Life sometimes catches us off-guard. It’s not unusual for family situations to change suddenly and a move becomes necessary.  So many times I have discussed the need for regular updating to a home.   When it’s time to sell (and there will be that time) the job of preparing for the marketplace is easier, and less costly, if there has been regular maintenance.

I have been showing homes this last week and I am amazed at the conditions of some properties. The facts are these: there are fewer buyers, more competition, and decreasing values. Why wouldn’t a seller want to capture the buyer by being competitive? That means to offer more amenity at a lower price. Simple.

I have seen more unkempt homes, trashed yards and filthy toilets than I ever care to see. Ah, you say, short sales. No. Maybe sellers haven’t been told that selling a house is like selling anything else. There’s a lot of competition–what are you going to offer that will inspire the buyer to think “wow, we had better grab this before someone else does”. Wake up America! (Always wanted to use that line…..after looking at houses on the market it seemed appropriate!)

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!

This is the question every REALTOR® hears, “What makes a house sell in this market”? New family goals sometimes create an urgency to sell properties. Other sellers might be simply toying with the idea of moving. REALTORS® could categorize this thought process as “testing the market.” Statisticians delight in their data collections and while real estate professionals are leery of absorbing all negative information, we are aware that reports of larger inventories and fewer buyers are accurate.

Motivations that result in the “For Sale” sign in the front yard do vary. The question of what is selling will still be asked. At a recent meeting of the local chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) each member was asked, “What makes a house sell in this market?” The WCR is a group of real estate agents (both men and women) whose purpose is to raise professional awareness to better serve their clients. Here are some of their responses:

WCR local chapter President, Jennifer Valerien, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Inland Empire, had this to say, “A seller must truly want to sell – which is a combination of pricing appropriately and showing competitively. A house must be priced in the bottom 20% of all the competition, but show in the top 20% of all the competition.”

Other members summarized this way, “Priced right and staged well,” “A realistic selling price and a house that offers more than others,” “Price dictates sales right now,” and “Has to be best priced, best valued in the neighborhood.”

Another WCR member, Linda Knaggs with RE/MAX Inland Empire said, “Condition & price! You must have a home that shows well and is move-in ready. Price must be at or below market value because there are so many homes on the market for buyers to look at.”

Each WCR member was anxious to share their experience. All comments told the same story – that there are, indeed, purchasers in the marketplace. They seek the best property for the best “deal.” When the seller complies with market demands, buyers make offers to purchase. REALTORS® are educated to guide and serve their clients, both buyers and sellers. Listen to their advice – it’s what each one has experienced on a daily basis.

The best summary came from the group effort of Maria Walker, Marilyn Amato and Shelley McDowell, all REALTORS® with Century 21 Beutler & Associates in Spokane. They wrote, “Perfect orchestration of the following: Pre-approved buyers, motivated sellers, right price, creative lender, tenacity, diligence, hard work and lots of prayer!” Most REALTORS® have heard stories of sellers burying a statue of St. Joseph in the yard of the home for sale. While this practice may have worked for some, too many of us know of several statues getting a little moldy. Maybe it’s the combination of price, condition, urgency of the seller and the power of something we can’t explain!

Your REALTOR® wants to help you, whether selling or buying. Our community is alive and well. Contact a REALTOR® today.

Published in the Spokesman Review August 29th, 2010.

I am noticing that there are more and more “for sale” signs going up in neighboring yards. Open house signs are popping up on the streets on Sunday afternoons. It must be spring. While I am busy with our Realtor association business, my priority is still helping my clients with their real estate needs.

The clock frequently reports that Linda is up later than usual. Jim and I were laughing today about our awareness that life is short and we are just “tap dancing” a little faster. So much to do! This last week you can find five new homes listed on my web site. Every seller is being reasonable in their pricing and I am very proud to say that each home is attractive and has been lovingly prepared for the marketplace. We are optimistic about the market this year—families still wanting to make changes.

On a quick note, congratulations to two families that recently closed on their new homes! Amy and Curtis and their children—what a delight. Kevin and Kay—from the East coast all the way West! It has been my privilege to work for these families.

In the last few days I have driven by three serious car accidents. It is very unsettling to see the destruction of someone’s car and more seriously, personal injuries. It made me think of all the cars I pass as I drive on our streets and highways. My car is like another office for me. The fast food wrappers, water bottles, crumbs, loose change, etc. Files stacked beside me in a box — that was in the hopes I could be a bit more organized. As I reflected on other cars — full of kid’s toys, snacks and huge car seats — I realized that it is amazing how most of the time we get to our destinations without damage.

It’s the same thought process that took me to how we perceive all news and situations. The glass really is half full! Look at our real estate market — there is a lot of activity with buyers out looking and sellers realizing that our Spokane area is a relatively stable marketplace. Certainly we have cycles of appreciation, but we have a good economic base. We are blessed. Today it’s a buyer’s market and it will change again. Take advantage of the timing — it’s time to buy and achieve the American Dream — a home of your own. Tell your friends…

It is a fact – buyers are anxious to take advantage of low interest rates, the $8000 tax credit for first time purchasers, and affordable properties. That makes it a good time to sell.

I have been to several real estate forums, attended classes, read articles and talked to my fellow Realtors and this is what I have learned: Spokane is still one of the most affordable housing markets, one of the most stable, one of the least affected by foreclosure, and we continue to be blessed with a relatively good economy. What do we really struggle with? SNOW! Our market always reflects our seasons and that is why we know spring is here. Yippee!

Property listings are down slightly from this time last year. February home sales were up nearly 70% from last month and all my Realtor friends are reporting working with several different buyers and their listings are getting showings. We are a unique area and data displayed by the media does not reflect individual markets. I am not a Pollyanna – we have been through a period of time that caused values to decrease and sellers must be realistic about price in order to be competitive.

Jim and I have been through these housing cycles before – take a deep breath – they don’t last. Spring is here with new potholes and buyers looking at houses.