Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

The media continues to report on real estate activties nationwide and locally.  Here’s an overview of real estate activity in the Tri-Cities for the month of April ‘09, compared to prior years.

          Active Listings    Sold      Avg. Sold $   Median Sold $   Under Contract   _________________________________________________________________

APR ‘06         1344         323           180.8             159.9                  262

APR ‘07         1365         317           179.6             156.0                  270

APR ‘08         1344         257           181.7             159.9                  233

APR ‘09         1228         191           178.5             156.8                  222

“It is the ‘doo-ty’ of conscientious pet owners to pick up after their dogs.”

Spring must be here…I found three golf balls in my backyard this weekend.  Since the golfers are back on the course these days, I’m wondering how many know that the Canyon Lakes Golf Course is rated 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest and is the highest rated golf course in the Tri-Cities?  Additionally, Canyon Lakes Golf Course is tied as the highest rated golf course in Washington State!  And, Northwest Travel magazine selected Canyon Lakes as one of the “18 of the Best in the Pacific Northwest.”

Here are a few more facts about the award winning golf course right in our own backyard.  For example, Hole #12 is famous for being the largest green in the Pacific Northwest–a 12,000 square foot thing of beauty!  Hole #9 was selected as one of the Northwest’s Dream 18 Holes!  The Canyon Lakes Golf Course not only has won multiple awards, but also plays host to a number of prestigious tournaments and charity events each year.  If you are planning a golf outing and want more information, visit golf@canyonlakesgolfcourse.com.   And, don’t forget to wow your friends with the facts, now that you know that Canyon Lakes Golf Course is so highly rated!

Your Canyon Lakes Realtor,

Sharon Sasser Warren,                                                                           Distinctive Properties, Inc.                                                                             (509) 551-4393

Based on the March 10th Canyon Lakes Property Owners Association board meeting, it’s becoming quite clear that the ARC plans to take a more active role in enforcing ARC Guidelines and the community’s CC&R’s.   In the past, ARC review of home remodeling plans, exterior painting and construction of onsite structures like sheds, walls and fences was minimal.  Now, that is changing and the ARC is embarking on a more active role.   In fact, at the board meeting, it was reported that the ARC recently denied a homeowner’s request to build a shed because the plan submitted did not meet the ARC guidelines.  Another homeowner was present at the board meeting to ask about changing the paint color of her new home in Canyon Lakes #9.  She was advised that  an application and paint samples must be submitted for review by the ARC.  To avoid future problems, homeowners are advised to submit an application and plans, including proposed paint colors, once formal plans are completed.  Remember, too, that you can access ARC Guidelines and the Canyon Lakes CC&R’s through this blog’s website.

Your Canyon Lakes Realtor,

Sharon Sasser Warren  

The Canyon Lakes Property Owners Association held its annual meeting on February 17, 2009.   Jodi Landefeld, Secretary of the  CLPOA, received ballots from 252 property owners voting for Board members.  The 2009 officers and board member are as follows:  Todd Sprong, President; Jason Goffard, Vice-President; board members are Troy Bacon, Manny Beckmann, Ruth Beckmann, Ed McLaughlin, Jeanette Mefford, Christa Sasser and Gene Schreckhise.  

ARC committee members, Ed McLaughlin and Troy Bacon, gave the Board an update as to what the ARC has been doing.  Manny Beckmann told the Board he sent out a couple of voilation letters.  Troy Bacon suggested the Chief of Police, who is a Canyon Lakes resident, be invited to the next monthly meeting to discuss recurring violations in the community. 

Homeowners at the meeting had many questions for the Board.  One major area of interest concerned the handling of non-compliant Homeowners and the status of the new Master Documents, which will allow better enforcement.  The assembled group learned that a quorum was obtained for the Master Documents–369 property owners voted, of that 325 approved, 20 disapproved and 24 abstained.  Other areas of discussion at the meeting included maintenance of entryway signs, landscaping and fence vandalism, traffic issues and pet owners not picking up their dog’s waste from lawns and common areas.  Also discussed was the long range plan to build a clubhouse and develop CLPOA’s 3.2 acre lot.  Proposed building plans were revealed at the meeting.  Additionally, property owners were advised that the signs at Canyon Lakes #9, Canyon Lakes North and South Hill are being repaired.

If you are interested in getting involved, there are two open Board positions.  There is also one open position on the Architectual Review Committee.  Contact Jodi Landefeld at the Board office, if you are interested in serving. 

Your Canyon Lakes Realtor,

Sharon Sasser Warren

The Canyon Lakes POA meeting is being held on Tuesday, February 17 at 7 PM at the Benton PUD Hall at 2721 W. 10th Avenue.   On the agenda is approval of the new CC&R’s and ARC’s Guidelines, board approval of the restated Master Declaration and the 2009 Budget forecast.  Additionally, Long-Range Planning will present their future plans for Canyon Lakes.  The meeting will also review reserves for the long-range plans presented.   A big turnout is expected, so please show up and take part in your Property Owner’s Association.

Your Canyon Lakes Realtor, 

Sharon Sasser Warren                                                                                    Ph:  (509) 551-4393                                                                   swarren2@charter.net