Hi Chris......

You got me on this one. I don't see a post anywhere from Tyler....stating he bought anything or that he moved so help me out here.......Bring this old gal up-to-date and help me be a better person/agent by telling me where to find that information. Chris, I wasn't responding to just Tyler.... Others read these posts and sometimes find great answers to their questions. Thanks Chris for welcoming to Trulia... And thanks Beth for the update on Tyler.

Tue Jun 10 2008, 21:48

FYI all of you agents talking to Tyler. He used an office mate of mine and purchased a home. Good news: Trulia may bring you a good lead, bad news, he chose another agent. Good news, he bought a home, bad news, it wasn't from you or me for that matter! Keep providing good answers and good service. :)

Mon May 26 2008, 16:14

Hello Kathy and welcome to trulia! I am just respectfully wondering why you are answering questions from months ago and many of the questions are no longer even relevant anymore. They have posted back saying they have already moved, problem solved, etc. Just curious is all?............... Take care!

Mon May 26 2008, 16:09

Tyler,

What a great time to consider buying in Spokane. I just helped one of our Armed Forces members find a new home for their stay in Spokane. They bought a home on a short sale.....had instant equity in it.

Best of luck in your search. Let me know if I can be of assistance to you.
Kathy Pierson-Schultz Exit Real Estate-Jones & Associates 509-270-2133

Mon May 26 2008, 15:58

"It's always better to buy vs renting"- Debbie Thaut except if you live in CA,AZ,NV,FL,MI,OH,GA,PA......and lately even seattle

Fri May 2 2008, 23:57

Hy Tyler following up, are you still thinking of coming to Spokane and if so you can keep updated on the homes for sale and rent on our website. We have blogs to read on market conditions that are updated regularly and you can see statistics for Spokane's market. Check it out at the link below or call us if you have any questions, we would love to help you.

Thu May 1 2008, 17:14

buy never rent regardless of market conditions. Is this a serious question?

Wed Apr 23 2008, 09:05

It's always better to buy vs renting. Our area, appreciation rate is steady, 5-9%. You can expect a possible value increase of 100% over 10 years. Making the commitment of time in any investement is the best investment.

Wed Apr 23 2008, 08:50

Hello Tyler,
I can't really say it's a good idea to rent in Spokane. The housing market seems to always go forward and we are not even close to being at par for our size, though it's slowed which is good. If you buy right your can also sell right so the best Realtors and smart buyers can make good choices in ever market. Interview the right agent with a blend of market knowledge , tools, and who cares about their clients and is patient, you'll be fine. Neighborhoods, you need to drive around and know the area. Don't ever take advice if you haven't gotten used to the area. 509-362-1966

Tue Apr 8 2008, 00:02

Hello Tyler

I can understand your caution re buying/renting with a proposed move to this area. Real estate is a very local market and what is happening in Seattle is not necessarily what is happening in Spokane. As Chris so rightly said we cannot see into the future but can look at the history. In the Spokane area, real estate has cycled on a 10-12 year period for high spikes in increase in property values. We are now entering a new cycle of slower growth. Having said that we are still seeing an increase year to date 2008 compared to 2007 for both average and median prices. We are seeing increasing numbers of properties on the market which offers buyers greater choice than in recent years. Our rental market of single family homes is not large and is described to me by relocating military families as disappointing. First there is not a central location for rental information and many people have to decide if they must have a certain area (for example a particular school is driving the purchase) then see what is available or look for the best home matches and see where they are. In WA state the closing costs for a seller run around 3% due in part to the state excise tax, plus a realty fee. This means a seller needs to get that amount of appreciation to break even. Buying at this point in time gives a buyer with an agressive buyers agent the opoortunity to get a good if not a great deal which will help when you sell. This strategy will mean putting the value any given home can be purchashed at over buying the "dream house". The more choices of homes there are that will be acceptable to you the tougher you can negotiate and the more vulnerable the sellers are. Having your loan in place with a local lender (so that the listing agent can reassure the seller) will also help put the balance in the buyers favor.

As far as best neighborhoods, as licensed agents we are not allowed to describe neighborhoods as good or bad as this is considered "steering" telling people where to live. So if you have school age children, you might want to investigate school reports (my website has a direct link for WA state report cardshttp:// www.spokanehomes4u.com) or maybe you have a preferred commute distance from where you will be working or perhaps you have a preferred syle or age of home. In Spokane 85% of our homes have basements which may or may not be finished with living space. Also our home inventory includes properties built from the 1890's to the present. Your preferences may determine the areas you consider for a home. Typically when working with relocating clients I take them on tours of different areas so they can appreciate the many wonderful features of living in Spokane. With the absence of grid lock and the recreational opportunities all around us in the lakes and mountains allow us to enjoy a fabulous quality of life. No wonder we have no problem living up to our byline Near Nature, Near Perfect. From our parks and The Centennila trail, to the shopping , opera, jazz and symphony orchestras, the travelling Broadway shows, we enjoy a bit of everything at a little less hectic pace. You might also want to check out http://www.visitspokane.com

Mon Mar 31 2008, 12:27

Tyler, great question and thanks for asking! I hope I can help answer that for you. First, let me say that none of us can predict the future, but from what we are seeing here in Spokane and what analysts are predicting is GOOD appreciation for our market. The national news of gloom and doom doesn't reflect what is happening in Spokane for we have always slowly risen in appreciation and don't have that over "inflated bubble" to pop like other markets that sore in price over night and then come crashing down just as quickly. We are and have still been appreciating here in Spokane. For 2 years in a row now we have been # 3 on a list of the 10 best cities in the nation for appreciation........that's huge! As Tamra stated, we are also #9 on Forbes top ten list of best places for careers and business for 2008. See article** http://www.forbes.com/bestplaces/ All factors and indications say to me we will continue to appreciate, though probably slower than 2005 & 6, as we will get some trickle down effect from the national housing crisis. In short, I think as long as your 3 to 4+ years here, you will be best purchasing over renting, assuming you get a good location and look for the best bargain and negotiate it as such. As far as where to live, their are many really nice areas and neighborhoods in Spokane that are very affordable and I would be happy to talk with you and get you set up on a search with areas, home criterias, and prices, that meet your wants and needs, it's quick and easy! Also, as a buyer my services are 100% free to you. If you would like to contact me or just learn more about myself and my company please visit the link below. You will not be contacted or bothered in any way by just visiting me site. I hope to hear from you and you are going to LOVE Spokane. Best wishes, most sincerely, Chris Warmuth Windermere/North Spokane, WA.

Mon Mar 31 2008, 11:08

Tyler...hope this helps:

Since 1956 Spokane has always seen an appreciating market (average of 5.5%). We did see a spike in 2005 and 2006...but as Donna stated we have come back to our normal steady appreciation rate.

Regarding the question to buy or rent - our rental vacancy rates have dipped to 3% (typically above 6%) this has created a start of rent increases across the board.

Spokane is a very affordable market and the rents typically rival the mortgages of nice homes. There are several great neighborhoods in Spokane that offer different ammenities such as proximity to state parks, lakes, schools, shopping and such...it is imperative that you take the time to visit all of the distinct neighborhoods and draw upon the experience of a knowledgeable Realtor to guide you.

Economic forecasters see great things for our market due to the increasing positive migration and growth of new industry. We were just listed on Forbes.com as #9 for the best places to live and do business in the country! Great things are happening here!

I wish you the best of luck in making your decision to relocate!

Tamra Brannon
Coldwell Banker NW Group

Sun Mar 30 2008, 20:59

Hi Tyler ~
3-4 years is a little hard to predict, however things are very favorable here as far as projected appriciation. I can e-mail you some great articles and statistics in regard to the market here if you like.
How long do you plan to live in Spokane? It has proven to be a very stable market here, and most definatley worth buying, rather than renting. Many variables exsisit- such as how long you plan to be here, would you be making improvements to the home, ect. Best wishes, and keep in touch! You can e-mail me at bethann@tb.com for the information I mentioned.

Sun Mar 30 2008, 20:54

There are many wonderful neighborhoods in our area and it just depends on what you like or used to and what you are looking for. I have high hopes for Spokane, in this down market we are still predicted to go up at least 4% this year. The South Hill is a gorgeous area to the direct South of the downtown area. It's a very Norman Rockwell Area with huge older tree lined streets and cool older homes. With it's charm and central location, this area is a bit pricier with homes ranging from 190k and up. The Northside has many nice neighborhoods, not as many trees, and your average home was built in the 1950's and newer the farther North you go. You can get a nice Rancher in this area from 175k and up to 250k homes. The Valley is typical for larger lots and somewhat more affordable housing(larger yards, mature trees). There are many pockets of nice homes all around Spokane so it really depends on what you like. You can get a good idea of what you'll find for the money from my mapping search on my website. Feel free to check it out and go back to use it again and again to keep your eye on the pricing in the different areas. If you have any questions about Spokane or the Spokane area, call, email or visit my website athttp:// www.DonnaSellsSpokane.com I'd love to help you out as much as I can gather information on our beautiful city...you are going to love it here!

Sun Mar 30 2008, 20:34