Spokane Real Estate Voice: BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Tomlinson)

I love the Spokane River!

I am a Spokane Native. The beauty of the Spokane River, flowing right through our city, never ceases to amaze me.

This glorious River is one my all time favorite places to walk. The near famous Centennial Trail is a 37 mile paved trail that follows the scenic River from Noth of Spokane to into Idaho.

http://www.spokanecentennialtrail.org/

I think the River is one of my favorite things about Spokane WA. I have helped dozen's of people relocate to the Spokane area, and I have a long list f things to share with them about the beautiful Northwest!

This photo was taken on my recent Mother's Day walk. Our signature Lilac bushes are just starting to bloom and that is St. Aloysius Church Steeple's in the backround- home of Gonzaga University! Go ZAGS!

Riverfront Park, The location of Expo '74 World's Fair is a popular place for both local residents and tourists to visit.

What an amazing place to call home!

If you would like information on Relocation To Spokane Wa. visit my website at www.bethannhomes.com 

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 proud of this race, and how it has brought life into our community, both increasing wellness awareness, and flooding our community with people from all over who boost the local economy.

A BIG HUGE THANK YOU to all who work so hard to make this race possible!

Amazing Spokane Valley Home with In ground Pool!

VIRTUAL TOUR!

http://www.tourfactory.com/859084

Spacious Lexington Rancher in beautiful South Spokane Valley Development. Open floor plan with great room, gas fireplace & cathedral ceilings. 4 spacious bedrooms, and office, 3 great bathrooms, master oasis with deck access, gorgeous in-ground pool! Gigantic rec/family room, STAY-CATION! Nearly 3200 sq. ft.! Swimming Pool, Hot tub, shop area in garage!

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 the odds of selling in 2011 here was under 50%. This means half of the efforts of sellers and agents went unrealized.

Here are my best suggestions to " catch a buyer" on your hook by changing your bait!

1. Examine your "motivation to sell". If your own agent has not spoken with you about this, then allow me the honor. If you are not certain that you either A.) Want to sell or B.) Have to sell - then that can have an underlying influence on whether or not you will sell.

2. Carefully position your home with both a competitive and compelling PRICE. Buyers are more than savvy, and they simply will not pay more than fair market value for any home. You will also attract more buyers if your home is priced correctly.

3. Agents: if you have a stale listing that is not being shown, consider changing the verbiage on the MLS, which will create a refreshing for search engines and possibly attract more attention.

4. Is it time for NEW PHOTO'S? Sometimes moving the photo's around on the MLS is a good idea. Or perhaps you need to take more photos, better photo's, or Seasonal Photos?

5. If your house is not in tip-top condition, with good staging and lighting, it may be overlooked both online, and in person. Ask your best " tell it like it is" friends and family to go with you room by room and make suggestions. I actually do this as a Realtor as part of my initial listing services. I have an eye for staging, and most of my clients listen to me! :)

6. Understanding the role of a listing agent; if you have your home listed with a full service agency, such as ours you have a depth of coverage on the marketing of your home. Being on the MLS, Virtual tours, Realtor.com, all of the dozens of participating agencies who share listings (most), signs, and the basic listing packages, you are well covered for " exposure". Additional things such as Open House,  and a Brokers Open are statistically far less effective in procuring a buyer for your home. Speak with your agent about a customized plan that works for you. I have a written " Seller's packet" that I give my listing clients so they have a clear idea of what I am doing " behind the scene".

7. Both seller and agent plays an active role in the selling of a home. Re-evaluate from time to time, and best wishes in selling your house!

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 want to be sure the lender you chose has a great reputation, or perhaps ask your Realtor or friends and family for a reference.

There are many wonderful areas in greater Spokane. I would be happy to assist you in finding the right home in just the right area that meets your needs.

If you have any questions about home values in Spokane WA, or are interested in relocating to Spokane, feel free to contact me with your questions.

I love helping people navigate the Spokane Real Estate Market, and I am happy to speak with you and set up a no obligation complimentary consultation.

I am a lifelong resident of Spokane Wa. and I truly believe in the quality of life here. I have raised 5 children here, and I especially love the distinct 4 seasons we enjoy.

For the most current statistics on the Spokane Real Estate Market, feel free to e-mail me and I will send a comprehensive over-view of our market.

You can check out home prices in Spokane right here:

Search Spokane WA homes for sale at www.bethannhomes.com 

SPOKANE WA IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

Immaculate Two Story for sale on Spokane's South Hill!

TAKE THE VIRTAUL TOUR NOW! http://www.tourfactory.com/846489  

Immaculate 2 story in distinguished Brookfield PUD with attention to detail! Grand entry way, formal LR and DR, stunning light fixtures, great family

I have been thinking over my past 10 years in this business.

One thing I have learned, if nothing else, is: "It's not just a house."

When people are selling and buying homes, unless you are an investor- there is a myriad of emotions, extenuating circumstances, and stories behind each sale. Handling this with empathy is something I stive to do.

The highest of highs and the lowest of lows can come along with the sale or purchase of a home. New beginnings, saying goodbye, losing a job, gaining a new job, leaving what you call home for a strange place, death, a growing family, an aging parent, a new baby, empty nesters, divorce,financial crisis, a wedding, an inheritance, a new job, a promotion, the list goes on and on.

It's a fine line, as Realtors to empathize with our clients personal situations, and remain professional. It's tough not to take in the intensity of the stress some people are under as we attempt to navigate the course of being a trusted advisor.

Each transaction comes with a story, one I want to handle with great care and individual attention. After all, home is where people hang their hearts- and while I don't want to get caught up in the emotion of what people are going through when they are moving- it's essential to be aware, sensitive and caring.

It's not just a house. Its a dwelling where hope and heart lay their heads at night and say a prayer. Where memories are cherished, and new stories begin. It's an amazing reality, a house. 

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

Awhile back, I decided no longer to put flyer boxes on my sign posts. There are two reasons for this. First of all, even if I give the seller 200 flyers, or stop by to fill them, eventually- there WILL be a day when the flyer box is EMPTY. It looks bad.

Second of all, I LOVE to get "the call". I would much rather have a prospect call me than pull a flyer, any day. I can qualify them, brag about the home, and have a chance for a real connection. If they are actually looking for a home, I will set the appointment to view the house. (of course I always ask first if they already have an agent).

With phone numbers, text numbers, and the awesome QR Codes I have on all of my sign riders. (With the QR codes, the potential buyer can swipe the code with a smart phone and view the VIRTUAL TOUR)  there is no reason for an outside flyer. The snoopy neighbor can get online and see what their neighbors house is selling for. 

For me, unless the seller REALLY wants a flyer box on the sign, it's a thing of the past. So far all of them agree, as long as potential buyers can access information easily, they are fine with no flyer/brochure box. I do color flyers for inside the home for the prospects serious enough to view the home.

This also insures that the flyers will not be " old" and have a former price point. Yes, in the perfect world- we would never neglect flyer boxes. But take a look around, it happens all the time.

I am certainly willing to service a flyer box, as I said- only if the seller really wants one.

Empty flyer boxes are bothersome. This is just one way to simplify, and as long as the seller is good with it, I think it's better for all of us, including the trees. :)

TAKE ONE: TAKE ONE WHAT?

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 374 over  the same time last year.  The average and median sales price through February are down 9.7% and 5%  respectively.  What the industry terms distressed sales (short sales and REO sales) are significantly impacting  prices and will continue to impact the average and median price going forward. 

Inventory compared to last month dropped 17.9% and compared to last year at this time inventory is down 

10.8%.  New home construction sales are down 17.9% so far this year but prices seem to be stabilizing. (SAR)

From BethAnn: 

I am hoping Spring will bring a flurry of activity. As stated, prices are down, number of sale contracts are up FROM LAST YEAR, and listing inventory is coming  down, which we are hoping will create a more balanced/ healthy market for all.