Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 3/19/08

Mango-Chili Grilled Shrimp (4 Servings)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 small minced shallot
1 minced garlic clove
1 minced red Thai chili
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 peeled mango cut into ¼ inch dice
2 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 cup baby arugula
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper

1. Stir together the three tablespoons of olive oil with the vinegar, shallot, garlic, chile, ginger and cilantro. Fold in the mango and season with salt.

2. Drizle the shrimp with oil, toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Grill shimp on high, turning once, untile lightly charred and just cooked through, about 4 minutes.

3. Transfer the shrimp to plates and top with mango salsa. Add arugula to place, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

Gardens that Don’t Require a Lot of Space, Water or Time

Nothing makes a home quite as appealing as attractive plants. People lacking a green thumb or the time or space necessary to devote to a garden might consider adding window boxes or small raised beds to add a touch of color. Here are some ideas to get you started:

* Window boxes are the easiest to install, plant, and maintain. Wrought iron grids called ‘hayracks' are available in many stores. They come in a variety of widths and attach easily to your window trim. Their liner helps retain soil and water, keeping your plants moist and healthy.
* Raised beds are best when made from pressure-treated dimensional lumber or artificial wood products like Trex to minimize rotting over time. Cut the lumber into the dimensions you want then nail or screw them together to form a frame. Place the frame where you want it, making sure it's level. Then add a layer of fine gravel at the bottom for drainage followed by topsoil, and finally an organic topdressing. This works with large pots as well.

* For south-facing window boxes and beds, plant sun-loving perennials or herbs. For north and east facing locations, choose shade plants like ivy, hostas, begonias, hydrangeas, geraniums or bleeding hearts. For western exposures, sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants are best. Choose vegetables in the spring and summer and in late fall and winter, plant decorative cabbage (kale) or dwarf boxwoods.

* Whatever you plant, make sure to water only enough to keep plants from wilting in the sun. Remember, too much water can be as bad as not enough.

Please call or email us if you'd like us to recommend a local nursery or help you with any of your real estate needs.

Is it really greener here?

Here's an interesting article on the Wenatchee Valley and how "green" it is in the environmental sense.

Is it really greener here?
By Michelle McNielWorld staff wri.ter
Posted March 15, 2008

"It's been nearly a year since Wenatchee found itself in a surprising national spotlight, being named the fifth-greenest city in America.

City leaders reveled in the honor. Economic development proponents used it to market the area to potential new businesses. And real estate agents hyped it up to encourage people to move to the Wenatchee Valley.

But others thought the national ranking was undeserved and even laughable."

Click below for the full story!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/NEWS04/661595410

How to Hire and Work with a Contractor – Part 2

Most people eventually need to hire and work with a contractor to perform maintenance, painting, remodeling, landscaping or other project. Here are some tips on how to best work with the contractor you’ve chosen and make sure you’re treated fairly during the process.

* Like marriage, communication is the key to a successful relationship with your contractor. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the project, just ask.

* Meet regularly with your contractor during the project and review his progress. Depending on how extensive the project is you might meet weekly or even daily.

* Nobody likes surprises, especially when they cost money. If your contractor has encountered anything unexpected once he’s started your project or if you’ve asked for anything extra that was not covered in the original estimate, ask for a supplemental written estimate.

* When the project is complete, meet with the contractor and perform a ‘walk through’. Items not up to your satisfaction are referred to as a ‘punch list’ and should be repaired or redone by the contractor before the project is complete.

* Once you’re satisfied with everything, write a check for the final payment. Never make a final payment before the project is completed to your satisfaction.

* If you’re pleased with the way your project turned out and with the contractor you chose, ask for some business cards that you can give to friends or neighbors who may be interested in a similar project.

Please let us know by phone or email if we can provide recommendations for contractors or answer any real estate related questions.

How to Hire and Work with a Contractor – Part 1

Sooner or later you may need to hire a contractor to perform maintenance, painting, remodeling, landscaping, or other project. Here are some tips on how to choose a contractor to ensure you get a fair price and are treated fairly during the process.

* Start by writing down exactly what it is you want the contractor to do and when you want it done. Be specific.

* Make a list of prospective contractors. Ask friends and neighbors, check the phone book, your local newspaper, or online classified ads like Craig's List.

* Meet with the contractors you've selected to show them your property and discuss the project in detail. Use your written description of the project to make sure you cover all the points on it with each contractor you meet.

* If a contractor suggests additional work, ask for his estimate in two parts with the second part covering the additional work he suggests beyond what was on your original project description.

* Ask exactly who will be doing the work and the extent of the contractor's personal involvement in your project.

* For small projects, payment is usually made in full on completion. Larger projects usually require making interim payments on a weekly or monthly basis. Make sure you both agree on when interim payments will be made.

* Get an estimate in writing. Be sure it specifies all labor and materials that may be required. If subcontractors are required, be sure the estimate includes their cost as well.

* Choose your contractor based on whatever factor you're most comfortable with: lowest price; reputation; or ‘gut feel'.

* It's good business practice for both of you to sign a copy of the estimate and for you to give the contractor a deposit before the project begins. The deposit can be either a flat fee or a percentage of the total estimate amount.

* Never make full payment for a project up front.

Please let us know by phone or email if we can provide additional tips for dealing with contractors or if we can provide any referrals. We are always happy to help you, your family and friends with any real estate related needs.

Developer rethinking riverfront project

Here's an article updating you on the Riverfront Project from today's Wenatchee World:

Developer rethinking riverfront projectBy Jay PatrickWorld staff writer Posted February 28, 2008

"WENATCHEE - Construction of a major riverfront development at the foot of Orondo Avenue won't start this summer as planned.

Bellingham businessman Ted Mischaikov said Wednesday that several new hotel projects in the Wenatchee area have him re-evaluating the demand for yet another one."We are still exploring possibilities. We're trying to understand (the market) with the flurry of hospitality activity," Mischaikov said.

The activity includes the pending sale of the city's public works property on Worthen Street to the Sukhmander Diamond Hotel Corp. The corporation owns seven hotels in the area."

Click below to read the rest of the article.

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/NEWS04/242783339

Number of NCW homes for sale on the rise

Here's an insightful article from today's Wenatchee World:

Number of NCW homes for sale on the riseBuyers may benefit from increase of available homes By Travis HayWorld staff writerPosted February 27, 2008

"WENATCHEE - The number of homes for sale in the Wenatchee area in January more than doubled from the year before as housing sales slumped.

According to a report by Pacific Appraisal Associates, 498 homes were listed last month, compared with 193 on the market in January 2007.

Jerry Paine, president of the North Central Washington Association of Realtors, theorized that the increase in homes on the market is likely due to a surge in building permits last year. Paine said buyers should benefit from the increase of homes for sale."

Click below for the whole article!

http://wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS04/101478849/1001