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Wenatchee Fall Construction Race

By
Mortgage and Lending with Peoples Bank NMLS 500247

 

It's that time again; every Fall in the Wenatchee area, builders scramble to get their foundations poured before it freezes, giving them a chance to get their homes framed in so they can work inside during the Winter.  Some years have been mild, where you could excavate and pour concrete all Winter long.  But more typically, we see someone get a late start and be delayed for 2 months and finally pour in February.

 

Good news this year for people planning a custom home, many good builders are holding off on their spec building to see where the market goes. This means these top builders are available for your custom project.  If you have a piece of land and have been waiting to build that house, this is a great time.

 

I spoke recently with three top architects in our area, and they say they are all very busy with custom home designs; so if you still need plans, I would be getting your appointment set.

 

Also, construction is sort of immune from the recent mortgage woes as the lot loans and custom construction loans are generally funded directly by the bank, and/or they are backed by one of the large agencies like Fannie Mae.  The problems in the mortgage market are primarily related to "Secondary Financing" from hedge funds and mortgage bonds.

 

If you have never had a construction loan before, fear not! , 90% of people who come looking to get a construction loan are also first-timers, so we will walk you through the whole process. Here is a brief overview of how construction loans work.

 

If you need a recommendation for sub-contractors or builder, I'd be happy to help. For the Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan, Okanogan areas, you can also contact the Homebuilders Association for referrals.

Comments(3)

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA
Good Job Darel.  Keep the articles coming. 
Oct 14, 2007 05:15 PM
J Perrin Cornell
Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate - Wenatchee, WA
Broker, ABR, VAMRES

Darel, I have noticed a marked adjustment in lot prices too. We have gone from virtually zero lots to a decent supply with more good ones coming on soon. I think in the Spring builders will again start to take down a few lots and start building for the spec market. At the same time I am seeing a stronger market this month over last month or at least indications of one. So construction down into winter and starts down, Slight market up tick eats into inventories. Sellers are facing reality the every house cannot sell for 200 per sq foot and 150 is not a bad number either. By Spring I think the inventory and builders offerings will be a little behind the power curve. Leading to a strong (not necessarily hot) Spring and early summer.

And if you doubt this just look at guvmnt actions. They will be all poised to help out jst at the time the market helps itself...lol

Oct 15, 2007 02:08 AM
Geordie Romer
Windermere Real Estate / NCW - Leavenworth, WA
Serving Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee, and Plain

Darel-

Thanks for the post. I think it is a good reminder for folks that some of these spec builders who have existing inventory are motivated to clear it out before winter comes. Now may be a good time to buy a spec house instead of next Spring.

Oct 15, 2007 03:10 AM