While it is uncommon for me to quote statistics, this is the question I am continually asked; “how’s the market”. Here is a recent report from the National Association of REALTORS.

Sales of existing homes increased in many markets during the first quarter even as home prices continued to fall, according to the latest quarterly survey by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Existing-home sales rose 8.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.14 million in the first quarter from 4.75 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, and sales were just 0.8 percent below the year-ago level. Distressed sales accounted for 39 percent of all first-quarter sales, up from 36 percent a year ago.

But home prices have yet to stabilize, falling in 118 markets across the country in the first quarter and rising in just 34 areas. The national median sale price of a single-family home was $158,700 in the first quarter, down 4.6 percent from $166,400 in the first quarter of 2010.

This is the report for the western United States:

In the West, existing-home sales jumped 13.5 percent to 1.29 million in the first quarter and were 2.1 percent higher than a year ago. The median price of an existing single-family home in the West fell 4.7 percent to $197,400 from a year ago. Tue, May 10, 2011

All the statistics may tell a story, but what is really happening in the real estate marketplace? It was true that every person involved in real estate in 2006 knew the “upswing” couldn’t last (and yes, there were other obvious signs that the economy would topple). Now we look for the subtle signs that there could be more activity. Here’s what I know.

Yesterday I spoke with a person involved in advertising, in particular, “jobs”. She noted that there is some optimism as the requests for job ads have increased in Spokane. Several days ago I was speaking with the employee at the Spokane Association of REALTORS who is responsible for data input. She commented that March was much busier than the previous two months. Finally, I was listening to an instructor that had acquainted herself with our local data and her assessment was that we had ” bottomed out” and it appeared our market was moving in the right direction again.

Only time will tell, but I am optimistic. If you are going to buy, do it this spring. If you are selling, it might be the time to prepare your home to be the very best home, and presented at the most competitive price. Lenders are working through more and more changes, but I hear some optimism from them too! Let’s get on with new goals!

Today I received good news from a loan officer whom I have referred many clients to in the past. Julie Johnston (218-0919) at Cherry Creek Mortgage let me know that loans for investors have, in the past, been limited to four properties– but now has been extended to ten! Perhaps this is a sign of good things to come. The ability to get a loan plays a large part in our market recovery. What an opportunity for investors–it’s the right time to buy! Our statistics are not looking good yet, however the buzz among the Realtors is that they are experiencing a bit of spring activity. That’s good news.

As a side note, my picture blog is almost a reality……I’m taking pictures, transferring from camera to computer, to folders then organizing software….. and that’s where it has stopped. The web site is in its’ final design stages and soon I will be letting everyone know where to find daily pictures of our beautiful area.

Signing off…..with camera in hand.

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

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

There is good news for home owners. If you are looking for resources and reliable information there is a new web site designed just for you. HouseLogic is designed to provide everything you need to know regarding wise investing, financing, home projects and more. We have found it to be about one of the absolute finest places to go when you have a question. It’s free, easy and a must-see! You will also be able to permanently get to the site through the Resources section of my website. So, go take a look.

Jim and I have traveled a lot this year. Business in Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Suncadia in Cle Elum and a “fun trip” to Santa Cruz via train. What’s the greatest part of the trip? Coming home. Do you round the corner to your neighborhood and breathe a sigh of relief?

We cherish home. Our heart and love is where we nest. Maybe that’s why I love helping others find their new home. The week after my clients have closed the sale they are anxious to tell me the new wall colors; yellow in the kitchen, the lovely blue bedroom, taupe in the family room and little Suzi’s lavender room!

It now appears that the home buyer $8000 tax credit will be extended through spring. More importantly a credit will be given to purchasers who have previously lived in their home five of the last eight years. When the bill is finalized I will provide more accurate details.

This is an opportunity never before offered and just might be the change needed to spur our real estate market in homes priced over $200,000. I’m looking forward to a busy winter and spring and more happy nesting families.

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!