Buy a Home in Leavenworth

(and the Wenatchee Valley)

Local guidance for primary homes, vacation cabins, and land since 2019.

 

I’m Justin Horvath, a full-time broker and Leavenworth resident. I help buyers find the right fit in Leavenworth, Plain, Lake Wenatchee, Chiwawa River Pines, Peshastin, Cashmere, and Wenatchee. From A-frames and river cabins to acreage, off-grid, and in-town homes. You’ll get clear advice, fast communication, and a step-by-step plan from first look to keys.

 

Let’s start with a quick consult: I’ll map neighborhoods, pricing, and a search plan tailored to you.

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Why Work With Justin (What You Get)

  • Hyper-local expertise
    Daily pulse on pricing, days on market, and micro-neighborhood nuances (snow/road access, winter sun, noise, trail proximity).
  • Second-home & STR savvy
    Guidance on short-term rental feasibility, HOA considerations, insurance, and guest-friendly features buyers value.
  • Land, well & septic know-how
    Due diligence for soils, perc tests, well production, water rights, easements, and buildability before you spend money.
  • Offer strategy that wins
    Data-backed pricing, terms that matter to sellers, and calm, skilled negotiation to protect your position.
  • Trusted local network
    Lenders, inspectors, well/septic pros, surveyors, contractors, and property managers, ready when you are.
  • Tech + transparency
    Instant MLS alerts, virtual/video tours, e-signing, and a client portal with timeline, tasks, and documents in one place.
  • Communication you can count on
    You’ll always know what’s next, who’s doing what, and by when.

How Buying Here Is Different

(and how I help)

Seasonal access & snow load – evaluate driveways, plow routes, roofs, and sun exposure.

River & forest adjacency – setbacks, flood/shoreline zones, firewise/defensible space.

Wells & septics – flow rates, reserve areas, and realistic timelines for inspections/repairs.

Vacation-home financing – second-home vs. investment loans, rate/DP scenarios, local lender options.

Short-term rental rules – what’s allowed (or not) by jurisdiction, HOA, and CCRs.

 

Top Reasons to Buy With Me

Access to all listings + curated off-market intel

Full fact-check on properties before you spend on inspections

Skilled negotiation aligned to your goals (price, terms, timing)

Guidance to make a smart, long-term purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

For buying in/around Leavenworth WA

Leavenworth is unique because it’s both a destination town and a tight-knit community. The Bavarian-themed village, mountain scenery, and outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, rafting) attract visitors year-round. This creates a real estate market that’s heavily influenced by vacation homes, second homes, and investment properties, alongside primary residences.

There’s a healthy mix. About 40% of homes are vacation cabins or Airbnbs, but plenty of people live here full time, drawn by the lifestyle, schools, and outdoor access. Buyers should consider short-term rental rules, neighborhood dynamics, and year-round livability when choosing a property.

Chelan County has regulations that limit where new vacation rentals can be permitted. Some areas allow them, while others are restricted. There are also limits to how many short term rentals are allowed in specific areas, which change yearly. If you’re considering an Airbnb or VRBO property, it’s important to check zoning and county guidelines before making an offer.

Inventory can be low and desirable properties go quickly, especially cabins, riverfront homes, or anything with views. It’s important to be pre-approved and ready to act. Partnering with a local agent gives you a huge advantage since we often know about opportunities before they hit the market.

Inventory often rises in spring and summer, but winter sales can sometimes mean less competition. Since this is a year-round destination, timing really depends on your needs and flexibility.

While you can technically use any agent, local knowledge matters here. From septic inspections to snow plowing to STR rules, the details in Leavenworth real estate are very different from metro markets. Having a local expert can save time, money, and stress.

Work With Justin

With the skills, unwavering ethics, and a powerful passion to help others achieve their own personal dreams that I look forward to the opportunity in helping you reach your very own real estate goals.

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