Spokane Real Estate Voice: Washington: Spokane

In Spokane Wa. we having the amazing privilege of having 76 lakes within close driving distance. Some are 20 minutes from downtown, some as far as two hours. A majority are about 45 minutes from Spokane. That is not a typo, yes I said 76 lakes!

I LOVE LAKES!

We just spent a week at the stunning and pristine Priest Lake Idaho, which is a two hour drive from Spokane.

AMAZING, REFRESHING, RELAXING, PRIMITIVE FORESTS, CRYSTAL CLEAR MOUNTAIN WATER, HUCKLEBERRIES, GREAT RESORTS, MAJESTIC HIKES, I have said it before and I will say it again, the Pacific Northwest is God's Country!

Here are a few pictures we took on our vacation. Enjoy...

My kids kayaking at Priest Lake!

The unmatched beauty of Upper Priest Lake, unreal. :)

That is me, hiking. GOOD DAY, BAD HAIR!

If you are considering relocating to the Spokane area, I would love to talk with you about how great it is to live in Spokane Wa!

BethAnn Long, Realtor  www.BethAnnHomes.com

On the top of what we call " The South Hill" here in Spokane lies a beautiful view rim called "High Drive".

The entire west facing ridge has been turned into miles of great dog walking, running, biking, hiking and just plain sunset watching!

Enjoy an evening stroll, or get up early and throw on your running shoes! GREAT VIEWS, Peaceful and Serene places to enjoy just another beautiful place in Spokane Wa.

That is Qualchan Golf Corse down on Highway 195 as seen by me walking on High Drive Trails!

For great Ice cream and more, visit "The Scoop" on Spokane's South Hill!

Situated in the lovely Wilson Scool/Manito Park/High Drive area, The Scoop is a favorite local hang out for all ages.

LOCATED at the corner of 25th and Monroe right by Wilson Elementary.

There are so many spectacular hikes all around the Spokane area. Yesterday, I went to the Iller Creek Conservation area and hiked up to the Rocks of Sharon, also known as " Big Rock"

One thing I loved about this hike is the diversity! One minute you feel like you are in the rain forest, and the next you have an almost desert feel. Then it is on to Forest, and when you reach the rocks, well be ready to say WOW when you see the view of the farm land and Palouse. Simply so much to take in!

I am so fortunate to live in the GREAT NORTHWEST!

Farm Chick Serena Thompson has finally revealed the location of her new store: 1601 W. Pacific Ave. in Browne's Addition.

Wow! This is too good to be true.

If you don't know about the FARM CHICKS you should!

Check out their INCREDIBLE BLOG at http://www.thefarmchicks.typepad.com/

I will be going to the new store this Saturday!

They have written cookbooks, and regular columnists for County Living!

I think the store will do very well. Country girls in the heart of the city. Love it!

Each month I post the Spokane Association of Realtor monthly report for Spokane Wa. These statistics reflect sales for residential properties on one acre or less.

As for myself, this has been a steady year. Not too crazy busy, and not too slow. I am particularly curious how sales will continue and compare now that the tax credit's are behind us.  However, there are still some tax credits that apply for active military personnel. Ask your accountant or Realtor for details!

Spokane Wa real estate is alive and well and has proven to be one of the more stable markets in the nation.

SAR REPORT AS FOLLOWS for June 2010:

For the ninth consecutive month closed sales for this month surpassed closed sales for the same month a year ago. Closed sales reported in June totaled 506 compared to 501 for June of last year. The average sales price for June was $190,308 which is up 5.4% from last month and the median price for June was $171,295 up 6.6% over May. Residential closed sales for the first half of this year are up 24.5% over last year. (wow!) The average sales price for the half year mark stands at $181,482 and the median price is at $163,000. These numbers are down 6.4% and 6.1% respectively when compared to last year. The current inventory increased the past month and as of this report totals 3,406 homes/condos on the market in Spokane County (on less than one acre). Sales of newly constructed homes/condos are up 5.5% year to date.

Visit my website! www.BethAnnHomes.com

Yesterday, my sister, mom and I had a great Spokane area Mini Adventure! The truth is, if you live in the great northwest like we do, there are hundreds of little mini adventures to be had around every cornner!

We went out the Palouse Highway, just south of town. We took a hike up toward Big Rock (STUNNING!). When we encountered a very BIG MOOSE we decided to turn around. But the view from part way up was breathtaking!

Then we adventured to Mt. Hope, a serene little chapel in the country. So beautiful! Driving past feilds of gold mustard, rolling wheat fields, wildflowers, country farms and simple beauty.

From Mountain hike to valley farms, it is just moments. I hope you enjoy these pictures I took!

Here is BIG ROCK!

View of Palouse from Big Rock Trail

Mt. Hope Chapel ~ A sweet country setting.

Just 35 minutes from Spokane Wa lies truly one of the most breathtaking lakes!

Graced with a great little downtown area, Lake Coeur d'Alene is something to BRAG about.

Our neighbor in many ways, often referred by Spokanites as "CDA." Truly a destination in and of itself, this little city with the huge lake is incredible.

See for yourself at:

http://www.coeurdalene.org/

I love being so close to such a wonderful place to visit!

The public beach in Coeur d'Alene Idaho is AWESOME! The hotel is a great place to stay and play!

This Summer, I am going to visit several area lakes and blog about them.

Spokane Wa has more than 70 lakes, yes I said SEVENTY PLUS LAKES within a short driving distance.

Yesterday, we took a short 20 minute drive to FISH LAKE. Located between Spokane and Cheney, this small lake is very pretty. It has a great little public beach. No motor boats are allowed.

They have a fishing dock, playground, sandy beach, Basketball Hoop, Volly Ball area, and an incredible trail that starts at the lake and goes 3.75 miles to Cheney.

Here are some photo's I took!

FISH LAKE TRAIL (from Fish Lake to Cheney) A beautiful stream runs along side bothg sides of the trail! Wow...

FISHING DOCK AT FISH LAKE, WA.

FISH LAKE PUBLIC BEACH IS FREE!!!

Spokane Wa named top 10 for families by Parenting Magazine!

Having raised five amazing children here in Spokane Wa. I can't say I am suprised that Parenting Magazine has named Spokane Wa in the top ten places for families!

"Parenting Magazine has named Spokane Wa one of the top 10 American hometowns in its 'Best Cities for Families' article.

It's an award based on mom's top criteria for keeping their families happy, healthy and safe.

The magazine says Spokane was recognized for its fair weather, three Blue Ribbon schools, 4,100 acres of parks, playgrounds, and pools, and two children's hospitals.

Spokane also ranked in the top 10 in two additional categories, 'best education' and 'best health'.

Before evaluating the cities, Parenting conducted a nationwide survey of moms through its MomConnection research panel to establish the primary factors they consider when choosing a home.

Their choices were (in order of priority): quality of schools; affordability and availability of quality housing; low crime rates; job availability and growth; number of registered sex offenders; recreational opportunities; quality/quantity of pediatricians/family physicians; commute time and distance; proximity to a good children's hospital; quality/quantity of childcare facilities and preschools; and air quality." (via Krem.com).

Wow, once again, I am more than proud to call Spokane Wa. my home!

BethAnn Long- Realtor 509-362-4607

For your FREE SPOKANE WA RELOCATION PACKAGE contact me!