The Wenatchee market continues it's relatively healthy level of 25 to 30% down from a year ago.  It has held around there for 6 months of so! Snapshot report for March is out, and the sales are continuing their approximate levels of the last six months or so.  You can also see the quickest and slowest selling price ranges and inventory in each range.  I talked all about Wenatchee Residential sales on the Chelan Real Estate Blog at: Wenatchee Home Sales 03/19/2009

For a bit of perspective on what it is like (was?) to live in Wenatchee and to get a feel for the people and places you may want to check out my blog (and others at the same place) on Living in Wenatchee  http://blogs.wenatcheeworld.com/author/pcornell/ Nothing fancy but it is fun and it does provide a bit of insight if not to the Wenatchee area then at least to the authors background. Always open for constructive comments too. It is not all that unique nor is it a Saturday Evening Post Cover but it is a glimps of americana... enjoy! 03/12/2009

In January of '09 I wrote about an event that was put together by the community for budding musicians. An opportunity for professionals and students to meet and work together (http://activerain.com/blogsview/887356/Wenatchee-Should-be-Proud). Last week a similar event happened but this was not exactly planned. Chanticleer (sp?) a 12 man vocal group from SF was at the Wenatchee Performing Arts Center. They were, in a word, FANTASTIC! I had never heard a male soprano (not falsetto). It was an opportunity that the roughly 500 people on hand really enjoyed. After the performance the music teacher for Wenatchee High School, smuggled his acapella choir members back stage and had about a 20 minute impromptu music lesson for his charges from the group members...one on one and no interruptions. ... 02/28/2009

What’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a home? Most people know within the first couple of minutes if it feels like home… or if it doesn’t. And people who fall in love with your home when they first walk in are much more likely to buy it at a fair price. Here are some helpful ways to increase your home’s "Feel Appeal" by creating a welcome atmosphere for house shoppers: * Pick up toys and remove clutter. * Make up all beds. * Open curtains/blinds to show off your clean windows. * Clean the kitchen and bathroom(s) and clear the kitchen sink. * Put away family pictures to allow buyers to mentally picture themselves in your home. * Store clothes you're not using to expose closet space. * Decorate with fresh flowers and plants. * Have soft music playing in the background. * Cl... 02/22/2009

Willinger Real Estate has dramatically expanded our Wenatchee Property Management Services, and getting rave reviews.  Our priorities are good communication, being responsive to tenant needs, controlling costs AND maximizing returns to property owners.  One owner told us we are increasing his cash flow by $2,000 - $3,000 per month.  He owns 24 units. As an example of our committment to communication, you can peruse one of the blogs we set up for our tenants at the Wenatchee Parkside Condo and Apartment complex.  The content of the blog is also put into written Memo form and personally delivered to each unit... to accommdate those who are not regular computer users. We are always looking to improve.  What are your priorities in looking for a Property Management Company?Have a great day! ... 01/21/2009

Last night I attended a Jazz Concert at the Performing Arts Center. There were six musicians from the LA area. All were friends and soon going on a tour. All seemed to have, Doc S, The Tonight Show and NBC in common, judging from the Bios. And they were excellent. Their performance was in conjunction with our own "Big Band" whihc is also pretty good. Here is the important part, and why I am writing this post. Because of the activities of several local residents these musicians came here not just for the concert but to spend a full week with the local schools, middle school through High School, teaching technique and in general helping our kids develop and grow on the musical scene. The concert was just the culmination of the week. In fact on Friday Night they put on a concert with the s... 01/18/2009

I received the Snapshot Report from Pacific Appraisals.  Wenatchee is truly an incredible market.  While other markets have stalled or slowed dramatically this fall, Wenatchee continues steadily albeit it around 30% below last year's numbers in residential sales. That probably still feels like a slow market to real estate agents in Wenatchee, but it looks really good compared to markets which have dropped off even more. Here's the report!  I should have 2008 sales results for the Chelan market shortly after the first. 01/08/2009

The resiliency of the Wenatchee real estate market through what the media reports as a national crisis in the real estate industry is pretty amazing.  I am not denying there is a real estate crisis, but I am amazed at how well Wenatchee has been able to weather this unprecedented storm.Have you looked at the Wenatchee area housing sales statistics lately?  According to the latest report out of Pacific Appraisal Associates (our area statitics gurus) in October sales numbers are down 27% BUT the average price has not decreased a single percentage point over the same period last year.   I find this statistic alone amazing considering home prices are reportedly down in price by as much as 30% (or more) in some markets across the U.S.While the "average" sales price is not showing a decrease,... 11/23/2008

When you start looking for a home, it’s important to consider factors outside the home that can enhance or detract from your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider: * Is there a playground, pool or park nearby? Are the fees affordable? * How close is the home to a hospital, police or fire department? * How big is the garage or driveway? Will there be enough parking for guests when you entertain? * Can you live with area commute times, traffic jams, gas prices and public transportation access? Choosing a home that fits your needs, your budget and your lifestyle isn’t hard when you are realistic and understand what's truly important to you. While you may need to compromise on some items, there are plenty of homes available that can fit your needs and make you happy. When you're ready... 11/13/2008

The September residential sales numbers in Wenatchee, WA show surprising stablility in the market where both average sale price and median sale price have held steady since about February.  Sales volume, while down about 30% from last year has also remained relatively stable. However, inventory continues to climb with listings outpacing sales and has increased roughly 25% since February. To see the whole report, go to the NCW Real Estate Blog here: Wenatchee Residential Prices are Still Stable in September 10/23/2008

Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee together are inviting citizens interested in municipal sewer in the Olds Station and Sunnyslope areas to a public open house.  Both the City and County have information to share and will be available for questions regarding sewer service north of the Wenatchee River.  For the location and time for the open house, just go to the NCW Real Estate Blog: Sewer in Sunnyslope and Olds Station? 10/16/2008

The Wenatchee Market continues to hold its own on pricing, with little measurable decline, while volumes are running below last year in sales by about 30%.  Wenatchee is still a desireable place to live, work or retire for many from other areas of the state and country. For the complete report and story, go to my North Central Washington Real Estate blog: Wenatchee Sales Numbers for August 10/02/2008

The City of Wenatchee has released a request for proposal for development of affordable housing.  The available sites for the project are on land currently used as public parking.  The City is offering to discuss incentives such as density bonuses, required parking reductions, fast track permitting, tax abatements, permit fee wavers/reductions and/or publicy financed infrastructure. For the complete posting, visit my NCW Real Estate Blog: Builders and Developers: The City of Wenatchee hopes to have an opportunity for you in Affordable Housing!  10/02/2008

Buying a home is a lengthy and sometimes stressful process, not to mention a significant financial commitment for most people. And even as the ink dries on the last document, you face the additional hassles of packing and moving into your new home. Here are some ideas to help you manage your move and keep stress levels in check: * Understand that it’s normal to feel nervous or even tentative during a move. * Use me as a resource when you have questions about your new neighborhood, including schools, restaurants, shopping, banking and more. * Keep plenty of cash available for emergencies and unexpected expenses during the move. * Have fun! Bring in your friends to help with packing and preparations and order plenty of pizza to reward their efforts. * Arrange for some down time to relax, ... 09/24/2008

Here is a link to the residential sales numbers for the Wenatchee area through July.  July 2008 sales showed a decrease of 26% from July of 2007.  While YTD Average Sale numbers are still 2% above 2007, the median sale price has declines 3% to 4% depending on if you look at Wenatchee or the entire market area. You can get all the whole posting right here: July Sales Figures for the Wenatchee Market 08/20/2008

 WhooHoo... after much ado Shelley Granger and I are very happy to announce the opening of our new Wenatchee real estate office.  Thursday, August 14th was our first official day.  As is apparent from the logo at left, the name of our new company is Willinger Real Estate, a result of combining our  last names (Williams and Granger).  We will focus on single family residential sales and listings, as well as multi-family and investor properties.   Incredible customer service is our main objective. We will continue with property management and soon be able to offer our services to Condo Home Owners Associations (HOA's) as well.    Currently, the company consists of Shelley, me and one other agent, Candy Armstrong.  Candy has reactivated her real estate license, which she has had for about ... 08/16/2008

I am in full support of this program and many other localized grant programs. The cost of housing in our Washington State and more locally Wenatchee area market has far exceeded the increases in wages and income. That compounded by the increases we all have had in the current cost of living is making access into home ownership even more difficult.It is not hard to feel for those living and working in our community that are now paying a higher percentage of their income to increased rents, higher gas, food and material goods. How then do they save to meet the higher down payment lenders are needing. I personally would hope for a diversified group of homeowners not just the middle to higher income families in our Greater Wenatchee Community. It is like our work force being afflicted by ma... 07/11/2008

Wenatchee WA real estate, Spokane WA real estate, and Longview WA real estate were 3 of the top 20 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in the United States real estate market.  According to an 88 page report from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO), Washington real estate had the top MSA - Wenatchee WA.  Wenatchee claims to be the "Apple Capital of the World."  The state of Washington ranked 6th in average appreciation of statewide "Percent Change in Housing Prices".  This particular part of the report titled, "Widespread House Declines in Fourth Quarter," indicates there are many areas of the country that are still enjoying price appreciation, despite reports in the media.  The report indicates that average appreciation in Washington was almost 6% in 2007. Each ... 05/26/2008

Today through Sunday comprises the BIGGEST week-end of the year in Wenatchee, Washington.  It is the final week-end of the Annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.  There are lots of events going on, the grandest of them all being the Grand Parade starting tomorrow morning at 11:00 a/m at the Apple Bowl. If you are new to town (and don't know how popular this event is), let me warn you to bring your chairs at LEAST 2 hours before the parade starts!  Be prepared to park a ways from the parade route.   The parade is LONG, with 120 entries this year.  Some of these are not single entries but a group, like the Classical Glass Corvette Club, the Wenatchee Valley Antique Auto Club, and the Wenatchee Valley Street Rods.  The Grand Marshals this year are two (locally grown) world class a... 05/02/2008

Here is the list of scheduled events for tomorrow (Wednesday 4/30/2008)Entertainment at Memorial Park: Food Fair: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EHS Jazz Band: Noon EJHS Choirs, 12:45 p.m.EJHS Jazz Band: 1:30 p.m. WV Ram Belles Dance Team: 4:30 p.m.Fabulous Feet: 5 p.m. Academy of Dance & Performing Arts: 5:30 p.m.Adrienne's Dance Academy: 6 p.m. Buckhorn: 7:30 p.m., Memorial ParkRiverfront Park:Carnival (Pay One Price day): 5 p.m. Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee:"Jesus Christ Superstar": 7:30 p.m.E N J O Y !!! 04/29/2008