Cowlitz News and Real Estate

Cowlitz County Fair

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:45:32 -0400

Cowlitz County Fair

The 2010 Cowlitz County Fair is up on us once again. This year the theme is music, magic and motion. All four days will be pack of fun things to do for the whole family; games, rides, food, music, rodeo and the popular demolition derby. Come and join the fun Thursday, August 5 through Sunday, August 8.

Once again admission will be free for all.

Times:

Thurday - 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday - 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday - 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

View Cowlitz County Expo Center in a larger map

Venancio Gonzalez - GRI, e-PRO Broker with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates, serving Longview, Kelso and surrounding Cowlitz County real estate markets. gonzalezq@windermere.com or (360) 751 4001.

Great Spring weather and sports

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:25:20 -0400

Well, this last weekend, here in Cowlitz County we finally had nice weather, for the first time it felt like spring. It is a great feeling to go outside and see the sun shinning, all the colorful trees blooming and the beginning of all the sport activities baseball, softball and spring soccer. My wonderful wife (Martha) and I are the proud parents of three great children Alan, Leslie, and our baby Edgar; all three are in sports so we had a very busy day on Saturday, three games and opening ceremonies spread out through the day from 9:00 am till 4:00 pm.

Our first event was Edgar's T-ball game. We had a great time watching him and his team mates play their first T-ball game, these kid are from 4 ½ to 6 years old (Edgar is 4 ½). As you can imagine it was a lot of excitement there, a lot of proud parents and grandparents gear up with cameras and camcorders ready to capture for the first time those special moments. After that great experience out we went to the next schedule events, Leslie's game then Alan's. We had a wonderful day the kid got to do what they love to do and we got watch them and visit with some of our friend and other parents.

I'm looking forward to the next couple months of practices, games and hopefully nice like this weekend.

Cowlitz County AARP Free Taxaide Program

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:11:55 -0500

Cowlitz County AARP Free Taxaide Program

Once again tax season is here and as always AARP TAX-AID is here to help. The AARP Taxaide program is a group of volunteers focusing on helping senior citizens, low and middle income tax payers with their tax returns at no cost (free).

The Cowlitz County AARP team of volunteers wants to spread the word out about this free service and let the Cowlitz County communities know that this year they will be in the four following locations; Longview Public Library, McClelland Art Center, Fibre Federal Credit Union and Monticello Jr. High School. This is a group of over 20 well trained and with lots of experience volunteers. Tax returns are e-file and refund can be back within 5 day if direct deposit is chosen. First days available to do your taxes will be January 23 and 30 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Longview Public Library only after that starting February 2nd through April 15, Below you'll find the times and places where you can go and have your free tax returns done.

There is usually long lines so to make the process easier and less stressful for everyone, your are required to bring the following documents:

Social Security cards for ALL names listed on the returns (including children)
Picture ID for spouse and taxpayer.
All income and expense relating documents (W-2's, 1099, real estate tax paid, child care, etc.)
Previous year tax return to determine if entitled to additional stimulus rebate.
For direct deposits bring voided check.

Longview Public Labrary

1600 Louisiana St, Longview, WA 98632

Fridays & Saturdays

12:30pm - 4:30pm

McClelland Arts Center

951 Delaware St, Longview

Tuesdays & Thursdays

9am - 3pm

Fibre Federal Credit Union

796 Commerce Ave. Longview

Tuesdays

3:30 pm - 6:30pm

Monticello Middle School

1225 28^th Ave Longview

Thursdays

3:30pm - 7:00pm

View Tax locations in a larger map

A day at the beach

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:42:03 -0400

A day at the beach

For the first time this year, here in Cowlitz County, we are experiencing the wonderful weather the kid have been waiting for. Since it was over 70 degrees on Sunday, we decided to take a trip to the Beach, Long Beach Washington to be exact. A lot of people just playing around, flying kites, having fun with kids, dogs and some just relaxing, enjoying the sunshine. It turn out to be a great ride down there, the kid had lots of fun burying themselves in the sand and playing with the dog and even though the water was cold they still went in for a swim. As you could imagine, they are eager looking forward to do this again in the coming summer and having a lot of fun.

Cowlitz County - Windermere’s Community Service Day, 2009

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:55:19 -0400

Cowlitz County - Windermere's Community Service Day, 2009

Our job here at Windermere is not about selling real estate is about helping people, we do more than just sell houses, we are a dedicated group of individuals determined to make a difference in the lives of our clients and all those around us. Part of every commissions goes to the Windermere Foundation which help support many local none profit organization and gives out scholarships. Also, each year we choose couple less fortunate families to help out with Winter PUD bills, Christmas presents and we always trying to get involve in improving the quality of live in the communities and neighborhoods we served by helping to improve and maintain them.

Community Service Day is one of the projects among the many things we do to help and maintain the communities our clients called home. The Community Service Day is a yearly event that has been taking place since 1984, is a day during the year that all Windermere offices close their doors to let agents participate in many projects around local communities. We participate in painting, cleaning and repairing schools, playgrounds, parks, shelters, community buildings among others.

We understand the importance of giving back to the very own communities who make us who we are. So, this year mark your calendar for Friday June 19^th, our office will be close all day but you may still see us around your neighborhood working along some of you. If you know some one who needs a helping hand or a community project that may need some help, feel free to contact Windermere or my self, we may be able to help.

C.V.G. - Mint Valley Neighborhood home for sale.

Thu, 28 May 2009 01:44:28 -0400

Update: This home is SOLD

C.V.G. - Mint Valley Neighborhood home for sale. 2350 38^th Ave. Longview, WA 98632

Roomy in great condition well cared for home in the Mint Valley - C.V.G. neighborhoods. This home is conveniently located close to school, golf course, Wal-mart and many other services.

One level with over 2,000 sq ft of living space, 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, Lg. formal dinning room, living room, family room with 2 skylights (pole to open shades), and extra computer room/office. Custom oak cabinets and closet doors, central built-in vacuum system, wood stove in family room and forced air furnace with heat pump. Oversized three car garage with big RV Parking area, big deck with built-in hot tub and professionally landscaped. New roof installed in October.

To see more photos and detail information visit www.235038thAve.com

West Longview Home for Sale

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:10:03 -0400

West Longview Homes for Sale.

Well cared for West Longview home on a level .48 acre lot. Pristine home boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, master suite, spacious living room, dining room w/slider to deck, vinyl windows, heat pump alarm system, big covered deck, two outbuildings/storage sheds and RV Parking. Convenient location just outside West Longview city limits!

More about the West Longview neighborhood and West Longview.

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes for September 2009

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:36:07 -0400

Cowlitz County real estate numbers for Single Family Residential homes for September 2009

Cowlitz County homes - Current Active Listings at the end of September 2009

Number - 616

Medium Price - $226,950

Average Price - $258,402

Average Days on Market - 144

Cowlitz County Homes - Under Contract (Pending) at the end of September 2009

Number - 119

Medium Price - $184,900

Average Price - $202,394

Average Days on Market - 119

Cowlitz County Homes - Sold on the month of September 2009

Number - 57

Medium Price - $151,000

Average Price - $166,159

Average Day on Market - 96

Most Competitive Price Range - $200,000 thru $249,999

Active Listings at this price range - 109

Most Active Price Range - $180,000 thru $199,999

Pending - 20

Sold - 8

Cowlitz County Foreclosures

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:39:09 -0400

Cowlitz County Foreclosures

Foreclosure is certainly one the most popular word in the real estate industry now days, not only here in Cowlitz County but everywhere inthe country, you see it almost daily in T.V. News, read it on News Papers, read it all over the Internet, see it on for sale real estate signs all over and is constantly the subject of people's conversation everywhere. Obviously the reason for the buzz about foreclosures points to the bad economy we find ourselves in to, people losing their jobs daily and as a result losing their homes to banks foreclosure.

Clearly the numbers of foreclosures have grown greatly in the last couple years and according to experts, the numbers will continue to increase in big numbers. I remember writing a blog over two years ago, Cowlitz County Foreclosures and Bank Own Homes, when foreclosures in Cowlitz County almost double in numbers, I thought it was bad then. The number was 36 foreclosures on the market, back then, compare to 86 residential foreclosures and other 31 vacant land, condos and manufacture homes a total of 117 foreclosures in Cowlitz County, keep in mind that about 1/3 of those are pending under contract and will not come up on any searches.

The growing number of foreclosures is definitely not good news for many people but represent a great opportunity for many others, these type of homes or properties are often good deals, selling for under market value. If you are looking for a deal in the Cowlitz County communities, Cowlitz home finder is a great resource for finding all foreclosures in the area.

Find all Cowlitz County foreclosures.

More about Cowlitz County foreclosures.

Cowlitz County Foreclosures and Bank Owned homes.

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:24:21 -0500

Lately we are seeing more and more Foreclosures/Bank Own properties than usual around here in Cowlitz County but these homes are selling almost as fast as they come on the market, out of 36 Bank Own homes in the county 20 are already under contract. Even though foreclosure homes often are great deal, they are not for everyone because foreclosure homes are sold in "As Is" condition no repairs no warranties what so ever and more times than not they need some kind of repairs and if you are not a good handy man then some repairs could be costly.

An important thing to keep in mind when dealing with Bank Foreclosure homes (especially if not paying cash for it) there are couple things to keep in mind patience, patience and more patience. Usually, banks are very slow to respond to offers, counter offers, etc. so be very patient and also not all of these homes qualify for a normal conventional loans, so is a good idea to meet with your mortgage professional to determine if you qualify for rehab loan or the loan needed to do the purchase.

When purchasing a home most buyers look for move-in ready condition homes but for investors, good handy man or anyone that is up for a challenge a foreclosure home can be an excellent opportunity to build some quick equity. So, if you are interested in this kind of homes and like to see what is available in the area, visit our Cowlitz County Foreclosures page or for more information on the buying process of bank own properties or to schedule an appointment to view one of these homes don't hesitate to call me at 360 751 4001 or e-mail me at gonzalezq@windermere.com

Longview Washington, Highlands area home for sale

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 04:23:17 -0400

Longview Washington, Highlands area home for sale.

Affordable, beautifully done home and ready to move in to. Cute 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with new bamboo floors throughout, new siding, new paint in and out, new tool shed, new drive through driveway, fully fenced with lots of parking. Make your appointment today, you wouldn't be desapointed. View more photos and full details.

285 Baltimore St. Longview, WA 98632

Price $79,900

Lexington Estates Real Estate

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:36:25 -0500

Lexington Estates Special

Once again but only for a limited time (only till December 31), Lexington Estates is making it easier for home buyers to get in to a new home. On top of the huge recently price reductions, Lexington Estates is offering to pay up to 3% of purchase price for buyer's closing cost, $1,500 SEARS home for the holidays gift card and if buyers use one of the onsite preferred lenders they can get an extra $1,500 bonus. This is a great opportunity to get in to a brand new home but is only good to the end of December so schedule your appointment today.

View all available Lexington Estates homes.

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:50:38 -0400

Cowlitz County Real Estate Market Report

The graphics below shows how the Cowlitz County real estate market has evolve over the last 6 months (first half of 2010). The graphs compares the number of for sale homes vs. new listings, pending and sold, it also shows average price for sold and homes for sale, average price per square feet, days on market and months of inventory.

Cowlitz County real estate report for 2009.

Cowlitz County Homes for Sale and Real Estate

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:39:34 -0400

Cowlitz County homes for sale and real estate.

Use Cowlitz Homes Finder to access hundreds of homes for sale in Cowlitz County and thousands listings around the estate listed by all local agent and brokers. An easy and convenience way to search and find all Cowlitz County real estate and homes for sale, set up alerts to get new homes that fit your criteria by e-mail as soon as they come on the market and personalized and save home searches for faster access to your favorite homes.

Cowlitz County Images.

More about Cowlitz County.

Cowlitz County Links.

Longview Washington Real Estate and Homes For Sale

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:55:11 -0400

Are you looking to buy a home in the Longview Washington real estate market?

If you already live in Longview you know how great this community is or if you are trying to relocate to the area let me introduce you to this great community. With about 40,000 residents, Longview Washington is the biggest and fastest growing city in Cowlitz County. Longview is divided into the following twelve different neighborhoods Broadway, Highlands, St. Helens, Old Westside, Olympic, Columbia Heights, Hillside/Cascade Way, CVG/North Lake, Pacific Way, Beacon Hill, Robert Gray/Mint Valley and West County. In one of these neighborhoods I'm sure you will find a home that will meet you family needs; you will find a wide range of real estate from a small fixer-upper for under $100,000 to the newer close to $1,000,000 custom home with acreage, water front, city, river or mount views.

Whether you live in or relocating to Longview you'll find that this is quite, nice, friendly family oriented community with great environment for raising a family or to retired. Longview has plenty of activities to choose from to keep kids active all year and to keep adults busy as well. Soccer and baseball are huge part of many Longview families' daily activities and there also many others football, softball, swimming, many school sport activities, two golf courses, adults softball and soccer leagues, many others parks and activities. And not to forget Lake Sacajawea Park a beautifully landscaped 20 acres, in the middle of the city, full of different tree spices, wildlife, play grounds and different activities to do like walking, jogging, fishing and kayaking.

Another big plus about Longview is the real estate market is very affordable compared to the Vancouver/Portland to the South or Tacoma/Seattle to the North. There are 12 different neighborhoods to choose from in Longview with price raging from $60,000 to $900,000 with an average price of $224,032 and medium price of 204,900.

To learn more about Longview, visit our Longview, WAshington Real Estate page.

Search Longview, Washington real estate and homes for sale here.

Longivew, Washington real estate GRI, E-PRO Broker Venancio Gonzalez with Windermere Real Estate Allen & Associates at 360 751 4001, to list your home or to purchase a home in Longview, Kelso, Woodland, Kalama, Castle Rock, Toutle, Silver Lake or Cathlamet.