Developer rethinking riverfront project

Here's an article updating you on the Riverfront Project from today's Wenatchee World:

Developer rethinking riverfront projectBy Jay PatrickWorld staff writer Posted February 28, 2008

"WENATCHEE - Construction of a major riverfront development at the foot of Orondo Avenue won't start this summer as planned.

Bellingham businessman Ted Mischaikov said Wednesday that several new hotel projects in the Wenatchee area have him re-evaluating the demand for yet another one."We are still exploring possibilities. We're trying to understand (the market) with the flurry of hospitality activity," Mischaikov said.

The activity includes the pending sale of the city's public works property on Worthen Street to the Sukhmander Diamond Hotel Corp. The corporation owns seven hotels in the area."

Click below to read the rest of the article.

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/NEWS04/242783339

Number of NCW homes for sale on the rise

Here's an insightful article from today's Wenatchee World:

Number of NCW homes for sale on the rise
Buyers may benefit from increase of available homes
By Travis Hay
World staff writer
Posted February 27, 2008

"WENATCHEE - The number of homes for sale in the Wenatchee area in January more than doubled from the year before as housing sales slumped.

According to a report by Pacific Appraisal Associates, 498 homes were listed last month, compared with 193 on the market in January 2007.

Jerry Paine, president of the North Central Washington Association of Realtors, theorized that the increase in homes on the market is likely due to a surge in building permits last year. Paine said buyers should benefit from the increase of homes for sale."

Click below for the whole article!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS04/101478849/1001

Number of NCW homes for sale on the rise

Here's an insightful article from today's Wenatchee World:

Number of NCW homes for sale on the rise

Buyers may benefit from increase of available homes
By Travis Hay
World staff writer
Posted February 27, 2008

"WENATCHEE - The number of homes for sale in the Wenatchee area in January more than doubled from the year before as housing sales slumped.

According to a report by Pacific Appraisal Associates, 498 homes were listed last month, compared with 193 on the market in January 2007.

Jerry Paine, president of the North Central Washington Association of Realtors, theorized that the increase in homes on the market is likely due to a surge in building permits last year. Paine said buyers should benefit from the increase of homes for sale."

Click below for the whole article!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS04/101478849/1001

Treating Your Porch or Patio as an Additional Room

During warmer months, many of us enjoy spending time outside on our porch or patio. More open and airy than indoors, these areas are perfect for entertaining or simply visiting with neighbors and friends. Here are some tips to make your porch or patio an extension of your home:

* Make your outdoor area inviting by arranging comfortable seating, dining, coffee or side tables, and umbrellas. Potted plants provide a pleasing visual link to your outdoor landscape.

* If you have space, a portable fire pit can be a wonderful focal point after dark. Make sure yours has a screen mesh spark arrestor. Check local ordinances to make sure they're legal for use in your neighborhood. Always keep a fire extinguisher and garden hose nearby for safety.

* Add solar-powered electric lighting, candles, or torches for nighttime entertaining. A portable radio or MP3 player can provide background music.

* Today's new generation of indoor/outdoor fabrics make it easy to add comfortable upholstered cushions without fear of fading or mildew. Fit a glass top to an old trunk which can then be used as winter storage for the cushions.

* To help control insect pests, porches can be screened in. Use citronella candles on patios or decks to reduce mosquitoes. Minimize additional mosquitoes by draining any areas with standing water after a rain.

Please let us know by phone or email if we can provide names of nearby stores specializing in outdoor furniture and accessories.

How to Prepare Your Home Before a Natural Disaster Strikes

Earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes and floods are an unfortunate fact of life in many areas. Here are some steps you can take to get ready before any kind of disaster occurs:

* Be prepared to spend up to 72 hours without utilities, medical help or communications.

* Start an emergency kit in a crushproof box containing bottled drinking water, a first aid kit, flashlight, non-perishable food, blankets, basic toiletries, a portable radio and extra batteries. Camping gear can also be valuable. Make sure your kit is up-to-date and easily available in a safe, dry place.

* Strap your hot water heater and any gas appliances to a wall. Turn off gas at the meter ONLY if you smell a leak. Leave your home immediately and call the utility company from a safe place.

* Hold a home evacuation drill. Have a plan for reuniting your family. Keep photos of family members in your wallet in case they turn up missing.

* Educate your children. Get a copy of their school's disaster policy regarding emergency transportation and student release.

* Keep a stash of cash hidden in the event that banks or automatic teller machines shut down.

Please let us know by phone or email if we can provide additional tips. We value having the opportunity to be your trusted real estate resource.

Riverfront condos rising

Here's a good article from Today's Wenatchee World which shares some updates on the new Wenatchee Riverfront condo project:

Riverfront condos risingUnits going for up to $650,000 to be ready in April By Jay PatrickWorld staff writerPosted February 19, 2008

"WENATCHEE - The remodeling of Wenatchee's riverfront hits a milestone this spring when the first of a handful of large condo projects is ready.

Nine units at Riverwalk, a condominium complex next to Walla Walla Point Park, will be completed in April, said developer Randy Zielinski. The agent marketing the condos, which cost from $440,000 to $650,000 - said four are sold. The units are either 1,740 square feet or 2,150 square feet."

Click below for the full story!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080219/NEWS04/496448497

Housing sales up locally, mostly down statewide

Here's an article from the Wenatchee World commenting on the real estate market in Chelan and Douglas counties:

Housing sales up locally, mostly down statewide
By The Associated Press
Posted February 15, 2008

"SPOKANE - Chelan and Douglas counties bucked the statewide downturn in housing sales during the last three months of 2007."

Click below to read more:

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/NEWS04/287475353

Should You Sell a Home First Before Buying the Next One?

If you're thinking about moving, you have to make a decision: do you buy your new home first and then sell your old one? Or sell first and then buy?

The biggest obstacle to selling first is that you may have to move twice - first into a rental, then again into the next home. Many buyers need to sell first in order to free up cash to purchase a new home. If you buy before you sell, making a contingent offer on the new home or taking out a bridge loan can make your decision, and the moving process, easier. But there are some important factors worth considering:

* An offer to purchase a new home that's contingent upon the sale of your current home can be "bumped" if another buyer makes an offer that is not contingent.

* To make the contingent offer more appealing to the seller, many buyers offer full price. But making a contingent offer may cost you negotiating leverage on both ends. A full price offer to the seller means you lose the ability to negotiate the sale price, and also puts pressure on you to accept a lower price on your current home in order to sell it quickly.

* A bridge loan provides interim financing to "bridge the gap" until your first home sells. It also means making two house payments until your old home sells, so you need to decide how long you will be comfortable paying for two homes at the same time.

Your decision to buy first or sell first depends on your individual circumstances and the market conditions in your area. Please call or send us an email if we can help with more information to make your decision easier.

How to Set Your House Apart from Others on the Market

When you decide to sell your home, having it in tip-top condition can make a huge difference in how quickly it sells and the amount of the offer you receive. Prospective buyers eagerly look at every new home as it comes on the market so taking care to ensure your home looks its best can help make it stand out from the others.

Here are some tips you might find helpful:

* Start with a well-cared-for yard and freshly-mowed lawn. Your front door, porch and entryway should be clean and neat, preferably newly painted.

* Remove excess furniture and accessories so the rooms appear larger.

* Pack family photographs and other personal effects away to make your home appear more ‘generic' and easier for prospective buyers to imagine themselves living in it.

* Have your home thoroughly cleaned beforehand. Make sure that beds are made, dishes are done and everything is picked up.

* Bring the outside in with fresh flowers. Potted flowering plants last much longer than cut flowers.

Also, click here http://www.wenatcheehouses.com/marketing_plan.php to view The Davidson Team's Custom Marketing Plan. If you'd like more suggestions on getting your home ready for sale, please don't hesitate to call or email us.

Neighborhood Garage Sale How-To’s

Everyone seems to have too much clutter in their home, so having a neighborhood garage sale is a great way to get rid of it as well as to have some fun in the process. Neighborhood sales offer shoppers a great way to take in several sales in one convenient location. Here are some tips and suggestions to organizing one in your neighborhood:

* Ask your neighbors who might be willing to participate, then set a date well in advance to give everyone enough time to gather what they want to sell.

* Advertise the event as a neighborhood sale in a local newspaper or on a classified ad web site like Craig’s List. Remember to include your address and what days and times the sale will take place.

* Place directional signs at nearby key intersections.

* Be prepared for early arrivals. Decide whether you want to allow ‘early birds’ or if you will begin only at the specified time.

* Start with an adequate amount of change and small bills on hand. Decide whether you will accept checks.

* After the sale, gather everyone’s unsold items to make a single trip to a donation charity.

* Finally, organize an after-sale pot luck dinner or barbecue for all the neighbors.

Neighborhood garage sales are a great way to reduce the clutter in your home as well as to visit with your neighbors. Please call or email us if you'd like additional tips or suggestions.