Tri-City Area and Real Estate Blog

Marvin Smith of Microsoft will be in town Thursday to converse with those hiring managers about recruiting and the use of social networking. Smith will be at the Battelle Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. in Richland and his discussion will be geared towards human resource professionals. Smith’s position is tasked with locating talented employees for Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division and he uses social networking sites to identify those individuals.

Riggle Plumbing of 4727 W Clearwater in Kennewick is performing a commerical remodel project, $7,000.

The Noel Corporation of 2525 W Hopkins in Pasco, is performing a commercial reroofing project, $7,976.00

Columbia Center North of 2602 N. Columbia Center Blvd in Kennewick, will be performing a commercial remodel project, $195,000.

Catholic Family & Child Services at 2146 W Van Giesen Street in Richland, will be performing a commercial remodel, $100,000.

Goodwill Industries at 2000 Wellhouse Loop in Richland, will be performing a commerical remodel, $10,000.

Tri-Cities LLC at 1100 Jadwin Avenue in Richland will be performing a commerical remodel, $10,500.

Once again the Tri-Cities has resisted the downward trend of property values across the nation, and finds itself in contrast with rising property valuations. Franklin County has been the fastest growing county in the state for the last two years and also one of the fastest growing in the nation. Officials in Franklin County expect values to continue to rise at an average of 3-4 percent as they prepare to mail out revaluation notices within the next month. Benton County anticipates remaining at the current level.

Many other communities within our state are facing devaluation at a significant rate which in turn decreases their tax base. For many its been decades since they’ve lost ground in property valuations. According to a recent market survey in the Tri-Cities, the first quarter of 2010 shows that the median residential resale price encompassing the bicounty area is $176,600, thus being an almost 6 percent increase over the entire year of 2008.

Franklin County continues to see it’s main increase in values due to the development of West Pasco and some large farms. Meanwhile, there are some pockets of decrease in the county, mostly around the Connell area because of unspecified market conditions there.

Much of the success of the Tri-Cities’ ability to remain strong, is due to the stimulus money that came into the Hanford cleanup projects, however, many individuals and organizations have worked diligently to diversify our community so that not all economic strength comes from strictly the Hanford area, but instead comes from growth in agricultural, food processing, and tourism dollars. They have been very successful in their endeavors which in turn have created the economic stability that the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities enjoy today.

Stunning 4 BR rambler in high-end subdivision with granite kitchen and classy tile accents. This home is beyond super good cents. Windows are triple pane and walls are R38, attic is R49. Low energy bills plus! 2 BR suites—(mother-in-law). The master is gorgeous and even has heated floors. There is also a tankless hot water heater system. Elegant water fountain at the entrance with stamped concrete and a cozy stamped concrete covered patio 2 ceiling fans. LOW MAINTANANCE YARD!!! Give Terri Allender a call for your private showing, (509) 948-2324 or (509) 783-1431 Distinctive Properties, Inc.

For more information, click to this link. http://www.distinctiveprop.com/mls/detail.src?ID=165824&Action=Detail&LX=&LN=1&DPL=&04b704319d

On June 26th, the general public is invited to attend the Richland Fly-In at the Richland Airport. A variety of planes will be arriving Friday evening and several events are scheduled for Saturday.  A pancake breakfast for pilots and the public will kick-off Saturday mornings activities at 7 am until 11 am. “Young Eagles” (children ages 8-17) will be flown free from 9 am and 1 pm. Antique planes will be on display from 8 am until 3 pm. The Richland Airport is just off the Bypass Highway in Richland. Turn north at the light and head toward the control tower, where parking will be available.

The Mid-Columbia Ninety-Nines, an all women organization willl be there as well. This organization was chartered in 1929 with Amelia Earhart served as its first president.

Aye! Are ye looking for yer ancestors that came from the Highlands? Balmoral? Or perhaps the Isles? The 10th annual Scottish Fest in Prosser could be the place for ye! Over these past 10 years, the Prosser event has become the premiere highland games in Central Washington State and again this year it will be held ar the Port of Benton Wine and Food Park in Prosser on June 19th.

Those attending will be delighted with the traditional Heavy Athletic Games and Highland Dance competitions and of course, the lilt of the pipes playing in the distance will be beckoning those in attendance, to listen to the massed pipe bands. Other Celtic music will be performed along with sheepdog trials, children’s activities, the Parade of Tartans and much more.  For those of you who are not familiar with the draw of the highland games, take this opportunity to experience the step back in time and become acquanited with a wee bit of the Scot in all of us!  Slante’