The most common question I hear from Buyers is what happens to my earnest money? You have found that perfect home.  You are ready to work with your Realtor in writing up a purchase and sale agreement, the Earnest money that is included with most offers is a very important component. Since it is your money that will be deposited according to the terms you and the Seller have agreed upon, logically it may be a concern.   Earnest money is a negotiable item in any transaction. How much, when deposited, and when it becomes non-refundable are just a few of the terms that can be agreed upon in an offer.  There are multiple layers to the meaning behind the earnest money. One) Earnest money shows the Seller how earnest you the Buyer are in wanting to purchase the subject property. Two) Earnest m... 02/13/2010

Fun Events Methow Valley and Winthrop Washington this Weekend February 12-15th?  : What's happening in Methow Valley Presidents Day Weekend February 12th -15th? Here are just a few of the great free and low cost highlights of fun things to do. When: February 12, 2010 (this Friday) 5:00pm What: Ceremony for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver will be broadcast live at the Winthrop Washington Ice Rink Cost: FREE When: February 12, 2010 (this Friday) 7:30pm What:Fireworks Display at the Winthrop Washington Trail head.  Cost: FREE When: February 13, 2010 (this Saturday) 9:00pm What:Funk and Soul Soul Kata Preforms at the Twisp River Pub in Twisp Washington Cost: $5.00 When: February 14, 2010 (this Sunday) dusk to 8:00pm What: Horse drawn sleigh rides at the Mazama Corral Cost: FREE Mary Lockman ... 02/08/2010

Here is the market data from NWMLS regarding all land sold and sales pending in January 2010.  As you can see there were 3 sold properties, 2 pending and 1 pending feasability. Stay tuned for February. 02/04/2010

Laura McCabe and Laura Hall Finish the Super Tour Race in a one two finish, no suprises there as these women are amazing athletes. 01/21/2010

The Methow Valley hosted some of the worlds finest cross country ski athletes. Here is a race commentary for Sunday's Race from some of the youngest fans:   01/21/2010

Winthrop Washingtion in the beautiful Methow Valley is home to the Super Tour this weekend.  So don't forget to come and get your information packet at the gorgeous newly remodeled John L. Scott Office Methow Valley right next to the Red Apple and Pardners Mini Mart.  We have a variety of information for you to take advantage of and loads of room for easy parking too: Ski Map Large Postcard to send to friends Winter Guide Full Schedule of events this weekend and all winter long Things to do Restaraunts All ski trail listings Who is racing in the Super Tour: Learn all about these world class skiers MVSTA information newspaper about the Super Tour and all the events this winter Mary Lockman is a realtor with John L. Scott Methow Valley providing real estate services for Winthrop homes and... 01/15/2010

The best kept secret in the Methow Valley is Loup Loup Downhill Ski Resort.  Check out their new website at www.skitheloup.com. The exciting news is that Loup Loup is hoping to open from December 18, 2009 through January 2, 2010 every day except Christmas.  It is hard to believe that in less than 10 days we might be skiing the slopes of Loup de doup as we call it. Due to our dynamic weather conditions in the beautiful Methow Valley we have very low snow on the valley floor with very cold temperatures.   Big Valley Community Trail head needs more snow to make it skiable.    Meanwhile the rain in November translated into snow at the higher elevations giving Loup Loup a fantastic base.  Big snow storms are being predicted for the upcoming weekend so the conditions may just work out for us ... 12/09/2009

Methow Valley Washington is located in the north central region of Washington State and home to the SUPER TOUR ski race coming January 16 and 17 2009.  We are so excited as MVSTA is hosting many of the world's greatest cross country skiers in beautiful Methow Valley.  Of course there is so much talent here already that it boggles the mind.  Don't miss your chance to see many Olympian contenders right up close in our own neck of the woods.  But enough about that, there are tax incentives to help you remodel and construct green homes.  That's right the 2009 tax reinvestment act gives tax credit for those projects that qualify in the home remodel world.  You will save money and get a return from Mr. IRS if you carefully follow the steps required. Energy Star's website  has overview informa... 12/02/2009

The beautiful Methow Valley and its Giving Community await the coming of Thanksgivingwith a unique eagerness.  It can not always be the same experience because of our dynamic weather conditions.  Perhaps the pass is closed and snows are heavy in the valley or perhaps we are having exceptionally warm weather and the pass is still opened.  These factors can change the travel plans of friends and family to and from the Methow Valley. Once Highway 20 closes the trip can become a bit daunting for loved ones in the Northern part of the West Coast of Washington State. There are some things that are constant in the Methow Valley over the Thanksgiving Holidays.  One thing you can always count on is the free community dinner at MV United Methodist Church, 193-B Old Twisp Highway, between Twisp an... 11/23/2009

Methow Valley Washington slows down soon after high hunt ends and just after halloween for a number of reasons.  The weather in Winthrop Washington is typically the first wet snows of winter, not enough to ski yet, and the number of visitors to our beautiful Methow Valley tend to slow way down as they are getting ready for winter themselves. In the slow season, are you looking for a project to keep you busy?  Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who has headed off to Hawaii for a few weeks, but if not this is a great time for Winthrop locals to organize the home. As a Realtor I notice how certain homes for sale in Winthrop Washington, and all the Methow Valley are always show ready, as if they are always staged.  Here is a staging video that has good tips for any homeowner whether you ar... 10/31/2009

November is almost here, snow has already fallen on the valley floor .  What a fun month of activities are schedule for Winthrop Washington. Here is a list of events for everyone in November in the Methow Valley.  The best part of all is the price, absolutely FREE. Holiday Events:  Confluence Gallery in Twisp, Washington  is  hosting their holiday gift/sale beginning November 14, 2009 and running clear through January.  Visit them online at www.confluencegallery.com. Also in Twisp, Washington is the annual Christmas Bazaar.  You will not want to miss this Methow Valley tradition on November 21, 2009 starting at 9:00 am and held every year at the Methow Valley Community Center  Christmas at the End of the Road is a three day Winthrop Holiday extravaganza.  Starting off with special exten... 10/17/2009

This is the final blog about Winthrop Washington lodging, Winthrop Washington restaurants and Winthrop Washingion things to do.  Please check out my blog on lodging in Winthrop at http://activerain.com/blogsview/1280992/winthrop-washington-places-to-stay-eat-and-play and my blog on places to eat in Winthrop at http://localism.com/blog/wa/winthrop/posts/1282897/Winthrop-Washington-Places-to .   Yesterday I noted snow on the mountain tops and today I woke up to snow in my yard. This is one of 3 out of over 20 winters whereby it snowed on the Methow Valley floor in mid October.  Skiers could this mean we are heading for a great snow year? If history can be our guide, snow in mid October indicates a great powder year ahead, but alas the weather in Methow Valley is dynamic and difficult to p... 10/14/2009

This is the second blog in Mary Lockman's series about Winthrop Washington, lodging, Winthrop Washington Restaurants and Winthrop Washington things to do.  Please visit my blog Winthrop Washington places to stay at http://activerain.com/blogsview/1280992/winthrop-washington-places-to-stay-eat-and-play Now that you have unpacked that suitcase and you are settled in you might be very hungry.  If you have rented a cabin with a Kitchen, the Red Apple Grocery Store is located on the southern edge of town and right next to our John L. Scott Methow Valley Office (visit www.methowrealestateservices.com for information about real estate in Winthrop Washington). If you are planning on dining out we have a wide selection of choices. For both good food and spirits there is the Winthrop School House... 10/13/2009

Winthrop Washington is a yet another great get away for people in Seattle seeking a weekend escape or a vacation destination.  Winthrop is located in the northern Methow Valley and has a western theme that attracts tourist to our little town every year.  We are about 4 hours from Seattle making this a logical choice for those seeking to get lots of sun, find a relaxing spot and or world class outdoor recreation in a mountain setting. Since it is certainly getting chilly outside with record low temperatures I am starting this blog series with  places to stay in Winthrop.  Stay tuned for my sequel blogs of places to eat in Winthrop, followed by places to play in Winthrop.  For my blogs on these topics about Mazama Washington visit http://activerain.com/blogsview/1280033/mazama-washington... 10/12/2009

Seem impossible?  I invite you to think outside the box. Buying raw land can be intimidating.  The journey from a lot with no improvements to a finished home is a long one.  Some call it a labor of love- some call it a nightmare.  It is no secret that you will always spend more on custom contruction than if you purchased a home someone else built. The alternative is to buy property that already has a home.  The good news is that the perfect home is out there.  The bad news usually is that the perfect home is out of your price range.  The second vacation home is looking like it's going to cost as much as your primary residence. Let me offer you an alternative. Open your mind to the idea of the next generation of prefab homes.  No longer a close cousin to the mobile home- you can chose ho... 05/04/2009

This weekend is the Winthrop Hot Air Balloon Roundup.  Beautifully colored hot air balloons will be floating the skies over Winthrop and around the Valley Friday, March 2nd through Sunday, March 4th.Read more about it in the local Methow Valley News! We still have almost 2 feet of snow on the level and skiing should be great.  The blue skies and snow capped peaks also provide incredible photo opportunities.  Eagles can be sited along the river as well as both white tail and mule deer.  Some even in the streets!! Investment inventory for real estate continues to decline.  There are still some great buys like this cabin in Mazama located in the Edelweiss Division.  Cozy for 2 yet comfortable for a crew!  Click Here for more info and pictures. Have a great weekend! 03/02/2007