Carol Williams' Wenatchee Real Estate Blog

Wenatchee Property Management

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:03:19 -0800

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!

Broker, ABR, e-PRO, GRI

Willinger Real Estate
1642 Stella Ave., #1
Wenatchee, WA 98801

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Wenatchee Rentals Available: Nov. 23, 2008

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:32:29 -0800

As of today, here is a list of Wenatchee rental homes, condos and apartments Willinger Real Estate has available through our Wenatchee property management division:

1 4 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath home with large fenced backyard.
    Pets ok with deposit. $1450 on minimum 6 month lease.
    Short term lease considered at higher rate.

1 3 bedroom, 2 bath home $1350 per month
    Fenced back yard and pets considered with deposit
    Short term lease considered at higher rate

1 lower level 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment $850 per month
    Pets considered with deposit
    Short term lease considered at higher rate

1 lower level 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo $995 per month
    Pets considered with deposit
    Short term lease considered at higher rate

2 upper level 3 bedroom, 2 bath condos $995 per month
    Pets considered with deposit
    Short term lease considered at higher rate

To schedule a showing and most current information, contact:
The Willinger Real Estate team:
Carol Williams CarolWilliams@charter.net
Shelley Granger ShelleyGranger@charter.net

Happy Holidays!

The Amazing Wenatchee Real Estate Market

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:33:03 -0800

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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Wenatchee, WA: Willinger Real Estate

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:21:30 -0700

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 29 years.  Until recently she has been focusing on and keeping busy as a full time appraiser. She's now ready to get back into sales and assist us with all phases of the business.

It's been a literal whirlwind of activity getting all the legal logistics of setting up the company but stay tuned for more new and exciting developments.

Have a great week-end!

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The Highest Compliment

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:46:28 -0700

What do you consider the greatest compliment you can receive in your business?

To me, the greatest compliment is when people refer their children to me. It is always a great compliment and tremendous responsibility when people trust me with their most important purchase. But, it is an even greater compliment for them to trust me with their children!

What is the greatest compliment you have ever received in your business?

Wenatchee: The BIG (Biggest) Week-end

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:41:32 -0700

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 athletes... Laura Valaas is a member of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team and Tyler Farrar is a cyclist on the Slipstream/Chipotle Pro Team. In 1994, as 4th graders at John Newbery Elementary School, Valaas and Farrar were on the same Junior Ridge to River Relay Team. Anyway, plan on 3 hours or more for the parade.

If you want to get a sneak peak at all the floats, go to the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Triangle park. After breakfast you can wander around the park and check out all the cool floats while they are getting set-up and being judged.

Here is a complete line-up of activities for the week-end (as taken from today's online edition of the Wenatchee World newspaper):

Today's events:

Arts & Crafts Fair: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Park

Food Fair: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Park

Carnival: 5 p.m., Riverfront Park

Michael Carlos Band: 6 p.m., Memorial Park

Classy Chassis Parade: 6:30 p.m., Eastmont County Park

"Jesus Christ Superstar": 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee

Fathappy: 8 p.m., Memorial Park

Appleland Promenaders Square Dance: 8 to 11 p.m., Vale Elementary School, Cashmere

Saturday's events

Downtown Kiwanis 47th Annual Pancake Breakfast: 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., Triangle Park

Apple Blossom Run: 8 a.m. registration, 9:50 a.m. start time, Triangle Park

Apple Blossom Book Sale: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wenatchee Library

Apple Blossom 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Walla Walla Point Park

Radio Control Airplane Fly-In: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Apple Flyers R/C, East Wenatchee

Classy Chassis Car Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastmont County Park

Appleland Promenaders Square Dance: 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Vale Elementary School, Cashmere

Stemilt Growers Grand Parade: 11 a.m., Triangle Park

Ride the Miniature Train: 1 to 5 p.m., Wenatchee Riverfront Park

Slack Daddy: 1:30 p.m., Memorial Park

Cabin Fever: 3:30 p.m., Memorial Park

Standing Room Only: 5:30 p.m., Memorial Park

"Jesus Christ Superstar": 7:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee

Miles From Chicago: 7:30 p.m., Memorial Park

Sunday's events

Apple Blossom 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Walla Walla Point Park

Radio Control Airplane Fly-In: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Red Apple Flyers R/C, East Wenatchee

Appleland Promenaders Square Dance: 10 a.m. to noon, Vale Elementary School, Cashmere

Arts & Crafts Fair: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Park

Food Fair: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Park

Carnival: Noon, Riverfront Park

Miles From Chicago: Noon, Memorial Park

Ride the Miniature Train: 1 to 5 p.m., Wenatchee Riverfront Park

Costco Apple Pie Eating Contest: 2 p.m., Memorial Park

Stemilt Growers Ultimate Apple Pie Bake-Off: 2 p.m., Memorial Park

Closing Festivities: 3:30 p.m., Memorial Park

HAVE FUN !!!

Cashmere, Washington: Pears Are In Bloom

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:22:41 -0700

I love Spring for all the new life that comes from our trees and flowers, and flowering plants.

Even though it is officially Apple Blossom time in the Wenatchee Valley, it is the pear blossoms that are actually in bloom. The unseasonably cool Spring has the apple blossoms behind, but the pear blossoms are beautiful.

With blooming pear orchards in the foreground, this picture is taken from the deck of a home on Red Apple Road near Cashmere, looking West toward Cashmere and the Cascade Mountain range.

I love Spring!

Enjoy the season!

Wenatchee: Apple Blossom Activities Schedule for Wednesday 4/30/2008

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:08:14 -0700

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 Park

Riverfront 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 !!!

Wenatchee Riverfront Development

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:26:09 -0700

Ken Blodgett, a major figure in the evolution of the Wenatchee riverfront development planning has put 4.7 acres up for sale for 3.5 million dollars. This is property that was slated for condos.

Blodgett's listing agent, Ron Stephenson of Premier One Properties, was quoted as saying: "The reason he decided to do it is because he's 68 years old and he decided he needed to kick back."

Does Blodgett see the need for additional condos slowing? Will all the recent condo conversions in Wenatchee and new builds (around town and at the riverfront) sustain market demand for a while?

Here is a link to the complete article from the local newspaper, The Wenatchee World.

It will be interesting to see how much interest there is for the property and how soon development will proceed. It's an exciting piece of property for sure for the entity with the ambition and money to take it on!

Have a wonderful day!

* * * * * * * * * *

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Contact the TOP Team today:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Wenatchee: More Apple Blossom Activities 2008

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:54:42 -0700

Today's Activities:

Entertainment at Memorial Park:

Food Fair: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wenatchee Youth Fiddlers: 5 p.m.

Drew Jaeger: 5:30 p.m.,

Wenatchee Apollo Club: 6:15 p.m.

WVC Hepcats: 7 p.m.

Outta Line Dancers: 7:30 p.m.

Riverfront Park:
Carnival (Pay One Price day): 5 p.m.,

Tuesday's upcoming activities:

Entertainment at Memorial Park:

Food Fair: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

EHS Eclipse Jazz Choir: Noon

WHS Hy-Tones and 4 Tune Hunters, 12:30 p.m

Columbia, Lewis & Clark Mariachi & Folklorico: 3:30 p.m.

Foothills MS Mariachi: 4 p.m.

Pioneer MS Mariachi: 4:30 p.m.

Orchard Folklorico: 5 p.m.

WHS Ballet Folklorico: 5:30 p.m.

Orchard MS Mariachi: 6 p.m.

Mariachi Azteca: 6:30 p.m.

Mariachi Huenachi: 7 p.m.

Grupo Fugazz: 7:45 p.m.

Riverfront Park:
Carnival (Pay One Price day): 5 p.m.

E N J O Y ! ! !

Wenatchee: Sunday's Festival Events

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:45:34 -0700

Below is a list of the upcoming Apple Blossom events for tomorrow (Sunday, April 27th), as reported in the Wenatchee World. Here is a link to complete coverage of the Festival from the Wenatchee World.

This lawn below the Chelan County Courthouse in downtown Wenatchee is known as "Memorial Park" (honoring our fallen war heroes). This beautiful, peaceful park turns into a mass of activity during Apple Blossom with on-going entertainment, as well as rows of food and craft booths.

One of the most popular attractions at Memorial Park is the Food Court that will be open every day and evening through the end of the Festival on May 4th.

All the events listed at "Memorial Park", on the list below, is part of ongoing entertainment at the special bandstand set up for this week of activities.

Sunday's events (April 27, 2008)

Fiddlers' Contest: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Eastmont Junior High School

Valentine's Performing Pigs: 11 a.m., Memorial Park

Art 4 Kidz: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Memorial Park

Buck & Elizabeth: Noon, Memorial Park

Show & Shine Motorcycle Extravaganza: 1 to 3 p.m., RiverWest Retirement Community parking lot

Ride the Miniature Train: 1 to 5 p.m., Wenatchee Riverfront Park

Squish: 3:45 p.m., Memorial Park

Dream Alley Studios: 5 p.m., Memorial Park

Samantha Meyers: 5:40 p.m., Memorial Park

Fabulous Feet: 6 p.m., Memorial Park

WHS Apple-ettes Dance Team: 6:30 p.m., Memorial Park

The Dancing Irish: 7 p.m., Memorial Park

EHS Dance Team: 7:30 p.m., Memorial Park

Wenatchee: More Youth Parade Pictures

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:01:03 -0700

Here is a group of additional Youth Parade photos from this mornings event. The police cars and fire trucks always lead off the Parade.

This years theme was "A Slice of Paradise" which, of course, is a combination of honoring the apple industry and a play on words for the way we feel about life in Wenatchee... our own little piece of paradise.

After unseasonably cold weather so far this Spring (including snow last Saturday for the Wenatchee Marathon), we had a beautiful day for the kids parade.

The Hispanic groups banner said "Education Without Borders".

I am always amazed at how many people line the entire parade route which is a couple miles long. The early placement of chairs along the Grand Parade route (which is next Saturday) as early as late March is a bit of an anomaly in Wenatchee.

Wenatchee: Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Youth Parade 2008

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:33:33 -0700

One of the really fun events for the kids at Apple Blossom time in Wenatchee is the parade just for kids... the Youth Parade. It's all things kids. The schools have bands, and floats and other kid related businesses have entries as well, or the kids can just walk along the route.

Here are some of the pictures from today's parade. The first photo is the John Newbery Elementary School Float, "A Slice of Paradise". My friend and business partner, Shelley Granger (waving in the second picture), was the chairperson of the committee for designing and constructing the float. She had a great group of volunteers to help and they spent the entire week before the parade working on it.

It was so fun and colorful. I could see the big red apple from way up the parade route, so knew they were coming! Good job, Shelley and gang!

Here are some more pictures from the day. I'm sorry these aren't organized a bit better, but I'm having trouble with the formatting feature. Oh well, you get the jist of how fun and colorful of a day it was:

Washington State Apple Blossom Festival 2008

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:51:37 -0700

It's that time of year again... the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival !

Plans for this years event have been in the works since the day after last years event ended! This picture is of one of last years floats, and we can hardly wait to see what is in store for us this year.

Tonight, on my other Wenatchee real estate blog, I posted some information about the upcoming Festival and other events that have been taking place building up to the annual festival of events.

It's an exciting time of year in Wenatchee. Let's just hope the (unseasonably cold) weather warms up a little so we can enjoy the activities without our down jackets on!

E N J O Y !

If you're thinking about buying or selling real estate contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Remember:
Information is FREE. Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless

AHS Home Warranties

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:48:24 -0700

I am curious what the experience of agents and consumers around the country is with AHS Home Warranties. It's become standard procedure to request a home warranty on ALL of our buyer purchases.

As a property manager for many out of town investors, I am often the one making the service requests. The last several times I've had to call to use the warranty has been less than satisfactory. The people are pleasant enough but we have to wait up to two weeks for an initial service call to even diagnose the problem... then, if parts need to be ordered, we have to wait up to another two or three weeks for parts to be delivered and schedule the installation.

Last November, my tenants had to wait over a month to get their stove fixed. Do you think this went over well at Thanksgiving time? NOT!

Today I called on a dishwasher that isn't working and the first service slot available is April 23rd. How do you think this went over with two professional people, with two young children?

I want to know: Is this a common problem across the country or is this isolated in my market area of central Washington?

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The Curtain Came Down

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:51:51 -0700

Have you ever called a listing agent to inquire about an "active" listing just to be told "that home was sold at auction last Friday"? What?

First of all, I was shocked because there was no indication on the listing that foreclosure was impending and time was of the essence. No "make offer" , "motivated seller". Nothing.

I couldn't figure out why the listing was still active if it was sold at auction? How lazy can agents get? Not cancelling a listing that had been sold at auction the previous week? Inexcusable.

I notice, at least, the agent did cancel it after I suggested it. Sigh..

What Does Median Money Buy In YOUR Market?

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:34:46 -0700

I was looking at the latest housing statistics for our Wenatchee real estate market the other day and got to wondering what "median money" bought in other markets across the country. Our median price as of this month is $248,500 (up from $224,000 last year at this time)

Here is a link to a few "median money" houses in the Wenatchee, Washington market area. This link will be active for 30 days. I am curious about two things:
What is the median price in your market? AND
What kind of a house does "median money" buy in your market?

I prefer to discuss "median" (instead of average) because that means an equal number of houses are sold for a higher price and a lower price. "Average", in comparison, averages all the sales by totalling the dollar volume and dividing by the number of sales. To me this average number can be distored by an inordinate amount of high end (or low end) homes. Our "average" price right now is $287,411.

For those of you who want to participate, please comment with:
* A link to some "median" priced homes in your market AND
* A link to what "$248,000 will buy in your market. I think it's fun to compare markets across the country.

Thanks and have a great day!

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For customized service contact the Top Team today:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

The Million Dollar Career: New Agent Reality Check

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:51:19 -0700

Do you know someone who wants to get a real estate license, or recently passed the licensing exam and can't wait to start making the BIG money?

I was sitting in a Brokerage Management class last week and it struck me how we could help new agents get over their unrealistic expectations about how much (easy) money they are going to make.

The instructor was pointing out that every new agent interview should include an income and expense forecast... BEFORE they hang their license with ANY office.

The following scenario is simplified, but you'll get the idea. During the hiring interview...

* First they have to determine what their minimum monthly personal income requirement will be.
* Then they have to determine what the expenses of doing business will be. Most newbies don't have a clue how expensive it is to do business. They think they can just hang their license and the money will start flowing in.
* Then, when (and if) they do make a sale, they must understand what the NET proceeds to them will be!

So, let's do an example:

$2500 minimum required monthly income to pay mortgage or rent, other bills, buy food, etc.
$1000 estimated monthly expenses (this is actually very low but would include MLS dues, cell phone, internet connection, advertising, fuel and other auto related expenses, etc
$3500 Required minimum monthly income

Now take into consideration, it takes 3 - 6 months for money to start coming in as a new licensee. So, before you ever have the first closing you are at a $21,000 deficit. But, that's o.k... the BIG money will start coming in and that will be wiped out in no time. Right? Well, maybe not.

Further consideration needs to be given to the national statistics that say the average number of sales per agent is 6 per year and the average commission is $6500 (about 30% less in Wenatchee). So, the average agent is making $39,000 per year? NOT. Remember, that $6500 is gross commission, not NET to the sales person. Let's break down where the commission goes.

$6500 Starting gross commission
$2600 To the brokerage office (this is on a 40% split which is very rare. Most newbies start at 50% split)
$3,900 Net commission? NOT What about taxes? That's another 20%-30%
$ 975 Federal taxes (if you have state income tax that is additional deduction
$2,925 NET Commission ($17,550 per year is the annual income)
There are also some other expenses that I didn't even deduct (like B&O taxes and any applicable transaction fees)

$17,550 Annual income (at $2925 x 6)

$35,100 Annual income IF you sell TWO times more than the nationwide average

$ 42,000 Annual expenses ($3500 x 12)

As I said, this is oversimplified, but can you see where this is headed? After the first year the newbie would be running between $6900 and $24,450 negative income.

So, you say, they can just cut back on the monthly expenses AND sell more? Well, good luck with that!!!

If you know someone interested in going into the real estate business, recommend they sit down and honestly analyze the income and expense requirements before quitting their "real" job.

Yours for success & prosperity,

For an agent that sells a lot MORE than the nationwide average and offers customized service contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

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Safety in Numbers

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:30:50 -0700

In the interest of increased personal safety, my business partner and I have started doing all Open Houses and first showings together.

We are also considering having all clients give us their drivers license to be photo copied. We will leave them at the office as a form of ID of the people we have been with.

What are YOU doing to increase safety in your business? We are interested in hearing comments.

Have a great day!

For customized service contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

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How Much Is A View Worth?

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:00:39 -0700

Last week I had a listing appointment. When I arrived, the owner said he wanted me to establish a realistic price to SELL it and not set an inflated price to get the listing.

He said "you're going to get the listing anyway".   He's been a builder in the area for a long time and knows some agents use that tactic. Truth is, a house is worth what it is worth to a buyer (not the agent)... unless, of course, the agent intends to buy it. If an agent does take a listing then offers to buy it, you can be sure they set the price too low!

Even though our market is still one of the strongest in the nation, he knows the inventory has grown and the market is not in the frenzy it was a year ago. So, we talked about that.

I recommended a price based on comparable inventory and sales. His reaction was "you couldn't build this house for that AND we're giving the view away free".   So, what is a view worth if we price the home then add for the view? He wasn't rude or obnoxious about it, but when it came down to the reality of setting the price (and discussing net proceeds) he just wasn't quite ready for it.

We did come to agreement on a price. It's high quality construction home (excellent builder who built for his own primary residence) in a good location with a truly fabulous panoramic view of the valley and river.

We will have our REALTOR open house this week and get feedback. If we don't see some action in the next 2-3 weeks, we will re-evaluate the pricing.

For customized real estate service contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

FREE search of the entire Wenatchee MLS
Current Wenatchee real estate news, info and trends
Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends

Remember:
Information Is FREE. Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless

HAPPY EASTER!

Don't Tell Me Your Client Has A Child

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:45:45 -0700

Even after 27 years as a licensed real estate agent in the state of Washington, I experienced a "first" recently. It just goes to prove every day and every transaction (and every agent) is different.

Here is the course of events:

* We received an offer on one of our listings. Very low offer

* We counter-offered

* We received a counter to our counter that is lower than the original offer! Did you read that whole sentence? We received a counter to our counter that was lower than the original offer.

We figure the buyer is just playing games and ignore the counter to the counter.

Several days go by and the agent calls to see why we haven't responded to the counters counter.

I say: "Well, we were confused because the counter was lower than the original offer so we figured your buyer isn't serious".

Buyers agent says: "Well, we still want you to counter".

Me: "But why? So, you can come back even lower?"

Buyers agent: "Well, the buyer just wants to get the best price possible because she has a child"

At that point I just about lost it. Why would an agent tell me her buyer has a child when we are talking price? Now, if she would have given me some justification for the lower price... like there are 55 condos on the market and there is a 27 month supply and blah, blah, blah maybe I would have listened. But, how can someone justify a price because they have a child? This agent clearly missed the negotiating class!

Now, don't get me wrong. I understand the thinking. She has a child to support and she is a single mother and she needs her payment to be as low as possible. But, to justify a price because you have a child is telling me you want my seller to subsidize the child. On the other hand, my seller could ask a higher price because he has a car payment. It's just NOT relevant.

So, my suggestion is this: If you have a child and want to make a low offer on a home, have your agent come up with some pertinent, market related, reason to justify the price. The seller just might consider it.

Remember: Information is FREE. Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless

For current Wenatchee real estate news, info and trends contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

FREE homes and land search from the Wenatchee MLS

Have a wonderful week-end!

Larry Cragun Honors Carol Williams Blog

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:54:44 -0800

I was honored to have my blog article "Not All Home Inspections Are Created Equal" nominated by Larry Cragun, over at Real Estate Undressed , as one of the 7 best consumer blog articles for the month of February.

It's always good to know someone actually reads this stuff I write!

Here are all the nominees:

Carol Williams: Carol's Wenatchee.com: Not All Home Inspections Are Created Equal

Dan Melson: Getting Out Of Pre-Payment penalties: Searchlight Crusade

Dan Rafter: The worst of the predators: Going after the elderly. Property Crossroads.com

Jennifer Kirby: Home Owners want to be lied to: Minneapolis Real Estate Blog

Jeremy Hart: NRVLiving Real Estate Blog: There Is Blood In The Streets - What are you going to do?

Nigel Swaby: Sale Lake Real Estate Blog: FHA Wants To Help You Refinance

Rhonda Porter: The Mortgage Porter: Bait And Switch Mortgage Rate Advertisements

Have a great day!

For current Wenatchee real estate info contact the Top Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Current Wenatchee condo info, news and trends
FREE Search of all homes and land in the Wenatchee MLS

And The Oscar Goes To...

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:34:34 -0800

Well, it's not exactly an OSCAR, but it's a pretty big deal.

Wenatchee has been placed #1 on the Office of Federal Housing Oversight's Housing Price Index for the fourth consecutive quarter.

In spite of a national downturn, Wenatchee remains stong!

More commentary and a link to the complete article can be found on my primary Carol's Wenatchee blog.

Wenatchee: Home Sales Up

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:08:40 -0800

I have continued to tout a healthy level of sales activity for Wenatchee real estate, in spite of significant negative publicity nationwide. An article in today's Wenatchee World newspaper confirms my impression.

Defying a state and national trend, homes sales in the last quarter of 2007 were up in the Wenatchee area and a six county area including: Chelan, Douglas, Columbia, Walla Walla, Whatcom, and Adams counties.

Here is a link to a complete article published in the Wenatchee World today, with details of recent home sale activity statewide.

Our strong and diverse economy should continue to sustain healthy real estate activity locally.

Wenatchee, WA: 2007 Brief Market Summary

Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Vision Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:07:09 -0800

2007 was a very good year for real estate in the Wenatchee area. In spite of a national downturn, our home sales remained active... with some slowing in sales activity creating a much needed pricing stabilization. The slowdown was actually a welcome reprieve from the frenzy of the last couple years. When you've seen appreciation like we have (#1 in the nation 3 quarters in a row), a slowdown is exactly what was needed to put a reality check on escalating prices.

Increasing interest rates (which are now going down again) and the tightening mortgage atmosphere were the two main factors contributing to our market stabilization. From my perspective this was a needed stabilization to put some sanity back into our pricing structure.

In my humble opinion, Wenatchee will NOT see a real estate downturn. There is too much demand!

Our economy is driven by a strong and diverse economy with low unemployment and several major industries, with good paying jobs:
* Public owned hydro-electric power production ( attracting new businesses and industry)
* Agriculture (we're still the apple capital of the world)
* Aluminum production (hundreds of good paying jobs)
* Large medical service base (serving all of central and north central Washington)
* Local, state and federal agencies (good paying jobs)
* Tourism (300 days of sunshine per year attracts a lot of people and events)

Overall, the 2007 dollar volume for home sales (through the MLS) was up about 7%, while actual unit volume was down about 15%. This, of course, is a result of newer (higher priced) homes bringing up the dollar value average, even though total unit sales were down.

Inventory of homes for sale in every price range has increased, creating some good opportunities for buyers with good credit, and adequate down payments, to negotiate a sale that can close quickly and smoothly.

The only price range with an alarming amount of inventory compared to sales activity is the $500,000+ price range. Statistics show there to be a 32 month supply in the $500,000 - $550 price category and a 19 month supply in the $600,000+ price category. Homes under $300,000 seem to be selling in 150 days or less.

The average sales price in December 2007 was up to $287,719 (20% higher than in December of 2006)
The median sales price in December 2007 was up to $249,900 ( 15% higher than in December of 2006)

Have questions about Wenatchee real estate?
For personalized, customized, service contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

FREE Search of all Wenatchee area homes and land for sale
Current Wenatchee real estate info, news, and trends
Current Wenatchee condo info, news, and trends

Remember:
Information is FREE. Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Is Priceless