About Chelan County, WA

One of the first home buying decisions most people make is whether to look for a condominium or a single-family home. Condominiums are very popular because they help first-time buyers enter the market, are easier to maintain, and are often more affordable. Before you decide, here are some factors to consider:

Condos:

* Require less maintenance.

* Are often less expensive than a single-family home.

* Offer a greater sense of security and community.

* Common areas, driveways, landscaping and the building exterior are owned by the condo association – a group that includes all owners in the complex.

* Special assessments like painting or repairs are usually mandated by the condo association and can be expensive.

Single-Family Homes:

* You own the inside and the outside of your home.

* Landscaping, repairs and maintenance are your responsibility.

* More storage space than a condo.

* No condo association dues (except in country clubs or gated communities).

* No special assessments for any remodeling or updating.

Please call or email The Davidson Team for answers to any questions you have about buying a condo or a single-family home

Warm regards,

The Davidson Team

"Start Packing Today!"

Deciding whether to buy your next home before you sell your current one depends entirely on your individual situation and financial resources.

Most home owners agree that it's less stressful to sell your current home before you buy a new one. Avoiding the added pressure of having to sell quickly gives you time to command top dollar and end up in a better financial position when you’re ready to buy again.

When you don't have to make an offer dependent upon the sale of your house, it puts you in a stronger position in the eyes of most sellers. Even if the home you choose isn't ready when you are, you may get cash in hand for a short-term rental. While it might be inconvenient to move twice, it’s often a great way to eliminate risk and have more money when you get ready to buy again.

Do you know how much your current home is worth? We're happy to provide you with a current market valuation to help you determine your home’s current value in today’s market. Click below to receive this complimentary service!

http://wenatcheehouses.com/home_worth.php

Warm regards,

The Davidson Team

"Start Packing Today!"

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, the "median" price does show a 4% decrease. The two are sometimes confused but they are NOT the same.

The "average" price is ALL the sale prices added together then divided by the number of sales for... well, an average.

The "median" price is the price point at which there are an equal number of homes sold at a higher price and a lower price.

For example, the "average" price in the Wenatchee MLS market area is shown at $283,358. So when ALL the sales were added up and the number of sales was added up... the number of sales was divided into the total $$$$ value of the sales to reach an average.

The "median" price is showing as $239,900. This means an equal number of homes were sold for less than $239,900 as more than $239,900.

For quite some time, the "average" and "median" home prices in Wenatchee were running very close. There is over a $43,000 spread now. What does this mean if our prices haven't really dropped?

To me, the explanation is in that people (and investors) are out buying the bargains... those in the lower price ranges where the "bargain prices" are obvious. The truly serious sellers are pricing their homes very competitively. We are not seeing many high end sales, which brings the median price down. This also holds the average price down.

Statistics can be deceiving. Theoretically, the prices could be going up while the "median" price declines. This is accomplished by more low end homes selling than high end homes.

If you actually go in and look at the SNAPSHOT report, you will see there were more homes sold in the $150,000 - $250,000 price range than all of the homes in every other higher price range put together. There were 36 homes sold in the $150,000 - $250,000 price range in September compared to 32 in the $250,000 and up price range. 13 of those were in the $250,000 - $300,000 price range. It looks like high end homes have pretty well stalled, sucking the median price down.

What we are seeing in our business at Willinger Real Estate is pent up demand building. We have a number of clients who want to buy but cannot because they have homes in other areas (like Iowa or Arizona or California) to sell before they can buy. We also have people wanting to buy but the financing environment is so unstable right now they cannot. This is creating high rent demand (and demand for lease/purchases), so investment properties are a great thing to consider right now.

Blah, blah, blah. My point of all this is... it's totally amazing to me that Wenatchee home values have been able to maintain the strength they have considering what's happening acrosss the country. I've said over and over, we are blessed with a good strong (and mighty diverse) economy AND a geographic location and natural resources that draws people from far and wide.

Now is a great time to buy in Wenatchee. If we can weather the storm as we have, what is going to happen when the market rebounds? I continue to see good things ahead for Wenatchee.

Now is the time to buy real estate in Wenatchee. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Happy Holidays!









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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 to buy your next home, we'll be happy to help you. Please visit our website for buying and selling tips, MLS property searches, town and community information and more at www.WenatcheeHouses.com.

Warm regards,

The Davidson Team

"Start Packing Today!"

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