Cowlitz County Real Estate - Cowlitz County Community information

South Kelso home for sale

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:59:17 -0600

Great South Kelso home for sale.

Low maintenance home on a corner lot with quick access to 1-5, close to schools, and shopping mall. Features include 3 bedrooms, bonus room and sitting room/computer area, one full bath, kitchen with eating space, one bedroom in main floor, big living and dinning rooms. New vinyl in kitchen, utility room and eating area, newer roof, remodeled in the 1990s with many recent updates. Partially fenced yard with a detached one car garage.

For more information visit http://1201south7thAve.com

Venancio Gonzalez - GRI, e-PRO Realtor® with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, serving Longview, Kelso and surrounding Cowlitz County real estate markets. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.

We have moved!!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:22:04 -0600

Find us at our new location.

It finally happened!! Windermere have moved!! It has been about 3 long years since the announcement that we were moving to a new location was made and it finally happen last weekend. So, I want to let everybody know that we no longer can be found on 842 Washington Way, our new location address is 209 West Main St. Suite 200 Kelso, WA 98626. Everyone is welcome to visit us and take a tour of the great new building.

Directions: Going from Longview to Kelso, just before crossing the small (newer) bridge on the left hand side, corner of West Main and 2^nd Ave. Same great service just different location!!

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:26:34 -0600

Cowlitz County real estate market report for October 2009.

Here is a look at the numbers for the real estate market in Cowlitz County for the month of October. These numbers will give you an insight of how the Cowlitz County real estate market is currently doing. It 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.

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes for October 2009

Cowlitz County homes current active listings

Number - 631

Medium Price - $ 211,975

Average Price - $ 249,601

Average Days on Market - 147

Cowlitz County Homes under contract (pending)

Number - 97

Medium Price - $ 149,900

Average Price - $ 184,662

Average Days on Market - 84

Cowlitz County Homes Sold

Number - 53

Medium Price - $ 167,000

Average Price - $ 165,463

Average Day on Market - 105

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

Active Listings at this price range - 103

Most Active Price Range - $140,000 thru $159,999

Pending - 15

Sold - 7

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes for September 2009

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:36:07 -0500

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes for September 2009

Cowlitz County homes - Current Active Listings at the end of September 2009

Number - 616

Medium Price - $226,950

Average Price - $258,402

Average Days on Market - 144

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of September 2009

Number - 119

Medium Price - $184,900

Average Price - $202,394

Average Days on Market - 119

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold on the month of September 2009

Number - 57

Medium Price - $151,000

Average Price - $166,159

Average Day on Market - 96

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

Active Listings at this price range - 109

Most Active Price Range - $180,000 thru $199,999

Pending - 20

Sold - 8

West Longview Home for Sale

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:10:03 -0500

West Longview Homes for Sale.

Well cared for West Longview home on a level .48 acre lot. Pristine home boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, master suite, spacious living room, dining room w/slider to deck, vinyl windows, heat pump alarm system, big covered deck, two outbuildings/storage sheds and RV Parking. Convenient location just outside West Longview city limits!

More about the West Longview neighborhood and West Longview.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report - June 2009

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:27:41 -0500

Cowlitz County real estate market report for June 2008.

Here are the numbers for the real estate market in Cowlitz County for the month of June. This report will give you an insight of how the Cowlitz County real estate market is doing. It 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.

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes for June 2009

Cowlitz County homes - Current Active Listings at the end of June 2009

Number - 634

Medium Price - $270,824

Average Price - $237,250

Average Days on Market - 181

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of June 2009

Number - 70

Medium Price - $174,950

Average Price - $187,847

Average Days on Market - 113

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold on the month of June 2009

Number - 64

Medium Price - $158,750

Average Price - $175,000

Average Day on Market - 113

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

Active Listings at this price range - 105

Most Active Price Range - $160,000 thru $179,999

Pending - 14

Sold - 6

C.V.G. - Mint Valley Neighborhood home for sale.

Thu, 28 May 2009 01:44:28 -0500

Update: This home is SOLD

C.V.G. - Mint Valley Neighborhood home for sale. 2350 38^th Ave. Longview, WA 98632

Roomy in great condition well cared for home in the Mint Valley - C.V.G. neighborhoods. This home is conveniently located close to school, golf course, Wal-mart and many other services.

One level with over 2,000 sq ft of living space, 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, Lg. formal dinning room, living room, family room with 2 skylights (pole to open shades), and extra computer room/office. Custom oak cabinets and closet doors, central built-in vacuum system, wood stove in family room and forced air furnace with heat pump. Oversized three car garage with big RV Parking area, big deck with built-in hot tub and professionally landscaped. New roof installed in October.

To see more photos and detail information visit www.235038thAve.com

Cowlitz County - Windermere’s Community Service Day, 2009

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:55:19 -0500

Cowlitz County - Windermere's Community Service Day, 2009

Our job here at Windermere is not about selling real estate is about helping people, we do more than just sell houses, we are a dedicated group of individuals determined to make a difference in the lives of our clients and all those around us. Part of every commissions goes to the Windermere Foundation which help support many local none profit organization and gives out scholarships. Also, each year we choose couple less fortunate families to help out with Winter PUD bills, Christmas presents and we always trying to get involve in improving the quality of live in the communities and neighborhoods we served by helping to improve and maintain them.

Community Service Day is one of the projects among the many things we do to help and maintain the communities our clients called home. The Community Service Day is a yearly event that has been taking place since 1984, is a day during the year that all Windermere offices close their doors to let agents participate in many projects around local communities. We participate in painting, cleaning and repairing schools, playgrounds, parks, shelters, community buildings among others.

We understand the importance of giving back to the very own communities who make us who we are. So, this year mark your calendar for Friday June 19^th, our office will be close all day but you may still see us around your neighborhood working along some of you. If you know some one who needs a helping hand or a community project that may need some help, feel free to contact Windermere or my self, we may be able to help.

Cowlitz Home Owners – What You Should Know About Short Sales

Thu, 21 May 2009 01:23:31 -0500

Cowlitz Home Owners - What You Should Know About Short Sales

Short Sale - have you heard of this term before? I know here in Cowlitz County we don't have that big of a problem (yet) pertaining short sales but you may heard of it from the media since it seem that they make it a big deal daily event. I will pin point some of the most important information you need to know before you enter in to the selling or buying short sale venture.

What is a short sale? A short sale is a real estate transaction in which a lender or lenders are willing to take a loss and allows the home to be sold for less the amount a home owner owed on the mortgage. An example would be; if home owner have a loan on his home for $300,000 but in today's market buyers are only willing to pay $250,000 base on recently homes sales in the same neighborhood. In this case the home owner (seller) have to ask the lender if he is willing to take less than what is owned on the home, if the lender agrees than is a short sale.

Why would a lender agree to a short sale if they are losing money? Well, taking a loss on a short sale sometimes is way less expensive than foreclosing on a home. The foreclosing process can get pretty expensive with court cost and attorney fees as well as time consuming, some home owners can keep lenders from foreclosing on their homes for months. This is why some times lenders feel it is better to accept a short sale than foreclose on a property.

What is the process of a short sale? A short sale process can get pretty complicated and time consuming, especially if you have more than one lien holder (first mortgage, second mortgage) and if a mortgage insurance is involved in the matter, the sale have to be approve by all institutions. All services will review the home owner's financial situation to determine the ability or inability to repay the debt, they will also determine the value of property and weigh that against amount owed and compare what will make them more money a foreclosure or a short sale.

How will I know if I qualify for a short sale in here in Cowlitz County? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale, you have to fall in to a lenders guide lines to be consider and every lender have their own formula or guide lines to use when considering a short sale. Qualifying for a short sale is like qualifying for a loan but in reverse, you have to provide the same kind of information to prove that you are unable to make your monthly payments.

Cowlitz Summer Youth Employment Program

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:37:34 -0500

Cowlitz Summer Youth Employment Program

This summer, with the help of the Federal Government, the Longview Goodwill is bringing some great opportunities to Cowlitz County young workers and local employers who qualify. Along with the below press release, some TV, Radio and News Paper campaigns will be running making interested candidates aware of this great opportunity. You only have till June 20^th to contact the appropriate person to see if you qualify as a worker or as an employer.

Fed stimulus money to pay for young workers
Goodwill's Vocations Unlimited searching for youth, employers

LONGVIEW - If you're a young adult, 14 to 24 years old, a Cowlitz County resident, and searching for a summer job then visit Goodwill's Vocations Unlimited Office.

Through the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council, Goodwill is using federal stimulus money to pay employees it places in jobs up to $1,500 this summer. The application deadline is June 20.

For information, contact Paul Spears or Rosalind Mallett at 360.425.6929 or by email to pspears@tacomagoodwill.org or rmallett@tacomagoodwill.org. Information is also available at the Vocations Unlimited Office, 1030 15^th Ave., in Longview.

"The goal of the Summer Youth Employment Program is to get young adults employed and helping the economy right away," said Spears, a Vocations manager. "This helps young adults get them involved in the work world or at least aware of other services we have available."

Employers are also sought who have part-time, temporary work to be done. Employers can be non-profit or public agencies. Some for-profit companies are included if they meet guidelines.

"We don't want it to appear that these jobs would prohibit someone else getting a job," Spears said. "The ideal situation would be a company needs extra staff for a specific task."

WHAT: Summer Youth Employment Program
WHEN: Summer 2009
WHAT: For up to 100 young adults in Cowlitz County, 14 to 24 years of age
TO APPLY: Contact Paul Spears or Rosalind Mallett, 360.425.6929 or pspears@tacomagoodwill.org, rmallett@tacomagoodwill.org by June 20

Cowlitz County real estate market report for April, 2009

Sat, 02 May 2009 01:45:01 -0500

Cowlitz County real estate market report for single family only - April, 2009

Cowlitz County real estate market report for April 2009, compared to the previous few months there was more activity in April, more homes sold, one more pending and more active listings. Studies show that spring always have been the busiest time of the year for real estate and this year is not the exception.

This report will give you an insight of how the Cowlitz County real estate market is doing, number of active, pending and sold homes, average and medium prices, and average days on the market and what price range is more competitive and what price range is moving (selling) faster.

Cowlitz County Homes - Active, Pending and Sold Listings at the end of April, 2009

Active Listings - 604

Pending Listings - 99

Sold Homes - 57

Average List Price - $238,016

Average Selling Price - $182,706

Medium List Price - $206,950

Medium Selling Price - $173,250

Average Days on Market - 135

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

Actives Listings at this price range - 107

Pending Listing - 16

Sold Listings - 6

Most Active Price Range - $180,000 thru $199,999

Pending - 15

Sold - 9

See March Cowlitz real estate market report or Cowlitz real estate report for 2008.

Cowlitz County First Time Home Buyer Resources and Assisting Programs

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:41:52 -0500

Cowlitz County First Time Home Buyer Resources and Assisting Programs

Because of the mortgage crisis banks did tight up guide lines qualification to get loans and everyday, one way or another; we are reminded about how hard it is to get one. Well, this still true to some degree but we have been experiencing some positive changes lately and hopefully with newly signed "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan" things get back to normal soon.

Despite everything that is going on out there it hasn't been a better times to buy a home in years than right now, especially for first time home buyers. According to experts, never before in history the right combination of things were available at the same time, lowest home prices in years, history low interest rates, high inventory of homes for sale including many foreclosures and short sales.

A variety of incentives and even 100% financing programs are available for first time home buyer but these opportunities are not for everybody only for those with steady income and good credit. Other opportunities like Owner Financing or Lease Option, just to name a couple, may work for those with a challenge credit but with good steady income. Contact me with any questions or to request a list of Owner Financing homes.

The following are some of the programs that I know of; there may be other one out there.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - this is an incentive of $8,000 offer to first time home buyers if they buy before December 1, 2009.
Express Loan Program - This is 100% loan offered to first time buyers by the Washington Estate Housing Finance Commission.
USDA Home Loan Programs - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer variety of 100% loans to low and moderate income home buyers.
Self-Helping Housing - a chance to help build your own home, a unique opportunity offered by CAP to families who qualify.
Habitat For Humanity - Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build or renovate decent, affordable housing.

Visit a first time home buyer tips article I wrote and learn more about buying a home.

Easter Egg Hunt - 2009

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:52:06 -0500

Easter Egg Hunt - 2009

Once again the Kelso Lions Club is inviting kids to bring their baskets and join the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event is taking place at the Coweeman Middle School field, this Saturday April 11^th at 11:00 am. There will be a designated area for small (Pre-Schooler's) kids.

Last year, I took my two little ones and they had a lot of fun, it was perfect day to be outside enjoying the out doors. Let's hope for a nice weather again this year.

A day at the beach

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:42:03 -0500

A day at the beach

For the first time this year, here in Cowlitz County, we are experiencing the wonderful weather the kid have been waiting for. Since it was over 70 degrees on Sunday, we decided to take a trip to the Beach, Long Beach Washington to be exact. A lot of people just playing around, flying kites, having fun with kids, dogs and some just relaxing, enjoying the sunshine. It turn out to be a great ride down there, the kid had lots of fun burying themselves in the sand and playing with the dog and even though the water was cold they still went in for a swim. As you could imagine, they are eager looking forward to do this again in the coming summer and having a lot of fun.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Monthly Report

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 02:04:45 -0500

Cowlitz County real estate market report for single family only - March, 2009

Here is a look at the numbers of the Cowlitz County real estate market for the month of March 2009. There was a lot more activity in March that the previous two months, more homes sold, pending homes more than double and as a result there were less active listings. Studies show that this is a typical yearly cycle, spring always have been the busiest time of the year for real estate.

Cowlitz County Homes - Active, Pending and Sold Listings at the end of March, 2009

Active Listings - 579

Pending Listings - 98

Sold Homes - 50

Average List Price - $240,742

Average Selling Price - $189,024

Medium List Price - $215,000

Medium Selling Price - $184,225

Average Days on Market - 135

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

Actives Listings at this price range - 109

Pending Listing - 12

Sold Listings - 13

Most Active Price Range - $120,000 thru $139,999

Pending - 20

Sold - 4

See last month Cowlitz real estate market report or Cowlitz real estate report for 2008.

First Times Home Buyer Tips

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:44:46 -0500

First Times Home Buyer Tips

If you are you in the process or are thinking about buying your first home, there hasn't been a better time to do it than right now, home prices are way down from the previous couple years, interest rates are history low, there are too many great deal out there like bank foreclosures, short sales among others. If you are serious about buying a home, here are some tips consider that I hope will be helpful get ready to make you dream a reality.

1. Contact a reputable local REALTOR® to assist you with all necessary steps in home buying process. A knowledgeable real estate agent should be able to answer most questions or direct you to a good source for an answer related to home buying process, local communities, neighborhoods, local schools, etc.

2. Educate yourself as much as possible about the home buying process so you can make a wise decision. Some resources would be; the Internet where there is always a wealth of available information, a local first home buyer seminar if available or contact a knowledgeable local REALTOR® for a first time home buying consultation.

3. Before you begin your house hunting, make sure to know what you are looking for and how much you'll be able to spend. Make your own wish list of those absolutely things you must have and a list of the things would be nice to have but that you could live without.

4. Your real estate agent could help you find a knowledgeable local lender, if you don't have one, to see if you qualify to buy a home, see how much you can afford, what mortgage program are available and which program will best fit you needs. If it is possible use a local reputable lender, nothing against out of the area or on-line lenders, (that its another post), but you need someone easily accessible to quickly take care unexpected issues that may arise through out the transaction.

5. Once you find a home and have your offer accepted, stay in close contact with your lender and real estate agent through out the closing process. It is very important to provide all information and document needed in a timely manner to not miss or dilate important deadlines like home inspection responses, appraisal and closing date.

You can find more first time home buyer tips here and more information about the buying process in the following articles or websites:

Cowlitz County home buyer guide.

The closing cost of a real estate transaction.

Things to look for when purchasing home with land.

Or visit the HUD website for wealth of information about home buying process.

Venancio Gonzalez- GRI, e-PRO Realtor® with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, serving Longview, Kelso and surrounding Cowlitz County real estatemarkets. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:10:06 -0500

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

In the last few months, I had many people ask different questions about the "first time home buyer tax credit" and how it works, so I decided write about it hoping that others out there wondering about the same thing will benefit from it.

What is the first time home buyer tax credit about?

Hoping to decrease the over-supply of homes for sale and improve the economy, Congress enacted the tax credit designed to be an incentive for first-time home buyers purchasing a home. The credit was created July 2008 and applied to all qualified purchases made on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. The amount was 10 % of cost of the home but not to exciding $7,500. The credit was structured as an interest free loan to be repaid (6.67% or $500) each year in a period of 15 years, starting in 2010.

The tax credit was revised for the year 2009. The amount of the credit was increased to $8, 000 and the repayment featured was eliminated on purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. You have to pay this credit back only if the home is sold, rented or for some other reason stop to be your main home within 36-months period of the purchase. These are some of the changes for the 2009 tax credit, most everything else will remain practically the same.

Who is eligible?

Only first time home buyers purchasing a primary residence in the U.S. (including single family homes, condos, co-ops or townhouses) with individual adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 or $150,000 for couples. A single person making from $75,000 - $95,000 or a couple making from $150,000 - $170,000 will still eligible for some deductions but if they make more than that the credit will disappear. A person is consider a first time home-buyer only if he/she has not had any ownership interest in a home in the previous three years.

How does it work?

This is a tax credit and can only be claim by eligible first-time home buyers on their IRS Form 1040 tax return. This is what is called "refundable" tax credit, which means the IRS will send you a check $8000 if you don't have tax liabilities.

For answers to the some of the most frequently asked questions about this credit visit the official federal housing tax credit website.

Castle Rock, Washington – Castle Rock Real Estate

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:43:38 -0500

Castle Rock, Washington - Castle Rock Real Estate

Castle Rock is a wonderful small rural community located in the Northern end of Cowlitz County about 10 miles North of Kelso right on the junction of Interstate I-5 and Spirit Lake Highway (State Route 504). Castle Rock is considered part of the Longview - Kelso Metropolitan area, with a population of only about 2,200 residents, which agree that this community is a great place to live with a lot to offer.

Surrounded by abundance of natural beauty, wild life and easy access to two of the most outstanding tourist attractions in Washington Estate, The Historic Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Spirit Lake Recreational Areas, Castle Rock, no doubt, has plenty to offer to tourist and local alike.

Some of the things attracting many families to this tight-neat family oriented community are the variety of affordable housing, privacy and friendliness, also the dedication to education and kids sports, facing Castle Rock in any sport is always a great challenge.

Castle Rock offers a wide variety of real estate some older small homes in regular city lots from the early 1900's to big new construction homes on big lot of 10 acres or more with some views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. Home prices range from under $100,000 to over a $1000,000 depending on size of lot, home, location, age, amenities, among other things.

Learn more about Castle Rock or search Castle Rock homes by visiting Castle Rock real estate page.

Map of Castle Rock.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report - February 2009

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:40:40 -0500

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report - February 2009

Here are the numbers for the Cowlitz County real estate market on February 2009. This report will is give an inside look at the average and medium prices, average days on the market and what price range is more competitive and what price range is moving (selling) faster.

Cowlitz County real estate - Active Listings at the end of February 2009

Number - 601

Medium Price - $228,900

Average Price - $257,707

Average Days on Market - 148

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of February 2009

Number - 39

Medium Price - $179,900

Average Price - $195,967

Average Days on Market - 108

Cowlitz County homes sold on February 2009

Number - 37

Medium Price - $160,000

Average Price - $187,604

Average Day on Market - 84

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

Actives Listings at this price range - 117

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

Actives - 110

Pending -8

Sold - 4

Downtown Longview Clean Up

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:16:14 -0500

Downtown Longview Clean Up

The Longview 1414 Club is looking to spruce up Downtown Longview for the up coming Spring. Starting Sunday March 22^nd, the Club will be starting a series of clean up Sundays in the Longview Downtown area; they'll be working on flower beds and sidewalks. They want to get the word out and invite volunteers and anyone else interested on helping out and lend a hand. Bring your gloves, brooms and rakes.

Come and join the group at 1414 12^th Avenue Longview WA, at 9:00 am on Sundays. For questions about this contact them at 360 425 7260 ask for Dan.

The 2009 Cowlitz County Home and Garden Show

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:42:16 -0500

The 2009 Cowlitz County Home and Garden Show

Once again the 2009 Cowlitz County Home and Garden Show is here. The Lower Columbia Contractors Association (LCCA) is inviting the public to join the fun Saturday March 21st from 9:00 - 6:00 pm and Sunday 22nd from 11-5 in the Cowlitz County Expo Center.

The Cowlitz County Home & Garden Show will be hosting free gardening and many other workshops throughout the day and displaying what's new in Home, Remodeling, Home Decor, and More, all under one roof. You will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of experts and experience hundreds of products and services.

This family event is more than just learning about gardening, how to fix or dress up a home, you can also take advantage of discounts, gift cards and drawing that business give away. Kids are also welcome to come and enjoy games, small gifts and other treats.

January 2009 - Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:56:04 -0600

January 2009 - Cowlitz County real estate market report.

The January 2009 Cowlitz County real estate market numbers are about the same as the previous month which is expected this time a year. This report is for residential single homes in the Cowlitz County communities only. It 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.

Single Family Residential homes - January 2009

Active Listings	535
Medium Price	$229,900
Average Price	$266,025
Average Days on Market	165

Pending Listings	49
Medium Price	$189,000
Average Price	$195,111
Average Days on Market	69

Sold Listings	26
Medium Price	$146,732
Average Price	$156,151
Average Days on Market	129

Most Active Price Range	$120,000 - $139,999

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

Venancio Gonzalez a GRI, E-PRO Realtor® with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates serving the Cowlitz County real estate market. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.

Opportunity is knocking!

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:52:06 -0600

Opportunity is knocking!

No doubt that in this current U.S.A. depressed down economy it is scary out there with thousands of big and small businesses laying people off daily or cutting hours to working employees, unemployment getting to double digits in many places and millions of home owners in mortgage crisis. But all these challenges and uncertainty also bring many great opportunities to some people; it's just a matter of being prepared and ready to recognize them.

Here in Cowlitz County, we are facing all those challenges as the rest of the Nation but also getting some of those great opportunities. With mortgage rate a all time record low, home prices coming down to more reasonable level and way to many foreclosures on the market that banks are eager to get rid of, home owner ship is one of those opportunities. If you are one of the lucky ones to still have a job and have been responsible enough to taken care of your credit and managed to saved some money, you have a great opportunity to get a great deal on a home and make the home ownership a reality.

The newly approved and signed economy stimulus package will also bring more benefits for home buyers. The stimulus bill includes a housing agenda that increases the limit and drop features repayment for the home buyer tax credit, brings back 2008 FHA loan limits and help home owners facing foreclosures. They are also working on bringing back the down payment assistant and stimulating the housing market which is very much needed and seems to be a great support for both measures.

Over all, the future is looking better and if you have been on the fence about buying a home now is the time to act before is rates and prices start going up.

Venancio Gonzalez - GRI, E-PRO Realtor® with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates serving the Cowlitz County real estate market. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.

Cowlitz County AARP Free Taxaide Program

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:52:58 -0600

Cowlitz County AARP Free Taxaide Program

Once again tax season is here and as we all know these are exciting times for those getting refunds but can also be very stressful times for some others. But whatever your situation is, once again AARP TAX-AID is here to help. The AARP Taxaide program is a group of volunteers focusing on helping senior citizens, low and middle income tax payers with their tax returns at no cost (free).

As a proud member of this Cowlitz County volunteer team, I'm here to spread the word out about this fast growing free service and let all those seeking our assistance in Cowlitz County know that this year we have four locations to best serve them; Longview Public Library, McClelland Art Center, Fibre Federal Credit Union and Highlands - Longview Police Sub Station. About 22 of us (volunteer) will be on these sites starting February 3^rd through April 14. Below you'll find the times and places where you can go and have your free tax returns done.

We usually have long lines so to make the process easier and less stressful for everyone, your are required to bring the following documents:

Social Security cards for ALL names listed on the returns (including children)
Picture ID for spouse and taxpayer.
All income and expense relating documents (W-2's, 1099, real estate tax paid, child care, etc.)
Previous year tax return to determine if entitled to additional stimulus rebate.
For direct deposits bring voided check.

Longview Public Library

1600 Louisiana St, Longview, WA 98632

Tuesdays

Fridays

Saturdays

4pm - 7:30pm

12:30pm - 4pm

12:30pm - 4:30pm

McClelland Arts Center

951 Delaware St, Longview

Tuesdays

Thursdays

9am - 3pm

Fibre Federal Credit Union

822 Commerce Ave

Admin Bldg 822 (upstairs in new Operation

Center)

Tuesdays

4pm - 7pm

Highlands - Longview Police Sub Station

216 30th Ave, Suite C

(by the St. Helens Store)

Tuesday - (February only)

1pm - 3pm

Venancio Gonzalez - GRI, E-PRO Realtor® with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates serving the Cowlitz County real estate market. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report for 2008

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:01:11 -0600

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report for 2008.

As we look ahead in to the New Year looking and hoping for better things, I like to show you the numbers of Cowlitz County real estate market for the last 15 months. This Cowlitz market report will provide the information needed to get an understanding about how active listing and sold homes compare monthly. You will find monthly number for available for sale and sold homes, the % price difference of home for sale vs. sold, average price per sq ft and months of inventory.

If you like to have one of this reports for your city or neighborhood, make a request here.

Cowlitz County real estate, 2008 stats.

Average price per squire feet.

Average price of for sale and sold homes.

Cowlitz day on the market and sold/list price % difference.

Cowlitz real estate months of inventory.

Total numbers

Date	10/07	11/07	12/07	1/08	2/08	3/08	4/08	5/08	6/08	7/08	8/08	9/08	10/08	11/08	12/08
For Sale	746	716	687	711	745	746	791	799	805	825	804	793	717	683	653
Sold	72	72	52	33	43	67	78	57	70	65	61	64	74	46	28
Pended	80	56	36	51	65	68	76	62	60	76	65	84	51	26	45
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales	10.4	9.9	13.2	21.5	17.3	11.1	10.1	14.0	11.5	12.7	13.2	12.4	9.7	14.8	23.3
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales	9.3	12.8	19.1	13.9	11.5	11.0	10.4	12.9	13.4	10.9	12.4	9.4	14.1	26.3	14.5
Avg. Active Price	296	300	296	292	292	291	291	291	286	286	292	292	292	283	268
Avg. Sld Price	206	188	182	226	184	203	184	170	214	219	208	176	180	200	178
Avg. Sq. Ft. Price	117	122	113	125	111	119	113	108	130	123	113	110	109	109	98
Sold/List Diff. %	97	96	97	97	97	97	98	96	97	95	96	98	96	96	96
Sold/Orig LP Diff. %	93	94	92	91	91	93	93	93	92	90	89	92	90	90	89
Days on Market	119	77	100	124	103	106	87	91	105	116	108	117	95	129	126
Avg CDOM	124	79	101	138	109	117	89	107	120	140	125	132	132	155	144
Median Price	176	184	170	181	175	184	173	145	190	200	203	178	158	185	162

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the NWMLS. Neither Venancio, Windermere, the Board or its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Board or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Report reflects activity by all brokers participated in the MLS.

Venancio Gonzalez - GRI, E-PRO Realtor® with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates serving the Cowlitz County real estate market. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.