Near Nature, Near Perfect. All REALTORS® enjoy the opportunity to sell others on our region, but the Greater Spokane region really sells itself. Spokane – the name meaning “Children of the Sun” – was named for the Spokane Indians who lived near the Spokane River. Their living was sustained by fishing, trading and gathering. The tribe once sprawled out over 3 million acres. History relates how the first white men to the area were fur traders in the early 1800’s. Samuel Jackson, the first missionary, arrived in 1836.

History doesn’t sell the locale, but it does portray our long-standing appreciation of our desirable water access, pleasant weather and abundant natural resources. These are still the primary reasons we love our home. Spokane REALTORS® thrive on showcasing our community to those contemplating a move here. Our economy is diverse and thriving with agriculture, forestry and manufacturing, plus Fairchild Air Force Base, all our quality medical facilities, award winning schools, bio-science and technology companies. So much to appreciate!

What has real meaning is the tour we often give visitors. Have you ever thought of all the highlights – Manito Park, Riverfront Park and the vibrant downtown area, the Museum of Arts & Culture, and several interesting art districts? Drive by our education districts and try to name all the universities and colleges serving our citizens. While taking a quick trip around the area, the geographic variety is breathtaking. The Palouse wheat country, rivers and dams, nearby mountains and lakes all only minutes away, whatever your address.

The Greater Spokane region is renowned for our sporting events – Bloomsday, one of the world’s largest foot races, and Hoopfest, the nation’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament. Love to be active? Think boating, skating, golfing, biking and swimming. Of course, we have snow sports too, at their finest! And who would think of missing the Lilac Festival, or skipping a visit to our well known wineries? We have it all.

Statistics alone cannot convey how we love our Inland Northwest. The conversations give our home its meaning. It is not unusual to hear someone explain how they felt after being away for a period of time, driving from the airport, going east on I-90 and seeing the familiar skyline of “home.” It brings so many of us back to our roots. This is where we choose to raise our families and find refuge from chaos. With 260 days a year of sunshine, ample rain, good drinking water and four seasons of fresh air, Spokane REALTORS® enjoy selling the Inland Northwest, even though it sells itself. Near Nature, Near Perfect.

Published in the Spokesman Review July 18th, 2010.

Business pundits and bloggers, seeking the next sensational headline, have begun suggesting the death of the American Dream; home ownership. Let me state emphatically, while still remaining civil; they are wrong. The days of lax credit and undisciplined borrowing have been halted by reality. We know that in a free society, tough times never destroy the dream.

REALTORS® who have practiced for any length of time have all experienced that excitement of a purchaser who just found their future home. Children gleefully chose their bedrooms, furniture placement is visualized and the perfect place in chosen to plant a tree to grow up with the “kids”. They know that home ownership is an investment in their stability and future. The benefits to the homeowner and society are many and can’t be destroyed by setbacks and fear mongering.

REALTORS® know that home ownership is an investment in the future. Enjoy the comfort today — reap the benefits tomorrow. A National Association of REALTORS® study entitled Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing found that homeowners are more likely than renters to vote, and volunteer time for charitable and political causes. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that homeowners do not move as frequently — creating more stable neighborhoods. The involvement of families in community quality-of-life issues helps to prevent crime, improve childhood education, and support neighborhood upkeep.

Owning a home is one of the best ways for individuals to build long term wealth. Over time, it provides equity accumulation and tax benefits. According to recent data from the Federal Reserve Board, a homeowner’s net worth is 46 times that of a renter’s.

Today we face economic challenges that were in part created by questionable lending practices and excessive risk-taking in mortgage-backed securities. Restructuring entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and improving regulation of the mortgage lending industry is necessary. Our country will return to economic strength. Private home ownership is an integral part of our nation’s economy and recovery. The American Dream will not die because of a noisy few.

While home buyers are playing the “wait and see” game; rationalizing that they may save money by waiting for lower prices, there are many advantages to purchasing now. Mortgage rates are near record lows; population increases, immigration and the next generation of first time home buyers continues to drive demand. Buyers typically use their own money to cover only a portion of the purchase price. Smart buyers realize that given time, home values appreciate, and equity growth is on the entire value of the property. Qualified buyers will take advantage of mortgage leverage.

For you who are able and willing to be responsible homeowners, the dream is still very much alive. Contact your REALTOR® today and build your future through homeownership. It’s the American Dream!

Published in the Spokesman Review, June 27th, 2010

Businesses have goals. Industries have standards. Societies have expectations. The meeting of the minds becomes more important than ever as our world becomes smaller. Technology, communications, and economies are changing at a rapid pace. It is apparent that a standard of conduct is necessary for all businesses to function. Guidelines for ethical actions are important for all enterprise. This is not a new awareness!

As our country developed in the late 1800’s, and land was a hot commodity, real estate men sold titles to land in great fashion. But not always was it with the highest integrity. By 1913 the professional property salesmen came together and created what is still known today as the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. It was an attempt to hold one another accountable to the highest standards of business practices. All licensees are not REALTORS®. State law allows agents to help the public buy and sell real estate, but only licensees that belong to the National Association of REALTORS® can identify themselves as a REALTOR®.

The Code of Ethics not only addresses how we are to treat customers and clients, but also the general public and our peers. As in any industry with a standard of practice, the REALTOR® Code establishes behavior that protects the public. Real estate is an expensive and long term investment for most families and REALTORS® take their obligations seriously. The articles of The Code of Ethics also address issues of fair housing compliance, loyalty, proper documentation and safe handling of trust monies.

Where a certain level of competition is healthy, REALTORS® will not sacrifice the ideals of the code for personal benefit. The focus of the association this year is “REALTORS® serving our community with heart”. Our community families are important to us, and that ideal is played out in our support of the annual 3^rd grade poster contest. Students are asked to create a poster featuring their home and an essay on “what my home means to me”. The winners are presented awards at a special luncheon and their class given an ice cream party. This year there were 658 children from 17 different schools that participated in the contest. The winners were: 1^st place, Madeline Munding, 2^nd place, Olivia McLeese (both Brentwood Elementary);  3^rd place, Sophia Dompier (Hutton Elementary) and 4^th place, Huanzi Lu (Lincoln Heights). Congratulations!!

REALTORS are reaching out to the community in a variety of ways. We strive to serve with integrity and heart!

Published in the Spokesman Review, June 6th, 2010

Buying and selling property is complex and sometimes stressful. Often, it’s the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New laws, technology and increasing sophistication of buyers and sellers have placed demands on the REALTOR® profession to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.

On the wall of your favorite doctor or dentist there might be a certificate with the professional’s name, followed by the initials of their specialty. When the name of the professional real estate agent is displayed, there may also be initials that describe their specialty. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) recognizes many special real estate fields that enhance the service provided to the public.

Real estate agents in the State of Washington are licensed through the Department of Licensing. Only a licensee who belongs to the National Association of REALTORS® can identify himself or herself as a REALTOR®. REALTORS® agree to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. Some areas of expertise recognized by the NAR are Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Accredited Land Consultant (ALC), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), and Certified Property Manager (CPM).

Here are several others that can be easily identified, yet none are easily acquired! Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) requires 90 education hours of specialized real estate related subjects. The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

One of the newest designations is NAR’s Green Designation. Agents have advanced training in green building and sustainable business practices so they can seek out, understand and market properties with green features.

Other designations for real estate specialties are: Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), Counselor of Real Estate (CRE), Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), and Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR). “At Home With Diversity” (AHWD) and “e-PRO” Internet Training for Real Estate Professionals are two additional Certification programs.

As REALTORS®, we strive to provide a valuable service to our clients. We believe in property ownership and property rights. Our efforts to seek higher education and specific designations are made to serve YOU! Choose a REALTOR® who is qualified and meets your specific needs. Choose a REALTOR® you can trust!

Linda Miller invites your email comments. She can be reached at President@SpokaneRealtor.com.

Printed in the Spokesman Review April 25, 2010

REALTORS are servants. All of us have experienced good service, and occasionally service that leaves us feeling neglected. Many books are written about how to give quality service. Realtors are trained to help and serve. There is something about a Realtor’s heart—they really care about their clients. Have you considered how difficult it is to move? Packing up personal belongings, leaving behind favorite neighbors, deciding where furniture should be placed in the new home. Realtors work with their clients during difficult times and continue to be cheerful, encouraging and supportive.

REALTORS are resources for information. Have you ever had a question about where to find a good roofer? Or maybe need advice regarding someone to help with home updating projects? Call your REALTOR—he/she can offer help. Maybe it’s simply direction to a favorite web site (such as www.houselogic.com) or possibly a referral to honest and quality contractors.

REALATORS are advocates. Our goal is to represent the client to assure that they buy or sell properties with all knowledge and disclosure. Sellers can expect honesty and all-out efforts to market the client’s properties. Buyers can expect good advice regarding the market and how to move forward with wise purchasing skills.

REALTORS are specialists. We live in a world of specialists. Educators, doctors, even retail stores specialize. REALTORS  specialize in property values, marketing, staging, real estate laws, and how to serve! We are sensitive to the importance you place on this major investment and commitment you are about to make.

REALTORS are professionals practicing under a Code of Ethics. The standards of the code assure the public that they will be served according to high principles of integrity and honesty. We hold one another accountable and continually strive to grow in character.

Your dream is our dream! The commitment of your REALTOR is based not just on the need to earn a living—it’s helping you and your family meet defined goals. We only earn a living if your needs are met.

Check out www.SpokaneOpen.com for locally sponsored open houses. Call your favorite REALTOR today! Comments or questions can be directed to me at president@SpokaneRealtor.com

Printed in the Spokesman Review March 21st, 2010

Spokane REALTORS® want to help consumers make the most out of owning a home, and we have a gift for you.  It’s called HouseLogic.  This is a new, comprehensive consumer Web site about all aspects of homeownership. It’s FREE and created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) for you. The web site is designed to help homeowners across our region make smart decisions regarding their property’s value.

HouseLogic is a great resource for helping homeowners plan and organize their home projects.   You will find timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s;  information about taxes, home finances and insurance. Unlike other homeownership Web sites, HouseLogic helps consumers view their home through a financial lens. It’s important to consider our homes as an investment. Families can set goals for saving money on their home…or perhaps increasing its’ value. How about the ability to track the progress made on those goals!

Registered users can save relevant information, create to-do lists and set project reminders. The Web site can also be customized for individual homeowners depending on how handy or ambitious they are regarding home projects.  How much money do you want to spend or save? Where do you live?  What are your priorities? Maybe its’ increasing the value of your home or improving the neighborhood.

HouseLogic can also empower homeowners who want to get more actively engaged in shaping community life. Are you interested in becoming an advocate in your neighborhood? What homeownership issues matter most to you?  The site provides users with the tools and know-how to effect change and address concerns, like establishing a neighborhood watch program, building a community playground, or participating in city or county planning efforts.

HouseLogic takes owning a home to the next level, empowering consumers to build their futures through homeownership.  Visit HouseLogic at www.houselogic.com.  Two other great online resources to remember are www.WAhomeowners.com and www.SpokaneOpen.com.

Last year, Spokane REALTORS® helped over 4,660 homeowners achieve their goals of owning a home.  For 99 years, Spokane REALTORS® have been serving our community with heart and bringing families home.  Contact a Spokane REALTOR® today. Remember that the Homeowner Tax Credit expires April 20!

Printed in the Spokesman Review: March 7th, 2010

I have finally realized that this identifies me. Why is it that we must go through so much of our life to find who we are? Recognizing personal strengths, and weaknesses, gives power to my goals.

As a Realtor I now know what my clients need, how I can help them meet their goals. As president of our Spokane Association of Realtors I believe in a group of 1800 people who are caring, honest and ambitious in their endeavors. As their leader my desire is to direct their ambition so that it will grant all of us long term benefits – community and real estate professionals. After much thought I came to the conclusion that we needed a focus of community service.

With the help of a group of seasoned Realtors, I chose to work with Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. It is thrilling to see the excitement grow as we “plunge” into unknown territory and work our way through the details of creating a new volunteer program.

Here’s a quote that sums up the “Jim and Linda” philosophy:

“I expect to pass through this life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not return this way again.”
William Penn

Just in case any of my clients are interested in what Jim and I do in our spare time here is our daily run down. While both of us have formed our lives around our real estate business, we believe in volunteering. It’s the giving to those around us that gives us a quality life. Earning a living vs making a life. Jim is actively involved with Toastmasters. This group focuses on public speaking and personal development. He goes to the prison and works with a group of people preparing to re-enter society. Another area of public speaking for Jim is organ donation education. There’s more… and occasionally I get him to fix a dripping faucet.

This year I will be president of our Spokane Association of Realtors. To think that my business peers thought enough of me to vote me into this responsibility is humbling. Last year was focused on preparation by national and state associations. 2010 is the big year! I believe in the skill and compassion of my Realtor friends and believe it is my responsibility to guide, inspire and provide the example for personal development and community involvement. The summary of our direction this year is “Realtors serving our community with Heart”! Professionally we serve our clients in the real estate world, personally we give of ourselves—finding the needs in our community.

Follow my blog this year to hear how all of us are making a difference! Our life’s journey is full of joy… finding it one day at a time!

Happy New Year! Another day, another year. In the blink of an eye life moves forward. In our private lives we make new goals, hoping to have learned from our past. While I won’t bore anyone with eternal goals like exercising more and eating healthier, maybe it is interesting to remember the things that were laughable last year.

A recent poll put “laughing till you cry” as one of life’s great small pleasures. Jim and I laughed till we cried at our granddaughters’ antics (and bored everyone with the stories), chuckled at yet another lost set of keys, smiled at the mouse that scuttled past my feet while having my morning coffee (well, that was after my determination to “get him”), happily watched our sons’ parenting skills, and cried with joy as we watched families purchase their first home. Pure joy for us!

It’s going to be a terrific year ahead. Both of us have major projects ahead and look forward to finding those “laughable moments”!! A friend of mine uses this signature line “Happy, happy, happy”. Everybody together now, focus!

We’re all playing the guessing game as to whether or not the $8000 tax credit will be renewed. There are those that have made the conclusion that it’s almost certain – after all, hasn’t it helped some buyers make the decision to move forward with their purchase of a new home?

I’ve enjoyed helping several first time buyers recently. And yes, a few were motivated by the tax credit, and others were ready to purchase regardless of the motivating dollars. So, the Realtor buzz is “can we get all these loans closed before December 1″? Of course, it all remains to be seen if an announcement will be made late November that there will be an extension and all our panic was unnecessary.

Now you need to hear the rest of the story. Of course, there’s always another piece to the puzzle. News released today discussed the fraud that had already occurred with the tax credit. Some applications for the credit are being investigated because it appears they are under-age buyers. Four years old! When there’s cash to get there will be someone willing to give up their morals and ethics. Now I’m picturing getting the signature of the four year old that supposedly purchased his new home. Crayons, maybe. Lots of candy in the back seat of my car as we toured the city. Could have been an easy client!