Wenatchee, WA

Last week was a beautiful fall week weather wise. Great, spectacular weather is something we experience in Central Washington (entirely different from the West side i.e.Seattle). Sky was blue, air was clear and foliage was in full color. Just time for a quick walk along the Banks of the Columbia River.

One of the special features of our town is the development, in the last few year, of a river walk/trail system. Initially the loop was about 11.5 miles in length. Today there are several additional extensions. But it is a great place to be, relax and exercise.

I started near Porters Pond (see above). There were a lot of Mallards on the river

There were also lots of critters but the most impressive was my partner Maggie... a long haired Dachshund that thinks the world is her oyster... which is not a bad attitude and in fact it probably is

Here's the new Pacific Appraisal Wenatchee Snapshot Report. Things are holding fairly steady in Wenatchee, below last year but not bad compared to most of the world.

Check it out!

Loan Modification Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Ellensburg, Washington

Over the last few years, a rising number of Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Ellensburg, Washington homeowners have seen the value of their homes fall to less than the amount they owe on their mortgage loans, while the average income has dwindled to make mortgage payments impossible to afford. As interest rates continue to raise, adjustable rates jumping to high fixed rates, and home values falling, refinancing is no longer a financially sound option for most, leaving the necessity for a mortgage loan modification.

Under the HAMP program, a homeowner’s mortgage payment cannot exceed 31% of their gross income. Since most home loans exceed 31%, the vast majority of borrowers are technically eligible for HAMP assistance. Homeowners can immediately determine what your current mortgage debt-to-income is and how much your monthly payment may be reduced if you qualify for Obama's Loan Modification Program.

Loan Modification:

• Lowers the homeowner's monthly payments;
• Lowers the loan's interest rate;
• Swaps a rising adjustable rate for an affordable fixed rate;
• Reduces the principle balance of the property;
• Corrects payment delinquencies and defaults;
• Adjusts the length of the loan terms

Eligible Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Ellensburg, WA homeowners now enduring financial hardships such as credit card debts, loss in income, unemployment, a bad mortgage, or other financial circumstances, can get approved for a 4% mortgage refinancing and modification plan under President Obama’s “Making Home Affordable” plan.

With a loan modification a homeowner is able to refinance the debt and/or extend the term of your original mortgage loan, making the monthly payments affordable and build any missed payments into a new 30 year loan. With help from new government regulations, a mortgage loan modify is easier and more beneficial than ever before. Loan modification makes it affordable for you to make your monthly payments, and also allows you to catch up on your missed payments.

Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Ellensburg, Washington homeowners will be able to save millions by getting a home loan modification or mortgage refinance using President Obama’s “Making Home Affordable” plan. Even borrowers who have been denied a refinancing or home loan modification in the past have been having success with Obama’s mortgage refinance bailout plan.

Though not every single loan is fixable and some homeowners are still being denied, under new modified regulations, lenders must now accept applications from every homeowner seeking loan modification help. Even those borrowers who have been denied a loan modification in the past will now be able to reapply for a loan modification.

Any Washington homeowner facing foreclosure, or who is about to be facing foreclosure, should immediately begin exploring all the options available, including new government programs designed to help you get a successful loan modification and save your home.

The $8000 first time home buyer tax credit ends soon and a lot of buyers worry they might get left in the cold. Even though this great program comes to an end November 30, 2009 I am here to tell you there are several other reasons to get out there and buy!

The tax credit is obviously a huge bonus but buyers are overlooking the current market condition which is just as exciting as the $8000 credit. Interest rates have reached an all time low and continue to dip under 5% for 30 year fixed loans. During the mid 1980's interest rates reached a high of 15.5%. It is only a matter of time before rates begin creeping back up and it is in any buyer's best interest to buy now if they are in a good financial position.

Another major factor a buyer over looks is that we are in a true buyers market. We have been in a seller's market for well over 10 years. Buyers are no longer being forced to compete in bidding wars and pay the highest dollar for a property. Buyers are able to get into a home for a very reasonable value and almost always get some closing cost assistance from the seller. This buyer's market is truly best for the first time home buyer because they have nothing to sell and sellers are more likely to give a non-contingent buyer a good deal over a contingent buyer with a home to sell.

One of the more important reasons to buy now is because the market is flooded with inventory and home builders are chomping at the bit to get homes under construction. When we were in a seller's market there were few choices and several buyers got stuck with a home that wasn't exactly what they we're looking for and even had to pay top dollar!

Now you can be picky. Take your time and find the home that really fits your wants and needs. The best part is you won't be paying the highest price for your dream home either! So even if you miss the date for the first time home buyer tax credit, don't feel like your missing out. There are so many good reasons to buy and now is the time!

You see and hear lots of people pushing Twitter as a sales tool. Is it really? Is it just a sales tool or do you need to use it in other ways too and gain sales through the back door? Lots to consider and there are many approaches an none are 100% correct. If you live in North Central Washington and can easily get to Wenatchee you might want to consider the following:

" TWITTER TECH EVENT At the Wenatchee performing Arts center. Sponsored by the PAC and Wenatchee Chamber. Free! From 5-6:30 on June 17th. Time to network after..."

This is a good opportunity to learn, network and perhaps find the elusive deal...lol

See you there!