Date Archives: November 2020

It's almost time for Spokane homes for sale to come alive with beautiful decorations for the holidays. This holiday season promises to be a welcome time of joy and giving in the midst of a challenging year.  We know many people, buyers, and sellers alike, who are looking forward to it.

One traditional aspect of the holidays many people embrace is the poinsettia. 

They stand for good cheer and success and bring mirth and celebration where they are seen.

Fresh poinsettias can be tough to find in many parts of the country, but you're in luck if you're looking for them here in Spokane. Florists make it a "point" to stock these lovely flowers for the holidays. You have your choice of many places to pick them up.

Let's look at some popular spots to buy holiday poinsettias in Spokane:

1. The Greenery at Spokane Community College - 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, WA 99217
   The Greenery at Spokane Community College is unique: A student-run flower shop and nursery right on the Spokane CC campus. Its operations include three greenhouses filled with all sorts of annuals, perennials, trees, and bushes. Fresh flower arrangements are available all year long.
2. Sunset Florist & Greenhouse - 1606 South Assembly Road, Spokane, WA 99224
   Sunset Florist & Greenhouse is a local florist welcoming Spokane customers since all the way back in 1945. Combining superb quality and affordable prices, it offers you the opportunity to have a special holiday flower arrangement handcrafted by true experts.
3. Liberty Park Florist & Greenhouse - 1401 East Newark Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202
   Liberty Park Florist & Greenhouse is a family-owned florist that's been a Spokane staple since 1928. It may be best known for its expansive garden center and indoor plants. It also enlivens events, such as weddings, with remarkable flower arrangements that both look and smell great.
4. Four Seasons Flower and Plant Shop - West 603 Indiana Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205
   Four Seasons Flower and Plant Shop is a favorite when it comes to holiday floral arrangements. Open since 1981, it provides all kinds of options for size, color, and budget. Deliveries can be performed worldwide. You'll truly find lovely selections here in all four seasons.
5. Evergreen Florist - 1602 North Monroe Street, Spokane, WA 99205
   Evergreen Florist pairs its poinsettias with a stylish green bushel pot. With friendly and prompt service chosen by thousands of customers, it is led by local floral designer Song Korfhage, who brings 30 years of expertise to every bouquet. Tropical plants and even European dish gardens are also available.

Any time of year, local businesses like these florists help give Spokane its unique color and character. There are plenty of other reasons to love this vibrant community waiting for you to discover. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson for the freshest real estate opportunities around Spokane.

Content adapted from guidance posted by Washington Association of Realtors®

On Sunday, November 15th, 2020, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced wide ranging restrictions in an attempt to curb rising COVID-19 cases.  These restrictions became active on Monday, November 16th and will be in place for four weeks, through Monday, December 14th. 

Some of these restrictions will impact residential and commercial real estate operations:

• All real estate open houses are suspended.
  
  
• Private home showings are still permitted by appointment with no more than 5 people, in addition to the broker, on site with strict social distancing.
  
  
• Face coverings are required to be worn at all times by real estate brokers, their clients, and industry partners (e.g. appraisers, inspectors, photographers, stagers, etc.). Brokers may not provide services to any client who does not wear a face covering.

We take our responsibility to the communities we serve and our duty to public health seriously.  We are committed to upholding the highest standard in service and safety, and will continue to do so remotely or virtually where necessary. 

View the complete COVID-19 Real Estate FAQ provided by Washington REALTORS®. 

View our comprehensive Spokane real estate market report for the month of October!

The information in this report is compiled from a report given by the Spokane Association of REALTORS© and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and correct.

Download the October Market Report PDF here.

Want more info about the current real estate market? Contact us today to speak to an agent. 

Even though your pets are part of your family, potential buyers are likely to be less than thrilled about your four-legged family members. When it's time to show your home, here are a few things pet owners should do to ensure their home looks its best when compared to other Spokane homes for sale. 

1. Stow Your Pet Supplies
   Have a plan in place to move all of your pet supplies so that they're out of sight during your showing. You might keep a plastic tote on hand that you can quickly store your pet supplies in and transport to your garage or car. See that you also remove pet supplies when taking photos for your online listing or to advertise your open house. If you have any pet supplies that you simply can't relocate, like a fish tank, check that it's sparkling clean for your showing. 

2. Eradicate Any Odors from Your Home
   Make sure that your home smells fresh for potential buyers by eliminating pet odors from your home. Don't try to hide the odor with candles and air fresheners. Buyers can detect when sellers are trying to hide bad odors. Instead, use enzyme cleaners and professional cleaning services to remove the source of these odors. A professional steam cleaner can work wonders when it comes to removing odor-causing pet stains from upholstery and carpets. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifier is an excellent addition that will remove odor-causing particles from the air in your home. Not sure if your home still smells like a wet dog? Have an unbiased friend or family member stop by and give their honest opinion. 

3. Get Rid of Any Stained Items
   If your cleaning attempts don't remove pet stains, it's best to dispose of these stained items and replace them. Not only do stained items show poorly with prospective buyers, but they can even impact the final selling price of your home.

4. Make a Plan for Items with Significant Pet Damage
   Some homes have areas with many pet damage, like scratched wooden floors that need refinishing or carpet that needs to be replaced throughout the whole house. Determine if it makes sense financially to replace these damaged items. Even if you're on a tight budget, it may be better to spend the money to fix these issues so that you can command a better selling price for your home. In other cases, you might opt to offer your buyer a credit to remedy these issues. 

5. Meticulously Clean Your Home Each Day
   Commit to vacuuming or sweeping your carpets and hard floors every single day, so that pet hair doesn't have a chance to build back up after your deep cleaning session. You should also vacuum your furniture daily. By cleaning a little every day, your home will remain ready and fur-free for impromptu home showings.

6. Remove Your Pets
   Unfortunately, many buyers are deterred by the sight of pets during a showing. Whenever possible, your pets need to leave your home during the showing. Have your leashes and kennels ready so that you can quickly pack up. 

7. Remove Evidence of Your Pets from Your Outside Areas
   Don't forget to tidy up your home's outdoor spaces! Scoop any pet droppings, and remove any pet toys or water bowls that you use during the day. 

Looking for a home with more space for your furry family members? Get in touch today to get started!