Tri Cities Real Estate News & Views
Washington State Tri Cities will be opening the Chancellor’s Art Exhibit on Wednesday at 5:00pm. The exhibit will showcase several artists from in and around the Columbia Valley. Fourty-four pieces will be on display until the end of the April in the East Building administration corridor. The exhibit will be open to the public on weekdays from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm. There is no charge for the opening or to view the art pieces.
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The second annual Cavalcade of Authors will be happening this Friday, February 10, at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco. The authors that will be attending are: Buckingham, Dia Calhoun, Patrick Carman, Brenda Cooper, Lorie Ann Grover, Maureen McQuerry, Ben Mikaelsen, Deborah Reber and Suzanne Selfors. Some authors will be going to local schools this week to encourage them to read and begin to write stories. There are a few authors who will be going to local schools that will not be attending the Cavalcade of Authors event. The Cavalcade is a daylong event, students can only attend if they have read books from four of the authors going. The organizers are expecting about 225 students this year from Richland middle and high schools along with some students from Kennewick High. There will be a Buckingham’s Community Session at the Richland Public Library this Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm. The event organizer, Michelle Lane, is looking to expand this event in the next few years but needs corporate sponsors to make that happen. Those interested in sponsoring may email Michelle Lane at michelle.lane@rsd.edu.
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The Leadership Tri Cities Class XV are looking for an artist to paint a mural at the YMCA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Pasco. The chosen artist will work with a group of students and members of the leadership class to design and paint a 75 by 10 foot indoor mural. The mural will be titled Three Rivers, Four Cities, One Heart: Inspiring Leadership Through Art. Artists who are interested are asked to attend an information session at the Martin Luther King Center on Wednesday at 4:00 pm, they are also asked to submit a proposal by March 1. The chosen artist will receive up to $10,000 in commission. Those who would like to make donations to the YMCA to help with the maintenance of the mural or to get more information about the project can email leadershiptricities@gmail.com.
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The Washington Parks and Recreation Commission are going to be discussing possible ideas for Sacajawea State Park. The meeting will take place at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center in the park. The commission is looking at constructing a play structure to incorporate the cultural history of the park. They are also looking at putting in a native plant area and a plan for the Wanapum Village. The meeting will begin at 7:00 on Wednesday, for more information visit the Washington Parks and Rec. site.
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AARP will be putting on several driving classes this month for senior citizens at various places in the community. The purpose of these classes is to refresh seniors on driving knowledge and to allow and possibly for them to get insurance discounts. The classes cost $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The first set of classes are Monday and Tuesday at the Richland Community Center from 12:30 pm until 4:30 pm to register call 509.942.7529. There is also a Wednesday and Thursday class at the Pasco Medical Center from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm to register call 509.545.3459. On February 24-25 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center there is a class from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm to register call 509.942.2600. Also on the 24-25 there is a class at The Manor at Canyon Lake from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm to register call 509.586.5005.
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Habitat for Humanity in the Tri Cities, Washington area has always had plenty of people applying for a house but this year they are running low on applicants. Theresa Richardson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, said that they have never been in need of applicants before. Currently the program has five lots waiting for houses to be built and 3 houses that will be finished in the next couple of months on Yolo Street in Kennewick with only one family waiting for a house. Since 1994 when Habitat for Humanity started in the Tri Cities there has never been a lack of applicants. In the past 16 years there have 62 houses built and dedicated to families. The nonprofit is getting applicants but many of them are being turned away because of bad credit. Families with bad credit are asked to get consumer credit counseling and then reapply again in six months. In order for a family to receive a house they need to be able to afford $550-$600 a month and put in 500 hours of work on the house. To apply for a Habitat for Humanity house visit their office at 313 Wellsian Way or call 509.943.5555.
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The American Red Cross will be putting on a Real Heroes Breakfast in honor of heroes in the community. The breakfast will take place on March 4, 2010 at the TRAC in Pasco. Reservations need to be made before February 26, 2010 by calling 509.783.6195. Donations are being accepted at the breakfast in support of real heroes. For more information visit the Benton Franklin Red Cross website.
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Thursday night several people attended the consultant’s report at the Clover Island Inn in Kennewick. The meeting was about the revitalization strategies for Columbia Drive’s riverfront real estate, the proposed strategies received a tentative passing from those in attendance. The strategy includes the construction of tall buildings on the river side of Columbia Drive. Many feel that this is a great plan; some say that the river is the Tri Cities’ best asset and to see the city capitalize on it is wonderful. Others are concerned that the plan would push the lower income residents out of the area, according to the plan this isn’t going to happen. Since the plan has a tentative passing the next step is to look at how to fund the project.
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On February 19, 2010 there will be a Regional Home and Garden Show at the TRAC in Pasco, Washington. The garden show will begin on the 19th at 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and then on the 20th the show will open at 9:00 am until 8:00 pm. The garden show will end on the 21st with hours from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Admission is not free; adults will be charged $6 for admittance, children 12 and under are free. Those who bring a non-perishable food item will receive $1 taken off their admittance price.
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Today at 4:00 pm there will be a grand opening at a new restaurant in Kennewick called Six Degrees. Six Degrees is a restaurant and bar with a combination of comfort gourmet food and a rock and roll atmosphere. One of the co-owners is expecting the décor and atmosphere to be one that would remind parents of the era they grew up in. The cost of the meals is pretty average, they are between $7 and $12, the most expensive entrée is about $15. Tonight there will be a rock n’ roll food challenge with a chance to win a free T-Shirt and have your name on the rock n’ roll Wall of Fame. In order to participate in the challenge a person needs to pay $20 and have to eat three half-pound burger patties, 24 pieces of cheese, 12 pieces of applewood smoked bacon, 8 ounces of smoked pulled pork, criss-cut fries stuffed in four sandwiches stacked on top of each other with three onion rings and three pounds of extra fries topped with chili, onlions, cheddar cheese and chipotle lime sour cream in 30 minutes or less. Six Degrees will have a variety of draft beers, bottled beers, and Washington wines. The restaurant is located on 3311 W. Clearwater Ave in Kennewick, they will be open from 11 am – 11 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 am – 10 pm on Sunday.
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Scott McMillin, an artist from Kennewick Washington, will be opening up an art gallery in downtown Kennewick called Splash. After graduationg high school, McMillin moved to Seattle and became a model and worked for Nordstrom. After a couple of years he moved to Santa Barbara, California where Nordstrom had opened a new store, he also worked for Sak’s Fifth Avenue and other exclusive shops. Then he got the itch to come back to his hometown. McMillin is really enjoying getting his art gallery all set up, he has featured in his shop various pieces of art from top-notch artists. On Thursday from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm Scott McMillin will be featured in an Art Walk in Downtown Kennewick. McMillins longtime friend Judy Stewart, daughter of Jimmy Stewart, will be attending the art walk in support of McMillin.
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Last month the National Park Service hosted two public comment sessions to gain public feedback about the decision to potentially make the Hanford site one of three Manhattan Sites to be made a part of the National Historic Park; the other two are Los Alamos and Oak Ridge. The people with the Manhattan Project Sites Special Resource Study are looking at the input from the two sessions to decide how feasible this would be and to look at the sustainability. The Tri Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, along with TRIDEC and the cities of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland, have sent out letters to the National Park Service stating that they see a need for all three sites to be part of the National Historic Park. The Tri Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau is looking for more support and they encourage anyone who would like to send in a letter of support to send it to:
Ms. Carla McConnell, Project Manager
Manhattan Project Sites Special Resources Study
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service, Denver Service Center
12795 W. Alameda Parkway
PO Box 25287
Denver, CO 80225-0286
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EnergySolutions Foundation is accepting application for their tenth grade scholarship. The deadline for the scholarship is Wednesday. In order to be elligible for the scholarship a completed application must be turned in with two letters of recommendation. The scholarship is $2,000 for students wanting to persue a degree in math, science, or engineering. For more information visit the EnergySolultions Foundation Scholarship website.
Need help with your taxes? On Thursdays between the hours of 12:30 and 3:30 at the Kennewick Senior Center there will be the opportunity for people to get help with their taxes. To schedule an appointment call 509.585.4303, if time permits they also accept walk-ins. This assistance is sponsored by AARP, the IRS, Tax Aid, and the Kennewick Senior Center.
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A man in Florida a few years back, stopped making payments on his home and was foreclosed on. When John King stopped making payments he assumed that was the end of that, but recently he now has collectors after him for $44,000 stemming from the default. Unbeknownst to King when a person is foreclosed on, lenders still have the right to collect their money, lenders can collect by taking wages, tapping bank accounts, and placing liens on other assets help by the debtor. In Florida mortgage holders are permitted to seek a deficiency judgement within five years and, if granted, allowed 20 years to collect. This past year mortgage rose to $1.01 billion in the first nine months. During the last quarter of 2009 4.5% of mortgaged houses were foreclosing, this number is the highest in 37 years. Obama is working to rectify and make foreclosures less likely to happen with his Home Affordable Modification Program. This program would cut a person’s monthly payment to one-third their income.
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This Tuesday, February 2, 2010, the Tri Tech Skills Center will be opening the registration for the 2010-2011 preschool program. Children between the ages of three and five are elligible to be registered; three as of August 31 and potty trained. A $55 fee must be paid up front, this money is nonrefundable but it will reserve your child’s spot and pay for the field trips for the year. The fee as well as current immunization records must be brought to registration. There are two preschool sessions available the first is Tuesday and Thursdays from 8:10-10:05. The second session is Tuesday and Thursdays from 11:40-1:40. Registration will take place at the Tri Tech Skills Center.
On Thursday the Columbia River Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will be holding their February meeting at the Tri Tech Skills Center. A singer, Don Ohman, will be presention the meeting. The meeting will take place at the Tri Tech Skills Center in Kennewick at 12:00 pm. For more informatino call 509.547.2036.
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Tonight at Columbia Basin College there will be a showing of the film The Price of Pleasure. The film is a mature documentary about the pornography industry and the effect it is having on the American society. After the conclusion of the film the film’s narrator, Robert Jensen, will lead a discussion about the industry’s racist and sexist practices. Jensen will also look at the effect these things have had on the changes in the American culture. The film will be showing at 6:00 pm in L102 and there is no charge to watch the film and participate in the discussion at Columbia Basin College.
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Apple is at it again with a new gadget that is soon to be a hit when it reaches the stores. The all newiPad is similar to the iPhone, it has many of the same features as the iPhone such as, emailing, looking at pictures, and plenty of other activities. Apple has developed many exciting features such as the iBook storespecifically for the iPad, the bookstore would be similar to the technology of the Kindle. Apple has also come up with an A4 chip that allows iPad users to connect to the internet quickly. The iPad has a 9.7 inch screen, weighs about 1.5 pounds, and is about 0.5 inchis thick. Apple hasn’t released when they are planning on releasing the iPad but they have set up an email notification for those who would like to be emailed when the release date has been set.
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Some people are very pleased with Presidents Obama’s State of the Union address while others are upset by his informal tone, and still some are not pleased with the way he bashed the previous administration. There is one thing everyone can agree on though, that is the lack of attention President paid to the housing industry, a large part of the failing economy. The few lines given in his one hour and nine minute speech is barely enough to warrant Obama addressing the housing issue at all. Basically President Obama wants to raise home values, congratulate us on saving a few bucks, and lets do it some more! So what is he saying about the ousing industry, are we going to create more tax incentives, maybe FHA will change their standards, or maybe revamp HAMP? Who knows, only time will tell what will happen with the nationwide housing industry.
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The Richland School District is in the process of hiring a new superintendent due to the fact that the current superintendent Jean Lane is retiring this summer. There are four candidates being considered: Charlie Beck, the assistant superintendent and chief academic officer of the Bend/LaPine School District; Jim Busey the superintendent of the Lake Chelan School District; Steve Chestnut the superintendent of the Selah School District; and Pat Evenson-Brady the superintendent of the Hood River School District. These four candidates will be interviewed Ferbruary 8 from 6:00 to 8:45 and February 9 from 4:30-7:15 at the District Office. A committee of will be in attendence to provide feedback to the board; these interviews will be open to the public. Then the finalists will be interviewed once more February 16 through February 18. The new superintendent will be anounced sometime early March.
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CREHST Museum in Richland will be welcoming Melvin the Elk to one of their galleries this afternoon. Melvin the Elk lived on the Fitzner/Eberhart Arid Lands Ecology Reserve along the face of the Rattlesnake Mountain. Melvin was born on the reserve in 1978 and lived there until he died of natural causes in 1996. Biologists fitted Melvin with a radio transmitter collar in 1984, they were able to learn alot about the Elk herd on the reserve; like their habitat use, foraging, daily patterns, mating cycles, water use, and other activities. Melvin was the largest bull elk, he had antlers growing as long as 53 inches at one time. Admission for the CREHST Musuem is $3 for students (age 7-17), $4 for adults, and free for those over 62 years of age and those under 6 years of age.
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According to the Benton County crime statistics, the amount of crimes in 2009 are very close to the number of crimes reported in 2008; these are the part 1 crimes. The Part 1 crimes are homicide, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, auto theft, and arson. Part 1 crimes do not include domestic violence reports, identity theft issues, or traffic violations. Part 1 crimes are only a fraction of what Law enforcement agencies deal with, last year West Richland responded to 5,042 call with only 189 being part 1 crimes. For the first time in 25 years the law enforcement agencies of Benton County did not investigate any homicides, not including vehicular homicides. In Richland the Police Officers are focusion on traffic violators in order to reduce the number of traffic collisions they deal with. The Tri Cities is a safe community to live in even though there is an increasing population and decreasing law enforcement. The local law enforcement is doing well with what they have but they are looking to seek out grants in order to improve their battle against crime.
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Washington state is the second largest wine producing state in the United States, second only to California. Washington’s grape production did well last year and is predicted to do just as well this year, last year they did extremely well in wine production as well as in juice production. According to the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers the most popular type of wine has been Chardonnay. The demand for Chardonnay is diminishing while the demand for Reisling is increasing. John Bookwalter, owner of J Bookwalter Winery, isn’t going to strike out the grapes. According to Bookwalter, "America’s love affair with Chardonnay isn’t over yet." He also believes that the this years grape crop is increasing but they will most likely level out in the near future.
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The 2010 Regional Economic Outlook Forum met yesterday at the TRAC in Pasco to discuss the future of the Tri Cities in terms of its economic outlook. The keynote speaker, Brian Wesbury is very optimistic saying that the American economy will have a recovery this year. Wesbury, along with the other speakers, is very positive about the Tri Cities growth, he believes it will continue to expand as it is becoming less dependant on the Hanford economy. One service that is expanding is health care; Kadlec Medical Center, Kennewick General Hospital, and Lourdes Medical Center are all int eh process or completing new buildings which makes for more jobs in the medical field. The health care growth is due in part to the growing population of the Tri Cities as well as the influx of retirees in the area. The housing market is also doing well with sales up from 2,835 last year to 3,233 this year. The Tri Cities is doing well as an economy, some advise that the Tri Cities take care of the infrastructure and invest in the education and transportation to keep the prospects up in the long run.
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There is a proposal being considered by the Port of Pasco to adjust the port commission district boundaries. The reason for the change would be to distribute the population amoung the three districts for equal representation. District one is comprised of highway 395 and west to the Pasco-Kahlotus highway, this district has nearly 19,000 residents. The second district is the biggest population wise with 34,000 people, it goes from west Pasco to the Sagermore Dr. in the north to the Columbia River by the Blue Bridge. The last district, District has 12,500, and includes the areas of Mesa, Eltopia, and Connell. the Port of Pasco is looking to redistribute the second district to even out the number of residents. There will be a hearing to discuss this plan to redistribute today at 1:15 at the Port Office.
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The Kennewick School District has organized a community bus tour for Thursday, February 4. As part of the tour those in attendance will be able to visit Tri-Tech Skills Center and Vista Elementary. The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. at the district administration building located at 524 S. Auburn St. with coffee, muffins, and presentations by Superintendent, Dave Bond, and school principals. From there a Kennewick School Bus will take everyone to Tri-Tech Skills Center and Vista Elementary. While there those in attendance will have a unique opportunity to actually go into classrooms; talk to teachers, students, and administrators; and see what education today really looks like. Then the bus will go back to the district at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and a Q&A session. If you are interested in attending please RSVP by February 1 so there will be enough lunch and materials for everyone. You my RSVP by calling 222-5001 or e-mailing Ellen Love at ellen.love@ksd.org.
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The Chiawana High School boys Basketball game was quite the experience for those in attendance. A Chiawana senior was "blown away by how big the crowd was." Tuesday night the Chiawana Riverhawks took on the Pasco Bulldogs in basketball at the Chiawana gym. The game was neck in neck until the end when the Riverhawks narrowly escaped with a 68-67 win. With 30 seconds left in the game Pasco gained possetion of the ball; it went from Jeremy Streicher, who had the game high of 23 points, then the ball was passed to Jeremy Le Mieux. Then in the final 3 seconds Le Mieux passed the ball to Ponce who scored a 2-point shot, but it was no good; the shot was made after the buzzer went off. The Riverhawks were elated and rushed onto the court, met by a crowd of student fans.
The high scoring players for the Chiawana Riverhawks, who scored 68 points, are:
Jordan Downing 21, Knight 2, Smith 9, Walter 5, Zamora 19, Graff 6, DeWitt 2, Lopaya 4. Totals 25-53 13-20 68.
The high scoring players for the Pasco Bulldogs, who scored 67 points, are:
Jeramie Streicher 23, Wilborn 6, Ponce 10, Wright-Lamb 9, Le Mieux 5, Search 4, Mendoza, Elizondo 10. Totals 25-76 7-15 67.
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The Bonneville Power Administration is looking to build a new transmission line, the Central Ferry-Lower Monumental transmission line, between two eastern Washington substations. This transmission line will go between a substation south of Kahlotus, a little over an hour from the Tri Cities, Washington, and a substation in Garfield County. The route the Bonneville Power Administration is considering is concurrent with another existing transmission line which could be good and bad. If the line was built next to a pre-existing line then they wouldn’t have to worry about acquiring additional real estate, but if the lines are built next to each other and a storm comes along knocking them both down, it could cause more damage. The project will be starting possibly next spring 2011. For more information visit the Bonneville Power Administration website.
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The state Legislature is considering a proposal that, if passed, would allow property owners to pay their property taxes online. The bill would also allow taxpayers to set up a payment plan so that instead of paying twice a year a taxpayer would be able to break up the payments to fit a family’s budget. Benton County Treasurer Duane Davidson says that if the bill were to pass and people took advantage of the online paying option the money would distribute to the tax districts on a more consistent basis which would even out the revenue flow. Rose Bowman, legislative chairman for the Washington Association of County Treasurers thinks the bill will put county treasurers into competition with private businesses. She doesn’t want the county treasurers to turn into savings and escrow officers. Davidson doesn’t believe this will happen, he thinks that the people who will use the online taxpaying would be those who pay taxes on their own not through a company because their taxes are lumped into their mortgage.
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This Friday and Saturday, January 29 & 30, the Pasco Kiwanis will be holding an all-you-can-eat Crab Feed fundraiser at Columbia Park. The money raised will go to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties. The clubs use the money to buy car seats, bike helmets; they also provide scholarship opportunities for high school students. The Boys and Girls Club also sponsor school events like cross-country meets, invitational track meets and other events. A total of 150 tickets will be sold for the event, so far 60 tickets have been sold; each ticket is $35. Call Darin Oman at 509.521.1200 for more information about the event.
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The fourth annual polar bear plunge put on by the Kennewick Police Department is planned for January 30, 2010. Last year 186 brave souls jumped into the Columbia River, this year they are expecting around 250 people to take the jump. The purpose for the jump is to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics Athletics around the state. Plungers are supposed to gain pledges from people to jump, they must have a minimum of $50 pledged to jump in. For those too chicken to take the plunge but would like to give support there is a “Chicken Coop” to watch from. The first year this event was held they raised $20,000 and last year they raised $37,000, this year they are hoping to raise close to $50,000. For more information call 1.800.752.7559 or visit the Special Olympics Washington website.
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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was recently awarded two Excellence in Technology Transfer Awards by the Federal Laboratory Consortium. The awards recognized the Department of Energy’s Richland Lab for their partnership with other companies to transfer technology. With these two new awards PNNL now has more awards than any other lab since the awards program began in 1984; they have 71 awards.
The first award was for their work to speed up protein analysis. PNNL teamed up with Pressure BioSciences Ind. in Massachusetts to make proteain analysis quicker and more cost effective. In order to do this they found out that is proteins were under high pressure instead of just placed with enzymes to make them smaller then it cuts the process down to a few minutes instead of taking hours. This process has been liscensed and is being sold to costumers doing life sciences research.
The second award was for their research in reducing the manufacturing costs of metal tubes. In order to do this PNNL teamed up with Sandvik and LSP Technologies in Ohio. Both companies began with pilger dies which are used in industrial manufacturing to reduce the circumference and thickness of the metal in metal tubes. Pilger dies tend to crack and fail quickly so the two companies used laser pulses on the pilger die to create deep stresses which will make the dies last up to six times longer.
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Combat Veterans International Chapter 3, locatied in the Tri Cities, has donated $15,ooo to Columbia Basin College in Pasco Washington. The money was raised by the group to help veterans and their children so they can go to CBC without the hassel of paying alot for books, fees, and other expenses. Each quarter two scholarships will be awarded, they will be open first to combat veterans and their children, if there aren’t enough applicants then the scholarships will be open to all veterans. The Combat Veterans chapter have been raising money for months by auctioning off a Victory Kingpin motorcycle with a costum paintjob, compliments of John and Jean Richardson. They also used the money raised to support combat veterans in others ways like paying for groceries and other expenses like that.
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Tonight, January 23, at the TRAC in Pasco there will be a cage fighting event called Night of Champions 2. The creator of the event, Anthony Hamlett, says the event is not noe of those “no-holds-barred kind of bloody battles.” The event is for all ages with weight classes and plenty of watered down rules to attract major sponsors. The evening will hold a total of 14 fights including 12 title fights. This is an amateur event but many of those entering are hoping to get to the big time. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the fights start at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for reserved seats. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 360-888-6837. Directions to the TRAC
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It’s that time of year when people are coming around door to door, not to sell things but to do the census. The Better Business Bureau came up with some cautions for people so they do not fall victim to fraud or identity theft. If a person does come to your door claiming to be a U.S. Census worker they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Check for these things before answering any questions, especially check their identification and their badge. When Census workers come by do not give them your social security number and you are not required to give out financial information. The primary thing Cencus workers are looking for is number of residents in a household. Be cautious about people coming door to door.
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The Tri City Regional Chamber of Commerce will be putting on their annual legislative trip to Olympia Washington next month. The trip will include; transportation, lodging, and receptioans to show the Tri Cities to the elected officials. While in Olympia those in attendance have the chance to meet Governor Chris Gregoire. They will also be able to participate in Economic Development, Agriculture, Transportation and Energy discussions. To RSVP and to reserve your spot contact the Tri City Regional Chamber at info@tricityregionalchamber.com. To register for the event complete the registration form.
For more information call Colin Hastings at509.736.0510.
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There are two developers looking to build water parks in the Tri Cities and both are proposing plans in the next couple of weeks. The first plan to make the headlines was proposed by a man from Orlando, FL, Jim Hale. Hale is looking to build a 27-acre water park, Bahama Bay, in Pasco, he went before the Pasco Planning Commission today, January 21, to get a special permit for having slides that exceed the height limit for Pasco buildings. Hale’s park would include a lazy river, water slides, pools, a gift shop, a concession stand, locker rooms and go-kart features.
The other developers Mike Hillman and Dave Schlott-hauer, Brother-in-laws and owners of Kennewick’s Columbia Basin Satellite, have been working on a plan to build a water park in the Tri Cities for nearly three years. Shark Reef would be built in Kennewick off of 395. The park would be about 23-acres, with a bowl slide, three intertube slides, mat racers, three speed slides, a giant children’s area, a lazy river, a wave channel, spa pools, and other features. Guests would be greeted by a large tank with live sharks at the entrance and the landscaping would include palm trees. Shark Reef would have daily passes for $15 and seasonal passes and group rates available. Hillman and Schlott-hauer are hoping to open the first 8-acre phase by summer 2011 with the second 15-acres phase opening in 2013. An agreement for the land has already been signed and it is zoned right so no special permits are needed, the only thing Hillman and Schlott-hauer need to get the appropriate permits from the city.
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On January 27, 2010 the Tri City Development Council will be organizing the annual Tri Cities Regional Economic Outlook at the TRAC in Pasco, Washington. Experts will be talking about, but not limited to, agribusiness, health care, hospitality, real estate, and the retail industry. The keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Brian Wesbury and their will be a special breakfast featuring Ines Triary with the Department of Energy. The breakfast which begins at 7:30 costs $28 and the economic outlook presentation which goes from 8:45 until 1:30 costs $100. There is a discount for TRIDEC members and those who register for both the presentation and the breakfast.
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Richland officials will be relooking at long term development plans for 2,000 acres south of Badger Mountain. The land is mostly comprised of farm land but if built on would be a mix of low and high density development with large tracts of open space. The deputy city manager has said that the bill for this urban development has been in the works for a while now and they are still reviewing and making changes to it. The original plan for the land was to have a golf course on it but the land owners decided to go in a residential housing direction.
On Tuesday city staff members will meet at 6:30 to give a presentation to the city council before the regularly scheduled meeting.
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On Monday we celebrate a man, who because of what he did, changed our country in ways he couldn’t have imagined. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a big player in the civil rights movement. A bill to establish this day was first introduced to Congress in 1979 but fell 5 votes short of passing. Some didn’t think that a private citizen should have a day in celebration of them because it would go against longstanding tradition. In 1982 President Ronald Reagan Matrin Luther King Jr. Day was established in recognition of his birthday. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed in 1986.
Students of WSU Tri Cities’ Multicultural Club are putting on a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration tonight at the Three Rivers Convention Center tonight at 6:30pm. There will be a panel of 6 community leaders who will discuss the achievements and challenges of civil rights today. Then Monday at 1pm at Columbia Basin College there will be a bell ringing at the King statue and an awarding of the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award to a deserving citizen.
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Jim Hale form Orlando, Florida has family here in the Tri Cities and has visited quite a few times. A couple years ago when he visited he thought the area could really use a water park. Not until last July when he visited and temperatures reached 100 degrees did he get more serious about his idea. It wasn’t hard for Jim Hale to visualize how a water park in the Tri Cities would look, all he had to do was look at the numerous water parks in his area.
For this water park to become a reality sight and sound screen walls will have to be factored into the plans, there will need to be landscape to match standards along I-182, and a traffic study to figure out the best way to handle the traffic increase. This water park would include multicolored water slides, various pools, a gazebo, a gift shop, a concession stand, and locker rooms. There would be slides up to 60-feet tall as well as a fun center with go-kart features. The proposed water park would be built in the Rd 100/Broadmoor/Sandifur area in Pasco, WA.
The Pasco planning commission will meet January 21 at 7 pm for a public hearing at the council chambers at city hall. There is also a hearing scheduled for February 18 before the Pasco City Council for action on the planning commission’s recommendations.
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On January 21 from 2-4 and from 7-9 the National Park Service will host an open house at the Red Lion Hotel Richland Richland Hanford House to hear input from the community about designing one of the Manhattan Project Sites as a unit of the National Park System. The Manhattan Project Sites include Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, Hanford Site in Washington, Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, and sites in Dayton, Ohio. All these sites played a big role in World War II as well as in ushering in a new age, the atomic age.
At this time there is not a site to recognize the impact and the importance of the Manhattan Project. For this reason the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy have begun the Manhattan Project Sites special Resource Study to look at the preservation and interpretation of the sites. When a plan has been made about the involvement the National Parks Service will have in the project and how one or all of the sites will be preserved the plan will go before Congress and they will make the final decision.
If you would like to submit ideas to be considered for the project you can either go to the open house at the Red Lion Hotel in Richland on January 21 during the time 2-4 or 7-9. Or you may submit comments or ideas to the Manhattan Project Sites Special Resource Study Website.
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Local Market Monitor, a real estate forecasting company based out of North Carolina has comprised a list of ten communities nationwide that have good housing market prospects. Number four in that list is the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland housing market. This company is forecasting the Tri City area to have a stable market this year. According to Carolyn Beggs, the chief operating officer, “The area’s good job growth and low unemployment rate makes it a desirable housing market.” In the past six years the Tri Cities have had an average of 1,404 homes listed for sale at the beginning of the year, now that inventory number is down to about 1,000. Home sales are up, last year a record 3,122 homes were sold, up from 2,964 in 2008.
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For the past 26 years the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center has been the host of the Prosser Wine & Foods Fair. This year however, there will be a new host, Washington State University Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. The reason for the change is that the Walter Clore center has been in the process of adding onto their facility but the changes haven’t yet been finished. The additions are scheduled to be done 2012 which means that the Prosser Wine & Foods Fair will remain at WSU Prosser until 2011.
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The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics has recently put together a list of the employment numbers for November in metro areas nationally. Topping that list is Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Washington with 3,600 jobs added over the year; a 3.8 percent increase. Seattle fell quite a ways behind with unemployment rising 8.8 percent from 5.7 percent last November. At the bottom of the list with the most job loss was El Centro, CA with 29.2 percent unemployment and Yuma, AZ with 21.1 percent unemployment.
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Internet connectivity has enabled us to address all our personal and professional communication without budging an inch from wherever we are stationed. And, that too internationally! So much for the world being a global village! Nevertheless, the whole business community across the globe, including Kennewick Washington is now reverting to personal interaction because of the need to identify presence beyond the world of anonymity, online.
The brick and mortar office can never be completely replaced. There are a number of reasons why the cabinet and work station arena rules large, and here are the best five:
• Human interaction is still an integral part of any business.
• Employees are always more productive under supervision at the brick and mortar setting.
• Personal motivation and important business centric discussion cannot be eliminated from the work environment.
• Phone lines and web servers do go down and cause disrupted connections. The in-house team is able to make productive use of down time instead of waiting endlessly.
• The most important advantage of a brick and mortar office is the fact that it allows you to truly make your vocation a vacation! The space provided does more than set you or offer you work centric applications, it enables you to concentrate and improve.
There is no doubt that instant messaging, email, telephone and video-conferencing are exciting, but can they accurately communicate body language and either cynicism or excitement towards a deal?
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A few days ago CNN posted an article about the decline of housing values nation wide. However, 33 metro areas were noted as posting gains. Among the 33 areas, CNN noted one area in particular:
“The biggest winner will be the Kennewick, Washington metro area, where home prices have ramped up 8.9% over the past three years and are expected to increase another 3.4% by June 2010.”
As a Kennewick Wa Realtor®, we know all too well how well the housing market is doing. If needing a family operated, service oriented Kennewick real estate company, call us! We would love to be at your service.
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Living with a toxic waste site in your backyard has its advantages. For a place like Benton County this means more stimulus money. Benton county received $2 billion in stimulus money while Elkhart county in Indiana only received $49 million. These two counties are very similar to each other, their populations are with 30,000 of the other, they are both dependent on single sectors; Hanford in Benton county and RV manufacturing in Elkhart. Cost of living are similar in both places, they both are more than 90% white and tend to vote republican. So why is there such a huge discrepancy between the stimulus money each received? Well, Benton county had plenty of “shovel ready” projects while Elkhart was dependent on RV manufacturing which has taken a huge hit in this economy.
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If you are looking for Kennewick real estate listings, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve just upgraded our listings search tool to allow for a better client experience. Our search usability allows for a home buyer to save several searches each meeting different criteria. Those searches can then be emailed to a specific email address. Additionally, among the many features available, homes can be tagged as favorites, several options available for email updates, search by zip code, address, and or mls number, to name a few of our search tool features. Our search updates at least once per day to include any new listings our area’s real estate agents have posted. Our search is the only type of it’s kind in the Tri Cities Washington area.
Last, but not least, we do not apply any type of ’sales tactic’ to push you in a direction you do not want to go. We are simply here to serve you when you need us for help.
Here’s to great home surfing!
~ Colleen & Joe Lane 
Kennewick Real Estate Listings
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In the past six months the Tri-Cities is one of ten cities nationwide to have job growth. There has been an increase of about 3,000 nonfarm jobs in the Tri-Cities over the past year, in October we had an increase of nearly 500 jobs. One of the job markets in the area that is down is construction, not from a lack of demand but from a credit freeze. Overall the local economy in the Tri-Cities is doing well thanks to the stimulus money which has helped job growth, thus helping the housing market and retail industries. Many people are coming to the Tri-Cities to look for work which is making it difficult on many people to find jobs.
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Back in May Richland did a curbside recycling pilot project involving one neighborhood in South Richland, two in Central Richland, and one in North Richland. Residents involved in the pilot project reported using their recycling bins 75-100 percent of the time. Now the intended curbside recycling ordinance has gone before the Richland city council for the first time and was passed with a 5-1 vote. The ordinance would include yard waste collection to the garbage collection service and give an option for curbside recycling. The only downside to this ordinance would be that those who want curbside recycling would have to pay $5.70 a month in addition to the regular garbage collection service fee. The reason for the fee is that it costs the city more to handle recycling than it does for them to handle regular garbage. The ordinance will most likely be put before the city council either December 1 or December 15; it has to get placed before the city council twice.
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The wine industry in the wonderful Tri-Cities has significantly boomed over the past few decades. And there are still many other wineries proliferating in different portions of the state.
This is mainly contributed by the area’s suitable climate and abundant water supply from the surrounding rivers. Nearly one third of the state’s vineyards are located within the wonderful Columbia Valley which is federally recognized as an American Viticultural Area.
Just along the stretch, you will find numerous luxurious communities which serve as a fine retreat for all wine enthusiasts. If you’re thinking of relocating, the Tri-Cities is definitely a great option.
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November 2009 DeadlineReal estate is now more than running from pillar to post personally hunting for properties and then, documentation within the litigation process. Buyer incentives and bailout planning are designed to offer tax credit and compensation to deals that are closed within predetermined periods.
Tax Credit, and not tax deduction, is offered to first-time homebuyers in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco and Washington, who close purchase deals with us till November 2009. The incentive comes in the form of a 10% of the estimated value being offered as home tax credit. The tax credit is literally equivalent to cash in hand!
Our tax credit phases out couple-incomes above $150,000 and in the case of individual filing, incomes above $75,000. The condition is that the home needs to be bought and maintained without sale being contemplated within the next three years. This feature is promoted as a dedicated buyer incentive. The tax credit is applicable to any principle residence. This provision is primarily to promote energy-efficient investments and increase support towards critical housing programs.
The tax credit bailout offers dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, which means that there is no payback involved if you owe anything up to $8,000 in income tax! The bailout buyer incentive is refundable. This feature allows you, as a homebuyer, to receive a check payment for credit if your limited income tax liability is proved. The tax credit incentive does not rule out the involvement of a tax advisor prior to important decision making.
Time is running out! Contact us, or start your home search today to allow for a November 2009 escrow close.
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Time of Remembrance – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, September 25, 26, 27, 2009 Time of Remembrance is a statewide effort planned to honor the fallen soldiers and the families left behind. The event this year begins with a patriotic concert by recording artist Linda Lanier at 7:00pm on September 25, 2009 at Flat Top Park in West Richland. Private activities for families and military guests are planned for September 26, 2009. There will be healing activities, workshops and guest speakers, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker is expected to speak at a private dinner for the guests. A candlelight ceremony for the public will begin at 7:00pm on September 26, 2009 at the Regional Veterans Memorial at Columbia Park in Kennewick. A public memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00am on September 27, 2009 at Flat Top Park in West Richland. General James Mattis, a four-star Marine Corps General, and John Lee, Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, will be in attendance.
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Grapefest 2009 Saturday, Sep 26 8:00a at Historic Downtown Kennewick, 124 Kennewick Ave Kennewick, WA 99336 Festival celebrating our area’s grape harvest. Highlights include a fun run, grape stomp, wine garden, arts and crafts, a barbecue cook-off and so much more. Grapefest is located in the historic heart of downtown Kennewick on Kennewick Avenue in the 100 thru 300 block.
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The Richland Kennel Club, Inc. and the Columbia Basin Dog Training Club, Inc. present an all-breed Dog Show, Obedience Trial and Rally Trial at Columbia Park, 5111 SE Columbia Drive in Kennewick, WA 99336 Saturday, September 26 and Sunday September 27.
SHOW HOURS · 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
These shows will be held outdoors, unbenched, and are held under American Kennel Club Rules and Regulations.
RICHLAND KENNEL CLUB, INC. (Member of the American Kennel Club)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
All Breed Dog Show, Obedience Trial & Rally Trial
Conformation & Obedience – Rally
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2009
CARDIGAN WELSH CORGI CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.
COLUMBIA BASIN DOG TRAINING CLUB, INC. (Licensed by the American Kennel Club)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
All Breed Obedience Trial & Rally Trial
For more information, contact
RICHLAND KENNEL CLUB, INC.
(509) 531-0432 cell
COLUMBIA BASIN DOG TRAINING CLUB, INC.
(509) 554-8832 cell
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Christ The King’s annual Sausage Fest starts today at 5pm in Richland Washington at the corner of Stevens Avenue and Long Avenue 99354. Click on this link to see the entertainment schedule as well as other information. The schedule includes the biergarten (adults only) and the outdoor stage (families), as well as . New this year there will be a “wine bar” in the indoor biergarten (beer garden) with some nice wines from local wineries. Please do check that out if you like wine! Hope to see you there with your family or just somewhere in the adult section (outdoor or indoor festivities).
Sausage Fest Map (click and print):
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Richland and love every minute of it!"
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Harvest Fest “Un-Boat” Rally – Saturday, September 19, 2009 Float down a portion of the Yakima River in a homemade unpowered craft, “un-boats”. Registration forms are available at the Chamber office along with the official rules for the captain and crew members. Registration deadline is September 17, 2009.
Harvest Festival – Saturday, September 19, 2009 (11:00am – 4:00pm) Where: Flat Top Park, off Bombing Range Road and Van Giesen Avenue in West Richland Wa. On behalf of the Red Mountain Lion’s Club if you would like to promote your organization or business at this event please contact Darrell Toombs at 967-8000 or wrmgr@yokesfoods.com. Registration forms are also available at the Chamber office, registration deadline is September 10, 2009. The yearly event features music, a karate demonstration, a classic car show and myriad dance exhibitions.
New to the Harvest Festival is a Classic Car Show which will offer a Show & Shine from 1:00pm – 3:00pm (no cost), Poker Run from 3:00pm – 5:00pm ($10), BBQ Dinner at The Sandberg Event Center from 5:00pm – 7:00pm ($15 per couple or $10 single). Registration forms are available at the West Richland Chamber office.
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in West Richland and love every minute of it!"
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Considering relocating to live within the boundaries of the Kennewick School District? You are not alone. Many have chosen their home location to be in the Kennewick School District, as the district’s administration has children’s educational development as their main priority. From the district’s website, "The growing, positive reputation of the district is a product of quality employees working closely with supportive patrons to achieve success for all our students." Watch this video and you’ll see why the Kennewick School District is a relocation destination.
If you are considering a home purchase in Kennewick Washington, please let us help.
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Kennewick and love every minute of it!"
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What: Fiery Food Festival Where: Downtown Pasco Washington, 99301, corner of Lewis Street and 4th Avenue.
Today and tomorrow, September 12th & 13th marks Pasco’s 25th hosting of the annual event. The festival has all sorts of fun to do. Everything from live entertainment, a Kid Zone, specialty food booths, prepared foods, arts & crafts, Beer, Wine, & Margarita Gardens, and much more. There are contests as well, like the Salsa Contest and Chile Pepper Eating Contest. The festival is a project of the Pasco Downtown Development Association.
The family is headed to the Pasco Fiery Food Festival and will update this article with photos we take today and post to our Flickr account. Hope to see ya there!
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work, live, and play in Pasco and love every minute of it!"
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I was looking for a downloadable map, directions, and Sunmart ticket locations for this year’s (2009) Tri Cities Washington Parade of Homes and did not find one or any. So, I scanned in my copy and had my husband post the map here. Simply click on the image below and the page will open in a new window. Use the right click of your mouse and save the image to your desktop. Open the image in your photo or fax viewer and print. Alternatively, once the image is on your computer, right mouse click again and choose ‘print.’ Do the same for all four pages in the table below. Note: If you have problems, simply email us and we’ll send ya a pdf copy that can be opened easily from your email.
I toured all 22 homes Wednesday the 9th and had a great time. I think you will too! Also, I’ve posted a few hundred photos on Flickr if interested. Enjoy your Parade Tour!
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~ Colleen Lane
Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHC Designation)
Co-Owner, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
“We work, play, and live in the Tri Cities and love every minute of it!”
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Many of the local firefighters and police were on hand for 9/11 memorial services held today at Howard Amon Park’s Tear Drop Amphitheater, Richland Washington, 99352. If you were not there, I was in attendance and took some photos of the memorial:
Old Glory
Many were in attendance.
Waiting to play, "Amazing Grace."
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Richland and love every minute of it!"
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The 2009 Tri City Wa Parade of Homes touring dates and times are:
The Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities is showcasing 22 homes in the tour this year. The homes are located throughout Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, and West Richland offering the latest in design, style, architectural trends, and of course, the best in workmanship. Tickets: $7.00 on sale at all Tri-Cities area SunMarts
Colleen, an Accredited Luxury Home Consultant (ALHS Designation), is fortunate enough to be with a group of Realtor® folk touring the homes on Wednesday, Sept 9th on a pre-tour courtesy of Creekstone by Newland Communities. Colleen is also grateful for a Parade Home she has in escrow for one of her buyers. If you’ve never seen a home in the Parade of Homes, we took the liberty (with the permission of the owner/contractor, and buyer) to take some camera stills of our buyer’s next new home. I’m sure you will appreciate the quality, views, and decorating this home has to offer:
Additionally, Colleen and I took some great photos of the views our buyer will come to call his own. Most homes in Sundance Ridge, Richland Washington have some of these views or similar. Enjoy…
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Tri Cities Washington and love every minute of it!"
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Where: Spudnuts, 228 Williams Blvd Richland, WA 99354-3410
What: Spudnuts is going to appear on TV’s Food Network channel Labor Day at 6pm, PST. The Food Network’s Unwrapped show will feature a half dozen donut shops from around the United States. The show’s producers will be interviewing Spudnut’s owner Val Driver plus taking a peek at behind the scenes details at the shop. How cool is that! Last year, the Travel Channel featured Spudnuts in Donut Paradise.
View Larger Map of Spudnuts Uptown Shopping Center Location
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Richland and love every minute of it!"
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Here is 
an invitation from Tri Cities Wa Habitat to give them a hand in raising funds. Additional details can be found at www.habitatbuilds.com/harvest-for-hope. More updates from Habitat are: construction pace of having 4-5 homes under construction at any given time, Habitat is hoping to launch two new programs to serve more families in our community in need of affordable housing:
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
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The University of Washington’s Business and Economic Development Center (BEDC) is partnering with Columbia Basin College to bring you the BEDC Certificate Program in the Tri-Cities. This seven-session program will be offered over a three-month time period starting in October 2009. The BEDC Certificate Program is designed to assist small business owners improve the performance of their companies with the goal of both surviving the current economic downturn and getting ready for the recovery.
The program features lectures from experienced faculty of the UW Foster School of Business and imformative panel seminars from successful business owners. Program participants will also have an opportunity to network with fellow colleagues and meet prospective customers. More information…
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| Total Number Active Residential Listings* | Total Sold | Average Sold Price | Median Sold Price | Under Contract* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2008 |
1210
|
186
|
172.8
|
164.0
|
140
|
| February |
1319
|
191
|
193.9
|
165.0
|
183
|
| March |
1344
|
249
|
189.2
|
163.6
|
205
|
| April |
1344
|
257
|
181.7
|
159.9
|
233
|
| May |
1388
|
301
|
189.3
|
161.0
|
198
|
| June |
1404
|
333
|
196.9
|
171
|
211
|
| July |
1433
|
298
|
202.5
|
178.1
|
175
|
| August |
1403
|
272
|
186.8
|
168.5
|
174
|
| September |
1357
|
304
|
196.9
|
165.0
|
169
|
| October |
1432
|
250
|
186.1
|
170.0
|
112
|
| November |
1395
|
172
|
174.3
|
160.0
|
83
|
| December |
1210
|
202
|
193.6
|
169.5
|
91
|
| January 2009 |
1205
|
130
|
185.9
|
165.2
|
134
|
| February |
1222
|
179
|
181.5
|
162.5
|
145
|
| March |
1249
|
209
|
179.2
|
156.0
|
179
|
| April |
1228
|
191
|
178.5
|
156.8
|
222
|
| May |
1052**
|
289
|
188.5
|
162.5
|
526***
|
| June |
1040**
|
329
|
198.9
|
172.0
|
420***
|
| July |
1067**
|
336
|
194.6
|
175.6
|
414***
|
| August |
1047**
|
290
|
189.5
|
171.4
|
395***
|
** Active no longer includes ATB nor AWB
*** Now includes properties that went under contract and sold in the same month.
*The Active and Under Contract Listing Count is not cumulative. It is the actual count as of the day & time this Report was run on the 1st of each month. (9/01/2009)
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Real estate investment demands the presence of best loan options and buyer incentives. Today’s construction financing is being catered to by banks, non depository institutions and private lenders that understand the market constraints a buyer is subjected to. When it comes to financing for the real estate requirements of the medical fraternity, the presence of non real estate components make the loans safe.
Construction projects in the case of most non medical borrowers would attract loan options of up to 80% of the required finance. However, with medial financing now in place, doctors and allied personal from the medical fraternity benefit with loan options that accommodates 90% financing! Real estate and related equipment value in the case of medical financing transactions are stretched even over 100%.
Medical practitioners need not hunt for third party providers for financing beyond local banks, anymore. With commercial mortgages specially designed for the community, these professionals can now enjoy:
Medical financing now enables professionals in places like Kennewick, Richland, & Pasco Washington to add quality to the noble endeavor. The Lane Real Estate Team can help procure financial, no matter how difficult and/or unique the need may be. Call us! ~ Colleen and Joe Lane, 509.438.9344, or email us today.
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Where: Howard Amon Park, Richland Washington, 99352. What: 13th annual Tumbleweed Music Festival where music, dance, and workshops combine for an enjoyable, relaxed 2009 Labor Day weekend. The yearly festival is organized by the Three Rivers Folklife Society and is a celebration of music that includes dozens of musical performances and workshops. We enjoy the festival every year and confess to ALWAYS eating one of those awesome Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches. Yummy! Download the Tumbleweed Music Festival program.
View Larger Map of Howard Amon Park, Richland Washington, 99352
Postscript, September 7th – Had a lot of fun. Here is a sampling of pictures and video from the festival. We have a few more photos posted in our Tumbleweed Music Festival Flickr set. Enjoy:
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Richland and love every minute of it!"
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Kennewick Washington, 99336 ~ Housing is going completely turn-turtle with the shift in preference for homes set in the suburbs and city outlying areas. Not only are these properties available at reasonable costs, but they also enable ownership of homes that compliment the ‘green’ effort and not abuse it.
Today commuting to work via state and local public transportation has ushered in the chance to integrate routine tasks and movement with exercise. Downtown living in Kennewick Washington offers real estate buyers greener options for residence. An eco-friendly lifestyle, supported by proximity to grocery stores, boutiques, and supermarkets adds quality to the property and your life.
There are a number of dedicated real estate agents and brokers who cater to downtown investments, however, there is one who really cares about our environment. The convenience of living pollution free is more of a luxury and once the recession ebbs, the prices of these ‘green’ properties will soar.
Downtown real estate options allow you to dictate space and décor and give vent to your creative pursuits. You can actually live in your dream home with reduced furniture and an environmentally friendly living space. Lowered energy consumption, green appliances, low-flow plumbing, and eco-friendly lighting can help you used the saved money on the most important person in the world – YOU!
If you are considering Kennewick downtown real estate, or want to do a Kennewick search, please let us help. We are always available and never treat our clients coarsely, or with sales pressures tactics. We are servants at heart!
~ Colleen & Joe Lane
Co-Owners, Broker, Realtors®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Email | Twitter | Facebook| LinkedIn
"We work and play in Kennewick and love every minute of it!"
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If you are one of the few raring to close a Kennewick real estate deal on your own, do dare, but arm yourself with some prior research and comparison shopping. Today the internet technology has made it possible to explore arenas you may have never even dreamed of crossing before, like the real estate market.
First off, picking the right Kennewick Realtor® is a must. Colleen and I can provide the must needed assistance, and more importantly, the even more needed negotiating strength and experience.
Real estate purchase and sale makes it imperative for you to know the dedicated strategies and terminology, to strike a good deal. You too can now venture into the field, with caution though, since you most probably are a first timer. You should ideally consider the following points:
Research and stay updated. It is very important to come across as well informed and versatile. You should get a grasp of the real estate market in the neighborhood by regularly screening the county courthouse and local newspaper classifieds, and monitoring the Kennewick MLS.
Preset the offer you would like to make. Budgeting and estimation play a very important role here. You need to be informed about monthly mortgage payments in case you are considering a loan and the cash in hand.
Adopt a professional approach to the deal. Once you are set upon the property, focus on body language and don’t come across as over enthusiastic. You should ideally be conversant with the nitty-gritty’s of purchase contracts and other legal details.
Joe and Colleen Lane
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344 | Email
~ Always here to serve our Kennewick customers.
Kennewick seems to be a destination location…
Kennewick Washington Pictures | 99336, 99337, 99338
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First things first, contact a real estate agent specializing in commercial property. When you find a suitable property, lot, and/or acreage, have a valuation prepared by licensed appraiser and obtain a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) on the property from the local city council. These documents will provide you with much information important in assessing the land’s value and potential uses. Also, it is important that you are clear on what type of entity you will use the property for. Your lawyer and accountant will help you in deciding on the best ownership vehicle for your situation.
Any successful purchase is the return from the property. It is important to check whether there are any personal guarantees given by a representative of the company selling the property. Again, before you make any offer on the property you should discuss the implications with a lawyer. Or if this is not applicable, the offer should be conditional on a lawyer’s approval that the title to the property is in order, as well as approval of zoning matters and of any matters disclosed by the Land Information Memorandum. The offer should also be subject to your approval of the terms and conditions of all leases and, where appropriate, to your borrowing being approved on terms satisfactory to you.
For any and all commercial real estate needs, please contact us for assistance, and/or start your commercial property, lot, and/or acreage search today.
~ Colleen Lane
Co-Owner, Broker, Realtor®
The Lane Real Estate Team
509.438.9344
Featured Commercial Acreage/Building Lot For Sale | Midland Lane, Pasco Washington 99301
View Midland Lane, Pasco Washington 99301 in a larger map.
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Thinking of owning your own home? Our best search for Kennewick Washington homes for sale is your next step. The peace and serenity of Kennewick and the proximity of Kennewick homes near public and private utilities make the real estate options worth the time and money invested in the hunt.
At The Lane Real Estate Team, we handle Kennewick Wa properties and are very well networked in the community offering buyers, first and seasoned, homes for sale real estate options that are lucrative and designed to fit into any predetermined budget. There are a number of online as well as offline resources that list Kennewick homes and even make virtual tours available on request, however, The Lane Real Estate Team can walk you through the process.
Kennewick Washington is a destination location for folks looking to purchase into a thriving community. Consider using The Lane Team of Colleen and Joe Lane for assistance. Colleen Lane is the broker, while Joe manages marketing, online ventures, and personnel.
View Kennewick Washington, 99336, 99337, 99338 in a larger map
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Where: 1910 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick, Benton, Washington 99336 What: River Front Concerts presents Jazz and Blues in Kennewick Washington Columbia Park. In the tear drop amphitheater with the Blue Bridge as a backdrop, join hundreds of your fellow concert goers on Saturday, September 12th, 3:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. in Columbia Park for the area’s first Flavor of Tri-Cities. Wayman Chapman will start us off at 3:30 pm, followed by Jessy J at 5:00 pm, Lee Ritenour at 6:30 pm, and The Robert Cray Band at 8:15 pm. Tickets are $28., $48., and $100. and for more information, call (509) 727-2950 or email, info@riverfrontconcerts.com
~Colleen Lane
The Lane Real Estate Team
Kennewick Washington Realtor®, Broker
"We work and play in Kennewick and love every minute of it!"
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Where: Red Lion Inn 2525 North 20th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301 Map What: The Pasco Washington Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2009 Sunshine Ball, An Evening With Marrakech. Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel. Social Hour and Photos at 6:00 pm. Wax Lantern Parade at 6:45 pm. Dinner at 7:00 pm. Moroccan cuisine. Music by Swing Shift.
Individual Tickets $50. Table of 8 $360. Please Contact the Pasco Chamber of Commerce for tickets. Sponsorships are still available! (509) 547-9755 Admin@PascoChamber.org
~Colleen Lane
The Lane Real Estate Team
Pasco Washington Realtor®, Broker
"We live, work, and play in Pasco and love every minute of it!"
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To help business owners improve the exterior appearance of their buildings the City has begun accepting applications for the Commercial Improvement Program (CIP). Eligible businesses and building owners may apply for funding to make permanent exterior improvements to enhance the appearance of their businesses. The program requires that all proposals meet the following eligibility requirements…[read on]
Submitted by,
Colleen Lane
Broker, Realtor®, Co-Owner
The Lane Real Estate Team
Property Buyers | Property Sellers
View Larger Map | City of Richland Washington, 505 Swift Blvd. Richland, WA 99352 509.942.7390
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Where: Van Giesen Street and Keene Road, West Richland, Wa, 99320 What: West Richland can expect to have the first distillery in Southeast Washington soon thanks to the approved sale of land by the Port of Kennewick to Black Heron Spirits Distillery and Port Works. This land is located in the port’s Wine Estates Park which is home to Pacific Rim Wine Estates, one of the region’s largest wineries. The craft distillery, to be constructed and operated by Joel Tefft and Becky Runyan, will offer barrel-aged whisky, brandies, port wine, gin and corn liquor. The distillery is scheduled to open next year.
View Larger Map of Van Giesen Street and Keene Road, West Richland Washington Intersection
View Larger Van Giesen Street and Keene Road, West Richland, Wa, 99320 Map
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Take a drive through magnificent Tri-Cities Washington and discover a combination of luxury and affordability. When it comes to buying luxurious homes, luxury home buying should not only be all about the captivating views, or the customized quality of the finest craftsmanship and materials, nor the open-wide floor plans, generous rooms, spectacular gourmet kitchen, cozy fireplaces, home theaters and the like. Rather, it should also speak about affordability. The Tri-cities of Washington offers luxury real estate and luxury homes that fits every budget any way you prefer. It simply is the best of all worlds.
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We were asked recently for Chapel Hill Pasco Washington homes for sale. On further inquiry, we found our buyer wanted to live within the Chiawana High School boundary as our buyer wanted their children to go the new high school. Whether looking for a home within the Chiawana High School or Pasco High School boundaries, we can help. Simply check the boundary maps here, then do a home search here, and/or contact Colleen for further help. We are always here to help.
View Pasco Washington Public High Schools in a larger map
Map & Directions: Chiawana High School, 8125 W Argent Rd Pasco, WA 99301 and Pasco High School, 1108 N 10th Ave Pasco, WA 99301
Maps by www.JoeLane.com
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Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo Fairgrounds, 1500 S. Oak St., Kennewick, Washington, 99337 ~ I tried finding a place to purchase tickets to the fair today and didn’t find anything online. However, I was in Yokes today and discovered the store is selling tickets. Just thought I would pass this little tidbit along in case someone else is looking. FYI, I tried the Fair & Rodeo’s website but their ticket page was not working! 
Here is a map to the fairgrounds:
View Larger Map of the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo Fairgrounds
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Where: Columbia Point Golf Course, 225 Columbia Point Dr Richland, WA 99352-4374 | The Chamber is holding it’s annual golf event on Friday, August 28th at Columbia Point Golf Course in Richland Washington. There will be an afternoon flight only with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Registration will run from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and a sack lunch will be provided. Prepare to have fun; there will be lots of games and great prizes to be won! The Benton PUD Ball Drop and Dinner & Awards Ceremony will be immediately following at Columbia Point Golf Course. A few tee sponsorships are left: great way to have a representative on a tee to visit with players and hand out promotional materials. Contact Camille Robinson at 736-0510 or email her about tee sponsorships.
Did you ever see it rain golf balls? Well, keep your eye on the sky, because on August 28th droves of golf balls will be dropped over the practice green at Columbia Point Golf Course in Richland. This very unique and exciting Ball Drop is being held in conjunction with the 19th Annual Tri-City Regional Chamber Golf Classic. The Chamber is selling tickets for the ball drop. Each ticket sold has a number, and that number is being placed on a golf ball. The ball that lands either in the hole, or closest to the hole, will win a substantial cash prize. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a golfer to purchase a ticket AND you don’t have to be present to win. Cost is 1 ball for $10 or 3 balls for $25.
View Larger Map of Columbia Point Golf Course Location
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Tri Cities Washington package properties are part of a new trend to market the potential features of the home or commercial premises alongside property display. Packaging the property well is not at all a new gimmick; in fact it has been around since the first property ever sold. What is unique is the enhanced ability to use the features to stretch even the most stringent budget!
Package properties essentially highlight:
Package properties in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland Washington enable the distant buyer to take a virtual tour of the property and a sneak peek at the enhancing features. The listings allow the investor to consider every conceivable use of the property, for resale or rent. Details of underground storage tanks, recent renovations and ‘green’ inclusions make the deal worth every dollar spent.
Anyway, when a property is marketed with all the details properly highlighted, transparency of intent makes a lucrative deal easier. If you are considering a packaged property, or any property for that matter, consider using us for a real estate buying, or real estate selling needs.
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Where: 2027 S Tweedt St, Kennewick WA 99338 ~ Kennewick Washington has many things to do, and many great communities to live in. Among the best communities Kennewick has to offer is Cherry Blossom Meadows.
Cherry Blossom Meadows offers premier properties at affordable prices. No matter what story chosen, all plans provide an impressive and open feel the moment you set foot in these adorable homes.
Upgrading your lifestyle is easy with Cherry Blossom Meadows. Upgrades include automatic garage doors, custom flooring, attractive landscaping, and more. You would absolutely feel as sense of pride in your own home.
If you need help finding a Cherry Blossom Home, or similar home, please consider us. The Lane Real Estate Team Or, start searching for a Cherry Blossom Meadows home today!
Cherry Blossom Meadows Vicinity
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Where: 844 Tulip Lane Richland, Washington 99352 What: An evening to remember! Concerts are staged every Saturday evening in a wonderful outdoor setting which features a massive 33 foot basalt fountain, warm and friendly fire pits, and garden atmosphere. Guests will experience a relaxed, unique venue while listening to a variety of exceptional live musical performances. Taverna Tagaris is a full-service gourmet restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine. When: 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Saturdays Contact: 509.628.0020 Directions:
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Broadmoor Storage Solutions Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting on Monday, August 24, 2009, 1:30 PM – Hosted by Pasco Chamber at Broadmoor Storage Solutions’ location: 9335 Sandifur Parkway, Pasco, WA
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Where: Auburn Street & Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick, 99336 (Historic Downtown Kennewick) What: A fun filled morning of fruit and vegetable shopping, coupled with market vendors, crafts, arts, baked goods, and more. Every Thursday morning from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Hurry, as the season ends September 3rd. Contact: 509.585.2301 Directions:
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In the last year the Tri Cities has been the only community to see job growth. According to Dean Schau, regional labor economist, the Tri Cities have gained 1,300 jobs since last July. The same can’t be said for those in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett region, they lost 68,800 nonfarm jobs over the past year. Overall in the state of Washington unemployment has dropped one-tenth of a percent between June and July with the help of an additional 4,000 nonfarm jobs. According to these numbers Karen Lee, employment securities commissioner believes the recession is slowing down.
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During the past five months new housing construction has risen to almost 2%. This is the highest level since October of last year. The new construction housing industry is expected to help the economy in the Tri Cities; each house being built generates on average three jobs. On the downside apartment construction is way down. Between the months of June and July Apartment construction dropped 13%. Many people are more apt to go into a model home and sign a contract than go rent an apartment. New construction housing looks even better for some with the option of the first-time home buyer tax credit available. Builders and Realtors are pushing to have the credit extended to keep sales up.
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North Richland Washington (99353, 99352) is well known as the heart of science and technology due to its huge contribution to the development of the Atomic bomb. Today, huge efforts to restore the area to its near-original state are being funded by the government.
Richland is also famous for being the site of one of the renowned laboratories, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Its current employees are mainly composed of thousand of scientists, researchers, and other employees making it as one of the area’s major economic driver.
North Richland is one of the best destinations due to its strategic location. It is bordered by the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers, blessed with rich soil conditions and amazing climate. Just a few reasons one can enjoy an excellent quality of life. It is also the center of Washington’s growing wine country. Here you can find more than 100 high quality wineries within an hour’s drive of downtown Richland. Not to mention extensive golf, recreation and river-oriented activities perfect for every family.
If you are relocating to North Richland Washington to work in one of the many employment opportunities available in the Tri Cities, or simply want a grand place to live and play, consider using the Lane Real Estate Team. You can start your search for North Richland homes today!
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Home sales are down in the state of Washington during the second quarter when compared to last year during the same time. The median home sale price this year in the second quarter was $265,100 down 9.2% from last year. These numbers though are improvements from the first quarter. The second quarter increase is attributed to the $8,000 first time home buyer credit. The median prices fell in every county but Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties. In the Tri-Cities the median sale price of a home is $163,900, up 0.3% from last year.
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Franklin County ranked 45th on a list of counties nationwide with the highest growth rate of housing units between 2000 and 2008, the US Census Bureau
~Colleen Lane, Broker, Realtor® of the Lane Real Estate Team.
Our new search is the best in Southeast Washington!
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Occasionally, we get asked about the boundaries of a particular school district. Here are links to the appropriate school district’s web pages providing boundary maps. These maps could prove very helpful if needing a home in a particular school district. Home searches can be done here: MLS Search
Kennewick School District Schools and Locations
Kennewick School District Elementary School Boundaries
Kennewick School District Middle School Boundaries
Kennewick School District High School Boundaries
Richland School District Schools and Locations
Richland School District Elementary School Boundaries
Richland School District Middle School Boundaries
Richland School District High School Boundaries
Pasco School District Schools and Locations
Pasco School District Elementary School Boundaries
Pasco School District Middle School Boundaries
Pasco School District High School Boundaries
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There’s never been a better time to get an FHA home loan.
These high-benefit loans are making a comeback during the lingering recession. Thousands of prospective homeowners are turning to FHA loans to achieve their dream of home ownership.
In fact, the FHA set a monthly record in June, guaranteeing almost 186,000 mortgages. The agency has insured more than 34 million properties since its inception in 1934.
“A primary reason government-insured loans have retained a high share of the purchase market is that these loans typically require lower down payments than conventional loans,” Orawin Velz, associate vice president of economic forecasting for the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in a news release. “In addition, lending standards tend to be tighter for conventional loans, especially for loans that require private mortgage insurance.”
FHA loans continue to resonate with low- to middle-income buyers and first-time buyers, although there are no income restrictions to obtain these government-backed loans. Scores of first-time homebuyers are utilizing the new $8,000 first-time homebuyer’s tax credit in conjunction with FHA loans to maximize their financial flexibility.
But FHA loans offer an array of benefits to prospective buyers across the spectrum. These loans continue to make sound financial sense in the face of a hardened credit market and a slumping national economy. Some of the many benefits of FHA loans include:
This guest post was written by Brandon Laughirdge of Mortgage Loan Place. MLP specializes in educating consumers about government loan programs with an emphasis on FHA Mortgages and FHA Loans.
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| Total Number Active Residential Listings* | Total Sold | Average Sold Price | Median Sold Price | Under Contract* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2008 |
1210
|
186
|
172.8
|
164.0
|
140
|
| February |
1319
|
191
|
193.9
|
165.0
|
183
|
| March |
1344
|
249
|
189.2
|
163.6
|
205
|
| April |
1344
|
257
|
181.7
|
159.9
|
233
|
| May |
1388
|
301
|
189.3
|
161.0
|
198
|
| June |
1404
|
333
|
196.9
|
171
|
211
|
| July |
1433
|
298
|
202.5
|
178.1
|
175
|
| August |
1403
|
272
|
186.8
|
168.5
|
174
|
| September |
1357
|
304
|
196.9
|
165.0
|
169
|
| October |
1432
|
250
|
186.1
|
170.0
|
112
|
| November |
1395
|
172
|
174.3
|
160.0
|
83
|
| December |
1210
|
202
|
193.6
|
169.5
|
91
|
| January 2009 |
1205
|
130
|
185.9
|
165.2
|
134
|
| February |
1222
|
179
|
181.5
|
162.5
|
145
|
| March |
1249
|
209
|
179.2
|
156.0
|
179
|
| April |
1228
|
191
|
178.5
|
156.8
|
222
|
| May |
1052**
|
289
|
188.5
|
162.5
|
526***
|
| June |
1040**
|
329
|
198.9
|
172.0
|
420***
|
| July |
1067**
|
336
|
194.6
|
175.6
|
414***
|
** Active no longer includes ATB nor AWB
*** Now includes properties that went under contract and sold in the same month.
*The Active and Under Contract Listing Count is not cumulative. It is the actual count as of the day & time this Report was run on the 1st of each month. (8/05/2009)
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The National Softball Association recently named the Pasco Softball Complex as 2008’s "National Outstanding Park." Does not surprise me. I’ve played competitive softball for most of my adult life and mostly in Southern California. I’ve played on some of the best diamonds in the world, but was impressed by Pasco’s Softball Complex when we moved here several years ago. Pasco officials say the park is a testimony to the community’s love of sports.
~Joe Lane, Realtor® of the Lane Real Estate Team.
Our new search is the best in Southeast Washington!
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Bad, really bad customer service at Sprint in Kennewick. I purchased a Palm Pre 30 days ago at 10:30am on June 6th. Within a week I concluded the phone was bad and today I was refused a return by Kennewick Sprint’s manager! My story…
I 
thought I would give the phone a fair shot under Sprint of Kennewick’s “30-day customer satisfaction guarantee” and made a note to myself to call Kennewick Sprint on Friday, July 3rd, three days before my 30-day trial would expire. I made several calls to the store on Friday the 3rd with no answer (see attached screenshot of phone record) and concluded the store was closed for the July 4th holiday. We were headed out of town for the July 4th holiday on Friday evening and thought I would simply do the return today (Monday, July 6th) at 9:00am. Wrong! The manager refused to except my return! She stated I was past the “30 days!”
At 9:00am this morning I explained to the manager I still had 1.5 hours to go on the guarantee, and also explained to her I tried calling several times on Friday the 3rd! She dug her heels in. While in the store, the manager had me call “Sprint Retention.” Over the phone, the operator told me the return is the store’s decision. I confronted the manager again, and the manager refused my return, again.
When I returned home, I reread the “Sprint 30-Day Risk-Free Guarantee,” and the guarantee states I have “30 days” to return my phone. June 6th at 10:30am to July 6th at 9:00am is 29 days, 22.5 hours. Did someone add an extra day to June? Did I miss that?
Customer Service At It’s Worse
What an incredibly stupid decision and poor customer service. I’m left with a phone I do not want, and Sprint of Kennewick has a black eye as I’m sure when someone searches Google for ‘kennewick sprint’ this blog entry will show up. I wonder how many sales Sprint will lose as a result of their decision to save a few bucks at the expense of an unhappy customer (I guess 6 years and a family plan of 4 phones doesn’t amount to much these days).
Friends Do Not Let Friends Buy A Palm Pre!
Regarding the Palm Pre. Do not buy it! Come to find out, the phone is still in the beta testing stage. Glitches continue to surface in the Palm Pre software. Plus, the phone is very cheaply built. If you buy this phone, insurance is a must as the phone will not last. 30 days into ownership, the slide is already not sliding properly. Last but not least, for those of us who opted for a Palm Pre to sync with our Palm software, forget it. After a one time synchronization, there is no syncing to the Palm desktop software. What is even worse, there is no way to enter contact info into the phone except hunt and pecking the 1inch x 2inch keyboard. Yikes!
The Takeaway
If you are a Sprint customer and bound by the contract, you are stuck but beware and watch your backside. If you are not a Sprint customer and straddling the fence on what provider to use, do not use Sprint of Kennewick Washington. Lastly, unless you are happy with a phone in the beta stage, only need the phone for texting, and are happy with the 20ish apps (compare to iPhone’s several thousand apps), then my advice is not purchase the Palm Pre.
Sadly, even if I was out of warranty (and I am not), Kennewick Sprint could have gone the high road and chose to honor the wishes of a paying customer. Personally, we’ve had several service businesses over the past 20+ years,- we’ve always put the customer’s needs over the dictates of a contract whenever possible. In this case, in my opinion Kennewick Sprint was (and is) under obligation to honor their guarantee.
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