Spokane Real Estate Voice: December 2009

I am a bigtime dog lover.

I have two hairy golden retrievers who are doing some serious wear and tear on my home. They eaven ATE the molding in my kitchen.

It begs the question- how much does a dog, cat, bird...cost in hard cold real estate depreciation?

Not only do they add to the dirt and dust factor, they tend to have an odor- that once a home is placed up for sale may be detrimental to the bottom line.

Why am I writing about this?

I am going to put my home on the market this Spring. And with 2 dogs and a cat, I don't want to be in DENIAL about it.

Potential buyers might not like your pets as much as you do. (ouch did I say that outloud?)

Here are some suggestions if you are considering selling a pet occupied home:

• Choose boundaries for your pets in the home, don't give them free reign ( a few comfy rooms to destroy)
• Have your home professionally cleaned while on the market (weekly)
• Keep cat boxes EMPTY and fresh
• Don't mask odors- get RID of them
• Ask a trusted friend to TELL YOU THE TRUTH about whether or not you have pet odors, and where.
• Have pets regularly groomed, brushed and bathed.
• REMOVE the pets during showings if you have any question about their behaviors
• Include a carpet cleaning as a given part of your exit plan

Here are some pictures of my well loved pets!

                                 SUNNY

        TOBY (and Colin)

                                                               CALLIE

So, just a friendly reminder that Pets are GREAT... But they do have their issues that come along with them.

Especially when a home is for sale, use extra caution and care so it doesn't co$t you too much on the bottom line!

This is an excellent blog I wanted to pass along!

On NEW YEARS EVE Downtown Spokane comes alive with all kinds of amazing activities for the WHOLE FAMILY!

INCREDIBLE arts, music, crafts, exhibits, food, shopping... FIREWORKS , the list goes on and on!

Our family enjoys the outdoor fire pits, live music, Irish Dancing, snowboard show off's, and the energy is just fantastic!

Check out the official website at http://www.firstnightspokane.org   for prices, buttons ( tickets) and schedules.

CELEBRATE NEW YEARS EVE AND NEW YEARS DAY AT FIRST NIGHT/ FIRST DAY SPOKANE!

*****2010********2010*********2010**********2010***********2010***********2010**************

I never did like monotony.

I hate being bored.

I don't do well with time clocks.

I thrive on creativity.

I enjoy people.

I love a good challenge.

I could never be trapped behind a desk.

Connections intrigue me.

Service is a priority to me.

Humor is my drug of choice.

I am happiest when spontaneous.

Routines are secondary.

Ethics are not negotiable.

I naturally multi task.

REAL ESTATE sales, and the mystery thereof is a journey I truly enjoy.

My kids and I play a game.

It's called "REMEMBER WHEN..." and then we fill in  the blank.

It can be done anywhere, for any length of time.

They revel in funny childhood memories, goofy quotes, family vacations, precious moments, and even pet stories.

It makes me realize, every day- we are creating memories.

Each moment is a memorial stone. When I grasp this- it makes me want to live DIFFERENTLY.

Make an impact, be an influence, respect the ordinary.

I want to look back on 2010 and say...Remember When...

Time is precious, and I want to truly make the most of it this year.

I intend to have amazing family time, serve in my church and community, build my marriage and friendships, and take my business to the next level.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND MAKE 2010 YOUR "REMEMBER WHEN!"...

photo: I took this picture when I was in SanFransisco. It reminds me of one of my long term (bucket list) goals:

to visit Ireland where both sides of my family originated (my maiden name is O'Neill, my moms maiden name is O'Brien). Someday I will say, Remember When ... I went to Ireland!

I have been thinking about my life, my work, my purpose. I want to keep things clear and simple in 2010 and be intentional about things.

To me, as I grow older (now 50...) things get more into focus, as far as how the simple truths matter most. I also realize that simple goals and intentional living work well for me.

What does this mean?

Simplicity: Work and then play. Exercise. Lots of hugs.

Intention: Give more (in everything...) , work smart, rest when I need to.

For example, I only have ONE new years resolution, and I am keeping that between me and my husband. I have found in the past that if I broadcast it, it usually fizzles out about Jan. 7th.

My business plan is simple, and I am geared up and excited for the New Year!

Some folks are more detailed oriented, and can micro-manage themselves. I have a friend with a spreadsheet for everything, and that works for her. But it would drive me crazy.

The most important thing is to reflect, evaluate, and be willing to grow in your life. I don't know about you, but there is always room for improvement!

Here is to wishing you a wonderful 2010!

I hope everyone who see's this near and far, has a wonderful Christmas Holiday with alot of meaningful memories.

We are having a BLAST with our family and extended family. We had a wonderful church service last night, and I am reminded that some people are going through hard times right now.

Every moment is a blessing, every breath is a miracle. Simple pleasures are the best. Family is sacred. Life is short, and this is not a dress rehearsal, so make it a good one!

God bless all, and don't forget to keep a light on for Santa.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!

Shop, Wrap, Cook, Bake , Cleaning, More shopping, wrapping, baking, entertaining, EATING, bloating, hiding gifts, and the list goes on and on.

I am blessed with 5 great kids who are currently all living at home (sigh) . It is a FULL HOUSE. I am not complaining but I could use a good spa day.

Did I mention : working, mailing, volunteering, blogging, scapbooking...

And my kids are getting restless because school is out, and there is currently no SNOW which is very rare for this time of year! Jack Frost hasn't surfaced yet, and it is dreary out there.

OK So I am living in Christmas Chaos, and guess what? I am fortunate and I know it.

We sing, we laugh, we play with our two golden retrievers, we fight, we make alot of messes, and in general we are a normal family who deeply loves eachother.

I know nothing of peace and quiet or solitude, unless I am in the laundry room and everyone seems to disappear.

Our house is very well lived in, shall we say. There is no place like our home for the Holidaze.

Sometimes it is exasperating, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now off for more shopping, wrapping, and the list goes on.

HAPPY HOLIDAZE FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS!

It is important for sellers to know that when their home is listed with a full service brokerage, their home is being marketed 24/7 in various ways.

Sometimes when it gets "slow" it is understandable for sellers to get antsy. But the proven methods for advertising a home for sale are working 24/7.

Here is a list of some of the 27/7 marketing I provide for home sellers in Spokane Wa:

• VIRTUAL TOUR via Tourfactory.com
• ENHANCED Realtor.com
• My personal Webisite www.BethAnnHomes.com
• Youtube
• CraigsList
  
• MLS exposure
• over 300 cooperating websites
• Sign
• flyers
• My blog www.SpokaneRealEstateVoice.com

Other Marketing tools I use;

• Counter display
• Brokers Open House
• Public Open House
• post cards
• Newspaper adds for new listings and Open House
• e-flyers
• agent tour

If you would like a complimentary Sellers Packet to see what my comprehensive marketing plan is, feel free to contact me!

e-mail: BethAnn @tb.com 509-362-4607 (cell phone)

Specializing in South Hill Homes for sale in Spokane Wa.

www.BethAnnHomes.com   website

www.JustSoldInSpokane.com

The Homebuyer tax credit is having an impact. Closed sales on single family homes on less than one acre
including condos are up 86.9% from the anemic November figures of last year . This November there were 471
closed sales reported compared to 252 for the same month last year. Average sales price for November was
$177,068 and the median sales price was $159,900.
Year to date sales are improving with sales through November totaling 4,308 down 6.9% from last year’s figures
when 4,626 sales were reported through November. The average sales price through November was $188,153
compared to $206,603 last year. The median sales price through November was $169,000 compared to
$184,500. Average sales price year to date is down 8.9% while the median sales price is down 8.4%.
Inventory declined by 7% this month compared to last month however inventory remains similar to last year.
Year to date new home sales reported to the SARMLS are down 30.8%, 514 this year compared to 743 last year.

-Spokane Association of Realtor's