GAD Gives Back to Family Promise of Spokane
Ina pivotal move to bolster community engagement and advance industry standards, the Spokane Realtors are set to host the prestigious Governmental Affairs Directors (GAD) Institute for the first time in their city. Scheduled this July, this event promises to gather over 400 GADs from across the country for three days of intensive training and collaboration.
Darin Watkins, a key figure within the Spokane Realtors' organization the local GAD and a member of the National Governmental Affairs Committee with NAR, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity. "One of the key advantages of being on the National Governmental Affairs Committee with NAR is that members can submit their city to host the annual Governmental Affairs Directors (GAD’s) Institute," Watkins stated. "We were fortunate enough to be selected over Salt Lake and Orange County to host the 2024 GAD Institute in Spokane."
The timing of the institute is notably significant, coinciding with the anniversary of Expo '74, a milestone event in Spokane's history. This convergence is expected to spotlight Spokane on a national stage, showcasing its evolution and
prominence within the real estate sector.
Moreover, alongside hosting responsibilities, the Spokane Realtors are actively engaging in philanthropic efforts through their "GADs Give Back" campaign. Each GAD participating in the institute has been tasked with soliciting donations from their respective associations to support a local charity in the host city. This year's designated beneficiary is Family Promise, an organization dedicated to assisting families facing homelessness.
"A charity dedicated to helping families stay together when facing homelessness, Family Promise is our chosen recipient this year," Watkins emphasized. "Despitethedownturnintherealestateindustry,weare hopefulthiscanresultinasmuchas$25,000forthem.”
Watkins also highlighted the Spokane Realtors' recent involvement in community relief efforts during local emergencies. "When fire broke out last year in Medical Lake and up north near Elk, hundreds of people were hit by fire. Many lost their homes entirely," Watkins recalled. "Spokane REALTORS were fortunate to be on the ground early, with as much as $500,000 allotted from the REALTOR Relief Fund. That’s why we were among
the first to offer funding immediately for emergency resources. Right alongside us – was Family Promise. Even though their mission is primarily homelessness, they saw a need and raced in to join relief efforts."
The Spokane Realtors' proactive stance in organizing the GAD Institute and their commitment to community support reflect a broader initiative within the real estate industry to drive positive change amidst challenges. By leveraging their national network and resources, they aim not only to advance professional standards but also to make a substantial impact locally. This initiative underscores their dedication to not just adapting to change but actively shaping it, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships like those with Family Promise, the Spokane Realtors are not only strengthening their community ties but also setting a precedent for industry leadership in compassionate action and sustainable development.
Contribute to Family Promise of Spokane at official GAD Give Back link
Late Summer Sales: How to Grab Buyers’ Attention in August
JENNIFER MCGUIRE
Listing your home in the late summer might sound daunting. But selling a home in August can be a good strategy, as the market is typically active with buyers motivated to move for the new school year or to settle in before the holidays. Make your property stand out with these easy-toimplement strategies.
Leverage the Longer Summer Days
Longer days mean you have more daylight hours to show your home. Daytime showings allow sunlight to flood your rooms to better highlight architectural details, finishes and flooring. In general, natural light makes spaces appear larger, warmer and more inviting.
Keep Up the Curb Appeal
First impressions are crucial. You’ll need to be at the top of your outdoor maintenance game. That
means grass is always cut, weeds are pulled and shrubs are trimmed. Other essential tasks include power washing the exterior, cleaning windows and touching up paint where needed. Work with your real estate agent to understand the best way to bump up your curb appeal within your budget.
Show Off Your Outdoor Spaces
Maybe you have a spacious deck or a thriving garden. It’s worth spending a little time staging these areas to highlight them as extensions of your living space. Be sure these spaces are clean, inviting and free of weeds or debris. Consider adding some outdoor lighting to create ambiance and emphasize features like walkways, trees or sitting areas.
Add Seasonal Touches
Turn up the summertime charm with a few easy touches both outdoors and indoors. Add late-summer
blooming plants like asters and mums near your front door. Place fresh, seasonal flowers around your home to add color and fragrance. Incorporate pillows and throws in late summer colors like deep yellows and oranges. Another appreciated touch: Add a tray of lemonade and glasses to your counter or island for open houses or showings. Lastly, August can get hot and muggy! Keep your air conditioning running at a comfortable temperature so your guests have a distraction-free touring experience. With a few extra steps, you can capture the magic of summer season and help potential buyers picture themselves relaxing on your deck with a cool drink. Remember these buyers are highly motivated, so make your property the one that shines!
NOTES
Two of the summer's best fruits, tomatoes and peaches, come together beautifully in a peach salsa that is bright and sweet but also full of zest and spice. This beautiful peach salsa can be enjoyed on its own with some chips or crunchy veggies, or is perfect on tacos, on top of a grilled fish, or on a summer salad.
INGREDIENTS
Fresh Peach Salsa
• 3 medium-size fresh peaches (about 1 ¼ lb. total), pitted and diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup quartered multicolored cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
• 1/2 small serrano chile, cut into thin rings
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 2 Tablespoons fresh juice (from 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1. Chop everything to a similar size. You'll want to start with the bigger ingredients, such as the peaches, tomatoes, and red onions, and keep their dice about the same size so it'll be a good blend.
2. Then, you can add in the cilantro, serrano, lime, salt, and chili powder so that everything in the bowl is evenly coated. As these are pretty juicy fruits and their liquids may settle, it's a good idea to give the salsa a final stir just before serving.
3. Let stand 5 minutes at room temperature before serving, stirring occasionally.
HOME TRENDS: BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENTS
As temperatures soar during the summer months, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills can be a challenge. Embracing energy-efficient home improvements is not only good for your wallet but also for the environment. Here are some trending upgrades to help you beat the heat this summer.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a
consistent indoor temperature. Consider upgrading your attic and wall insulation to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering your home. This helps reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, leading to lower energy consumption.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Old, drafty windows can be a significant source of heat gain. Installing energy-efficient
windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass can reflect heat away from your home while allowing natural light to enter. Adding window films or shades can further enhance their efficiency.
Opt for Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely and set schedules that align with your daily routines. These devices learn your preferences and adjust settings automatically, ensuring optimal energy use and comfort.
Seal Leaks and Cracks
Inspect your home for any leaks or cracks around doors, windows, and vents. Sealing these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk prevents cool air from escaping and hot air from entering, improving your home's overall energy efficiency.
Implementing these energy-efficient home improvements can make a substantial difference in your comfort and energy costs during the sweltering summer months. Stay cool, save money, and contribute to a greener planet by making your home more energy-efficient this season.
$618,437 1,553 1,347 12 80 $443,500 $547,875 527 292 2,891 1,520
Market Insights
In June 2024, the real estate market in Spokane, Washington, and Kootenai County, Idaho, showcased distinct trends.
In Spokane, the average selling price dipped slightly to $481,203, down 0.6% from June 2023. The current inventory reached 1,553 properties, a 31.1% increase from last year, representing a 2.6month supply, which still indicates a seller's market. Closed sales decreased by 23.2% to 527 compared to the previous year. Interest rates fluctuated throughout the month, ending slightly lower at 6.83% as the Federal Reserve held off again on rate cuts due to inflation concerns.
In Kootenai County, the average sales price stood at $618,437, with inventory increasing by 13.1% to 1,347 properties. Closed sales rose to 292, up nearly 10% from May 2024. Despite increased inventory, high demand continues to sustain prices, though at a slower pace.
Consult with your Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agent as interest rates continue to drop, and many buyers and sellers return to the market, anticipating a busy summer