NCW Real Estate Blog

Very rarely do I get the pleasure to help a client with a property who actually knows some of the history of their property.  Even more rare is that the history is actually a compelling story.  I’ve never had discussions and research of the history of a property lead to current events, but that’s what happened for me with a client near Monitor.

What these folks have is: A property with a history….

 Bill & Laura Neimela have lived the history of their Fairview Canyon Ranch since 1970.  Although it is only ten minutes to Wenatchee, it is truly a world apart.  The views are sweeping and spectacular and the spring flowers are vibrant.  Even the purchase of the property happened from a colorful twist in that the home on the ranch, built by Lawrence Netherton, had recently burnt down.  That misfortune may have been for the best in that Mr. Netherton had built the house with only seven foot ceilings since [Read more →]

Tags: General Interest, Local // Add Comment »

After discussing the issue at numerous meetings since February, a majority of Chelan County PUD commissioners voted Monday to allow more permits for private docks over PUD-owned land on Lake Chelan and the Rocky Reach reservoir.

Commissioners Norm Gutzwiler and Werner Janssen voted against the proposal. Janssen stated that he did not feel the resolution was fair for the majority of customer-owners. He said, “Since we spend so much money mitigating fish problems, it just doesn’t make sense to allow more docks.”

Gutzwiler did not comment on his vote. Supporting the measure were Commissioners Ann Congdon, Randy Smith and Dennis Bolz.  

The Water Street area in Chelan may be reconsidered later, as the city in the process of determining its interest in a possible “micro” park there.

The resolution contained the following conditions:

• Continue to issue permits for private docks on PUD-owned land above and below the water;
• Charge market rates for permits, with adjustments at least every five years — and as often as annually if the market changes abruptly;
• Continue a 90-day cancellation provision, but add that it would be for District need. 

Tags: General Interest, Land Use, Local // Add Comment »

With permission from the NWMLS comes the following:

KIRKLAND, Wash. (May 5, 2008) – Pending sales during April reached their highest level in eight months, according to the latest figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service, which covers 19 counties in western and central Washington.

Brokers reported 6,208 pending sales (offers made and accepted, but not yet closed) last month. That was the highest number of transactions during one month since August, when MLS members notched 7,751 pending sales of single family homes and condominiums. Compared to the same month a year ago, pending sales were down about 32 percent.

Other indicators tracked by the multiple listing service were mixed.  Prices for sales that closed during April were [Read more →]

Tags: General Interest, Marketing, Northwest // Add Comment »

What math?  Do your own analysis of the affordable housing information.  For instance, 20 years ago was the proportion of the population that couldn’t afford the “median” house in Wenatchee the same as it is right now?  Of course not, so don’t make that a fixed number for the next 20 years.  Assume the ratio of median income to median home prices will fluctuate with the markets.  We’re a historical high for median home prices right now relative to income.  You might want to assume a more average number over the last twenty years for your analysis rather than the number the consultant used for the current situation.

Sometimes, a polished presentation can get folks to buy into something hook, line and sinker.  Maybe the presentation supports a position that was suspected, so it is not questioned.  Maybe the presentation reflects the desires of the special interests that specified the consultant.   I don’t expect them to question it. 

In this Wenatchee World Editorial, the often thoughtful editors on the 26th of April wrote a [Read more →]

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From the PUD today:

Following more discussion on the policy allowing permits for private docks over PUD-owned land on Lake Chelan and the Rocky Reach Reservoir, commissioners asked staff to present a final proposal for a decision on May 12.  The policies discussed Monday are available here and are worth a look.

Commissioners reviewed options from staff and listened to comments from five community members on Monday. They also agreed to exempt the Water Street area in Chelan from the policy until the city determines its interest in a possible “micro” park there.

Commissioners asked staff to prepare a resolution that [Read more →]

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A reader sent in this question:

In the Sunday Seattle Times there is an article about a new law starting June 12, requiring professional condo Reserve Analysis.  You can check out the article here.

This statute was news to me, and I assume most condo associations have no idea about this new requirement.  Lenders are probably going to want to know about your reserve analysis (or lack thereof) when a sale or refinance occurs [Read more →]

Tags: General Interest // Add Comment »

Open House Meeting #1

June 3, 2008 5-7 p.m. (3:30 setup) at the Confluence Technology Center 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee.  The meeting is to Introduce the public to the update process for the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, describe current conditions, and solicit input on issue and potential improvements.

There will be a brief presentation at 6:00 p.m. and stations with hosts, displays and flip charts for comments.  There will be a rating system to identify [Read more →]

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Yesterday the members’s meeting was held for the Chiwawa Community Association.  It was a well attended meeting with over 65 voting members.  I estimate about 100 people were in attendance.

Topics included voting on an amendment to the protective covenants, an update on the water system, a presentation from the Leavenworth hospital on ambulance and construction, election of board of trustee members, and other new business.

First, there was an amendment to the Protective Covenants that would change the covenants to allow low-impact service oriented businesses and clarified that residences could not be rented for terms less than 6 months.  The vote in favor was [Read more →]

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I attended the Affordable Housing Symposium hosted by the City of Wenatchee yesterday afternoon.  As I suspected, the “Independent” recommendations were anything but.

I was actually pretty favorably impressed with the consultant, David Rosen, of DPR Associates.  They took census data from 2000 and Office of Financial Management data from as recently as 2006 and 2007 and did a thorough statistical analysis of the housing situation in Wenatchee.  They are also very knowledgeable of housing trusts, housing authorities and the taxes and regulation that can be used to support such ventures.  They are experts and have facilitated $7 billion of affordable housing.

However, the consultant was chosen by a group made of representatives from the Planning Department, Housing Authority and the NW Justice group.  These groups stand to gain from [Read more →]

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That’s right, I don’t want to hear any complaints about traffic in two or three years if you don’t at least get involved in the County Comprehensive Plan - Transporation Element and County Wide Transportation Plan Update that is ongoing starting about now.  A public meeting is scheduled for May 28th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at a location yet to be announced.

Here is your chance to have your say.  Worried about Highway 150 to Manson?  You better get involved!  Union Valley Road, the Chiwawa Loop Road or [Read more →]

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