Spokane Real Estate Voice: January 2009

 I wanted to share with you some year end statistics for 2008. In fact I have these for a 10 year span which is very informative and interesting. If you like, I can mail or e-mail them to you if you contact me at bethann@tb.com  or 509-362-4607.

Here goes!

• The overall decrease in Spokane Wa. for 2008 was -.076 so less than one percent. This is the first negative number seen in many years. Years previous in descending order overall Increases are as follows: 2007: +5.97% 2006: +16.6% 2005: +16.28% 2004: +7.59% 2003: +7.53 2002: +1.36 2001: +2.33% 2000: 0.00 1999: +2.43%
• This year there were 4,911 listings SOLD out of 12,833 that were listed for sale. These numbers were down significantly from 2007 when there was 15,559 homes listed, and 6935 SOLD. Odds of selling vary each month and those statistics are available upon request, with June and July holding the highest odds of selling at 17%, and November the low at 9%.

With the overall shift in the market last year it will certainly be interesting to see what happens in 2009 and if some Realtor's choose not to renew their active status. I am hoping for a good reasonable year with a steady pace, and favorable interest rates.

I also supply monthly market reports if you are interested just let me know!

www.BethAnnHomes.com

                                          My phone has been ringing off the hook!

MUSIC TO MY EARS. I think that is one of the many things I LOVE about this business! The mystery of who will be on the other end of the phone.  I love it when people inquire about one of my listings. I get a rush when another Realtor or one of my buyers say the word "offer". One of my very favorite calls is when I get a call from someone who found me online. Whether they are local, or coming here from someplace else! I honestly LOVE to meet new people and help them get acquainted with the Spokane area. It thrills me to welcome them into our great area and help them navigate their relocation. Today was fun because my phone really was ringing off the hook.  It is really a pleasure to get a call from a past customer. The BEST! The sound of my phone ringing all day today is the welcome rumbling of the market re-awakening.

I think it is good for all of us to know, the market is still alive...gotta go for now, my phone is ringing!

• Spokane Wa. is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, Mn.
• Spokane's climate has 4 distinct seasons.
• Spokane is a SUNNY CITY! Over 200 days of sunshine year round.
• Spokane is surrounded by 76 lakes, 4 major Rivers, 13 ski resorts and 32 golf courses.
• Spokane has the 2nd best summer weather in the US.
• Average of less than 20 minute commute.
• Excellent Hospitals, home to 2nd and 3rd largest hospitals in Washington State.
• Voted #9 " Hot Spot"  FORBES MAGAZINE 4/7/08 Best places for business and careers!
• Home of several excellent Universities and Colleges.
• City and County Population apx. 418,000.
• Spokane hosted the 1974 Worlds Fair.
• Progressive Arts and Culture. (see http://experiencespokane.com/artsandculture/ )

BethAnn Long, Realtor Tomlinson South Inc.

For a free RELOCATION PACKAGE e-mail me at bethann@tb.com  or visit my website www.bethannhomes.com  

This photo was taken Fall 2008 from Downtown Spokane!

Take a peek at a great new listing of mine. A charming 1927 Bungalow with really nice updates in a GREAT location, close to Cannon Hill Park, High Drive, and just 10 minutes to downtown!

1308 West 18th Ave. Spokane, Wa. 99203

Here is the VIRTUAL TOUR:

http://www.tourfactory.com/478223

For a showing call BethAnn Long, Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607

December 2008 sales totaled 285 compared to 252 for November 2008. The average price this month was $201,065 and the median price was $179,000.

The total sales for 2008 were 4,911 compared to 6,935 in 2007. The average sales price for the year was $206,291 and the median price was $184,000. The average sales price is down 2.6% compared to last year whilethe median price was down less than one percent.

The inventory as of this report stands at 2,488 listings compared to 2,925 last month and 2,553 in the December report last year. Sales of newly constructed homes reported to the Spokane Association of Realtors MLS ended the year at 804 sales compared to 1,245 in 2007.

provided by the Spokane Association of Realtor's.

BethAnn Long, Realtor 509-362-4607

As a lifelong resident of Spokane Wa. with 5 very progressive kids, I can tell you all of the cool places to " hang out!" From ages 12-54 we have personally tested these venues on many occasions. We will tell you what we love about them, and WHY!

• BethAnn's pick: THE LAGUNA CAFE' on the South Hill 4302 S. Regal ...Dan and Debbie the owner's of this great place are superior restaurateur's. How do I love Laguna Cafe' let me count the ways...the service, the hospitable beautiful yet casual atmosphere, the great food, the expertise of wine selections, the gift selections, the live music (Thursday-Sat. nights) and the home made soups! Did I mention free wireless Internet? Yes!
• Maggies South Hill Grill on 29th! OMG the food is better than mom's home cooking! Maggie herself is a delightful red head who always makes sure you feel welcome and have hot coffee!
•  Bill's pick: The Rock City Grill! locally owned by Jim Rhoades, this place is " rock steady" and located conveniently in the Riverpark Square.
• The Empyrean Coffee Pub   (Kevin's pick age 24)  154 S. Madison Downtown Spokane frequented by every cool teenager and young adult that loves coffee, live music, and the kids you might not find in other name brand coffee shops. Unique, locally owned, free wireless, beer on tap, open mic, poetry readings, art, a great concert venue.
• The Caterina Winery:905 N. Washington A place that frequently showcases budding young musicians, live music Thursday-Sat. Great wine selection that is made on site!
• Any Rocket Bakery! perhaps...the worlds best cookies? Several locations in Spokane!
• Madeline's cafe' and Patiserrie 707 West Main Downtown Spokane look no further for earth shattering pastries and much more. Perfect place to stop for coffee while shopping downtown Spokane!

As time goes on... we will add to the list. We especially appreciate the locally owned businesses and restaurants in Spokane, Wa.

BethAnn Long, REALTOR and e-PRO Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607