Buying A Home In Spokane • December 23, 2022

6 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Home In Spokane

by Brian Johnson

As a real estate broker in Spokane, I’ve noticed that there are a few mistakes that buyers tend to make in this market. One of the most common mistakes is not managing their expectations. With a low inventory market, it can be tough to find the perfect house, so it’s important to remember that you may not get exactly what you want. It’s important to be open to the idea of a “starter home” that you can build upon and improve over time.

Another mistake I see is buyers coming from out of town with out of town lenders. This can be a problem because sellers are more likely to go with an offer from a local lender, as it decreases the risk of the deal falling through. If you’re planning on buying a home in Spokane, it’s a good idea to use a local lender.

It’s also a mistake to try and save money by calling the listing agent directly. In today’s market, with many offers going above asking price, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to negotiate a discount on commission. Plus, if you deal directly with the listing agent, you’ll be unrepresented in the transaction, which is not a good idea. Instead, it’s best to work with a buyer’s agent who can represent your interests and help you navigate the process.

Another mistake I see is buyers not being prepared to make a strong offer. In a competitive market, it’s important to come in with a strong offer, including a large down payment and a pre-approval from a lender. This shows the seller that you’re serious and that you have the financial means to close the deal.

A fifth mistake is not being flexible on closing dates. In a hot market, sellers may have multiple offers to choose from, and they may be more likely to go with an offer that allows them to close on their preferred timeline. If you’re inflexible on closing dates, it could hurt your chances of getting the house.

Finally, one mistake that buyers tend to make is not doing their due diligence. It’s important to carefully research the neighborhood and the condition of the house before making an offer. This includes getting a home inspection and, if necessary, hiring other professionals to assess the condition of the property. Taking the time to do your due diligence can save you a lot of headaches and financial stress in the long run.

Overall, it’s important to be proactive and prepared when buying a home in Spokane. By avoiding these mistakes and working with a knowledgeable real estate professional, you can increase your chances of finding and closing on the perfect home. If you have any questions about the real estate market in Spokane, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help.

5 Of The Top Neighborhoods In Spokane Washingotn

by Brian Johnson

Spokane, Washington is a great place to live, and there are several neighborhoods to consider when looking to relocate or move within the city. Brian Johnson, a real estate broker in Spokane, shares his insights on the top five neighborhoods in Spokane.

Rockwood

Located just south of downtown Spokane, Rockwood is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s known for its elegant houses and towering trees, as well as its abundance of nature trails, wineries, and parks. The quality of life in Rockwood is high, with residents describing the neighborhood as clean, well-maintained, friendly, and community-oriented. The neighborhood is home to professionals, families of all ages, retirees, and health-conscious individuals. Rockwood is also conveniently located near downtown Spokane and has access to bus routes and a major bicycle route. However, the hilly terrain and meandering streets may make it difficult for visitors to navigate. The median home price in Rockwood in February 2022 was $665,000.

Indian Trail

The North Indian Trail neighborhood is located in the northwest corner of Spokane, and its name comes from the Indian Trail Road that runs through the area. The neighborhood has a mix of houses, apartments, condos, and newer homes, some of which have a view of the Spokane River gorge. While Indian Trail has limited access for vehicles, it has easy access to trails and the great outdoors. The neighborhood has two grocery stores and other shopping options, including Starbucks. The median home price in Indian Trail in February 2022 was $525,000.

Browns Edition

Browns Edition is a popular choice for many when it comes to the best neighborhoods in Spokane. It’s the city’s oldest neighborhood and is known for its historic homes, apartment buildings, museums, shops, restaurants, and Coeur d’Alene Park, the city’s first park. Browns Edition is also located close to downtown Spokane and is known for its cultural diversity. It’s a mosaic of past and present, with stately mansions and low-rise apartment buildings and condos. The neighborhood is vibrant and pedestrian-friendly, with a strong sense of community. The median home price in Browns Edition in February 2022 was not specified.

South Hill

South Hill is a popular neighborhood in Spokane due to its proximity to downtown, schools, and shopping. It’s a diverse neighborhood with a mix of houses, apartments, and condos, as well as several parks and recreational opportunities. South Hill is known for its tree-lined streets and historic mansions, as well as its cultural and recreational offerings. The median home price in South Hill in February 2022 was not specified.

Liberty Lake

Liberty Lake is a suburb of Spokane located to the east of the city. It’s known for its peaceful, natural setting and access to outdoor recreation, including Liberty Lake and the Liberty Lake Trail system. The neighborhood is home to a mix of houses, apartments, and condos, as well as several parks and recreational opportunities. Liberty Lake is a family-friendly neighborhood with a sense of community. The median home price in Liberty Lake in February 2022 was not specified.

If you’re considering a move to Spokane or within the city, these five neighborhoods are worth considering. Each has its own unique character and offerings, so it’s important to do your research and find the right fit for your needs and preferences.

Buying A Home In Spokane • Market Watch • Useful Real Estate Suff • December 23, 2022

Is A Home Warranty A Scam?

by Brian Johnson

If you’re considering purchasing a home warranty, you may be wondering if they’re worth the investment. As a real estate broker and homeowner, I can confidently say that home warranties are worth it. In this article, I’ll explain my personal experience with a home warranty, what it covers, and how it has benefited me as a homeowner.

My name is Brian Johnson and I work as a real estate broker at Windermere. If you have any questions about real estate or are in need of an agent, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

I decided to purchase a home warranty after seeing a flyer for America’s Preferred Home Warranty in my office. Windermere endorses this particular warranty and, as a trusted company, I decided to give it a try. The cost for the warranty was about $50 per month.

So what does this home warranty cover? It covers a variety of systems and appliances in a single family home, including the central air conditioning and heating system, water heater, dishwasher, built-in oven, refrigerator, range cooktop, garbage disposal, microwave, septic system, attic and exhaust fans, electrical systems, plumbing stoppages, garage door opener, sump pump, roof leaks, and much more. Essentially, it covers most of the major systems and appliances in a home.

Now, let me tell you about my personal experience with this home warranty. Last winter, I had an issue with my central heating system. It was freezing cold outside and my heater wasn’t working properly. I called the home warranty company and they sent out a technician to assess the problem. It turned out that I needed a new heating system, which would have been extremely expensive to replace on my own. However, because I had a home warranty, the company covered the cost of the replacement and I only had to pay a small deductible.

The process was simple and efficient. I called the company, they sent out a technician, and the issue was resolved in a timely manner. Without a home warranty, I would have been stuck with a broken heating system and a hefty repair bill.

In addition to the issue with my heating system, I also had a problem with my water heater last summer. Again, I called the home warranty company and they sent out a technician to assess the problem. It was determined that I needed a new water heater, which was also covered by the home warranty.

In both of these instances, my home warranty proved to be invaluable. It saved me thousands of dollars in repair costs and the process of using it was straightforward and easy.

In conclusion, home warranties are worth it. As a homeowner, it’s important to protect your home and your budget from unexpected repair costs. A home warranty can provide peace of mind and financial protection, as it covers a variety of systems and appliances in your home. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to invest in a home warranty, consider my personal experience and the benefits it has provided me as a homeowner.

Buying A Home In Spokane • Spokane Info • December 23, 2022

What’s The Weather Like In Spokane Washington?

by Brian Johnson

Spokane, Washington is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, but it is often mistaken for being similar to Seattle due to its location in the state. However, the weather in Spokane is actually quite different from that of Seattle. While Seattle is known for its rainy and cloudy weather, Spokane is much milder. In the summer, temperatures in Spokane generally range from the low 70s to mid 80s, with the occasional day reaching into the 90s. The city experiences all four seasons, including rain in the winter and some fog during the colder months.

Spokane, Washington experiences all four seasons, meaning that the city has distinct weather patterns and temperature ranges for each season.

In the spring, temperatures in Spokane begin to warm up, with average highs in the mid 50s and low 60s. The weather can be quite variable during this time, with the possibility of rain, snow, and sunny days.

During the summer, temperatures in Spokane can reach into the 80s and 90s, making it warm enough to wear shorts and spend time outdoors. The city tends to have dry, sunny weather during this time, although there can be occasional thunderstorms.

In the fall, temperatures in Spokane begin to cool down, with average highs in the 60s and low 70s. The weather can be quite pleasant during this time, with clear, crisp days and colorful foliage.

The winter in Spokane can be cold, with average highs in the 30s and 40s and occasional snowfall. However, the city does experience some sunny days during the winter as well, providing a break from the cold.

Overall, the weather in Spokane is varied, with distinct seasons and a range of temperatures. This allows for a variety of outdoor activities and allows residents to experience the full range of weather that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Useful Real Estate Suff • December 23, 2022

10 Best Real Estate Apps

by Brian Johnson

As a real estate professional, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies. In this video, I’m going to go over 10 real estate apps that you’ve got to use. These are apps that I use in my daily business both as a broker but also just as a real estate junkie.

The first app I want to talk about is Home Snap. Home Snap is kind of like the Instagram of apps for home searches. It’s very visual and it scrolls like Instagram does. It also has a unique feature where you can aim the app at a house, snap a picture, and it will pull up information about the property, including its value and whether it is currently on or off the market.

Another app I recommend is Google Earth. It’s a really cool app that’s great for looking at properties and getting a sense of what is around them. For example, if you’re considering buying a house and want to know what is out of sight from the road, Google Earth can help you get a better understanding of the area.

Virtual staging is another useful tool, especially for vacant properties. By inserting furniture and other staging elements into photos of the property, it can help potential buyers get a better sense of what the space would look like with furnishings. While there are some free options available, many virtual staging apps charge a fee for their services, typically around $15 per photo.

Other apps I recommend include Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, which all offer property listings and other real estate-related information. I also mention DocuSign, which allows users to sign and send documents electronically, and RealScout, which is a collaboration tool for real estate professionals.

Overall, these 10 real estate apps are great resources for anyone in the industry, whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or professional. They can help you stay organized, find properties, and streamline your real estate business.

Here are the links to the apps I talk about in the video:

Homesnap – https://www.homesnap.com/

Google Earth – https://earth.google.com/

Visual Stager – https://visualstager.com/

Deal Machine – https://www.dealmachine.com/

Homebot – https://hmbt.co/3Eb6pF

DealCheck – https://dealcheck.io/

RentCast – https://app.rentcast.io/app

Rent-O-Meter – https://www.rentometer.com/

Bubble App – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.androgames.level

GPS Field Area Measure – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lt.noframe.fieldsareameasure

Market Watch • Useful Real Estate Suff • December 23, 2022

Top 10 Real Estate Predictions For 2023 – Accuracy Edition

by Brian Johnson

As we head into 2023, there are several key predictions for the real estate market that are worth considering. These predictions come from Matthew Gardner, an economist with Windermere Real Estate, and are based on a variety of factors including economic trends, demographic shifts, and changing consumer preferences.

Here are the top ten predictions for the real estate market going into 2023:

Prices will continue to rise. This trend has been seen in many markets over the past year, and is expected to continue as demand for housing outstrips supply in many areas.
The spring market will be busier than expected. With more buyers looking to enter the market and take advantage of low mortgage rates, the spring selling season is expected to be particularly active this year.
The rise of the suburbs. Many buyers, particularly those with families, are looking to leave the crowded cities and move to the suburbs, where they can find more space, better schools, and a higher quality of life. This trend has led to a surge in new construction in the suburbs, as builders try to meet the demand for larger homes.
Zoning issues will be addressed. As cities try to meet the demand for housing, they are starting to relax zoning regulations, allowing for more multi-family units and smaller lot sizes. This trend is expected to continue as the need for more affordable housing grows.
Climate change will impact where buyers live. While it is controversial whether or not climate change is driving people’s decisions about where to live, it is undeniable that natural disasters such as floods and wildfires can have a significant impact on the real estate market. Some buyers may choose to avoid areas that are prone to these types of events, while others may be attracted to areas that have a lower risk of natural disasters.
Urban markets will bounce back. After seeing a slowdown in activity over the past year, many urban markets are expected to bounce back in 2023 as buyers return to the cities.
A resurgence of foreign investors. The US real estate market has long been attractive to foreign investors, and this trend is expected to continue as the strength of the US economy and the stability of its real estate market continue to be major draws for foreign buyers.
First-time buyers will be an even bigger factor. With 4.8 million millennials turning 30 this year, it is expected that this age group will be an even bigger factor in the real estate market in 2023. Many of these buyers will be looking to purchase their first home, which could drive demand in the market.
Interest rates will remain low. With the Federal Reserve signaling that it will keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future, it is expected that mortgage rates will remain at historically low levels, which could help to boost demand for housing.
Forbearance programs will come to an end. Many homeowners who were facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic were able to take advantage of forbearance programs, which allowed them to postpone their mortgage payments. These programs are expected to come to an end in 2023, which could lead to some challenges for homeowners who are unable to catch up on their payments.

Overall, these predictions point to a real estate market that is expected to be active and dynamic in 2023, with rising prices, a surge in demand, and a number of other key trends worth watching. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it is important to stay up to date on these trends so that you can make the best decisions for your own real estate needs.

Here’s the link to Matthew Gardner’s video of his top 10 predictions for 2023:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxbtOLlJGIs

Spokane Info • December 23, 2022

What Is The Population Of Spokane?

by Brian Johnson

Spokane is a city located in the state of Washington in the United States. The population of Spokane is around 250,000 to 700,000, depending on how you define the city and its surrounding areas.

The city of Spokane itself has a population of 227,579, while the county of Spokane has a population of 541,188. This means that if you include the surrounding areas and suburbs in your calculation of the population of Spokane, you will get a higher number. However, if you just consider the city limits of Spokane, the population is around 227,000.

When comparing Spokane to other cities with similar populations, it may not seem as large. Tacoma, for example, has a population of 221,000, Seattle has 776,000, and Boise has 229,000. However, one reason why Boise may seem larger than Spokane is because it has a much larger metropolitan statistical area, meaning that it is spread out over a larger area.

The density of each city can also be a factor in how crowded it feels. Seattle and Tacoma have densities of 4,446 and 9,260 people per square mile, respectively, while Spokane has a density of 3,309 and Boise has 2,748. This means that even though Seattle and Tacoma have smaller populations than Spokane, they may feel more crowded due to the higher density of people living in a smaller area.

In conclusion, the population of Spokane depends on how you define the city and its surrounding areas. While the city of Spokane itself has a population of around 227,000, the county of Spokane has a population of over 500,000. When compared to other cities, the density of each city should also be taken into account to understand how crowded it feels.

Here are some internet links with Spokane weather conditions:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Spokane+WA

https://www.krem.com/weather

Buying A Home In Spokane • Spokane Neighborhoods • December 22, 2022

Kendall Yards- Is it Spokane’s #1 Walkable Community?

by Brian Johnson

Kendall Yard is a 78-acre planned community located in Spokane, Washington. Situated just north of downtown on the north bank of the Spokane River, Kendall Yard offers convenient access to all that the city has to offer.

One of the standout features of Kendall Yard is its location along the Centennial Trail. This 37-mile paved trail stretches from the Idaho border all the way to downtown Spokane, passing right through the front of Kendall Yard. The trail is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking, and offers a scenic route to explore the area.

In addition to its proximity to the Centennial Trail, Kendall Yard is also within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, parks, and art. With 25 acres of open space within the community, residents have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and experience all that the area has to offer.

Kendall Yard is more than just a place to live – it’s a vibrant community with a focus on walkability and access to amenities. If you’re considering moving to Spokane, Kendall Yard is definitely worth checking out. So, it can be a perfect place for the people who love to walk and explore the city on foot.

Here are some links to Kendall Yards on the internet:

https://www.kendallyards.com/

https://www.greenstonehomes.com/community-kendall-yards/

https://www.facebook.com/kendallyards/

https://my.spokanecity.org/projects/kendall-yards/