Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

The new year is always a time of reflection; of looking back and looking ahead.  This also stands true in the world of Real Estate.  Here are 10 predictions for the real estate market to anticpate in 2011.

1.  Building is back – In some areas of the country the market for new construction has been lacking.  However, builder’s are excited for 2011 and say new construction is “showing signs of life.”

2.  Apartments continue to thrive – Individuals who rent have the flexibility and aren’t commited to buying the house or apartment.  2011 may see this option as even more appealing than 2010.

3.  Opting for establishment – People are seeking out the smaller established neighborhoods.  The appeal is respected homeowner associations, neighbors waiting to greet you, and mature landscaping.

4.  Make it modern – The traditional is being pushed aside and modern is making its way to the top.  More and more people are looking for the open floor plans perfect for entertaining!

5.  Buying for the long term – On average, people more about 11 times, according to the Census.  2011 looks to bring people really studying floor plans and searching for the home that they and/or their families will be able to grow in for many years to come.

6.  Upping the ante on amenities - One popular amenity that buyers will be looking for are enhanced outdoor spaces.  

7.  High-tech takes over – Although being able to control the homes security system, entertainment system, appliances, lighting, garage door, etc. from one location is nice, many people may begin looking to their smart phones are applications to take over the control.

8.  Smaller homes stay the course – The average size of a home decresed from 2008 – 2009 and will continue to see that decrease this year.  One reason may be because of smaller budgets.  As a result people will probably look for prediction number 6, enhanced outdoor spaces in place of the smaller square footage. 

9.  Green and gorgeous – There are many new products to not only make a house green, but new products and forward-thinking designs have created stylish and gorgeous homes. 

10.  Healthy homes – The number of people with allergies is 5 times higher than it was 30 years ago.  To compensate for this, people may be looking for the indoor air quality in their homes.

If you are ready to buy, sell or relocate in 2011, be sure to think of Distinctive Properties when making all your Real Estate decisions!

http://www.distinctiveprop.com/

Distinctive Properties, Inc., is the largest independent real estate office in Tri-Cities, Washington, serving Pasco, Kennewick, Richland and the surrounding communities since 1978. Our professionally trained REALTORS are supported by a staff of office specialists.

Here are the Weekly Real Estate Statistics provided by

http://www.distinctiveprop.com/files/files/12.27.2010Stats.pdf

1. Go on a limousine ride through the heart of Washington’s wine country and visit any of the 150 wineries in Pasco, Richland, Benton City, Kennewick and more

2. Come experience the majestic beauty of the 276-acre Chamna Natural Preserve in Richland

3. Taste delicious sweet breads from a real Mexican bakery in Pasco

4.Take a bike ride on the Sacagawea Heritage Trail in Kennewick

5. Let your tastebuds experience the flavors of fresh produce from Washington’s largest open air Farmer’s Market in Pasco

6. Walk back into history at the Franklin County Historical Museum in Pasco

7. Catch a jet boat ride in Richland and enjoy an exhilarating tour of the Columbia River

8. Cultivate your spicy side at the Fiery Foods Festival in Pasco

9. Take a ride on the J & S Dreamland Express in Kennewick, WA

10. Try your luck at one of the great casinos in Kennewick and Pasco

11. Travel across the first major cable stayed bridge built in the US in the Tri-Cities

12. Come to the Tri-Cities and follow the trail that Lewis and Clark traveled

13. Get your fill of savory, authentic tortas, tacos from a “taco wagon” in Pasco

14. Sample wines at one of the many wonderful wineries in the Tri-Cities

15. Explore the barrel caves that were used for wine aging at Terra Blanca in Benton City

16. Go on a romantic dinner cruise on the Columbia River with the special someone

17. Play 9 or 18 holes of golf at one of 10 golf courses in Kennewick, Richland and Pasco

18. Watch the excitement of the hydroplane races on the Columbia River in Kennewick during the last Fall weekend in July

19. Be sure to stop in and visit the Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology in Richland

20. Take a hike to the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve and look out over the spectacular view of Kennewick and Richland

(more…)

If you are thinking what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays, think about recycling!!

Just drop your tree off at one of the following locations:

Richland Swimming Pool – 2001 Swift Blvd

Badger Mountain Park – 350 Keene Road

Horn Rapids Landfill off Highway 240

ABCO Wood Recycling – 2994 Twin Bridges Road

We provide weekly statistics on Real Estate in the Tri-City area. 

Here are this weeks for your enjoyment…. http://www.distinctiveprop.com/files/files/12.13.2010Stats.pdf

Do you or someone you know need a Real Estate Agent in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland or surrounding areas? Contact Distinctive Properties, Inc today!!

If you are trying to decide what to do this Friday or Saturday night, join in the holiday spirit by attending the Tri-Cities’ annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade.  The decorated boats will be floating along the Columbia River Friday and Saturday nights.

You may view the boats from many parks along the river.  Their journey will being at Clover Island in Kennewick at 6:00 p.m.  They will travel to Howard Amon Park in Richland at approximately 7:10 p.m.  They will turn around by the Red Lion in Richland and return back to Clover Island. 

The parade typically consists of 20 – 25 boats in all different sizes and types.  After the parade, an awards ceremony will take place and awards are given to the 3 best decorated boats.  The parade has take place for more than 40 years thanks to the Clover Island Yacht Club!