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

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

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

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.

Remeber the phrase "generation gap" ?

I think it started when the Beatles came over from London. Their long hair was offensive to the hard working generation of the great depression. This created a chasm between adults and teenagers. Ok truth be told, I have no idea when it started, that was just a guess.

But now at age 50, I am proud to say that I talk to my kids daily on facebook. I talk to my friends kids too and my 20 something clients as well. I blog, I text, I twit, I facebook- therefore I am.

Actually we used to utilize this thing called " the home phone" which has also been known as a "land line".

Now, my daughter texts me when I am up in my room working to tell me she is going over to her friends house. I am not suggesting this is all good, but the technological advances are now becoming a way of life, yes in fact the new norm.

I guess if you can't beat 'em you gotta join 'em ! I do enjoy the convenience it brings to my business and my family life.

We live in Staycation Paradise here in Spokane Wa. With over 70 lakes within a short distance, you can snap your fingers and be relaxing in Pacific Northwest rustic wooded small lakes, or the grand and awesome larger lakes that make this area near famous.

Just this weekend, we jotted over to Couer d Alene lake for a staycation and all though I have seen this lake my entire life, it is still a jaw dropping experience.

The stunning mountain lake, the quant city, and great shopping makes me glad I love nearby.

Another favorite is a trip to Sandpoint Idaho to the majestic Lake Pend Orielle. You have to see it to believe it!

In general I am bragging about the livability of the Spokane Wa. area. I highly recommend researching the area if you are considering relocating. As a lifelong resident, I can honestly say I love living here. Our real estate market has proven to be quite stable when compared to many other parts of the country. We have 4 very distinct seasons, and as far as I am concerned, there is no place like Spokane!

BethAnn Long, Realtor Tomlinson South Inc. 509-362-4607