It never fails.  Every time I wear my Windermere nametag somewhere I get the inevitable, "So, how is the market?"  I love it.  Really!  In fact, in my previous life, *I* was the one asking every agent friend I knew that same question! The truth is that it IS an important questions.  Our homes are one of our biggest investments and monitoring the status of that investment is just good business.  How many of us go to the mailbox with fear and trepidation lately for fear that the 401k statement will be there? Yet, we open it and read.  Why?  Because we need to know how to better plan for our future!  The good, the bad, or the ugly! :)  (Though we hope for more good than the alternatives!) A wise homeowner or prospective first time buyer is prudent to do the same.  Is it time to sell or to ... 05/06/2009

So, what does this mean?? In Moses Lake, we currently have 330 residential homes listed with the MLS.  This doesn't include private transactions. Conversely, we closed 21 homes in March (up from 12 in February....what a dismal month February is!) The good news (always the optimist!) is that both sales and those houses that went under contract (pending) both nearly doubled from the previous month!   The other news (darn that bit of realist in me!) is that we still have nearly 16 months of inventory.  So, to break it down in the terms you most want to know... *GREAT time to buy!  Prices are stable and have slightly declined in mid to upper ranges.  Anyone who hasn't owned a home in 3 years qualifies for the first time home buyer credit of $8,000 (CASH MONEY AT TAX TIME!).  You can still ... 05/06/2009

Sterling and Golf Saving Banks have teamed up to offer all their standing builder's inventory at this rate through May 15th!  They are using TARP money to stimulate the markets, and it is working.  We can't give the actual interest rate without a ton of legal disclamers, but ask and I can give it to you. :) This applies both to FIRST and SECOND homes.  Unheard of in today's market!  So, great time to buy your vacation home in Moses Lake!  We have roughly 5 homes and 2 duplexes that qualify for this here in town.  All new construction! Let me know if you want more information on any of them! www.moseslakehouses.com 05/06/2009

Many home improvements may enhance your lifestyle, but they may not necessarily add resale value. Although this may not seem important right now, it will certainly make a difference when the time comes to sell. You won't get your money back with some improvements, yet others can help make you money. The return on investment differs from region to region, but here are some general rules: * Enhancing a home's "curb appeal" will help sell it for top dollar. Painting the exterior is a relatively inexpensive way to add curb appeal.* Remodeling the kitchen and/or baths is one of the best ways to add value.* Adding a room or garage is an expensive improvement, but it can pay off if it is carefully designed.* Decks and patios can add value in some parts of the country. * Landscaping often adds ... 05/06/2009

                                                             Median Sales Price For 98837                                        05/03/2009

$8000 Homebuyer Tax Credit The U.S. Government provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.  The credit does not require repayment.  Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules:  the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability.  If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser. Here's a chart with more details about the 2009 program. HURRY, this program ends in December. Updated: February 2009 FEATURE CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008 APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008 REVISED CREDIT - EFFECTIVE FOR PURC... 04/24/2009

Concert Calendar DateEventTickets Sat, 05/16/0903:30 p.m. The Dead with The Allman Brothers Band and The Doobie Brothers Get Info Sat, 05/23/0912:00 p.m. Sasquatch Get Info Sun, 05/24/0912:00 p.m. Sasquatch Get Info Mon, 05/25/0912:00 p.m. Sasquatch Get Info Sat, 07/11/0907:30 p.m. Coldplay Get Info Wed, 07/22/0909:00 a.m. Creation 09 Unavailable Thu, 07/23/0909:00 a.m. Creation 09 Presale Tickets Fri, 07/24/0909:00 a.m. Creation 09 Presale Tickets Sat, 07/25/0909:00 a.m. Creation 09 Presale Tickets Fri, 08/07/0907:30 p.m. Phish Get Info Sat, 08/08/0907:30 p.m. Phish Get Info Sat, 08/15/0911:00 a.m. Vans Warped Tour Get Info Sat, 08/29/0906:00 p.m. Nickelback with Hinder, Papa Roach, and Saving Abel Get Info Fri, 09/04/0906:00 p.m. Dave Matthews Band Get Info Sat, 09/05/0906:00 p.m. Dav... 04/20/2009

The Farmers market in Moses Lake offers a variety of locally grown fresh produce. It's a nice pleasant experience walking thru the farmers market on a Sat. morning. The sun is usually shining bright and people are buzzing around picking up all their desired fruits and veggies. There are also arts and crafts booths with vendors showing off their wares. Sometimes there is even live music with some real local talent! I really enjoy it! I'm sure looking forward to it this year! Here are the dates and times, also a link to the Moses Lake Farmers Market.  Saturdays, May 2 through Oct 317:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Moses Lake Civic ParkBehind Library & Chamber of Commerce Wednesdays, June 3 through September 302:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Downtown Moses Lake Corner of Third Ave & Ash StreetNext to Sinkiuse... 04/09/2009

  During Spring Fest 2005 in Moses Lake  I had the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon! What a thrill! Here are a few photo's that were taken by me from the air.   Moses Lake Aquatic Center  I-90 Bridge crossing Moses Lake   Diamond Point, Moses Lake   View of Sandcastle Estates and Pelican Point   Dune Lake Properties 2005   FUN ON THE LAKE!   MORE FUN!   AWESOME!   View of downtown Moses Lake, from the hot air balloon!   Moses Lake south with view of the Potholes.   The shores of Moses Lake looking east towards Division st.   New subdivision at Sandcastle Estates.. lake view properties!   Sandcastle Estates and beyond. A birds eye view!   Looking east towards McCosh Park.   Lakefront property off Rd 6.5. The McConihe area.   North of Moses Lake off Hwy 17. McConihe area. A quiet... 04/09/2009

It's nice to hear some postive reports in the Real Estate Arena! Click here: http://www.movetomoseslake.com/framed.htm?&go=1171782450   04/09/2009

  Below is  a snapshot of the residential housing market in Moses Lake WA. (as of 4/09/09) Active on the market      13 Homes $0 to $100,000      Active on the market   116  homes from $101,000-$200,000 Active on the market     92  homes from $201,000-$300,000 Active on the market    107  homes from $301,000 on up   Pending Status as of  4/09/09   53 Homes   Homes sold since   3/01/09         27 Homes (average days on market; 122)  AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ. FT. OF SOLD HOMES IN THIS TIME FRAME: $95.      For Buyers: Don't hestitate! The local market here is healthy with so much growth happening in the area and interest rates at record lows, don't get caught up in the negative media hype of what's happening in other real estate markets! Each market is LOCAL. For Sellers: Get your free Market... 04/09/2009

If you hurry and buy your season pass for Moses Lake's famous Surf 'n Slide Water Park you can save a chunk of change. Here's the price schedule that can be found on the Moses Lake Recreation site. Family of 4 could save $50. This place has got "The Flowrider" for artificial surfing, 300 ft lazy river, double 200' water slides (weeeee) and a whole lot more. Tennis courts are nearby if you want to play tennis while the kids swim. Season Pass     City Resident: Before April 15, 2009 After April 15, 2009 Individual: $75.00 $90.00 Family of Two: $95.00 $120.00 Family of Three: $115.00 $150.00 Family of Four: $135.00 $180.00 Family of Five $155.00 $210.00   04/08/2009

Happy April!  Were you April Fooled?  What a way to start a month!  Here is something else that is just starting.  Coldwell Banker is starting a new Ad campaign.   One of the new ads is running on You Tube!  You can view it here:  Happy April!  Were you April Fooled?  What a way to start a month!  Here is something else that is just starting.  Coldwell Banker is starting a new Ad campaign.   One of the new ads is running on You Tube!  You can view it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfQy7kTULVg   Do you remember the 2008 ad campaign?  I do.  Some people loved it, while others just didn't get it.  I hope this year the memories are strong and the enjoyment is huge.  When I become your agent -- that is also my goal.  I want your memories to be strong, your experience a joy and your ne... 04/03/2009

What is the difference between being pre-qualified and being pre-approved?   All the difference in the world!   In today's market where things are much different from a few years ago -- when nearly everyone could get a loan, today's buyers are actually being asked to show their income, have their credit history examined and the homes themselves have to meet the underwriter's standards. Underwriters, now more than ever, make sure the appraisal is sound.  No longer are lenders lending money on a glib premise that the transaction is fine and there will be no problems.  Things are being checked and checked again.  My advice to my clients and customers in Moses Lake, WA is this:  Go to a local lender of your choice.  (I usually give my clients two lenders that I trust, but tell them to go wh... 03/24/2009

  Below is  a snapshot of the residential housing market in Moses Lake WA. (as of 3/16/09) Active on the market      09 Homes $0 to $100,000      Active on the market   121  homes from $101,000-$200,000 Active on the market     79  homes from $201,000-$300,000 Active on the market    112  homes from $301,000 on up   Pending Status as of  3/16/09   46 Homes   Homes sold since   2/13/09         20 Homes (average days on market; 119)  AVERAGE PRICE PER SQ. FT. OF SOLD HOMES IN THIS TIME FRAME: $102.      For Buyers: Don't hestitate! The local market here is healthy with so much growth happening in the area and interest rates at record lows, don't get caught up in the negative media hype of what's happening in other real estate markets! Each market is LOCAL. For Sellers: Get your free Marke... 03/16/2009

If  you have been waiting to buy a home or have just been to confused about whats going on. Now is the time to buy. Buying Foreclosers may be the answer for many buyers. They are starting to hit Grant county and it looks like we may see homes all over selling for way under market value. Banks need to get these homes off their books and are ready to make a deal. For info. on up and coming forclosures in the area please send me an email or give me a call. 02/24/2009

For nearly four months, NAR has been working to deliver our nation a comprehensive plan to stabilize the housing market. This week the federal government implemented NAR's recommendations to stimulate housing with the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This bold and unprecedented move to help housing did not happen by chance. Just a few months ago, the auto industry had Congress' ear. Yet, thanks to countless meetings, letters, phone calls, and public pressure that we - the REALTORS® of America - placed on lawmakers in Washington, D.C., housing emerged as the top priority in the new Administration and in Congress. While some of the items in the Act are controversial and are currently being debated, most of our top priorities were addressed. Thanks to all of o... 02/22/2009

I witnessed at least 100 Robins in my front yard today! They were swarming in to eat the left over red berries off my Hawthorne Tree. They picked it clean.  It looked like a scene out of Alfred Hitchcocks 1963 movie, "The Birds". A SURE SIGN OF SPRING! Speaking of Spring...... check this out: Here's a link directly to the  2009 SPRING BROCHURE for Moses Lake. http://www.mlrec.com/files/documents/2009_Spring_Brochure_2.pdf You'll find many things to do in this busy little town of Moses Lake! Just check it out.   02/16/2009

2/17/09 -- Trisha Bass of Moses Lake Realty Group has successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO course to become one of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.® The REALTOR e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home. With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today's buyer and seller. "The real estate industry h... 02/16/2009

How is the market?  Looking over the latest reports from our office statistician, I see that homes in Moses Lake, Washington have been taking a hit. Closed sales, year to date residential homes have gone from an average price in 2007 of $204,365 to only $192,714 in 2008.  That is a decline of -5.7%.   The median price, year to date was $169,380 in 2007 compared to $165,983 in 2008, a  -2.0% drop.  The quarter to date residential report shows an even steeper decline.  The average price in 2007 was $218.559 compared to $165,287 in 2008.  That is a whopping -24.4%.  Homes in the lower end of the market are keeping their heads above water.  The homes that are most hurting are the ones that require those jumbo loans. The quarter to date residential report showed the median price as $188,269 ... 02/13/2009