Spokane Wa. home of the largest foot race is proud to present Bloomsday 2012! The official website is www.bloomsdayrun.org  Over 50,000 people run and walk this amazing race. It's truly a sight to behold, and floods of color line the gorgeous streets of Spokane Wa. The run is 7.46 miles, and the course closes downtown Spokane for the morning, while thousands of cheering fans line the entire course of the race. My family has participated on every level from running ( not me, but my husband and son) to playing live music along the street (my boy's band) and this year I am volunteering at the corporate cup tent. Last year my daughter handed out t-shirts.  The Spokane River is a gorgeous back drop for part of this world famous race. As a native Spokanite, and a life-long resident- I am so p... 05/01/2012

Who goes to the Celebrate Life Expo in Spokane? Retirees Boomers Folks with inquiring minds Family and friends of seniors People who choose to live life well Homeowners who want to learn about reverse mortgages Individuals and couples who want to stay informed about  healthy lifestyles Spokanites who are interesting and interested You..... and bring a friend along.     Check out:   www.ped-spokane.org/event-photos#!    Sponsor: PED - Prevention - Education - Development a federal non-profit organization.  One day only - Saturday, May 12 9 AM - 4:30 PM Tickets are $10 at the door* and $5 when purchased ahead Enjoy  Entertainment  - Door Prizes - Health Screenings - Exhibits - Displays  & Information regarding Reverse Mortgages & Senior Lifestyle topics of interest to those who have more ... 04/23/2012

AND... Why didn't they do it sooner? It must be SPRING IN SPOKANE! The birds are singing, trees and grass are looking green. Best of all? The buyers have come out from their winter (plus) slumber! Four offers in two days on two short sale listings. I am exhausted and clearly out of shape! It doesn't help that one of the banks changed their forms and process last week which has me chasing my tail, or that the other bank is bound and determined to send me to the funny farm. Then of course there are the sellers, feeling lost, confused, frustrated, angry and scared. I dream of a future filled with "traditional" home sales.  You remember... the kind where the home has appreciated and the sellers get to make their own decisions AND a profit! Being swamped is a WONDERFUL feeling, however, and ... 04/20/2012

You would think with prices "down" and interest rates as low as they have been since Leave it to Beaver, that people would be lining up to buy homes. Well, here is some good news. There is a slow and steady shift in the Spokane Real Estate Market trends that is telling of the market becoming healthier. However, there are still homes all over the nation that have been listed for a prolonged period, and sellers in waiting. For nearly 10 years, I have  represented both buyers and sellers in Spokane WA. and the surrounding areas of the Spokane Valley, North Spokane, Mead, Mica, Cheney, Airway Heights, Colbert, and more! Here are some things to consider to up your odds of selling in a market where absorption rates have been sluggish, and odds of selling have been, well not so great. Over-all... 04/12/2012

Search all Spokane WA MLS listings! If you would like to search Spokane WA homes for sale, look no further than my full service website: www.bethannhomes.com    Deciding whether or not to buy or sell a home is a big decision. In today's market finding a trusted real estate adviser can be the first step to realizing your long term goals. In some cases, it might be best to stay put. In other instances, especially if you are planning on purchasing a home in Spokane Wa, although it might feel like you are selling for less than you desire, the same goes for the home you would like to buy! If you wait for the value of your house to go up, that home you want to buy just might be out of reach. There are many things to consider. Speaking with an excellent lender is a good place to start. You wan... 04/11/2012

The Monaghan Mansion in Spokane, Washington has been dear to my heart for over 30 years. It’s home to the Gonzaga Music Department.  I’m in Spokane this week teaching social media clock hour classes for local real estate agents. My hotel is only a few blocks from here by the Convention Center. I've been thinking about this pilgrimage for many years and I finally have the opportunity to drop by this Tuesday afternoon, March 27, 2012 after work. It was almost 5:00 pm and closing time but I had a few minutes to realize my long time quest and give quiet thanks to this wonderful place.I'm delighted I remember this place so well and happy to see it in such a beautiful state of repair. I first came here in the summer of 1976 as a starving artist who needed to find a place where I could use a p... 03/31/2012

In the business of short sales when you finally get a bank that makes a solid effort to effectivly handle a file you feel like telling the world. We have a GMAC short sale insured by FHA.  We have found lately that Bank of America and Wells Fargo have been so SLOW on their FHA files that I am almost falling out of my seat to see an Approval To Participate (ATP) letter from GMAC 36 days after sumitting our offer.   If you are not in the Biz you might think that is still a long time but several of our B of A short sales (FHA) have taken months to get the ATP and then another month to get the actual approval letter. Thank you GMAC for doing a decent job.  If more servicers/lenders would work this efficiently we could have closed nearly double our numbers last year in Spokane, Washington. 03/29/2012

Spring has always been a time for renewal. All plant life awakens after winter and all things living look forward to warmer weather, sunshine, vibrant spring colors and scents. We look for something tangible that will provide newness to the dullness experienced over winter. Selling a home in the Spring with the warmer air, fresh flowers and sunshine really showcases a home.  Purchasing a home in the spring allows for a more favorable atmosphere for your visual home inspections. Owning your own home gives you something that you can see, hear, feel and enjoy. I have already had three special opportunities this Spring to help some wonderful people experience the exciting and satiating experience of home ownership. They all had the desire to own their own home and create stability for their... 03/26/2012

If you are familiar with the amazing Spokane Wa South Hill Parks neighborhood, look no further for location, location, location! Near Manito Park, Comstock Park, and Cannon Hill Park. This home has the stunning original quarter sawn wood work and built-ins, plus modern updates of the kitchen, and all 3 full bathrooms. 4 spacious bedrooms, large functional recroom int he basement is awesome for entertaining! Take the VIRTUAL TOUR NOW! http://www.tourfactory.com/843194        Listed by BethAnn Long- Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South 509-362-4607 03/25/2012

Spokane Real Estate Statistics for February 2012 \ Source: Spokane Association of Realtors Residential closed sales (residential site built on less than one acre and condo) continue to outpace last year.  In  February 269 sales were reported.  This number is up 63 sales over January 2012 amounting to a 30.6% increase.  (over last month) Compared to February last year the number of  sales are up 79 or 41.6%.  The average sales price was $155,679 for February, virtually the same as January.  The median sales price for February was $144,900 again very similar to January.   Compared to February one year ago the average price is down 6.5% while the median price is down 3.4%.  Year to date ( number of ) sales are up 27%.  The number of sales through February this year total 475 compared to 37... 03/18/2012

Spokane, Washington Home Buyer asks “What is DTI?” In Spokane, Washington and across the nation, first time home buyers sit anxiously across the desk from a mortgage specialist who tells them whether or not they qualify for a home loan.  Do I qualify?  How much do I qualify for?  Knowing the lingo about home loans isn’t intuitive and it isn’t totally about credit scores.     There is another issue – it is DTI  which is Debt- to- Income- Ratio.  The calculation is based on your numbers – income and obligations.     What is DTI? It is the comparison of your monthly take-home income and your monthly obligations to creditors.  Which creditors?  Your major creditors like automobile payments, student loans, credit cards, rent, alimony, etc.   Day-to-day living expenses are not included.    He... 03/12/2012

Queen Latifah comes to the INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane March 22nd ~~ proceeds benefit the YWCA. Tickets  available through all TicketsWest outlets and the prices range from $50 to $200.  “All proceeds will support the YWCA’s critical programs that empower thousands of women each year …….”   Spokane - a city that supports its own.   "YWCA of Spokane is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all."                Thank you Queen Latifah for answering the call to benefit Spokane's YWCA. Support for  the YWCA through donations of all types are always welcome.  03/06/2012

Spokane in March is hardly inspirational.  Oh, sure, I do get excited when I see the first sprouts pop out of the ground, but I am not quite so naive that I take that as a sure sign that Spring will follow close behind.  Sometimes it happens . . . more often it doesn’t!  So when I saw a recent challenge from Paula McDonald entitled “What is Springing Up in Your Area?” I must admit I grumbled a little. I just knew other AR members would have posts with great pictures of blossoming trees and a population in flip-flops, while mine would be showing the first little tips of some brave but foolish perennials that I would have to dig out of the snow before I could even photograph them.  They were there last week . . .I swear! While driving down Bernard today I saw a sign.   Plant sale?! In Mar... 03/02/2012

In this day and age, many are looking to save money. Well, most everyone is! This is certainly understandable. Do you "save money" when you sell your  Home by owner? Here is the latest statistics: FSBOs accounted for 10% of home sales in 2011. The typical FSBO home sold for $150,000 compared to $215,000 for agent-assisted home sales. (Source National Associaction of Realtor's)   In 2011 there was a total of 8720 LISTINGS on the Spokane MLS. At year end 4020 of them were SOLD AND CLOSED. These are all types of listings (residential, commercial, land, ect) This shows a 50% odds of selling for the year which is 5 times higher than the FSBO stat. fsbo Working with a compatible Realtor to sell your home, or to buy a home will give you the best chances of a happy ending!     02/20/2012

Spokane Real Estate Statistics for January 2012 In January 2012 there were 2894 homes listed for sale and 205 of those homes closed in January. The odds of selling were 7%.  The median sales price for the month was $147,000 and the average price was $156,121. I am looking forward to Spring !   02/14/2012

Do you call yours co-workers, cohorts or could they be "Co-hearts!    On the airplane returning from Boise to Spokane last night, I picked up the in-flight magazine, Spirit,  and on page ten  I met Eric Greer a “change and learning facilitator” out of Houston.  He is Southwest’s Star of the Month.    A couple of things caught my attention.  He calls his co-workers “co-hearts”….now isn’t that a fun concept especially on the eve of Valentine’s Day?  And the other, his favorite quote that sums up his philosophy:             “The past is behind; learn from it.  The future is ahead; prepare for it.                              The present is here, live it.”    Eric is a guy with a big heart who undoubtedly enjoys life and wants to make the most out of his own life and brighten the day of his... 02/13/2012

I recently wrote an article: How to Buy a House - 5 Must Know Tips where I describe some foundational issues that all home buyers face when getting started in their home search. Sometimes people feel the need to jump in and figure things out later when they get serious. This is almost always a disaster yet this is the default road home buyers tend to take. A real estate agent usually gets involved once they call on a few ads. This is really the best thing that can happen to the home buyer because they then at least ahve a chance to get on the right track. As a real estate professional I can tell you that there is a right way and a wrong way to buy a house. After more than a decade of watching people be both successful and unsucessful I can say that getting educated is probably one of th... 02/01/2012

2011 Spokane Real Estate Statistics Year End  2011 was an unusual year for many Spokane area Realtor's. Being in the trenches, I see a variety of attitudes and outcomes. There was a total of 8701 homes listed for sale (represents Residential homes in Spokane under 1 acre) and a total of 4020 closed respectively. The average sales price was 167,665 (down from 183,483 in 2010)and the median price was 154,900 (down from 167,665 in 2010 end). This reflects a 5.1% decrease in value for median homes.. Interest rates were at a historical low average at 4.42%. This had less effect on boosting home sales than I personally had hoped for. However, Spokane has a far more stable market than many. We are lucky to be here! 2012 has a great ring to it! :) If you would like a monthly report e-mailed to ... 01/13/2012

Should You Appeal Your Spokane County Tax Assessed Home Value? In many of our recent home sales, we find that the current tax-assessed value is significantly higher than the current fair market value. (What a surprise!) With declining market values, it is not uncommon for assessed values to be $40,000 or more higher than today's actual market value. If you believe this is true in your case, you may want to file a request with the Board of Equalization to have your property value reviewed. If your appeal is approved you will most likely save several hundred dollars on your annual tax bill. The process can take a little time but is not difficult. You'll need to make your case by providing recent comparable sales data in your neighborhood. This is something that we can provide for you at a... 01/04/2012

  Indian Trail Homes for Sale between $150k to $250k Indian Trail Homes for Sale between $250k to $300k Indian Trail Homes for Sale starting at $300k Plus Indian Trail is located approximately fifteen minutes Northwest of downtown Spokane. The Indian Trails area has much to offer. Close to great schools, shopping and recreation. Indian Trails is a popular community. Start your search for Indian Trail Homes for Sale here!   01/01/2012