Spokane WA Real Estate Blog

Spokane Real Estate Market

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:56:34 -0600

There is no place like Spokane. Wa !

If you are considering selling a home in Spokane, or buying a home in Spokane it has proved over time to be a far more stable market than many.

Are you a first time home buyer in Spokane Wa? Considering an investment property in Spokane?Wondering about the real estate market statistics in Spokane? I would be very happy to consult with you and provide you with monthly market updates for Spokane Wa and the area either by e-mail or snail mail.

Visit my website! www.BethAnnHomes.com

e-mail: bethann@tb.com

Spokane Real Estate Market

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:55:21 -0600

There is no place like Spokane. Wa !

If you are considering selling a home in Spokane, or buying a home in Spokane it has proved over time to be a far more stable market than many.

Visit my website! www.BethAnnHomes.com

e-mail: bethann@tb.com

$8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Extended, Expanded, and Modified

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:17:32 -0600

If you are considering purchasing a home in Spokane Wa. Here is a good update on the 2009-2010 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. PLUS the new incentive for other qualified purchasers!

BethAnn in Spokane

Via Donna Harris, REALTOR® & ASP - Hill Country Austin Lakeway Homes (RE/MAX Austin Skyline):

The $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended, expanded, and modified. It is no longer just for First Time Home Buyers, but it's also for Move-up Home Buyers.

There are many rules you need to know in order to comply with this credit, and yes, it truly is a credit as long as you're in the house for a minimum of three years. If you sell prior to three years, you will have to pay it back.

First Time Home Buyer means someone who has not owned a primary residence in the last three years. This means you could own an investment property and still qualify, but not a homesteaded property. If you are married and your spouse has owned a primary residence, but you have not owned one, you do not qualify for the tax credit. However, something new is that if you have a parent who has owned property and they co-sign for you, you could still qualify.

This tax credit is mostly referred to as the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, however, not everyone gets $8000. The number is the maximum number you are allotted for the tax credit and it's based on 10% of the purchase price, not to exceed $8000. In plain English, that means if the house you purchase is $80,000 or more, you will get the $8000. If you buy a $73,000 property, you would only qualify for $7300. Make sense?

Move-Up Home Buyers are a new category for this tax credit, and there are more rules. You must have owned a primary residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight years. That means, if you have owned a property that is currently being used as a rental, but you lived in it for five consecutive years prior to renting it within the last eight, you qualify. If you bought an investment property that you rented out a few years ago, but now currently have lived in it for five years, you qualify. Simple enough...

The Tax Credit for the Move-Up Home Buyer is limited to $6500 and not $8000. Same rules apply where it's 10% of the sales price, not to exceed $6500.

The income requirements have changed as well, and the limits are the same whether a First Time Home Buyer or a Move-Up Home Buyer. Single tax filers can receive the entire tax credit up to $125,000 whereas they can receive a partial credit from $125,001 to $145,000. Joint tax filers can receive the entire tax credit up to $225,000 whereas they can receive a partial credit from $225,001 to $245,000. Above these income limits, home buyers are not eligible for anything.

There has also been a purchase price cap added to this new law which was not part of the previous one. The cap is $800,000. That's a lot of house, but if you can afford that much house, you probably have bigger things to worry about than this small tax credit.

Of course there is a deadline for everything, and this new law actually has two deadlines you need to pay attention to. The first one is that you must be under contract with a property by April 30, 2010. The second deadline is that the property must close and fund prior to June 30, 2010. That way, no one can wait until the last minute to purchase homes and then hope they close on time. There is a two month buffer, but that actually means you only have less than six months to find a property and get an executed contract!!

The above does not cover every single rule in this new law, but the above takes care of 99% of the cases. There is a rule that you cannot buy a house from a blood relative and receive the tax credit, but you can buy a house from a step-relative and still receive the credit... and others that are very rare circumstances.

Email or call me today for further questions, and let's get you into a new house before six months come and go! The time will move faster than you think! And if you have a house to sell to be one of the Move-Up Home Buyers, we need to get that house on the market ASAP!

**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com

Austin TX Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and beyond. Whether you're buying or selling an Austin home, I'll be with you every step of the way.

For real time Austin TX listings, click here.

** #1 Agent in my Office for all of 2008 **

Copyright© 2009 By Donna Harris, All Rights Reserved. You may re-blog with links back to this post.
* $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Extended, Expanded, and Modified * was first published on donnahomesblog.com

Oct. 2009 Market Report for Spokane Wa.

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:49:16 -0600

Great news! Homebuyer tax credit has been extended. Refer to information in the Notices. Some more good news, closed sales of single family homes on less than one acre including condos for October are up 15.2% over last month, 507 closed sales compared to 440 in September and up 15% over October last year. Average sales price for October was $177,072 while the median sales price was $164,900. Year to date sales through October total 3,831 down 12.4% compared to last year. The average sales price through October is $189,589 compared to $206,976 last year while the median sales price is $170,000 compared to $184,900 last year. These numbers are down 8.4% and 8.1% year to date respectively. The housing inventory is down 8% compared to last month and down 1% compared to last year. Year to date new home sales total 459 through October compared to 705 last year or down 34.9%. With the GOOD NEWS of the extension of the first time home buyers tax 8,000 tax credit and the new incentive of 6500 for other qualified buyers, I think things will come a long ways with a strong recovery!

My Dream Vacation Remembered ~

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:54:33 -0500

Ahhhhhhh...Hawaii! I have lived where winter hits hard, my whole life. This makes vacations to the Tropics especially incredible. Let me share a few pictures I took while in Paradise.

A Maui Sunset taken 10/17/09

Look closely...that is me in the corner of the infinity pool at the condo overlooking Wailea. ahhhhhh

The perfect end to a great time: Dining at Mama's Fish House...incredible!

I cannot wait to return to the Islands...sometime soon!

" Home Detailing" a MUST in this Market!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:18:42 -0500

I recently hire a dynamic duo- Spokane Wa. first "HOME DETAILERS!"

The do just that. You know- when you get your car detailed, and you get it back and wonder whose it is?!

WOW I mean this is the real deal.

PSK Renovations is the name of their company, and they are worth their weight in GOLD!

They recently perfected one of my listings, and made it look amazing. They walk through the home with the seller and Realtor, room by room, and give a bid per room. This way the seller can decide which rooms they want done, keeping their budget in mind. They will paint, remove wallpaper, clean, minimize, tweek, STAGE, and turn any home into it's best presentation.

With the overage of inventory, and 2 out of 3 homes NOT SELLING- Home Detailing is a very wise investment for the serious seller.

PSK RENOVATIONS: 509-869-1378 or 509-850-2610

amazing work girls, and THANK YOU!

Amazing South Hill Victorian with a Storybook Setting!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:05:53 -0500

This lovely Victorian home sits on apx. 3/4 acre lot, with a private back yard!

Stunning River Rock Fireplace, 5 bedrooms, plus an office and 2 baths. Huge formal dining room, Updated kitchen, finished basement, and full of elegant charm!

VIRTUAL TOUR: http://www.tourfactory.com/558078

For a personal showing, call BethAnn Long Tomlinson South Inc.

509-362-4607

Spokane Real Estate Market Report August 2009

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:31:54 -0500

Spokane Association of Realtor's Aug. 2009 Statistics:

For the first time since April 2007, going back over 2-1/2 years, we have exceeded the number of sales from the month the previous year. August 2009 sales totaled 488 compared to 475 in August 2008. The average sales price for August was $189,711 while the median sales price was $169,975.

Year-to-date sales through August total 2,884. This is down 16.8% compared to last year when 3,466 sales were reported on a year-to-date basis. The average sales price through August was $193,307 compared to the average sales price through August last year which was $208,353. The median sales price through August was $173,750 compared to $185,400. These sales price figures are down 7.2% and 6.3% respectively

The inventory as of this report stands at 3,466 which is virtually the same as last year. New home sales total 355 through August down 35.1% from last year through August when new home sales totaled 547.

Posted by: BethAnn Long of Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607

www.BethAnnHomes.com

Should I Have My House Appraised Prior To The Listing?

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:07:26 -0500

In Spokane Wa. an appraisal runs about 350-400$

I seem to list alot of " unique" properties, and found this blog to be a good one!

Via Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD (RE/MAX Realty Group):

This is one of the most popular questions I get when meeting with sellers when they are preparing to put their homes on the market. The answer is, it depends.

Appraisals cost between $400 to $700 in our area. Most of the time your REALTOR'S® market analysis will provide you with much of the same information as an appraisal.

When an agent comes over to talk to you about selling your home, they will most likely, have a market analysis of the current market conditions in your neighborhood and the nearby surrounding areas.   They will compare what homes, similar to yours, listed for and sold for in your area. An appraiser will potentially use the same information, but will go into more depth about each property.

So, how do you decide whether or not to have an appraisal done prior to listing your home?

If you live in a typical suburban neighborhood where the homes are similar in style and square footage, you probably don't need to have the home appraised prior to listing your home. The information on your REALTOR'S® market analysis should be current and give you a very good idea of the market value of your home. If you are still not sure, maybe you should talk to a couple of different agents and see that they are all in about the same price range, that should give you a good number for your home's value.

My advice to a seller would be that you should have a professional appraisal done prior to listing your home if you have a VERY unique property. Maybe something that is on the historical register or something that was built exclusively for you by an architect and there is not another similar home in the area.   If you fit into one of these categories, I would strongly suggest pre-appraising your home.

If you do decide to have your home appraised prior to listing, hear me when I say that the appraised value is one person's opinion. If you hire 3 appraisers, you will probably get 3 different values.   Just because one person's opinion of value is one number, the market value might be a different story.   What someone is willing to pay for the house is the market value and what your home is ultimately worth. Don't let yourself get hung up on what an appraiser says your home is worth. If it takes time for your home to sell, other homes may come on the market and go to closing which will affect the value of your home.

The other thing that is important for you, a seller with appraisal in hand, to know is the appraisal you have is for your own knowledge.   If a purchaser is placing financing on your home, the purchaser and the purchaser's lender will have their own appraisal.

The bank will most likely use an appraisal from an appraiser that is on the bank's approved appraiser list.   They want to make sure that the buyer is not paying too much and that they are not lending too much money for a property.

Now with all of that said, Appraisals are very controversial these days with all of the new lending laws and guidelines. We have appraisers come from out of local areas doing appraisals and it is making the sales and loan process difficult.   I think it is important for sellers to understand that the buyer's appraiser, in most cases, is going to be the appraisal that will be used for financing.

Ultimately it is up to you, if it you believe your home needs to be appraised before listing, you can do that. Just make sure you listen to your professional REALTOR® to tell you how much your home will

Original Post Here

Stunning Southridge Home for sale!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:23:41 -0500

Incredible upgrades throughout this Spokane Wa. South Hill home for sale in the gorgeous Southridge neighborhood!

Check out the VIRTUAL TOUR NOW! http://www.tourfactory.com/546542

•· Built in 1976, remodeled in 2009

•· Total SF 3,787: Main 1,814', Upper 620' Lower 680', (4^th level 673?)

•· 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms

•· Gorgeous kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops , under cabinet & track lighting, granite top center island with electricity, Huntwood cabinets throughout with many custom features.

•· Master bedroom has custom closet shelving, full bath with double sinks, granite countertops, sunken garden tub and custom tile flooring.

•· 2 fireplaces (custom granite with gas insert)

•· Gorgeous hand-scraped wood floors in living room and dining room

•· Custom granite and tile flooring in bathrooms and kitchen

•· New carpet, window, door and baseboard trim throughout house

•· New custom lighting throughout entire house

•· New exterior paint and lights

•· Family room features wet-bar with custom lighting and tile counter tops

•· 450 SF work room in lower basement

•· Convenient sunroom/office space on main level with sliders to deck and private backyard

•· Gas, Forced Air and CAC

•· Corner lot with underground sprinkler system

•· Private, fenced backyard with mature trees and well maintained landscaping

•· Fenced dog run on north side of property

•· Back deck plumbed and wired for hot tub

Consistent designer updrades throughout! MUST SEE TO BELIEVE! This house truly makes a statement.

Offered at 485,000$

Listed by: BethAnn Long of Tomlisnon South Inc.

Our New Paver Patio project is DONE!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:06:41 -0500

I thought I would share our paver patio and path with you all. My husband worked very hard!

This is a project my hubby deserves alot of kudo's on :) Thank you Bill! We have a fenced dog/natural area behind our home. Here is the pathway that leads to doggie haven:

Almost done done, just need to fill in the sides with something pretty :) Like...dirt?

Speaking of DOGGIES!.........

That's all for now folks!

Moving, Life Changes and other hazards of the biz!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:51:49 -0500

Moving almost always comes with LIFE CHANGE.

Some are positive, and some are difficult.

This always brings extra challenges into the business of being a Realtor.

I am not a therapist, but I do care!

Bottom line is that buying, selling, and moving come along with new babies, newlyweds, divorce, death, relocation, job loss, new careers, and all kinds of goodies. Those are big stresses in life!

This means being perceptive, and above all else: being good to yourself is KEY!

When moving, take special care to minimize and simplify your life and activities in other ways. Cut out " obligations" and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Create a little time in your schedule to breathe.

This is a friendly reminder from your Realtor friend. :)

Should a seller ALWAYS counter a " lowball offer" ?...yup

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:42:30 -0500

It is up to the seller whether or not they respond by countering to what they think is a" lowball" offer.

But in my experience, I think that are many arguments to recommend that, YES, It just might pay off.

I have had some offers come together that at first glance seemed impossible.

You never know until you negotiate it out to the end to see if both parties can feel that they are benefitting from the transaction.

Here is some free advice:

Take the " emotion" out of the situation by understanding real estate offers are not " personal"
Get the current statistics for home recent sales, average days on market, and price per square foot, ect.
Try to remain open to the procsess and seek advice from trusted experienced sellers if need be
Trust that your agent has your best interest in mind, and if you do not truly believe this, maybe you need a new Realtor!
Be realistic about what your home is worth ( no sentimental value!)
Think of the big picture
Physically tour your competition

I am recommending appraisals for some of my listings. I don't do this often, but sometimes it is good for the seller to know that the Realtor is not the final word on value. The buyer's are clearly in the drivers seat, and a professional appraisal prior to listing just may answer some questions for everyone involved.

In 2008, 2 out of 3 homes listed for sale in Spokane Wa. NEVER SOLD. That is why I advise trying to work with what might seem like a " lowball offer". Inch by Inch, it just might come together!

Food for thought...

Spokane First Time Home Buyers Tax credit: " We may never pass this way again..."

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:16:04 -0500

There is a good old song that dates me" WE MAY NEVER PASS THIS WAY AGAIN" from the 70's.

If you are even considering taking advantage of the FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT, NOW is the time to act.

You are running out of time! 8,000 $ tax credit is something to seriously consider.

First-time homebuyers may be able to take advantage of a tax credit for homes purchased in 2008 or 2009. The credit:

Applies to purchases that close after April 8, 2008, and before Dec. 1, 2009.
Applies only to homes used as a taxpayer's principal residence.
Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.
Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.

Here are the FACTS:http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

Spokane Real Estate has proven to be quite stable over many years. Interest Rates are very good. Home selection is AMAZING, and Real Estate is an investment you won't regret!

Call me today for your personal no obligation consultation. My services are free to you as a buyer!

BethAnn Long Tomlisnon South Inc. 509-362-4607

"What I did on my Summer Vacation"

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:59:23 -0500

"What I did on my Summer Vacation"

Nearly every year we spend a week at a nearby Lake.
With literally dozens of incredible rustic lakes to choose from, we begin hunting for a place to rent. One personal goal I have is to own my own lake place, so this is a great way to feel things out.
When I was a child, my folks rented a place for us on Sacheen Lake. I especially loved the close proximity of the store where I could buy candy. I remember feeding the chipmunks cheerios and trying to set up a trap to catch one, no such luck.
Now, many decades later I am joyfully observing my own kids experience the simple pleasures of lake life.
The first day we arrived, they named the regular visiting ducks Fred and Wilma. Those are the childhood memories that make all the packing, cooking, dishes, and piles of post lake laundry worth every cent and effort.
This year's adventure is at Deer Lake, Wa. We have a modest fishing boat, and the quiet battery motor affords scenic slow rides to admire the natural beauty of the lake. A bald Eagle, deer, wild bunnies, frogs, turtles, butterflies, hawk, osprey, duck ,loon starlings and heron are this weeks sightings.
Just staring at the water is truly my favorite pass-time.
Floating, reading, hiking, being, cooking, eating, napping, fishing, laughing, dreaming.
That's what I did for my Summer Vacation.

My kids, fishing !

" Stop looking and START LIVING!"

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:27:11 -0500

I recently had a buyer who had a pretty long journey finding a home. By the time we put the pen to the paper, we saw over 50 homes.

I truly understand why we had to look at so many (sigh...) because he did not want to EVER have to move again. But it was alot of work for both of us!

Toward the end of this home seeking adventure, he was driving up to my office and saw a sign by some apartments for rent that read: " STOP LOOKING AND START LIVING!".

He said he took it as a sign... (no pun intended) that he needed to make a decision!

The home he ended up buying was one we saw about 1/3 of the way into this process, so about house # 15.

I was relieved that he would soon be settling into decision mode and now I get a chuckle every time I see that sign.

I think it is important to narrow down the absolutes as far as what you must have in a home- before looking.

In this case, we had actually done that but he had some very choosey criteria, which I have no problem with at all, it just takes longer.

But looking at homes does get very tiring after awhile and anything you can do ahead of time in regard to narrowing down your choices, may end up saving alot of time and energy needed for the big move!

It is a fun and satisfying feeling to know that your clients can START LIVING AND STOP LOOKING! and live " happily ever after in their new home sweet home!

Manito Cottage Bungalow with energy upgrades!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:12:14 -0500

~ WELCOME HOME TO 28 East 32nd Spokane Wa. 99203 ~

This wonderful home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, gleaming hardwoods, 29 BRAND NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT windows, Central A/C Incredible Master with sitting or office area, closet organizers, beautifully finished basement, new 2008 custom patio, beautiful private yard, garage and carport, and so much charm and character!

~ MASTER BEDROOM ~

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

www.BethAnnHomes.com

TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR NOW! http://www.tourfactory.com/535650

509-362-4607

Showing Feedback Tool for Sellers !

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:47:07 -0500

As a listing specialist in Spokane Wa. , I am always on the lookout for resources to help service my clients.

In this tough seller's market, honest and professional feedback is key. That is why I have subscribed to the service of:

www.homefeedback.com also known as www.showingsuite.com

This tool is FANTASTIC! How it works is that once an agent accesses your lockbox, they receive an automatic e-mail ( 3 times if not answered! ) to provide feedback to you and your seller. The seller is copied on the feedback too.

It just takes a moment to answer the feedback questionnaire so I have great luck with agents replying. :)

Agents get so many phone calls that it is refreshing to be able to give feedback via e-mail.

This is just one way I set myself apart as a listing agent to provide great service!

If you are considering selling your home in Spokane Wa. I would be happy to meet with you and give you a no obligation listing presentation, and a current market analysis of your home's value.

www.BethAnnHomes.com website

There is no place like (your) home !

BethAnn Long, Realtor with Tomlinson Real Estate Group 509-362-4607

Do Realtor's make too much commission? You do the Math!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:08:03 -0500

I sometimes sense an underlying suspicion that some people think Realtors make too high of a commission.

I also happen to know that MOST people don't know just how much an agent actually takes home.

This is a " sticky" subject... and somewhat tabu to discuss, but I have never been known to be shy!

I actually think it is a very important subject to educate the public on.

Disclaimer#1 : there are NO SET standardized commission's charged. Brokerages and agents vary their fees, and they sometimes negotiable.

Disclaimer #2: Agency's are each run differently, and broker/agents splits are confidential and vary widely.

In Washington, you cannot make money as a real estate agent or Realtor unless you are under a Broker. I don't know if this applies nationwide, but I believe it does.

For this reason, an agent either pays a monthly desk and/or transaction fees- or the commission paid to the brokerage is split by the brokerage and the agent in some manner.

With that being said, I will use a math for dummies explanation of how much an agent would average in a make believe transaction that is fairly representative of what might occur. (100K )

THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE, BASED ON PROBABLE FEE'S:

SALES PRICE: 100,000

6% Commissions: 6,000

3% for listing brokerage 3,000

3% for selling brokerage 3,000

How does this 3,000$ per side break down?

A) Some kind of /broker agent split let's say 75%/ 25% = Realtor's pay of 2,250$

B) Then Realtor pays taxes on this of somewhere around 20% or more: now he has 1,850$

C) He has to pay some offices fees for postage, marketing, and other monthly expense of say 200$

This is 1650$ left as spendable income. (That is usually very hard earned money...if he has done his job correctly.)

D) The average agent puts 25% of his spendable income BACK INTO HIS BUSINESS as there are a myriad of expenses: Errors and Ommissions Insurance, phone bill , technology, marketing, auto, postage, assistants, and continuing education ... just to name a few.

The moral of the story is that of the 6%, the individual agents do not make a killing. I think since we offer a service to the general public they have the right to know how we get paid, and where it goes.

This is just a hypothetical scenario, but pretty average. COMMISSIONS VARY AND ARE NOT STANDARDIZED, AGAIN THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE.

Is a bank sale right for you?

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:36:06 -0500

I live in an area where short sales and foreclosures are not a major part of our market. But they are incresaing.

However, we do have REO'S, Repo's, short sales, foreclosures...they come by different names and are each subject to unique conditions.

Is attempting to purchase s short sale, or bank owned property right for YOU?

MAYBE, MAYBE NOT.

Will I get a better deal? Maybe, Maybe not. In many cases, there will be " instant equity" however, in some markets many of the good deals get bid up to market value. You be the judge.

Purchasing one of these bank sales can be a grueling, long and difficult process. It often feels like a dead end, when no word comes back from " the bank" for weeks on end.

I had a short sale, listing where 4 MONTHS after receiving a good offer, we still did not have an acceptance from the bank, and the buyer walked the day before they finally called to say they were sending out an appraiser. (BPO)

The REALITY of buying a bank owned or short sale property is something the average home buyer is NOT prepared for.

If you are considering this type of purchase, go in with your eyes wide open, educated that you will need to be VERY, VERY patient and that you cannot plan around this the way you can a "regular" home purchase. There are often (usually) delayed closings, and that makes it VERY difficult to plan around when moving.

Some go much better than others, so realize that much of what (does not) occur in a timely fashion is often outside the control of the Realtor's involved.

Be aware, be educated, be patient, and always have a plan B!

Too busy to BLOG?

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:12:49 -0500

I have been so incredibly busy I have not had much time to BLOG! (work and kids!)

I have always loved writing, ever since I can recall. I have been a songwriter since I was a teenager.

I am not one to journal, but I do like to BLOG! Go figure.

I know many are saying the market is stale. I did have a difficult winter, we had record snowfalls, and many were affected by that and the economy. However, then came Spring...and it has been crazy busy!

I don't say this to brag, but to encourage the reader that the market is local, and quite healthy in some ways here in Spokane. True, it is a difficult Market for sellers. I won't deny it has had an effect on many people, and not for the better. But homes are selling if they are carefully priced.

I have been actually too busy to blog! But I do appreciate the chance to stay in touch with people through the unique avenue of blogging! So, I am getting back in to a routine to keep it a priority!

BethAnn in Spokane

Spokane WA June 2009 Market Statistics

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:56:29 -0500

There were 500 closed sales reported in June which is up 28.2% over May when 390 closed sales were reported.

The average sales price for June was $192,970 and the median sales price was $177,500. Both numbers are up from May's average and median prices.

For the first half of the year closed sales total 1,859 compared to 2,407 over the same period last year. Sales are down 22.8%. The average sales price for the first half of this year was $193,888 down 6% compared to last year when the average sales price was $206,161. The median price was $173,500 for the first half of the year. The median sales price is down 5.8% compared to last year when the median price was $184,150.The inventory is running about 4% below last year. For the first half of this year new home sales reported to the Spokane Association of Realtors total 254 compared to 394 over the same period last year.

Keeping you informed, BethAnn Long with Tomlinson South Inc.

Statistics by: SAR

www.BethAnnHomes.com

Spokane Summer Breeze, makes me feel fine !

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:57:33 -0500

Summer in Spokane Wa. is Summer at it's BEST!

With sparkling lakes and Rivers to enjoy, hot days, and everything from the great Downtown Spokane too camping, hiking, and fishing in God's country!

Variety is the spice of Spokane Wa. There is so much to do here in the good old summertime.

Our Spokane Parks are fantastic !

In fact just visit www.SummerinSpokane.com for all kinds of great ideas !

BethAnn Long, Realtor

Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607

www.bethannhomes.com

Letting go...a bittersweet goodbye

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:46:27 -0500

Bittersweet Goodbye

It is almost unreal to think my youngest children, Colin and Meghan are leaving grade school. They have had 7 wonderful years at Hamblen Elementary K-6. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time goes by. I see them blossoming into tweenager's and it is exciting and sad all at once.

The world changes at lightening speed, technology is becoming a central part of our moment to moment living, and I sometimes long for simpler days when, as a former stay at home mother of five, I changed diapers for what seemed like decades. I remember at times longingly looking forward to the days when all of my kids would be fully independent. Now I look back with an even deeper longing wondering where time went. The challenge is to enjoy the present and rejoice in the ages and stages that make up the here and now. When our children start sporting cell phones instead of blankies, and laptops instead of lego's, it is truly a bittersweet goodbye. And so it is with tears and giggles, we move on and beyond , away from primary school and into the new challenges of Jr. High years. Meghan and Colin, congratulations !

This is a photo of Meghan and Colin, age 2 ...time goes by so fast!!! Here they are now:

June 2009 6th grade promotion ceremony ~

posted by BethAnn Long, Realtor, Tomlinson South Inc.

Great Northside Rancher 159,900

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:24:31 -0500

Here is a great home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge yard, covered pation, Central a/c/ fully fenced back yard, and a 100% full unfinished basement for you to customize how ever you need to!

536 E Kedlin Spokane Wa/ 99218

Litsed by BethAnn Long Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607 www.bethannhomes.com

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