The Most Fun Things to Do in Spokane for Every Personality

  Whether you're into adrenaline-pumping adventures, live music, local shopping, great food, or just a quiet day with a good book, Spokane has something for everyone. In this post, we'll explore the most fun things to do in Spokane, no matter what kind of personality you have. So, if you're thinking about moving here or just looking for something new to do, stick around—this guide has you covered!   For the Outdoors Enthusiasts Spokane is a haven for outdoor lovers. Whether it’s snow sports in the winter or lake activities in the summer, there’s always something to do if you love the great outdoors. Winter Adventures: Mount Spokane and Schweitzer Mountain are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Mount Spokane is just an hour away, while Schweitzer offers 29,000 acres of prime skiing terrain. For those who prefer snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, Riverside State Park and Mount Spokane have trails for a slower-paced winter adventure. Spring & Fall: As the snow melts, it’s time to hit the trails. Riverside State Park, Dishman Hills, and the Centennial Trail are local favorites for hiking. In the fall, visit Green Bluff to pick apples, navigate corn mazes, and enjoy the crisp autumn weather with a fresh cup of cider—perfect for an Instagram-worthy experience. Summer Fun: Within an hour of Spokane, you'll find 76 lakes, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating. Lake Coeur d'Alene is a favorite for boating enthusiasts, and if you don't own a boat, rental options and subscription models make lake life accessible.   For the Music Lovers If music is your thing, Spokane has plenty to offer, especially in the summer. Riverfront Park Pavilion is a prime venue for outdoor concerts. You can catch everything from local bands to national acts. Spokane also hosts multiple music festivals, including Pig Out in the Park, Volume Music Festival, and the new Boom Jam. For year-round music: The Knitting Factory brings in a mix of national and local bands across various genres. For a more intimate experience, check out the Bing Crosby Theater or The Fox Theater, where you can enjoy jazz, classical music, and more. For vinyl lovers, Spokane boasts several record stores like 4000 Holes and Resurrection Records.   For the Local Shoppers Love finding unique and locally made items? Spokane has you covered. The Garland District is a haven for vintage finds and quirky boutiques. Its retro vibe makes shopping here an experience. Monroe Street District is lined with antique shops and small boutiques where you can find that perfect piece of vintage furniture or a unique knickknack. For more boutique shopping, check out First Avenue Downtown for even more local gems.   For the Foodies & Craft Beer Enthusiasts Spokane’s food and craft beer scene is thriving. One of the best ways to explore the city’s breweries is by bike. Routes like the Centennial Trail connect various breweries, including No-Li Brewhouse, Brick West Brewing, Iron Goat, and Uprise Brewing. If you’re into food trucks, check out Food Truck Fridays or Riverfront Eats during the summer. Spokane’s food truck scene is diverse and delicious. For an unforgettable dining experience, explore restaurants like Wild Sage for farm-to-table dining or Yards Bruncheon for a standout breakfast. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Spokane Restaurant Week, a perfect time to sample the city's culinary offerings at a discount.   For the Quiet Souls If your idea of a perfect day involves a good book and a quiet space, Spokane has plenty of options for you too. Visit Auntie’s Bookstore or Page 42 to find your next great read. Then, head to a local tea shop like Revival Tea Company or Luminary Tea for a relaxing afternoon. Revival Tea is one of the fastest-growing tea companies in the country, offering everything from traditional teas to boba. For board game lovers, Uncle’s Games is right next to Auntie’s Bookstore, and if you’re into Dungeons & Dragons, check out Natural 20 Brewing Company, a board game-inspired brewery.   For the Film Buffs If indie films and cult classics are more your speed, Spokane’s small theaters won’t disappoint. Magic Lantern Theater and Garland Theater are known for showing offbeat films and classic movies. The intimate setting makes for a unique movie-going experience. Support local theaters by catching a film at one of these Spokane staples. Spokane Truly Has Something for Everyone As you can see, Spokane offers something for every type of personality. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a live music enthusiast, a local shopper, a foodie, or someone who enjoys a quieter day with a good book, Spokane has plenty to keep you entertained.

View more

Buying a Home in Spokane is About to Change – Here's What You Need to Know

  Buying a home in Spokane is about to undergo some significant changes, and it's likely not in the way you might have expected. Recent legal settlements within the real estate industry are reshaping how homebuyers and sellers navigate the market, and these changes will impact how you purchase or sell a home in Spokane. Let’s dive into what’s new and how it could affect your next move. Recent Legal Settlements Shake Up the Real Estate Industry Earlier this year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was involved in a massive lawsuit surrounding transparency in real estate commissions. The result? A $418 million settlement and a series of new rules designed to create a more transparent process for buyers and sellers alike. But what do these new rules mean for you, whether you're buying or selling a home in Spokane? Let’s break it down.   What’s Changing in Real Estate Transactions? The most immediate and impactful change is that real estate agents must now have a signed buyer representation agreement before showing any private properties, including virtual tours. This is a significant shift from the past when agents could show homes without needing any formal agreement upfront. What Is a Buyer Representation Agreement? This agreement outlines how much an agent will be compensated, and here’s where things get interesting. In the past, when a seller listed a home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), the buyer’s agent’s compensation was also listed, typically covered by the seller. However, under the new rules, this information will no longer be publicly displayed on the MLS. How Does This Impact Buyers and Sellers? For Buyers: You’ll need to have a clear discussion with your agent about their fees before you start house hunting. You’ll need to know exactly what they’re charging and whether that aligns with what the seller is offering, or if you’ll need to cover the difference. Gone are the days of assuming the seller will automatically cover your agent’s commission—everything is now up for negotiation. For Sellers: You’ll need to be strategic in how you compensate buyer agents. While you can still offer compensation as before, it’s no longer automatically displayed on the MLS. You and your listing agent will need to decide whether to publicly offer a commission amount or remain open to negotiations based on the offers you receive from buyer agents. Clearing Up Common Myths With these changes, there has been some confusion. Let’s debunk a few myths floating around about these new real estate rules: Myth #1: Buyers Will Always Pay Out of Pocket for Realtor Commissions While it’s true that buyers may need to cover some agent fees in certain situations, it’s not the norm. Sellers can still choose to offer compensation to buyer agents, but this will now be negotiated rather than automatically displayed upfront. Myth #2: Buyers Must Sign a Representation Agreement for Every Home Viewing It’s easy to assume that with this new rule, you’ll need to sign an agreement for every home you view. However, while a formal agreement is required for private showings, you can still attend open houses or approach the listing agent directly without signing anything. Myth #3: You Can’t Buy or Sell Without a Realtor You’ve always had the option to buy or sell without an agent, and that hasn’t changed. However, with the new rules, there is a greater emphasis on transparency and clear agreements before any deals are made. While it’s possible to go it alone, most buyers and sellers benefit from having professional representation.   How These Changes Affect Spokane Buyers and Sellers If you’re looking to buy a home in Spokane, these new rules mean you need to have upfront conversations with your agent about their fees and the services they’ll provide. The days of assuming the seller will cover everything are over, so make sure you know how these changes might affect your budget. For sellers, it’s more important than ever to be deliberate in how you list your property and compensate buyer agents. Offering competitive compensation to buyer agents can still be a key factor in attracting offers, but you’ll need to discuss these details with your listing agent before listing your home.   The Key Takeaway: Transparency is King These changes are designed to make the homebuying process more transparent, but they also introduce new challenges. Whether you’re buying or selling, the most important thing you can do is ensure you’re having clear, informed conversations with your real estate agent. If your agent isn’t taking the time to walk you through these new rules, you might want to seek further guidance. Need Help Navigating Spokane’s Changing Real Estate Market? If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Spokane and want to understand how these changes might affect your situation, feel free to reach out. You can schedule a meeting with me, or download our relocation guide for more information on the Spokane area.

View more

Spokane Real Estate Update: What’s Next for 2024?

  The first half of 2024 in Spokane’s real estate market showed resilience, but the second half might tell a different story. Inventory is climbing, yet prices are holding steady. What does this mean for the future? Will we see downward pressure on prices soon? And how long will this current market last? Let’s dive in and find out what the rest of the year could bring.   Market Trends and Pricing As we look back on the year, it's clear that Spokane's real estate market is cyclical. Prices typically rise during the summer months and dip in the winter. This year has been no exception, with a nearly 10% difference in pricing between January and the peak summer months. If you're thinking of buying, waiting until winter might give you a better deal. Currently, the average sales price is $436,000, just slightly down from last month but still up half a percent from last year. Essentially, prices have remained stable year over year.   Sales Volume and Inventory While we've seen sales volume increase throughout the first half of the year, things have started to slow down during the summer. The month's supply of inventory has risen significantly, with some neighborhoods in Spokane even transitioning into a buyer's market. For instance, certain pockets of Spokane have six to eight months of inventory, especially in the $600,000 to $800,000 price range. This could present opportunities for buyers, particularly if you’re looking at homes where the sellers are already feeling the pressure of double mortgage payments.   Pricing Strategies for Sellers If you're a seller in today’s market, it's crucial to understand different pricing strategies. Whether you're aiming for aspirational pricing, market value, or even auction pricing, how you position your home can determine whether it sits on the market or sells quickly. Right now, many sellers are pricing too high, expecting 2020 prices, while buyers are acting like it’s 2008.   Buyer Opportunities and Challenges For buyers, there are deals to be had, especially in certain price ranges. Many buyers are holding out for the right deal, which can lead to multiple offers when a well-priced property hits the market. Additionally, if you’re trying to decide whether to buy or rent, keep in mind that the cost of homeownership has risen significantly, making renting a viable option for some.   Despite the market challenges, people are still buying homes in Spokane for various reasons. Whether it’s relocating for a new job, moving closer to family, or seeking a better quality of life, Spokane continues to attract new residents. The job market here is strong, with many newcomers finding in-person jobs rather than working remotely. Everyone's situation is unique, which is why I highly recommend scheduling a meeting with me to discuss your specific needs. Whether you're buying or selling, we can explore the best options for you in Spokane’s current market.

View more