HomeFinders Weekend - February 3-5, 2012

Weekend

Realtor’s Corner

VikkiGildenRealEstate.com What got you into the Real Estate Business?

I got into the Real Estate Business for a few reasons. I guess I would honestly say the original idea was because I love looking at houses!

I had visited extensively with an agent that I had previously worked with on the buying/selling of our homes about the business and she Premier One Properties just increased my excitement. My husband and I made the decision to wait until our youngest child was more independent, with the (509) 670-5428 sometimes unconventional hours!

What did you do before that?

Before coming into Real Estate I was an in-home decorator, where I developed a love for working one-on-one with people and experienced the joy they had in making their house a home. I believe the one just naturally led to the next step.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born here in Wenatchee, and lived in the East Wenatchee until I was eight, at which time my father, who was a teacher, moved us to Brewster. My husband and I came back to the Wenatchee area in 1988.

What would say to someone from outside the area about the value of living in this area?

This is such a great place to live. I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else permanently - maybe just Arizona for a few months in the winter some day! The community offers so many choices of activities and amenities that I believe anyone from outside our area would, given a few days, fall in love with the area. No matter the age or interests, I believe we provide it.

Which is your favorite season of the year?

As already mentioned, winter is not my personal favorite season...summer is! I absolutely love the heat, the green trees, the flowers, the dry hills! We do have four seasons to enjoy, but I wish summer was longer!

What are the most gratifying/challenging aspects of working as a Realtor?

The most gratifying aspect of working in Real Estate, is honestly, helping my buyers find that house that I know will be the home that they will love and feel at peace in, and assisting my sellers in taking the next step of their journey. The challenges are probably just weeding through all the regulations and encouraging my buyers or sellers to be patient with the system. We get it done, and do our very best to make sure everyone is happy on the other side. It really is all worth it for them, and extremely gratifying for me to have been able to be of assistance in the process.

by North Central Washington Association of Realtors Board of Directors

Vikki Gilden

Seeking Out A Loan Officer In our local market 79% of homebuyers in 2011 used some form of financing to make their purchase. If you’re looking for a home to purchase how do you as a consumer differentiate between loan officers? Here are some suggestions from a post on the KCM Blog* on how to go about it.

•

Ask for referrals – If you have a friend, co-worker, or family member who had a good lending experience, ask who they used. Talk to people who deal with multiple lenders (real estate agents, attorneys, accountants, etc.) and leverage their comparative experience into making good choices. Loan officers who earn referrals typically go beyond price/product/service.

• Seek out a mortgage advisor – Even today, with limited loan programs, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right mortgage. Your future income, the length of time you expect to be in the home, and your risk tolerance should be discussed before ruling out adjustable rate mortgages, for example.

• Look for transparency – Demand a lender who freely and competently discusses rates and likely rate movements. Don’t buy into the idea that rates are conjured up in a mysterious way. Rates are derived by activities in the bond market and your loan officer should be able to explain, in layman’s terms, the factors that affect rates and upcoming events and economic reports, as well as, the most likely impact they will have.

• Accessibility of information – Are you looking for printed materials and/or videos to guide you through the process? How about online workshops or home buying seminars?

• Seek out a resource – You may need other professionals when buying a home (from insurance people, to home improvement people, to legal help). A good loan officer has a network of high quality referral partners to help you.

Contact your local Realtor® for recommendations on loan officers in your area. Happy home buying! * KCM Blog posted January 19, 2012

2011 Annual Realtor Awards Realtor of the Year Award

Laura Mounter Cell: 509-670-3303 Office: 509-665-9200 Laura@LauraMounter.com • www.LauraMounter.com

Bringing Your Dream Home

This is the most coveted award that can be bestowed by one’s peers. The nominee must demonstrate involvement in the local, state and/or national REALTOR® associations.

The individual must also demonstrate what we call ‘REALTOR® Spirit’ or commitment to education, professionalism and ethical business practices.

Kevin Lynch Leavenworth Properties

175 E. Penny Rd. ~ Wenatchee, WA 98801

Realtor Hall of Fame Award

Bringing Buyers & Sellers Together Roger Downer

R E A L E S TAT E

Broker Associate

679-0592 Connect to johnlscott.com/wenatcheeofice • 662-4772 • 1201 N. Wenatchee Ave. This Office independently Owned & Operated

www.wenatcheepremierhomes.com Stephen Office: 662-3491 Bishop fax: 664-3897

679-7004

Sharon Moreland

670-0075

Rebecca Hackworth 509-421-2007 (Direct) 509-662-2100 (Office) Rebeccahackworth@ymail.com

Lorre Stimac Realtor cell: 509 670-7653 fax: 509 662-2164 lorrestimac@hotmail.com

Plan Your Open Homes Tour on Saturday by visiting homes.wenatcheeworld.com and clicking on the Weekend Section!

Nominee must have at least 20 years in the business, community or REALTOR® involvement and be a positive role model to all REALTORS®, regarding work ethics, integrity and business practices. Must be a member of the North Central Washington Association of REALTORS® and has made a considerable contribution to the local and/or state association.

Russ Andrews Windermere NCW

Realtor Achievement Award Nominee must demonstrate involvement in the local REALTOR® association, in civic, community or business affairs and must exhibit a commitment to education, professionalism and ethical business practices.

Paul Mares Premier One Properties Rookie of the Year Award

Nominee shall be someone who has been a licensed REALTOR® and in the business for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 18 months. Nominee demonstrates participation in local REALTOR® association activities and has made a commitment to education and is active in their real estate business.

Brandon Huber Huber Real Estate Support Staff Recognition Award Nominee must be a staff or support person of an individual REALTOR® member, REALTOR® office or affiliate company of North Central Washington Association of REALTORS®.

This person represents your business as well as others.

Wendy Fries Windermere NCW

N<<B<E; FG<E ?FLJ<J Wenatchee

Wenatchee

CANCELLED

$268,900 1813 Cumbo Court Open Sun. 1:15-2:45 Pack up and move in! These sellers are ready. Family room, granite, 3 car garage, large fenced yard for the troops to play in!

Would be a wonderful home to do daycare in! Directions: South on Western, right on Cumbo Court.

Laura Mounter Real Estate & Co. NormaJean Jessup 670-8340

$129,900

304 Franklin Open Sun. 12-2 Huge price reduction! Cute cottage with full basement. Double garage, double carport and huge covered BBQ area. Directions: West on 5th, South on Franklin.

Century 21 Exclusively Roberta Jackson 670-1773

$139,900

1260 Millerdale Open Sun. 12-3 3 bed, 1 bath in great neighborhood. Large fenced yard, storage shed, large covered patio, exceptionally clean.

Directions: South on Miller, right on Millerdale.

Century 21 Exclusively Pam Wright 860-4487 Members of the North Central Washington Association of REALTORS® give back to the community by donating their time to help the American Red Cross during their February Blood Drive.

$320,000 2115 Fifth Open Sun. 12-2                                           Century 21 Exclusively John Bonniwell 679-0767

East Wenatchee $249,500

$174,900 1252 Lorena Place Open Sun. 12-2 Great location with stunning views! Classic style 3 bedroom 1.75 bath home, formal living and dining rooms, sitting area off kitchen, private back yard, new roof. Directions: North on Miller, right on Millerdale, left on Vista, right on Lorena.

Windermere Real Estate/NCW Mary Gunderson 885-39022

1441 Copper Loop Open Sun. 12-2:30 1801 Sq. Ft. rambler on large lot with room for RV parking.

Still time to pick your colors! Kitchen with breakfast nook and great room. Covered patio, 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Directions: SE 4th Street to Kansas.

Windermere Real Estate/NCW Julie Jessup 670-6637

$189,000 1476 Trisha Way Open Sun. 12-1:30                                       Laura Mounter Real Estate & Co. Cindy Smith 664-6278

$254,900

1470 Copper Loop Open Sun. 12-2:30                                     Windermere Real Estate/NCW Julie Jessup 670-6637

$209,900 1304 Poe St. Open Sun. 1-2                                      Laura Mounter Real Estate Jan Widener 670-2444

$257,500

$268,000 574 Saddlerock Loop Open Sun. 2-3:30 More than meets the eye! This 2008 daylight rambler boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.75 baths and a family friendly family room, snack bar and theatre room! Directions: West on Crawford, South on Methow, right on Saddlerock Loop.

Laura Mounter Real Estate & Co. Cindy Smith 664-6278

$375,000

1449 Copper Loop Open Sun. 12-2:30                                     Windermere Real Estate/NCW Julie Jessup 670-6637

2151 NE 8th Open Sun. 11:30-1 1.87 acres with horses allowed. Large rambler with formal living areas, bonus room over 3 car garage, new on market!

Great location. Directions: Grant Road, left on Lyle, right on NE 8th St. Laura Mounter Real Estate & Co. NormaJean Jessup 670-8340

OPEN HOUSES See Our Open Houses and other Fine Listings at www.century21exclusively.com

135 N. Mission Wenatchee, WA • 509-662-2100

Open House Sunday 1-2:30 Price reduced!

907 Walker, Wenatchee

Recently updated 2 bedroom 1 bath home with unfinished basement area and 1 car garage.

Nice large back yard.

Priced to sell $109,000.

Century 21 Exclusively

DeAnn 509-670-9966

225 N.E 19TH ST #23 – EAST WENATCHEE LARGE QUIET CONDO IN A GREAT COMPLEX. This 3 bedroom unit is very spacious at 1,809 sq. ft. Large built in entertainment center in the living room with brick fireplace. Large dining room. Kitchen with newer cabinets with a connected eating area and large pantry. Very nice clubhouse with pool and tennis court. $219,900. Please contact GARY MULLEN @ 679-4132 for more information.

MLS# 696978

566 CHRISAND – WENATCHEE

$374,900...................WENATCHEE Northwest Contemporary! Captivating views, bright, immaculate, cathedral ceilings, 2 fireplaces, Master Suite + 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, stainless appliances, formal dining & nook, covered deck, private back yard. MLS# 697175 Iris Cole 662-7184

$354,900......... EAST WENATCHEE NEW PRICE! Highland Estates gated equestrian community!

2 acres, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Travertine floors, granite, formal/informal living, master suite, triple garage, RV parking. A Fannie Mae HomePath property. MLS# 696841 Jamie Wallace 670-3305

$189,900.................. WENATCHEE Very nice! Nearly 2000 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home!

Hardwood and tile floors, fully fenced backyard, detached double garage. MLS # 697196 Cindy Seyster 670-6466

$189,900......... EAST WENATCHEE Newer rambler with great curb appeal. Nice floor plan, vaulted ceilings, 3 good sized bedrooms, double garage, auto sprinklers, almost a quarter acre lot. MLS# 696367 Christie Kay 630-8289

Windermere Real Estate / NCW

662-7184 • 1-800-841-0055 www.windermerewenatchee.com

BUILDERS OWN HOME WITH LOTS OF UPGRADES. This home lives large and offers RV parking for more than one RV, plus room for a pool too! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths.

Oversized garage. Priced below assessed value. $249,900.

Please contact LINDA HANSON @ 630-7338 for more information. MLS# 695712

2154 CITATION LOOP – WENATCHEE Tile entry welcomes you into a living room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Master suite is complete with double sink vanity, separate shower, soaking tub and walk-in closet. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room, large garage RV parking and irrigation water with sod, in-ground sprinklers and fence. Builder offers a 2-10 home warranty. $234,950. Contact LINDA HANSON @ 630-7338 for more information. MLS # 694421

2152 CITATION LOOP – WENATCHEE Popular floor plan with additional shop area and unfinished family room downstairs waiting for your personal touch.

Home is complete with a 2-10 builders home warranty and in-ground sprinklers, sod and fence. $229,950. Contact LINDA HANSON@ 630-7338 for more information.

MLS # 694420

NNA N. BAKER LOT # 1- EAST WENATCHEE Gently sloping 1.3 acre parcel just off N. Baker across the street from Cascade School. Great home site with nice views. Well provides for irrigation water. Power, City water and sewer to lot. $110,000. Contact JEANNIE KING @ 679-5150 for more information. MLS # 696436

1828 HERITAGE DRIVE – WENATCHEE Nice rambler with open floor plan in great 55+ community.

2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Nicely upgraded kitchen and low maintenance yard. Enjoy the clubhouse, indoor pool and so much more! $219,900. Please contact ERIN DAVIDSON @ 293-2214 for more information.

MLS# 696158

412 COTTAGE AVE – CASHMERE

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! Contact: Tom

Nees

509-860-2091 nees@wenatcheeworld.com Talk To Tom About

OPEN HOUSES • AGENT FINDER FEATURED LISTINGS REALTOR SPOTLIGHT REALTOR’S CORNER

Step into an inviting atmosphere of yester year in this charming Cashmere Craftsman. Wood flooring adds to the feel along with a wonderful living room bay window. Four bedrooms, 1 ¾ baths. A cozy back yard setting and fenced side yard provide space for the family. $229,500. For more information please contact STEVE SCHWIND @ 421-1150.

MLS# 697208

www.premierone.biz 925 Fifth St., Wenatchee • 662-3491

Plan Your

OPEN HOMES TOUR by visiting

homes.wenatcheeworld.com