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.