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Spokane, WA Real Estate News

By Sarah Reinhart
(Brumback Residential)
Here are some helpful ideas that don't cost much, but can bring lots of money back to you!!!  These ideas were gathered from some of our friends (clients) who had great success and have now offered them to help you!  ENJOY AND FEEL FREE TO WRITE BACK WITH YOUR OWN  :)Tips for Staging Your Home Here are a few helpful tips to make your home shine!    1) LandscapingLawn watered, green, and mowed in the summer Walks cleared and shoveled in the winter Edges trimmed around: Walks Driveways Trees Fences Trees and landscaping pruned All hoses/accessories stored Seasonal flowers in pots add quick color 2) Exterior Paint and gutters in good repair All exterior lights working Missing roof shingles replaced Driveway surface in good repair Patio/Deck wood stained or painted Fencing secure and clear ...
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By Sarah Reinhart
(Brumback Residential)
Food And Clothing Banks Second Harvest Food Bank of the Inland NW http://www.secondharvest.org/ SNAP: Spokane Neighborhood Action Program http://www.snapwa.org/  Feed Spokane http://www.spokaneblessingnetwork.org/         Volunteers Needed Volunteermatch is a wonderful resource for you!  It will link you to many different needs and allows you to specify the area of Spokane you wish to help in. www.volunteermatch.org/   Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest is looking for you to help young children as a role model.  Visit their site to see how you can help. http://www.bbbsspokane.org/  Spokane Community Oriented Policing (C.O.P.S.) is always looking for community volunteers.  Visit them at http://www.spokanecops.org/                   American Red Cross is currently recruiting...
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By Michael Mullin, NMLS 11911 - Loan Originator, FHA, VA, USDA, Conv
(Advantage Mortgage Inc NMLS 1770599 , Originating loans in CA, OR and WA. )
First, a disclaimer - I copied the title of this post from an article in Business Week (source provided below).It will be interesting to see how much press this article gets in light of the recent hysteria over "toxic" mortgages and how their use is the cause of the current mortgage and housing crisis.In short, the artilce cites a new study by professors at Columbia and New York universities conclude that the "best" mortgage is a fully negative amortization ARM loan - better known as the Pay Option Arm.The study is 65 pages long but here's my two cents - if you are a SAVER you should seriously consider refinancing your home loan into one of these ARM programs.  If you are a SPENDER it would be a disaster for you to do so.Do you have any clients or friends in Option ARMs? If you live in ...
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By Alan Mills - Creating Closer Communication
(ACN)
Business by Referral, to me, does not mean a simple relationship between me & Real Estate professionals. My clients have many more needs than money and property.As a BNI Chapter member, I have access to many other trade professionals all of whom provide excellent service & product. I refer my clients to them regularly and I know they are well served.My value and referability is enhanced with my client.My client buys a necessary service or product from a reliable source, whichIncreases the income of my referral partner, andTheir sphere of influence.My referral partner thinks well of me (I just gave a pay check) so my referability increases.I publicise my referral partners list with all my clients & prospects and I ask for referrals to expand the list of trades.If you are there already - ...
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By Sarah Reinhart
(Brumback Residential)
    Hi, my name is Sarah Reinhart.  I am 28 eight years old.  I have a BA in education and was pretty darn close to my MA when I realized that I didn't want to be what I thought I would grow up to be (anyone else out there?).  So, I put my potential teaching job on the shelf, and jumped into the river of real estate adventure.  After coming up for air, I fell in head over heels.  I am in love!!!!  It is exciting and wonderful to see the dreams and hopes so many people I care about become a reality.  Now granted, there is quite a bit of drama involved in that process, but it is such an honor!     A home is so, SO much more than an entry on a CMA.  It is where we go to feel safe.  It is  the one place in the world where we should be able to walk around in our old ratty tee shirt drinking ...
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By Joddie Roberts, Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
(Mountain Real Estate and Property Management)
Spokane Home Sellers, do you really understand the local Real Estate market?  If you have a home you want to sell it is important that you seek professional advice at the local level.  Why is this important?  It's important because national statistics and statistics from other states and communities may not match what is happening in your local market.  While it is true many areas are experiencing a decrease in housing prices there are many more that are continuing to experience an increase, even if slight.  In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, of 149 metro areas surveyed 97 actually saw an increase in the median house price, including Spokane at an increase of 10.4% to $197,700 (2nd quarter numbers ending June 30, 2007).Does that mean you can rush right out, put ...
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By Joddie Roberts, Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
(Mountain Real Estate and Property Management)
DON'T MISS OUT on this fun, fabulous festival coming to Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA!  A 6 day event, Pig Out in the Park begins August 29th and runs through September 3rd.  The hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and the cost is FREE!Food vendors, arts and craft vendors and live entertainment fill the park and provide for one of the finest events held in Spokane.  With a 28 year history, Pig Out in the Park has attracted people from all over.  There's something for everyone, young and old alike!  Read the history of Pig Out in the Park or find out who's playing and what kind of food you can expect right here.  www.spokaneagent.net 
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By Joddie Roberts, Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
(Mountain Real Estate and Property Management)
"I'm so bored", "there's nothing to do".....The all too-familiar cry of school-age children in the middle of              summer.  Nine weeks ago there was nothing more exciting than staying up late, sleeping in late, and playing all day long.  Now, excitement worn off and restlessness setting in, all they can think about is going back to school.  Bored or not, like it or not, it is the reality.  Summer is quickly coming to a close, pools are shutting down until the next season, fall and Halloween items are filling the stores and we are getting ready to go back to school! By now many have already stocked up on pencils, notebooks, markers, crayons, glue, scissors, kleenex, baggies and all the other necessary items found on the school supply list.  If you haven't started shopping for supp...
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By Alan Mills - Creating Closer Communication
(ACN)
I'm curious. Hawking your loan all over town sounds like hard work to me. For ANY LOAN OFFICER to give a truthful, accurate indication of rate and terms they must understand the needs & motives of the client, see a full Credit Report & Scores and take a detailed application.If all the borrower targets is rate - he WILL be unhappy at the Closing table. Besides, I'd lay money that if the borrower is rate shopping he was unhappy with the last transaction. I wonder how he found THAT lender? Shopping, maybe?WAKE UP! A LOCAL Mortgage Broker can be checked against the DFI records, Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers records. The credentials will be published. An internet search will yield more data. A MB offers CHOICE of lender & program and, in this rapidly...
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By Alan Mills - Creating Closer Communication
(ACN)
Here's a novel idea - why not give someone a gift that could really help them? Well, here in Spokane we just survived high winds, torrential rain and multiple lightning strikes. When I say 'we' I mean me and many others. Sadly, the power outages were numerous and took time to fix. Then the fires started by lightning were worriesome and threatened property. In fact, about 6 houses away from my own, lightning struck and set fire to a home. The owners were out and as I drove home to mine I wondered how prepared I would be?Then I found this from the Dept of Homeland Security:  http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html There's a list of the basics, such as water, food, radio, flashlight and batteries - including guidance on quantity. Also, advice for "Unique Family Needs"- for people w...
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By Spokane Home Loans Spokane Mortgage
(Spokane Mortgage)
Downtown Spokane has a lot to offer whether it be for living, working, or playing. From nights at the Spokane Symphony to walks in Riverfront park, Downtown Spokane has something for everyone. A lot of Profseslionals that work and play downtown also choose to live there. There are a number of fantastic Condo and loft projects in the works. The Morgan Lofts is a new and very elegant downtown Spokane Condo Development that has a lot to offer.Sarah Leverett-Main of RE/MAX of Spokane Says " We've sold 23 condos at the Morgan Building and only have five left," When asked how the new owners like the downtown lifestyle.? Sarah Says   "Our owners tell us they love the downtown location, low-maintenance lifestyle and reasonable fees," she said. Monthly fees cover electric, gas, water, sewer, gar...
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By Alan Mills - Creating Closer Communication
(ACN)
Eagle Ridge is a PUD just 5 minutes South of Spokane. One of my wife's 'must haves' when we looked for our home was she must feel she has arrived before she gets home. Done! As you turn off I90 South the countryside opens up and there is a short Highway ride to the estate. It is a superb hillside development where great care is taken of the facilities. The area has personality. It is calm and beautiful. The roads are well maintained, the landscape laid out carefully and the residents take pride in the appearance of their land and property. Yes, there are PUD rules - but none that are onerous. They just encourage people to 'keep up appearances'. The property managers' website is here: http://www.newlandcommunities.com/ourcommunities/communityDetail.aspx?communityID=34#Washington Tourist ...
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By Doug Burke
(Windermere Real Estate / Valley, Inc.)
Last Friday, June 15th, over three hundred Windermere Real Estate agents, brokers, owners and staff gathered at Camp Dart-Lo in Northwest Spokane Washington. Camp Dart-Lo is a camp offered by Camp Fire USA and covers approximately 51 acres of forested land. Our goal was to rebark several trails, road grading and graveling, sign repair/replacement, tree trimming and removal, carpentry work on tables and sheds, painting/staining/sealing of buildings, and construction of some new buildings. This was no small task nor an easy one but we succeeded!With the help of several contractors, landscapers and other camp volunteers, we managed to revamp a majority of the complex just in time for the kids to return for the upcoming summer session of camps. While the work made for a long and grueling da...
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By Doug Burke
(Windermere Real Estate / Valley, Inc.)
As a real estate professional I work with many buyers and sellers every year in the Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Eastern Washington (WA) region. I often hear horror stories from people who made a seemingly small mistake in their past real estate transactions that ended up costing them a lot of aggravation and a lot of money. I don’t want anyone to make these mistakes, so as a Realtor I work hard for my clients to ensure that their real estate transactions go smoothly. For those who are not my clients yet, I prepared this free special report that outlines the seven most common and most expensive mistakes.The Seven Most Common Mistakes Sellers Make is a free three-page special report that no seller should bewithout. If you are thinking of selling your home or real estate soon...
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By Doug Burke
(Windermere Real Estate / Valley, Inc.)
Are you thinking of buying a new home or real estate in the Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Eastern Washington (WA) region? Stay ahead of the pack and avoid the mistakes most homebuyers commonly make.The Seven Expensive Mistakes Buyers Frequently Make is a free three-page special report that no buyer should be without. If you are thinking of buying a home soon, arm yourself with the knowledge that can help you avoid expensive mistakes too many people have made. Send me an email and request this report today – there is no cost or obligation. Sincerely, Doug Burke REALTOR®, e-PRO® Certified Windermere Real Estate/Valley, Inc . Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Eastern Washington (WA) CELL: (509) 220-8358 FAX: (509) 928-4250 MailTo:Doug@Doug-Burke.com www.Doug-Burke.com w...
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By Doug Burke
(Windermere Real Estate / Valley, Inc.)
Abraham Lincoln lost his home twice due to problems with the title. The purpose of title insurance is to help you avoid the same fate. Simply put, it insures you and your lender against errors or potential problems with the ownership documents of your home. For example, if someone was to claim to be the rightful owner of your home, the title insurance protects you against possible loss or damages.Two types of title insurance are available. The lender’s policy protects only the lender from title defects, liens or judgments. The owner’s policy protects the buyer against the same problems, and can be expanded to cover additional title risks, such as unrecorded liens. A lender’s policy is required in order to obtain a mortgage. An owner’spolicy is not, but since it’s only slightly more expe...
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By Joddie Roberts, Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
(Mountain Real Estate and Property Management)
Habitat for HumanityBlitz Build 2007Spokane, WA byJoddie Roberts, REALTORExit Real Estate Northwww.spokaneagent.net On June 16th I participated in the Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build, along with other Exit Real Estate agents.  It had been a long-time desire of mine to be involved in something like this and I was glad for the opportunity. Upon arriving at 7:00 a.m. brief instructions were given and then it was off to work.  The primary focus was to complete as much work as possible on the homes, and then clean up the grounds for the Dedication Ceremony which was to take place at Noon.  Four families would be receiving keys to their new homes today!  It was quite a sight to see numerous ladders lined up side-by-side against the homes.  On each was a volunteer reaching into the high place...
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By Joddie Roberts, Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
(Mountain Real Estate and Property Management)
 What makes a house a home; a statement or a question?  If a question, perhaps it should be re-phrased to ask, "When is a house not a home?"  A "home", for many, signifies a dwelling place.  A place of love and laughter, sometimes pain and tears.  Homes engulf us and embody us - familiar sounds, familiar scents.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A home isn't just "where the heart is"  but it is the heart.  It's the life-blood, it beats -vigorously with the pounding of feet rushing in the door or the hard rock of a chair as it goes back and forth, nearly tipping in one direction or the other.  The beat slo...
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By Joddie Roberts, Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA
(Mountain Real Estate and Property Management)
JR. LILAC PARADE - Saturday, May 12, 2007/TORCHLIGHT PARADE, Saturday May, 19, 2007Spokane, the Lilac City - Spring has sprung and the lilacs are blooming!  The first Lilac Festival took place in 1938 with a lilac show and small parade.  To learn more about the history of the Lilac Festival and upcoming events surrounding it visit, www.lilacfestival.orgHOOPFEST, Saturday, June, 30 & Sunday, July 1, 2007This is the nation's largest 3-on-3 basketball tourney for people of all ages!  Played on the streets of downtown Spokane, WA you are sure to enjoy and get caught up in the enthusiasm of the crowd.  For more information visit, www.spokanehoopfest.net 
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By Spokane Home Loans Spokane Mortgage
(Spokane Mortgage)
Is it the right time to refinance your mortgage in Spokane Wa? You may be able to reduce your monthly payments or reduce the life of your loan...by getting a lower interest rate or a new loan term. You may also be able to save even more if you use your refinancing to pay off credit card debt or other high interest debt. That's because interest on your mortgage is tax-deductible, and the interest on other loans is not.  There are a lot of mortgage companies in Spokane, so be aware and shop around. The only way to know if you're getting the best rate is to shop around. Discussing your loan with several Spokane mortgage companies is a great way to also learn about different kinds of loan programs and lenders.Some key reasons to consider refinancing: - Get a lower-rate mortgage.- Convert an...
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