Colleen Lane Kennewick Realtor® 509.438.9344 www.LaneRealEstateTeam.com

Three Rivers Bridal Show - Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick - Sunday, October 16 11 A.M. - 4 P.M. Speak directly to premier wedding vendors in the region as they showcase gowns, music, florists, and cake.

Getting married? They'll show you how to do it … Where to do it … Everything you’ll need to do it … Even what to wear to do it! Everyone is welcome! Bring your Bridal Party and the GROOM!

The Tri Cities Association of Realtors® June 2011 market report was made available today. Things might seem bleak given the number of homes on the market(1) versus the number of homes sold(2) when comparing to last year’s June. However, our homes appear to be increasing in value(3) and the really good news is our market might be headed for an upturn in sales given the number of homes under contract(4). Of course, remembering this time last year the First Time Home Buyer Credit was available, but having said that, June’s sales are the lowest in 4 years.

Given the rest of the United States’ real estate markets, we are thankful to be in the Tri Cites as for the most part our homes are either maintaining their value but most often increasing in value. Plus, when dividing the inventory(1) by the number of homes sold(2) we come up with 4 and half months of inventory. In most circles, under 6 months of inventory is a seller’s market, while over 6 months of inventory is a buyer’s market. In the Tri Cities, we are in a seller’s market. Of course, our calculation assumes we only sell 273 (2011 #4) homes per month of which should go up given the number of homes under contract (2011 #4).

Originally posted at Tri Cities Washington Real Estate Market Report

Let’s go on a treasure hunt through Tri Cities Washington, instead of using a map with a ‘X’ on it, how about we use a GPS (global positioning system) to direct us to the treasure. This is precisely what geocaching is all about! For those who have never heard of Geocaching before let me give you an overview of the game. The idea of geocaching is to find hidden containers using a GPS devise. Inside each container, or cache, there will be a logbook, writing utensil, and most of the time some sort of trinket collection.

Geocaching in the Tri Cities is the same as geocaching anywhere, right? Wrong. Geocaching in the Tri Cities is a great thing, every area is unique in terms of Geocaching. The City of Richland has several events centered around Geocaching, one of the events going on right now is the Geocoin Challenge Event. The Geocoin Challenge Event is spread out in 12 different locations, throughout Richland Washington there are geocaches strategically placed. On the lid of each container there will be a code, keep track of each code you find and for each person to visit 10 of the 12 geocaches they will receive a special geocaching coin.

There are 4 types of geocaches:
Traditional – This is the original type of cache, containing only a logbook inside the container.
Multi-Cache – This is a cache with involving 2 or more locations, hints are found at multiple locations to lead the seeker to where the final cache is positioned.
Mystery or Puzzle Catcher – To find this cache the seeker must solve a puzzle first to determine the coordinates of the cache.
Event Cache – This is an event to gather fellow geocachers together, the coordinates leads you to the events location.

Geocaching in 8 easy steps from Groundspeak:
1. Go to the Geocaching website and register for a free account.
2. Click “Hide and Seek a Cache”
3. Enter a postal code or address and click “Search”
4. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name
5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your device
6. Use your GPS device to help you find the hidden geocache
7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location
8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online

For more information visit the Geocaching website or call one of the local parks and recreation departments.

Posted by Joe and Colleen Lane, your Tri Cities Real Estate Agents. Call or email us today! 509.438.9344

Originally posted at, Tri Cities Washington Geocaching: A High-Tech Treasure Hunt

If you have a crafty child then check this out! Sheep’s Clothing, in Kennewick Washington, is offering various Summer Make and Take Classes for kids over the summer. Through the various classes your child will learn the basics of knitting and crocheting, learn how to make jewelry, create knitting or weaving crafts that could make great gifts, as well as a variety of other creative shapes and toys. Most of the classes are taught by Kris Sperling, a few classes will be taught by either Johnabeth Sealy or Marcia MacDonald, owner of Sheep’s Clothing.

God’s Eye Memory Keeper
These crafts are made using two sticks and basic weaving techniques. This would make a great gift from your child to a special family member with a picture of himself or herself tucked in it. The class will take place on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from 1:00-2:30pm; the cost is $10 per person, no supplies to buy. Taught by Kris Sperling.

Knitting by Any Means
Kris will teach you a variety ways of knitting and weaving without needles or a loom. You will use your fingers, straws, and imagination to create your own masterpieces. The class will take place on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 from 1:00-2:30pm; the cost is $10 per person, no supplies to buy. Taught by Kris Sperling.

Bracelets
Kris will teach your child a basic wrap bracelet that any age can make, and a braided one for the older children. The class will take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 1:00-2:30pm; the cost is $10 per person, no supplies to buy. Taught by Kris Sperling.

Yarn Dolls and Toys
Make yarn dolls, octopuses, and other animals without any knitting or crouchet needed. The class will take place on Wednesday, July27, 2011 from 1:00-2:30pm; the cost is $10 per person, no supplies to buy. Taught by Kris Sperling.

Fork Flowers and Flower Felting Shapes
Did you know you could use a fork to make a flower? Kris will show you how! She will also show you ways to make felted flowers and other felted shapes (baseball, cars, etc.). These flowers would be great to add to your headbands, pin to an outfit, or add to any of your other projects. The class will take place on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 from 1:00-2:30pm; the cost is $10 per person, no supplies to buy. Taught by Kris Sperling.

Yarn Sculptures
Did you know you could sculpt yarn? Stop by and let Kris show you what you can do with some glue and yarn. The class will take place on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 1:00-2:30pm; the cost is $10 per person, no supplies to buy. Taught by Kris Sperling.

Kids Knit
Kids Knit classes are available for children who are beginning to knit as well as those with some knitting experience. Beginners will learn to cast-on, knit, and bind-off while creating their choices of small projects. More experienced knitters patterns while creating their choice of small projects. These classes are designed for children age 7 and up. Kids Knit Classes are one hour, twice weekly for three weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:00pm. The cost is $50 plus supplies. Taught by Marcia MacDonald. Session 1: July 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28 Session 2: August 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25

Kids’ Crochet Camps
Johnabeth will teach you how to crouchet during these four day camps. These camps are designed for children age 7 and up. The cost is $50 for the four day camp. The camp will take place July 11-14, 2011 OR August 8-11, 2011 from 10:00-11:00am. Taught by Johnabeth Sealy.

If you are an adult interested in taking some knitting, crocheting or photography classes then check out the list of classes taught at Sheep's Clothing.

For more information about any of the Summer Kids' Activities offered by Sheep's Clothing visit the Sheep's Clothing website or call 509.734.2484.

Posted by Joe and Colleen Lane, your Kennewick Real Estate Agents. Call or email us today! 509.438.9344

Source: Sheep's Clothing

Originally Posted at, Tri Cities Washington Kids Crafts Activities and Events