Tamra Brannon

Yes...I am a Spokane resident and Realtor. Spokane is doing some great things with expansion in jobs, community events and culture....and we are a recreation-lovers paradise! There are several hiking & biking trails, lakes and mountains. I would recommend visiting this website: visitspokane.com - it is our visitors and convention bureau website and has a wealth of information. I would always be available to anwer any specific questions directly!

Tamra Brannon - Thu Sep 4 2008, 09:57

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

Tara,
One other thing to think about...there are areas in Spokane that are hit and miss for water supply. I have had clients that were unable to hit any water at all and have had to truck their water in. You may want to speak with neighboring land owners to find out information about their water supply (how deep they had to dig and what the GPM is for their well). Also, most of the local companies that dig wells have a great idea about the water situation in Spokane and the surrounding areas...a simple phone call to them would probably yield a ton of answers! Let me know if you would like some names and numbers of reputable companies to assist you. - Tue Feb 26 2008, 09:05

Some of the more historic neighborhoods in Yakima are located in between 16th Ave and 37th Ave. and Yakima Ave to Lincoln Ave. Some of the homes are within walking distance to different ammenities. Please let me know if you have any other questions about the community! I was born and raised in Yakima.

Tamra Brannon - Wed Jan 2 2008, 10:34

Great question and one I receive often. It is smart to cross reference foreclosure lists with homes that are listed on the market. A lot of times homeowners facing foreclosure are trying to "beat the bank" when their home reaches pre-foreclosure status and sell before the home goes up for auction or becomes REO (lender owned). If it is not listed...there is a lot that you can tell from inspecting the outside of a home...foundation, roof, windows, water damage. But what you need to remember is that you are getting a great price on this home because there is RISK involved.
What a lot of people forget is that some of the larger defects to the home are none that you can see...they are title defects (liens, judgements, etc.). Even when buying foreclosure or auction properties it is a smart idea to work with a Realtor who can point you in the right direction of how to learn as much as possible about a property.

Hope that helps out a bit!

Tamra Brannon
Coldwell Banker NW Group
Spokane, WA - Sat Dec 8 2007, 09:39