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
No Comments »

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
No Comments »

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
No Comments »

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 →]

Tags: General Interest, Land Use, Local by Al Lorenz
No Comments »

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 →]

Tags: General Interest, Local by Al Lorenz
No Comments »

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 →]

Tags: General Interest, Local by Al Lorenz
No Comments »

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 →]

Tags: General Interest, Local by Al Lorenz
No Comments »

The “Snapshot” from Pacific Appraisal Associates for March is out. It shows a softening market in sales volume in both the Wenatchee multiple (down 10% in $) and the Wenatchee Market (down 24% in $). The number of homes sold is down 19% year to date in the Wenatchee multiple and 28% in the Wenatchee market.

But, for the good news, average home sales price year to date is still up 11% in the multiple and median price is still up by 10%. In the Wenatchee market area, both median and average price are [Read more →]

Tags: General Interest, Local, Marketing by Al Lorenz
No Comments »

I met with Ron Tate and Mary Pat Scofield at Bear Mountain Ranch this week. I knew that Bear Mountain Ranch is a beautiful project, but felt remiss in that I really didn’t know what was happening up there these days. So, I went to find out.

What I saw is that I really had no idea how much the Bear Mountain Ranch project entails. I learned a bunch. 

This year will mark the first year that they have offered the Private Residence Club at Bear Mountain Ranch. This is a fractional ownership opportunity for 1/8 share (6 weeks per year) in 2-story single-family style homes. This is a deeded equity ownership that allows the flexibility of scheduling any of the homes in the Club and use of the amenities of the resort development.

Also new this year is the Beach Club [Read more →]

Tags: Construction, General Interest, Local, Marketing by Al Lorenz
No Comments »

Here it is, a business opportunity for somebody in North Central Washington. The Wall Street Journal today has a post that talks about the effectiveness of home staging. Well, the article is really about “buyer beware” home staging might make you pay too much.

That, of course, is silly. Regarding staging of a home, the article states:

Home buyers impressed by such good looks, tend to overpay. According to home stagers, staged homes sell for [Read more →]

Tags: Design, General Interest, Local, Marketing by Al Lorenz
No Comments »