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 by Al Lorenz
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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 by Al Lorenz
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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 by Al Lorenz
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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 →]

Tags: General Interest, Local by Al Lorenz
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