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Welcome Home
 Many residents consider Spokane an ideal place to raise a family. Quiet neighborhoods, tree-lined boulevards, and year-round recreation provide a quality of life that is unmatched.
Spokane’s housing market has experienced steady growth for the past several years, but it continues to be one of the most economical places to live in the nation. In 2007, the average home sales price was $211,872.
Housing choices in Spokane are abundant! You’ll find homes in every style and price range imaginable, from contemporary to Victorian brick homes dating back to the early 1900s. There are more than 60 residential neighborhoods throughout Spokane. Whether you are looking for an affordable home near school and shopping, a home in a retirement area, or on one of Spokane’s many golf courses, the housing market can accommodate your needs.
Making Your Move
While moving can be both overwhelming and stressful, there are a few things you can do to make your move easier and less complicated.
Finding a new place to live can be tough if you don’t know the area. One way to get started is to work with a real estate agent who specializes in relocation. Most major firms have personnel ready to give the extra service necessary to ease the difficulties that arise when moving to a new location.
Before contacting a real estate firm you should have some idea of what you are looking for. Are you thinking of a condominium or a single-family residence? Would you prefer suburban to city living? Do you want new construction or pre-owned? How many bedrooms? What is your budget? With this information, the real estate office can match you with just the right agent and, prior to your arrival, line up housing possibilities. Your house-hunting time will be spent efficiently and wisely.
When choosing your real estate agent, make sure the agent is trained to service your needs as an out-of-town buyer. Also, make sure their firm is a member of the local Association of Realtors. A good relocation specialist will be knowledgeable in real estate, geographic areas, and the price range you are comfortable with.
In addition to knowing the market, your real estate agent should be experienced in conducting pre-arrival interviews, financing, spousal job assistance, and overseeing all the long-distance details. Pre-arrival interviews are vital to understanding your needs. Questions and concerns regarding school systems, hospitals, driving time to work, and quality of life can all be voiced over the telephone. Your relocation specialist can have the answers waiting for you.
Financing your new home can sometimes be complicated and confusing. Your agent can help you find the best rates, compare costs, and help you understand the options. A pre-qualifying session with a mortgage professional may also be arranged.
Once you have begun working with a relocation specialist, be loyal. Your relocation specialist will be committed to making your move as smooth as possible if she knows that you are relying solely on her to assist you with your relocation needs.
Multi-Family Living
Apartments in the area offer something for everyone. Whether you’re waiting to find the perfect house, building, or just choose to rent, there are plenty of comfortable, convenient apartments. Residents can choose from a wide array of apartment complexes located throughout the area. Several have swimming pools, recreation rooms and tennis courts. The average rental cost in Spokane is $622 for all types of apartments.
Working With a Relocation Specialist
- If your company is offering any assistance in relocation expenses such as closing costs, a home buy-out or selling costs on your present home, try to find out what the package will be by the time you arrive here.
- Bring all of the papers and documents necessary to apply for a mortgage. Your relocation specialist can advise you on the documents and information needed. Be prepared to be very frank with your loan officer.
- Make a list of your needs and wants in a new home and prioritize them. Your agent can send you printouts with pictures of homes meeting your requirements. If a member of the Multiple Listing Service, your agent can show you any property listed by any company.
- Let your relocation specialist know in advance if you need hotel/motel reservations made for you during your house-hunting trip.
- Be fair to your real estate agent. If you attend any open houses or visit any planned communities, be sure to give the agent there your agent’s card and let him know you are already working with someone. Ask your own agent about any properties you read about or see while out driving. Again, your relocation specialist’s hard work on your behalf should be rewarded by your loyalty to that individual.
Packing Checklist
- Clearly mark any items that are not to be moved. Movers work quickly and will pack and load anything that is not otherwise specified.
- Label all boxes, clearly noting what is in them and what room they go into.
- When packing items, place the heaviest items (tools, heavy pans, sports equipment) at the bottom for better balance.
- Wrap breakable dishes separately (first in tissue, then in newspaper, as ink from papers may stain fine china). Aprons, towels and linens work well for padding, as do throw rugs, blankets and pillows.
- Empty gas and oil out of any power tools, and dispose of volatile or corrosive chemicals.
- Turn off and empty the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry for 24 hours to prevent mildew, mold or unpleasant odor. Place a couple of pieces of charcoal in the refrigerator to prevent mildew.
- Pack medical and dental records, insurance papers, credit cards, tax records, and keys to both the old and new house in a safe and handy place. Carry these yourself to ensure their safety.
Spokane County Total Residential Permits/Valuation
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Total Permits |
Valuation ($000) |
| 2007 |
844 |
$135,098 |
| 2006 |
1,267 |
$190,918 |
| 2005 |
1,471 |
$222,053 |
| 2004 |
1,039 |
$158,682 |
| 2003 |
991 |
$148,600 |
| 2002 |
949 |
$131,424 |
| 2001 |
1,036 |
$136,445 |
| 2000 |
936 |
$121,447 |
| 1999 |
1,108 |
$145,112 |
SOURCE: Spokane County Building Department, City of Spokane Valley, 2008
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Spokane County Single Family Homes Sales Price
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Average |
Median |
| 2007 |
$211,872 |
$185,400 |
| 2006 |
$197,384 |
$175,000 |
| 2005 |
$172,620 |
$150,000 |
| 2004 |
$146,415 |
$129,000 |
| 2003 |
$134,273 |
$119,900 |
| 2002 |
$124,973 |
$111,500 |
| 2001 |
$121,880 |
$110,000 |
| 2000 |
$118,209 |
$105,000 |
| 1999 |
$119,275 |
$106,800 |
| SOURCE: The Real Estate Report, Spring 2008 |
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