ISSUE 86 | DECEMBER 2018
WITH COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON
THE VOICES OF TOMLINSON: LOVE HEALS
Submitted by Julie Dean
CAROLING. The “Voices” of Tomlinson caroling group has been
CONNECTIONS. Even with mental impairment,
serving our community by touring nursing homes, hospitals, and retirement facilities since 1993. The group members engage with area seniors and reach the infirm or afflicted during the holidays through the universal language of music. Dozens of people have participated over the 25 year span, with four original members remaining. The following vignette exemplifies the type of impact their human contact provides:
trauma, or dementia, the musical center of the brain can be awakened. The members of “Voices” know this. They do more than sing; they engage with those they visit. Julie Dean, the group’s founder, puts it this way: “I am honored to stand/ sing/serve with these selfless people. Their joyful spirits, vulnerable hearts, and commitment to making a positive difference every day impress me. The connections we make through music are so real and tangible. We go out to give, yet we receive so much more.”
FRANCES. Her name is Frances. She no longer speaks. She is respectfully cared for in this place. She is truly lovely, captivating actually Undoubtedly radiant through her life. She sits silently, yet regally, in her chair by the Christmas tree. We begin to sing Christmas carols - the “Voices” of Tomlinson And Frances (with the others) lights up: focused - attentive. All the residents of the Memory Care Unit engage with us: Singing, laughing, smiling, whistling, tapping the beat. Frances begins moving her mouth. Then she begins softly singing - every word of every song! Quietly recollecting. Her spirit awakens and her muteness disappears. Kneeling in front of her, I reach to hold her hand. She squeezes mine as we sing “White Christmas” all together. I am holding back tears. In this moment, it’s just Frances and me ... Bridging affliction with “Voices.”
In this busy holiday season and darkness of winter, consider taking a moment to “see” people: make eye contact, share a smile, nod in recognition, shake a hand. The smallest of gestures can make the most positive impact. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
READ MY NUMBERS: NOT ENOUGH HOUSING We are pleased to present another in a series of articles analyzing the Spokane economy and our local housing market by Neil Johnson, partner in Coldwell Banker Tomlinson, and long-time student of economics in general, and housing statistics in particular. The developing housing crisis Neil describes is something to which we all need to pay close attention.
RECESSION. The Spokane real estate market continues to churn along, following most of the national trends. Most of the nation is seeing the effects of low new single-family housing production that occurred from the aftermath of the Great Recession, where for 6 years the home builders produced between 20% to 30% less housing than what is required for normal population and household growth. The accumulated effect leaves the consumer with less net housing inventory to choose from, as new construction is our only way to create the housing needed to keep up with population growth. Presently, the local builders are building at full capacity, hobbled by lack of tradesmen/skilled labor and developable land. Apartment construction is also restrained by three simultaneous shortages: developable land, labor and bank financing. An interesting note: the ratio of home to apartment construction in the 90’s was 65 homes to 35 apartment units. Recently, that ratio has changed to almost 50 to 50. GROWTH. Here in Spokane, we have an issue slowly beginning to emerge: low housing stock. Spokane has mirrored the national market, but if you have lived here, you also know that Spokane is like an island in the center of the Pacific Northwest. We can have our own economy which does not necessarily mirror the national economy. In 1991 the nation was entering a recession,
Submitted by Neil Johnson
but Spokane began a housing recovery that lasted 4 years and saw rents go up 30%+ and housing prices lift the same. Presently our stock of existing and new homes that are for sale is 25% less than what was available last year December. The issues that contribute to this low inventory include the lack of housing production, the low desire for baby boomers to sell, the high cost of housing in most of the larger metro areas to where people would move and both high in-migration and internal population growth. As in 1991, Spokane is becoming a target for growth. Contemporary conditions similar to the ’91 market include potential national recession and new job growth. In ’91 it was a SeaFirst Bank call center and a Boeing fabrication plant. In 2019 it will be an Amazon fulfillment center, an additional squadron of tankers at Fairchild AFB, and another call center. Those additional jobs will spawn yet more job creation, which will perpetuate our economic growth to levels we will not be able to comprehend. Where are all these people going to live? Have you ever heard of the term supply and demand?
CHANUKAH LATKES
Submitted by Larry Lapidus
INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT UNITED WAY. Spokane County
4 large Idaho baking potatoes 1 medium-sized yellow onion, peeled and cut into wedges 1 extra-large egg 4 tbsp matzo meal 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley and/or fresh chives Kosher or sea salt, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Flavorless vegetable oil or mild peanut oil, as needed for frying Chopped chives, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Scrub and peel the potatoes and place in a bowl of ice water to prevent discoloration and remove excess starch. Rub dry and cut into chunks. Place potatoes and onion wedges into food processor. Process until smooth. Pour mixture into a triple-mesh strainer over another bowl and place paper towels directly on top to keep it from turning brown. Let drain for 3 to 5 mins. 2. Cover wire cooling racks with doubled sheet of paper toweling. Pour vegetable oil into a 10-12” skillet (preferably cast iron) to measure 1/2”. Heat until the top looks shimmering but not smoking (365o F). 3. Pour the drained mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add egg, matzo meal, chopped parsley and/or chives and mix well with potato mixture. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4. Using 1/4 dry measuring cup, scoop portions of mixture and ease it into the hot oil. Use the bottom of the dry measure or a flat turning spatula (not a spoon) to flatten slightly. Fry until golden brown on both sides 5. Serve hot with fresh applesauce and garnish (optional) with chives and salt.
United Way brings together expertise, funding and volunteer support to positively impact health, education and financial stability. In partnership with others, United Way works to eliminate inequities experienced by low-income and diverse populations so that all people have a safe, healthy home environment, achieve their educational potential, and increase their financial stability.
LIVE
UNITED. Over 300 local nonprofit volunteer opportunities are waiting for you. Visit their website: UNITEDWAYSPOKANE.ORG to find a volunteer opportunity or donate to a cause that meets your needs and interests.
NOW TRENDING: TILE DESIGNS FOR THE NEW YEAR BOLD. The increased use of patterned TONES. Aside from the bold designs and geometric tiles is reflective of a renewed focus in home design with an emphasis on artisanship and craftsmanship. Bold colors, hexagon and intricate pattern designs are the trend. Use these as focal points rather than a complete concept to preserve the ‘likeability’ to a larger group of potential resale buyers.
2019. Tile trends come and go as evidenced by the new trends becoming popular with designers and home remodelers as we head into 2019. Subway designs are still popular and will likely retain their popularity for years to come, but they are giving up some ground to herringbone, fish-scale, mosaic, 3D, geometric and patterned tiles with bold color choices.
BIG. Another fantastic way to install traditional, rectangular tiles used in subway designs is to go vertical with the same tiles. One can create ‘height’ to a room with this design while still maintaining the benefits of off-set grout lines. Going ‘big’ with large format, rectangular tiles enhances the perception of increased size to a space.
already mentioned, color in the more traditional tile patterns will still be focused on the timeless selections of neutral and earth tones. A twist on these tones will be the increased implementation of wood-look tiles reflective of old, wood tones with grays being the hue of choice.
EASIER. Don’t forget the heated floor option for most any new installation. These systems are becoming easier and easier to install and come with thermostatic controls and timers.
Submitted by Dale Smith
Coldwell Banker Tomlinson 4102 S Regal St, Suite 201 Spokane, WA 99223
@HOME WITH
COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON CBTOMLINSON.COM
ISSUE 86 | DECEMBER 2018 ©2018 Coldwell Banker Tomlinson. All rights reserved. Each office is independently owned and operated. If you currently have an Agent assisting you with the purchase or sale of property, this is not a solicitation for business.
2017 2018 71 57 55 62 55 50 59 53 45 AVERAGE UP 14% 35 53 PRICE45 The average53 closed price 39for November 30 2018 was $264,046 compared to November 2017 when the average price was $231,531. (Does not represent home values.) 52 35 31 53 37 MEDIAN PRICE UP 14.3%35 The median 54 closed price43for November 33 2018 was $240,000 compared to November 2017 55 when the 44median price 35 was $209,975. (Does not represent home values.) 56 42 36 SALES DOWN 7.2% 45 homes 39 Closed sales59 of single family on less than one acre including condos for 60 total 655 49compared to November 2017 when the total was 706. November 2018 2016
SPOKANE REAL ESTATE MARKET STATISTICS
JAN
FEB
MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
INVENTORY DOWN 22.6%
Current inventory, as of this report totals 1,052 properties which represents a 1.6 months supply. (Months supply based on closed sales for August.) Information comes from the SAR’s Monthly Activity Report which looks at single family residential/site built properties on less than one acre and condominiums.
DAYS ON MARKET
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
2016
71
62
59
53
53
52
53
54
55
56
59
60
2017
57
55
53
45
39
35
37
43
44
42
45
49
2018
55
50
45
35
30
31
35
33
35
36
39
MARKET UPDATE Can’t find what you want? In this season of giving, sometimes there is also the stress of finding the “perfect” gift. Or maybe you waited until the last minute and now you’re feeling pressure to buy something. The holidays can make people rush to the sale, but when there isn’t enough, the competition can be fierce. Waiting to buy may be better. At times, we may forget to be grateful for what we already have. With this critically low supply of homes for sale, some may feel like they’re losing out, but just because you can’t find it now doesn’t mean you’ve lost. Perhaps waiting for later and being grateful for what you have now is the better choice. No planning can create a rushed frenzy. Take time with your Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agent to see if buying now or later is better. It could be worth the wait. Submitted by Cody Kerr
CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR DETAILED MARKET INFORMATION. CHRIS OLNEY | 509.981.6388 | OLNEY5560@MSN.COM