Our real estate agents are always excited to welcome spring back to the Spokane area. This season offers a chance to reconnect with nature and to be reminded of all the amazing green spaces our city has to offer. 

This spring, we recommend taking that appreciation a step further by exploring some of Spokane's most amazing gardens. With spring flowers blooming, there's no better time to experience these spectacular Spokane gardens. 

• Lilac Garden - W Shoshone Pl, Spokane, WA 99203
  Spokane has been nicknamed the Lilac City, and it's not hard to see why. The Lilac Garden in Manito Park contains over 100 cultivars from at least 23 unique species of lilac trees and bushes. The best time to see them in full bloom is from late May into early June, and the annual Lilac Festival has been a fixture of Spokane's spring calendar since the 1930s. 

• Duncan Garden - S Park Dr, Spokane, WA 99203
  One of several gardens that are located with the city's beautiful 90-acre Manito Park, Duncan Garden is unique among Spokane's public gardens. It's a classic Renaissance garden with three acres of manicured lawns adorned with sculpted shrubs and vast beds of flowering annuals. This garden is best explored at a slow pace from spring into early summer. Duncan Garden is also a popular wedding venue, located just minutes from these Spokane homes for sale.
  
  
• Rose Hill Garden - Rose Garden Path, Spokane, WA 99203
  Often ranked among the best rose gardens in the nation, Rose Hill Garden is another splendid component of Manito Park. The rose garden was established in 1938 and has grown to include more than 150 rose varieties in a dazzling spectrum of colors. Rose Hill Garden is a great picnic spot and features a collection of old-fashioned roses and miniature roses along with grandiflora, floribunda, and hybrid tea roses.
  
  
• Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden - 2025 S Bernard St, Spokane, WA 99203
  There may be no better place in Spokane to feel the balance, tranquility, and beauty of nature come together. Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden was built between 1970 and 1974 to symbolize the friendship between Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan. Two Japanese architects, Shosuke Nagai and Hirohiko Kawai designed and oversaw the construction of the garden, which remains a magnificent symbol of peace and harmony. 
  
  
• Gaiser Conservatory - 4 W 21st Ave, Spokane, WA 99203
  Located in Gaiser Park just east of Rose Hill, the Gaiser Conservatory features a series of greenhouses in which plants from temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical regions from around the world are grown. The greenhouses are open every day of the week except Wednesdays, and visitors can experience a wide range of different plants in bloom, depending on the season. The Geiser Conservatory also hosts a brilliant holiday lights display every winter.
  
  
• Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens - 525 W 7th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
  The Victorian-influenced design of Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens is unique in Spokane. These gardens, which span an incredible 120 acres, were originally constructed between 1889 and 1932 under the supervision of Frank Rockwood Moore on the grounds of what was then his own private home. Later purchased by the city and opened to the public, this historic property includes a pond, tea house, rose garden, and perennial garden. Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Spokane. When you're ready to start looking for your dream home in Spokane and the surrounding areas, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

There's always something fun happening near Spokane homes for sale. Join family and friends in celebrating at the Spokane Lilac Festival and the Bloomsday Run, two of the city's favorite seasonal traditions. 

Spokane Lilac Festival

After a two-year hiatus, the Spokane Lilac Festival made an early return in November 2021 to usher in the holidays. This May, the traditional festival is back to delight people of all ages. "The Lilac City" has been home to the festival since 1938, when it began as a way to honor the community as well as members of the military. Over the years, the festival has grown to become the largest event in the Inland Northwest region.

This year's festival revolves around the nostalgic theme of "Our Town." Mark your calendars for these highlight events:

• Don't miss the main attraction, the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade, at 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. Local school bands, dancers, gymnasts, floats, and military units will make their way through the streets of downtown Spokane.
  
  
• Meet the Festival Queen and her Royal Court at a luncheon in the Grand Ballroom at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The luncheon takes place on Friday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and tickets are $50 per person.
  
  
• Later that evening, the DoubleTree will host the official President's Gala from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Dine on a gourmet meal before dancing the night away. Tickets are $100 per person.
  
  
• The creativity of local artists will be on display at the Lilac Art Show, held at Nectar Catering & Events. Competition is open to a wide range of media, including oil, watercolor, mixed media, and pen and ink. Doors open at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 16.
  
  
• Take part in the debut of an exciting new event with the inaugural Lilac Festival BrewFest. Enjoy tastings of signature brews from 16 of the area's top breweries, including Black Label, Whistlepunk, and YaYa. The $35 admission includes ten tasting tokens and a special edition glass. An additional $10 gets you VIP status, with early entry and reserved seating for the Torchlight Parade. Raise your glass on Saturday, May 21, from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Wall St. between Spokane Falls Blvd. and Main St.

Check out the full event information here.

Bloomsday Run

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson is proud to be one of the major sponsors of Spokane's iconic Bloomsday Run, which has an impressive pedigree. Founder Don Kardong is a local runner who was inspired by his experience in the 1976 Olympic marathon, along with many other national class races. Winners of the first two runs in 1977 and 1978 were Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers, another famous Olympian who is known for his multiple victories in the Boston and New York City Marathons. 

The 12K course starts off on Riverside Drive, roughly following alongside the Spokane River until it crosses at T.J. Meenach Bridge. Next comes the aptly-named Doomsday Hill, which leads into the last leg of the race. Participants can also choose the virtual option, which allows them to complete a 7.46-mile course of their choosing between April 28 and May 8.

Bloomsday's live run takes place on Sunday, May 1. An early registration fee of $35 runs until April 29, when it goes to full price of $50. Registration for the virtual run is $35 plus shipping for the race bib.

Please join us at the Bloomsday Trade Show on Friday and Saturday before the race to meet our wonderful real estate agents and win some CBT swag!

For information and to sign up, visit this website.

Ready to plant your roots in Spokane and watch your own family bloom? Contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson to get started.

DIY Products for Spring Cleaning

Sometimes it seems there is no end to house cleaning, and while there is no clear-cut answer for how to keep your home perfectly clean at all times, it might be surprising just how much you can do with a little baking soda and white vinegar.

Spot Cleaner for Carpet

• After cleaning up any excess spill, sprinkle the carpet with baking soda or cornstarch. Let stand for 10 minutes and then vacuum.
• Mix one tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
• Using a white cloth, blot the stain with the vinegar solution.
• Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Oven Cleaner

• Make a paste of baking soda and water.
• Coat the oven (or just the dirty parts) with the paste and let stand overnight. Be sure to avoid the heating elements and bare metal.
• Use a plastic spatula to remove the paste. (Wear rubber gloves.)
• Wipe away any residue with a clean, wet sponge.

Grout Cleaners

• Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white vinegar and water and generously spray the tile/grout. Let sit about five minutes.
• Scrub area with a grout brush, or even a toothbrush.
• Rinse with warm water.
• If stains are more stubborn, mix a paste of baking soda and water and using your grout brush, work it into the grout.
• Immediately follow with the vinegar spray. This should cause the baking soda paste to bubble.
• Use your brush to finish cleaning.
• Rinse with warm water.
• For mold or mildewed grout, hydrogen peroxide is a gem. Spray it on the stain, let sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with your grout brush. You can even mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste for a stronger clean. Apply the paste to the grout lines, wait a few minutes, scrub and then rinse with water.
• NOTE: Do not apply vinegar to grout that has not been properly sealed.

Showerhead Cleaner

• Carefully mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1 cup white vinegar in a plastic bag.
• Place the bag over the showerhead, submerging the head in the mixture; secure bag with rubber band or twist-tie.
• Let soak for at least 3 hours.
• Wipe clean.

 Window Cleaner

• Mix together in a spray bottle: ¼ cup vinegar, ½ tsp natural liquid soap, and 2 cups water. Shake to blend.
• Spray on windows and use newspaper to rub dry & clean, avoiding the window frames (newspaper can leave dark marks on the frames).

Spring cleaning is the perfect way to start the decluttering process before showing your house for sale or to start packing for a move. But if you've been in your home for a long time, the volume of junk you've been stashing may seem overwhelming. Our real estate agents will tell you eliminating clutter is an important key to maintaining a beautiful home. Breaking the job into manageable chunks can be very helpful. Make sure to toss out these items while doing your spring cleaning this year. 

1. Outdated electronics
   How many cables do you actually need? You may have a drawer full of them. But don't stop there. In this day and age, technology far outstrips our ability to keep up with it. From old phones to speakers, you probably have a number of electronic devices you will never use again. Open that box and fill it with all of that outdated equipment and take it straight to the thrift store. Be careful to strip all personal information before donating.
    
2. Clothes that don't fit
   From outgrown children's clothing to slacks from many pounds ago, these things have to go. Shelters can make good use of donated clothes for children and adults. They will serve a much greater purpose there than they will taking up space in your closet. Be sure to go through clothes in your closet and in your drawers. 
   
   
3. Plasticware
   Time to toss those mismatched lids, plastic movie cups, and stained food containers. You'll be so surprised as to how much real estate they take in your kitchen. Besides being unsightly and messy, older plasticware can be dangerous to your health. As it breaks down with age, chemicals can get into your food. It's also difficult to ensure that no food particles are stuck on the surface.
     
4. Expired food and medications
   We know to dispose of expired prescriptions but seldom think about over-the-counter medications. Every time we catch a cold, we buy new medications anyway, so why keep the old ones? Toss it when your illness passes or, if you did hang on to it, get rid of it now. Pantries and refrigerators should be purged on a regular basis according to shelf life. Check expiration dates then to make sure everything on the shelf is safe to consume. Condiments in the refrigerator are often used infrequently and can reach expiration dates long before they are empty. 
   
   
5. Expired makeup and toiletries
   We all hesitate to dispose of makeup because it is so expensive. When we find the perfect product, we often cling to it. But makeup and skincare products generally expire in three to six months after they're opened. Using it after that date is asking for breakouts, rashes, and eye infections. Even the prettiest eyeshadow isn't worth that cost. Nail polish may not cause infections, but it does tend to get clumpy and not settle as well as it should. Avoid the frustration by tossing it and getting it out of the way.  

Now that your spring cleaning is complete, are you ready to list your home? If you're looking at Spokane homes for sale, or are thinking about putting your house on the market, contact us today. 

Earth Day is celebrated on Thursday, April 22, so why not get out and enjoy Spokane's natural beauty? Whether you want to hike to see a waterfall or browse in a market filled with fresh local produce, there's plenty to do and see locally on Earth Day.
Check out the following five places to celebrate Earth Day in Spokane:

1. Liberty Creek Hiking Trail - Liberty Lake Regional Park - 3707 S. Zephr Rd., Liberty Lake, WA 99019
   Get out and about to enjoy Spokane's natural beauty on the Liberty Creek Hiking Trail, which is almost four miles long from point to point and located near Liberty Lake homes for sale. It's rated as intermediate/difficult and offers a picturesque view of a waterfall along the way, creating the perfect spot to stop for a rest and a snack. You'll end up crossing Liberty Creek twice via footbridges on your way to a cool, damp cedar grove before climbing to a view of Liberty Lake.
   
   
2. Riverside State Park - 9711 W. Charles Rd., Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
   Although you'll be surrounded by nature at Riverside State Park, it's located only about nine miles from Spokane. The park has plenty of activities to keep you busy and active, no matter what you like to do. You'll be able to choose from 55 miles of trails and go mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, or hiking. If you'd like to enjoy the water, you can try paddle sports at the Little Spokane River.
   
   
3. Main Market - 44 W. Main Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
   Choose delicious, wholesome local foods at Main Market, Spokane's only cooperative grocery store, located just around the corner from Spokane homes for sale. You'll find a large selection of products, including local eggs, fruits, veggies, and more. And in the bulk foods section, you'll be able to find products such as dried fruit, teas, spices, and more that you can buy in the exact quantity you need. You can grab breakfast or a meal from the hot or salad bar. Cooked-from-scratch community dinners are available every Thursday for $3 and include a meat option as well as a vegan one.
   
   
4. Emerson-Garfield Farmers' Market - 2310 North Monroe, Spokane, WA 99205
   Emerson-Garfield Farmers' Market is a seasonally weekly marketplace that features a large variety of local products. You'll find organic fruits and vegetables, breads, pastries, pasture-raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, artisanal soaps, and more as you browse the market and take in the sights. It also serves as a community hub, bringing people together for musical entertainment, cooking demos, craft fairs, and more fun local events.
   
   
5. Lima Greenhouses - 2100 S. Inland Empire Way, Spokane, WA 99224
   Planning on planting on Earth Day? Lima Greenhouses is a locally owned nursery that provides quality wholesale plants to eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Here you'll be able to find plant products that have been grown and cared for by experts. You can find almost anything you need to make your landscaping beautiful, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs, and fruit and vegetable plants as well as gardening supplies and decor.

When you live in a place with so much natural beauty Earth Day is extra special! Contact us to learn more about Spokane living.

From the March 2021 issue of @Home with Coldwell Banker Tomlinson.  Written by Chris Canning, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Realtor®

As both a licensed REALTOR® and home builder, I often scroll through my Facebook feed and see homes advertised by our area homebuilders and fellow real estate agents. I often see such remarks as: "They want how much for that house? They're crazy!" or "Why can't builders build more affordable homes?" The general public is not aware of the obstacles faced by members of the industry tasked with meeting the demand for housing. Chief among these obstacles are: 1. A lack of affordable land. 2. Dramatic increases in the cost of materials. 3. The scarcity of qualified tradespeople.

1. Land

   The first line item on any builder's ledger is lot cost. At present, Spokane is faced with issues in obtaining, developing, and delivering reasonably priced lots to builders. Briefly stated, Spokane's Comprehensive Plan dictates when, where, and how development and construction can take place. Its purpose is to prioritize use of existing infrastructure and improvements before venturing into areas that would require expanding infrastructure. Unfortunately, the land within the boundaries of our "Comp Plan" that was easiest and most cost-effective to develop is gone, leaving only very complicated, expensive, steep, rocky, pieces of property to develop. Consequently, developers and builders are forced to confront more expensive and complicated properties and projects. Many consumers who are able are paying these increases, while others have simply been forced out of the market. Let's assume a builder can build a home for $200.00/sq/ft and obtain a fair profit. If the builder is able to obtain a building lot for $60,000, and builds a 1,500 sq/ft rancher – he would need to charge $360,000 for this home. If, due to scarcity, the cost of the lot rises to $80,000, the result is an increase in the finished cost of the home of about $22,000. Otherwise, the builder sees his/her margin of profit slip, which would make it more difficult to obtain financing. Ultimately, the consumer bears the brunt of the cost increase, while the only party to benefit is the original landowner.
    

2. Materials

   You may have heard in the news recently that lumber prices have nearly doubled in our area and elsewhere across the nation. However, it's not just lumber that has seen extensive price increases due to scarcity. Across the board (no pun intended), shortages in roofing, wiring, flooring and other materials, have significantly increased the cost of building a new home today.
    

3. Skilled Labor

   Ask any home builder in town why homes are costing more, and be prepared for a lecture on the shortage of labor in the building trades. As a millennial, I was pushed hard to pursue a career requiring a college degree. I wish I had known then how much demand Spokane would have for skilled labor in the building trades in 2021! Talking to the many friends and family I have working as skilled tradespeople, I find that every one of them is inundated with work, to the extent that they can choose whom they work for and what they should be paid. As a result, while today's new homes are not framed any straighter or plumbed more reliably than those built five years ago, they are a lot more expensive to build, and, thus, to buy.
   
   

Lurking behind every one of these factors in the increasing cost of new homes is the Demon of Demand. As long as Spokane remains the wonderful place to live it is and always has been, we can expect to see increases in the cost of housing, though perhaps less steep than we are coping with now, extending into the future.

Whether you have lived in your home for several years or several decades, there may come a time when you decide to put your home up for sale. To tackle the challenge, our real estate agents will guide you through the process to make sure your home makes a big impression on potential buyers looking for Spokane homes for sale.

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful event, but you can eliminate stress by knowing what to do before listing your home. Prepare you home for the busy spring market by following these tips. 

1. Make a Good First Impression
   You only have one chance to make a good impression on potential buyers. Your home may be spectacular on the inside, but buyers won't see that if they don't get through the front door. Your home's curb appeal is a key factor to get potential buyers inside. Outdoor lighting, fresh exterior paint, trimmed trees and shrubs, and colorful flower beds go a long way towards making a good first impression.
   
   
2. Take the Home Out of Your House
   Your home's interior likely reflects your personal design style and interests, but buyers may have different style and interests. When selling your home, it's important to de-personalize it so buyers can see themselves living there. Before putting your home on the market, get rid of personal items like excessive family photos, memorabilia, and keepsakes that represent your lifestyle.
   
   
3. Focus on the Kitchen
   Most buyers consider the kitchen the most important room in the house. If your kitchen needs an upgrade, do it. A remodeled kitchen with fresh paint, new flooring, new cabinets and countertops, and upgraded appliances can give you an 85% return on your remodeling costs. If you can't afford to do everything, fresh paint, new cabinet hardware, good lighting, and one high-end appliance may be enough.
   
   
4. Brighten Up Your Rooms
   Before you invite buyers into your home, light up your interior with sunshine and new lighting. If you have big windows, clean the windows, take down the draperies, and let the natural light into the room. For rooms with minimal sunlight, add new light fixtures or brighter bulbs to reflect warm, appealing spaces.
   
   
5. Show a Spotless Interior
   Before showing your home, make sure your interior is spotless. Vacuum the carpets and rugs, wax the hardwood floors, wash the walls, clean the draperies and upholstery, and eliminate unnecessary clutter. Buyers want a house that reflects proper care and attention. If you have pets, make sure food bowls and litter boxes are clean. If you're planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.
   
   
6. Empty Your Closets
   Storage is an important feature to any homebuyer. When viewing a potential new home, a buyer will open closets, drawers, cabinets, and storage areas to make sure storage is adequate for their needs. By emptying your closets and cabinets, a buyer can accurately assess storage spaces for their own stuff.
   
   
7. Price It Right
   Before listing your home, check recent sales in your area. While an overpriced home can sit on the market for months, a home that's priced at the current market value for the area can receive multiple bids from buyers, often over the asking price.

If you're interested in selling your home, contact us to guide you through the process and make sure your home gets the attention it deserves.

By the time we get to the dark days of midwinter, gardeners all over Washington are itching to get outside and get their hands back in the soil. We understand the struggle. 

Luckily, this is the time of year when you can start taking the first steps toward planting your spring vegetable garden. Our real estate agents are delighted to share these tips for starting your spring garden indoors!

1. Pick out Your Seeds
   Starting from seed gives you complete control over your garden and the ability to select from a wider range of varieties. Plus, you get to start earlier, which gives you something to do in the late days of winter! You can order seeds online or stop at your local greenhouse. 
   
   
2. Know Your Zone
   USDA Hardiness Zones can be extremely helpful in determining what plants are ideal for your climate and when each type of plant should be started in your specific region. Here in Spokane, WA, we're in zone 6. 
   
   
3. Which Plants to Start Indoors
   Some vegetables transplant better than others. It's important to plan and know which seeds should be started indoors and which should be sowed directly into your garden when the time is right. Vegetables that transplant especially well include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, kale, lettuce, onion, okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Certain other vegetables, including celery, cucumbers, melons, peas, spinach, and squash, can also be started indoors but must be transplanted very carefully. A few vegetables should never be transplanted because doing so often damages the roots. They include beans, beets, carrots, and corn. These crops should be planted directly in your garden after all danger of frost has passed. 
   
   
4. Location, Location, Location
   If you're planning to start seeds indoors, you'll need a suitable location in which to do so. The best way to grow seedlings indoors is with a grow light, which provides constant light from directly above your seeds. But you can certainly get by without a grow light. Choose a spot in your house where a large window provides abundant light. South-facing windows are ideal. Make sure your seedlings don't get too cold—a consistent temperature between 65°F and 75°F is just right—and give your seedlings a quarter-turn every day to keep them from reaching toward the light and developing long, spindly stems. 
   
   
5. Know When to Begin
   Most seeds should be planted indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the date of the last spring frost, though exact timing varies. Here in the Spokane area, the prime time to plant seeds indoors is during the first two weeks of March. Between March 1st and March 15th, plant seeds indoors for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, and tomatoes. Wait until around the beginning of April to start seeds for cucumbers, melons, and squash. By mid-April, you should be able to transplant your seedlings from early March into your garden. Around this same time, you can plant seeds like carrots, beans, beets, and corn directly in your garden.
   
   
6. Keep Your Seed Packets
   When in doubt, refer to your seed packets! They typically have detailed information on how and when the seeds should be planted, so make sure you keep them in case you need a little reminder.

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Spokane area. We live in a great area for gardening, and our team is standing by to help you search Spokane homes for sale.