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.
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!
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