I got a voice mail today from someone who is relocating to my area. He said "I found you on Active Rain, whatever that is."

I have a confession to make. In 2011 I slacked off here on AR. But I re- evaluated how much I have gotten out of this great forum the past few years and made a decision awhile back to stay in closer touch, blog more regularly and what a great confirmation this was!

I love reading through people's blogs and hearing about how things are going for my friends here as we trudge the road of this market together. I find it relaxing to read the blogs here, and I have learned so much from all of you. I have gotten great referrals from Active Rain! And this just made my day, so I had to share!

Of course, I called them back quickly and we have an appointment set! THANK YOU ACTIVE RAIN for being there.

2011 Spokane Real Estate Statistics Year End 

2011 was an unusual year for many Spokane area Realtor's. Being in the trenches, I see a variety of attitudes and outcomes.

There was a total of 8701 homes listed for sale (represents Residential homes in Spokane under 1 acre) and a total of 4020 closed respectively.

The average sales price was 167,665 (down from 183,483 in 2010)and the median price was 154,900 (down from 167,665 in 2010 end).

This reflects a 5.1% decrease in value for median homes..

Interest rates were at a historical low average at 4.42%. This had less effect on boosting home sales than I personally had hoped for. However, Spokane has a far more stable market than many. We are lucky to be here! 2012 has a great ring to it! :)

If you would like a monthly report e-mailed to you directly,or a personalized neighborhood review-  feel free to e-mail me at bethannlong@gmail.com

(Statistics provided by the Spokane Association of Realtor's.)

BEWARE of Craig's list SCAM and spread the word!

This is old news to most of us. But it has been happening in greater frequency so I think we should help get the word out to the public.

Scam Artists are copying photo's of homes for sale on the Internet. They are posting them at a good price for RENT on Craigs list and other sites. They even e-mail potential renter's "proof of ownership". They also make up false e-mail addresses in the name of the actual owner (which can usually be researched quite readily). The scam artists then asks the potential renter all kinds of questions, often obtaining a whole lot of personal and financial information.

Now, you wonder why on earth someone would agree to rent a home they have never walked through. Well, it happens all the time with folks relocating. The scammers pose as property management companies, have official looking documents and ask for things like: first and last months rent, deposists and other fee's. They usually say the are out of the country for some noble reason such as missions. They claim they will mail the keys once they get the deposit money.

Having increased Internet exposure for our listings is great, but of course the crooks have to come up with something like this.

I got two calls last week when people drove by my listings they were hoping to rent from these criminals! They saw my for sale sign and called me. I was able to save them both right before they were ready to give out their information! The scammers charge what appears to be reasonable, but realistic rents for these homes, but under what is the likely rent. This makes it extra appealing and tempting on the consumer.

It just infuriates me that out listings are being abused this way! Luckily- I don't know of nay instances where seller's can be harmed.

BEWARE and be on the look out for YOUR LISTINGS FALSELY ADVERTISED AS RENTALS! Of course most of us don't have time to check this out- but just be mindful that it is happening.

And to the rest of us eeking out an honest living, all the best to you!

Beautiful Rancher for sale in Mead Wa

Mead school district is often sought after. This home has over 2100 sq. ft on the main level, plus a finished 1500 sq. ft basement!

Close to beautiful Mt. Spokane which has great skiing, and Greenbluff which is an incredible place for great adventures, this home is a great find.

TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR NOW:http://www.tourfactory.com/810741

Call me for a personal showing of this home, or other homes for sale in Mead schools Spokane Wa!

Spokane's South Hill is buzzing with the excitement of our brand new Trader Joes!

The store had it's grand opening on Friday October 28th and it was like sardines in there, no pun intended. The steady flow of the crowd was endless from open to close.

People came from neighboring towns just to shop and experience the excitement!

This is great for the South Hill in Spokane. They re-did the entire strip mall and its beautiful!

I must say, I was almost giddy I was so happy to have this great store just blocks from my house!

In fact, the day before it opened, I was peeking in the window and ended up being interviewed by KXLY Television and was ont he news!

CHECK IT OUT THAT'S ME (THE STALKER)

http://www.kxly.com/localvideo/index.html?v=27675

WELCOME TRADER JOES!

This adorable craftsman style bungalow is just waiting for it's new owner and a little TLC!

Wonderful South Hill home for sale in a great location! Close to beautiful south hill parks, High Drive, Just 5 minutes to downtown Spokane!

Take the VIRTUAL TOUR NOW!

http://www.tourfactory.com/795428

call today for a personal showing! BethAnn Long, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson 509-362-4607

I am a life long resident of Spokane WA and I am proud of it!

Many feel they have to move away from their home town to have a fulfilling life. I chose to stay and I love the connections and roots I have here.

As a Realtor, I feel that I can service people moving to Spokane and help people who are considering relocation to Spokane WA in a unique way. I have a history of success in the local real estate market here, and more importantly I have a feel for all of the different areas.

Downtown Spokane is spectacular! We have a huge, gorgeous, rugged river that runs through our city. Talk about natural beauty!

Just a few miles west of Downtown Spokane

In short, we have it all in Spokane. 4 distinct seasons, a more stable real estate market than many, arts, culture, lakes, community, skiing, fishing, hiking, great Universities, shopping, and much more! If you would like to know more about Spokane Real Estate, or relocation to Spokane Wa. I would be glad to mail you a relocation packet!

River Park Square Downtown Spokane! has Nordstrom, Pottery Barn and so much more!

It would be my pleasure to talk with you about the benefits of relocating to beautiful Spokane Wa!

If you are not familiar with the Title Nine Retail stores, maybe you should be!

I was so excited when the new Title Nine opened it's doors in the progressive Perry District of Spokane Wa. on the South Hill.

This is a quaint, artistic area with charming older homes, local business, great restraunts and the soon to be famous Perry Street Pizza. As a local resident and professional I just want to say WELCOME TO TITLE NINE SPOKANE! I love the new clother I got there! 

 Brick Bungalow for sale in fantastic Perry District Spokane WA.!

This adorable brick home is in the amazing Perry District of Spokane WA. Enjoy neighborhood shops and the unique flair this progressive neighborhood has to offer!          

 Hardwood floors, loads of great character, cure kitchen, fenced yard, so much to offer for only 134,000!

2 bedrooms one bath on main floor- 2 (non conforming) bedrooms upstairs.

VIRTUAL TOUR: http://www.tourfactory.com/766785

Updated, newer furnace, tile roof, PRICED TO SELL!

Call today for a showing: BethAnn Long Coldwell Banker Tomlinson 509-362-4607

With all of negative press, discouraged Realtor's, and talk of the bad economy, I sometimes get worn down. It is a wonderful feeling when your clients take a moment to say thank you!!!

Today- I opened my inbox and found this wonderful e-mail from a client, it truly made my day!!! :

BethAnn,

Just wanted to take the time to write you a say thank you so much for helping us buy our first home! We definitely feel like the shoe fits! BethAnn made buying our first home as smooth as possible. She is a very strong woman who put us first no matter what day it was or time even driving us around in snow storms looking at not only what she picked but what we wanted to look at as well. Her communication skills are second to none she always kept us in the loop as well as communicating to our lender.   We interviewed five different agents and we hired her because she was very honest and up front with us; furthermore, she understood our budget and stuck to it along with our expectations and style of homes we were interested in. We were in the market looking for a home about 2 months and in that time we never felt pressured by her to buy at any time. Also because of her extensive experience in this business she negotiated a large sewer connection fee to be paid for by our seller along with the closing costs. BethAnn- thank you for working hard for us we love our new home and most of all thank you for treating us like not just a customer but a friend who always had our best interest at heart through the whole experience. 

Sincerely,

Ismael & Danielle R.