Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Blog

Many farmers are eager to share the fruits of their harvest with customers around our Spokane homes for sale. Rather than heading all the way out to a local farm, though, why not stop by one of Spokane's many farmers markets instead? Fresh local produce is one of the many perks of living in the Spokane area.

The markets listed below are some of the most popular in the city – and best of all, many of them offer afternoon and evening hours to make shopping even more convenient for you.

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View our comprehensive Kootenai Country real estate market report for the month of July!

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 July Market Report PDF here.

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

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

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 July Market Report PDF here.

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

Ready for a memorable meal here in Spokane? Our real estate agents are on the case.

Why not top off a day looking at Spokane homes for sale with a dinner that will refresh and rejuvenate you? One of the best ways to make delicious food even more satisfying is to enjoy it outdoors. Spokane has natural beauty and fresh air that will add the perfect complement to your cuisine.

Let's drop in on just a handful of the many great patio dining options in Spokane:

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Home Repairs that Can't Wait

Delta Media Group

Home improvement can be costly and time-consuming, so it's no surprise that many homeowners put off making repairs as long as possible. Smaller repairs can usually be safely left until the timing is more advantageous, perhaps when you have more money in the bank or some vacation time. There are some repairs, however, that should be taken care of as soon as possible. These home repairs are so important that failing to make them could result in serious injury and increased costs.

1. Electrical System
   Some home improvement projects include work on the electrical system, such as installing a ceiling fan or changing a light switch. These are examples of repairs that can be done whenever you can fit them into your schedule. Some electrical problems require immediate action, though. These include unexplained circuit breaker failures, flickering or inconstant lighting, and switch plates and outlet covers that feel warm or hot. If you notice any of these problems, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
   
   
2. Roofing
   The roof is an important part of your home's defense against the elements. Leaks, missing or damaged shingles, and sagging areas need to be addressed as soon as you notice them. A sagging roof could collapse under the weight of snow or heavy wind and may indicate other problems like improper attic ventilation. In addition, small leaks and damaged areas can lead to big problems like rotted support beams, mold growth, and an overall weakened structure.
   
   
3. Foundation
   Foundation cracks are a fairly common problem, but many people choose to ignore them when they're small. This leads to their spread and growth, eventually becoming so problematic that it can cost many thousands of dollars to repair. While smaller cracks don't typically contribute to structural instability, as they grow larger, they increasingly undermine the foundation's integrity. In extreme cases, this can lead to the collapse of the entire home. Have foundation problems been addressed as soon as they arise, both to save money and ensure safety?
   
   
4. Gas Lines
   Gas leaks in your home can be extremely dangerous. Natural gas and propane are dense and have a tendency to "sink" below regular air. They pool in the low areas of your home, meaning that you're more likely to smell them (they smell like sulfur; "rotten eggs") on the first floor or in the basement if you have one. Anytime you smell gas, or even think you smell gas, get yourself and your family out of the home immediately and call the gas company from outside. Repairs to gas lines should be made before you return to your home, and only by experienced professionals.
   
   
5. Plumbing
   Water leaks and damaged pipes give mold a perfect environment to take hold in your walls, and you may not notice a leak until long after it started. Should you notice any dark spots or weakened areas in walls, or water bills that seem abnormally high, it's important to find the cause and address it before it leads to larger problems.

Managing Home Improvement Tasks

It can be tempting to leave smaller home improvement tasks until "later," but keep in mind that doing so could cost you more in the long run. Not every repair constitutes an emergency, but that doesn't mean that non-emergency repairs should be ignored. Keep on top of home maintenance and repairs by keeping a checklist of necessary tasks; focus on completing one each weekend or each month. This will help you keep your home improvement projects from piling up and becoming major problems.

Coldwell Banker Scores First in Agent Satisfaction. Again.

Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." 

The real estate professionals across the Coldwell Banker brand are passionate about their industry – and about their brand. For the third time, Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranked #1 in agent satisfaction in the annual "Agent Priorities" report conducted by Quester.

Designed to keep what's important to agents top of mind, the report zeroes in on topics such as work/life balance, brand image, support, tools, and culture. Knowing what makes an agent more likely to stay with a company is a key component in what brokerages can do to foster positive work environments and grow their agents' businesses.

On a local level, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson combines the strength of the national tools with additional services designed to help our Realtors® list, sell, and learn.

Full-time managing brokers are in place to provide immediate assistance. Offices are staffed with Agent Services Experts (ASEs) to help with marketing, paperwork, and training. A company-wide marketing team is in place to create campaigns that support current market trends, listing types, and services.

With continuing education an important aspect of any business, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson offers in-house classes, regular lunch 'n' learn trainings, continuing education at no cost, and national certifications and classes.

To read the results of the report, visit the Coldwell Banker Blue Matter blog.

Founded in 2012 by three-time World Series champion pitcher Jeremy Affeldt, Generation Alive's mission is to empower youth to compassionately engage the needs of their community through action and service.

Organized in groups of 10-20 students identified as rising student leaders, they call them Action Teams for a reason.

Partnering with schools, churches and other youth-serving community organizations, Action Teams work to identify needs in the community and present a call-to-action to their peers in assemblies. Whether it's educating peers on food insecurity or project fundraising, students involved with Generation Alive have time and time again shown that they will rise to the occasion.

"We've seen classrooms face off in change drive competitions or students go door to door asking neighbors and friends alike to contribute to the campaign," Generation Alive states. "We make sure that students have the guidance they need to make creative fundraising asks and make sure donors know their dollars are safe and well spent."

After weeks of fundraising, supplies are purchased and returned to the school or group meeting space to help catalyze turning the funds raised into a positive impact in the community.

Matt Bergman supports the efforts of the Generation Alive and is helping to spread awareness about how people can get involved and give back.

"I've seen first-hand all the good that it can do," Bergman said. "It means a lot to me. To think a kid is not going to school or doing well in school because they are missing out on some basic needs hurts me. Knowing there is an organization that has proven to help changes lives. I know when I donate to them the money and recourses are going to be put to good use."

What started in 2012 with one program and 200 participants has grown to nearly 30 programs and 20,000 participants each year.

For people looking to get involved or donate, there are many ways to give. From sponsoring an Action Team to various fundraising events and donation opportunities, getting involved not only helps support the community, but also promotes youth leadership and involvement in public service.

For more information about Generation Alive, visit generationalive.org, call 509-747-6054 or email hello@generationalive.org.

Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months.

There's always something going on in Spokane! And with a wide range of festivals lined up this summer, it's an especially great time of year to head outside for some great live music.

Some of our real estate agents' favorite festivals and events are coming back this season, so be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming summer music festivals in the Spokane area!

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