AUGUST 2026
@HOME N E W S L E T T E R
ISSUE 178
Screen-Free Staycation Ideas to Reconnect With Home KIMBERLY QUEVEDO
vacation offers a simple way to disconnect and recharge – and a screen-free staycation can feel especially refreshing, giving you time to relax and reconnect with your home and community in a new way. Putting your phone and devices away is not always easy, but the payoff can be surprising. When distractions fade, home can become an experience worth remembering. You may
refinishing can provide focused enjoyment without a screen in sight. You could revisit a favorite hobby or sign up for a local class to discover a new passion. The Weekend Screen-Free Staycation While a single day can provide a welcome reset, a full weekend allows you to settle into a slower rhythm with room to breathe and experiment. Build a
without a phone or screens can genuinely be transformative. Give yourself permission to treat your home and the surrounding community like a destination – because it is one. A Themed Week: Pick a country, a decade or a personal passion and build every day around it. A France-themed week might include cooking French recipes daily, reading French literature (try a physical
rediscover a favorite corner of your backyard, visit a local business you’ve never explored or return to a
loose structure so the time doesn’t evaporate. Create the feeling of escape through:
library copy), visiting an art museum’s Impressionist collection and learning a few French phrases. A
hobby you once loved. From one-day escapes to week-long digital detoxes, these screen-free
A Home Spa Experience: Real spa traditions often balance periods of activity and relaxation, along
1970s-themed week might mean vinyl records, macramé projects and recipes from a vintage
staycation ideas can help you make the most of your time close to home.
with warm and cool experiences that help you feel renewed. Set the ambiance with candles and calming
cookbook. Themes create cohesion and make everyday activities feel more immersive.
The One-Day Reset
music, then incorporate hot baths, body scrubs, facial masks, massages or long naps. Balance those
An Offline Learning Experience: Many community centers, pottery studios, cooking schools
A one-day screen-free staycation is a simple way to step away from daily distractions and feel
moments of rest with yoga, pool time or journaling. With the right intention, you can create a restorative
and colleges offer week-long or multi-day classes. You will gain a new skill while spending meaningful
refreshed. To fill your digital-free time, consider: A Culinary Experience: Turn cooking into
spa experience right in your own home. A Cozy Literary Getaway: Gather books you’ve
time away from screens. Investing in materials and creating a dedicated space at home can help you
entertainment, and craft a sensory event for your taste buds. Using a physical cookbook, whip up a multicourse meal. From the appetizer to the main dish to dessert, the hours-long process can be just as rewarding as the meal itself. Invite a neighbor or family member to join you for dinner and make the experience even more memorable. A Creative Project: Painting, woodworking, knitting, scrapbooking, gardening or furniture
been meaning to read or visit a local bookstore and choose a few new titles. Then, make comfortable spaces throughout your home, and spend the weekend immersed in stories. Pair reading with fresh coffee, tea or homemade treats and enjoy uninterrupted hours away from screens.
continue the hobby long after the week is over.
A
A Week-Long Digital Detox If a weekend feels refreshing, seven days
Reconnect With Home and Community A screen-free staycation creates space to slow down, notice your surroundings and appreciate experiences that often get overlooked during daily life. Stepping away from screens can help you discover that the best getaway may be closer than you think.
What to Keep, Donate or Digitize Before Any Big Life Transition CARMA STAHNKE
hether you’re preparing for a move, sending children off to college, merging households after marriage, entering retirement or simply embracing a more streamlined lifestyle, taking inventory of what you own can make the transition feel lighter and better organized. The key is knowing what to keep, what to donate and what to digitize.
Consider keeping: • Everyday essentials and frequently used items • Family heirlooms and prized mementos • Important legal, financial and personal records • Well-made furniture that fits your future space • Objects that support hobbies, work or activities you plan to continue
Start With Your Future in Mind Before going through closets, garages and
When deciding what to hold on to, prioritize quality over quantity. A thoughtfully curated
Items worth digitizing are: • Family photographs and albums
storage rooms, consider where you’re headed. Will you have less space? Different needs? A new
collection of belongings is often more valuable than a large accumulation of rarely used objects.
• Home videos and DVDs • Children’s artwork and school projects
routine? Understanding your future lifestyle can help guide decisions about what truly deserves a place in
What to Donate
• Paper documents and records • Greeting cards, letters and memorabilia
W
Donating can transform excess stuff into valuable resources for someone else. What to Digitize Technology makes it easier than ever to preserve memories while lessening your physical storage needs. You can protect your important materials while freeing up valuable space.
your new home.
Many households contain items that are perfectly intact but are no longer needed. Giving away
• Recipe collections and handwritten notes
Ask yourself: • Do I use this regularly?
these possessions can reduce clutter while helping others in your community.
Electronic copies provide easy access while safeguarding treasured memories from damage,
• Does this serve a purpose in my upcoming plans? • Would I buy this again today?
Common articles to donate include:
• Could someone else benefit from this more? Once you’ve established your goals, begin sorting items into three categories: keep, donate and digitize. What to Keep Not everything has to go. Retain pieces that are functional, meaningful or difficult to replace.
loss or deterioration over time. • Clothing that no longer fits or is out of style • Duplicate kitchenware and household goods • Neglected décor and decorative accessories • Books you’ve already read and no longer reference • Outgrown toys and sports equipment • Furniture that won’t fit your next home If something has been stored away for years without being touched, it’s probably time to let it go.
The Benefits of Letting Go As you get ready for a move or new phase of life, taking a thoughtful approach when dealing with your belongings can help you feel more prepared and confident. It can also ease stress, improve organization and make later decisions easier. Just remember that simplifying isn’t about giving things up – it’s about making room for what matters most.
Home Recipes with Coldwell Banker Tomlinson
Courtesy of halfbakedharvest.com
Smashed Burrata with Peaches INGREDIENTS • 8 to 12 ounces burrata cheese
• sea salt and black pepper
• 2 to 3 peaches, sliced
• 1 cup baby basil
• 1/4 cup fig preserves or fig jam
• 3/4 cup raw walnuts
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
INSTRUCTIONS 1.
Arrange the burrata on a serving plate and gently tear or lightly smash it with the back of a spoon. Season with black pepper, then top with the peaches and candied walnuts.
2.
Whisk together the fig preserves, vinegar, and olive oil until smooth.
3.
Spoon the dressing over the burrata, then finish with fresh basil, flaky sea salt, and extra olive oil. Enjoy with crostini, crackers, or pretzels.
Candied Walnuts 1.
Preheat the oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss walnuts with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and the cayenne until evenly coated. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring twice, until toasted and caramelized.
2.
Immediately toss the warm walnuts with the remaining 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Let cool completely before using.
NOTES Creamy smashed burrata with peaches, candied walnuts, basil, and sweet-tangy vinaigrette come together for an easy 15-minute summer appetizer!
HOME TRENDS: CREATING BETTER STUDY SPACES WHERE HOMEWORK MEETS HOME DESIGN while preventing clutter from taking over. A wellorganized study area can make it easier for students to stay focused and keep the rest of the home
As families settle into a new school year, the home
features in a study area. Positioning a desk near a
office is no longer the only space getting a design rethink. Homework areas are becoming an
window can create a brighter, more inviting environment while reducing the need for artificial
important part of home design, with homeowners creating dedicated spaces that help students focus, stay organized, and feel comfortable. The latest trend is all about making study spaces functional without sacrificing style. Natural light is one of the most valuable
lighting during the day. When natural light is limited, layered lighting with a focused desk lamp can help create a comfortable workspace. Smart storage is another major priority. Builtin shelving, wall-mounted organizers, and attractive storage bins keep books and supplies within reach
feeling tidy. Comfort matters, too. An appropriately sized desk and supportive chair can make long study sessions more manageable. Adjustable furniture is particularly useful for growing children and allows a space to adapt over time. Designers are also embracing flexible study spaces. A small nook beneath a staircase, a section of a kitchen island, or a quiet corner of a bedroom can become an effective homework zone with the right setup. The goal isn't necessarily to dedicate an entire room, but to create a defined area where schoolwork can happen. For homeowners considering a future sale, thoughtfully designed study spaces can also appeal to buyers. A home that offers practical spaces for work, learning, and everyday life demonstrates flexibility—a feature increasingly valued by today's families.
Coldwell Banker Tomlinson 4102 S Regal St, Suite 201 Spokane, WA 99223
@HOME WITH
cbspokane.com
ISSUE 178 | AUGUST 2026
©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 - July 2026
Market Insights
SPOKANE COUNTY Average Sales Price
Current Listing Inventory
Median Days On Market
$471,684
1,687
16
Up 0.7%
Up 9.8%
Up 23.1%
Median Sales Price
Residential Closed Sales
Annual Residential Sales
$429,450
541
3,239
Down 1.3%
Up 6.5%
Up 5.6%
Average Sales Price
Current Listing Inventory
Average Days On Market
$840,088
1,291
76
Up 7.1%
Down 11.7%
Down 9.5%
Median Sales Price
Residential Closed Sales
Annual Residential Sales
$599,000
366
2,073
Up 3.3%
Up 7.0%
Up 6.0%
KOOTENAI COUNTY
July 2026, as compared to July 2025. 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 slight increase in the average sale price, rising to $471,684 marking a 0.7% increase compared to July 2025. The median sales price saw a slight increase of 1.3%, settling at $429,450. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,687 listings, an notable increase of 9.8% from the previous year. This represents a 3.2-month supply, an increase from July 2025, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales increased by 6.5%, totaling 541 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 16 days. Annual residential sales is up from year’s level, up 5.6%, totaling 3,239 sales. In similar fashion, Kootenai County showed increased price performance, with the average sale price raising to $840,088 reflecting a 7.1% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had an increase of 3.3%, reaching $599,000. Inventory in the area decreased by 11.7% to 1,291 listings. Residential closed sales saw a increase of 7.1%, with 366 transactions recorded. The average days on the market decreased to 76 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 6.0%, totaling 2,073 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.