Joddie Roberts - REALTOR, Spokane, Washington

You Know We're in a Recession When the Price of Top Ramen Goes Up!

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:05:15 -0500

It just doesn't quit....gas prices are unbelievable and every time I go to the store food prices are up. In fact, without fail, what I buy today was cheaper yesterday.

It isn't just the "extras" increasing in price, it's the staples....bread, rice, flour, eggs....for a family the size of mine I have to take every price increase and multiply it by 10 to get the full effect of rising food prices. Complaining doesn't change the reality so I try not to do that tooooooo much....

While at the store the other day I decided to pick up the cheap, easy "filler" for my kids; Top Ramen....what family can pass up a truckload of a food kids love to eat and yet costs practically pennies? Not known for its nutritional value, I buy it because I have 8 kids that absolutely love it; anytime, anyplace...cooked & uncooked.

As I reached for the multiple packages I was going to buy, the price caught my eye.... "No, I thought, not Top Ramen too"; after all, I was depending on using it to feed my college-bound son for the next 4 years. Both discouraged and depressed I put the Top Ramen back on the shelf, returned my cart, and left the store empty-handed.

Nope, it isn't the unnecessary things anymore, price increases have hit the necessities too...from food, to gas, to everyday living, I think we're all asking the same question, "When is it going to end?"

Nesting or Spring Fever?

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:38:06 -0500

I know I'm not "nesting" so it must be Spring Fever cleaning!...that's what I kept thinking to myself while on my hands and knees, feverishly scrubbing the kitchen floor. And while I wasn't outwardly thanking God it wasn't nesting I was experiencing, there was an inner sigh of relief that the red punch I was washing off the white cupboards and trim was just the result of having 8 very busy, sometimes messy children.

The cleaning didn't stop at the floor; there were posts to wash, metal rails to scrape and those light switches ~ wow, how do they get so dirty? Did I forget to mention the red punch? I'm still wondering how it got on the dining room wall...nice bright streaks running straight to the light tan carpet.

In my quest for clean the greatest discovery I made was those things called bedrooms! Yes, islands unto themselves ~ complete with natives, dirt, and somewhat short (although consistent) supply of food ~ or at least remnants thereof! Yes, there is a short-lived feeling of being the mighty conqueror over these unchartered lands, however, I conceded long ago that any attempt to civilize and bring order to these parts of my home is a bit futile.

Spring Cleaning in full forceat the Roberts house isn't always fun, but it is rewarding! With spring and summer ahead, most of us face an unending schedule of sports, fishing, swimming, weekend trips to the lake, vacationing, barbecuing and the like. On top of all that we have to add the jobs we go to everyday, which makes for a very busy time. It can get stressful and perhaps a bit overwhelming to head into a busy season if we can't stop for a moment and take some time to clean, de-clutter and organize. A couple spring cleaning weekends will allow for a long, enjoyable summer. After-all, nobody wants to wake up early on a Saturday morning, ready for a great day of fishing, just to realize the fishing poles are nowhere to be found!

For many, spring cleaning just "hits"; you wake up one morning and everyone around you better watch out ~ the "clean tornado" is coming. Okay, maybe I'm only describing myself but...maybe not. Unique individuals, yes, unique to being human, not so much.

If you are a bit like me; eager to get it all done NOW, perhaps the following tips will help...

For the tornado in us, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Issuing a storm warning may be helpful. It tends to prepare all parties and perhaps minimize the overall affect of the storm!
Tackle the biggest things first. Human nature is inclined to let the mountain be, all the while feeling overwhelmed by the mountain. Remember, one step at a time equals progress!
Breakdown the "to-dos" into manageable tasks. The garage may not get cleaned in one day, and that's okay, as long as you actually finish the job.
Follow through...the "dump pile" needs to be taken to the dump, the "Goodwill pile" needs to be taken to Goodwill. It doesn't do any good to move something from one place to another if all you're doing is creating another task.
If the dresser you're going to finish someday is still sitting there waiting to be re-finished, let someone else do it. Chances are if you haven't done it yet, you won't. There will be an endless supply of dressers that can be refinished when you actually have the time to do so.
Finally, at the end of the day, don't forget the reward. It may be dinner out, a movie with the family, or just relaxing on your deck, satisfied with the days' accomplishments....just don't bring out the red punch!

Buying A Home ~ What is Title Insurance? by Your Spokane Realtor

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:35:31 -0600

Title Insurance

"Title" is the right to own, possess, use, control, and dispose of property. When you buy a home, you are actually buying the seller's title to the home. A deed is the written legal evidence that the seller has conveyed his or her ownership rights to you. Prior to "closing" on a property, when the actual transfer of ownership occurs, an attorney or title specialist will conduct a title examination. The purpose of the title examination is to discover any problems that might prevent you from getting clear title to the home. Title problems can usually be cleared up however, in some cases, severe title problems can delay settlement, or even cause you to consider voiding your contract with the seller.

What are some common title problems?

Title problems, or "clouds" happen for various reasons. Here are a few examples of situations that can create a title problem:

The home to be purchased was owned by the seller's parents, who intended to use it for their retirement. The seller's father died several years ago, and the mother just recently passed away. A title search reveals that the property is titled in the mother's name, but there is no will on file to indicate how she disposed of it.
You are buying a house to which an inground pool was added several years ago. The sellers of the home took out a home equity loan to pay for the pool. They have repaid the loan, but the lien was never removed from the title.
The seller of the house added central air conditioning several years ago. The seller and the contractor had a dispute over the workmanship, and the seller withheld the final payment on the contract. The contractor filed a mechanic's lien on the property, which has never been removed.
You are buying a house with a newly paved driveway. The seller of the house bought his neighbor's share of their shared driveway and converted it into a private driveway when the neighbor built a new driveway on the other side of his house. Unfortunately, ownership of the expanded driveway doesn't appear in the public records.

Some "clouds on title" can be corrected relatively easily, like most of the examples listed above, while others can become quite complicated to remove. Your Realtor and Title company will work together to keep you informed during the process of eliminating any defects in the title. If there is anything you don't understand, please be sure to ask questions.

What is Title Insurance?

Title insurance is the best way to protect yourself against title defects that have occurred in the past, which may not appear until after you've taken ownership of a property. Before a Title Insurance policy is issued, a title report is prepared based on a search of the public records. This report gives a description of the property, along with any title defects, liens, or encumbrances discovered in the course of the title search.

Title insurance protects you against title defects that were not discovered in the course of the title search. Most Title Insurance companies offer different levels of coverage. A basic policy covers such risks as:

Forgery and impersonation;
Lack of competency, capacity or legal authority of a party;
Deed not joined in by a necessary party (co-owner, heir, spouse, corporate officer, or business partner);
Undisclosed (but recorded) prior mortgage or lien;
Undisclosed (but recorded) easement or use restriction;
Erroneous or inadequate legal descriptions;
Lack of a right of access; and
Deed not properly recorded.

If such a defect were discovered later, your title insurance would cover you. When Title Insurance is ordered it is important to ask what is covered under the policy you choose. It is also important to ask questions for anything that you don't understand.

Title Insurance is different than other types of insurance policies (auto, life, health) in that you pay a one-time fee and it protects against past events versus future events.

How does title insurance protect you?

If title problems are severe enough and not covered by insurance, you could actually lose your house. A title insurance policy protects you and your heirs against title defects for as long as you own the property. The policy represents the title insurance company's responsibility to compensate you for any covered loss caused by a defect in the title, or any lien or encumbrance that was not discovered in the title search. Most title insurance policies do have exceptions, however, so it is important to read and understand the policy. Be sure to call the title company if you have any questions about what is covered in your particular policy.

Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
Exit Real Estate North
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208

509.844.7344
www.spokaneagent.net

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge...

Buying Your Dream Home ~ Negotiating the Contract......by Your Spokane Realtor

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:23:21 -0600

You finally found it, the home of your dreams...or perhaps the first home to the home of your dreams...Nevertheless, you found a place to call home so let's talk about what the next step is before you can call it your own.

Negotiate a contract. The next step is to write up an offer, also known as a contract. Your Realtor should go over every detail with you but be sure to review it carefully so that it states your terms exactly; how much you want to offer, and any applicable contingencies such as the ability to obtain financing, and satisfaction of a Home Inspection. If you have any questions about the contract please, please, please ask!

Sometimes an offer is accepted just as received. Sometimes the offer is rejected. However, in many cases there will be a counter offer from the seller and negotiation will take place so that both parties are satisfied with the terms. Typical counter offers include modifications of the purchase price, closing date, possession date, and/or inclusions, although any term(s) of the contract can be countered.

Generally, you are in a stronger bargaining position if you have already been pre-approved for a mortgage, are not selling a house at the same time, and have not loaded your offer with contingencies. Your offer needs to be accompanied by earnest money which often is necessary for the contract to be legally binding. It also shows your sincerity in wanting to purchase the seller's home.

The amount of the earnest money is something you should discuss with your Realtor. At times the seller may request a larger earnest money deposit than you initially provide. There is no risk of losing your earnest money provided you do not default on the terms of the contract. The earnest money will be credited to you at closing or returned to you if the contract is terminated according with its terms.

You will also need to provide a letter from your lender indicating your qualification to purchase the home.

Once you and the seller reach an agreement and sign an offer reflecting that agreement, you have a legally binding contract. At this point there are additional steps necessary to ensure a smooth and successful closing; order Title Insurance, hire a Professional Home Inspector, and order an Appraisal. Your Realtor and Lender will work together to make sure Title Insurance and an Appraisal are ordered. If you need help finding a Home Inspector your Realtor can provide you with the names and numbers of qualified professionals.

Stay tuned for more information on what happens once you have a negotiated Purchase and Sale Agreement on the home of your dreams!

Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
Exit Real Estate North
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208

509.844.7344
www.spokaneagent.net

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge...

Buying a Home~A Lender's Checklist ~ Provided to you by Your Spokane Realtor

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:42:28 -0600

You can get a head-start on the home-buying process by gathering the information a lender will require of you when you make application for a mortgage loan. While requirements may vary from lender to lender the following checklist may be useful to you as you compile this information.

W2 forms from previous 2 years
Pay stubs from the most recent month
Employment History (2 years)

Include name & address, dates of employment, income
Provide explanation for any gaps in employment

Social Security number (for all borrowers)
Bank statements for checking and savings accounts (3 months)

Include all accounts, account numbers, balances

Credit information

Provide the name, account number, balance & monthly payment amount for each open credit account

Tax Return

This is required in certain situations especially if you are self-employed or have rental properties

IRA/Retirement Plan

Approximate value and current statement

Stocks, bonds, investment accounts (if being used for your home purchase)

Name & address of broker
Statements for previous 3 months

Life Insurance Policy

Name of company, policy number, face amount, approximate cash value of each policy

Automobiles

Make, year & current market value

Additional Income

Documentation of income received if used to qualify for the mortgage

If you are:

Renting

Provide landlord's name, address, phone number
12 month rental payment history

Self-employed

Provide Profit and Loss Statement & Balance Sheet for previous 2 years

Divorced or separated

Provide a copy of divorce decree or maintenance agreement, along with any amendments and a 12-month payment history of alimony/child support payments, if payments are provided or received and are needed to qualify. Be sure to provide either check stubs or copies of both the front and back of the checks

A student

If you do not have two years of employment history due to attending school, then school transcripts or your diploma will be needed

The owner of rental properties

Provide federal tax returns (signed), along with a schedule of all real estate owned and the account number and address of the mortgage company that holds the properties.

In addition, if the real estate owned is:

Currently rented - Provide a copy of the current lease or rental agreement.
Listed for sale - Provide a copy of the listing agreement.
Sold, but not closed - Provide a copy of the sales contract and escrow number.
Sold, closed and proceeds will be used for down payment - Provide a copy of the HUD-1 Uniform Settlement Statement.

A copy of Purchase & Sale Agreement, signed by buyer and seller. This will be provided to them by your REALTOR.

For additional information; Helpful Tips for the Home Buyer, Buying a Home, First Things First, It's Still a Great Time to Buy and Sell Real Estate in Spokane.

Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
Exit Real Estate North
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208

509.844.7344
http://www.spokaneagent.net/

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge...

Buying a Home, First Things First ~ Your Spokane Realtor

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:31:36 -0600

Finances First! The buying experience usually goes smoother if financing has been secured before you begin searching for your home. For most homebuyers owning your dream home hinges on your ability to get the financing you need, in the price range you can afford. The very first step is ensuring that you are in an optimum buying position.

Your Credit Report
An important factor in your ability to get a mortgage is your credit rating. The best interest rates, as well as the most flexible loan terms, are available to those with the strongest credit scores. Not only will your monthly mortgage payment depend on your interest rate, but the amount you qualify to borrow will be affected by it as well. A higher interest rate translates into a higher payment and may reduce the loan amount for which you can qualify.

Review your Credit Report, which can be obtained from the three main Credit Reporting Agencies, to look for accuracy and any discrepancies. By doing so you may just avoid any unnecessary delays in your purchasing process.

You can request a free credit report from each agency, once per year. It may cost a nominal fee to request a Credit Score in addition to the credit report.

Contact a Lender
Once you have reviewed your Credit Report and are satisfied with the information on it you need to contact a lender. Getting a Pre-Approval letter from a lender not only gives you confidence but also gives you "buying power." A home seller will be much more comfortable accepting an offer knowing you have already gone through the necessary steps to purchase a home.

With Approval Letter in hand and completed checklist of must-haves contact Your Spokane Realtor for you are well on your way to happy house hunting!

Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208

509.844.7344
http://www.spokaneagent.com/

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge

A Few Fun Facts About Home Prices in North Spokane

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:50:10 -0600

There's just a few houses on the market today....so I did a little research and breakdown of the price range here in North Spokane. If you're looking for options, here they are:

Price Range: $0-100,000
Number to choose from: 55
Year Blt: Ranges from 1888-1956
Bedrooms: Ranges from 1-3
Baths: Ranges from 1-3
Price Range: $100,001-149,999
Number to choose from: 272
Year Blt: Ranges from 1886-2007
Bedrooms: Ranges from 1-5
Baths: Ranges from 2-9+ (something doesn't quite seem right about this one!)
Price Range: $150,000-200,000
Number to choose from: 224
Year Blt: Ranges from 1897-2007
Bedrooms: Ranges from 2-6
Baths: Ranges from 1-4
Price Range: $200,001-249,999
Number to choose from: 174
Year Blt: Ranges from 1890-2008 (reflects to-be-built)
Bedrooms: Ranges from 2-6
Baths: Ranges from 1-4
Price Range: $250,000-350,000
Number to choose from: 194
Year Blt: Ranges from 1906-2008 (reflects to-be-built)
Bedrooms: Ranges from 1-6
Baths: Ranges from 1-5
Price Range: $350,001-449,999
Number to choose from: 110
Year Blt: Ranges from 1890-2008 (reflects to-be-built)
Bedrooms: Ranges from 2-7
Baths: Ranges from 1-5
Price Range: $450,000-549,999
Number to choose from: 51
Year Blt: 1938-2008 (reflects to-be-built)
Bedrooms: Ranges from 2-6
Baths: Ranges from 2-5
Price Range: $550,000-999,999
Number to choose from: 63
Year Blt: 1900-2008 (reflects to-be-built)
Bedrooms: Ranges from 3-7
Baths: Ranges from 1-6
Price Range: $1,000,000+
Number to choose from: 5
Year Blt: Ranges from 1989-2002
Bedrooms: Ranges from 1-7
Baths: Ranges from 1-6

If you're looking for a home to buy I'd be glad to help. You have many choices, as reflected above, and I can narrow your search down with criteria that meets your specific needs. If you wish, I can set up automatic e-mail notification so that you are instantly notified when a new listing meeting your criteria hits the market!

Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208

509.844.7344
www.spokaneagent.net

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge...

Helpful Tips for the Home Buyer ~ Spokane, WA Real Estate

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 23:56:15 -0600

Options! Options! Options! So many to choose from, where does one start?

Well, of course, you start with need and move to desire. Afterall, what good does a 4bed/3ba 4-level home do when you need a 1-level? Or why look at a 3bed/1ba home when you really need more room than that? The best thing to do is start with a list of must-haves BEFORE you go house-hunting.

For most people, their list of non-negotiables tend to do with size of home, number of bedrooms and number of bathrooms. Beyond that there is often an "it'll do" mentality. Sometimes that is okay, but sometimes disappointment can set in with the realization of, "Oh, I didn't think about that".

Below is a little chart to get you started on the needs and the must-haves. Adapt it to make it your own and let each member of the household indicate which things are important to them. A completed list will save you time and help your REALTOR find the home of your dreams!

House Style
No. of Levels
No. of Bedrooms
No. of Bathrooms
Gourmet Kitchen
Formal Dining Room
Breakfast Nook
Super Master Bath
Walk In Closets
Fireplace
Basement
Garage
Porches
Fenced Yard
Large Yard
Swimming Pool
Storage Room
Storage Shed

Stay tuned for more helpful buying tips!

Joddie Roberts,
Your Spokane Realtor
Exit Real Estate North
8524 N. Wall
Spokane, WA 99208

509.844.7344
www.spokaneagent.net

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge

Eleven Reasons You Should List Your Home During the Holidays

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:33:13 -0600

It's amazing how quickly time goes by. Here we are gearing up for the Holiday Season and yet some of us are still trying to adjust to a new school year ~ even though it began a couple months ago.

With Thanksgiving a few days away we are quickly coming upon the "unofficial" kick-off to several weeks of celebration, gatherings, and gift giving that will take us into the New Year. It's hard to believe we're talking about 2008 and it isn't that far off!

During the Holiday Season many home sellers want to take their home off the market, and those contemplating selling want to wait until after the holidays before putting their home on the market.

Logical thinking says this is a good idea. Sellers assume, and maybe rightly so, that there are fewer buyers during this time of the year. Or they don't want the hassle of dirty snow being tracked onto their newly cleaned carpet. Families with children home for Winter Break sometimes find it difficult to have the house in "showing" condition all the time.

These are all good and logical reasons for not having your home on the market. However, there are some good and logical reasons to keep your home on the market:

People who look for homes during the holidays are more serious buyers
Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from and less competition means more money for you
Since the supply of houses increases in January there will be less demand for your particular home. Less demand means less money for you
Houses show better when decorated for the holidays
Buyers are more emotional during the holidays so they are more likely to pay your price
Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays than regular weekdays
Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax purposes
January is traditionally a month for transferred employees to begin their new job. Since they can't wait until Spring to buy your home must be available to capture that market
You can still be on the market and restrict showings
You can sell now but delay closing or extend occupancy into the early part of next year
By selling now you can be a non-contingent buyer early in the year when there are more homes on the market, allowing you to sell high and buy low

If you're unsure whether or not this is right for you talk it over with your Realtor. His/Her expertise and knowledge of the market will help you to make a good decision for your situation.

If you can endure a little inconvenience during the Holidays keeping your home on the market might just provide you with the gift you've been waiting for!

For your Real Estate needs contact:

Joddie Roberts, REALTOR
Exit Real Estate North
Spokane, WA
509.844.7344

...serving REAL needs with REAL knowledge...

Deciding Outcomes Through Holiday Balance

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:04:27 -0600

When I think of the word "balance" instantly the image of a scale comes to mind...equally weighted objects, one item against the next. The obvious frustration this image can bring as balance of this sort with regard to family, friends, time, work or money is just not possible. There is no such thing as equality in time, money or relationships since at any moment one will always outweigh all the others.

While there is no such thing as true equality I have found that balance can and does exist. It all depends on perspective. You see, balance can simply be defined as the power or ability to decide an outcome by throwing one's strength, influence, support, or the like, to one side or the other.

Isn't that what we're truly looking for when we look for balance? We're looking for positive outcomes for the needs at hand. To put everything on a scale and hope for 50-50 overwhelms and discourages us because we know it can't happen. But to see the scale through a new light and understand that yes, we can meet the needs at hand, gives us hope.

Read the definition again ~ we have the ability to decide outcomes. We can! It doesn't say $50 here and $50 there. It doesn't say 1 hour here, 1 hour there. It simply says we have the ability to decide outcomes.

The truth lies in this; find where you need to put your power at any given moment. Today it may be the client desperate to sell his or her home. It may be your child that needs an extra 10 minutes. It could be both in one day. A client can get 2 hours and your child 10 minutes and yet in the course of that time you've decided outcomes! That's the key.

But it can't be done lightly. The only way you can meet the need at hand is to throw your strength, influence and support into the need. THROW. It's an action word.

The Holiday Season gives us the greatest opportunity to find balance. It does so because the Holiday Season causes us to focus on people, whether it be family, friend or stranger. It also can be a season of great stress if we don't understand true balance.

Marked by worry over finances we can truly miss every opportunity to decide outcomes. No, it isn't greed for our own want that becomes our obstacle. It is the great inability to give to everyone everything they want or need. This includes the lonely old lady down the street and the homeless man sleeping on a park bench. We get overwhelmed and we miss opportunity.

We get caught up in dividing. Dividing time and money. How much time for work, relationships & play? How much money for gifts, charity, business & entertaining?

We can't divide, we need to multiply. Multiply our efforts, our strength, our influence, our support. Don't divide your time, multiply it by making it count. Don't divide your money, multiply it by putting it where it needs to go. If you look through the right set of eyes, if you understand what true balance really is, you will know where it needs to go.

Holiday Balance isn't about juggling family, work & finances. And it's not even about priorities. It's about people, and it's about you. It's about the power and ability you have to decide an outcome...for someone...somewhere...somehow.

Oh Yeah ~ Go Mead Panthers....

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:52:16 -0600

Tonight's the night....Mead High School Panthers are in the first round of state play in a face-off with the Ferris Saxons.

With game play at 7:00 at Joe Albi the crowds will be roaring!

Support from friends and family lend to the success of any team, right along side the coaching. The fans may not be on the sideline calling plays (not that they aren't in the stands!) but they are the audience the players win for.

Lets be that audience for them tonight. Let's go out in full force, full support of our sons, grandsons, nephews, brothers...and coaches!

Pull out your kazoos, wrap up in your blue & gold and lets cheer our team on ~ all the way to STATE!

It's Still A Great Time to Buy and Sell Real Estate in Spokane

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:46:56 -0600

It's all over the news, on the front page of the newspaper and staring you in the face on your home page when you go to search the web. The doom and gloom of real estate. Everywhere. Foreclosures are up, housing prices are down, and the market is saturated with inventory.

Sure, it's true, some markets are struggling. And I don't in any way want to minimize what is happening in those markets, but if you live in Spokane you need to ask what is happening in the Spokane market.

Here are the facts: As of the end of September, year-to-date closed sales were down 6.9% when compared to the first 3 quarters of 2006. Average sales price is $212,107 - up 9.4%. Active listings are at 3,273 - up 662 from the same time last year.

What does all this mean? Simply that the right now, in Spokane, we are in a slow market not a low market. Yes, there are more listings and yes they are taking a bit longer to sell. However, prices haven't accelerated so much that they are out of reach of buyers.

At the same time sellers are still getting decent prices for their homes. Prices have appreciated quite a bit in the past few years which leaves most sellers in a pretty good position if they are selling - or want to sell - their homes.

There has been so much focus on the negative that the positive is getting left out. Interest rates are great - still very low. Is it harder to get lending? Maybe for some. The good news, though, is there is more protection for buyers. The checks and balances are back in place and hopefully buyers won't find themselves in a place where they are unable to make their mortgage payment. This is a good thing.

We know it's not a Seller's Market but is it truly a Buyer's Market? I don't think so ~ not yet. From what I see sellers and buyers are working together to negotiate a sale. In the frenzy of the hot market Spokane just went through there wasn't a whole lot of negotiating, just a lot of buying. To me Spokane is experiencing more of a "balanced market."

Can any of this change? Yes, of course. It could all change tomorrow. But today is today. Homeownership is part of the American Dream and the American Dream is within reach here in Spokane.

Don't get stuck on the doom and gloom of Real Estate, don't believe everything you hear. If you're considering buying or selling a home in Spokane call your Realtor and they'll make sure you get the facts straight!

Joddie Roberts, Realtor
Exit Real Estate North
Spokane, WA
(509) 844-7344
www.spokaneagent.net

Must See Home For Sale ~ Spokane WA

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:05:11 -0500

If a picture's worth a thousand words than this home is definitely worth a look! This 3bed/1bath home is spotless on the inside. There is fresh paint, new carpet, refinished hardwood floors, updated kitchen & bath and more. The finished basement with the Master Bedroom and Family Room will "wow" you. The back yard is huge, fenced, has a dog run and is accessible through the alley. There is even a double gate for you to pull your big toys through! This is a great home and perfect for the first-time buyer. For more information and to view this home give me a call...Joddie Roberts, Exit Real Estate North, 844-7344. Home Priced at $162,000. Located at 3820 W. Queen, Spokane, WA.

OPEN HOUSE TODAY 12-3 p.m. ~ October 14 ~ Spokane, WA

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:04:13 -0500

Joddie Roberts | Exit Real Estate North | 509.844.7344

5618 W. Charlene Court, Spokane, WA

OPEN TODAY ~ October 14 ~ 12-3 p.m.

5 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $259,950

Year Built	1989
Sq Footage	2,399
Bedrooms	5
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	4
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	8,686 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

5618 W. Charlene Court ~
OPEN HOUSE TODAY 12 - 3 p.m.

Come take a look at this fantastic 4-level. Located in the Indian Trail neighborhood, this home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 family rooms, formal living room, seperate dining area, open kitchen, craft room, cathedral ceilings, central air, wood trim and floors, built-in shelving, plenty of storage and much more. Outdoor features include huge deck with hot tub that stays, fenced yard, RV parking & sprinkler system. Priced to sell! Basic 1 year Home Warranty provided!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Hardwood floor	Family room
Living room	Bonus/Rec room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Microwave
Basement	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Joddie Roberts

Exit Real Estate North

509.844.7344

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 14, 2007, 11:03am PDT

Open Today 1-3, October 7th ~ 3820 W. Queen, Spokane, WA

Joddie Roberts - Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA (Exit Real Estate North) — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 10:43:46 -0500

Open House 1-3, Sunday October 7 ~ Joe Albi neighborhood

Location: Spokane, WA

Perfect for first-time buyer! One of the nicest homes in this price range & area, this spotless 3bed/1ba is move-in ready! The fully finished basement with Master Bedroom, Family Room & Laundry means there is 1800 sq. ft of living space! The main floor bedrooms have refinished hardwood floors! With vinyl windows, fresh paint, newer carpet & updated bath & kitchen, there really is nothing left to do! A huge, fenced back yard, covered patio, alley access with double gate for your boat or RV, 2 car garage & dog run are exterior amenities with endless possibilities! In a great location convenient to shopping, schools, parks and bus-line you won't be disappointed in this one! Come have a look today!

Information

Contact Information

Joddie Roberts

509-844-7344

joddie@exitofspokane.com

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Pricing

Asking Price: $165,000.00

Property Location

3820 W. Queen
Spokane, WA
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