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.

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.

For those who aren’t on my mailing list or if you just prefer to view things online, the new spring newsletter is now available. Topics include:

2009 Online Survey Results
We sent an invitation to everyone on my mailing list to participate in our survey. We have listed a few of the items that you might find interesting and will certainly help us serve you better.

Home Valuation
What are the things that make one home more valuable than another? If you are buying or selling a home, here are some things to think about.

Home Upgrade: The Mudroom
One of the more useful upgrades you can make to your home could be the lowly mudroom. Here are some ideas on how to make the best use of the space.

Download: Linda Miller Spring 2009 Newsletter (1MB PDF)

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.