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BethAnn Long, Realtor, e-PRO Spokane Wa Real Estate

Oct. 2009 Market Report for Spokane Wa.

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 ~

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!

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!

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

" My heart stays here"... a refugee comes home

I have had the unparalleled privilege of helping a family who had been in a refugee camp for 18 years before coming to the USA, find their first home to buy!

In order to conceal their identity, I am not going to give alot of details about their story, but it is truly unimaginable.

They have worked so hard to become home owners in just 18 months! They managed to save money, even while having to navigate so many challenges.

They are looking at very modest homes, and yet when we found the one they made an offer on, the wife looked at me and said " My heart stays here..."

Realizing they had come from less than nothing, I was moved to tears.

It is a story of triumph and extreme perseverance. Untold loss and heart break, coupled with determination, pride and the will to build a new life from the ground up for future generations.

I am so proud to be apart of this journey with them. It has made me examine my own life, and built in me a new gratitude for the sheltered life I have lived.

I wonder how many of us comfortable Americans would be able to start over if we were reduced to the humiliation and suffering many refugees have undergone.

I am humbled and changed by this beautiful family ~ and hope to be apart of their lives for years to come!