Cowlitz County Real Estate - Longview Washington, Kelso homes and Community information

Lexington Estates Real Estate

2008-11-05T14:36:25Z

Lexington Estates Special

Once again but only for a limited time (only till December 31), Lexington Estates is making it easier for home buyers to get in to a new home. On top of the huge recently price reductions, Lexington Estates is offering to pay up to 3% of purchase price for buyer's closing cost, $1,500 SEARS home for the holidays gift card and if buyers use one of the onsite preferred lenders they can get an extra $1,500 bonus. This is a great opportunity to get in to a brand new home but is only good to the end of December so schedule your appointment today.

View all available Lexington Estates homes.

For questions about this great opportunity on the Lexington Estates homes or schdule an appointme, contact Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, by e-mail or at 360 751 4001.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report for October 2008

2008-11-03T01:58:23Z

The numbers for the Cowlitz County real estate market for the month of October 2008.

The Cowlitz County real estate numbers for the month of October are down from previous months. Less homes for sale, less pending listings and just fewer more sold home than September. Below are the October numbers that will give an inside look at average and medium prices, average days on the market and what price range is more competitive and what price range is moving (selling) faster. Visit the following links to see the market reports for the months of September, August, and July.

Cowlitz County real estate Single Family Residential homes - October 2008

Cowlitz County homes - Summary Price Information for active listings at the end of October 2008

Active listings - 700

Medium Price for active listings - $290,976

Average Price for active listings - $233,975

Average Days on Market for active listings -134

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of October 2008

Listings pending - 88

Medium Price - $184,400

Average Price - $208,520

Average Days on Market - 117

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold on the month of September 2008

Number - 64

Medium Price - $158,500

Average Price - $180,099

Average Day on Market - 90

Most Competitive Price Range - $200,000 through $249,999

Actives Listings at this price range - 132

Most Active Price Range - $200,000 through $249,999

Actives - 132

Pending - 14

Sold - 10

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Rose Valley Washington Real Estate

2008-10-28T12:20:21Z

Rose Valley Real Estate - Kelso Washington

Rose Valley one of Kelso's most desirable neighborhoods is a beautiful rapidly growing community with a lot to offer. Rose Valley, the name say it all, colorful scenes, Peacefulness, beautiful views, easy access to I-5, abundance of fishing and wild life these are just some among the many features attracting many people to this unique community. Rose Valley is not your typical neighborhood, you will not find many 50 x 120 lots or many homes next to each other, most lots in the Rose Valley area are 2 - 10 or more acres which allows for that desirable privacy.

Rose Valley offers a wide variety of real estate from small older homes for under $100,000 to a big newer custom built home with acreage and beautiful views for almost a 1000,000 and different vacant land lot size to build your dream home. Real estate prices in the Rose Valley area range from $89,000 to $989,000 with average price $378,652 and medium price of $339,450 and an average of 172 days on the market.

Rose Valley homes for sale.

Rose Valley lots and vacant land for sale.

Rose Valley map.

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

One Home - Two Real Estate Company Signs

2008-10-21T01:16:35Z

One Home - Two Real Estate Company Signs, Have You Seen This Scenario Before?

As the Cowlitz County real estate market becomes more and more challenging with prices dropping, larger inventory and more days on the market, etc., we are seeing one thing that I never seen before in my real estate career, more than one real estate company sign at a home, a for sale sign and a for rent sign. My guess is that knowing how challenging it is to sell a home in this kind of market home owners are living their options open trying to find a good renter to keep the home. Nothing wrong with that, the problem with this (my opinion) some companies or in some cases there is no specification about what company is doing what and this could be confusing to the public.

As REALTORS we may don't think will be hard to differentiate specially when one of the companies doesn't do rentals but if we are not familiar with the process it will be confusing. I remember the first time I saw this scenario my thought was that may be the home owner relisted the home with a different company and the old sign wasn't taken down yet, days later I saw another one that had the for rent sign on it, I realized then what was happening. If you are looking to buy a home in the Cowlitz County communities more than likely you will run into this scenario and if there are not specification about what company is doing what, feel free to contact me and I will find out for you.

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

I want a barbecue and!!!!!

2008-10-13T01:15:24Z

I want a barbecue here at home, my friends, all my cousins, aunts and uncles to come over.

For the last couple weeks, we (my wife and I) have been trying to convince our little one (Edgar) to celebrate his coming birthday (he is turning 5 this Wednesday, October 15) at Chuck E Cheese's or the Hilander Bowl (a local family party place that has way more games than Chuck E Cheese's) but for some reason his little mind is set on having a barbecue at home with his family and little friends.

He is passing up a chance to go to Chuck E Cheese's, I thought that was every kids dream, what is he thinking!!! Our older kids jump at any opportunity to be out of the house with their friends, I never realized that for him having the family over and sharing the play ground, the dog, the tree house and a big back yard to run around with his friends is more fun than going to any of those fancy place with electronic games, toys, etc.

For may reasons it would be a lot better for us to just take him and his little friends some where for few hours and be done with it but since he is not going for it, guess what I will be doing next Sunday after my open house? You guess it right I will be a home celebrating Edgar's Birthday with the family and his friends having a barbecue, carne assada to be more specific.

Have a great 5^th birthday Son!!!

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report for September 2008

2008-10-03T02:26:37Z

The numbers for the Cowlitz County real estate market for the month of September 2008.

The numbers in the Cowlitz County real estate market keep on growing more listings, more days on the market and so on. This report will give you an insight of how much the Cowlitz County real estate market numbers are growing. It will show you the numbers of current available homes for sale, homes under contract, and homes sold in the month of September 2008. It will also give an inside look at average and medium prices, average days on the market and what price range is more competitive and what price range is moving (selling) faster. Visit the following links to see the market reports for the months of August, July, June and May.

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes - September 2008

Cowlitz County homes - Current Active Listings at the end of September 2008

Number - 797

Medium Price - $239,900

Average Price - $291,703

Average Days on Market -138

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of September 2008

Number - 115

Medium Price - $179,000

Average Price - $201,153

Average Days on Market - 112

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold on the month of September 2008

Number - 60

Medium Price - $180,000

Average Price - $177,278

Average Day on Market - 113

Most Competitive Price Range - $200,000 through $249,999

Actives Listings at this price range - 152

Most Active Price Range - $200,000 through $249,999

Actives - 152

Pending - 17

Sold - 12

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Highlands Neighborhood home for sale

2008-10-01T00:44:59Z

Highlands Neighborhood home for sale

Longview Washington, Highlands Neighborhood home for sale. This unbelievable home is better and much nicer than some new construction homes! You have to see it to believe how nice it is. Existing home was totally redone and 750 SF were added to it. A total of 1494SF of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, spacious kitchen and master bedroom with full bath and walk-in closet, fully fenced and a detached garage.

To see all available homes for sale in the Highlands neighborhood visit the following link.

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Tips For Buyers Thinking About Purchasing A Home With Land

2008-09-30T14:46:16Z

Tips For Buyers Thinking About Purchasing A Home With Land

The purchase of a home can be a long and complicated process especially when buying a rural home with some land. Homes with land can be a little more challenging than buying a typical city neighborhood home with a standard lot that is why is very important to know what you are doing or to have a great knowledgeable real estate agent looking for your best interest. If you out looking for a home with some acres or just a land to build your dream home, be ware of some of the most common mistakes and other things to look for when dealing with theses type of transactions.

The most common issue when dealing with land is not having a survey done to identify the property line, you have to have the property lines clearly identify and property corners marked so would not be future misunderstandings about what is yours. Another one is people not doing their do-diligence to fined out if there are any covenants, conditions or restrictions that will prevent them from using the property for what they intend to do, can you have horses or livestock? If so, how many acres per animal? Can you have extra buildings? Can you conduct a business from the property? And so on.

If there is a home on the property you want to find out what type of water and sewer is available, is the home connected to a city water and sewer? If the home has a private well and septic, you'll want to find out as much as possible about them and do the appropriate individual inspections. Doing your research and appropriate inspections most likely will save time, money, stress and in many cases friendships.

For first time home buyers information visit this link.

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Lexington Estates Homes – Big Price Reduction

2008-09-30T02:16:58Z

Lexington Estates Homes - Big Price Reduction

Are waiting for a great opportunity to buy you new Kelso home? Wait no more! From already competitive prices Lexington Estates, the newest and biggest housing development in Lexington, Kelso Washington neighborhood has reduced the price on all homes. Price reductions vary according to floor plan but this is huge drop in price in some floor plans, up to $39,000 from original price. See all available Lexington Estates homes. This brings a great opportunity for those who have been waiting to buy a brand new home in a new neighborhood at an affordable price. To learn more about the Lexington Estates visit the following posts; The New Development Lexington Estates - Kelso Washington and The new real estate housing development - Lexington Estates or for a price on specific floor plan contact your local real estate agent or contact me here.

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

How Is The Cowlitz County Real Estate Market?

2008-09-22T02:34:06Z

How is the Cowlitz County real estate market?

Not a day goes by without someone asking me about how the real estate market is doing. When I talk to past clients, people that I know or even when I meet someone as soon as they find out that I am a REALTOR some of their first words out of their mouths are how is the real estate market? I am getting use to answer the same question over and over every day which I really don't mind, I enjoy talking about my job and part of my job is to know how our local real estate market is doing.

With all the daily negative national and local advertising everywhere about how bad the real estate market is, how the lending industry is going under (many, many lending institutions been forced out of business) and how the government has come to rescue some of the biggest players in the lending industry and other related to real estate in the way of collapsing due to the bad real estate market, I am not surprise that real estate and related issues are on everybody's minds at this time and age.

Well, for those of you who haven't had the chance to ask me about how the local real estate market is doing, I am going to tell you if you care to keep reading. The Cowlitz County real estate market is not as active as we would like it to be or as it was a year or two years ago but is still moving, believe it or not homes are been sold daily in our local market. Cowlitz County real estate market is not dead or as bad as many people I talked to believe it is, prices are dropping and interest rate are still historical low and many people are taking advantage of this opportunity because they know is not going to last for ever.

There you have it, now you know that our Cowlitz County real estate market is moving and doing good considering the down economy the Country is facing right now. So, if you are a home buyer on the fence waiting for home prices to hit bottom now is a good time to take action before prices and interest rates go up. For more detail information about the Cowlitz market activity visit my most recent Cowlitz County real estate market report or some of the previous monthly Cowlitz County real estate market reports.

Your Cowlitz County real estate professional Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report for August 2008

2008-09-03T13:55:56Z

The numbers for the Cowlitz County real estate market for the month of August 2008.

This report will give you an insight of how the Cowlitz County real estate market is doing and may be helpful to those considering selling, buying or relocating to the Cowlitz County area. It will show you the numbers of current available homes for sale, homes under contract, and homes sold in the month of August 2008. It will also give an inside look at average and medium prices, average days on the market and what price range is more competitive and what price range is moving (selling) faster. Visit the following links to see the market reports for the months of July, June and May.

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes - August 2008

Cowlitz County homes - Current Active Listings at the end of August 2008

Number - 801

Medium Price - $239,950

Average Price - $293,362

Average Days on Market - 132

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of August 2008

Number - 104

Medium Price - $181,950

Average Price - $195,679

Average Days on Market - 124

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold on the month of August 2008

Number - 54

Medium Price - $201,500

Average Price - $207,864

Average Day on Market - 96

Most Competitive Price Range - $200,000 through $249,999

Actives Listings at this price range - 144

Most Active Price Range - $200,000 through $249,999

Actives - 144

Pending - 19

Sold - 10

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001, to list your home or purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake or Cathlamet.

South Kelso Home

2008-08-31T12:44:56Z

South Kelso area - Home for sale

Update: This home is SOLD

This cute South Kelso home is in great condition, affordable and ready to move into. It was remodeled 3 years ago and has been kept in same condition. Features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, good sized utility room, cute kitchen, fenced back yard, and detached single car garage. Close to shopping and only steps to school.

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001, to list your home or to purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake or Cathlamet.

Cowlitz County Unique Tin Car Show and Swap Meet

2008-08-27T02:57:15Z

A Visit To The Annual Cowlitz County Unique Tin Car Show and Swap Meet 2008

What a unique experience! I had not attended the car show in few years and was surprised of how much has change and grown. According to organizers this show attracts over 3,000 spectators each year and listening to the announcers over the microphone the attendance on Saturday was a record breaker. This yearly event has marked the end of Cowlitz County Summer fun events for the last of 34 years.

The event opened the doors at 8:00 a.m. to hundreds of classic and custom-built cars, trucks and some motorcycles, swap meet, vendors and early eager spectators. Then was followed by exciting events throughout the day like some line dance performance, some contests with up to $300 prices, award and parade of winners presentation and ended with the 9:00 p.m. Longview Downtown controlled Cruise, were according to The Daily News there were over 600 permits issued to participate in this event.

So, if you miss it this year, you are invited to experience how amazing it is to see some of the incredible beefed-up engines, flashy chrome and paint jobs on some of these hot rods and in the way contribute to a good cause, according to event organizers part of the profits are donated to local charities throughout Cowlitz County.

Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001.

Highlands Area Home for Sale

2008-08-26T01:51:00Z

Longview Washington, Highlands Neighborhood Home This Highlands area home is big one level in great condition in a newer subdivision at an affordable price. This wonderful 4 bedroom, 2 full baths home offers 1425 SF of living space, living room, dining room, master bedroom with a full bath and walk-in closet, fully fenced back yard, big covered patio and a double car garage.

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001 to list your home or purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake or Cathlamet.

Cowlitz County real estate market

2008-08-21T01:06:47Z

The challenge of pricing and selling a home in today's Cowlitz County real estate market

Today's Cowlitz County real estate market is the weakest I ever experience since I started in the business over five years ago. For the last four years the market was great, homes were selling as fast as they came on the market, sometimes getting multiple offers, everyone was happy. In the last year or so the market slowly started turning now we have a huge listing inventory a home time on the market has increase drastically and there are still many sellers who don't want to faced reality and are asking thing like; why this price? (The house across the street sold for xxx amount of dollars last year), why isn't my home selling? Or why do I have to reduce the price? I don't want to give my home away!

Long gone are the days when sellers use to set the price and homes sold with no problem. Sellers should always be educated on local market conditions but in today's real estate market the need for sellers to know where their home fits on the market equation is even greater. It not about just having a market analysis and agree on the price. The whole picture needs to be look at besides of a market analysis many other key elements have to be taking into consideration; market trends, market absorption rates, percentage of recently homes sold, homes you going to be competing with and seller's level of motivation.

Placing a listing into the Multiple Listing Services in not enough in today's challenging market it takes more than that to successfully sell a home. It takes the ability to correctly price a home, knowledge and understanding of the local market and follow through on the appropriate marketing strategies. It's extremely important for sellers to have the correct information to be able to make the best educated decision possible.

For more information on how to correctly price your home or for a through market analysis of your home, feel free contact Cowlitz County real estate agent Venancio Gonzalez at gonzalezq@windermere.com or at 360 751 4001. You can also visit my website to see my marketing strategies to see what I do to sell your home or one of my post for some seller tips.

Cowlitz County foreclosures

2008-08-05T19:15:11Z

Cowlitz County foreclosure homes and other bank own properties

This is an update on the Cowlitz County foreclosure homes and other bank own properties including some multi-family units and manufacture homes. Even though these homes are selling fast, the numbers of Cowlitz County foreclosure properties on the market have increased from 36 to 48 since my last update back on February 2008, here is a link to that article.

There are currently 45 foreclosure home on the market, 32 of them are active (available for sale) the other 16 are already under contract (pending or pending inspection), one active multi-family unit (4-plex) and one manufacture home. As the foreclosure homes inventory increases so as the opportunities for all those looking to build some quick equity. To see all available foreclosure home and other properties in Cowlitz County visit our Cowlitz County Foreclosure page.

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001 with any questions or to view any Cowlitz County foreclosure listings or to list your home or purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake or Cathlamet.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report - July 2008

2008-08-01T02:50:34Z

Cowlitz County real estate market numbers for July 2008.

This report will give you an insight of how the Cowlitz County real estate market is doing and may be helpful to those considering selling, buying or relocating to the Cowlitz County area. It will show you the numbers of current available homes for sale, homes under contract, and homes sold in the month of July 2008. It will also give an inside look at average and medium prices, average days on the market and what price range is more competitive and what price range is moving (selling) faster. To see the reports for the previous months of June and May.

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes - July 2008

Cowlitz County homes - Active July 2008

Number - 818

Medium Price - $240,000

Average Price - $288,347

Average Days on Market - 130

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) July 2008

Number - 93

Medium Price - $195,000

Average Price - $211,775

Average Days on Market - 117

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold July 2008

Number - 60

Medium Price - $199,425

Average Price - $214,930

Average Day on Market - 111

Most Competitive Price Range - $200,000 thru $249,999

Actives Listings - 151

Most Active Price Range - $250,000 thru $299,999

Actives - 121

Pending - 14

Sold - 12

Cowlitz County Fair and Rodeo 2008

2008-07-30T12:41:26Z

The Cowlitz County fair and rodeo 2008 is here, come and join the fun from Wednesday July 30^th to Saturday August 2^nd. Four days of pure fun and excitement awaiting kids, adults and everyone else in between willing to come and join the fun. The fair will begin with the kid's day parade on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. and will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with the usual variety of stands, games and rides for kids, teenagers and all daring parents. Then there is the variety of special schedule events like the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Cruise to the Fair-Open Car Show, Road Warrior paintball, Rodeo Queen Coronation and many, many more. To see all schedule events, the dates and times, visit the Cowlitz County website here.

Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001, Servicing the Cowlitz County real rstate market.

Will Upgrading Your Cowlitz County Home Will Help To Sell It Faster?

2008-07-29T14:55:26Z

Will Upgrading Your Cowlitz County Home Will Help To Sell It Faster?

Researches have showed that making targeted improvements according to the age of your home will help to sale faster and for more money. A good starting point is to have a pre-sale home inspection that will show the defects of your home and have a contractor or handy man fix them, document the work and have it ready for potential buyers. The cost of inspection varies depending on the inspector and size of home, here in Cowlitz County a full home inspection will cost from $270 to $350.

Homes built before the 1960 usually have many great appeals but have only 60 or 90-amp electrical service which is not adequate to work with most modern appliances. It is a good idea to upgrade to a minimum of 100 amp and make sure the wiring meets code. Many of these homes often are hiding hardwood floors (most likely in a great conditions) under that old wore down carpet.

If your home was build during the 1960 more than likely will have those old dated Single-pane windows that should be upgraded, just by doing that you should see about 25% savings on your heating/cooling bills. Other easy and inexpensive thing to do is to replace dated cabinet hardware with stainless or nickel knobs, pulls and hinges and if cabinets are still in good condition; clean, sand, stain or paint them.

Homes built during the 1970's era are well known for those pink or green bathtubs, showers, kitchen appliances and those lose wild colors that with out a doubt give these homes a feeling of old age. Modern color appliances and fresh coat of paint will do wonders for these homes.

Popular trends during the 1980's were wall paper and laminate counter tops which are consider old fashion today. To give your home some charm, replace wall paper, switch plates, and repaint flaking paint. Hard surfaces counter tops is what you will find in today's new homes if you are going to replace them, visit new construction open houses to see what the new trend is.

One would expect that homes built during the 1990's would require fewer upgrades than homes from the 1980's or older. But the truth is that most of these homes often require more upgrades than older homes for the following reason; 10 to 15 years is the life expectancy of home appliances like stove/oven, washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher and big-ticket items like furnace, air-condition, water heater and is likely that one or more of these items will have to be replace.

Always clean or replace carpet if necessary, nothing welcomes you more to a home than a clean carpet. And whatever the age of the home a home warranty always a great idea it will give a peace of mind and can be inexpensive way to make your home more appealing to home buyers. Visit the following links more sellers tips and sellers real estate information.

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001 for more upgrading tips, list your home or to purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake and Cathlamet.

Blue Heron Inn Bed & Breakfast – Silver Lake Washington

2008-07-27T01:59:41Z

Looking for lodging in the Castle Rock / Silver Lake area?

One of my favorites is the Blue Heron Inn at Silver Lake Washington. Come and experience a true feeling of the Pacific Northwest, treat your self to a friendly service, a full country breakfast, relax in front of a fire place or your own private balcony with wonderful panoramic view of the Historic Mount St. Helens, Silver Lake and surrounding forested valleys.

This beautiful one of a kind place sits at the edge of Silver Lake and offers 7 beautiful rooms to choose from a Jacuzzi Suit, a king size, two queen size, two double and a ADA accessible room all with private balconies and magnificent views, two common T.V. sitting areas with fire place and Wi-Fi Hot Spot. It also offers hosting for weddings receptions, birthdays, baby showers and business meetings. For more information and reservations visit their website here.

Directions: From I-5 take Exit 49 East on Hwy 504 five miles, directly across from the Mt. Helens National Monument

For more information about the local area visit our Silver Lake / Toutle web page Here.

It’s Your Cowlitz County Home Listing Expired?

2008-07-19T15:45:45Z

Do you know the reasons?

Believe it or not at this time and age where there is a ton of all kind of available information all over the net, books, and news papers just to mention some sources, here in Cowlitz County for one reason or another, we still have some sellers that trust the first agent they run in to instead of interviewing more than one to compare services and unfortunately some of them are being mislead about how much their homes are worth.

I got a call from a seller about meeting with him to possibly list his home, after few questions he revealed to me that his home was previously listed but had expired and wanted me to get it back on the market. I did my research and a market analysis on the home and came to find out that the home was previously way over priced. I was nervous about how to approach the seller with the bad news without offending him. I decided to just be honest show him the numbers and go from there. After doing my listing presentation he looked a me, smile, and said if my other agent had explain all this to me my house may have been sold by now. Phew! What a relief. I listed the home and had it sold with in seven weeks.

Came to find out that the real estate agent never presented a market analysis or any other information explaining the price, he just told the home owner, "I think your home should sell for this much" and the seller trusted the agent. A real estate agent should be professional enough and have the knowledge to do his or her job right. By not doing a market analysis and explain in detail why or how the home is price the way it is, they are doing a disservice to their clients, local market and the real estate profession. For what ever reason this agent never took the time to do his/her job and mislead the seller about how much the home was really worth.

If you are one of those unfortunate Cowlitz County home owners that had your home previously listed and never were explained the pricing process and how your home compared to the recently sold and competing listing give me a call or e-mail me, I will give you my honest opinion and let you know what can be done to get it sold in this tough market. Request a market analysis here.

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001, list your home or to purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake and Cathlamet.

Cowlitz County Luxury Homes

2008-07-14T19:25:24Z

A couple days ago, I received a request from a potential client about getting information on high end homes in the Cowlitz County area. While doing my research, I was some what amazed to see how many luxury homes are currently available for sale in the County price for well over a million dollars, I know many of you are going to think is not a lot but I'm talking about Cowlitz County here, not Portland or Seattle, where five years ago (when I started in the business of selling real estate) you rarely saw homes price over half a million. Currently there are 9 luxury homes for sale in Cowlitz County priced at over a million dollars, ranging from $1,189,000 to 1,600,000, amazing is in it?

It has been very interesting to say the least to watch how the real estate market has been changing over the last five years to what we are experiencing today. I though some of you may enjoy looking at these beautiful homes.

Click this link and enjoy!

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001to list or purchase a home in any of the Cowlitz County communities.

Cowlitz County real estate home sales monthly review - June 2008

2008-07-03T02:16:53Z

Looking at the Cowlitz County real estate market numbers for last month (June) looks like the market activity is picking up to a normal pace after having the slowest month in May. There is about the same active listings from last month, about twice as much pending and more sold.

Here are the numbers for the month of June 2008, Cowlitz County real estate activity of active, pending and sold homes also includes average price and days on the market.

807 active listings, four more than May, with 130 average days on the market and average price of $288,088.

5 contingent listings, three less that in May, with 105 average days on the market and average price of $306.560.

89 pending listings, 43 more than May, with 102 average days on the market and average price of $216,161.

68 sold listing, 12 more than May, with 103 average days on the market and average price of $216,434.

The price range of $250,000 - $299,900 once again is the more competitive with 139 active listings, 2 contingent, 15 pending and 10 sold.

The more active price range once again is $200,000 - $249,999 with 20 pending and 15 sold listings.

As the stats show, home in the Cowlitz County real estate market are still selling not at a pace that we are use to but if they are price right they are selling.

Cowlitz County Real Estate - Venancio Gonzalez - 360 751 4001

Go forth at Lake Sacajawea

2008-07-02T20:33:14Z

Longview Washington forth of July annual celebration

The beginning of the annual go forth celebration at Lake Sacajawea starts today. Kid's carnival and concession stand will open today at 7:00 pm and will last till Friday around 10:00 pm. Visitors will enjoy live music, golf practice shooting range, variety of food (elephant ears are my favorite), wide variety of other items like T-shits, sunglasses, hand made jewelry, toys and there will also be pony rides and different games for kids.

Friday the 4^th will be full of enjoyable events starting with the go forth parade at 9:00 am. that will go from the corner of Broadway and 14^th Ave. and end up at Lake Sacajawea, then the opening of the timber carnival competition will also start at 9:00 am and the finals will be at 1:00 pm., and finally the fire work display will be starting at 10:00 pm.

So if you are up for some fun for the next three days and over the holiday weekend, the Longview forth of July festival will provide plenty of entertainment and activities for all ages. Come and join the fun.

Rose Valley home for sale

2008-06-24T02:10:35Z

Update: This home is SOLD

Kelso area home

If you are looking for place to roam or room for your toys this nice well maintained home on acreage may be the place. Features 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,788 sq. ft., wood stove in living room, large master bedroom with big walking closet, big kitchen with nice cabinets and a heat pump. Rose Valley neighborhood, 6 Park like setting acres with different fruit trees, garden space, big garage/shop with a car port and additional parking space. Only minutes and easy access to I - 5 and a short drive to Longview and Kelso.

Price:

$189,000

Directions:

Old Hwy 99 South left on Rose Valley Rd., Right on Bodine Rd., Left on Bodine Rd. N to Address on left hand side.

Contact Cowlitz County real estate agent, Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor®, with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, 360 751 4001, for a foreclosure consultation, to list your home or to purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake and Cathlamet.