One of the communities favorite events of the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee is the Youth Parade, held the first Saturday of the Festival.

This event is purely for the kids at Apple Blossom time.   The schools have bands, and floats and other kid related businesses have entries as well, and kids of all sizes can just walk along the route. 
One of the marching bands


Here are some of the pictures from today's parade.  The first photo is the John Newbery Elementary School Float, "A Slice of Paradise".  My friend and business partner, Shelley Granger (waving in the picture), was the chairperson of the committee for designing and constructing the float, featuring a monster red apple at the end of the rainbow.  She had a wonderful group of volunteers to help and they spent the entire week before the parade putting it together.   


In my humble opinion, it was the most fun and colorful entry in the parade.  I might be slightly biased, but I don't think so.   I could see the big red apple from way up the parade route, so knew they were coming!  Shelley... you and your crew are awesome!


Here are some more pictures.  Sorry they aren't better organized.  I'm having some trouble with the formatting features.      





And, here is a link to another post on my Active Rain Wenatchee real estate blog, with more pictures of the youth parade this morning.  
 

In spite of the unseasonably cool weather this year, it's a fun and exciting time of year in Wenatchee, Washington.  This time of year is full of very fun and unique activities in the Wenatchee valley.  I've been so busy with life and work, I've missed writing about many of them, but do want to mention a few and give you some links to read more, and access pictures, if you're inclined. 


Yesterday, Thursday April 24th, was the first official day of the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, held in Wenatchee every year.  This is a VERY BIG deal here with 11 days full of activities.  Click on the above link to have access to all the details of events that will be taking place in the "Apple Capital of the World" over the next several days.   I can't even begin to list all the events and activities here.




Volunteer Crew for the Newbery Elementary School Youth Parade FloatTomorrow is the Youth Parade.  This picture, to the left, is an insiders sneak peak at the John Newbery Elementary School's entry in the youth parade. Click on the image to enlarge and see the smiling faces of these awesome volunteers.  My friend and business partner, Shelley Granger (in the Mickey Mouse t-shirt), was the chairperson for this committee and they worked really hard all week to design and construct this masterpiece, "A Slice of Paradise".  The parade starts at Triangle Park at 11:00 a/m, going down Orondo, north on Mission, ending at Fifth Street. 


Next Saturday will be the Grand finale event of the Festival... the Grand Parade. 




And... building up to Apple Blossom festival are several other major events:


* The hugely popular Ridge to River Relay has a separate event for kids and adults.   Click on the link to get results, info, and lots of pictures of the youth and adult events.


* The Wenatchee Marathon  benefits cancer research and local charities.  Over $8,000 was raised this year.    Shelley was part of a relay team for this event and it was so much fun to go cheer her on. She's not really a runner person but she trained for the event and did awesome.  Even the early morning snow could not dampen their team community spirit. 


When this years events are over, planning will begin almost immediately for next year.   It's all a HUGE undertaking, with hundreds of volunteers for the various events. 



Have a great week-end,













Thinking of buying or selling real estate?  Contact the Top Team today:
Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com


Remember:
Information is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless

SR 28:  A very inconvenient, but necessary, road closure of Hwy 28 (at Rock Island Dam) will take place from Friday, March 28th, to Friday April 4th.  The road closure is for the purpose of rock stabilization of the cliffs bordering the highway near the dam. 


One of the head project managers I spoke to says they hope to have the road open ahead of schedule, but for planning purposes, you need to figure that you will NOT be able to get to Quincy from Wenatchee (or vice versa) unless you want to take a very long detour (either through Waterville or via Ellensburg).  Both of those options make me tired just thinking about it!


* * * * *


Western Avenue:  Western Avenue between Fifth Street and Washington will be closed for about three weeks (from March 28th - April 18th) while Chelan Country PUD crews make local water system improvements.

The road will be open at nights and week-end, but traffic will be detoured to Miller Street from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. week-days.


For current Wenatchee real estate news, info and trends contact the Top Team:
Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com


FREE search of the entire Wenatchee MLS
Current Wenatchee condo info


Remember: 
Information is Free.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless



Have a great week-end!

Looking for a full sized house to rent in Wenatchee?  We will have two excellent rental homes coming up in April.  One in Wenatchee.  One in East Wenatchee.



Weatchee 4 bedroom rentalApril 1st:  Nearly new 4 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath conveniently located in Wenatchee. 

$1450 per month







Early May: 
4 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath on The Plateau in East Wenatchee.  
Lease-to-own would be considered.  Terms to be negotiated.

Rental rate:  $1495 per month





For more information contact the Top Team:
Carol Williams TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com 

Could this be a home?When I took a few minutes this morning to revisit some of my old posts on my Active Rain blog, I came across one that I wanted to bring forward and post here.  The original article was written as a challenge from one of the other Active Rain members and this is just my contribution to the question:
    "What Makes A House A Home". 

I would love to hear your comments on what makes a house a home... or if you even make a distinction between the two words.

Have a great week-end!







Remember:

Information Is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless
For professional, customized real estate service contact the TOP Team:

Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

FREE Search of all Wenatchee area homes and land for sale 
Current Wenatchee real estate info, news, and trends
Current Wenatchee condo info, news, and trends

Yesterday, Washington's governor Christine Gregoire gave her beginning of the year State-of-the-State Speech to a joint session of the Washington State Legislature.


The economic news in Washington is very good.  Exports are up substantially, Unemployment is down, and employment opportunities have increased considerably. 


If the news for Washington is good, the economic outlook for Wenatchee is among the strongest in the state.  We continue to have a strong and diverse economy, fueling further demand for housing from people wanting to move here to work, retire, or for week-end play.  


Housing prices have stabilized some over the winter and I anticipate appreciation will slow from the frenzy of 25% per year during last two years.  I still expect home values to increase, not decline, unlike other parts of the country. 


Life in Wenatchee is good!







For customized and personalized service contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams   TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com


Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends

FREE search of all Wenatchee homes and land for sale

Happy New Year from beautiful Wenatchee in the winter.  This picture was taken this week, looking north toward Canada, from where the mighty Columbia River flows down into and through Wenatchee.    On the left side of the picture, the clump of evergreens on the hillside is OHME Gardens.


Shelley and I want to thank all of our wonderful clients who have become valued friends! 


Best Wishes...









FREE Search of the entire Wenatchee MLS (homes, condos, land, investments, farms, etc) 

Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends


Remember:
Information Is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless



Contact the TOP Team today:

Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Did you know the Washington State Department of Transporation has a blog?   I discovered this as a result of my daily Google alert for anything related to "Wenatchee".  A story came through about a local family, Russ and Sheila Fode and their two children, who escaped what could have been a tragedy when a tree came tumbling down over the highway on Snoqualmie Pass.  Fortunately, no-one was hurt but it seriously snarled traffic.  Anyway, they quickly sprung into action, coordinating the efforts of other stranded drivers, to get the tree cleared and everyone on their way again.   Read the entire article here.


Check out the blog. I bookmarked it so I can check back often. They're posting all kinds of interesting stuff to keep us informed about what's happening at the DOT and how our tax dollars are being used (and asking for our input). Plus, there are lots of useful links at the site too.


Happy Holidays!

 

 

* * * * *

FREE search of the entire Wenatchee MLS for homes and land for sale

Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends



Remember: 
Information Is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless



Call the TopTeam today:

Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com 

Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Click on image to enlargeThere are many beautifully decorated homes around the Wenatchee Valley this Christmas season, but there is one that I have never seen before.  This home is at the corner of Tyler and Miller (near Ernies Market) and is sooooo cool.  The lights have been synchronized to flash on and off to the beat of the music (you tune your radio to FM 97.1).  It is really a hoot.  


If you have to, make a special trip after dark this holiday season.  I'm not sure how much longer it will be up but probably at least through New Years Day.   


This picture does not do the place justice.  You have to see it to believe it!


Happy Holidays!













Free search of the entire Wenatchee MLS
Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends

 
























This "Dummies" book can NOT be purchased over the counter, but if you want to buy or sell a home in the Wenatchee area you CAN get customized service by contacting the TOP Team:
Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com


FREE search of all homes and land in the Wenatchee MLS
Current Wenatchee condo news, info and trends 


Happy Holidays,

Here is a list of the current house rentals (and Lease / Purchases) available through Top Properties Property Management Division:



4150 April Drive * Wenatchee, WA 98801

5 bedroom, 4 baths

Over 1 acre with fabulous views

Contemporary design and color

Available month-to-month

Rent $2500 negotiable, depending on circumstances

Outright purchase this beautiful home for $649,000


* * * * *

1908 Mulberry Lane * Wenatchee, WA 98801

For Rent or Lease/Purchase

3 bedroom, 2 bath

Popular Western Heights neighborhood

Rent: $1550 negotiable, depending on circumstances

Lease-to-own terms negotiable at today's list price of $289,000+


* * * * *


729 Monroe St. * Wenatchee, WA 98801

For Rent or Lease/Purchase

3 bedroom, 1 bath

Close to schools, pool, parks, hospital, etc.

$995 per month negotiable, depending on circumstances

Lease-to-own terms negotiable at todays' list price of $159,900+



* * * * *

For additional information on any of these rentals contact the TOP Team:

Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com 


Note:  We do not handle Section 8 rentals

In late September, I posted a little blurb about my experience in dealing with the local health care providers, due to a broken arm I suffered in early August.  In that article I expressed my frustration with the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center and how very fortunate I was to have discovered the practice of Dr. Wayne Latimer, a Wenatchee Chiropractor and Sports Injury Recovery Specialist. 


Since that time, I have continued to go to Dr. Wayne (as I call him) and continue to be pleased and impressed.... so impressed, as a matter of fact, I took my husband who has long suffered from back and hip pain and mobility issues.  My husband, mind you, has NEVER been willing to go to a chiropractor or anyone that was going to mess with his back.   He's known too many people who have had bad experiences.  Even my husband is now a BIG Dr. Wayne fan!  He keeps telling me over and over how much better he feels.


Obviously, I highly recommend Dr. Wayne Latimer... Wenatchee's Best Chiropractor and Sports Injury Recover Specialist!   When he gets his website up and running, I'll post a link.  In the meantime, if you want to contact him he is listed in the phone book under:  Latimer's Injury Recovery Room & Sports Clinic.  Or call, or e-mail me for his contact info.

Here's to good health!

 

TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

Fall foliage in the Tumwater Canyon along the Wenatchee River. Click on image to enlargeOver on my Active Rain blog, I've posted a Fall foliage photo challenge.   At the bottom of the blog post you can post a comment and insert a picture of your own if you have one to share. 

I Love Fall!


Have a great week-end!

Beautiful Maple in the Wenatchee Cemetary.  Click image to enlarge.I love Fall and find myself constantly gawking around enjoying the Fall colors and looking for photo opportunities.   The chilly nights are a sure sign that winter isn't far away.   The skiers are getting excited about the first snows in the Cascade Mountains.

Birch trees at the USDA Lab

I've always loved the row of birch trees along Western Avenue in front of the WSU/USDA lab in Wenatchee and the Fall is my favorite.  My husband, Max, was the research leader for many years at the USDA Agricultural Research Service lab before he retired in 1995.


Looking south from the driveway:


The  Birch Trees at the labs are an annual treat during the transition into winter.

Fall Foliage At The Wenatchee RiverI get this question asked all the time.  "How is the real estate market?"  "Are you still keeping busy"?   The national attention to the "real estate slowdown" and talk of a "bubble bust" has everyone wondering if Wenatchee, which has been enjoying national attention as the #1 appreciating market in the nation, is still going strong.


Wenatchee IS still going strong. We are still busy with buyers and sellers. However, the local market, in general, seems to be experiencing a temporary slowdown due to seasonal circumstances, some subprime meltdown financing woes, AND buyers waiting for properties to sell elsewhere.  We have many buyers with properties for sale in other parts of the country.  When those properties sell they will be re-buying here. 


Demand is still strong and  I predict pent-up demand will continue to grow and we will experience another surge in the Spring.    If you are a buyer, now is a great time to buy while inventory is up and sales are down.  If you are a seller, your property WILL sell if you price it right.  Now is not the time to test the market.  Price your home right for a quick sale and take advantage of the increased inventory of homes on the market to get a great buy.


As you can tell, I am still very bullish on Wenatchee.  Although I wrote it last December, here is a link to an article that is still timely.  It outlines the economic climate and why local real estate is still, and will continue to be, in high demand. 










Remember:

Information Is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless



Contact the TOP Team today:

Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Natural Wonders Landscaping at the corner of Hwy. 2 and 207 (Coles Corner). Click image to enlarge.I love the four seasons in the Wenatchee Valley but Fall is my absolute favorite.  Every year about this time my husband and I make a special trip from Wenatchee up the Tumwater Canyon, which runs west from Leavenworth toward Everett.  


Going through the Tumwater Canyon in early October is like driving through some sort of a painting by an artist who couldn't put his paints away.  We always make several stops along the way to take photos and enjoy the scenery.  Yesterday was the day.  It was a classic Fall day, but the sun only showed through now and then so the colors weren't as intense as they might have been.  Still, it was fabulous.   
Tumwater Canyon: Mass color from the Wenatchee River level to the top of the Cascade Mountain range ridge. Click on image to enlarge


See, I get so enthralled with talking about the beautiful array of colors, I almost forgot about the purpose of this post... to feature a business I've always enjoyed as we drive by on my way through the canyon.   



Natural Wonders Landscape. You must click on the picture to enlarge and get a better view of all the critters sitting on and carved into the stumpsNatural Wonders has a huge section on the corner of  US Hwy 2 and 207 (Coles Corner). They have a wonderful display of their landscaping ideas. 


At Natural Wonders, there are all kinds of wooden carved critters scattered throughout the grounds, old equipment (some still in use), and stacks of firewood in preparation for the upcoming winter.

 



Have a wonderful day!

 

I love the beautiful colors of Fall in the Wenatchee ValleyI've been called by a few reporters in the past, but it always amazes me when they find me in the masses of other available agents.   They, of course, find me through my Wenatchee real estate blog or my Wenatchee real estate website which both enjoy very high Google rankings. 


Today I was contacted by reporters from two different publications.  The day began with a call from Money Magazine in New York.  They were doing a story on the real estate markets that seem to be maintaining a decent level of activity in spite of the downturn in many markets across the nation.  As you all know, I am still very bullish on Wenatchee.... for all the reasons I've written about in previous blog entries.


Later in the day, I was called by a reporter at the Wenatchee World newspaper.  They were doing an interesting story about street names and whether I have had any experience with people choosing to (or not) to buy a home based on the name of the street.  My only contribution to that story was that I don't think people moving to the area have ever indicated any preference based on street names.  However, I do believe people who have lived here for a while have pre-conceived notions about what streets they do or do not want to live on based on the "reputation" of the neighborhood.


Anyway, please watch for future issues of those publications to see if either (or both)  actually quote me in print AND if they make me sound like a dork.  I thought my interviews sounded fairly intelligent but it doesn't always translate in print, after editing!

Stay tuned for the outcome...

Remember:
Information is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless

For current Wenatchee real estate news, info and trends contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com

Wenatchee, WA:  Still the #1 rated appreciating market in the U.S.I work with a lot of investors.  Used to be they could buy an investment property with 5% down.  That disappeared recently.  10% is the current minimum.  Rumor is that within 90 days (or less) the minimum down will be increased to 20%.  This is going to seriously affect your ROI. 

To most effectively leverage your money, I recommend you step up and identify a property now before the upfront investment requirements change. 


The OFHEO continues to rate Wenatchee as the #1 appreciating market in the nation.  Wenatchee real estate is still a great investment.  Contact me today for my current predictions and recommendations.  TopTeamCarol@gmail.com

Have a great week-end,








Wenatchee MLS search of homes and land for sale
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Looking north from Three Lakes Golf Course, hole #7My apologies for the lack of posts lately.  It's not that I'm not keeping up with the market.  Quite the contrary.  We continue to be busy... BUT I'm also still healing from a broken arm (near the elbow), which has hampered my keyboarding skills. 

The broken arm is a result of taking a flying leap onto a concrete pad (August 7th) when I tried to step over the lawnmower. That put an immediate end to my bid to repeat as Ladies Club Champion at Three Lakes Golf Course.

Next time I need to walk around the mower before trying to make any adjustments. Thought I had broken both of my arms at the time, but only one continued to hurt. Went to the doctor a week later. He was convinced nothing was broken, so sent me home telling me to be patient. Still no relief after a month so went back to the doctor. He begrudgingly had x-rays taken to discover I had a broken arm (bone near my elbow). No wonder it still hurts.  The osteo doctor told me to be patient and expect ongoing pain for 4 - 6 months.  He made NO treatment recommendations. 

There's more to that story of disappointment with the care at the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center but, through nothing short of a miracle, I found a wonderful injury recovery rehab specialist  with a chiropractic background who is finally helping me... Dr. Wayne Latimer, located on S. Chelan Street (across from the Doll House of Photography) in Wenatchee.  This guy knows and promotes whole body treatment and understands everything in the body ties together.  As he kindly explained to me, we evolved as embryos from one cell in our mother's womb and developed and grew from there.  It only makes sense every cell in our body is tied together directly or indirectly.   I would place Dr. Wayne Latimer in the category of:  Wenatchee's best chiropractor, and the best sports injury recovery specialist.

Anyone suffering from an injury, muscle or back related pain (or age related issues) should make arrangements for a consultation with Dr. Wayne Latimer.  e-mail me for his contact info. 

      Carol Williams   TopTeamCarol@gmail.com 

Flying over WenatcheeIronically, one day after my "bullish" post on Wenatchee, the local newspaper (The Wenatchee World) came out with an article confirming my opinion.  Even though the market has slowed some, which is not necessarily a bad thing, our appreciation factor is still high AND we are leading the nation! 


As I said, the economic climate is so healthy and our lifestyle appeal so strong, the market will stay vibrant.  


I am still convinced, the current "slowdown" is mainly a result of the lending correction going on.  This will get resolved and we can get back to a more normal selling atmosphere.   There is also a factor of prices having risen so much that a percentage of people can not afford to buy.  For investors this relates to a continued strong demand for rental housing... but that's a subject for a post another time.


Remember... 
Information is FREE.  Knowledge, Experience, & Integrity Are Priceless 


Search ALL Wenatchee houses for sale through the local MLS
Keep up with news on Wenatchee condos 
Keep up with news on Leavenworth condos


If you want customized service or have real estate questions contact the TOP Team:
Carol Williams   TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
Shelley Granger  TopTeamShelley@gmail.com


Have a great week-end!