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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v4.1.2 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Tue, 13 May 2008 03:56:58 GMT--><rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:rss="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:cc="http://web.resource.org/cc/"><rss:channel rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/"><rss:title>Wenatchee real estate blog</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/</rss:link><rss:description>Wenatche Real Estate</rss:description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><dc:date>2008-05-13T03:56:58Z</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.squarespace.com/">Squarespace Site Server v4.1.2 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</admin:generatorAgent><rss:items><rdf:Seq><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/29/wenatchee-marathon-2008.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/26/wenatchee-apple-blossom-youth-parade-2008.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/26/washington-state-apple-blossom-festival-and-more.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/19/wenatchee-named-a-top-vacation-rental-market.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/1/sr-28-to-re-open-ahead-of-schedule.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/21/wenatchee-important-road-closure-info.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/14/upcoming-wenatchee-rental-homes-31408.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/14/wenatchee-condo-info-march-14-2008.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/28/wenatchee-home-inspection-part-2.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/27/and-the-winnder-is-wenatchee-again.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/23/not-all-home-inspections-are-created-equal.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/23/wenatchee-still-one-of-the-greenest-in-the-nation.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/10/wenatchee-the-housing-predictor.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/9/what-makes-a-house-a-home.html"/><rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/4/wenatchee-real-estate-2007-market-summary.html"/></rdf:Seq></rss:items></rss:channel><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/29/wenatchee-marathon-2008.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee Marathon 2008</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/29/wenatchee-marathon-2008.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-29T00:05:49Z</dc:date><dc:subject></dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FShelleys%2520team%2520Wen%2520Marathon%25202008.jpg&imageTitle=173989-1527233-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=596,height=413,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 139px" alt="173989-1527233-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1527233-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Shelley's Wenatchee Marathon relay team.&nbsp;&nbsp; This picture was staged because they each ran an individual leg, but it's a great picture of the awesome 5... Zoe, Shelley, Diane, Meghan, and Natalie. <br /><em>Click on image to enlarge</em></span></span>Last week I briefly mentioned the <a href="http://wenatcheemarathon.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee Marathon</a> in one of my <a href="http://appleblossom.org/" target="_blank">Washington State Apple Blossom Festival</a> related articles.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me (which is a very rare instance) so I didn't have any pictures to post.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />The Marathon was held on April 19th and the runners were surprised to be greeted by snow when they woke up, and during the start of the race.&nbsp; The inclement weather didn't last long and it turned out to be a good race day.<br /><br /><br />My good friend and business partner, Shelley Granger, was part of a relay team with 4 of her friends.&nbsp; Shelley ran one of the 10K legs and was the first runner for her team. &nbsp; Shelley's husband, Keith, did the full marathon and qualified for the Boston Marathon for the <span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FShelley%2520%2520Keith%2520Wen%2520Marathon%25202008.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1527251-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=800,height=600,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px" alt="173989-1527251-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1527251-thumbnail.jpg" /></a></span>second year in a row.&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Shelley &amp; Keith in the snow before the beginning of the race. Click on image to enlarge</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />* The <a href="http://wenatcheemarathon.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee Marathon </a>&nbsp;benefits cancer research and local charities.&nbsp; Over $8,000 was raised this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There were a total of 5 various events for runners AND walkers, including a special race for kids.<br /></p>* * * * * * * * * *<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Remember:&nbsp; <br />Information Is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience, &amp; Integrity Are Priceless<br /><br /><br /></em>Contact the TOP Team today:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> &nbsp;<br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/26/wenatchee-apple-blossom-youth-parade-2008.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee: Apple Blossom Youth Parade 2008</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/26/wenatchee-apple-blossom-youth-parade-2008.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-26T21:03:17Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Miscellaneous news, info, ramblings</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 736px; height: 676px" alt="Youth%20Parade%20SG%202008050.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Youth%20Parade%20SG%202008050.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1209249453359" /></span>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. <br /><br />This event is purely for the kids at Apple Blossom time.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; <span class="thumbnail-image-float-right"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FYouth%2520Parade%25202008034.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1522495-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=2048,height=1536,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px" alt="173989-1522495-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1522495-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">One of the marching bands </span></span><br /><br /><br />Here are some of the pictures from today's parade.&nbsp; The first photo is the John Newbery Elementary School Float, &quot;A Slice of Paradise&quot;.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; She had a wonderful group of volunteers to help and they spent the entire week before the parade putting it together.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />In my humble opinion, it was the most fun and colorful entry in the parade.&nbsp; I might be slightly biased, but I don't think so.&nbsp;&nbsp; I could see the big red apple from way up the parade route, so knew they were coming!&nbsp; Shelley... you and your crew are awesome! <br /><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FYouth%2520Parade%25202008004.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1522663-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=2048,height=1536,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 120px; height: 90px" alt="173989-1522663-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1522663-thumbnail.jpg" /></a></span><br /><br />Here are some more pictures.&nbsp; Sorry they aren't better organized.&nbsp; I'm having some trouble with the formatting features.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FYouth%2520Parade%25202008019.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1522612-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=2048,height=1536,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 120px; height: 90px" alt="173989-1522612-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1522612-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And, here is a link to another post on <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/carolwilliams" target="_blank">my Active Rain Wenatchee real</a><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/carolwilliams" target="_blank"> estate&nbsp;blog</a>, with <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/485991/Wenatchee-More-Youth-Parade" target="_blank">more pictures </a>of the&nbsp;youth parade this morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br /><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FYouth%2520Parade%25202008016.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1522608-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=2048,height=1536,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img alt="173989-1522608-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1522608-thumbnail.jpg" /></a> <span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><br /></span></span><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FYouth%2520Parade%25202008041.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1522622-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=2048,height=1536,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img alt="173989-1522622-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1522622-thumbnail.jpg" /></a></span><br />]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/26/washington-state-apple-blossom-festival-and-more.html"><rss:title>Washington State Apple Blossom Festival (and more)</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/26/washington-state-apple-blossom-festival-and-more.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-26T04:08:14Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Miscellaneous news, info, ramblings</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In spite of the unseasonably cool weather this year, it's a&nbsp;fun and&nbsp;exciting time of year&nbsp;in Wenatchee, Washington.&nbsp; This time of year is full of very fun and unique activities in the Wenatchee valley.&nbsp; I've been so busy with life and work,&nbsp;I've missed writing about many of them, but do want to mention&nbsp;a few&nbsp;and give you some links to read more, and access pictures,&nbsp;if you're inclined.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Yesterday, Thursday April 24th, was the first official day of the annual <a href="http://www.appleblossom.org/" target="_blank">Washington State Apple Blossom Festival</a>, held in Wenatchee every year.&nbsp; This is a VERY BIG deal here with 11 days full of activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Click on the above link to have access to all the details of events that will be taking place in the &quot;Apple Capital of the World&quot; over the next several days. &nbsp;&nbsp;I can't even begin to list all the events and activities here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FNewbery%2520Float%2520volunteers%25201.jpg&imageTitle=173989-1521530-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=1024,height=768,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px" alt="173989-1521530-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1521530-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Volunteer Crew for the Newbery Elementary School Youth Parade Float</span></span>Tomorrow is the Youth Parade.&nbsp; This picture, to the left, is an insiders sneak peak at the John Newbery Elementary School's entry in the youth parade. <em>Click on the image to enlarge and see the smiling faces of these awesome volunteers</em>.&nbsp; My friend and business partner, Shelley Granger&nbsp;(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, &quot;A Slice of Paradise&quot;.&nbsp; The parade starts at Triangle Park at 11:00 a/m, going down Orondo, north on Mission, ending at Fifth Street.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Next Saturday will be the Grand&nbsp;finale event of the Festival... the&nbsp;Grand Parade.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And... building up to Apple Blossom festival are several other major&nbsp;events:<br /><br /><br />* The hugely popular <a href="http://www.r2r.org/" target="_blank">Ridge to River Relay</a> has a separate event for kids and adults.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Click on the link to get results, info, and lots of pictures of the youth and adult events.<br /><br /><br />* The <a href="http://wenatcheemarathon.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee Marathon </a>&nbsp;benefits cancer research and local charities.&nbsp; Over $8,000 was raised this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shelley was part of a relay team for this event and it&nbsp;was so much fun to go cheer her on.&nbsp;She's not really a runner person but she trained for the event and did awesome.&nbsp; Even the early morning snow could not dampen their team&nbsp;community spirit.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />When this years events are over, planning will begin almost immediately for next year.&nbsp;&nbsp; It's all a HUGE undertaking, with&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;of volunteers for the various events.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />Have a great week-end,<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol's%20sig.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol's%20sig.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thinking of buying or selling real estate?&nbsp; Contact the Top Team today:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Remember: <br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Are Priceless</strong></em></p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/19/wenatchee-named-a-top-vacation-rental-market.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee Named A Top Vacation Rental Market</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/19/wenatchee-named-a-top-vacation-rental-market.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-19T13:16:15Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Wenatchee Washington Real Estate Wenatchee WA Real Estate Trends Cashmere Real Estate Leavenworth Real Estate Wenatchee WA News General Area News &amp; Info Buyer Needs</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FFancherHeightsView%25207.jpg&imageTitle=173989-1504267-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=630,height=163,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 52px" alt="173989-1504267-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1504267-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Cascade Mountains at Wenatchee Washington<br />Click image to enlarge</span></span>Not sure how I missed it, but last night I discovered the March&nbsp;12, 2008&nbsp;edition of the&nbsp;<a href="http://nuwireinvestor.com/" target="_blank">NuWire Investor </a>publication named Wenatchee in the &quot;<em>Top&nbsp;10 Places To Buy Vacation Rental Homes in the U.S</em>&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wenatcheevalley.org/" target="_blank">Wenatchee</a> came in number three, but looking at the criteria for which they were chosen, it appears Wenatchee could have very easily topped the list.&nbsp;&nbsp; Factors taken into consideration were home prices and appreciation rates but, I think, more importantly (for a vacation home&nbsp;or vacation rental home)&nbsp;such things as weather and the availability of activities and attractions are critical.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />In the weather category, it was interesting to note they used an &quot;average number of rainy days&quot; factor (not a number of&nbsp;sunny days&nbsp;factor).&nbsp; Either way, Wenatchee would have won hands down over all the markets listed.&nbsp;&nbsp; Wenatchee was noted as having an average of 26 rainy days per year and the nearest competitor was the Virgin Islands at 73 rainy days!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />In the median home price category, I found the NuWire&nbsp;information inaccurate.&nbsp; Wenatchee's median home price was listed at $319,900 but it is actually $248,500 according to the <a href="http://www.pacapp.com/images/Snapshot%20Email%203%20Mar%2008.pdf" target="_blank">March 2008 Pacific Appraisal SNAPSHOT </a>statistical market summary.&nbsp; NuWire lists their source as <a href="http://zillow.com/" target="_blank">Zillow</a> which is basically a computerized statistical analysis and not based soley on actual sales records.&nbsp; This is a significant discrepancy.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />Here are the top ten markets for buying a vacation rental, according to NuWire Investor: <br /><br />1) <a href="http://www.southernoregon.org/" target="_blank">Ashland, Oregon</a><br /><br />2) <a href="http://www.visitgrandjunction.com/" target="_blank">Grand Junction, Colorado<br /></a><br />3) <a href="http://wenatcheevalley.org/" target="_blank">Wenatchee, Washington</a><br /><br />4) <a href="http://visitguam.org/main/" target="_blank">Guam</a> (U.S. Territory)<br /><br />5) <a href="http://www.exploreasheville.com/index.aspx" target="_blank">Asheville, North Carolina<br /></a><br />6) <a href="http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/Index.asp" target="_blank">Miami, Florida<br /></a><br />7) <a href="http://www.usvi.net/" target="_blank">U.S.&nbsp;Virgin Islands </a>(U.S. Territory)<br /><br />8) <a href="http://www.usvi.net/" target="_blank">Salem, Oregon<br /></a><br />9) <a href="http://www.visitsaltlake.com/" target="_blank">Salt Lake City, Utah<br /></a><br />10) <a href="http://www.coeurdalene.org/index.asp?PageId=343" target="_blank">Coeur d'Alene, Idaho</a><br /><br /><br /><br />If you get a minute, you can read the <a href="http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/top-10-places-to-buy-vacation-rental-homes-in-the-us-51475.aspx" target="_blank">entire NuWire&nbsp;article</a>.&nbsp; Interesting to note that 4 of the top 10 are in the Northwest region of the United States.<br /><br /><br /><br />All things considered, I anticipate Wenatchee&nbsp;WILL be a&nbsp;hot spot for future vacation rentals as a wonderful alternative to the typical motel room.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've been touting this option on my <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee Condo </a>blog for quite a while now.<br /><br /><br />Because of our great weather (and central location in the state)&nbsp;there is almost always some convention or combination of meetings going on in Wenatchee.&nbsp; &nbsp;With all the demand for motel/hotel rooms due to&nbsp;these meetings&nbsp;(and the plethora of&nbsp;recreational activities&nbsp;in the area), I see a huge demand for vacation rentals in the <a href="http://carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate">Wenatchee real estate</a> market.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />At this time, there are many vacation rentals in the outlying areas like <a href="http://www.leavenworth.org/" target="_blank">Leavenworth</a>, <a href="http://www.wenatcheevalley.org/visit-chelan/lake_chelan.html" target="_blank">Lake Chelan </a>and <a href="http://www.sunserra.com/" target="_blank">Crescent Bar</a>, but&nbsp;almost NONE&nbsp;in Wenatchee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I do&nbsp;represent the one project in Wenatchee currently&nbsp;being promoted for that purpose.&nbsp; So, if you want to get in early, now&nbsp;may be&nbsp;the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />We often get inquiries from potential renters looking for a&nbsp;more&nbsp;versatile option to the typical&nbsp;motel accommodations.&nbsp; These tenants are looking for accommodations from a few nights to several weeks at a time.&nbsp; And, they are willing to pay&nbsp;significantly more than a standard monthly rental apartment because short term rentals (less than 6 months) are extremely&nbsp;hard to find.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you missed the last big increase in home values, vacation rentals may be the next niche to consider.<br /><br /><br /><br />Have a great week-end!<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol's%20sig.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol's%20sig.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Remember:<br /><br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Are Priceless<br /><br /></strong></em><br /><br />Contact the Top Team Today:<br /><br /><a href="http://activerain.com/carolwilliams" target="_blank">Carol Williams</a>, &nbsp;<a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />Shelley Granger,&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /><br /><br />FREE search of the entire <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee MLS </a><br /><br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo </a>news, info and trends <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/1/sr-28-to-re-open-ahead-of-schedule.html"><rss:title>SR 28 To Re-Open Ahead of Schedule</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/4/1/sr-28-to-re-open-ahead-of-schedule.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-04-01T23:21:46Z</dc:date><dc:subject>General Area News &amp; Info</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In spite of crazy weather challenges, I have inside information that SR 28 will be re-opening ahead of schedule... as early as this afternoon about 5:00.&nbsp; Yeah!<br /><br /><br />Good Job JANOD !<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol's%20sig.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol's%20sig.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For customized service buying or selling real estate contact the TOP Team:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> &nbsp;<br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br />FREE search of all <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee MLS </a>homes and land for sale<br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo </a>news, info and trends <br /><br /><br /></p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/21/wenatchee-important-road-closure-info.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee: Important Road Closure Info</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/21/wenatchee-important-road-closure-info.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-03-21T03:37:54Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Miscellaneous news, info, ramblings</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 135px; height: 135px" alt="Road%20Closed.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Road%20Closed.jpg" /></span><u>SR 28:&nbsp; </u>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.&nbsp; The road closure is for the purpose of rock stabilization of the cliffs bordering the highway near the dam.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />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)&nbsp;unless you want to take a very long detour (either through Waterville or via Ellensburg).&nbsp; Both of those options make me tired just thinking about it! <br /><br /><br />* * * * * <br /><br /><br /><u>Western Avenue:</u>&nbsp; Western Avenue between Fifth Street and Washington will be closed for about three weeks (from March 28th - April 18th) while <a href="http://www.chelanpud.org/" target="_blank">Chelan Country PUD </a>crews make local water system improvements.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />For current Wenatchee real estate news, info and trends contact the Top Team:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; TopTeamCarol@gmail.com <br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /><br />FREE search of the entire <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee MLS</a> <br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo</a> info<br /><br /><br />Remember:&nbsp; <br />Information is Free.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Are Priceless<br /><br /><br /><br />Have a great week-end!<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol%20sig%202.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol%20sig%202.png" /></span><br /><br /><br />]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/14/upcoming-wenatchee-rental-homes-31408.html"><rss:title>Upcoming Wenatchee Rental Homes: 3/14/08</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/14/upcoming-wenatchee-rental-homes-31408.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-03-14T13:32:00Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Miscellaneous news, info, ramblings</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Looking for a full sized house to rent in Wenatchee?&nbsp; We will have two excellent rental homes coming up in April.&nbsp; One in Wenatchee.&nbsp; One in East Wenatchee.<br /><br /><br /><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2F1201%2520Poplar005.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1114740-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img alt="173989-1114740-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1114740-thumbnail.jpg" /></a></span><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2F1201%2520Poplar005.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1114740-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img alt="173989-1114740-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1114740-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Weatchee 4 bedroom rental</span></span>April 1st:&nbsp; Nearly new 4 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath conveniently located in Wenatchee.&nbsp; <br /><br />$1450 per month<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FCIMG1901.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1414490-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px" alt="173989-1414490-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1414490-thumbnail.jpg" /></a></span>Early May:&nbsp; <br />4 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath on&nbsp;The Plateau&nbsp;in East Wenatchee.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Lease-to-own would be considered.&nbsp; Terms to be negotiated.<br /><br />Rental rate:&nbsp; $1495 per month<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For more information contact the Top Team:<br />Carol Williams <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; </p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/14/wenatchee-condo-info-march-14-2008.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee Condo Info: March 14, 2008</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/3/14/wenatchee-condo-info-march-14-2008.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-03-14T13:16:01Z</dc:date><dc:subject></dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 300px; height: 199px" alt="Pennsylvania%20St%20condos.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Pennsylvania%20St%20condos.jpg" /></span>Over on my <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo </a>blog, I have posted some current information on inventory and pending sales.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Shopping and sales activity seems to be picking up with our warmer weather and Spring approaching.&nbsp; It appears my prediction of people accepting condos as the new affordable housing is coming to fruition.&nbsp; Nearly an equal number of young first time home buyers, single parents, and retired folks on a fixed income seems to fit the profile&nbsp;ff most condo shoppers in the under $200,000 price range.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Shoppers in the over $200,000 price range have a wider scope, many of which are retired folks with more spendable income, and&nbsp;non-residents looking for a low mainteance option&nbsp;second home in the Wenatchee valley.<br /><br /><br />Have a great week-end!<br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol's%20sig.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol's%20sig.png" /></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br /><br /><br />Remember:&nbsp; <br />Information Is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Are Priceless<br /><br /><br />If you are thinking about buying or selling a Wenatchee home or condo contact the TOP Team today:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br />Shelley Granger:&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> </p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/28/wenatchee-home-inspection-part-2.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee Home Inspection: Part 2</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/28/wenatchee-home-inspection-part-2.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-28T06:02:19Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Buyer Needs</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last week I wrote about an experience we had with a recent home inspection.&nbsp; So, maybe you're wondering what&nbsp;happened next.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />We originally intended to hire a structural engineer to give us a recommendation on how to repair it, then get a contractor to give us a bid on the actual repair work.&nbsp;&nbsp; The problem with that plan was the seller said to put the paneling back up for the next showings.&nbsp; This made the foundation&nbsp;inaccessible for the engineer to do the structural inspection.&nbsp; It was obvious the sellers&nbsp;didn't want to work out a compromise with us.&nbsp; They're, apparently,&nbsp;hoping to sell to someone less critical about the structural integrity of the house.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />The bottom line was, we didn't want to get several hundred more dollars into inspections if there was a slim chance the buyers would actually be able to negotiate a settlement with the sellers.<br /><br /><br />Turns out the seller <u>wasn't</u> willing to give an adequate concession for repairs and we decided to walk away from the transaction before we got any more time or money invested.&nbsp; This just didn't have a good feel any more.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />So, we moved on and are now looking at other homes to meet their needs.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />Note:&nbsp; In spite of the fact that we were told to put the paneling back up before the next potential buyers came along, I am hoping the seller's agents explained to the sellers the extreme&nbsp;position of liability this put them in.&nbsp; If they truly did not know about the foundation problem before they put it on the market, that is one thing.&nbsp; BUT, now that they do know there is a problem, they are required to disclose the problem or face the financial consequences.&nbsp; Probably never will&nbsp;know how that will play out. <br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Remember:&nbsp; <br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Are Priceless<br /><br /><br /><br /></em>For customized service contact the TOP Team today:<br /><br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; <br /><br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />FREE Search of the <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee area MLS</a> <br /><br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo </a>news, info and trends <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/27/and-the-winnder-is-wenatchee-again.html"><rss:title>And The Winnder Is... Wenatchee (Again)</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/27/and-the-winnder-is-wenatchee-again.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-27T05:05:40Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Wenatchee WA Real Estate Trends</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FWenatchee%2520Buyer%2520Dummies%2520Cover.bmp&imageTitle=173989-1371972-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=319,height=400,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 251px" alt="173989-1371972-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1371972-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Wenatchee real estate for dummies</span></span>Confirming my bullish attitude regarding Wenatchee real estate has not been wishful thinking... for the fourth quarter in a row (in spite of dreary housing news nationwide), Wenatchee was placed in the <a href="http://www.ofheo.gov/media/pdf/4q07hpi.pdf" target="_blank">#1 spot on the Office of Federal Housing Oversight Housing Price Index</a>&nbsp;AGAIN.&nbsp; <strong>This means for the entire calendar year of 2007, Wenatchee held the</strong> <strong>#1 spot in the</strong> <strong>entire nation</strong>!<br /><br /><br />With massive media reports of foreclosures and depreciating home prices across the country, Wenatchee stays on top of the list of appreciating home value markets at 13.67% for the year 2007.<br /><br /><br />Most of the markets on the bottom of the list (meaning most depreciating values) are in California and Florida.&nbsp; There are a couple of Nevada and Michigan cities thrown in the mix as well.<br /><br /><br />Ever since the media jumped on the housing slump bankwagon, I get the same question over and over:&nbsp; &quot;How is the real estate market in Wenatchee?&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our appreciation rates had been running at over 25% and I predicted we would cool off to between 10% - 15%.&nbsp;&nbsp; My prediction was based on our own experience with continued business, the fact builders were making more homes available,&nbsp;AND also Wenatchee is very fortunate to have a robust and diverse economy.&nbsp;This combination of factors should keep the level of activity healthy, but also keep skyrocketing appreciation in check.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br />As I've said before, I am glad to see appreciation slow down from an affordability point of view.&nbsp; But, as I've been saying, I don't think Wenatchee has to worry about a downturn.<br /><br /><br />For the complete report published by OFHEO today, <a href="http://www.ofheo.gov/media/pdf/4q07hpi.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp; To find Wenatchee in the report, scroll down to page 30 (of 88).<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol%20sig%202.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol%20sig%202.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For a free, customized, consultation contact the TOP Team:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /><br />FREE search of ALL homes in the <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee Valley MLS</a><br /><br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo </a>news, info and trends</div><div><font lang="0" face="Arial" size="3"><br /><br /></font>&nbsp;</div>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/23/not-all-home-inspections-are-created-equal.html"><rss:title>Not All Home Inspections Are Created Equal</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/23/not-all-home-inspections-are-created-equal.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-23T05:58:59Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Buyer Needs</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2F27%2520E%2520St.%2520Ephrata008.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1362915-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px" alt="173989-1362915-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1362915-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">This is NOT the actual subject property</span></span>One of the things Shelley and I are very proud of in our business is the &quot;team&quot; of experts we have assembled to assist our clients.&nbsp; It is very important to us to provide the best possible level of service EVERY step of the way through a transaction for both home buyers and sellers.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />One of the extremely important steps in a home buying&nbsp;transaction is having a complete, comprehensive,&nbsp;home inspection done.&nbsp; Even though there are many, we have&nbsp;two inspectors we recommend for our transactions.&nbsp; The buyer, of course, is free to chose any inspector they want because they are paying for the inspection but if they ask our opinion, we do have certain inspectors we have had good experience with... and others we find less than satisfactory in their reports.<br /><br /><br />Anyway, we are currently working with a buyer who had found a home they wanted to make an offer on.&nbsp; The home had a &quot;contingent offer&quot; on it, so we were trying to bump the contingent offer and put ourselves in first position to purchase the home.&nbsp; However, in doing so, Shelley and I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, do anything we would consider to be to the detriment of our client.</p><p>Turns out the &quot;contingent&quot; offer buyers had waived ALL repair requests (except those associated with a clear pest inspection).<br /><br /><br />That put us in a precarious position.&nbsp; Do we write up the contract offer to&nbsp;waive&nbsp;the typical&nbsp;inspection contingencies and&nbsp;be prepared&nbsp;to purchase the home &quot;as is&quot; or do we go forward with our inspection requests and risk losing the house?&nbsp; <br /><br /></p><p>Well,&nbsp;we NEVER, NEVER, NEVER recommend buying a home without a full home inspection (including new construction).&nbsp;&nbsp; Firstly,&nbsp;we strongly believe&nbsp;this is&nbsp;a critical&nbsp;step in having the buyer attend the home inspection to become familiar with the home they are buying.&nbsp; This is&nbsp;an important step in getting to know their new home.&nbsp; In&nbsp;our view, a home inspection is not so much about being sure there is NOTHING wrong with the home as being sure there are no health or safety issues wrong with the home.&nbsp; It's an important aspect of the transaction.&nbsp; But, I digress from the story at hand.<br /><br /><br />At my suggestion, the buyer agreed we should compose the contract to include all typical inspections (home inspection, pest inspection, etc).&nbsp; Again, keep in mind, the home already had a contingent offer with no repair requests.&nbsp; We requested a home inspection (at the buyers expense) and a clear pest inspection (at the seller's expense).&nbsp; After some negotiating with the purchase price, the offer was accepted.&nbsp; But, the contingent buyers would not be put on notice until we waived the inspection contingencies.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />So, we proceeded with our home inspection.&nbsp; It revealed a number of &quot;issues&quot;, the most serious of which involved a bulging wall in the basement.&nbsp; The wall was covered with paneling so it required us to remove the paneling and see what was behind it.&nbsp; And what did we find?&nbsp; A collapsing foundation!!!&nbsp; Yes, a collapsing foundation.&nbsp; The concrete blocks were separating due to excess moisture ilfiltraing the ground on the exterior, creating extreme pressure pushing the foundation wall inward.&nbsp; We had a problem.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />There were actually two problems.&nbsp; 1)&nbsp;We needed a structural engineer to come look at the wall and make a recommendation so we could get a bid for appropriate repairs and,&nbsp; 2)&nbsp; The sellers were asking us to replace the paneling (before we could get the engineer in to look at the foundation) because they had more showings later that week.&nbsp; Red lights started flashing at this point.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hmmm... what should we do next?&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />To be continued...<br /><br /><br /><br />Have a great week-end,<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px" alt="Carol%20sig%202.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol%20sig%202.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For personalized real estate consultation contact the TOP Team:<br /><br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a>&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br />FREE Search of ALL <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee area&nbsp;homes</a> in the local&nbsp;MLS&nbsp; <br /><br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee condo </a>news, info and trends <br /><br /><br />Remember:&nbsp; <br /><br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowldge, Experience and Integrity are Priceless</p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/23/wenatchee-still-one-of-the-greenest-in-the-nation.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee: Still One Of The Greenest In The Nation</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/23/wenatchee-still-one-of-the-greenest-in-the-nation.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-23T01:02:58Z</dc:date><dc:subject></dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FApple%2520Capital%2520Wenatchee_edited-15.jpg&imageTitle=173989-1362421-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px" alt="173989-1362421-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1362421-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 200px">Wenatchee: Apple Capital of the World</span></span>Did you see <a href="http://www.countryhome.com/greencities/greencities1_100.html" target="_blank"><strong>this article</strong></a> in<a href="http://countryhome.com/" target="_blank"> Country Home Magazine</a> about the top &quot;Green&quot; cities in the U.S.?&nbsp; <a href="http://wenatcheevalley.org/" target="_blank">Wenatchee</a> comes in at #5, the highest ranking of any Washington State city.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />The only other Northwest city ranking higher was Corvallis, Oregon at #3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next highest ranking Washington cities were the Seattle-Everett-Bellevue cluster at #32.&nbsp; Olympia came in at #36.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.countryhome.com/greencities/greencities1_100.html" target="_blank"><strong>This link</strong></a> will take you to the full list.<br /><br /><br />There wasn't any reference to an explanation as to the criteria used in compiling the list.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Remember:<br /><br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity is Priceless<br /></em><br /><br /><br />For customized real estate service contact the TOP Team: <br /><br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />FREE search of ALL homes and land for sale in the <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee MLS</a>&nbsp; <br /><br />Current <a href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wenatchee Condo </a>info, news and trends <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/10/wenatchee-the-housing-predictor.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee: The Housing Predictor</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/10/wenatchee-the-housing-predictor.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-10T04:18:39Z</dc:date><dc:subject></dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I checked in on The <a href="http://housingpredictor.com/" target="_blank">Housing Predictor</a> website today to see what it had to say about the current state of real estate across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp; I've been touting the strong and diverse economy that Wenatchee enjoys and how the Wenatchee real estate market is still strong.&nbsp; Yes, we have seen a slow down in activity but a slowdown from the frenzy of the last few years is actually a welcome reprieve.&nbsp; <br /><br />If you compared the Wenatchee real estate market to the speed limit, we have been traveling at&nbsp;100 miles per hour for the last few years.&nbsp; We have now slowed back to the speed limit and it seems slow, but it's really a&nbsp;much&nbsp;safer&nbsp;pace.&nbsp; <br /><br />According to <a href="http://www.housingpredictor.com/appreciation.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, there are six states still enjoying a healthy real estate market.&nbsp; Washington is one of the six and Wenatchee, of course,&nbsp;continues to be rated number one in the entire nation for appreciation&nbsp;(for the third consecutive quarter) by OFHEO.&nbsp;<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px;" alt="Carol%20sig%202.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol%20sig%202.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For professional, customized real estate service contact the TOP Team: <br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />FREE Search of all <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank"><u><font color="#0000ff" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Wenatchee homes and land for sale</font></u></a>&nbsp; <br />Current <a title="Wenatchee real estate" href="http://carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate" target="_blank"><u><font color="#800080" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">Wenatchee real estate</font></u></a> info, news, and trends <br />Current <a title="Wenatchee condos" href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><font color="#0000ff" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Wenatchee condo</font></u></a> info, news, and trends <br /><br /><br /><em>Remember: <br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp;&nbsp;Integrity Are Priceless<br /></em></p><p><br />&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/9/what-makes-a-house-a-home.html"><rss:title>What Makes A House A Home?</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/9/what-makes-a-house-a-home.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-09T20:06:48Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Miscellaneous news, info, ramblings</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FClampetmobile%2520Clan001.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1329064-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=1600,height=1200,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="173989-1329064-thumbnail.jpg" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1329064-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 120px;">Could this be a home?</span></span>When I&nbsp;took a&nbsp;few minutes this morning to revisit some of my old posts on <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/372151/The-Perfect-Real-Estate" target="_blank">my Active Rain blog</a>, I came across one that I wanted to bring forward and post here.&nbsp; 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:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/103477/What-Makes-A-House" target="_blank">&quot;What Makes A House A Home&quot;.&nbsp;</a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />Have a great week-end!<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img style="width: 113px; height: 76px;" alt="Carol%20sig%202.png" src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol%20sig%202.png" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Remember:<br /><br />Information Is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Are Priceless<br />For professional, customized real estate service contact the TOP Team:<br /><br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> <br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />FREE Search of all <a href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/" target="_blank"><u><font color="#0000ff" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Wenatchee area homes and land for sale</font></u></a>&nbsp; <br />Current <a title="Wenatchee real estate" href="http://carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate" target="_blank"><u><font color="#800080" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">Wenatchee real estate</font></u></a> info, news, and trends <br />Current <a title="Wenatchee condos" href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><font color="#0000ff" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Wenatchee condo</font></u></a> info, news, and trends <br /><br /><br />]]></content:encoded></rss:item><rss:item rdf:about="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/4/wenatchee-real-estate-2007-market-summary.html"><rss:title>Wenatchee Real Estate: 2007 Market Summary</rss:title><rss:link>http://www.carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate/2008/2/4/wenatchee-real-estate-2007-market-summary.html</rss:link><dc:creator>Carol Williams</dc:creator><dc:date>2008-02-04T04:25:58Z</dc:date><dc:subject>Wenatchee Washington Real Estate Wenatchee WA Real Estate Trends Market Summaries</dc:subject><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="thumbnail-image-float-left"><a href="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FGeralds%2520061207004.JPG&imageTitle=173989-1315471-thumbnail.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=1600,height=1200,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no'); return false;"><img src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/thumbnails/173989-1315471-thumbnail.jpg" alt="173989-1315471-thumbnail.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a></span>I know it's about a month late but, on my <a target="_blank" href="http://activerain.com/blogs/carolwilliams">Active Rain blog</a>, I posted a very&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/363688/Wenatchee-WA-2-7">brief overview</a> of the local real estate activity in 2007.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br />2007 was a very good year for real estate in Wenatchee in spite of a national downturn.&nbsp; We did see some slowing in sales activity creating a much needed pricing stabilization.&nbsp;&nbsp; To read the complete post, <a target="_blank" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/363688/Wenatchee-WA-2-7">click here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><br /><span class="full-image-float-left"><img src="http://www.carolswenatchee.com/storage/Carol%20sig%202.png" alt="Carol%20sig%202.png" style="width: 113px; height: 76px;" /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For the most current info with personalized, customized, service contact the TOP Team:<br />Carol Williams&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamCarol@gmail.com">TopTeamCarol@gmail.com</a> &nbsp;<br />Shelley Granger&nbsp; <a href="mailto:TopTeamShelley@gmail.com">TopTeamShelley@gmail.com</a> <br /><br /><br />FREE Search of all <a target="_blank" href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/"><u><font color="#0000ff" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Wenatchee area homes and land for sale</font></u></a>&nbsp; <br />Current <a target="_blank" href="http://carolswenatchee.com/wenatchee-realestate" title="Wenatchee real estate"><u><font color="#800080" style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">Wenatchee real estate</font></u></a> info, news, and trends <br />Current <a target="_blank" href="http://wenatcheecondos.blogspot.com/" title="Wenatchee condos"><u><font color="#0000ff" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Wenatchee condo</font></u></a> info, news, and trends <br /><br /><em><strong>Remember:<br />Information is FREE.&nbsp; Knowledge, Experience &amp; Integrity Is Priceless</strong></em><a target="_blank" href="http://toppropertieswenatchee.com/"><br /></a>]]></content:encoded></rss:item></rdf:RDF>