Dale's Blog

Going Above & Beyond! A Tale of Friendship...

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:26:39 -0500

I am so humbled by all my amazing friends. I've always had wonderful friends in my life. People who really cared about me. So it's no huge surprise that I'd find the same in the friends I've made online.

Today Diane Guercio asked if I minded if she wrote about my fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. I was touched. How special that she would take the time to do such a thing. She had already generously donated to help me reach my online fundraising goal. Now she was going above and beyond to help others do the same.

Thank you Diane! I really appreciate it. I also am so thankful for all who've donated toward this years Relay For Life. Just a little ways to go!

Please head over to see what a wonderful job @HeyAmaretto did on conveying the message.

Can you spare only $5? Maybe $10?

(the above photo is of Diane & Gerry "RealtyMan" Bourgeois when we all got to hang in New York for REBarCamp & Inman)

RE BarCamp Portland Steaming Ahead BUT...

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:25:21 -0500

RE BarCamp Portland is on track for April 23rd and unless you've been living under a rock you should know we are SOLD OUT! Yes, we filled up our 200 person capacity venue CubeSpace with 6 weeks left before the event. In addition to filling up, we have about 80 people on the waiting list.

Everything is coming into place nicely, some of the sessions are taking some form. A few things that you may get to experience while attending are:

Blogging training presented by the one and only Lorelle VanFossen.

How to engage and participate in the blogging community by Kelly Guimont.

All about Twitter and facebook by the magical, mystical Nicole Nicolay.

Perhaps a little something something about networking using Flickr by yours truly?

Maybe some teaching/training/conversation about video in real estate. Video in communication with our sphere.

I think that Lorelle might even stick around and do a presentation about the power & passion of Woopra! Can I get an AWESOME!!! Woopra rocks the analytics world and this will be an awesome opportunity.

Did I mention the WordPress Workshop? Yes, I think we may have a hands on workshop for those with laptops in hand wanting to "build one" before they go. With some of Portlands finest tech geeks on hand you will be able to get er done while onsite. This means you can go home from the event with blog up & running and only having to focus on writing content. Did I mention we will have sessions in the AM about blogging? We will.

There might even be a Bloggers Idol contest at the end of day. Who knows. You won't want to miss this.

Remember, these are a few of the things that have been discussed. Someone may show up and want to share most anything else too. Ya never know. That is the beauty of RE BarCamps.

Live video connect with RE BarCamp Phoenix? Half Baked? The skies the limit...

It's going to be a great day huh? Guess what is still missing? More sponsors!!! We have covered the venue, lunch is taken care of. Name badges are set. We have a start towards the t-shirts but we still need some more sponsors to make this event be complete. Please consider what a great opportunity this is for only $250. Yes, only $250 will get you a sponsorship (you could give more if you wanted). Please go here and click on the PayPal button and be a sponsor. We need you! Thank you so much! Please do this as soon as possible since we have to get the order in ASAP for the t-shirts.

Thanks to our official event photographer Aaron Hockley for the train photo.

Coming In April... REBarCamp Portland! Are you coming?

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:48:42 -0600

Yes, you read that right. On April 23rd, 2009 Portland will host the next Pacific NW Real Estate BarCamp. So, if you missed the Seattle BarCamp here is your chance to attend one. Maybe you were fortunate enough to make REBarCamp Seattle. Great! You can come to Portland as well.

Each REBarCamp is made up of a different group of individuals and I guarantee you'll learn new things at this one too. Maybe you can share something you learned in Seattle and have implemented in your business. Let the group know how it has worked out. Pay forward your experiences! That's what this is all about.

For those not familiar with REBarCamp's, they are about learning and using social media in the real estate industry. It is a place where we can come together and learn in a peer to peer environment. Come prepared to share what you know and ready to learn from others. Whether you have been immersed in the online world for years or just heard about facebook from your friends. This event is for you. No one is "too new" or "too uninformed" to attend.

Our event will be held at CubeSpace in Portland and seating will be limited to the first 200 people. So, make sure you can attend and then RSVP on the site. We'd love to have you. How much does it cost to attend? Great question. REBarCampPDX is FREE! Yes, the event is free due to donations by local and national sponsors. Do we have all the sponsors we need? Not yet. Our venue is covered but we still need quite a few more sponsors to cover lunch, t-shirts & the rest (you do want a t-shirt don't you). Typical sponsorship is $250 and if you have any interest in this please check it out here.

CubeSpace is rocking with WiFi so you can bring your computers, webcams and whatever else you want to use to capture and share the day with the rest of the country and world. Please pass the word to those not here at ActiveRain and to those not involved in the online world yet. Let's get them schooled. Remember, this event is not limited to just real estate agents. Lenders, inspectors, title, escrow, appraisers, stagers, virtual assistants, etc. are more than welcome to attend.

Who knows, maybe we can even get Ginger Wilcox, Todd Carpenter (new NAR Social Media Manager) and Jeff Turner to attend? How about it guys? ;?)

Blog Action Day - Landfill, Lost Kids & Underwear

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:17:59 -0500

Today is Blog Action Day and all the bloggers of the world are asked to take the day to post on one single topic. Poverty The aim is to raise awareness, initiate action and to shake the web! We are asked to discuss the issue of poverty in our own unique way within our own voice. Upon seeing this topic three different organizations immediately came to mind. Two are local to the Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR area. One focuses their attention around the world and the other focuses in our local area. The third is based in California and focuses on Africa.

Managua Dump Imagine living inside a garbage dump. Not near a dump, inside the dump! Imagine all your food, clothing and shelter comes from within this landfill. Now, imagine you have the opportunity to get to go through the garbage as it comes off the truck first. The cost? Your 10 year old daughter to be used sexually however the driver sees fit. Seems like this can't happen. Guess again. This happens everyday in the "village" of La Chureca in Managua, Nicaragua. It has been like this over 40 years. Most of them have never known anything but this. Fortunately Forward Edge International, a local Vancouver, WA organization has been serving the citizens of La Chureca since the mid-1980's. What can you do? How can you help?

Portland & Vancouver Street Kids There are thousands of kids living on the streets in the Portland & Vancouver area. Many of these kids are literally abandoned by their families. They come home to find that their family has moved away or changed the locks on them. They are "thrown away". Many resort to life on the streets where they struggle for food, water, shelter, clothing and the most basic necessities. It is a hellish existence. Fortunately there is Transitional Youth. Transitional Youth is founded by the owner of Prudential NW Properties (my brokerage). Bert E. Waugh, Jr. and his wife Susy started TY in 1991 to help get these broken kids off the streets and back into society. It only takes a moment to know that this is Bert's passion and hearts calling. Is it yours? What can you do? How can you help?

Orphans & Underwear Yes, underwear. When you put yours on you probably didn't even think about it. Imagine living in Africa where something as simple as underwear is an unattainable luxury for millions of people. That is exactly what is happening there. In addition, every single day children are orphaned into extreme poverty. Orphaned into a life we cannot comprehend. Life with no safe food, no clean water and no hope. Enter Mothers Fighting For Others. MFFO is dedicated to providing these children with the basic necessities that we provide for our own children. They will give them a roof over their heads, safe food and clean water, and a chance to learn, to grow and to thrive. A chance to have hope. This amazing organization is run by an incredible woman whose heart and soul pounds for these children. Rocky Turner has dedicated her life to give a voice to those who don't have a voice for the masses. Will you listen? What can you do? How can you help?

So, the question is simple. Will you continue to live your comfortable life complaining about tough times or stop to look around you and see how truly blessed you are? I've given you three different opportunities to help out local and across the globe. I've personally supported all three. Will you? Please search your heart and dig deeper than you think possible and help make a difference. I promise it will be the best feeling ever.

Take care, Dale Chumbley Photo credits: Managua Dump Street Kids Orphans & Underwear

Has Cancer Touched You? It Has Touched Me!

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:03:56 -0500

As a cancer survivor myself, this touches me as close as it possibly could. Not only am I a survivor, I have lost many family members and friends to this horrible disease.

10 Years ago, I finished my treatment for Hodgkin's Disease. Today I stand clean and clear. I am thankful to be here today. Unfortunately, not all are as fortunate as I have been. There is still so much to be done in research and development.

Some of you can do a little, some of you can do a lot. If each of us did something, the results would be off the charts! Please consider skipping a few drinks at Starbucks, a few lunches out, a round of golf or whatever thing you can think of to help raise funds! I promise you will feel better for it! I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart with whatever amount you can give!

Potential giving is off the charts. As I write this there are over 2,700 "Online Now". What if each of the 2,700 were to give only $10? What kind of an impact would that make? Skip a lunch and a coffee and together raise over $27,000 in just minutes! Imagine if that were to happen...

Go here to help!

Pressing on together toward a cure!

On The Border Opens In Fishers Landing Cinco de Mayo

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:17:51 -0500

Last week, Dale and I got to dine at On the Border while they were training for their grand opening. Having been raised in Southern California, I tend to be skeptical of Mexican food in the Northwest…especially if it comes in the Tex-Mex style. But I was more than pleasantly surprised by our meal.

We started with an appetizer called “Guacamole Live!” This guacamole is made to order at your table and we both agreed it was quite good. Smashed avocados, red onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, cilantro, and fresh lime juice all combined to make a fantastic guacamole. Scoop it up with the monstrously sized tortilla chips and I was more than happy!

Dale had the Border’s Best Lunch Fajitas and they looked fantastic. A taste of the chicken from Dale made me realize how good they were. Grilled chicken, onions, bell peppers, guacamole or cheese, and your choice of tortillas make this a delicious meal. Dale ordered the refried beans and rice with his meal. The refried beans were partially mashed and partially whole and looked darn good from across the table!

I ordered the Lunch Fish Tacos. I love good Ensenada style (deep fried) fish tacos so was excited that they advertised a Dos XX beer-batter. I will say just one thing: TO DIE FOR! I loved the light taste of Dos XX in the batter and they were some of the best fish tacos I have had. I also ordered the black beans which were quite tasty and healthy. The Mexican rice was, well, not exciting. But that’s OK…the rest of the meal more than made up for the rice!

One thing is for sure…Dale and I both left there feeling quite stuffed. The lunch portions were more than generous in size and the Guacamole Live only helped make our bellies quite full. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will definitely go back again.

On the Border has its grand opening on Monday, Cinco de Mayo. Located at 1505 SE 164^th Ave in the Fishers Landing neighborhood of Vancouver, WA this is one restaurant not to miss!

Take care,

Chris Hyde
Dale Chumbley

Technorati Tags: On The Border,restaurant,vancouver WA,clark County WA,fishers landing,cinco de mayo,mexican food

A Stroll On The Columbia River

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Sun, 04 May 2008 01:44:10 -0500

I have watched many Real Estate Shows videos and always loved them. I have not actually given them a shot myself due to the technology that my company provides for me. I figured it was time to give Real Estate Shows a shot and see what I think.

Let me say, I love this tool! I found it extremely intuitive and easy to use. I created this video in only about 5 or 6 minutes and I like how it turned out. You too can make these types of shows for yourself. You may find out how at www.RealEstateShows.com (it's not just for real estate!).

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Incredible Vietnamese Sandwiches Located In Vancouver, WA

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:36:35 -0600

I first discovered Vietnamese sandwiches in Seattle last year and fell in love. They are a french bread sandwich with pate, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, onions, jalapeno's (I leave them off) and your choice of meat. They are really great. When I came home I tried to find them locally with no luck...

Until now! I just discovered Tan Tan Café & Delicatessen and they make the best sandwich I have ever had. It had a ton of grilled lemongrass pork and the vegetables and pate were just right. Another great thing about the sandwiches is they range from $2.25 to $2.75, so they are most affordable.

Tan Tan Cafe is located at 316 SE 123rd Ave., Suite A3 in Vancouver, WA. You can reach them at 360-892-3400. In addition to sandwiches they offer full Vietnamese cuisine. Go and give them a shot! You won't be sorry.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Uptown Village 4th Annual Sip & Stroll December 1st

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:08:58 -0600

Attention all urbanites (or dream of being urbanites):

This Saturday, December 1st is the 4th Annual Uptown Village Sip & Stroll event. It will run from 4 to 8 p.m. and should be a great time. Tickets are $25 and will include wine samples, shopping discounts and a commemorative wine glass. $5 Tickets are available for anyone who does not to sample the wine but still wants to get the shopping discounts.

Uptown Village is located along Main Street in Vancouver, WA between Mill Plain and Fourth Plain. It is a great place with a lot of wonderful boutiques, restaurants and small shops. Come and enjoy some wine, visiting with some nice people and maybe doing a little Christmas shopping.

Last year the event sold out so you may want to buy your tickets in advance so you don't miss out. Did I mention that this is also a fundraiser for Habitat For Humanity? Well, it is! Support your local merchants and go have a great time. There will also be live music at quite a few of the locations. For all the details check out the Uptown Village Sip & Stroll website.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Vancouver, WA Real Estate Hot Spot

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:36:59 -0600

Hello Clark County,

Our October stats just came in and I thought I'd share a few things.

First off, our inventory dropped slightly from 12 months to 11.4 months. What does this mean? It means that if no new listings come on the market it will take 11.4 months to sell all the current single family residential houses currently on the market. So, if you are a seller do you want to be one that sells in the next month or two or do you want to be at the end of that time? I know where I'd want to be. Make sure you are competively priced to draw the most positive attention possible.

While the overall county is currently appreciating at an average rate of 3% from October of last year to October of this year, we had a couple areas that seem to be outperforming the rest. According to RMLS the area North of the Columbia River, South of Mill Plain, East of I-5 and west of I-205 is running between 18% to 20%. Not too shabby. The key is still making sure you are priced correctly.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Classic Vancouver Home With Apartment

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:31:33 -0600

This home is a real gem. It has been carefully restored to hold all of it's original character while bringing it into the standard of today's urban buyer.
Refinished hardwood floors, abundant built-ins, a new kitchen with stainless appliances, a fully finished lower level with family room and office.
In addition to this, you also have a separate 500 sq. ft. apartment in the back that can be rented out. It is a one bedroom that is as cute as can be. So many options available.
You are only a few blocks from Uptown Village downtown Vancouver. Starbucks, Vancouver Pizza, La Bottega, antique shopping and so much more!

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Lessons From The Trenches

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:14:38 -0600

Greetings all,

I just had a closing on a condo (my listing) and ran into an interesting scenario. I learned a valuable lesson along the way and wanted to pass it along.

The inspection request had several items on it, some for my seller and a couple that were HOA items. My seller wanted to get all the repairs done ASAP and without my knowing did their items and also the HOA items. Seemed harmless enough. Until...

Almost two weeks after closing I get a call from the selling agent letting me know that an outdoor plumbing fixture was broken and the crawlspace is filled with water and the HOA won't touch it... Because, "they didn't do the repair"! No longer seemed so harmless.

Now fingers begin to point, decisions of who does the repair begin to happen and of course the buyer now has to move in. Not fun but necessary to resolve. Through many conversations with the HOA representative, the other agent, my seller, the buyer, etc. we figure out that the repair my seller did wasn't the culprit. It was a worker the buyer hired to do some pre move in remodeling. Whew, that was close. And avoidable!

Lesson learned, if an HOA is supposed to do the repair, LET THEM DO THE REPAIR!!! Do not let your seller take it upon themselves to do repairs the HOA should do. Feel free to share this story to help others avoid the same potential problem.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley
www.LifeInClarkCounty.com
www.ClarkCountyRealEstateBlog.com

Nicaragua Thanksgiving

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:51:45 -0600

Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. KPTV Channel 12 will be airing a special presentation. It was filmed in Nicaragua. It highlights life inside the landfill outside the capital city of Managua. A whole city has been formed inside this most horrible location that lives off whatever garbage they can get.

I had the priveledge of attending a fundraiser for a local Vancouver, WA based organization, Forward Edge International this past Saturday. The event was specifically designed for this location. The work they are doing there is unbelievable.

As you are enjoying the freedom's and luxuries we all enjoy this Thanksgiving, please take 30 minutes to watch this program. If it is too late for you, set up a tape, DVR or Tivo it. You need to see what is happening and search your heart to consider helping out.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

English Estate Winery's "Fall Wine Sale and Art Fair"

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 03:32:25 -0600

This weekend and the weekend after Thanksgiving you will find a great opportunity to sample some great local wines and check out some local artisans wares.

That's right, it is the second annual Fall Wine Sale and Art Fair at the English Estate Winery. If you haven't had the chance to go and check out their wines this is an excellent time. Wine prices will be 20-30% off and the tasting is free. They are asking for non-perishable food donations which will go to the Oregon Food Bank.

Come in and try a warm spiced wine, one of their pinot noir's or whatever suits your fancy. Then purchase some wine, pick up a few Christmas gifts from the many local artists that will have their products for sale.

The event is from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 16-18 and Nov. 23-25. English Estate Winery is located at 17806 SE 1st Street. You can find them on the web at http://www.englishestatewinery.com./

Go have fun, be safe and enjoy. You really will enjoy yourself!

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Vancouver, WA Vintage Urban Homes For Sale

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 14:32:39 -0600

Today we have four new listings coming on the market. All are classic vintage homes downtown Vancouver. They range in age from the turn of the century to the mid 1930's. I have created a site where you can look at the flyers and will be able to view video slideshows once I have them finished.

Pricing will range between $329,900 to $529,900. Two of the houses have apartments that could be used as rentals as well. All are beautifully restored and ready to move into.

Check out Vancouver, WA Vintage Urban Homes to check out these wonderful homes.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Fall Back Clark County

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:17:42 -0500

It is that time again. Time to roll back the trusty clock that we set our lives to. Tonight at 2 AM we roll it back to 1 AM. This is the one that we always look forward to since we gain an hour of sleep.

This photo was taken of the Belltower at Esther Short Park downtown Vancouver. In the background you see part of Vancouvercenter condos and the Smith Tower on the right.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Happy Halloween Clark County!

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:04:22 -0500

It's going to be a wonderful day in Clark County. It started a bit chilly and foggy but that is burning off. A dry Halloween makes a safer Halloween.

This image was created in Paint as an entry into a Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest I entered. The rules were you had to use Paint to do the editing and you needed to be creative. The contest was sponsered by Teresa Boardman who is a Realtor in St. Paul, Minnesota. Teresa is not only one of the top real estate bloggers in the country but is the foremost authority on the Twin Cities. Check out her blog for some great photo's and information about St. Paul area. The cool thing is I WON! I'd like to thank my Active Rain friends, MySpace friends and any others who voted.

If you are looking for a safe place to take the kids tonight, check out Trick-or-Treat at Firstenburg. It is free to get in and open from 4-9 PM today. It is at the Firstenburg Community Center located at 700 NE 136th Ave. More info online at www.cityofvancouver.us/fcc. Be safe and have fun!

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Teresa Boardman's Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest- GO VOTE!!!

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:53:04 -0500

Hey everyone,

Today is the day to vote on Teresa Boardman's 2nd Annual Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest! I have thrown my creative hat into the ring and came up with something quite amazing if I do say so myself.

Please click here to vote! Please vote for #9!!! I need all your help to do this. I got out of the starting gate a little late and need to play catch up. Vote for #9!!!

Go vote for #9!!!

Thank you to the Academy...

Dale Chumbley

A New Photo Journey Through Clark County

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:06:57 -0500

I am starting a new phlogging adventure (no that is not something perverted). As I travel around Clark County I'll be shooting photo's of things that strike a fancy with me. I'll upload these photo's via my phone to my new site. You can get to the new site here. Sign up through the RSS to get regular updates and check back often.

My regular blog is not going away! This new adventure is more of a snapshot of Clark County and all our cities. I hope you enjoy this journey and feel free to forward it on to your friends as well.

A special thank you to Teresa Boardman for the inspiration to do this. Her AllTAllDay site is a ton of fun and I like the idea of regularly posting photo's from all around this great town I live and work in.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Clark County Pumpkin Patches

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:56:18 -0500

Clark County Pumpkin Patches

I can't believe that it is less than a week until Halloween. This year is really flying by. Since this is the last weekend for gathering those pumpkins I thought a quick guide to a few local patches would be helpful.

Joe's Place Farms - pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Precut Christmas trees, Christmas wreaths and boughs, trees tied, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, tractor-pulled hay rides and face painting. 701 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684. Phone: 360 892-3974. Email them at: joesplacefarms@comcast.net

Pomeroy Living History Farm. Pumpkin Lane will be open weekends in October.
Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm
Free admission; fees for hayrides, pumpkins, and some activities
Hayrides down Pumpkin Lane with stops at the Pumpkin Patch are $3.50 Adults and $2.50 Ages 2-11. Pumpkins are $1.00 to $6.00 depending on size.
Scarecrow-making, hay bale maze, Farm Cafe and lot's of fun.

Bi-Zi Farms offers cider pressing, pumpkin launch, a bale maze, farm animals, antique farm equipment, hay rides, pumpkin patch, live Blue Grass music and a 6-acre corn maze. Open every weekend in October; 2pm to 6pm Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday & Sunday. Nighttime corn maze open Fri & Sat til 9:30 pm...bring a flashlight!

Be safe out there and have fun!
Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

It's A Great Time To Buy!

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 23:37:04 -0500

Attention buyers! Now is a great time to consider making that offer. Interest rates are still great and there is plenty to choose from. Get off the fence, step out there and "Just Do It"!

Now that doesn't mean run around making ridiculously low offers on everything on the market. Make sure your Realtor knows the market values of the houses in the neighborhood and listen to their counsel. We are there for a reason and want to see you get the best price possible. The reason for not making insane offers is that hopefully a mutual place can be reached by the buyer and seller. If you offend the seller out of the gate, a mutual place becomes much harder to find.

Sellers, make sure you are being competitive in your pricing so that you are the most attractive to the buyer's that are looking. Listen to the market and your Realtor. If you are getting lots of showings with no offers, you need to look at your pricing. If you are not getting any showings, you need to look at your pricing. If you are trying to do it on your own, find a Realtor and listen to them!

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Courtesy 101...

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:12:10 -0500

Hey everyone,

A little lesson in common courtesy when dealing with your phone headsets. When you are talking to someone face to face, TAKE IT OFF! I'm amazed how many people leave them on while they are meeting with a client or talking to someone at a store. The person you are talking with deserves your full attention. They deserve knowing that you are actually talking with them, not someone else.

I don't always remember it is on either but am making an attempt to remember this myself. We need to focus on whomever we are speaking with and make them feel like they matter.

As the owner of our company always says:

People Will Forget What You Said, People Will Forget what You Did, But People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

WANTED: A New I-5 Bridge

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:08:48 -0500

Alright, I don't normally have to head into Portland, OR first thing in the morning but last Thursday I found myself doing just that. Let me say... we need a new bridge! What under normal circumstances would be a 15 minute drive from my house was almost a hour and twenty minutes. I'd say this exceeds an acceptable level of service.

For those of you who make this drive daily, my hats are off to you. You deserve a medal. I called a friend of mine to let him know I'd called the Vatican and nominated him for sainthood as he makes this drive everyday of every week. I don't know how he does it.
I know that the problem is being addressed, and I'll be curious to see what is decided. You can follow along with some of the potential options here. It will not be inexpensive and it will not be easy, but it is necessary! Clark County needs a smoother, less painful way to visit our great neighbor of Portland, OR.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Streets of Gold in Fisher's Landing

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:12:28 -0500

Fall is in the air and the streets are covered with gold in Fisher's Landing right now. Today I was driving through Fisher's Landing showing houses and found the area to be most beautiful.The fall colors are in full swing and the leaves are falling fast. The windstorm and rain these past few days certainly helped this process out. It is amazing how quickly things change around here.

While we are in Fisher's Landing let's talk about the Year-To-Date numbers for this great neighborhood. As of the end of September the Average Sale Price is $314,300 and the Median Sale Price is $300,000. The average days on the market is running around 50 days. We are still seeing Fisher's Landing appreciate at a rate of 5.2%.
This chart shows the Year-To-Date single family residential activity. A total of 1,082 homes have come on the market this year and just over half of those are still available. The pending sales and closed sales split the balance pretty even. If you have any questions about these numbers or about a different neighborhood just ask.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team

Clark County's New Land Bridge

Dale Chumbley (Prudential NW Properties) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:21:28 -0500

That's what this thing is. You probably have wondered as I have what they are building across Hwy 14 as you pass by Fort Vancouver. This is a natural path 40' wide crossing which will reconnect the Fort to our waterfront.

Back in the day you used to be able to walk from one to the other and as growth has happened this link was broken. Now this link is being rebuilt. This will hopefully provide a renewed appreciation of our long history with our very own Fort Vancouver and the Hudson's Bay Trading Company. Our waterfront has become a great place to enjoy wonderful food, incredible views and even a little excercise. Now that trail becomes just a little bit longer.

Through the efforts of Confluence Project members, the National Park Service, the City of Vancouver and the Washington State Department of Transportation this has been able to happen. The estimated cost of this project is $12.25 million and was funded through federal, state and private funding.

Completion of this project is slated for the end of 2007. Once it is complete make sure and get out there and take a walk to enjoy this great new feature in beautiful Clark County.

Take care,

Dale Chumbley

Clark County Real Estate Blog
The Chumbley Team