Tri-City Washington State

Washington State Republicans: Palin's An 'Awesome Pick'

2008-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here's local reaction to John McCain's choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee.

Republican state Attorney General McKenna: "It's an unexpected and brilliant choice. He needed to choose someone who would rally the base. This clearly does that, but she also has tremendous crossover appeal, obviously to women. The pundits are already saying now McCain can't criticize Barack (Obama) for not having enough experience. Well, Palin is not running for president. She's running for vice president. She gets the experience she needs while she's vice president."

Tony Benegas, 47, West Richland, a city councilman and a delegate to the national Republican convention: "What an awesome pick. She's just an incredible person. Very conservative. Extremely pro-life. I'm just awe-struck. I can't think of a better choice. She's a gorgeous lady first of all. Five kids. Talk about shattering the glass ceiling ... Here's someone I can wholeheartedly support."

Applications for Leadership Tri Cities Class XIV Available

2008-03-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Applications for LTC Class XIV are now available at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. Information is also available on the website at http://www.leadershiptc.org/. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2008.

About Leadership Tri Cities
The mission of Leadership Tri-Cities is to develop a cadre of skilled leaders who will be catalysts for positive change in our community and who will mentor others toward this end; to facilitate an exchange of ideas and solutions for problems best addressed at local and regional levels.

Charitable Giving

2007-12-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

Charitable causes we have been supporting lately:

Mike Huckabee ~ Mike Huckabee for President! Mike is a stand-up guy who is honest and trustworthy.

Recycling ~ Consider recycling your waste, as it may save the earth!

Buy Wii ~ Buy Nintendo Wii from us and Save The Children.

World Vision ~ World Vision provides hope to millions around he world.

Save The Children ~ Save The Children focuses on children in need around the world.

The Acumen Fund ~ The Acumen Fund uses entrepreneurial efforts to helps those living on less than $4.00 per day.

Tri Cities Habitat For Humanity ~ Enough said! Provide a home for those who cannot afford one.

Shelby Mustang ~ Yup, ya heard it right! A page devoted to the 1965 Shelby Mustang! All proceeds go to the Polly Klaas® Fund.

Have you considered contributing a portion of your income to a charity you value? Consider doing so today. As a part of our real estate business, we do!

Columbia River Bank Unaffected Amid Talk of National Credit Crunch

2007-10-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Dalles, Oregon. Columbia River Bank, a member of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), which represents 5,000 community banks nationwide, said today that Columbia River Bank remains a stable source of mortgage and small business loans even as the national mortgage market is being buffeted by talk of a credit crunch.

“Despite talk of a credit crunch, the truth is community banks are open for business,” said Columbia River Bank President Craig Ortega. “Community banking is a relationship-oriented business. Columbia River Bank is here for our community to not only help get a mortgage loan, but help get a mortgage loan that families can afford for the long-term.”

“Wall Street may be suffering but Main Street's community banks are in solid shape and open for business,” said Camden Fine, ICBA president and CEO. “Community banks are the foundation of our nation's diversified financial system. A credit crunch like we're seeing now is exactly why the nation needs the community banking industry − to ensure that credit remains consistently and widely available in good times and bad. Today, consumers and communities can continue to rely on community banks for their financial needs.”

Fine added that the community banking business is weathering this latest crisis in the mortgage market because community banks are well run, highly capitalized and among the most highly regulated financial institutions in the country.

Notably, community banks provide a stable and reliable source of mortgage money, whether they sell mortgage loans into the secondary market or hold them on their own books. ICBA reports that nearly 90 percent of mortgages made through community banks that do business with ICBA Mortgage, an ICBA subsidiary, are owner-occupied homes. They also have a delinquency rate that is below the national rate for one-to-four-unit residential properties, an indication of the conservative financial principles community banks hold. Brought by The Lane Real Estate Team, servicing Richland Real Estate and surrounding areas.

Pasco Wa Real Estate

2007-10-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

The City of Pasco, Pasco Wa Real Estate ~ “Progress, Pride and Prosperity” is the motto of the vibrant city of Pasco, WA. Set at the junction of the Columbia, Yakima and Snake Rivers, Pasco’s location is often referred to as the agricultural gateway of the Columbia Basin. Enhancing the agricultural opportunities of the area is the nearby Grand Coulee Dam, the largest hydroelectric station to date in the USA.

Imagine a family day that involves a scenic tour past farmlands, tasting and buying fresh produce that includes; potatoes, asparagus, cherries and apples – and don’t forget to stop at a local winery.

Pasco Real Estate, Where the Sun Shines ~ The sun shines on Pasco almost the whole year through, and the nearby seaside promises fun filled days of surf, sand and sun (don’t’ forget your sunscreen and hats J The fabulous weather and abundance of waterways provide residents and visitors with an assortment of outdoor activities – play golf, tennis, water ski, or just run with the dog along the sand at the beach. And in the evenings, relax and enjoy a community play at the outdoor theatre.

Other attractions in the district include the Sacagawea State Park that has bike paths along the rivers and an interpretative center. There is also the Franklin County historical Museum, the Trade, Recreation and Agricultural Centre, a Farmer’s Market and the largest sporting arena in the region. Consider Pasco Wa Real Estate Today!

Three Rivers Childrens Museum

2007-10-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Pasco Wa Real Estate ~ Three Rivers Children Museum

The Three Rivers Children Museum is a unique resource for the children of the Pasco Wa Real Estate area. In collaboration with the Heritage Arts Center, the Children Museum functions as an educational discovery adventure, to add to the knowledge and skills acquired at home, school and the wider community.

The Museum is a not-for-profit educational organization that first opened in August of 1991. Since opening its doors, the Museum has greeted, entertained and shared learning experiences with over 210, 000 Pasco Wa Real Estate area children and tourists.

The 3, 000 square foot building is housed at the Broadmoor Square Mall on Outlet Drive in Pasco Wa Real Estate. There is a gift shop and meeting rooms are also available for hire by the public; or alternatively they are used frequently for craft and educational workshops.

The facility is definitely hands-on, interactive and engaging – perfect for learning! The Museum is open every day of the year and prides itself at offering a safe, secure learning environment for children of all ages. There is an admission fee, and annual membership is available.

The Three Rivers Children Museum is a unique resource for the Pasco Wa Real Estate region.

Sign your child into an upcoming workshop, click here

Richland Real Estate

2007-10-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

Richland Wa Real Estate ~ Are you on the lookout for a suitable property located near business friendly and sunshine rich Richland? Well, you must visit The Lane Real Estate Team for complete residential and commercial real estate listings for all areas of Richland Wa Real Estate.

Registration is not required with the site. You can go through a virtual property tour along with multiple images and photographs. Get details on Richland Wa Real Estate properties. You can choose from a range of listings using powerful search engines using information such as number of bedrooms, baths, square footage, etc.

There are many optional features available on the site, which can be tailored to suit your requirement. Gain access to the complete listings of Richland Wa Real Estate, view blogs, and read articles. Similarly, property owners can advertise their property information and gain-increased viewership, as well.

Located in the midst of Washington’s wine country, you can have a wonderful experience with canoeing, fishing or just strolling along the Snake and Columbia Rivers! You can find pleasant ambiance and serene environment making your life worth living! Book your Richland Wa Real Estate property with us today!

Is A Home Mortgage Refinance A Smart Idea?

2007-08-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

With the various fluctuations in interest rates over the past few years, you have no doubt thought about whether or not refinancing your home is a good idea. Countless consumers have done so in the face of favorable interest rates over the past few years, but does that mean that it is always a good idea when interest rates dip? There are some key questions you need to ask yourself when contemplating a refinancing move for your piece of realestate.

Know Your Situation

When deciding on whether a future refinancing move will net you benefits, you must first examine what your present situation is like. That includes all of the factors that play into a loan arrangement, including how long you plan to stay in your home, the terms of your credit loan and the likelihood of getting a favorable interest rate on a new loan on your real estate...[more Mortgage Refinance]

FHA Home Loan Financing Options

2007-08-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

There are many types of real estate financing options available to you. It seems that there are new ones coming out all the time. Despite credit challenges you now have many more FHA loan options to qualify for financing for a new home.

Before you make your mind up on which FHA loan to take do the research. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of each type of FHA loan for your financial situation. Find the home loan that best suits your situation and needs. Family or business, short term or long, talk to a trusted home mortgage, bank lender and your real estate agent to get their expert opinions...[more FHA Home Loan]

Pets and Potential Buyers ~ Without A Trace

2007-08-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Entering a home for a showing and being confronted by a set of barking dogs is enough to make some potential buyers not enter the home at all. Similarly, the sight of a clump of cat hair on the sofa can sour some potential buyers as they try to envision themselves in your property. They won’t think you are a bad person or a bad pet owner, but they will come away from a real estate showing with a bad taste in their mouth due in large part to your pet’s effect.

Your job is to remove any trace of your pet’s stay in the home, starting with the clutter that can sometimes come from pet toys and food dishes. A cage is fine and a tidy area where a pet spends most of his or her time will not harm a showing, but having a stray dog bone here and a messy food dish there can distract a buyer from the beautiful breakfast nook you keep or the immaculate counter top you just cleaned. Home stagers recommend not letting your pet become a part of the home evaluation equation.

The In Road For First Time Home Buyers

2007-08-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

hile an auction may not be the best venue for a buyer of real estate unfamiliar with the process, getting a foreclosure property one step farther in the process is indeed a viable option. Because a home purchased from a real estate agent or directly from a bank can be assured to have cleared all of the potential financial claims against it, a first time home buyer can instead have confidence in their purchase that they won’t be pursued as the new real estate home owner of the property to settle any debts incurred by the previous owner.

Additionally, navigating the process of purchasing a foreclosure home is simply not familiar to most first time home buyers and as a result, buying under a more standard process with a real estate agent involved offers an easier way to purchase a home for a bit of a financial benefit without having to learn a great deal to do so. A first time home buyer already with a bead on a foreclosure property as a potential target can partner that good intuition up with a simpler process to create a value-laden transaction that will land a first home.

Real Estate Note | Selling and Buying Real Estate Notes

2007-08-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sale of real estate notes raise cash quickly. A real estate note is the loan document created to finance sale of the owner’s house or investment property. It could be a mortgage note or a land contract or contract for sale whereby payments are made in cash by the buyer.

A risk involved is that while a seller won’t get the full face value for his note there could be other fees needed to be paid. Questions arise such as whether there is a normal discount on a note or whether the buyer is trustworthy. Some guidelines for these are:

1. There should be no upfront fees. Certainly there will be some buyers who will check on the buyer’s credit and give a note without charging any fee...[more Real Estate Note]

The Pitfalls of Predatory Lending

2007-08-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

Predatory lending is a term used to capture a whole slew of techniques used by lenders to ensure the most beneficial terms for the financing institution at the expense of borrowers. While there may be a preconceived notion of these practices affecting particular subsections of the population, predatory lending is something for everyone to watch out for when buying or selling at home.

Many of these types of predatory situations can be resolved by being vigilant and consulting a trusted realtor or related party that has a demonstrated consistent and reliable approach to the home buying process. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your real estate transaction goes smoothly and therealtor/lending agency combination you choose is out for your best interests...[more Predatory Lending]

The Return of the Real Estate Aucton

2007-08-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

With the housing market starting to slow up a bit in some areas of the country, sellers are using more tools at their disposal than ever to get a house sold in a timely fashion. While these methods vary greatly by region, nationally there has been a rise in the amount of real estate auctions seen. Naturally, auctions are not a new phenomenon, but to see them increasingly used as a primary tool in selling real estate is.

The potential pitfalls are many in the auction business and while it is certainly one of the quickest ways to liquidate a home, it is often wrought with a great deal of uncertainty. What if your home doesn’t sell for the price you were looking for? What if the auction fees take out such a hunk of the selling price that you see little profit? These are key questions to not only ask yourself but to brace for if you pursue the auction as a real estate selling method...[more Real Estate Auction]

Tri City Wa Seattle Seahawk Day

2007-08-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, is proud to host the 4th Annual “Tri-Cities Day with the Seattle Seahawks” on Sunday, September 9, 2007. Ticket sales begin Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 8:00 am for the season opener versus the Tampa Buccaneers.

Due to the incredible 2005-2006 season and winning the NFC Championship title, Seahawk season ticket sales have skyrocketed. The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce has only 296 tickets to be sold for this opening home game. They will be sold on a first come basis.

Ticket prices are $50.00, which includes a commemorative t-shirt. The ticket order form is attached and also available on the Chamber website at the Chamber offices. Completed forms may be faxed to 509.783.1733 or delivered to 3180 W. Clearwater, Suite F, Kennewick or 710-A George Washington Way, Richland.

Does an Open House Sell The Home?

2007-08-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

If you are a real estate agent then an open house is a prospecting tool rather then a way to sell the home they are showing. There are many reputable real estate agents that won’t host their own property’s open house. They opt for a newer agent to take on the job.

It is common for a listing agent to pass the job on to someone else even though they could be there if they wanted to be and keep all of the commission. They are offering half of their commission if the hosting agent sells the home. Real estate agents don’t feel that an open house is how a home is commonly sold to someone so this act isn’t considered high risk...[more Real Estate Open House]

Related resources for open house selling: Selling Preparation Perfect Listing Price Showing Beyond The Basics Curb Appeal

Prosser Real Estate Introduction

2007-08-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

According to 2000 census estimates, Prosser has a total population of 4,838. It is located along the banks of the Yakima River, which surround three sides of the city. Prosser is the County Seat of Benton County.

'Prosser' - the Origin

The town of Prosser was founded by William Farrand Prosser, a Union Colonel in the Civil War from Pennsylvania, who settled in the area with his wife in 1882. Prosser was officially incorporated on March 2, 1899. When Prosser was settled there was only one natural tree in the area – all other trees were hand-planted. Linda Lusk is the current mayor of Prosser.

Prosser Specialties

Prosser is County Seat of Benton County. Prosser is known for it's wine production, temperate weather, pleasant citizens, and of course The Great Prosser Balloon Rally...[more Prosser Wa real estate introduction]

The Right Investment

2007-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

You might think the first rule in real estate investment and/or REITs is location but really it is to be cautious of who you are working with. As with any other industry the real estate world is filled with its share of bad apples including a large majority of those late night infomercial gurus claiming to teach you the way to become a millionaire through real estate.

For those who are thinking about investing in real estate there are a few things you will need to make it a successful venture. First off you need investment capital or some form of getting it without putting yourself upside down financially. Location of the investment property is highly important. You don’t want to invest in an area that has a failing economy or has too many for sale signs...[more]

It is wise to enlist the help of a professional real estate agent who can provide you with information that can help you profit despite the fluctuations in the market. Related Resources: Real Estate Investment Exit | Commercial Investment Primer | Investment Hunting | Solution Generating Investing | Successful Investment Habits

Introduction to Finley Washington Real Estate

2007-08-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

The Tri-Cities area may be chief thought of as a collection of Richland, Kennewick and Pasco, but the surrounding area is full of great small towns as well that complement the area. Finley is one such city, bringing a small-town feel to the Tri-Cities area of southeastern Washington in Benton County. That small-town feel (the city had less than 6,000 residents according to the 2000 census) is aided by a close proximity to cities like Kennewick that provides easy access to a variety of recreation opportunities to give the best of both worlds.

Finley has provided that small-town feel to the area since the 1902 arrival of George Finley, namesake of the town. Though only 25 families inhabited the area in 1908, the 1950s saw a bit of a population boom in the area as residents of nearby Hover relocated to the Finley area because of a large dam construction project that displaced the town. The city’s history takes off from there as see through the growth of the area and the attraction of a variety of industrial and commercial residents that provide an economic backbone to the area...[more Finley Wa Real Estate introduction]

Lower Treasury Yields Push Mortgage Rates Down Slightly This Week

2007-08-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

McLean, VA - Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.68 percent with an average 0.3 point for the week ending August 2, 2007, down from last week when it averaged 6.69. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.63 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 6.32 percent with an average 0.3 point, down from last week when it averaged 6.37 percent. A year ago, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.27 percent.

Our Company Profiles:

Tri City Wa Real Estate

Kennewick Wa Real Estate

Richland Wa Real Estate

Pasco Wa Real Estate

Election 2007: Candidates Who Protect Your Business

2007-07-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

This fall's elections is about who runs local government-city council, county commissioners, county executives-those who are responsible for decisions that directly impact real estate in our communities including land use decisions, zoning and development regulations. The decisions they make determine housing opportunities and economic vitality so that our businesses can thrive. Washington REALTORS® 2007 RPAC Endorsed Candidates

Fire Prevention Order

2007-07-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Pursuant to 50 CFR 27.95, the following acts are prohibited on lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the Conboy Lake, McNary, Umatilla, Toppenish, McKay Creek, Cold Springs, and Columbia National Wildlife Refuges and the Hanford Reach National Monument until rescinded by the Mid-Columbia River NWR Complex.

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using fire, including campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires including both charcoal briquette and gas stoves.
2. Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle.
3. Tossing burning material, such as a cigarette, any place where it may start a fire.
4. Operating a motorcycle, ATV, or other type of small engine without an approved and working spark arrester.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both. This order becomes effective at 12:01 AM on July 14, 2007. Gregory M. Hughes Project Leader

Lawmakers Press to Preserve PNNL Use Permit

2007-07-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Doc Hastings, along with Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman Norm Dicks, are pressing the Department of Energy to preserve the Pacific Northwest National Lab's Use Permit as a requirement for any new Lab management contract. “PNNL is a vital part of the Tri-Cities community and the inclusion of the Use Permit is an integral part of the lab's future success," Senator Murray said. "We must maintain the Use Permit for the future innovation, economy and competitiveness of our region.”“The impacts of eliminating the Use Permit are serious for the Lab, for local economic growth and for taxpayers getting the most out of their investment. The bottom line is ensuring competition in government contracting should not result in a diminished Lab through loss of the Use Permit,” said Hastings. In a letter to Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Clay Sell, the lawmakers expressed their strong support for continuation of the Use Permit and for a timely resolution to the contract competition. They noted in the letter that the Use Permit “creates innovation, economic development, jobs, and has been a clear success for the American taxpayer.” The lawmakers said the Use Permit is widely recognized as a tremendous success and is critical to the future of the Lab under any contractor. In February of 2006, DOE announced that it would re-compete the contract for management and operation of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Mortgage Rates Fall For Second Consecutive Week According To Freddie Mac Weekly Survey

2007-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

McLean, VA - Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.67 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending June 28, 2007, down from last week when it averaged 6.69 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.78 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 6.34 percent with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 6.37 percent. A year ago, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.43 percent.

Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) averaged 6.30 percent this week, with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 6.31 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 6.39 percent.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 5.65 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.66 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 5.82 percent.

Pasco Washington History

2007-06-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

The vibrant and flourishing city of Pasco, Washington, which comprises one-third of the beautiful Tri Cities area and is considered to be the fastest-growing city in the entire state, is not only marked by its net percentage growth and abundance of attractions, but also by its colorful history.

Pasco and its surrounding area was first put on the map in 1805, when, on October 16, the Lewis and Clark Expedition made its way into the region. Their journey there involved recording the details of their experience, in particular of a camping site that is now known as Sacagawea State Park. However, before the famous exploration of Lewis and Clark, the Pasco region was home to many Indian tribes who were drawn to the mild weather and abundance of fish alongside the banks of the Columbia River, as well as the Snake and Yakima Rivers...[more Pasco Washington History].

Tri City Washington Market Update

2007-06-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tri-Cities Washington in the News
Tri Cities Chosen as Top Metro for Scientists and Engineers in the U.S.

Washington State’s renowned Tri Cities area—comprising the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco—was officially selected as the number one place for scientists and engineers to live and work in the U.S., according to the fifth annual “Knowledge Worker Quotient” recently released by ExpansionManagement.com.

According to the site, the Quotient provides “a roadmap for where to find the best educated workforce in America,” focusing on scientists, engineers, medical doctors, other professionals with PhDs, as well as those with graduate degrees and post-graduate degrees. Three hundred and sixty-two metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) were judged and then ranked according to “their ability to provide the depth of talent and innovative environment upon which thrive”...[more]

No Housing Slowdown in Washington State Markets

Washington state has one of the highest rate of residential appreciation in the nation during the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2006, the U.S. Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight reports...[more]

Tri-Cities Washington closings through May, 2007.
Washington State, The Fastest Growing Housing Market in the Nation

Forecasters at Fiserv Lending Solutions and Moody's Economy.com predict a radical shift in the top 10 list of fastest growers for the 12 months beginning in June; only one California city, El Centro, will be represented. Instead, Washington State will dominate, with five of the top 10 cities...[more]

Former Zag Among Newest Dust Devils

2007-06-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Rockies have assigned 13 additional players to the Tri-City Dust Devils, including former Gonzaga University third baseman Darin Holcomb and 3rd round draft pick Lars Davis from the University of Illinois. Holcomb, a Spokane native, was drafted in the 12th round of last week’s First Year Player Draft after completing his junior season at Gonzaga. He led the team in several offensive categories, including batting average (.369), runs (43), and hits (86), and was an All-West Coast Conference selection.

Davis just completed his junior season at Illinois, where he was named the Big Ten’s Player of the Year after hitting .400 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs. The left-handed hitting catcher led the Illini in hits, home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, and on base percentage, and was named to the Louisville Slugger Collegiate Baseball's All-America second team.

Kennewick Wa real estate news reports that joining Holcomb, Davis, and the previously announced Rockies minor leaguers on the roster are the following draftees:

RHP Bruce Billings (30th round, San Diego St.), RHP Austin Chambliss (17th round, Middle Georgia College), LHP Kenneth Durst (15th round, West Virginia), RHP Andrew Groves (11th round, Purdue), LHP Brandon Miller (24th round, Fresno St.), LHP Matt Reynolds (20th round, Austin Peay), RHP Joseph Williamson (36th round, Notre Dame), catcher Johnny Bowden (41st round, USC), infielder Warren Schaeffer (38th round, Virginia Tech), infielder Brandon Reichert (49th round, Florida St.), outfielder Brian Lapin (18th round, Fresno St.), and outfielder Michael Mitchell (25th round, Virginia).
Also joining the Dust Devils is RHP Sheng-An Kuo, who was signed by the Rockies out of Taiwan in January of this year.

The Tri City Dust Devils open the 2007 season at Vancouver on June 19th before returning to the Tri-Cities for the home opener versus Everett on the 24th. The Tri City Dust Devils home games are played in Pasco Washingoton. Opening Night festivities include a magnet schedule giveaway courtesy of Gesa Credit Union and post-game fireworks presented by Connell Oil. Individual game tickets for Opening Night and the rest of the season are on sale now and can be ordered by phone, online at www.dustdevilsbaseball.com, at the stadium box office, and at all TicketsWest locations. Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets are also on sale at the box office, by phone, and online.

REALTORS® Provide Input to Regional Housing Strategy

2007-06-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

REALTORS® are participating in the Prosperity Partnership Regional Housing Strategy Working Group to help develop strategies that will improve access to housing close to jobs for workers of all wage levels from throughout the Puget Sound Region. The Working Group is considering the REALTORS® housing policy strategies needed to increase housing availability and affordability. The Prosperity Partnership is a coalition of over 200 government, business, labor and community organizations from King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties dedicated to developing and implementing a regional economic strategy.

Washington Children's Alliance Names Walsh Champion for Children

2007-06-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla, Southeast Washington, has been named one of the Legislature’s “Champions for Children” by the Seattle-based Children’s Alliance.

Walsh was cited for her efforts to secure passage of a bill this session establishing an early learning advisory council and creating a child care quality rating and improvement system.

“What we are trying to do is to provide parents with clear and easy-to-find information about the quality of child care and early education programs available to them,” Walsh said. “We want to improve the quality of early learning programs in our state and help our kids to get better prepared for school.”

The advisory council will work with the state’s Department of Early Learning, created by the Legislature in 2006. The council will have 25 members including legislators, state agency officials, parents and experts in areas such as children with disabilities, day care providers and K-12 education.

The Children’s Alliance cited 17 legislators for their work this year on children’s issues. The Alliance is a statewide public policy advocacy organization that works to ensure that children have the things they need to thrive. In addition to early learning, the Alliance is actively engaged in health care, nutrition and foster care issues.

About Tri-Cities Washington State

2007-06-11T16:24:00.001-07:00

Tri-Cities is the term used to describe the cluster of prosperous and amazing cities located in Washington. These are the cities of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick, all of which are known for being prime real estate centers and commercial areas. This explains why real estate investors from everywhere are currently flocking to grab the most amazing properties they can lay their hands on in this area.

The TriCities lie on the confluence of major rivers in the Washington area. These are the Yakima, Snake and Columbia Rivers. All of these are located at the desert region of Southeastern Washington. Aside from the three major cities that comprise the TriCity area, there is also a fourth neighboring city. This is West Richland. All of these are very well developed to bring utter convenience and joy to its residents, consisting mostly of average Americans. Both the government and developers themselves have worked hand in hand in order to uplift the status of the triCity area to what it is right now.

Cities in this area have also been ranked as one of the most populous cosmopolitan areas in the USA today, making it to number 191. This may be due to the lower cost of land and property in these areas, as compared to those in neighboring states and Washington areas. However, this is quickly becoming a thing of the past, since the state currently reinvigorated its goal to develop the TriCity area. It has geared the place towards achieving its full residential, industrial and commercial potential. Due to such progress, people who bought their properties and land in the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and even West Richland are enjoying double to triple property value growth.

As of 2006, statistics show that people are still flooding in the city. Kennewick leads the numbers with 60,9997 residents. Pasco on the other hand comes in at a very close second with a population estimate of 46, 964. Third comes Richland with 44,317 people. The lowest comes from West Richland, which has only been inhabited by a population of 9, 907 people. All in all, The TriCity serves as home to 161, 715 of the people.

Even the history of the triCities leans towards being a homeowner. It was incorporated in the late 1900’s when American finally decided that they no longer wished to rent. Instead, they urged the government to support them in acquiring properties for themselves. The government was urged and so the Tri city area came to be.

Invest in a real property of your own now and experience the real estate wonders of the Tricities at once. You will surely love every single moment of it.

Related Authority Resources

2007-06-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

National Association of Realtors®

Washington Realtors®

Tri-City Association of Realtors®

Realtor.com

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2007-06-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

Our Squidoo Lenses

2007-06-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love Squidoo! Squidoo allows me to express my thoughts, index my sites, and keep me busy in general. From Squidoo:

"Squidoo is the world's most popular site for people who want to build a page about their passions. Highlight books, blogs, vids, online shops, or just spread the word about stuff you love. Bonus: you raise money (for you or charity) at the same time! It's fast, free, and supereasy."

From Squidoo's FAQ:

"A lens is one person's view on a topic that matters to her. It's an easy-to-build, single web page that can point to blogs, favorite links, RSS feeds, Flickr photos, Google maps, your eBay auctions, CafePress designs, Amazon books or music, and more. Then, when someone is looking for recommended information, fast, your lens gets him started and sends him off in the right direction."

Our Lenses:

Tri MLS Court Follies West Allies News State Bureau Neg Outlook Multi Owner Flip Staging WSU Pasco Super Pop Man Family Vacation Richland Ground Flux Recycle Seahawks Links Launch Events Richland Prices Crest History Values State Realty