According to USA Today, AARP The Magazine, has named Wenatchee as a top choice of a place to retire.  Wenatchee, Washington ranks right behind Winchester (Virginia), Portland (Maine), Tulsa (Oklahoma) and Gainesville (Georgia) as a top spot to retire.

Check out the article, then come to Wenatchee and find out for yourself why so many people love it here!  Many come to visit... then come back to live.

If you decide to move here and are looking for a rental until you have a chance to decide what area of the valley you want to settle down in, call Coldwell Banker's Wenatchee Property Management division to arrange a rental in the Wenatchee area.

Coldwell Banker LaVigne  has a full staff of residential & commercial sales and listing agents ready to answer your questions.  So, Coldwell Banker in Wenatchee can meet all of your Wenatchee real estate needs.

Managing Broker, Property Mgr., ABR, e-Pro, GRI, PME, REI
2010 Realtor-of-the-Year NCW Assn. of Realtors
2011 Imm. Past-President NCW Assn. of Realtors
2011 Washington Assn. of Realtors Strategic Planning Task Force

Coldwell Banker LaVigne
Mailing Address: 1 S. Chelan Ave. * Wenatchee, WA 98801
Office Phone:  509-888-8887 * Carol Direct:  509-670-7840

Now that I am settled in after my move to Coldwell Banker LaVigne, we are ready to accept a few new Wenatchee property management clients.  




* Do you know how to find good quality tenants?
* Do you know how to secure a lease with a tenant? 
* Do you know how to deal with tenant deposits? 
* Do you know how to deal with tenant complaints?
* Do you know how to deal with access issues with tenants
* Do you know how to deal with collection isues with tenants
* Do youknow how to keep detailed records for the IRS? 
* Do you have reasonably priced and reliable repair and maintenance contacts? 
* Do you know all the Federal, state and local laws that apply to property management in Wenatchee? 

We always have an overflow of tenant prospects looking for rental units. 

Our primary goal at Coldwell Banker LaVigne's property management division is to maximize returns to our property owners through:
     * Timely rent collections
     * Low vacancy 
     * Controlled costs

 If you are interested in a professional property management company for your rental property in the Wenatchee area contact:  
   CarolWilliams007@aol.com
   509-670-7840

 

Managing Broker, Property Mgr., ABR, e-Pro, GRI, PME, REI
2010 Realtor-of-the-Year NCW Assn. of Realtors
2011 Imm. Past-President NCW Assn. of Realtors
2011 Washington Assn. of Realtors Strategic Planning Task Force

Mailing Address: 1 S. Chelan Ave. * Wenatchee, WA 98801
Office Phone:  509-888-8887

3 Bedroom, 2 bath Apartment: $995
Enjoy the light of vaulted ceilings in this spacious open floor plan. Newer 3 bedroom, 2 full bath apartment. Fireplace, Washer/dryer, stainless appliances, on deck storage, 2 assigned parking spaces, 1 covered. Refundable deposit. Water, sewer, garbage included in rent. Available now. Call with questions and a preview of this nice unit. Pictures are of model unit. Actual unit may have different color sceme Carol 509-670-7840 

2 Bedroom, 2 bath Apartment:  $850
Rarely available 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment at the Parkside complex on McKittrick. Central heat and air. Fireplace in living room, master with walk-in closet. In unit washer/dryer, off deck storage, 2 parking spaces. $800 refundable deposit. Pets considered with additional refundable deposit. E-mail Carol or call with questions 509-670-7840 or to make an appointment. 

As of April 1, I am now affiliated with the Wenatchee real estate office of Coldwell Banker LaVigne.  I have closed Willinger Real Estate but will still be offering the same friendly face and attempt to make my service even better, with a larger support staff.

I am very pleased and proud to be associated with this, long standing, nationally respected brand and such a great group of local people.

I am opening a Property Management division for this local Coldwell Banker franchise.    Almost all of the properties managed under Willinger real estate will be transferred to Coldwell Banker.   

At some point in time we will be expanding our rental pool but for now I am concentrating on transferring ALL the administrative duties to Coldwell Banker so I can specifically focus on securing good quality tenants and keeping them happy through good maintenance and management.

Carol K. Williams
Managing Broker, Property Manager
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO, RECS
2010 NCW REALTOR of the Year

CarolWilliams007@aol.com
509-670-7840

March 20, 2011:

As of today, I have the following rentals available...

Immediate Occupancy:   
3 bedroom,
2 full baths
Central heat & air conditioning
Fireplace
Stainless steel appliances
In unit washer/dryer
On deck storage unit
Assigned parking (covered and open)Save
$995 per month (includes water, sewer, garbage)
$900 refundable deposit

Available early April:
3 bedroom,
2 full baths
Central heat & air conditioning
Stainless steel appliances
Fireplace
In unit washer/dryer
On deck storage unit
Assigned parking (covered and open)
$995 per month (includes water, sewer, garbage)
$900 refundable deposit
Pets considered, with additional refundable deposit

* * * * *

2 bedroom
2 bath
Central heat & air conditioning
Fireplace
In unit washer/dryer
Assigned parking (covered and open)
$850 per month (includes water, sewer, garbage)
$800 refundable deposit
Pets considered, with additional refundable deposit


Contact on-site property manager, Carol Williams, for additonal information and to schedule a preview:
   CarolWilliams007@aol.com
   509-670-7840

We know by the 11th of each month what will be available for the following month. 

For more information on Wenatchee area homes and apartment units (or buildings) for rent or for sale, visit our various websites:
   Wenatchee rental information
   Carols Wenatchee real estate blog
   Search for Wenatchee real estate for sale

In addition to property management, Willinger Real Estate also represents Wenatchee real estate buyers and sellers.

Happy Spring!


Designated Broker, Property Manager
Realtor, ABR, e-PRO, REI,
2010 NCW Realtor of the Year

CarolWilliams007@aol.com
509-670-7840

Today I'd like to send kudos to Dr. Wayne Latimer's Wenatchee chiropractic and rehab clinic.

I first met Wenatchee chiropractor Dr. Latimer several years ago, quite by chance, after I had taken a very nasty fall from tripping over our lawn mower.  I had been to my primary care physician twice only to be told I had severe soft tissue bruising.  I had almost NO use of my right hand and arm after 3 weeks. Upon insistence of an x-ray (with my primary care physican 3 weeks after the fall) it was discovered I had broken my arm at the elbow!

Of course, by that time, my arm had begun to heal in the WRONG way and, had I not met Dr. Latimer, am convinced I still would not have use of my right hand and arm.   

Dr. Latimer and his wife happened to be looking at a home I had listed and, when I found out his occupation, I mentioned my arm.  He worked on it a little on the spot and invited me to his clinic for some additional therapy.  When they say God works in mysterious ways, I believe this was one of those times.

To make a long story short, after 6 weeks of therapy, my arm was back to good as new... well as new as a 50+ year old arm can be anyway!

I still go to Dr. Latimer weekly for other neck, back, and hip issues.  He and his staff keep me mobile!  

I highly recommend Dr. Latimer and his staff and his Wenatchee Chiropractic Clinic and Rehab center. Take some time to peruse his website.  It is chock full of cool information.  Then give him a call for an initial consultation.  You will be glad you did.  

The first two paragraphs on his wesite summarizes his services:  

Wenatchee chiropractor Wayne Latimer, DC and Clinic Director at the Integrative Rehab, Occupational & Sports Medicine Clinic is one of the best Rehab Specialist and Chiropractors in the Wenatcheearea specializing in high impact injury recover and rehab as well as chiropractic care and wellness. Dr. Wayne Latimer is committed to providing pain relief and pro-active injury rehabilitation for many symptoms and conditions so that you can have a higher quality of life... but is especially gifted in - and specializes in - Auto Accidents and Work Injuries. But don’t just take our word for it; visit our testimonials page to see what our patients have to say.

At our Wenatchee Rehab Clinic and Chiropractic office you will receive the best care through the use of our Specialized 5-step combination therapy program that brings the 'best practices' from all the areas of injury recovery via Medical, Chiropractic, Occupational, Rehab, and Massage therapies. Dr. Wayne Latimer and the staff at Dr. Latimer's Integrative Rehab, Occupational & Sports Medicine have a genuine concern for your well-being and health! Call us today and we can develop a chiropractic plan specific for you.

* * *

Wishing you a pain free year!

Broker/Owner, Realtor, Property Manager,
ABR, e-Pro, GRI, REI 
2011 Immediate Past President NCW Assn. of Realtors

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

One of my tasks, as a property manager, is to post ads for properties for rent in Wenatchee.  In doing so, I often peruse other rentals that are being offered so I can stay current with market conditions.  

I cringe when I see landlords post an ad that shows the rent amount the same as the security deposit amount.  For example:  Monthly rent $850, plus a deposit of $850.  

I ALWAYS make my deposit fee different than the rent amount so the tenant cannot misconstrue the deposit fee as the last months rent.   The deposit is to cover any potential damage done to the property.  It is required to be kept in a separate trust account and in no way connected to rent payments.

 

Best Regards,

Broker/Owner, Property Manager
ABR, e-PRO, GRI, REI
2010 President NCW Assn. of Realtors
CarolWilliams007@aol.com

1642 Stella Ave., #1  *  Wenatchee, WA 98801 

Today was definitely one of my favorite days as 2010 President of the NCW Association of Realtors.  As a result of our various fundraisers this year, we were able to hand out over $10,000 in checks to 8 different charities in the area.  Our two major fundraisers were a golf tournament and an Auction.

These checks went to:  Families for Kids (Foster kids), Wenatchee Adult Respite (senior citizens), Serve Wenatchee, The Salvation Army, and food banks in Leavenworth, Cashmere, Entiat, and Orondo. 

We also collected over 4,000 pounds of food on Make a difference day AND raised over $800 for the Wenatchee Wild Scholarship Foundation. 

I am constantly amazed at the incredible generosity of time our members and affiliate members give in order to make these charitable fundraisers such a great success.  Even though we all compete in the business world, we come together in full cooperation to give back to the community.

We REALTORS care about our community!

Proudly,

Carol K. Williams,
2010 President NCW Assn. of Realtors

Ok, so I've been missing in action.  My blog has suffered a serious lack of attention for quite some months.  I'm going to try to be better.  I've said it before and I'll say it again. 

With a bedridden husband at home, my Wenatchee real estate and property management business to run, and serving as 2010 President of the North Central Washington Association of Realtors... I'd say my life has been full.  I mostly scurry back and forth between home, my office, and the Association office.  I get to the store occasionally to buy groceries.   I haven't golfed since May 2009!  Sad, but true. 

I don't see things changing too much in the near future, except I will be able to step down as President next year, and move to the back seat as Immediate Past President.  Our last Past President left the business.  I have to confess, I've entertained the same thoughts.  I'll keep you posted on that.  <snicker>

I've missed blogging.  I really do enjoy it and there is so much to talk about in the real estate business these days.  So, stay tuned.  Let's see if I can make a come back!

Best Regards,

Broker/Owner, Property Manager
ABR, e-PRO, GRI, REI
2010 President NCW Assn. of Realtors
509-670-7840



1642 Stella Ave., #1 * Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone:  509-470-6012 * Fax: 509-728-9147
CarolWilliams007@aol.com

I continue to get a few inquiries for the lease-to-own program I was promoting a couple years ago.  I have discontinued my recommendation of this program, for two main reasons:

1)  Property values are so volatile right now that I hesitate to get a client locked into a price that may or may not be supported at a later date, when they are obligated to buy.

2)  Investors are no longer able to get attractive financing to purchase home for the lease-to-own buyers.

With these two factors I can't, in good conscience, recommend the program at this time.  When market and financing factors change, I may be willing to revive this program.

Until then, I suggest anyone wishing to purchase a home through the lease-to-own program should continue to rent, work on correcting any credit and income issues that restrict you from buying outright.  This will get you in a strong position to negotiate a purchase in the future.  At that time, I would love to help you find a Wenatchee home that perfectly suits your needs.

Best Regards,

Willinger Real Estate
Broker/Owner, Property Manager
2010 President NCW Assn. of Realtors

ABR, e-Pro, GRI, REI
509-670-7840

1642 Stella Ave., #1  *  Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: 509-470-6012  * Fax:  509-728-9147
CarolWilliams007@aol.com

Happy Easter Everyone!

Just wanted to post a quick note to remind you that the $8,000 and $6500 tax credits expire April 30th. 

For more information on how to take advantage of this opportunity, contact your Realtor or a mortgage professional. 

Have a great week,



Broker, Property Manager, ABR, E-Pro
2010 President NCW Assn. of Realtors

1642 Stella Ave., #1
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-470-6012

Here is what Willinger currently has available in rentals:

3 bedroom, 2 bath.  $995 per month

2 bedroom, 2 bath.  $850 per month

All come with water, sewer, garbage included in rent
Stainless steel appliances
Washer/dryer
Electric fireplace
2 parking spaces (one covered, one open

Call or write for details and/or a preview.






1642 Stella, #1
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-470-6012

CarolWilliams007@aol.com

For some reason my Charter e-mail stopped working and I have no idea what e-mail I've been missing.  I can always count on my trusty AOL account that I've had forever, so please use that for all future correspondence!!!

   CarolWilliams007@aol.com 

Thanks,

Carol

I actually never went away, but the blog has been orphaned for quite a while.    Based on the date of my last post (May 9, 2009) I can see that was just before I broke my back and went into crisis mode.

I have never been in such pain, but while I laid in bed groaning, I continued to work with the aid of my blackberry and cell phone.  Awwww, the wonders of technology. 

Now, 10 months later, my back still has lingering issues but I am still working, selling real estate and doing a lot of property management.  We are finding the Wenatchee real estate market relatively healthy compared to many parts of the country.  Our diverse economy is a blessing.

I was also elected 2010 President of the North Central Washington Association of Realtors so that's another responsibility I fit in during my spare time.  Did I say "spare time"?  Silly me. 

Well, hopefully, I will be better at posting because there is a lot to talk about in the world of real estate these days!

Best Regards,

CarolWilliams007@aol.com
509-670-7840

Following are links to the current condo listing by market area:


Wenatchee Condos for sale
East Wenatchee Condos for sale
Cashmere Condos for sale
Leavenworth Condos for sale


These links will be active for 30 days, but inventory changes constantly so please contact us for the most up-to-date information.


If you have questions or want additional information on any of the listed inventory, please contact:

   The Willinger Real Estate (and Property Management) Team
   Carol Williams  CarolWilliams@charter.net
   Shelley Granger  ShelleyGranger@charter.net


Have a great week!




         

 The April Wenatchee Real Estate SNAPSHOT published by Pacific Appraisal Associates could make for some interesting, and encouraging, conversation.  Will get an analysis published soon!


The market across the country seems to be improving and Wenatchee is still among the best in the nation. 


Hope you're all enjoying a great Spring.

The coming of Spring is always highlighted by the anticipation of a new baseball season.  As always, I remain hopeful the Seattle Mariners can do well.  But, I'm not just a good time fan (although 2001 was my fav) and I'll enjoy the season no matter what... because there is always next year.

The Wenatchee real estate market seems to be coming alive with the spring bulbs and buds.  The combination of low interest rates, plentiful inventory, excellent pricing and happy spring weather seems to be bringing serious back out of hibernation.

In addition to the locals shifting from one home to another, we are also seeing out-of-towners and out-of-staters coming to Wenatchee once again.

The winter was a bit slow for sales.  A quick review of the "SNAPSHOT" put out by Pacific Appraisal Associates shows sales activity down about 33% for the same period last year (February), yet the average sales price was only down about 3%.  This shows, inspite of the slowdown, our market remained relatively strong.   Still we have plenty of inventory and there are a lot of motivated sellers ready to sell their homes and move on.

We, at Willinger Real Estate, remained busy through the winter with our growing Property Management division.  We are showing investors higher returns through controlled maintenance costs and low vacancy rates.

Hopefully, I'll be able to spend more time keeping up with this blog and keeping you informed about current news in the local Real Estate market.

Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor... or looking for a rental contact the Willinger Real Estate Team:
   Carol Williams  CarolWilliams@charter.net 
   Shelley Granger  ShelleyGranger@charter.net
   WillingerRealEstate.com 

Happy Spring!


For current Wenatchee real estate news, info and trends visit our various websites:
  Free search of all Wenatchee MLS homes and land for sale
  Current Wenatchee Condo info
  Current Wenatchee Rental info

* * * *

Willinger Real Estate
1642 Stella Ave., #1 * Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone: 509-470-6012 * Fax: 509-664-5088   
         

The final 2008 Wenatchee area real estate numbers came out last week from Pacific Appraisal Associates. 

I'm not exactly sure how to interpret them but I'll give it a go. 

Nationally, sales and price numbers are down dramatically.  Locally, our sales numbers are down dramatically but the actual median and average sales prices are only down slightly.   I don't know exactly what this means but apparently, inspite of the slow down, sellers have not gotten desperate yet. 

Having said that, however, we real estate agents are getting bombarded with messages with price reductions and pleas for offers on current listings. 

We do still have sales activity.  I would have thought what is selling is in the bargain price ranges, which WOULD bring down the median and average prices but that is, apparently, not what's happening. 

In spite of what is happening nationally, Wenatchee real estate still seems to be weathering the "storm" fairly well.  We are NOT immune to nationwide economics.  As one commenter pointed out... we are not in a bubble. 

But, it's a relative thing.  We are not seeing the same percentage of foreclosures or unemployment.  We are, however, experiencing serious financing restrictions which is keeping a lot of potential buyers from consummating their puchases. 

So... with all that having been said, real estate is still one of the better investments (in my humble opinion).  And, I'm not just saying that because I sell real estate, although that's a good reason.   In the worst of the worst of the worst areas, do you know of any real estate that has lost ALL of it's value?  No!  The worst I've heard varies from 30% to 40% downturn.  That's in areas like California, Nevada, and Florida.   Some high profile companies are now worth NOTHING.  Real estate may have it's ups and downs but it will NEVER be worth NOTHING. 

It's a sobering time on many levels in this country (and around the world).  We will see many changes... most I'd say will, ultimately, be for the good (albeit painful for a while). 

So, we will get through this crazy time and move forward.

Have a great week-end,

For customized service, contact the Willinger Real Estate Team:
Carol Williams  CarolWilliams@charter.net
Shelley Granger  ShelleyGranger@charter.net  

FREE search of all Wenatchee MLS homes and land for sale
Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends
Current Wenatchee rentals available from Willinger

* * * * *

Information is FREE:
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless

www.WillingerRealEstate.com
Willinger Real Estate (& Property Management)
Carol Williams CarolWilliams@charter.net
Shelley Granger ShelleyGranger@charter.net


1642 Stella Ave., #1 * Wenatchee, WA 98801
Office: 509-470-6012

It was extremely sad to hear, and read, about the big fire at the Fontanelle condominiums in Wenatchee over the week-end.   According to reports, 6 condos were totally lost, eleven more were evacuated and there may be damage to others.  Monetary damage estimates are up to $2million. 

 
Although, one can never replace certain family treasures, it is a good time to remember to carry adequate contents insurance.  This is true for homeowners, tenants and investors.


So, a reminder to investors:  Do you encourage your tenants to get contents insurance?  If not, I highly recommend you do something to verify you have recommended it. 


A reminder to tenants:  Do you have contents insurance on your personal belongings.  Your landlord has insurance on the structure but not YOUR personal belongings.  The cost isn't as much as you might think... probably about $15 per month for $30,000 of coverage.


A reminder to homeowners:  Your homeowners policy covers the structure and an allowance for contents.  However, if you have irreplaceable family treasures (pictures in particular), I suggest you get copies put on a CD and put them in a safe place such as a safe deposit box.  I had ALL of my old family pictures put on CD and they have been safely tucked in our Safe Deposit Box at a bank for several years. 


My sincere sympathies to all the families affected by the recent fire.  By the grace of the Good Lord, no-one was hurt. 


Best Regards,


Broker, ABR, E-PRO, GRI
2009 President-Elect NCW Assn. Realtors

Information is FREE:
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless 

www.WillingerRealEstate.com
Willinger Real Estate (& Property Management)
Carol Williams CarolWilliams@charter.net
Shelley Granger ShelleyGranger@charter.net


1642 Stella Ave., #1 * Wenatchee, WA 98801
Office:  509-470-6012

I'm still waiting for the Wenatchee, Washington area 2008 year-end statistics to be published by Pacific Appraisal in their monthly SNAPSHOT.  I did notice however, while comparing October to November, that average AND median prices were up slightly in November over October. 


The price increases aren't much, but any rise is a good sign.  I'll be anxious to compare the December statistics.  Are things starting to loosen up and gain some semblance of normalcy again? 


Stay tuned...



Broker, Realtor, ABR, e-PRO
Willinger Real Estate
1642 Stella Ave. * Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-470-6012


For customized service contact the Willinger Real Estate team today:
Carol Williams  CarolWilliams@charter.net
Shelley Granger  ShelleyGranger@charter.net


Current Wenatchee Real Estate news, info & trends
Current Wenatchee Condo news, info & trends
FREE search of the entire Wenatchee MLS 
Wenatchee Parkside Condo news & info