal when it is time to sell. Please call or email The Davidson Team with any real estate questions or needs.
Turn off the tap. A running faucet wastes 7 gallons of water every minute. Shut off the faucet while you brush your teeth to save at least 1000 gallons of water a year. When washing dishes, turn off water to apply soap, then rinse.
Fix leaks: Household leaks account for 13% of all home water usage. A single dripping faucet can waste 2700 gallons a year.
Buy water-thrifty appliances: When you replace your old appliances look for energy efficient appliances. An Energy Star washing machine can save up to 7000 gallons of water per year.
Rethink the need for a water-hungry lawn and garden. Plants with succulent or leathery leaves usually need less water and most conifers require less than deciduous shrubs and trees.
If you do have a yard, water it in the early morning or at dusk. Use a water timer to precisely measure the amount you use.
A beautiful yard or potted plants on a deck can provide you with hours of enjoyment and enhance curb appeal when it is time to sell. Please call or email The Davidson Team with any real estate questions or needs.
Easy Ways to Make a Move Less Stressful on Your Pets
Easy Ways to Make a Move Less Stressful on Your Pets
Because we are so close to our pets, they often become very sensitive to our stress levels. When we are packing to move or even take a vacation, our pets will be more stressed than usual. When packing, it helps to remove pets from the area to minimize stress, fear and possible harm.
Here are some tips for traveling to your new destination with your pet:
* Carry your pet's current health certificate and rabies tag
* Make sure your pet has a collar with current contact identification
* Have any of your pet’s medications handy and make sure it is protected from fleas and ticks
* Bring your pet’s bedding, food and water bowls, a litter box and favorite toys
* Keep fresh water available at all times
* Maintain good air circulation; use your air conditioner if necessary
* Stop for an exercise and potty break at least every three hours
* Never leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day
Call or email The Davidson Team if you have any questions. We are always happy to help you, you family and friends with any real estate related needs.
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 11/2/07
Baked Sweet/Sour Soy Ribs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves
2 ¼ cups ketchup
1 ¾ low salt chicken broth (divided)
8 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
6 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 ½ tablespoons mild-flavored molasses
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 large baby back pork ribs (each roughly 2 ½ pounds)
8 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
Kosher salt
Course black pepper
To make BBQ sauce: Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat and then sautee garlic. Mix in ketchup, ¾ cup broth, 5 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses and vinegar. Bring sauce to simmer and the reduce heat to medium-low; reduce to roughly 3 cups (about 15 minutes). Transfer to bowl. Can be made up to a week before.
To make ribs: Sprinkle ribs on both sides with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Arrange 2 racks on two large rimmed baking sheets. Can be made up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Pull meat out of fridge at least 3 hours before cooking.
Pre-heat oven to 450. Position 1 over rack in top third of over and 1 on bottom third. Pour ½ cup of remaining broth and 3 tablespoons soy sauce around ribs on each sheet. Cover with foil and cook 30 mins; then reverse sheets and cook another 45 mins.Take ribs out and let stand at room temperature. Cut each rib rack between bones into individual ribs. Brush ribs generously with remaining sauce.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves
2 ¼ cups ketchup
1 ¾ low salt chicken broth (divided)
8 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
6 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 ½ tablespoons mild-flavored molasses
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 large baby back pork ribs (each roughly 2 ½ pounds)
8 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
Kosher salt
Course black pepper
To make BBQ sauce: Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat and then sautee garlic. Mix in ketchup, ¾ cup broth, 5 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, molasses and vinegar. Bring sauce to simmer and the reduce heat to medium-low; reduce to roughly 3 cups (about 15 minutes). Transfer to bowl. Can be made up to a week before.
To make ribs: Sprinkle ribs on both sides with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Arrange 2 racks on two large rimmed baking sheets. Can be made up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Pull meat out of fridge at least 3 hours before cooking.
Pre-heat oven to 450. Position 1 over rack in top third of over and 1 on bottom third. Pour ½ cup of remaining broth and 3 tablespoons soy sauce around ribs on each sheet. Cover with foil and cook 30 mins; then reverse sheets and cook another 45 mins.Take ribs out and let stand at room temperature. Cut each rib rack between bones into individual ribs. Brush ribs generously with remaining sauce.
Featured Business of the Week: Martin Scott Winery
If you enjoy wine, you've got to check out East Wenatchee's Martin Scott Winery (www.martinscottwinery.com). They cover the whole spectrum in terms of wine products, but their big bold reds are particularly good. Visit them today at their tasting room and be entertained and educated by the wine makers/owners. The view aint to shabby either!
How to Make Rooms in Your Home Look Larger with Lighting
A bright and well-lit home can dramatically change the mood of your home and help you feel relaxed and comfortable all year long. Here are some tips to lighten up your home and make the rooms look big and inviting:
* Choose different types of lighting to avoid the expense of installing windows or skylights. Lamps or other accent lighting can make a dull room appear elegant or small rooms seem larger.
* If you have a room with a dark wall or a narrow, dark hallway, hang a group of pictures and light them with adjustable halogen track lighting to create the effect of a photo gallery.
* Paint ceilings a light color to avoid making them seem lower than they are and give the room a cramped feel.
* Use color to add cheer to a room. Pink and green tones have a calming effect while darker colors, such as red, tend to cause agitation. Neutral wall tones create a harmonious environment. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.
* When selecting paint, tape large color chips together on a wall to get a better idea of the shades you like. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, buy a quart of 2 or 3 colors and paint 1 or 2 foot squares next to each other on both shaded and brightly lit walls. Choose the color that looks best in both kinds of light.
Call or send The Davidson Team an email if you’d like the names of decorators, contractors, or other service providers.
* Choose different types of lighting to avoid the expense of installing windows or skylights. Lamps or other accent lighting can make a dull room appear elegant or small rooms seem larger.
* If you have a room with a dark wall or a narrow, dark hallway, hang a group of pictures and light them with adjustable halogen track lighting to create the effect of a photo gallery.
* Paint ceilings a light color to avoid making them seem lower than they are and give the room a cramped feel.
* Use color to add cheer to a room. Pink and green tones have a calming effect while darker colors, such as red, tend to cause agitation. Neutral wall tones create a harmonious environment. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.
* When selecting paint, tape large color chips together on a wall to get a better idea of the shades you like. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, buy a quart of 2 or 3 colors and paint 1 or 2 foot squares next to each other on both shaded and brightly lit walls. Choose the color that looks best in both kinds of light.
Call or send The Davidson Team an email if you’d like the names of decorators, contractors, or other service providers.
A Different Kind of Garage Sale
Instead of having a traditional garage sale, perhaps you should consider putting your garage sale online. Free online classified ads like Craig’s List or fee-based auction sites like eBay make it easy to do. Here’s how:
Take your time: The beauty of an online garage sale is that you don’t need to sell all your unwanted belongings at once. Instead you can post them online as soon as you decide to get rid of them.
Price it right: Search online to learn prices of comparable items and price yours to sell if you don’t want to be stuck with them later on.
Use pictures: Use a digital camera to take shots of your items. One picture is worth hundreds of words of description. Provide written descriptions, including dimensions and be sure to indicate any defect or areas of wear or damage.
Payment: Items listed on local classified sites like Craig’s List are usually paid for as cash at delivery on a first-come, first-served basis. Winning bidders on auction sites like eBay use PayPal to pay with their credit card. Setting up an account with PayPal is free and easy.
Shipping: Auction sites let you specify a flat rate for shipping or allow buyers to compute and pay for shipping costs. Craig’s List buyers will pick up their purchase from you once you’ve both agreed on the price so there are no shipping costs at all.
By getting rid of unwanted items through an online garage sale you’ll make your home feel more spacious and have fewer items to pack if you decide to make a move.Please call or send us an email if we can answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your real estate resource.
Take your time: The beauty of an online garage sale is that you don’t need to sell all your unwanted belongings at once. Instead you can post them online as soon as you decide to get rid of them.
Price it right: Search online to learn prices of comparable items and price yours to sell if you don’t want to be stuck with them later on.
Use pictures: Use a digital camera to take shots of your items. One picture is worth hundreds of words of description. Provide written descriptions, including dimensions and be sure to indicate any defect or areas of wear or damage.
Payment: Items listed on local classified sites like Craig’s List are usually paid for as cash at delivery on a first-come, first-served basis. Winning bidders on auction sites like eBay use PayPal to pay with their credit card. Setting up an account with PayPal is free and easy.
Shipping: Auction sites let you specify a flat rate for shipping or allow buyers to compute and pay for shipping costs. Craig’s List buyers will pick up their purchase from you once you’ve both agreed on the price so there are no shipping costs at all.
By getting rid of unwanted items through an online garage sale you’ll make your home feel more spacious and have fewer items to pack if you decide to make a move.Please call or send us an email if we can answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your real estate resource.
First Time Home Buyers: Part 8 of 8
Grading Local Schools
When thinking of buying a home, most people research various neighborhood amenities, including local schools. Regardless of whether you have children, schools can affect property values and are an important consideration when buying a home.
Here are four ways to tell if area schools are having problems:
Local test scores low or dropping
Low test scores can be a product of resource shortages, poor teachers, lack of commitment by the school district or parents.
Student enrollment dropping
If fewer families are moving into the neighborhood, or parents are choosing schools outside the neighborhood, the school may be having problems.
Poorly maintained or vandalized buildings
Inadequate upkeep may be a sign of funding shortages and low involvement from parents.
Troubles at PTA meetings
Tension among parents or between parents and the school's teachers or management may indicate serious problems in a school.
If you have any doubts about the school quality in your target neighborhoods, please give The Davidson Team a call and we'll be happy to discuss them with you. Learning about local schools helps you make an informed choice about where you live.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 7 of 8
What Goes Into Your Monthly Mortgage Payment
When you’re thinking of buying a home, you may wonder what your mortgage payment will look like. When you have a mortgage, you’ll have several different portions of your payment each month.
Your mortgage payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often abbreviated as “PITI”), and sometimes additional fees, such as homeowners association dues.
Principal is the money you borrowed to purchase the home.
Interest is the cost of borrowing money.
Taxes are paid by homeowners to local governments, and are usually a percentage of the assessed property value.
Insurance helps protect against financial loss from fire, natural disasters or other hazards. Most lenders require you to have a homeowner’s insurance policy on your home because it will help protect their investment as well as yours.
Remember, many loan quotes will only include your principal and interest. You’ll also need to factor in the taxes and insurance to calculate your total monthly mortgage payment.
When you’re ready to take the next step to buying your home, please give The Davidson Team a call. We’ll be happy to explain the process further and help you narrow your home search.
When you’re thinking of buying a home, you may wonder what your mortgage payment will look like. When you have a mortgage, you’ll have several different portions of your payment each month.
Your mortgage payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (often abbreviated as “PITI”), and sometimes additional fees, such as homeowners association dues.
Principal is the money you borrowed to purchase the home.
Interest is the cost of borrowing money.
Taxes are paid by homeowners to local governments, and are usually a percentage of the assessed property value.
Insurance helps protect against financial loss from fire, natural disasters or other hazards. Most lenders require you to have a homeowner’s insurance policy on your home because it will help protect their investment as well as yours.
Remember, many loan quotes will only include your principal and interest. You’ll also need to factor in the taxes and insurance to calculate your total monthly mortgage payment.
When you’re ready to take the next step to buying your home, please give The Davidson Team a call. We’ll be happy to explain the process further and help you narrow your home search.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 6 of 8
All About Down Payments
An important aspect of getting a home loan is saving money for your down payment. You have many choices to make your home more affordable to you.
Lenders used to require a down payment of at least 20 percent of the home's price. These days, however, many lenders offer flexible home loan programs allowing you to put very little down -- three percent or less of the home price. For some buyers it's possible to buy a home with no down payment at all, or to receive help from local down payment assistance programs.
If you decide to pay make a down payment less than 20 percent, your lender may require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which protects the lender in case you cannot repay the mortgage. Talk with your mortgage professional to find out the smartest deal for you.
You'll also need to pay for closing costs, which are costs associated with initiating a loan. These can include loan origination fees, discount points, attorney fees, recording fees and pre-paids. They often will total from three to five percent of the price of the home.
Once you have you down payment and loan pre-approval, it's simply a matter of finding the right house. Please call or email The Davidson Team when you're ready to take this next step towards owning your own home.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 5 of 8
Choosing the neighborhood for your home
Buying a home is an investment in the neighborhood as well as the house. In fact, the character and amenities of the neighborhood may be as important to the property value as the house itself. No matter what kind of neighborhood you're looking for, it's important to know its history and future when you decide to buy.
Here's what to research:
1. Recent sales - Find out if the market is slow and what homes have been selling for.
2. Homes now for sale - What homes are listed in the area, and are they listed above past sales? This will give you a good idea of the area's overall market value.
3. Home appreciation - Historical data on sales gives the best indicator of a neighborhood's potential. Are homes appreciating at 3%, 5%, 10% or higher every year?
4. Schools - School scores and district boundaries are very important to research before moving into a neighborhood. The closest school is not always in your district, and school scores reveal if a neighborhood is invested in the schools' success.
5. Crime - Get the hard facts about any problems in the neighborhood -- don't depend on anecdotal information.
6. Demographics and growth - Find out how the area is growing and changing.
7. Community -- Learn about neighborhood features, such as public schools, shopping areas, parks, commuting options and more.
The Davidson Team can help you with this information-please give us a call or email us any questions you have. You'll find that the more you know about the neighborhoods you're considering, the easier it will be to narrow your search for your new home.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 4 of 8
The Importance of Pre-approval
Pre-approval can be a very valuable step towards purchasing a home. Many home buyers get pre-qualified for a home loan early on, and then become pre-approved before beginning a serious home search. By completing your mortgage application prior to choosing a home, you can get a pre-approval letter stating how much home you can afford.
Your pre-approval letter lets you know exactly how much you can spend, and it shows home sellers and real estate agents that you're serious about buying a home. This may give you leverage in the negotiation process. Many sellers actually prefer to work with pre-approved buyers, especially in hot real estate markets.
To find a mortgage professional and get started with your pre-approval for a loan, please call or email The Davidson Team. Our goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 3 of 8
How Much Home You Can Afford
First-time buyers are often unsure about the financial aspects of buying a home, and you may have many questions swirling in your head. How much can I afford? Do I need a large down payment?
Your home price range will be determined by your income, credit history, the cash you have for a down payment and closing costs, and your debt. How much you earn compared to how much you owe will likely determine how much the bank allows you to borrow.
The financial rule of thumb is: your total monthly debt service, which will include your monthly mortgage, shouldn't be more than about 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Most experts say that your monthly housing expense, including taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28 percent of your gross monthly income.
Naturally, every situation is different, and each lender has different rules about working with buyers. A number of choices within your control can affect your monthly payment as well. For example, you might choose an adjustable rate loan, which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Similarly, a larger down payment may lower your monthly payment.
If you'd like more information about how much home you can afford, please call or email The Davidson Team. We can help you get the mortgage information you need.
First-time buyers are often unsure about the financial aspects of buying a home, and you may have many questions swirling in your head. How much can I afford? Do I need a large down payment?
Your home price range will be determined by your income, credit history, the cash you have for a down payment and closing costs, and your debt. How much you earn compared to how much you owe will likely determine how much the bank allows you to borrow.
The financial rule of thumb is: your total monthly debt service, which will include your monthly mortgage, shouldn't be more than about 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Most experts say that your monthly housing expense, including taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28 percent of your gross monthly income.
Naturally, every situation is different, and each lender has different rules about working with buyers. A number of choices within your control can affect your monthly payment as well. For example, you might choose an adjustable rate loan, which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Similarly, a larger down payment may lower your monthly payment.
If you'd like more information about how much home you can afford, please call or email The Davidson Team. We can help you get the mortgage information you need.
New Listing: 2027 Woodridge, Wenatchee, WA 98801
You can find this week's featured listing at:
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/address.php?property_ID=12
A must see! Won Best Overall Value, Best Technology, Best Kitchen & Best Master Suite in the 2007 NCHBA Tour of Homes. Brand new Craftsman style home with gorgeous water feature and fully landscaped yard. Outstanding master suite with jetted tub, beautifully tiled shower and large walk in closet. Birch cabinets in chestnut and stainless steel appliances. Includes a top-of-line sound system!
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/address.php?property_ID=12
A must see! Won Best Overall Value, Best Technology, Best Kitchen & Best Master Suite in the 2007 NCHBA Tour of Homes. Brand new Craftsman style home with gorgeous water feature and fully landscaped yard. Outstanding master suite with jetted tub, beautifully tiled shower and large walk in closet. Birch cabinets in chestnut and stainless steel appliances. Includes a top-of-line sound system!
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
First Time Home Buyer: Part 2 of 8
Considering Making a Move?
When you're thinking about making a move, the first steps in the home buying process are:
1. Deciding when you want to make your move
2. Considering how much money you would like to spend
3. Thinking about what type of home you would like
4. Deciding where you would like to live
The next step is usually finding out how much loan you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing will work best for you.
If you're in the "thinking about it" stage, you will want to speak with a lender about receiving pre-qualification. If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about how much home you can afford, but does not assess your creditworthiness.
You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date. When you decide to buy a home, you will want to become pre-approved for a loan prior to beginning your home search.
Please don't hesitate to call or email The Davidson Team for additional information about the buying process. Our goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move. And, when you're ready to make your move, we'll help you find your dream home and handle all the details of the transaction, so all you need to do is pack!
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 10/3/07
Pot Roast Tacos and Grilled Corn
2 pounds beef shoulder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 large onion, sliced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, (recommended: San Marzano)
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 bay leaves
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
6 fresh medium corn tortillas
Kosher salt
3 cups finely shredded white cabbage
Guacamole, recipe follows
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
For the simple salsa:
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, reserving the juice (recommended: San Marzano)
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
1 Serrano chile
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Season all sides of the beef with a fair amount of salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, or other heavy pot that has a tight cover, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the garlic and the beef to the pot, browning the meat on all sides, taking the time to get a nice crust on the outside. Add the onion and allow to lightly brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, plus 1 tomato can of water, spices, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer with a lid for 3 hours until the meat is fork tender. Let meat cool in the liquid. Shred meat, add 3 count of olive oil and set aside.
Heat a large pot of oil over medium heat. When oil reaches 350 degrees F, fry the corn tortillas 1 at a time. Place the tortilla in the oil and wait about 30 seconds. Then use the handle of a wooden spoon to press down into the center of the tortilla and fold it in the middle. Hold down for a few seconds waiting for the tortilla to form into taco shell and then drain on paper towels. Season with salt.
For the simple salsa: To make salsa, pulse all the ingredients, except the tomato juice, in a food processor. Add the reserved tomato juice if the salsa is too thick. Drizzle salsa with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap and set aside, allowing the flavors to marry.
To assemble the tacos: Lay some shredded cabbage as a base. Top with some shredded beef. Serve alongside Guacamole and salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Guacamole:
6 ripe avocados
3 limes, juiced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed then minced
2 serrano chiles, cut into rounds
1 big handful fresh cilantro with stems, about 1/2 cup, finely chopped
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados using either a fork or potato masher, leaving them still a bit chunky. Add the remaining ingredients, and fold everything together. Drizzle with a little olive oil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and give it 1 final mix with a fork.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap tight on the surface of the guacamole so it doesn't brown and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Corn:
Grill corn until outside is blistered and has some color. Spread the following sauce on corn: 2 parts sour cream, 1 part mayo and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Then sprinkle with parmesean cheese and chili powder, and top with lime.
2 pounds beef shoulder
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 large onion, sliced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, (recommended: San Marzano)
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 bay leaves
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
6 fresh medium corn tortillas
Kosher salt
3 cups finely shredded white cabbage
Guacamole, recipe follows
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
For the simple salsa:
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, reserving the juice (recommended: San Marzano)
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
1 Serrano chile
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Season all sides of the beef with a fair amount of salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, or other heavy pot that has a tight cover, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the garlic and the beef to the pot, browning the meat on all sides, taking the time to get a nice crust on the outside. Add the onion and allow to lightly brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, plus 1 tomato can of water, spices, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer with a lid for 3 hours until the meat is fork tender. Let meat cool in the liquid. Shred meat, add 3 count of olive oil and set aside.
Heat a large pot of oil over medium heat. When oil reaches 350 degrees F, fry the corn tortillas 1 at a time. Place the tortilla in the oil and wait about 30 seconds. Then use the handle of a wooden spoon to press down into the center of the tortilla and fold it in the middle. Hold down for a few seconds waiting for the tortilla to form into taco shell and then drain on paper towels. Season with salt.
For the simple salsa: To make salsa, pulse all the ingredients, except the tomato juice, in a food processor. Add the reserved tomato juice if the salsa is too thick. Drizzle salsa with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap and set aside, allowing the flavors to marry.
To assemble the tacos: Lay some shredded cabbage as a base. Top with some shredded beef. Serve alongside Guacamole and salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Guacamole:
6 ripe avocados
3 limes, juiced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed then minced
2 serrano chiles, cut into rounds
1 big handful fresh cilantro with stems, about 1/2 cup, finely chopped
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados using either a fork or potato masher, leaving them still a bit chunky. Add the remaining ingredients, and fold everything together. Drizzle with a little olive oil, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and give it 1 final mix with a fork.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap tight on the surface of the guacamole so it doesn't brown and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Corn:
Grill corn until outside is blistered and has some color. Spread the following sauce on corn: 2 parts sour cream, 1 part mayo and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Then sprinkle with parmesean cheese and chili powder, and top with lime.
First Time Home Buyer: Part 1 of 8
Why Buy Instead of Rent?
When you're thinking about buying your first home, it's essential for you to be confident in your decision to buy instead of rent. However, you may not know about the many great reasons to buy a home! Here are just a few of them:
Smart investment
When you invest in a home, it offers the possibility for appreciation in value. The equity becomes yours when you're still paying off your mortgage. You even get to live in it while your investment matures.
Tax advantages
Since both mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible, homeownership can save you significant amounts of money every year.
Planned housing costs
You decide how much you spend on your home, including repairs and improvements. Unlike renters, homeowners with a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs.
Improvements to your taste
You can choose which improvements to make your own property, such as a deck, kitchen remodel, or new paint, instead of needing permission from your landlord.
If you have more questions about making the decision to buy a home, please feel free to call (509-293-2214) or email (info@wenatcheehouses.com) The Davidson Team today!
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Featured Listing: 110 Spring Hill, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
You can find this week's featured listing at:
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/address.php?property_ID=10
Beautiful single family rambler built in 2006. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus den & office! Vaulted ceilings, Brazilian cherrywood floors, big lawn that is beautifully landscaped and fully fenced backyard. Outstanding family or retirement friendly neighborhood. A must see!
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/address.php?property_ID=10
Beautiful single family rambler built in 2006. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms plus den & office! Vaulted ceilings, Brazilian cherrywood floors, big lawn that is beautifully landscaped and fully fenced backyard. Outstanding family or retirement friendly neighborhood. A must see!
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
23.5% Rise In Home Prices
Last week, the Seattle PI shared that Wenatchee boasted a 23.5% raise in home prices for the second quarter. Click on the link below to read the article:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/329732_housing31.html
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/329732_housing31.html
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Featured Local Business of the Week: Comcast Spotlight
This week The Davidson Team is featuring Gary Taylor from Comcast Spotlight. If you're a business who wants to develop a Web or television presense, Gary is your man. From targetted geographic and content driven TV campaigns, to features online with the many Comcast partners, Gary can help create a campaigns specific to your businesses needs. Gary's contact information:
Gary Taylor - Senior Account Executive
Comcast Spotlight
509-667-4421
gary_taylor3@cable.comcast.com
Have a wonderful day!
The Davidson Team
Real Estate Investor Series: Part 6 of 6
Checklist for real estate investment property
Homeowners look for a set of criteria when buying - school district, curb appeal, low crime rate, proximity to job, number of bedrooms, right layout, perfect-sized yard. While location is still a primary factor when you invest in real estate, most investors also add these to their checklist:
1. New single-family construction
2. A neighborhood that is mostly a primary-home community (rather than renters)
3. Square footage between 1400 and 1600
4. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with 2-car garage
5. Nice yard but no pool (too much of a liability)
6. Safe neighborhood with little or no graffiti on public structures, fences, etc.
Another factor to consider is close proximity to your own home. Especially when starting out, you may need to visit your rental properties frequently-to pick up a check, make minor repairs, etc. For these reasons, any property more than 45 minutes away becomes less desirable.
It is important to remember you are not purchasing for your own use but to attract a high quality renter. Savvy investors choose properties based on the criteria above rather than their personal preferences. Doing so lets them pick from a wider base of homes and find the better bargain.
If you have more questions on which properties would make the smartest buys for you as a real estate investor, please don't hesitate to call or send an email.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Homeowners look for a set of criteria when buying - school district, curb appeal, low crime rate, proximity to job, number of bedrooms, right layout, perfect-sized yard. While location is still a primary factor when you invest in real estate, most investors also add these to their checklist:
1. New single-family construction
2. A neighborhood that is mostly a primary-home community (rather than renters)
3. Square footage between 1400 and 1600
4. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with 2-car garage
5. Nice yard but no pool (too much of a liability)
6. Safe neighborhood with little or no graffiti on public structures, fences, etc.
Another factor to consider is close proximity to your own home. Especially when starting out, you may need to visit your rental properties frequently-to pick up a check, make minor repairs, etc. For these reasons, any property more than 45 minutes away becomes less desirable.
It is important to remember you are not purchasing for your own use but to attract a high quality renter. Savvy investors choose properties based on the criteria above rather than their personal preferences. Doing so lets them pick from a wider base of homes and find the better bargain.
If you have more questions on which properties would make the smartest buys for you as a real estate investor, please don't hesitate to call or send an email.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Real Estate Investor Series: Part 5 of 6
Building A Real Estate Investment Team 101
While serial investors (who buy additional rental properties without selling their current ones) are likely to invest with only the help of a real estate agent, other investors benefit from having a team of experts.
In addition to a real estate agent (and your tax advisor), some team members for you to consider are:
1. A builder or general contractor who can evaluate the structural integrity of a unit
2. A specialist in leases who is experienced in writing contracts
3. An attorney who practices in real estate law
4. A mortgage professional who can offer you different financing options
Having a team of investors gives you more knowledge as well as more financial resources as well. One word of caution: while friends or family may be interested in joining your real estate investment team, it is best to pick individuals based on the experience they offer.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Real Estate Investor Series: Part 4 of 6
Profiting from the Fixer-Upper
Many real estate investors earn a living out of renovating run-down properties and reselling them, or holding onto them for rentals. Commonly known as the fixer-upper, it offers you two paths to real estate investment.
Buy a Fixer-Upper and Sell Again
In addition to offering a handsome profit, fixer-uppers can offer a true sense of satisfaction as you transform a dilapidated property into one with true appeal. But before you take the plunge, ask yourself three questions:
1. Can I buy it far below market value?
2. Can I do much of the work myself (or contract it out at reasonable rates)?
3. Can I get the job done quickly?
Remember, every month you add to the project is costing you in lost rental income, taxes, insurance, utilities and more.
Buy, Raise the Rents, and Sell Again
Quite often the tenants in a rental property are paying below market rates simply because the landlord hasn't raised the rent in years, or perhaps the property is not maintained well.
Both scenarios present you a great opportunity to buy the building, raise the rents (making upgrades if necessary) and resell the apartment building at a higher price. This raises the GPI-the gross potential income-which is the maximum gross income generated from the rent if all the units were occupied.
If you would like more information on these types of investment properties in our area, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send an email.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Real Estate Investor Series: Part 3 of 6
6 ways to make a profit in real estate investment
Many homeowners get into real estate investing by buying a home and using this home as a rental when they upgrade to a larger home. Called "serial purchasers", they continue to buy (and hold onto) additional properties.
Other investors prefer to find a quicker path to real estate investment success through one of the following ways.
Buy and Flip
Flipping means selling the property you just bought for a higher price as soon (or in some cases before) you take title on the property. While flipping allows you to make money fast in a hot market (or on a property you purchased well below market value), you may need to pay capital gains (talk to your tax advisor).
Buy and Scrape
Scraping is tearing down an existing home and building a new home. To capitalize on this idea look for areas where home prices are rising, vacant lots are few, and there's an inventory of older homes. While there are many permits you need to obtain, scraping can be a very lucrative process.
Buy and Split
Just as you can buy one lot and split into two, you can also buy one house and subdivide into two homes right down the middle, or buy a larger house and develop each floor into several condominiums. Another variation is to buy a house with a large lot, subdivide the lot, rent out the house, and sell off the land.
Smart real estate investors look at existing properties with new uses in mind (and they check into all building and zoning regulations). The Davidson Team can help you by identifying potential rental properties in the North Central Washington areas. Please call or email with any questions you have.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Many homeowners get into real estate investing by buying a home and using this home as a rental when they upgrade to a larger home. Called "serial purchasers", they continue to buy (and hold onto) additional properties.
Other investors prefer to find a quicker path to real estate investment success through one of the following ways.
Buy and Flip
Flipping means selling the property you just bought for a higher price as soon (or in some cases before) you take title on the property. While flipping allows you to make money fast in a hot market (or on a property you purchased well below market value), you may need to pay capital gains (talk to your tax advisor).
Buy and Scrape
Scraping is tearing down an existing home and building a new home. To capitalize on this idea look for areas where home prices are rising, vacant lots are few, and there's an inventory of older homes. While there are many permits you need to obtain, scraping can be a very lucrative process.
Buy and Split
Just as you can buy one lot and split into two, you can also buy one house and subdivide into two homes right down the middle, or buy a larger house and develop each floor into several condominiums. Another variation is to buy a house with a large lot, subdivide the lot, rent out the house, and sell off the land.
Smart real estate investors look at existing properties with new uses in mind (and they check into all building and zoning regulations). The Davidson Team can help you by identifying potential rental properties in the North Central Washington areas. Please call or email with any questions you have.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Real Estate Investor Series: Part 2 of 6
Market indicators tell you when to invest in real estate
Real estate prices cycle through highs and lows. Tracking the following market indicators will help you decide if it's a good time to invest in real estate in your area.
Job Growth
People go where the jobs are, and home prices follow jobs. A strong local job market is a sure sign of a healthy real estate market. While the Wall Street Journal gives you insight into the nation's overall economy, check the Wenatchee World and other local resources for North Central Washington specifics.
Housing Inventory
The housing inventory is the number of houses for sale at one time in the area. If there are more houses than buyers, prices tend to fall and if there are more buyers than houses, the opposite happens. Also look at the number of months or days it is taking to sell a home. If it's less than 60 days the market is typically considered hot.
Number of Repos on the Market
A repo is a house that has been taken over by the bank because the owner failed to meet the loan payment-in other words, it's a foreclosure. The more foreclosures in your area, the weaker the real estate market.
Number of Multiple Offers on Homes
Multiple offers are when two or more buyers "bid" at the same time for the same house. It's a sure sign of a hot market, usually resulting from a limited inventory creating the need for buyers to compete on price for the same property.
To learn about the local conditions in our market, please don't hesitate to call or send an email. We will be happy to get you the information you need.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Real estate prices cycle through highs and lows. Tracking the following market indicators will help you decide if it's a good time to invest in real estate in your area.
Job Growth
People go where the jobs are, and home prices follow jobs. A strong local job market is a sure sign of a healthy real estate market. While the Wall Street Journal gives you insight into the nation's overall economy, check the Wenatchee World and other local resources for North Central Washington specifics.
Housing Inventory
The housing inventory is the number of houses for sale at one time in the area. If there are more houses than buyers, prices tend to fall and if there are more buyers than houses, the opposite happens. Also look at the number of months or days it is taking to sell a home. If it's less than 60 days the market is typically considered hot.
Number of Repos on the Market
A repo is a house that has been taken over by the bank because the owner failed to meet the loan payment-in other words, it's a foreclosure. The more foreclosures in your area, the weaker the real estate market.
Number of Multiple Offers on Homes
Multiple offers are when two or more buyers "bid" at the same time for the same house. It's a sure sign of a hot market, usually resulting from a limited inventory creating the need for buyers to compete on price for the same property.
To learn about the local conditions in our market, please don't hesitate to call or send an email. We will be happy to get you the information you need.
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Real Estate Investor Series: Part 1 of 6
5 Reasons To Invest In Real Estate
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), second-home sales (for vacation homes and investment homes) accounted for four out of 10 homes sold. While vacation-home buyers purchase primarily for enjoyment, investment-home buyers are looking to generate income in the following five ways.
#1: Appreciation
Returns of 10 percent and more are not uncommon if you select good real estate properties and a solid market. It's a return rate you won't find on bank products or with most stocks.
#2: Cash Flow
More than half of all investment-home buyers rent out their properties. Month in and month out these properties create income from renters AND gain long-term appreciation.
#3: Less volatility
While real estate cycles through periods of highs and lows, it doesn't change dramatically day-to-day like stocks. Investing in real estate is viewed as being less speculative than stocks.
#4 Tax Advantages
Your real estate investments offer you two tax advantages: you can deduct property expenses and depreciation. Plus doing a 1031 exchange lets you avoid paying tax on profits from the sale of rental property if you roll it into another real estate investment property (talk to your tax advisor).
#5 Value-Added Improvements
The saying "buy it low and sell it high" applies to stocks and real estate. The advantage with real estate is you can buy inexpensive property, fix it up, then raise the rent or sell it for more money.
If real estate investing is a path you are interested in pursuing, please feel free to call or email with any questions you have.
Have an outstanding day!
The Davidson Team
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), second-home sales (for vacation homes and investment homes) accounted for four out of 10 homes sold. While vacation-home buyers purchase primarily for enjoyment, investment-home buyers are looking to generate income in the following five ways.
#1: Appreciation
Returns of 10 percent and more are not uncommon if you select good real estate properties and a solid market. It's a return rate you won't find on bank products or with most stocks.
#2: Cash Flow
More than half of all investment-home buyers rent out their properties. Month in and month out these properties create income from renters AND gain long-term appreciation.
#3: Less volatility
While real estate cycles through periods of highs and lows, it doesn't change dramatically day-to-day like stocks. Investing in real estate is viewed as being less speculative than stocks.
#4 Tax Advantages
Your real estate investments offer you two tax advantages: you can deduct property expenses and depreciation. Plus doing a 1031 exchange lets you avoid paying tax on profits from the sale of rental property if you roll it into another real estate investment property (talk to your tax advisor).
#5 Value-Added Improvements
The saying "buy it low and sell it high" applies to stocks and real estate. The advantage with real estate is you can buy inexpensive property, fix it up, then raise the rent or sell it for more money.
If real estate investing is a path you are interested in pursuing, please feel free to call or email with any questions you have.
Have an outstanding day!
The Davidson Team
Featured Listing: 206 Goldcrest St, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
You can find this week's featured listing at:
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/address.php?property_ID=9
Warm regards,
The Davidson Team
Thought Provoking: 7/26/07
One of my favorite quotes of all time:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
--- Typically attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, it may also be the work of Bessie Stanley, nobody really knows. Both have versions which are almost exactly alike. Needless to say, it's beautiful!
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
--- Typically attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, it may also be the work of Bessie Stanley, nobody really knows. Both have versions which are almost exactly alike. Needless to say, it's beautiful!
Your Buyer's Bill of Rights
Our preferred Mortgage Advisor's, Kevin Nelson of Discover NCW Mortgage in Wenatchee (http://www.kevinnelson.biz/), monthly newsletter:
Dear Blaine,
I appreciate the trust you've placed in me and recognize that you have many choices when selecting a loan representative. My standard of care for clients includes a belief that all buyers have certain rights when entering a real estate transaction.
* You have a right to talk easily, quickly, and directly with those who provide services to you in connection with your purchase or refinance. This includes access to the status of your loan file any time up to closing.
* You have a right to benefit from technology that connects all parties electronically so there are no information blackouts. You have a right to clear, concise answers from specialists trained in their field.
* You have a right to pre-qualify for financing or seek online loan pre-approval quickly and expect that your transaction will be handled in a professional and confidential manner.
* You have a right to settlement cost information early in the process, allowing you to comparison-shop and discuss alternatives with an experienced lender.
* You have a right for the disclosed loan costs to be as firm as possible to avoid a surprise at settlement. If there are changes to loan costs, you have a right to be informed of them quickly.
* You have a right to benefit from new products, competition, and technological innovations that could lower the cost of acquiring a home. If there are options that save you money, you should be informed of them up front.
* You have a right to choose from a wide variety of loan programs with payment options that fit your needs.
There are always plenty of questions about the purchase and sale of real estate, and I am a career professional ready to help you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Nelson
Discover NCW Mortgage
(509) 663-9521
E-mail: kevin@kevinnelson.biz
Web site: http://www.kevinnelson.biz/
In parts of the West, housing is still hot
Here's an article out of Indianapolis, plugging the West's still-hot housing market, and in particular Wenatchee.
In parts of the West, housing is still hot
By Aaron Clark Associated Press
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070722/BUSINESS/707220309/1003/BUSINESS
The Wenatchee excerpt reads:
"The Pacific Northwest was a little bit late coming to the party," said Andrew Leventis, an economist with a federal housing agency. "The extreme appreciation over the past five or six years in the country only just began in the Northwest a few years ago." In Wenatchee, Wash., a 30,000-resident town east of the Cascade Mountains, homes appreciated an average of 25 percent from the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2007, according to a study by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. The agency tracks average home appreciation for mortgages and refinancings not greater than $417,000 on single-family properties. Bob Seltzer, a real estate agent, said the boom there is being fueled by an influx of retirees from rain-plagued Seattle who are looking for warmer weather. "The economy here does not support high-paying jobs," said Seltzer. But "people can come from Seattle and buy an equivalent house for half the price.""
In parts of the West, housing is still hot
By Aaron Clark Associated Press
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070722/BUSINESS/707220309/1003/BUSINESS
The Wenatchee excerpt reads:
"The Pacific Northwest was a little bit late coming to the party," said Andrew Leventis, an economist with a federal housing agency. "The extreme appreciation over the past five or six years in the country only just began in the Northwest a few years ago." In Wenatchee, Wash., a 30,000-resident town east of the Cascade Mountains, homes appreciated an average of 25 percent from the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2007, according to a study by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. The agency tracks average home appreciation for mortgages and refinancings not greater than $417,000 on single-family properties. Bob Seltzer, a real estate agent, said the boom there is being fueled by an influx of retirees from rain-plagued Seattle who are looking for warmer weather. "The economy here does not support high-paying jobs," said Seltzer. But "people can come from Seattle and buy an equivalent house for half the price.""
Local News: PUD summer classes get kids excited about science
Having a child of our own, we always stay abreast to fun, educational activities for kids in North Central Washington. An article in today's Wenatchee World caught my eye. The Chelan County PUD has created a Summer Science Learning Experience for kids. It's always great to see the city and/or big business give back, especially in our special community. Here's a link to the article:
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070719/NEWS04/707190398/1001
Thanks Chelan County PUD!
Featured Local Business of the Week: LeMaster Daniels
This week's Featured Local Business of the Week is LeMaster Daniels, Certified Public Accountants and Advisors. Visit their website at:
http://www.lemasterdaniels.com/wenatchee.asp
We're featuring LeMaster Daniels because The Davidson Team is a very satisfied client. We take advantage of accounting services for our business LLC, and also have all our accounting/bookkeeping done through Quick Books. LeMaster Daniels also provides consulting and advising for personal and business endeavors.
From a cost perspective, they certainly are not the cheapest in the Wenatchee area; they're not the most expensive either. We chose LeMaster Daniels because they offered the best value for the quality of service provided, the people are SUPER customer service centered, and they truly care about their clients.
The Davidson Team fully endorses LeMaster Daniels as one of the top Accounting choice in the greater Wenatchee area!
http://www.lemasterdaniels.com/wenatchee.asp
We're featuring LeMaster Daniels because The Davidson Team is a very satisfied client. We take advantage of accounting services for our business LLC, and also have all our accounting/bookkeeping done through Quick Books. LeMaster Daniels also provides consulting and advising for personal and business endeavors.
From a cost perspective, they certainly are not the cheapest in the Wenatchee area; they're not the most expensive either. We chose LeMaster Daniels because they offered the best value for the quality of service provided, the people are SUPER customer service centered, and they truly care about their clients.
The Davidson Team fully endorses LeMaster Daniels as one of the top Accounting choice in the greater Wenatchee area!
Receive The Davidson Team's Monthly Newsletter
Receive our monthly newsletters and stay up-to-date on local real estate.
As real estate professionals, we're often asked, "How's the market?" To answer that question, we send a regular e-newsletter that provides housing market trends and helpful homeowner tips.
We share this newsletter with clients, friends and neighbors in the area, and they enjoy it so much we wanted to share it with you as well. Whether you own a home, are looking to buy, or are thinking about making a move, this newsletter simplifies your life with:
· Info on how real estate trends affect the market
· Seasonal tips for maintaining a home's comfort and value
· Room additions that add to the experience (and resale value) of a home
· How-to's on makeovers-tools, wall coverings, furniture, and the results
· Latest ideas on how backyards, gardens, decks, and porches are becoming the hottest new living spaces
· And much more!
The newsletter comes monthly, which gives just enough breathing room between issues so you start looking forward to receiving the next one. If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, simply email us at info@wenatcheehouses.com.
Additionally, if you're selling your home in North Central Washington, check out our Free Over-The-Net Home Valuation service: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/home_worth.php.
And if you're buying, don't miss out on our Exclusive Buyer System, where you beat out other buyers on hot new homes and properties right when they come on the market: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/email_home_listings.php.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
The Davidson Team - Blaine & Erin Davidson
Phone: 509-293-2214
E-mail: info@WenatcheeHouses.com
Website: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/
Blog: http://www.wenatcheehouses.blogspot.com/
P.S. Please know that we are the only people who will be using your email address. We do not share your information with anyone!
As real estate professionals, we're often asked, "How's the market?" To answer that question, we send a regular e-newsletter that provides housing market trends and helpful homeowner tips.
We share this newsletter with clients, friends and neighbors in the area, and they enjoy it so much we wanted to share it with you as well. Whether you own a home, are looking to buy, or are thinking about making a move, this newsletter simplifies your life with:
· Info on how real estate trends affect the market
· Seasonal tips for maintaining a home's comfort and value
· Room additions that add to the experience (and resale value) of a home
· How-to's on makeovers-tools, wall coverings, furniture, and the results
· Latest ideas on how backyards, gardens, decks, and porches are becoming the hottest new living spaces
· And much more!
The newsletter comes monthly, which gives just enough breathing room between issues so you start looking forward to receiving the next one. If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter, simply email us at info@wenatcheehouses.com.
Additionally, if you're selling your home in North Central Washington, check out our Free Over-The-Net Home Valuation service: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/home_worth.php.
And if you're buying, don't miss out on our Exclusive Buyer System, where you beat out other buyers on hot new homes and properties right when they come on the market: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/email_home_listings.php.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
The Davidson Team - Blaine & Erin Davidson
Phone: 509-293-2214
E-mail: info@WenatcheeHouses.com
Website: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/
Blog: http://www.wenatcheehouses.blogspot.com/
P.S. Please know that we are the only people who will be using your email address. We do not share your information with anyone!
Wenatchee Wild Fires Update
If you're up to date with Wenatchee area news, you've heard about the wild fires. Here's an article from today's Wenatchee World newspaper that will bring you up to speed on what's been happening:
http://wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070709/NEWS04/707090398/1001
http://wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070709/NEWS04/707090398/1001
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 7/5/07
Summer is definitely here, and what better way to cool off and enjoy a hot day or evening shade than with a yummy cocktail. This one's refreshing and packs a punch...enjoy!
Mexican Summer Dream
1.5 oz Cointreau
1.25 oz ounce tequila reposado
1 oz orange juice
.5 oz yuza juice
4 bar spoons of mango puree
Shake all ingredients together and serve in a salt-rimmed tulip glass. Garnish with an orange.
Mexican Summer Dream
1.5 oz Cointreau
1.25 oz ounce tequila reposado
1 oz orange juice
.5 oz yuza juice
4 bar spoons of mango puree
Shake all ingredients together and serve in a salt-rimmed tulip glass. Garnish with an orange.
Make Getting a Home Loan a Breeze
Here's a good newsletter from our preferred Mortgage Advisor, Kevin Nelson, from Discover NCW Mortgage:
If you're thinking of financing a home, here is some help to make things easier. You can simplify and expedite the loan application process by having the following documents available:
Income
* Last two years' W-2 forms
* Last two pay stubs (covering one month's wages)
* Last two years' signed Form 1040s
* All appropriate schedules if more than 25% of your income is from self-employment, overtime, or commissions, or if you are employed by a relative
* Current business income statement, if self-employed
* Last two years' business tax returns if you own 25% or more of a business
* Proof of Social Security, pension, or disability income
Assets
* Last two months' bank statements
* Copies of stocks and bonds or U.S. savings bonds
* Last quarter report for investment or trust account
* Current statement for 401(k) or IRA accounts
* Real estate owned: address, current value, loan balance, monthly payment, and rental income, if any
* Listing agreement and sales contract if selling your current home
* Value of personal property and household goods
Liabilities
* Complete list of current debts and minimum monthly payments, including name of creditors and account numbers where applicable.
* Last 12 months' cancelled checks (front and back) for rent or land contracts.
Property Information
* Copy of your sales agreement
* Copy of MLS listing card
Other data may be necessary depending on your circumstances. Getting a head start on paperwork is always a good idea. Loan pre-approval makes your offer stronger and cuts down on possible delays.
Just let me know when you are ready to get started.
Sincerely,
Kevin Nelson
Discover NCW Mortgage
(509) 663-9521
E-mail: kevin@kevinnelson.biz
Web site: http://www.kevinnelson.biz
If you're thinking of financing a home, here is some help to make things easier. You can simplify and expedite the loan application process by having the following documents available:
Income
* Last two years' W-2 forms
* Last two pay stubs (covering one month's wages)
* Last two years' signed Form 1040s
* All appropriate schedules if more than 25% of your income is from self-employment, overtime, or commissions, or if you are employed by a relative
* Current business income statement, if self-employed
* Last two years' business tax returns if you own 25% or more of a business
* Proof of Social Security, pension, or disability income
Assets
* Last two months' bank statements
* Copies of stocks and bonds or U.S. savings bonds
* Last quarter report for investment or trust account
* Current statement for 401(k) or IRA accounts
* Real estate owned: address, current value, loan balance, monthly payment, and rental income, if any
* Listing agreement and sales contract if selling your current home
* Value of personal property and household goods
Liabilities
* Complete list of current debts and minimum monthly payments, including name of creditors and account numbers where applicable.
* Last 12 months' cancelled checks (front and back) for rent or land contracts.
Property Information
* Copy of your sales agreement
* Copy of MLS listing card
Other data may be necessary depending on your circumstances. Getting a head start on paperwork is always a good idea. Loan pre-approval makes your offer stronger and cuts down on possible delays.
Just let me know when you are ready to get started.
Sincerely,
Kevin Nelson
Discover NCW Mortgage
(509) 663-9521
E-mail: kevin@kevinnelson.biz
Web site: http://www.kevinnelson.biz
Featured Local Business of the Week: Wenatchee Natural Foods
While I love to cook and especially enjoy creating/eating dishes which aren't the healthiest in nature, 95% of the time I follow a very strict nutrition and fitness plan. Why? In addition to the physical benefits, I'm all about the increased energy and positive feelings I get from being in shape and putting healthy foods into my body. My philosophy on this is, "If I were an Indy car racing in the Indianapolis 500, would I use plain old unleaded gas, or would I put high performace gas into the tank to optimize my return?" The answer is easy, but many people refuse to treat their bodies like my example of the Indy car...and who wouldn't argue that our health is far more important of a race!
I'll get off my high horse now, but I want to share the only place in Wenatchee (to my knowledge) that is part organic market and provides a whole array of vitamins, minerals and supplements, teas, health books and much more:
Wenatchee Natural Foods (http://www.wenatcheenaturalfoods.com)
Wenatchee Natural Food's Mission
~to utilize the gifts of nature to sustain and enhance our health and our lives,and all those who enter here,~to share, educate and assist any who will hear,to the best of our ability,~to be committed to the on-going education of ourselves in all issues of health and natural healing,~to never underestimate the power of God's natural pharmacy, and to remember to give thanks, for it is He who provides all that we need.
How are you running your race!?!
Warm regards, Blaine Davidson
I'll get off my high horse now, but I want to share the only place in Wenatchee (to my knowledge) that is part organic market and provides a whole array of vitamins, minerals and supplements, teas, health books and much more:
Wenatchee Natural Foods (http://www.wenatcheenaturalfoods.com)
Wenatchee Natural Food's Mission
~to utilize the gifts of nature to sustain and enhance our health and our lives,and all those who enter here,~to share, educate and assist any who will hear,to the best of our ability,~to be committed to the on-going education of ourselves in all issues of health and natural healing,~to never underestimate the power of God's natural pharmacy, and to remember to give thanks, for it is He who provides all that we need.
How are you running your race!?!
Warm regards, Blaine Davidson
How to Obtain Top Dollar for Your Home
If you are considering selling your home, you are probably asking yourself questions like:
- Should I replace the tile counters in the bathroom with granite?
- Does the wallpaper make the house look dated?
- Is the cost of installing new kitchen cabinets worth the expense?
- Do I need to put on a new the roof or can I just have it inspected and replace the deteriorated areas?
- Is it necessary to paint all the interior walls, or would touching-up the obvious areas work just as well?
- Would installing new carpets and/or refinishing the wood floors be worth the expense?
- Should I have the house painted before putting it on the market, or use that as a bargaining point in negotiating the sale?
These are all outstanding questions. And none of them has an easy yes or no answer. Your home is unique, as is the neighborhood you live in.
Part of The Davidson Team's expertise is helping sellers prepare their homes with the right improvements that bring in top dollar. We would be happy to stop by and do a simple walk-through to point out areas to focus on to improve your house's market value, as well as what projects will not likely give you a good return on your money or time.
There is no charge for our service. Our goal is to be the neighborhood expert. The more neighbors we talk to and the more familiar we become with the homes in our community, the better level of service we can offer to families moving into our area.
If you are interested in having us do a free walk-through to get your house market-ready or simply have questions you'd like answered, please contact us today!
The Davidson Team -Blaine & Erin Davidson
(509) 293-2214 - info@WenatcheeHouses.com
http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 6/27/07
I typically post my own recipes, however here are two from Seattle's most prestigious restaurants. Click on the link below and get the recipe for Canlis' famouse Canlis Sald and Peter Canlis Prawns:
http://www.canlis.com/food/recipes.aspx
Enjoy!
http://www.canlis.com/food/recipes.aspx
Enjoy!
Thought Provoking: 6/25/07
The famous economic historian, Arnold Toynbee said:
"It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at that goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it."
Without necessarily knowing it, at the fundamental level of this philosophy, Toynbee is validating much of the research/practices of cognitive psychology and positive affirmation; particularly surrounding the achievement of success. Though a quite simple truth at the core level, truly successful people continue to be the minority in this world. Why?
I would contend that we all have dreams...big dreams! However, it appears that is all most ever do...dream. Could it be that most people understand this simple philosophy but just aren't willing to make the sacrifices, commitments and deploy the discipline to meet and exceed goals? Could the fear of failures along the way to a goal or ideal be enough to cut significant portions of the world's population out of the population of truly successful individuals?
Are YOU a dreamer? Or are you willing to "do the things that unsuccessful people aren't willing to do" to make your dreams realities?
Why Use a REALTOR®
"Many consumers consider selling their home directly but eventually turn to REALTORS®. Smart home sellers realize they need the expertise in pricing their home, making connections with REALTORS® working with buyers, arranging and staffing open houses, and coordinating with other professionals in the sales process."
- National Association of Realtors Website (NAR)
We'd like to share the following Web page from NAR, aiming to educate the home sellers and buyers on the true value and befits of working with a Realtor. On the high level:
"REALTORS® Are Experts"
"REALTORS® Are Part of the Community"
"REALTORS® Protect You"
Click here http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/why_use.html to learn more!
It's also very important to realize that not all real estate agents are the same...we're not a commodity! Some work part time, some run their business like the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and some--to be quite frank--are out for themselves and thus don't serve the best interests of their clients.
With that in mind, choose a REALTOR® that aligns with your goals and ideals, and someone you have a good connection with. As much as the Internet wants you to believe the home buying and selling process is in-personal, I'm here to tell you that couldn't be any farther from the truth. There several steps and processes involved in a successful real estate transaction, those of which will save you precious time and money if you choose the right real estate agent.
Click on the links below to learn more about The Davidson Team!
About Us; http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/about.php
Custom Marketing Plan: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/marketing_plan.php
Free Over-The-Net Home Valuation: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/home_worth.php
Exclusive Buyer System: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/email_home_listings.php
- National Association of Realtors Website (NAR)
We'd like to share the following Web page from NAR, aiming to educate the home sellers and buyers on the true value and befits of working with a Realtor. On the high level:
"REALTORS® Are Experts"
"REALTORS® Are Part of the Community"
"REALTORS® Protect You"
Click here http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/why_use.html to learn more!
It's also very important to realize that not all real estate agents are the same...we're not a commodity! Some work part time, some run their business like the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and some--to be quite frank--are out for themselves and thus don't serve the best interests of their clients.
With that in mind, choose a REALTOR® that aligns with your goals and ideals, and someone you have a good connection with. As much as the Internet wants you to believe the home buying and selling process is in-personal, I'm here to tell you that couldn't be any farther from the truth. There several steps and processes involved in a successful real estate transaction, those of which will save you precious time and money if you choose the right real estate agent.
Click on the links below to learn more about The Davidson Team!
About Us; http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/about.php
Custom Marketing Plan: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/marketing_plan.php
Free Over-The-Net Home Valuation: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/home_worth.php
Exclusive Buyer System: http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/email_home_listings.php
Our World: New investments and diversification lift NCW's economy
Check out this article from yesterday's Wenatchee World newspaper. It sheds a little light into the North Central Washington economy--the good and the bad--sharing the progress over the years, today's world and where we're headed in the future. Some high points include the "housing boom" and the arrival of several technology companies--like Microsoft, Yahoo and Intuit to name a few--who are looking to take advantage of the cheap land and power. The areas of concern appear to be the housing affordability index and labor shortages. With Wenatchee in particular ranking as the #1 market in the nation in terms of rising home prices, there is certainly some concern how this will affect the housing and labor markets.
Here's the article:
Our World: New investments and diversification lift NCW's economy
By Rufus Woods, Editor and Publisher
Posted June 19, 2007
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070619/NEWS04/706190320&SearchID=73284743819074
Check out this article from yesterday's Wenatchee World newspaper. It sheds a little light into the North Central Washington economy--the good and the bad--sharing the progress over the years, today's world and where we're headed in the future. Some high points include the "housing boom" and the arrival of several technology companies--like Microsoft, Yahoo and Intuit to name a few--who are looking to take advantage of the cheap land and power. The areas of concern appear to be the housing affordability index and labor shortages. With Wenatchee in particular ranking as the #1 market in the nation in terms of rising home prices, there is certainly some concern how this will affect the housing and labor markets.
Here's the article:
Our World: New investments and diversification lift NCW's economy
By Rufus Woods, Editor and Publisher
Posted June 19, 2007
http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070619/NEWS04/706190320&SearchID=73284743819074
Featured Local Business of the Week: Mission Street Bistro & Wine Bar
A unique and creative culinary treasure in Wenatchee is the Mission Street Bistro & Wine Bar. Known especially for their crepes, fondues, cheeses and vast wine selection, this small bistro provides a casual yet hip atmosphere.
Address:
202 N Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone:
509-665-2406
Hours:
9am - 10pm Mon-Sat; 11am - 3pm Sun
If you're a seafood fan, be sure to try the seafood crepe...it's our favorite!
Address:
202 N Mission St
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone:
509-665-2406
Hours:
9am - 10pm Mon-Sat; 11am - 3pm Sun
If you're a seafood fan, be sure to try the seafood crepe...it's our favorite!
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 6/18/07
This week I'll share a recipe that's both healthy and brilliantly delicious...adults and kids alike love this one!
The World's Best Protein Bar
3 cups cranberry trail mix
3 cups mixed nuts
1 cup large flake oats
10 scoops (20g protein/scoop) vanilla protein powder
2 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
Chop the cranberry mix and mixed nuts in a food processor. Mix with large flake oats and protein powder in a large bowl (as big as you can find, otherwise you may have to do this in two batches).
Add just enough water to wet all the protein powder so that it doesn't have a chalky consistency. Next, add 1 tbsp molasses, spread over whole batch, and mix thoroughly. After that, add 1 tbsp honey and do the same. Repeat with 1 more tablespoon of each sweetner. If the mix is too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add a little protein.
Lay plastic wrap across the bottom of two 9 x 9 or similar baking dishes, leaving enough wrap on each side to wrap around the mixture and cover the top. Spoon the mix into the baking dishes on top of the wrap, and pack it in with the spoon. Cover the mix with the extra wrap, then flatten the mix with your hands. Refrigerate. No baking required.
Cut into 20 bars, 10 in each baking dish. And enjoy!
The World's Best Protein Bar
3 cups cranberry trail mix
3 cups mixed nuts
1 cup large flake oats
10 scoops (20g protein/scoop) vanilla protein powder
2 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
Chop the cranberry mix and mixed nuts in a food processor. Mix with large flake oats and protein powder in a large bowl (as big as you can find, otherwise you may have to do this in two batches).
Add just enough water to wet all the protein powder so that it doesn't have a chalky consistency. Next, add 1 tbsp molasses, spread over whole batch, and mix thoroughly. After that, add 1 tbsp honey and do the same. Repeat with 1 more tablespoon of each sweetner. If the mix is too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add a little protein.
Lay plastic wrap across the bottom of two 9 x 9 or similar baking dishes, leaving enough wrap on each side to wrap around the mixture and cover the top. Spoon the mix into the baking dishes on top of the wrap, and pack it in with the spoon. Cover the mix with the extra wrap, then flatten the mix with your hands. Refrigerate. No baking required.
Cut into 20 bars, 10 in each baking dish. And enjoy!
2007 Harvard Graduation Speech: Bill Gates
I was sent a copy of the speech Bill Gates gave to this year's graduating class at Harvard. Mr. Gates present some very thought provoking sharings about where the world is today, where it's headed and where it could be.
http://activerain.com/blogsview/124301/2-7-Harvard-Graduation
Monthly Home Essentials Newsletter: 6/14/07
In This Issue:
Making an attractive home-purchase offer
Microhood a must for any Kitchen Upgrade
Making an attractive home-purchase offer
By Dian Hymer, Distributed by Inman News
It's easy to assume that negotiating is adversarial. You, the buyer, are on one side -- the side that wants to buy a property for the lowest price possible. The opposition on the other side is the seller who wants to sell for the highest price possible. You're locked in a tug of war to see which side will win.
It's more productive to look at a negotiation as a problem-solving process. You and the seller may have different ideas about what price the property should sell for. However, you're united in a common goal of consummating a deal. The challenge is to resolve your differences through a process of give and take until you either reach your common goal, or decide to go your separate ways.
Making an attractive home-purchase offer
Microhood a must for any Kitchen Upgrade
Making an attractive home-purchase offer
By Dian Hymer, Distributed by Inman News
It's easy to assume that negotiating is adversarial. You, the buyer, are on one side -- the side that wants to buy a property for the lowest price possible. The opposition on the other side is the seller who wants to sell for the highest price possible. You're locked in a tug of war to see which side will win.
It's more productive to look at a negotiation as a problem-solving process. You and the seller may have different ideas about what price the property should sell for. However, you're united in a common goal of consummating a deal. The challenge is to resolve your differences through a process of give and take until you either reach your common goal, or decide to go your separate ways.
Of course, you have to arrive at a mutually agreeable selling price for a sale to go through. Sometimes this will happen quickly; sometimes it's a drawn-out process that can last over days or even weeks.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Patience can be your ally. Sometimes rushing the process can quicken its demise. In fact, you may be better off waiting before starting the process if you think that the asking price is too high.
For the first time in years, we are in a market where some home sellers -- typically those who bought recently -- won't be able to sell their home for a profit. But, they may need to test the market to be sure.
If this is the case, the best negotiating strategy may be to offer nothing until the sellers are close to reducing their asking price. There can be a benefit to making an offer just before a price reduction is made. If you wait until the price is lowered, you could end up paying a higher price if other buyers suddenly become interested.
In order to make sure you know that the sellers are contemplating reducing the price, ask your real estate agent to talk to the sellers' agent and make sure that the sellers are made aware of your interest. Don't be bashful about the fact that you are interested, but not at the current price. This way, you may receive a call when the sellers decide they'd like to see an offer from you.
When you make an offer and there's no competition from other buyers, your initial offer price should leave you room to move up in price. But, it should not be so low that it's insulting to the seller. Otherwise he or she might not respond at all. An offer that's much lower than the market would give the seller the impression that you can't afford more, so there's no point in issuing a counteroffer.
Buyers often think that if they start too high initially, they'll end up paying too much. Your initial offer price should be good enough to entice the seller into a dialogue. It's a price to get the ball rolling. From there, you can move up in small increments, if necessary.
Don't get so caught up in negotiating the price that you overlook other opportunities for consensus building. Most good negotiations have a sense of fairness about them. During the process of your negotiation, you and your agent should brainstorm all the possible ways that you can accommodate the sellers.
Do they need a quick close? If so, they might be willing to give more on price for a speedy close. However, you might want to hold up offering this information at the beginning of the dialogue. That way, you have something more of value that you can offer the sellers in exchange for a further price concession.
THE CLOSING: When you get close on price, offering to split the difference can put a seal on the deal.
Dian Hymer is author of "House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide," Chronicle Books.
Microhood a must for any Kitchen Upgrade
By Paul Bianchina, distributed by Inman News
Looking for a nice way to upgrade your kitchen and add both counter space and convenience? You might not need to look any further than replacing your existing range hood with a microwave/hood combination. Now known generically as a microhood, this useful appliance comes in a variety of colors, sizes and features to fit the requirements of just about any kitchen. Plus, it elevates the microwave to a more convenient height and gets that pesky little appliance off your countertop, freeing up valuable space.
Microhoods are available in standard sizes and venting options that, in most cases, make them relatively easy to install in place of a conventional hood. When shopping for a microhood, look for a model that is the same width as your existing hood -- typically 30 inches to 36 inches wide -- and then look for the features you need. As with most appliances, features add cost, so concentrate on the ones you think you'll really use.
INSTALLATION
Installation is a relatively straightforward endeavor, and most units are well designed for the do-it-yourselfer. The unit should come with all of the brackets and bolts you'll need, along with a mounting template that greatly simplifies the placement of the necessary fasteners.
The first step is to remove the old unit. First, shut the electricity to the hood, and verify that it's off. Locate the junction box on the underside of the hood, remove the cover and disconnect the wires. Remove the screws that hold the hood to the underside of the cabinet, and lower the hood. As the hood comes down, pay close attention to how the electrical cable enters the hood and how the hood is vented. You may need a second set of hands to support the hood while you carefully disconnect both the cable and the vent pipe.
Unpack the new unit, and carefully study the instructions. The first step is typically to figure out how you are going to connect the vent, which is usually dictated by how the old hood vented. Most microhoods give you the option of venting through the top or through the back, and there is usually a metal plate over the fan that can be moved to accommodate which venting option you want to use.
Microhoods have a rectangular vent outlet, usually with a damper, so if you have an existing round duct you will either need to install a rectangular-to-round adaptor or replace your old round duct with rectangular. The template that's supplied with the appliance will give you exact locations where to place the vent, and the dealer where you purchased the microhood can supply you with any pipe or transition adaptors that you might need.
Another option with some microhoods is to make the unit recirculating, meaning that it does not vent to the outside of the house. While definitely easier, since it doesn't require ducting, recirculating hoods pump a lot of moist air back into the home, so avoid the temptation to use this option.
Once you have the venting figured out, the next step is to install the mounting bracket. Place the template on the wall as directed in the instructions. Determine which mounting holes you are going to use -- the template will give you several options, depending on where the structural supports are in the wall -- and predrill these locations. Remove the template.
The microhood itself mounts into a bracket or a box, which is supplied with the unit. The bracket is installed with lag bolts into the wall for support, along with fasteners that hold the bracket to the cabinet. Remember that microhoods are quite heavy, even empty, and that weight increases as you load it with food. Make sure that you install all of the necessary bolts and other fasteners supplied with the kit, and that they are seated into solid wood as required.
Most microhoods have a cord with a plug, as opposed to the hardwiring found on most range hoods. If your old hood was hardwired and you now have an electrical cable to deal with, you will need to route the cable into an electrical box and install a standard grounded outlet that the microhood can plug into. If you are not comfortable with how to do this correctly, be sure and consult with a licensed electrician.
The final step is to install the unit itself. Drill a hole in the bottom of the cabinet as specified, and route the electrical cord through the hole. Slip the microhood into the mounting box or bracket, and secure it in place. Plug in the cord, remove all packing materials, and you're ready to go.
Each microhood installs a little differently. Be sure you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly, that you comply with all necessary clearances, that you have a properly installed and grounded electrical outlet, and that you install all the required fasteners. If you have any doubts about any aspect of the installation, your dealer can help you arrange for professional installation.
The Davidson Team's Preferred Mortgage Advisor
The Davidson Team would like to introduce its preferred Mortgage Advisor, Kevin Nelson, of Wenatchee's Discover NCW Mortgage!
When helping buyers and sellers with often times the biggest transaction of their life, it was absolutely essential for us to partner with a Mortgage Advisor who shares our same core values and mission (http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/about.php). Kevin is as good as they come, providing next-level service, communication, creativity and good old hard work. We feel privileged to introduce The Davidson Team's clients to Kevin!
Learn more about Kevin and his services at his website today!
http://www.kevinnelson.biz/
When helping buyers and sellers with often times the biggest transaction of their life, it was absolutely essential for us to partner with a Mortgage Advisor who shares our same core values and mission (http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/about.php). Kevin is as good as they come, providing next-level service, communication, creativity and good old hard work. We feel privileged to introduce The Davidson Team's clients to Kevin!
Learn more about Kevin and his services at his website today!
http://www.kevinnelson.biz/
Thought Provoking: 6/12/07
A friend of mine reminded me of a quote from Teddy Roosevelt. I would have loved growing up in a time where our world leaders spoke like this and truly aspired to live and lead by such high ideals. Very thought provoking!
In the Arena
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or whether the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worth cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-Teddy Roosevelt, Paris, France, April 1910
In the Arena
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or whether the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worth cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-Teddy Roosevelt, Paris, France, April 1910
Featured Local Business of the Week: Fielding Hills Winery
Washington and the Columbia Cascade Region has become one of the most respected wine areas in the world, growing world class grapes and producing a vast variety of highly rated wines.
Wenatchee's own Fielding Hills Winery (http://www.fieldinghills.com/index.html) stands out among the region's top wineries, consistently producing wines rated 90 or better, with several in the mid 90s. If you're not familiar with wine ratings, here's a high level overview:
95-100 -- Classic; a great wine
90-94 -- Outstanding; superior character and style
80-89 -- Good to very good; wine with special qualities
70-79 -- Average; drinkable wine that may have minor flaws
60-69 -- Below average; drinkable but not recommended
50-59 -- Poor; undrinkable, not recommended
Here's some of our favorite Fielding Hills wines:
* 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (95 rating) Our favorite, prepare to be amazed!
"Dark, tannic and smoky, this has more tobacco flavor than the other two reds in this series. Muscular, dense and tight, it offers cassis, raspberry and sappy, delicious red fruits. This is very young, very tight, but already nuanced with extraordinary notes of leaf and clean herb. It'll be interesting to see where it goes in 5 - 10 years. P.G."
* 2004 Merlot (94 rating) Our very close second favorite. Named in the March 2007 Wine Enthusiast as one of the The Top 45 Merlots In The World!
"Ripe, tangy berries, consistent with the house style- a tight spine of firm tannin and bright acid. There's a good meaty quality in the midpalate and plenty of vanilla. I think there is a lot of compact flavor in hiding, right now its showing a lot of spice (from the 12% syrah blended in?) and vanilla (from the barrel). P.G."
* 2004 Syrah (94 rating)
"This is classic Washington Syrah, the nose explodes the glass, and it has all the marks of what makes Washington the best in the county. It's big, it's loaded with intense spicy notes, and there are plenty of grace notes of meat and smoke and some of the French stuff going on. Young and packed with flavor, hinting at gravel and soy and a bit of earthy funk. PG."
* 2004 Riverbend Red (93 rating)
"Great color, plush aromas and mouth feel. It sets up in the mouth with intense, varied flavors including blackberry, black cherry, black licorice and more. The young berry fruit scents are sensational, wrapped tight, and the oak is gently applied (76% new) and lends a pleasing milk chocolate smoothness to the finish. Keeps its focus thanks to acrobatic balance and simply beautiful fruit."
If you enjoy good red wine, try Fielding Hills and support the local Wenatchee Valley community!
Choosing Your Ideal Neighborhood
For many people, choosing a neighborhood is the most difficult part of the decision to buy a home. When you tackle that "location, location, location" question, it's smart to prioritize various neighborhood features, then start looking for homes in areas that match most of your criteria. Here are some things to consider:
Transportation Realities and Options
Check the length of your commute to work from your neighborhoods of choice. Do streets get clogged at rush hour? Is mass transit within walking distance? In one consumer study, 79 percent of respondents said that a top priority in deciding where to live is having a commute time under 45 minutes. Seventy-five percent also wanted easy access to highways. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day and night and talk to as many local residents as possible.
Places of Interest Nearby
Research nearby schools, restaurants, places of worship, parks, etc. Seventy-two percent of survey respondents ranked sidewalks and places to walk as a top priority when considering where to live. Try going to HomePages.com -- where you can view homes for sale and the nearest amenities on an interactive map.
Costs in Addition to the Mortgage
In addition to the costs of mortgage, insurance and home maintenance, consider local property taxes and homeowner association fees, if applicable.
What's the Future of the Neighborhood?
Try to imagine what the neighborhood will look like in 10 years. Will you still want to live there, or do you expect to move before then? Will it be desirable to future buyers?
Once you've prioritized all your neighborhood amenities and features, you'll find it's much easier to focus your home search. Remember, the neighborhood is usually as important to the value of a home as what's under its roof.
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 5/8/07
Mango chutney, beer battered shrimp
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons: 1 TBSP paprika, garlic, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne, (plus more for dusting)
1 1/4 cups beer & Malibu rum to taste
Dip your choice of shrimp in: 2 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes. Tiger prawns are ideal.
Mango-Orange Chutney: mango chutney, orange peel shavings, with orange liqueur (Cointreu or Grand Marinier) to taste, onions, curry powder, peppers, brown sugar1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro and lime juice to taste
Enjoy!
Wenatchee now the hottest market in the nation!
This article, from KTVZ.com in Bend, OR, now cites Wenatchee as the hottest market in the nation:
http://www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=6592947
Bend home prices chill, but still in U.S. Top
10Five-year appreciation still 100 percent
By Barney Lerten, KTVZ.COM
Bend's once-sizzling home price appreciation cooled to a near-standstill in the first quarter of 2007, but years of red-hot momentum meant the city still finished in the top 10 of U.S. housing markets for the past year, a federal report said Thursday.
The first-quarter figures from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight show Bend snapped a three-quarter streak in which the city had been the nation's hottest metro-area real estate market for much of last year, in terms of year-to-year price appreciation.
Wenatchee, Wash. has now captured the top spot, with prices rising there 25.6 percent from the first quarter of last year, including a nearly 6 percent jump in the first quarter.
Bend, by contrast, had an anemic. 0.37 percent home-price rise in the first quarter for a one-year figure of 13.67 percent.
On the other hand, Bend was by far the hottest market in the OFHEO's top 20, when it comes to home-price appreciation over the past five years - just over 100 percent, or a doubling of the city's average home price since early 2002. No one else comes close, the closest being Tacoma, Wash. at 76 percent.
Last year, Bend-area home prices, based on repeat sales and refinancings, jumped more than 21 percent, though each quarter saw the price appreciation figure drop, from 7.37 percent in the second quarter and 2.82 percent in the third to 1.73 percent in the last three months of 2006.
Realtor Rob Eggers of Bend's Duke Warner Realty said the cooldown is most evident in a big jump from last year in how long homes are on the market, now 4-5 months on average. Bend's Westside now has a year's worth of housing inventory on the market, with the Eastside not far behind, at 10 months.
Nationally, the rate of home price appreciation as measured in the Home Price Index "remained slow but positive in the first quarter," the federal agency said, up 4.3 percent from a year earlier but showing an overall quarterly growth of 0.5 percent, down from a revised estimate of 1.3 percent growth in the fourth quarter.
"Although some forecasters expected to see a drop in the HPI, nationwide house prices continued to rise in the first quarter of 2007, albeit at the lowest rate in 10 years," said James Lockhart, OFHEO director.
Five Washington cities and three in Utah made the top 20 list. States with the biggest appreciation in the past year include Utah (topping the list at 17 percent), Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Washington. Michigan and Massachusetts actually saw home prices drop under 1 percent, on average.
The full report is available at http://www.ofheo.gov/media/pdf/1q07hpi.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
http://www.ktvz.com/Global/story.asp?S=6592947
Bend home prices chill, but still in U.S. Top
10Five-year appreciation still 100 percent
By Barney Lerten, KTVZ.COM
Bend's once-sizzling home price appreciation cooled to a near-standstill in the first quarter of 2007, but years of red-hot momentum meant the city still finished in the top 10 of U.S. housing markets for the past year, a federal report said Thursday.
The first-quarter figures from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight show Bend snapped a three-quarter streak in which the city had been the nation's hottest metro-area real estate market for much of last year, in terms of year-to-year price appreciation.
Wenatchee, Wash. has now captured the top spot, with prices rising there 25.6 percent from the first quarter of last year, including a nearly 6 percent jump in the first quarter.
Bend, by contrast, had an anemic. 0.37 percent home-price rise in the first quarter for a one-year figure of 13.67 percent.
On the other hand, Bend was by far the hottest market in the OFHEO's top 20, when it comes to home-price appreciation over the past five years - just over 100 percent, or a doubling of the city's average home price since early 2002. No one else comes close, the closest being Tacoma, Wash. at 76 percent.
Last year, Bend-area home prices, based on repeat sales and refinancings, jumped more than 21 percent, though each quarter saw the price appreciation figure drop, from 7.37 percent in the second quarter and 2.82 percent in the third to 1.73 percent in the last three months of 2006.
Realtor Rob Eggers of Bend's Duke Warner Realty said the cooldown is most evident in a big jump from last year in how long homes are on the market, now 4-5 months on average. Bend's Westside now has a year's worth of housing inventory on the market, with the Eastside not far behind, at 10 months.
Nationally, the rate of home price appreciation as measured in the Home Price Index "remained slow but positive in the first quarter," the federal agency said, up 4.3 percent from a year earlier but showing an overall quarterly growth of 0.5 percent, down from a revised estimate of 1.3 percent growth in the fourth quarter.
"Although some forecasters expected to see a drop in the HPI, nationwide house prices continued to rise in the first quarter of 2007, albeit at the lowest rate in 10 years," said James Lockhart, OFHEO director.
Five Washington cities and three in Utah made the top 20 list. States with the biggest appreciation in the past year include Utah (topping the list at 17 percent), Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Washington. Michigan and Massachusetts actually saw home prices drop under 1 percent, on average.
The full report is available at http://www.ofheo.gov/media/pdf/1q07hpi.pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
Thought Provoking: 5/31/07
A man, as he almost always did, came home late from work one night. He was tired and irritated. Upon his arrival he found his six-year old son waiting for him at the door.
"Daddy, may I ask you a question?" "Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the father grumpily.
"Daddy, how much money do you earn in an hour?" "That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man responded angrily.
"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much money do you make in an hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make $30.00 an hour" " Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed down and a tear in his eye. Looking up, he asked, "Daddy, may I borrow $15.00, please?"
The father was furious. "If the only reason you want to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy some silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march straight to your bedroom and go to bed. Think about why you're so selfish. I work long, very hard hours and I don't have time for such childish games."
The six-year old child went to this room and shut his door.
The father sat in the living room and became even angrier about the little boy's request for $15.00.
How dare he ask such questions only to get money?
After some time passed, the man had calmed down. He started to think about how hard he had been on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $15.00. He really did not ask for money very often.
The man went to his son's door and knocked. "Are you asleep son?" he asked. "No daddy, I'm awake." Replied the boy. "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," the man said. "It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here is the $15.00 you asked for.
The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his mattress, he pulled out several crumpled dollar bills.
The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to become angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at the man. "Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father growled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy answered. "Daddy, I have $30.00 now...Can I buy an hour of your time?"
The old-time father who used to wonder where his boy was now has a grandson who wonders where his father is.
"Daddy, may I ask you a question?" "Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the father grumpily.
"Daddy, how much money do you earn in an hour?" "That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man responded angrily.
"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much money do you make in an hour?" pleaded the little boy.
"If you must know, I make $30.00 an hour" " Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed down and a tear in his eye. Looking up, he asked, "Daddy, may I borrow $15.00, please?"
The father was furious. "If the only reason you want to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy some silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march straight to your bedroom and go to bed. Think about why you're so selfish. I work long, very hard hours and I don't have time for such childish games."
The six-year old child went to this room and shut his door.
The father sat in the living room and became even angrier about the little boy's request for $15.00.
How dare he ask such questions only to get money?
After some time passed, the man had calmed down. He started to think about how hard he had been on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $15.00. He really did not ask for money very often.
The man went to his son's door and knocked. "Are you asleep son?" he asked. "No daddy, I'm awake." Replied the boy. "I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," the man said. "It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here is the $15.00 you asked for.
The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his mattress, he pulled out several crumpled dollar bills.
The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to become angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at the man. "Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father growled.
"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy answered. "Daddy, I have $30.00 now...Can I buy an hour of your time?"
The old-time father who used to wonder where his boy was now has a grandson who wonders where his father is.
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