M AY 2 0 2 5
@HOME N E W S L E T T E R
ISSUE 163
The Ultimate Checklist for Selling Your Home CARMA STAHNKE
re you ready to make a move? With the real estate market heating up, now may be the perfect time to list. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that selling your home quickly for top dollar requires careful planning
A
Set the Right Price Pricing your residence correctly is one of the most important aspects of selling. If you ask too much, you might scare off buyers; too little, and you risk leaving money on the table. Your agent will pull a
repairs. Weigh these requests thoughtfully, as they may delay the sale. If an offer needs some adjusting, a skilled agent can navigate you through the process and find a mutually agreeable solution.
and preparation.
list of comparable homes in your area to determine a competitive price that creates buzz and attracts the
Prepare for Closing Once you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer will
Declutter, Depersonalize and Deep Clean Buyers want to envision themselves living in the
largest possible pool of buyers.
likely schedule an inspection and appraisal. If any issues are revealed, your agent may have to
space, so begin by removing personal items like family photos, knick-knacks and excess furniture to create an
Market for Maximum Exposure The vast majority of motivated buyers are
renegotiate the terms and price. As these details are being ironed out, you can focus on putting your
airy, open environment. Be sure to clean carpets, wash windows, scrub bathrooms and polish hardwood
searching online, so it’s crucial that your property appears across high-traffic websites and social
moving plan in place. Consider the timing of the closing date to ensure a smooth transition.
floors. Fix any leaky faucets, cracked tiles or chipped paint so the beauty of your home shines through.
media platforms. Your agent will arrange for quality photography and video to be used in both digital and
Seal the Deal
Hire a Real Estate Agent
print advertising, ensuring a positive impression and drawing potential buyers in. Open houses are
On closing day, you’ll meet with the buyer, the buyer’s agent and possibly the title company to
another great way to generate wide-scale interest for a quick sale.
finalize all terms. You’ll sign the final documents, and the buyer will transfer the funds. Once the paperwork is complete, the property officially changes ownership, and you can hand over the keys! Selling your home is a big undertaking, but with a mapped-out strategy and expert guidance, you can achieve a successful, financially beneficial outcome.
While you could sell your home on your own, working with a real estate agent can significantly ease your stress while simplifying the process. You should choose a professional with a proven track record – someone who understands the market and is wellversed in selling properties like yours. You might want to interview a few agents to find one who appreciates your needs, communicates regularly and has experience in your neighborhood.
Negotiate Offers Once offers start coming in, your agent will help you thoroughly review them. You want to consider the full terms of each offer, not just the price, and be prepared to counter-offer. Some buyers may ask for contingencies, such as credit for upgrades or
Creating a Home Office That’s Functional and Stylish CARMA STAHNKE
equally important – floating shelves, filing cabinets, or built-in bookcases keep clutter at bay without
Make It Work for You A home office should support your work style.
personality. Whether you’re working remotely full-time, running a business or simply need a quiet place to focus, a well-designed home office can boost productivity while blending seamlessly with
overwhelming the room. Blend Functionality with Design An office that looks good feels good. Choose
If you spend hours on video calls, position your desk near a neutral, well-lit backdrop. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, add a sit-stand desk to keep energy levels up. Soundproofing elements like rugs,
your home’s décor.
a color scheme that complements the rest of your home while setting the right mood. Cool tones like
curtains, or even noise-canceling panels can help if you need a quieter space.
Choose the Right Space Not every home has a spare room waiting to
blue and green promote focus, while warm neutrals create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Personal touches
The Final Touches
be transformed into an office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a functional workspace. Look for
– like framed artwork, decorative storage boxes, or a stylish area rug – add character without sacrificing
The best home offices strike a balance between style and efficiency. A few well-placed plants
underused areas, like a nook in the living room, a corner of the bedroom or even a converted closet. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not an option, layered lighting – overhead, task and ambient – can brighten
professionalism.
can improve air quality and bring a bit of nature indoors. A designated space for breaks – like a cozy chair for reading or a coffee station – can make long workdays more enjoyable.
up the space and reduce eye strain.
and makes work more enjoyable. Opt for smart storage solutions like labeled bins, drawer organizers and pegboards to keep essentials within reach. Cable management is another must – cord covers or cable trays can tidy up messy wires and maintain a polished look.
A
dedicated home office isn’t just a workspace – it’s an extension of your home’s style and
Invest in Comfortable, Practical Furniture A home office should be as comfortable as it is efficient. An ergonomic chair and a sturdy desk are non-negotiable. If space is tight, consider a wallmounted desk or a sleek writing table. Storage is
Keep Organization in Mind A well-organized office reduces distractions
With the right design choices, your home office can be both a productive workspace and a reflection of your personal style – proof that function and aesthetics don’t have to be at odds.
Home Recipes with Coldwell Banker Tomlinson
Courtesy of tasteofhome.com
Melon Caprese Skewers INGREDIENTS • ½ cup Basil Vinaigrette (recipe below)
For the basil vinaigrette
• 1 small cantaloupe scooped into balls
• 1 shallot roughly chopped
• 1 small honeydew scooped into balls
• 2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves stems removed (about 4 ounces)
• 1 small seedless watermelon scooped into balls
• 1 clove garlic
• 20 fresh water-packed mozzarella balls
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 10 thin slices prosciutto cut in half lengthwise, gathered into ruffle
• ½ cup olive oil
• Small wooden skewers about 4-6 inches long
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Sea salt • Freshly cracked black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS NOTES Seeing as how summer is upon us, and it's all about entertaining, try this favorite appetizer, bite sized snack that you can make, bring, serve, devour all summer long.
1.
Thread an assortment of the ingredients on the skewer - melon ball, basil leaf, mozzarella ball, ruffled prosciutto etc.
2.
Arrange skewers on platter. Drizzle with basil vinaigrette and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
HOME TRENDS: SPRING STYLING SECRETS TO STAGE YOUR HOME TO SELL FAST home, so clear out personal photos, bulky furniture, and overly specific decor. Keep it airy, neutral, and open.
Spring is peak season for homebuyers, and staging
rooms appear more spacious and inviting. Use light,
your home strategically can make all the difference in how quickly it sells. With fresh blooms, longer daylight
sheer curtains and strategically placed mirrors to enhance the natural glow.
hours, and a natural sense of renewal in the air, this is the ideal time to make your property stand out. Here are the top spring staging secrets for 2025 that real estate pros and homeowners alike swear by. Start by pulling back heavy drapes and cleaning windows until they sparkle. Bright, sun-filled
Add pops of spring color through throw pillows, flowers, and table settings. Think soft pastels, leafy greens, and cheerful yellows. These accents create a warm, welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your
Clean patios, freshen up landscaping, and add simple seating areas to show off your outdoor potential. A small bistro set or a string of outdoor lights can suggest the perfect spring evening. Subtle, clean fragrances like citrus, lavender, or freshly cut flowers can enhance the sensory experience without being overpowering. A well-staged home not only looks great in listing photos but also feels inviting during showings. By tapping into spring’s natural appeal and making a few key updates, you can boost your home’s marketability and sell faster—often for a higher price.
Coldwell Banker Tomlinson 4102 S Regal St, Suite 201 Spokane, WA 99223
@HOME WITH
cbspokane.com
ISSUE 163 | MAY 2025
©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.
Spokane & Kootenai County Market Snapshots - April 2025
Market Insights
SPOKANE COUNTY Average Sales Price
Current Listing Inventory
Median Days On Market
$454,702
1,133
9
Down 0.1%
Up 29.3%
Up 50.0%
Median Sales Price
Residential Closed Sales
Annual Residential Sales
$430,000
449
1,499
Up 0.9%
Down 7.4%
Down 0.7%
Average Sales Price
Current Listing Inventory
Average Days On Market
$659,394
1,140
83
Down 5.4%
Up 8.0%
Down 9.8%
Median Sales Price
Residential Closed Sales
Annual Residential Sales
$550,000
267
933
Up 0.9%
Down 8.9%
Up 5.2%
KOOTENAI COUNTY
April 2025, as compared to April 2024. The information in these reports are compiled from reports given by the Spokane Association of REALTORS® and the Coeur d'Alene Association of REALTORS® and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and current.
Spokane County experienced a moderate decrease in the average sale price, lowering to $454,702, marking a 0.1% decrease compared to April 2024. The median sales price saw a slight increase of 0.9%, settling at $430,000. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,133 listings, an notable increase of 29.3% from the previous year. This represents a 2.5month supply, an increase from April 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales also decreased by 7.4%, totaling 449 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 9 days. Annual residential sales is down from year’s level, down 0.7%, totaling 1,499 sales. On the other hand, Kootenai County showed slightly increased price performance, with the average sale price rising to $659,394, reflecting a 5.4% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had a similar increase of 0.9%, reaching $550,000. Inventory in the area increased by 8.0% to 1,140 listings. Residential closed sales however saw a decrease of 8.9%, with 267 transactions recorded. The average days on the market decreased to 83 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 5.2%, totaling 933 transactions so far this year. As interest rates fluctuate and the market anticipates changes throughout the year, it's crucial to consult with your Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agent.