Exploring Lennar’s 2 New Communities in Latah Valley

  Lennar is expanding their reach in Spokane with two exciting new communities in the Latah Valley: Meadowlane Greens and Tangle Ridge. These developments are set to bring a range of beautiful new homes to the area, offering options for various budgets and lifestyles. If you’re considering a move to this part of Spokane, here’s a detailed look at what to expect.   Location Overview: Why Latah Valley? The Latah Valley is a desirable area just southwest of downtown Spokane, offering a blend of natural beauty and convenient access to the city. Nestled along Highway 195, this location gives you the best of both worlds—peaceful suburban living with quick access to downtown Spokane and beyond. If you’ve heard me talk about Eagle Ridge before, you’ll know how much I rave about this well-planned community, and Lennar is now adding its own touch to this popular area.   Meadowlane Greens: From Golf Course to Community Meadowlane Greens has an interesting backstory. It used to be a nine-hole, par-three golf course, but Lennar purchased the land and is now transforming it into a neighborhood with 31 homes. Priced between $450,000 and $650,000, these homes feature familiar floor plans like the Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet, which offer three to four bedrooms and two to two-and-a-half baths. These range from 1,600 to 2,000 square feet, with larger options like the Hawthorne and Benton offering even more space. One standout feature of Meadow Lane Greens is the larger-than-average backyard sizes. For a new construction community, this is a rare find, especially when compared to similar Lennar developments like Woodridge and Stone Hill. Some homes even offer extra privacy with no rear neighbors, backing onto open spaces or drainage areas.   Tangle Ridge: A More Exclusive Feel Just up the hill, Tangle Ridge offers larger homes and a more exclusive community feel. Homes here are priced between $550,000 and $750,000 and include both two-story and single-level options. If you’re looking for more space or a premium view, this might be the spot for you. Several homes back up to incredible views of Tower Mountain and the surrounding natural beauty, and some lots even extend beyond their fences, giving you the option to create your own trail down to the walking paths below.   Traffic and Infrastructure Concerns One of the main issues to be aware of in Latah Valley is the traffic. With only a few entry and exit points, it’s not uncommon to see bottlenecks, especially during rush hour or when construction is happening. Thankfully, improvements are on the way, with new bridges and road expansions planned to help alleviate some of this congestion.   Community Perks: Living in Latah Valley Despite the traffic concerns, living in Latah Valley has plenty of perks. You’ll find miles of walking trails, multiple parks, splash pads, and community events like movies in the park. If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community, this is a great option. However, if you’re not into suburban life, Latah Valley might not be for you. It’s quintessential suburbia, but it comes with plenty of amenities that make it an attractive choice for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle close to nature.   Privacy and Lot Layouts One of the unique features of both Meadow Lane Greens and Tangle Ridge is the layout of the lots. Many homes enjoy more privacy than you might expect in a new development, with fewer direct neighbors or homes backing up to open spaces. This gives you a bit more breathing room compared to other, more densely packed communities.   Lennar’s Signature Features Lennar’s homes in these communities come with their signature "Everything's Included" package, meaning your new home will come with quartz countertops, wood cabinets, vinyl fencing, and even landscaping like green grass in the backyard—all included in the price. There’s no need to worry about extra costs or upgrades after you move in. Lennar also tends to offer great incentives, especially as we head into the winter months, so you could benefit from interest rate cuts or closing cost coverage if you act soon. If you’re looking for a well-planned, family-friendly community with modern homes and plenty of amenities, Latah Valley—especially the new Lennar communities—could be a perfect fit. Whether you prefer the more affordable Meadow Lane Greens or the larger, more exclusive homes in Tangle Ridge, there’s something for everyone. However, be mindful of the potential traffic issues, and make sure to get in early if you want to secure a lot with the best views or the most privacy. Prices are still relatively low, and as construction progresses, those prices are likely to go up. If you’re interested in buying a home in Meadowlane Greens, Tangle Ridge, or anywhere else in Spokane, I’d love to be your real estate resource. Feel free to call, text, or email me anytime. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next update!

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Spokane Real Estate Market Predictions: What Zillow and CoreLogic Forecast for 2025

  If you're keeping an eye on the Spokane real estate market, you might be curious about what the future holds for home prices. Zillow just released their mid-year price predictions, and things look a little different from the boom we've seen in recent years. In this blog post, we'll break down the predictions from Zillow, CoreLogic, and other industry leaders, as well as check in on some of the forecasts I made earlier this year. Let's dive in. Zillow’s 2025 Spokane Home Price Forecast Zillow recently released its national home price forecast, predicting a modest 0.9% increase across the U.S. in 2025, with the average home price hovering around $366,000. However, when we zoom into Spokane, things look a bit more subdued. Zillow predicts that Spokane’s home prices will increase by just 0.5% year-over-year, a stark contrast to the double-digit jumps we’ve seen in recent years. While this may seem low, it's a sign that prices are stabilizing rather than plummeting. If you’re a buyer wondering when prices will drop, this indicates that while they won’t rise rapidly, they're unlikely to drop significantly either. CoreLogic’s More Grim Outlook CoreLogic, another major player in real estate data, takes a more pessimistic view of Spokane’s housing market. They’ve listed Spokane as one of the top five markets most at risk for price declines in 2025. According to their data, there’s a 70% chance that home prices could decrease. However, it’s important to put this in perspective. When people hear “price decline,” they might think of a sharp drop, but even a 0.5% decline could mean just a $2,000 difference on a $400,000 home—not exactly a massive drop. What About Interest Rates? Interest rates have been a hot topic lately. While many expected rates to climb higher, we've actually seen a drop in mortgage rates in recent months. Currently, rates are around 6.1% to 6.2%. Predictions from the Mortgage Bankers Association and Fannie Mae suggest that rates could trickle down slightly, ending 2025 at around 5.9%. However, this isn’t a huge change from where we are today, meaning we’re not likely to see much relief in terms of financing costs in the near future. My 2024 Predictions So Far: A Mid-Year Check-In At the start of the year, I made a few predictions about Spokane’s real estate market. Let’s see how they’re shaping up so far: Interest Rates: I predicted rates would hold steady for the first half of the year and drop slightly by 0.5-0.75% by the end of the year. So far, rates have dropped from around 7.8% to 6.1%, and while the Federal Reserve rate hasn’t shifted much, mortgage rates have come down. Closed Sales: I anticipated about 1,500 more homes would sell this year, but the actual increase has been modest—about 30 more homes closed year-to-date, reflecting a slow market. Home Prices: I predicted a 4% increase in home prices for 2024, but so far, we’ve only seen about a 1.2% increase year-over-year. Affordability: Unfortunately, I was right in predicting that affordability wouldn’t improve. Prices have remained relatively high, and interest rates haven’t dropped enough to make a significant impact on affordability. Investor Activity: I expected investors to return to the market, but while there has been some activity, particularly with flippers, rental property investments have slowed due to high interest rates and low cash flow potential. New Construction Prices: I predicted that new construction prices would hold steady, but they’ve actually dropped by over 10% since early 2023, bringing them closer in line with resale homes. The Road Ahead: 2025 Predictions and What to Expect Looking ahead to 2025, the general consensus seems to be that the market will stabilize, with modest price increases and relatively steady interest rates. Zillow predicts a 0.5% increase in Spokane home prices, while CoreLogic sees a potential decline, though likely a small one. Interest rates are expected to hover around 5.9%, meaning we’re not likely to see a drastic improvement in affordability. For buyers, this could be a sign to stop waiting for major price drops and consider entering the market while things remain steady. Let’s Talk About Your Plans What are your thoughts on the real estate market for the rest of 2024 and into 2025? Are you planning to jump in now, or are you holding out for more favorable conditions? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s on your mind. If you’re thinking about moving to Spokane or want more detailed information about the market, feel free to reach out! Use the links below to schedule a meeting, download our relocation guide, or explore more resources. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next update!

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Inside Spokane's Exclusive River Bluff Estates: A $5 Million Dream Home Tour

  Welcome to River Bluff Estates, one of the most exclusive gated communities in North Spokane. Nestled among towering trees with the peaceful sound of the river in the background, this pristine neighborhood boasts some of the most luxurious homes in the Spokane area. Today, we're diving into an absolutely stunning custom French country estate. A big thank you to the Farr Group for letting us showcase this breathtaking property. First Impressions of a French Country Dream Upon entering, you're immediately struck by the craftsmanship and elegance of this home. With six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and 8,300 square feet of space set on 6.6 wooded acres, this property is a rare find. The average price in River Bluff Estates hovers around $2.5 million, but this home, listed at $4.9 million, is a true showstopper. Every inch of this house has been meticulously customized. Primary Suite: Luxury and Serenity We begin our tour in the primary bedroom, a spacious retreat with a custom gas fireplace, chandelier, and French doors that open to a private balcony and hot tub. The seamless transition between the custom flooring and the natural light pouring in creates a cozy yet grand atmosphere. The ensuite bathroom is jaw-dropping: a clawfoot tub, double vanities, a massive walk-in steam shower, and a master closet bigger than most homes' first floors. This suite is a perfect example of the thoughtful luxury that runs throughout the home. Spacious Bedrooms and Seamless Design The secondary bedroom on the main floor also boasts an ensuite bathroom with beautiful custom tile work. Throughout the house, every detail has been considered, from the floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the home with natural light to the seamless thresholds that make each room feel open and airy. A Home Office Like No Other For those who work from home, this house offers a dream setup. A private office space with glass doors, custom chandeliers, and French doors opening to the front yard create a professional yet welcoming environment. Plus, who wouldn’t love working from home in a space with a cozy fireplace? Butler’s Pantry and Gourmet Kitchen The butler’s kitchen is another highlight, featuring a Thermador built-in refrigerator and ice crusher, seamlessly integrated into the custom cabinetry. This is the kind of kitchen that any aspiring chef would love—complete with high-end appliances and plenty of prep space. Upstairs Oasis The second floor is home to four more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cozy sitting area with stunning views of the surrounding trees. Each bedroom has its own unique chandelier and design touches, and the upstairs also boasts its own sauna and laundry room for added convenience. Outdoor Living at Its Finest Where this house truly shines is its outdoor space. The backyard is an entertainer’s paradise with an in-ground pool, a covered cabana with a fireplace, and an outdoor kitchen that looks straight out of a cooking show. Surrounded by lush trees and beautifully landscaped, it feels like your own private resort. The Guest House and More As if the main house weren’t enough, there’s also a guest house complete with a greenhouse, woodshop, and even a dog-washing station. The guest house features its own living area, kitchen, and bedroom, making it perfect for visitors or as an Airbnb rental.   This home in River Bluff Estates is nothing short of extraordinary. From the custom details and luxurious finishes to the serene outdoor space, it offers a level of opulence rarely seen in Spokane. Whether you're interested in setting up a private viewing or you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in Spokane real estate, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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