Spokane WA Real Estate Blog

Are Winter Home Buyers more serious?

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:02:19 -0600

In my neck of the woods, we have what is known as (real) winter. As in WINTER WEATHER!

Home sales do slow down, but Winter buyers are not usually lookie-loo's.

I noticed several homes in Spokane " coming off the market for the winter". I guess to each his own, but it only takes one solid buyer to sell you house!

I have never shown homes to anyone in the dead of winter who didn't buy!

As a Realtor, I recommend giving it serious thought before pulling your home off the market during winter.

Ultimatley, it's up to the seller and their motivation. The past two winters in Spokane have been grueling.

But with the new incentive for the tax credit for both first time home buyers (extended) and now for sellers who have been in their home 5 of the last eight years, it should be a VERY productive winter for all of us!

Snuggling up with a good book is the BEST!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:18:36 -0600

I don't take a lot of time to read, but I do consider it a glorious luxury. I would not say I am an avid reader, but I am one who certainly appreciates a good book! I usually have 2 books going at the same time. I go in spurts, sometimes reading daily, sometimes much less. I pick one novel and one " self help" book. The latter might be something to help me in my business, but more often a spiritual growth book.

This year I decided to make a bookmark for all of my clients and friends, and mail it along with their Chriatmas card . I like the idea of them thinking of me once in awhile when they pick up a book.

Here are a few good sayings I came across for the bookmarks:

"A house without books is like a room without windows. " ~Heinrich Mann

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body". ~Richard Steele, Tatler, 1710

"Life transforming ideas have always come to me through books."
Oliver Wendall Holme

I sure would LOVE to hear about YOUR favorite books!

So... be good to yourself, snuggle up with a good book and enjoy!

Gifts from the heart mean more and cost less!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:03:20 -0600

I don't know about you, but I have too much stuff.

I can't even park in my garage. My storage room is crammed, and I have clothes I can't even put away!

STOP THE MADNESS.

I am going to give some gifts from the heart this year.

For example: I am making all 5 of my children photo albums with the BOXES of pictures I have been tripping over!Talk about killing two birds with one stone. Get rid of the pictures, and give a meaningful gift!

CD'S of your favorite music- take little space and lift spirits.

A great book: I like this idea because people can pass them along- kind of a recyclable gift!

How about copying your kids best artwork and making cards or framed artwork for people?

For my friends I am getting them a gift card to my favorite coffee place, with a note saying I want to meet them for a long conversation and spend time with them.

An interview with the grandparents. Video tape your elder family members talking about what the holidays were like in their generation, and then play it for the kids that think they need everything on their list.

My father said he literally got an orange and a few nuts (in the shell) in his stocking when he was a poor kid in Montana. (He is now 83).

Some of the best activities for the holidays are free (or inexpensive) too! Go Christmas Caroling!, Serve in a local soup kitchen, Bake Cookies, host a neighborhood tea party!

I am going to be creative and challenge myself to give gifts from the heart this year. Striving for simplicity in our culture goes against the grain. I would love to hear your ideas too!

Tree of Sharing 2009 Spokane Wa.

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:40:47 -0600

Each Holiday Season since 1982, Spokane has a wonderful service provided by several local volunteers and businesses called THE TREE OF SHARING!

Located at River Park Square Mall- Downtown Spokane, Spokane Valley Mall and Northtown Mall, there are tree's with tags on it you can choose to purchase Christmas Presents for needy people and families.

November 20- December 30th 2009 - The Tree of Sharing provides holiday gifts to thousands of low-income children, women and men in the Spokane community. Gifts donated to the Tree of Sharing are distributed to community service agencies that serve a broad cross-section of our community from infants to the disabled to the elderly.

STOP BY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY BY SIMPLY BUYING A GIFT!

Tomlinson Real Estate is just one of the many local companies providing volunteers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009!

Shopping in Spokane Wa. BUY LOCAL!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:31:31 -0600

I know it is much easier to sit at your computer and buy gifts and have them delivered. That's ok for a few things, but we all need to SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SHOPS!

I especially encourage shopping the locally owned stores. Put yourself in their shoes! Owning a small business is a challenge, and they provide a vital service in our community.

Not to mention, the local storefront owners dreamed a dream for YOU. To provide unique gifts, clothing, food and the like.

I also like to frequent locally owned restraunts. Perhaps this Holiday Season you will consider shopping and eating LOCAL!

There are so many great locally owned shops and restraunts here in Spokane. Lets $upport them!

Announcing www.JustSoldIn Spokane.com

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:05:16 -0600

Are you wondering about recent home sales in your Spokane Wa. neighborhood?

Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, South Hill, North Side, and the greater Spokane area RECENT HOME SALES can be found at www.JustSoldInSpokane.com

This is quick way to find just which homes are selling in Spokane! Plus it puts you in touch with a full service Realtor who can answer all of your questions about what your home is worth in Spokane Wa. if you want additional information or a personal Market Anlysis or complimentary real estate consultation.

Stop by today at http://www.justsoldinspokane.com and get the information you are curious about!

Spokane Home Values and Recent Home Sales in the Spokane area just might help you decide when the best time to sell your home might be!

WWW.JUSTSOLDINSPOKANE.COM

Spokane's South Hill Recent Home Sales
Spokane North Side Recent Home Sales
Cheney, Liberty Lake, Colbert Recent Home Sales

brought to you by BethAn Long, Spokane Realtor Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607

*SOLD*SOLD*SOLD*SOLD*SOLD*SOLD*SOLD*SOLD*

Favorite South Hill Restraunts in Spokane!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:49:54 -0600

Oh boy, FINALLY we have some GREAT RESTAURANTS ON THE SOUTH HILL of Spokane Wa.

I like each of these for different reasons, in no particular order.

FERRANTE'S MarketPlace Cafe: 4516 S. Regal Spokane Wa 99223

OMG don't even get me started! Amazing salads, to die for Pasta (Warning: The Pasta with peas and bacon may be hazardous to your waistline and has been known to be addicting) !

I also LOVE LOVE the shop at this restaurant. They have great gift items! Shop and Eat, what more can I say.

Their website is www.doititalian.com

MAGGIES SOUTH HILL GRILL:Consistently GOOD food. Their ham sandwich is the best darn thing ever! I also love their Chicken Ceaser Wrap. Maggie makes the rounds, and I have never had anything there that was not DELICIOUS! 2808 E. 29th

website: www.maggiesgrill.com

LAGUNA CAFE'4302 S Regal Spokane Wa 99223

The Laguna Cafe is great! I love the food, soups, desserts, and they have LIVE MUSIC!

Too many favorites to list. Dan and Debbie the owners are great! The refreshing atmosphere is wonderful.

Free Wireless Internet: BONUS!

*********************************************************************************************

I do appriciate consistently good food!

Are you Fun to work with?

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:15:13 -0600

In the past 8 years I have been enjoying a steady and sucsessful real estate career. I have had all kinds of buyers and sellers, closers and lenders.

I have worked with some really stressed out people, and I must say, those crab apples are missing out!

I enjoy the journey, not just the rewards. I get involved in a fair amount of messy details in people's lives which could be an opportunity to be crabby.

I make a conscious effort to be fun to work with. Now what does this mean?

Take it easy. Get your ego out of the way. Don't get your panties in a bundle. Shine it on. Let go and let God.

Stop trying to be the general manager of the universe. Respond instead of reacting. Never lose your sense of humor. Listen. Be affirming and empathic. Be gracious and kind. Be truthful without being rude.

Laugh out Loud. Realize the only person you have control over is yourself. Walk a mile in someones shoes.

Don't assume things. Accept the limitations of the day. Get your beauty sleep. Practice the golden rule.

Don't be stingy. Don't take things personally. Gratitude goes a long way. Attitudes are chosen, if you are fun to work with, you will use less mental and physical energy, and preserve more for yourself and your family.

Life is short. Lighten up, and have some FUN! Yes, even while working. I love what I do, and it shows. :)

*Don't worry, Be HAPPY!*

BethAnn Long- Tomlison South Inc. www.BethAnnHomes.com

NAR's Economic Research Report helps determine effective Marketing Strategy

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:41:54 -0600

When I read the latest NAR (National Association of Realtors) Economic Research report it confirms that I am right on track with my Marketing.

Here is one section from the 4 page report:

HOW BUYER FIRST LEARNED HOME WAS AVAILABLE FOR SALE:

2008 2009

Realtor: 34% 36%

Internet 32% 36%

Yard Sign 15% 15%

Builder 7% 5%

Friend/Relative 7% 6%

Newspaper 3% 2%

HomeBook/Magazine 1% X

There were several other aspects of this report I found enlightening.

I will be using it while formulating my 2010 goals and business plan!

Pround to be a Realtor: BethAnn Long Tomlinson South Inc. www.BethAnnHomes.com

Stunning Spokane South Hill Open House! 11/22/09 1-3pm

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:12:39 -0600

Hosted by yours truly, Realtor, BethAnn Long Tomlinson South Inc. on Sun. 11/22/09 come and see this absolutely INCREDIBLE Southridge area home.

4 bd. 3 bath home with gorgeous custom upgrades throughout.

Better than new, this house is in the established upper south hill neighborhood near Southridge.

MUST SEE TO BELIEVE! 450,000 $ 2 family rooms, gorgeous corner lot, fenced back yard, Indoor shop. WOW!

Take the VIRTUAL TOUR NOW! :

http://www.tourfactory.com/546542

www.BethAnnHomes.com Specializing in SOUTH HILL HOMES FOR SALE!

For Sale by Owner's show 11% sucsess in 2008

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:48:15 -0600

Perhaps you are considering going "For sale by owner" in Spokane Wa.

Selling a home by owner in Spokane, or anyplace else can be challenging. The latest statistics are in and the success rate is 11% of FSBO's actually sell, and a WHOPPING 85% of those are sold by Realtor's who bring the buyers.

I pride myself in having a very comprehensive marketing plan which I have in the form of a sellers pack I give potential sellers. Detailing dozens of proven marketing avenues, this professional marketing packet is available upon request to anyone thinking of selling a home in Spokane Wa.

Again, after studying the comprensive statistics recently put out by the National Association of Realtors, I feel confident that my strategy highlights the marketing that is actually working to sell homes.

There are a few things I do not do because the proof is in the pudding folks, and some forms of advertising simply do not work for sellers, and I choose to focus on the ones that produce measurable results.

In todays market, if you choose to sell for sale by owner in Spokane Wa. then I do wish you the best of luck, as long as your understand there is a 89% chance your home will not sell.

I am happy to meet with you in person and discuss my no obligation listing presentation so you know what your options are!

Because there is no place like YOUR home!

Always keep the BIG PICTURE in mind!

BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate (Tomlinson South Inc.) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:35:22 -0600

In my real estate experience (and life experience...) I have had countless issues with small picture issues and bumps. One way I get through them and advise my friends and clients to hang in there, is to keep the BIG picture in mind. The goal, the prize, the outcome.

When under stress, we can all get petty.

Case in point: Just last week, in the final stretch of a deal... I had to get two extensions of a closing date because of a lender who over promised and under delivered. My buyer was getting frantic and frustrated...and I asked her to visualize herself on the master bedroom balcony overlooking the mountains in her (almost) new home. She said " You are RIGHT!" I just need to get through this so I can get into my new home!

Her focus changed from the little picture to the BIG picture.

When dealing with the messy details of life, kids, work, pets, (the list is endless...) when your blood pressure starts to rise...remember the GOAL. As far as the stresses and strains of everyday details and the monotony therof, "This too shall pass". But relationships and memories are built on how you persevered, and how you make people feel, not on how you pushed your way through the small picture-ism's.

As you move through your day...your business and your unique challenges, take a moment to consider the BIG picture in each circumstance. It just might help you get through it - not only easier, but with a new found energy and appreciation for the end result.

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

$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