A few years ago, our community was recognized as being among the “safest” places to live.  That study included crime statistics and the low probability of having a natural disaster.

The years of 2003 through 2006 experienced the major “building boom” in the Tri-Cities.   Following this period, we resumed normal and healthy new home construction.

As you may know, I recommend that everyone be mortgage free, if possible, when retirement approaches.  With mortgage rates being in the mid 4% range, this may be a good time to refinance and make additional mortgage payments to retire the debt.  One has to calculate the “pay back” period prior to making this decision.

Your private orchard on one acre.  Vinyl windows, waterfiltration system, washer, dryer, refrigerator, microwave and water softener included.  Enjoy mature fruit trees!

Charming rambler in convenient West Kennewick newer neighborhood.  Close to shopping, medical clinics, and entertainment.  Vaulted ceiling in great room which is open to kitchen, informal dining and formal dining room.  Spacious kitchen with large pantry, granite sink, raised breakfast bar, and upgraded stainless steel appliances including gas range with convection oven.  Large closets, split bedrooms, utility room, finished garage, fenced yard, and covered patio make this a comfortable "turn key" home!

Our pending sales are substantially less than last year at 294 sales versus 414 for the previous year during this period.  Our late summer and fall sales may be projected to be less than those for the previous year, but our “total sales” may be similar.  

 Some buyers are having difficulties finding sufficient options to meet their needs.  Our market continues to be influenced indirectly by the national recession. Weekly I meet potential home buyers who have a home to sell elsewhere.

Our market overall seems to be a sellers’ market below $175,000 and a Buyers’ market above $475,000.  Overpriced properties continue to sit on the market while those in good condition and priced well, are selling.

Built by "Homes by David" 2x6 double wall construction.  Great Room concept.  Lots of natural lighting due to large windows.  Red oak hardwood floors in the entry, hallway and kitchen.  Instant hot water system throughout the house.  Exposed aggregate patio total length of the home, part of it covered with a vinyl pergola.  The home has been maintained exceptionally well and is move-in ready. 

Move-in ready!  Meticulously maintained.  Brand new heating and air conditioning system.  All kitchen appliances replaced.  Master Bath floors tiled.  Front and back yard professionally landscaped.  2x6 construction, not your regular tri-level.  Large family room with glass doors to a covered patio.  Nice storage building.  A pleasure to see!!

Exceptional 3 bedroom 1-3/4 bath rambler that shows pride of home owership!  12'x27' in-ground pool with cool decking.  Professionally landscaped.  Third bedroom has no closet.  New heat pump July 2010.

Large condo with 1-3/4 baths.  The living room & dining room have high vaulted ceilings with natural wood beams.  Check out the large all-purpose room in the lower level that could be used as a 3rd bedroom with a sitting area and a bathroom or a great big family room.  The home owner's dues include the insurance for the building, you will need insurance only for personal property and outside maintenance.  All windows and sliders are vinyl.  Nice yard.

I assume with development money being limited, it is difficult to borrow for lot development.  The builders, who develop their own lots, seem to be having a distinct advantage.

Lakeside home at Horne Rapids Golf Course community is one of the best lots in development.  Near the 9th green, it has a panoramic view of course and hills plus the beauty of waterfront life.  Community also offers walking and bike paths & community swimming pool.  Features include 4 bedrooms, bonus room, hardwood floors, wainscoting, tile, soaring ceiling in living room and 3 bay garage.  This is almost a cause to vacation at home!

Custom built by Loren Taylor.  On an acre of land.  2x6 construction.  2 heat pumps, one for each floor.  Attic fans for both sections of the roof.  Storage in attic over the 3 car garage.  The back section of the property was not developed.

One argument that I have heard by owners is my lender does not charge to refinance.  Lenders do not work for free.   The cost to refinance is normally applied to the principle; thereby building the cost into the loan.  Another option is the charge a higher rate to make a profit on the backend when the loan is sold.  

My recommendation is to analyze your needs and do the math.  If you need assistance, give me a call.

This month’s podcast addresses this subject.  Go to http://www.talkrealty.com/donhavre

Last week construction finally started on the Steptoe Street extension. The project includes construction of curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, lights and landscaping with irrigation. Much of the funding is from federal sources.   I believe communities like Hanson Park will benefit greatly from this road.   Some home buyers have been reluctant to purchase in this area because of the routing necessary to travel to the North Richland Business Campuses.

This road extension is just another sign of the Tri-Cities’ growth and good community planning.

The best home inspector for you is based partially on your personality and expectations.  If you are not going to be present during the inspection, an inspector using numerous photos can be helpful.  If you plan to observe the process, an inspector with good interpersonal skills is desired.

For more on this subject, listen to this month’s podcast at http://www.talkrealty.com/donhavre

The concentration of new lots appears to be for homes priced below $200,000.  This is in keeping with our average sales price of $191,000.

Here is a large house with lots of character and a true labor of love! Wraparound country front porch.  Large sized rooms.  Beautiful balcony views.  Master on main level.  Plenty of room for animals in this nice country setting.  Carporft has 3 sides and just needs garage doors.

When we review the year, our total sales have experienced a 4% increase over the prior year. Both the average sale and median prices have increased as well.  Some believe the federal government incentive provided increased demand and therefore, increased prices.  I believe this situation to be true in the entry level market. If we experience a small decline in average and median prices within the next two month, this opinion will be supported.

Newer homes priced below $325,000 are in high demand. Most buyers are seeking newer homes and will purchase an older home if their budgets do not support new. Upper end older homes are in an over-supply situation.  Homes priced above $475,000 have supplies ranging from one to three years.

The new facility will be at 1710 East 7^th Avenue in Kennewick. It will be able to triple the number of animals receiving care from 40 to 120.  In 2009, the present shelter found homes for 687 unwanted animals.

If you are like me, you believe pets add to our quality of life. Sparky has been my office dog for years and our family has had dogs since I have been married for over 40 years.  If you consider this to be a worthwhile project, you can make a donation to BFHS, 8620 W Gage Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Our economy seems to be sheltered from the negative effects of the national economy.  Nationally about 4.3 million home owners or about 8 percent of all Americans are at risk of losing their homes because they have missed at least three months of payments or are in foreclosure.  Our foreclosure rates continue to be low.  We are indeed fortunate to be isolated from the national situation.