It’s a Good Year for Community Shelter Animals

The animals of the Benton-Franklin Humane Society are getting a new home!  The ideal situation would be for them to move to their “forever” home.  For the pets that may not be finding their “forever” home quite yet, they can look forward to moving somewhere else.  

Once permits are approved, construction will begin on the new 9,902 square foot shelter expected to open at the end of summer.  The current shelter has room for 40 animals, whereas the new shelter will hold 120.  The waiting list the shelter currently has could already fill up 3/4 of the expected shelter.  The new shelter will also remain a “no kill” shelter. 

However, the non-profit still needs to raise $200,000 of the $2million cost of the new building.  Donations are greatly appreciated and would help with getting this shelter built, the increased operating cost, and the 3.66 acres of land.  Donations are accepted at the current shelter at 8620 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, and can be mailed to the same location.

People should indicate the donation is meant for the new shelter.

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Real Estate Predictions for 2011

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.

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Monday Real Estate Stats…

Here are the Weekly Real Estate Statistics provided by


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

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20 Things To do In The Tri-Cities…

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. Take a ride on the Carousel of Dreams

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 full 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

 

If you already live here and need a home, check out the local real estate market on our website at Distinctiveprop.com You can search with complete anonymity or have us help you to find that perfect home that you are looking for. If you do not live here and would like to, after seeing all the wonderful things that the Tri-Cities has to offer, go to Distinctiveprop.com and call us when you are ready. You will be glad that you called us first.

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Christmas Tree Recylcing…

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

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For your enjoyment…….

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!!

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Parade of Boats

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!

 

 

 

 

 

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Buying a Home from Distinctive Properties…

Representing you as a Buyer we will…

  • Find out what your needs and desires are in a home.
  • Provide and describe information, attributes, and amenities of available properties.
  • Identify available properties meeting your needs.
  • Estimate closing costs and monthly payments.
  • Show available properties.
  • Contact FSBO’s and owners of properties not on the market if instructed to do so
  • Provide information about sources of financing.
  • Review affordability.
  • Disclose existing material facts adversely affecting property not reasonably ascertainable to buyer but known to agent.
  • Explain standard forms.
  • Give advice regarding price and terms, prepare CMA.
  • Make offer, complete all paperwork necessary.
  • Furnish copies of documents affecting property (CC&R’s, easements, and assumed encumbrances).
  • Negotiate.
  • Refer buyers to other professionals.
  • Present offers to seller.
  • Promote buyer’s best interests.
  • Monitor and facilitate “The Financing and Closing Process”.
  • Explain the closing procedure.
  • Attend the housing closing with you.
  • Maintain confidentiality.

Here are this weeks Real Estate Statistics from Distinctive Properties…

http://www.distinctiveprop.com/files/files/12.6.2010Stats.pdf

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Toys for Tots!

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.

This holiday season, there is an estimated 5,000 children in the Mid-Columbia in which the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is trying to collect toys for.  The age range of toys needed is for 10 years and younger. They try to get each child a stuffed animal, one nice gift and two less expensive gifts with totals around $70 to $80 per child.  They know times are tough, but at this point they want to get all they can get in order to provide all 5,000 children with toys.

If you are in the area and are able to donate, please drop off toys at one of the following U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots locations.

BENTON CITY WA
AMERICAN LEGION / 908 Dale Ave

RICHLAND WA
WAL-MART / 2801 DUPORTAIL
BIG LOTS / 1743 G.W. WAY
TY”S TAVERN / 3880 Van Geisen St
PURCISION POOCH / 1257A Guyer Ave
APPLE BEES / 43 Columbia Pointe Dr
VFW POST 7952 / 1369 GWY
AREVA / 2101 Horns Rapid Rd
CHUCKY CHEESE / 1300 N. Columbia Center BLVD

KENNEWICK WA
TOYRUS /  1321 N. COLUMBIA BLVD SUITE 821
BIG LOTS / 3019 W. KENNEWICK AVE.
GRANNY’S BUFFET / 6821 WEST CANAL DRIVE
FULL  THROTTLE MOTORCYCLE SHOP /135 VISTA WAY SUIT E
APPLE BEES / 606 N. Columbia Center BLVD
OLD COUNTRY BUFFETT / 1321 N. Columbia Center BLVD
COLUMBIA VALLEY CHIROPRACTIC / Center 2411 S. Union St STE C
GRANDRIDGE DENTAL / 7103 W. Grandridge Ste G
MARINE RECRUITING STATION / 8390 W. Gage Blvd
DSHS / Canal and Edison
TRI CITITES COUNTRY CLUB / 314 Underwood St
LOCAL 112 IBEW / 2637 W. Albany Ave
TOYOTA
HARLEY DAVIDSON
KNDU / 3312 W. Kennewick Ave
KIMOS

PASCO WA
WAL-MART / 4820 NORTH ROAD 68
AMERICAN LEGION / 1029 W. Sylvester
MC CURLEY CHEVY / 1325 N. Auto Plex Way

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