http://www.tourfactory.com/1376896
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Are you looking for a summer ice cream treat?
Check out these local ice creams shops!
For more summer fun http://www.inlander.com/spokane/summer-in-spokane/Content?oid=2132144
All Scream!
Whether you live on the South Hill, the way-north-side or just, you know, the slightly north side, there’s an ice creamery dying to sell you flavored frozen dairy products.The Scoop
1001 W. 25th Ave.
Source: Brain Freeze Creamery
24 flavors (rotating)
Mon-Thurs 7 am-9 pm, Fri 7 am-10 pm; Sat: 9 am-10 pm; Sunday 11 am-9 pm
Faves are Cakey Dough (cake batter and cookie dough) and Muddy Cups, Dirty Dishes (brownie batter and peanut butter cups) are perennial favorites. Sorbets are popular in summer.
Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle
802 W. Garland Ave.
Source: Mary Lou’s Ice Cream
18 flavors
Starting last week, the traditionally lunch-only restaurant began opening 11 am-8 pm, Mon-Sun.
River City Sludge (chocolate with chunks of brownies, fudge swirl) is a perennial favorite. Strangest recent creation is the cereal-flavored Blue Moon.
Didier’s Yogurt & More
10410 N. Division
Source: YoCream by Yoplait
Eight flavors (five rotate)
Mon-Sat 10:30 am-10 pm; Sun 11-9
Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are standard. Pina Colada and Pomegranate Raspberry are summer faves.
Hula Hut Grill
12210 N. Division
Source: Brain Freeze
Creamery
16 Flavors (rotating)
Mon-Sun 11 am-8 pm
Mary Lou’s Ice Cream Parlor
821 N. Evergreen Rd.,
Spokane Valley
Source: Mary Lou’s Ice Cream
32 flavors
Summer Hours: daily 1-10 pm (LB)
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars - Performers on the Patio!
Performers on the Patio
- From: May 14, 2015 - September 24, 2015
- 5:30-7:30 pm
- Free
- Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
- 4705 N Fruit Hill Rd
- Spokane, WA 99217
- Area/Region: Spokane Valley
- Visit Website
May 14: Keys West Dueling Pianos, Rock ‘n’ Roll Piano Favorites. Dan Barker, Recycled Wood.
May 21: Eric Neuhausser, R&B/Soul. Jennifer Massie, Yard Art.
May 28: Benton & Gallagher, Indie Folk Rock meets the Blues. Patsy Pinch, Rock Art.
June 4: Ron Greene, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals. Emily Travis, Painter.
June 11: Butterscotch Blonde, Country Rock. Michael Dolan, Jewelry.
June 18: Karrie O’Neill, Acoustic Folk & Pop. Kathy Le Francis, Jewelry and Kathy Gale, Prints.
June 25: Kari Marguerite Trio, Pop/Jazz. Lisa Womak, Scarves.
July 2: Borris & Catlett, Jazz Standards. Suzanne Alvarez, Jewelry.
July 9: Pink Tango Trio, Global Jazz. Cindy Dillehay, Glass Art.
July 16: Gator Loops, Funky Jazz Blues. Renay Piper, Painter.
July 23: Larry Myer, Acoustic Folk Rock. Patti Simpson Ward, Americana Art.
July 30: Spare Parts Trio, Soft Rock Classics. Kerry Whitsitt, Mosaics.
Aug 6: Ryan Larsen & Chris Blair, Pure Country. Suzanne Alvarez, Jewelry.
Aug 13: Nicole Lewis & Friends, Rhythm & Blues. Autumn Bunton, Pottery.
Aug 20: Bridges Home, American Celtic Folk. Bobbie van Loben Sels, Jewelry.
Aug 27: Bill Bozly, Acoustic Guitar & Vocals. Mary Jo Rawlsky, Photography.
Sept 3: Harvey Stanley, Folk Rock. Lee Baughman, Salt/Pepper Grinders.
Sept 10: Doghouse Boyz, Bluesy Folk-Rock. Tracey Hardy, Jewelry.
Sept 17: Isaac Walton & Current Flow, Alt Folk Rock + Bluesy Soul. Jodee Moody, Pottery.
Sept 24: Rachel Bade McMurphy Trio, Jazz. Dona Farsdahl, Jewelry.
Monday, May 18, 2015
It is BIKE TO WORK week! Click on the link to see how you can participate!
Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
- Bicycle safety for Washington’s children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle safer because of Washington Bikes’ Safe Routes to School education program.
- Establishing the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It’s the first Bicycle Route to the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At our November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.
- Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee’s Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide.
Help keep Washington State #1 by donating to Washington Bikes today!
- See more at: http://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/#sthash.hAhc8r1v.dpuf
Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
- Bicycle safety for Washington’s children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle safer because of Washington Bikes’ Safe Routes to School education program.
- Establishing the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It’s the first Bicycle Route to the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At our November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.
- Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee’s Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide.
Help keep Washington State #1 by donating to Washington Bikes today!
- See more at: http://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/#sthash.hAhc8r1v.dpuf
It's Bike To Work Week!
Washington State #1 Bicycle Friendly State in the Nation for Eighth Year Running
For the eighth year in a row, Washington state ranks as the most bicycle friendly state in the nation. The ranking – based on a comprehensive survey of 5 categories, including Legislation and Enforcement, Policies and Programs, Infrastructure and Funding, Education and Encouragement, Evaluation and Planning – shows that Washington’s score remained static over the past year.
Washington State #1 Bicycle Friendly State in the Nation for Eighth Year Running
For the eighth year in a row, Washington state ranks as the most bicycle friendly state in the nation. The ranking – based on a comprehensive survey of 5 categories, including Legislation and Enforcement, Policies and Programs, Infrastructure and Funding, Education and Encouragement, Evaluation and Planning – shows that Washington’s score remained static over the past year.
Washington State #1 Bicycle Friendly State in the Nation for Eighth Year Running
For the eighth year in a row, Washington state ranks as the most bicycle friendly state in the nation. The ranking – based on a comprehensive survey of 5 categories, including Legislation and Enforcement, Policies and Programs, Infrastructure and Funding, Education and Encouragement, Evaluation and Planning – shows that Washington’s score remained static over the past year.
Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
- Bicycle safety for Washington’s children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle safer because of Washington Bikes’ Safe Routes to School education program.
- Establishing the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It’s the first Bicycle Route to the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At our November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.
- Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee’s Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide.
Help keep Washington State #1 by donating to Washington Bikes today!
- See more at: http://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/#sthash.vFxpGYIp.dpufhttp://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/
Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
- Bicycle safety for Washington’s children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle safer because of Washington Bikes’ Safe Routes to School education program.
- Establishing the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It’s the first Bicycle Route to the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At our November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.
- Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee’s Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide.
Help keep Washington State #1 by donating to Washington Bikes today!
- See more at: http://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/#sthash.hAhc8r1v.dpuf
Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
- Bicycle safety for Washington’s children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle safer because of Washington Bikes’ Safe Routes to School education program.
- Establishing the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It’s the first Bicycle Route to the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At our November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.
- Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee’s Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide.
Help keep Washington State #1 by donating to Washington Bikes today!
- See more at: http://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/#sthash.hAhc8r1v.dpuf
Today, the first day of Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking. Washington state again ranks #1.
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
“When Washington Bikes, local economies grow, our kids can get to school more safely, and everyone is healthier,” said Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes. “I’m elated at Washington’s designation as the most bicycle friendly state, but we have so much more to do to make sure everyone from 8 to 80 can bicycle safely and easily. Being bike-friendly has become a measure of competitiveness as a state and others are coming after us.”
In 2014, progress and new information supporting the need for better bicycling continued:
- Bicycle safety for Washington’s children. Since 2010 over 56,000 children in more than 40 school districts statewide can bicycle safer because of Washington Bikes’ Safe Routes to School education program.
- Establishing the state’s first U.S. Bicycle Route from Anacortes to Newport. In May 2014 US Bicycle Route 10 (the State Route 20 corridor) was established. It’s the first Bicycle Route to the West Coast and it connects travelers and tourists from around the nation and world to Washington state. At our November Gala & Auction, WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson announced the establishment of a Scenic Bikeway Program to grow bicycle routes across the state.
- Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Recreation and Parks. Washington Bikes Executive Director Barb Chamberlain served as co-chair to Governor Inslee’s Task Force to grow outdoor recreation in Washington state. One of the exciting outcomes of the work included a study showing bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion statewide.
Help keep Washington State #1 by donating to Washington Bikes today!
- See more at: http://wabikes.org/2015/05/11/washington-state-1-bicycle-friendly-state-nation-eighth-year-running/#sthash.hAhc8r1v.dpuf
Thursday, April 30, 2015
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What are you doing this weekend?
What are you doing this weekend?
http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/race-information/general-information
The Lilac Bloomsday Association presents the 39th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/race-information/general-information
The Lilac Bloomsday Association presents the 39th running of the Lilac Bloomsday Run.
- Sunday, May 3, 2015
- 12 Kilometers (7.46 miles)
- Spokane, Washington
General Information
2015 Lilac Bloomsday Run| Where: | Spokane, Washington, USA |
| When: | Sunday, May 3, 2015 |
| Distance: | 12 kilometers (7.46 miles) |
| Entry Fee: | $18.00 (includes any applicable state sales tax) |
| Entry Deadline: | April 14, 2015 for mailed entries |
| Late Entry Fee: | $35.00 (includes any applicable state sales tax) |
| Eligibility: | Open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs, assisted wheelchairs and strollers. |
| Race Start: | 9:00 a.m. |
| Course Closes: | 1:30 p.m. |
Bloomsday is a registered trademark of the Lilac Bloomsday Association
Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Happy Earth Day!
CMO NETWORK 10,830 views
Top-50 Green Brands--Chosen By Their Customers
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Today is the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. Its celebration comes with the hopes of tens of millions of people that this is the moment in history where equilibrium between sustainability and economic growth is realized. According to the experts, to do that, everyone – including brands – have to commit to a low carbon future.
For brands, simply playing the environmental awareness card as part of a CSR or PR campaign isn’t an actual option anymore. Brands have to do it in ways that meaningfully support a sustainable future that is palpable to the consumer. And as the number of companies trying to co-opt environmental issues for their brands has grown, so too have the number of skeptical consumers. Most consumers have heard such promises before and – in the face of increased expectations – have begun to demand authenticity. They understand that the technology exists, and more and more consumers feel that all brands need is the will to make it so. To borrow a phrase from the Wizard of Oz, consumers want brands to be “morally, ethically, spiritually, physically, positively, absolutely, undeniably and reliably” green.
While many corporations seem to be looking to find ways to do business in a sustainable way, of the 550 brands included in this year’s Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, a survey of 36,000 men and women, 18-65 years of age, from the 9 U.S. Census Regions, here are the top-50 brands deemed authentically and resolutely “green” by their own customers. They are presented alphabetically since environmental demands and consumer expectations are category-specific.
- Acer
- Adidas
- Air Canada
- Amazon.com
- Apple
- AT&T
- Aveda
- Avis
- Brother
- Budget
- Burt’s Bees
- Canon
- Chic-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Coke
- Dell
- Discover Card
- Dunkin’
- Epson
- Ford
- Hilton Hotels
- Home Depot HD -0.16%
- Honda
- HP
- Hyundai
- IBM IBM +0.67%
- InterContinental Hotels
- JetBlue
- Kohl’s
- Konica-Minolta
- Le Pain Quotidian
- Macy’s
- McDonald’s
- New Balance
- Nike
- Panera
- Peet’s
- Pepsi
- REI
- Samsung
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Tom’s of Maine
- Toyota
- Under Armour
- United
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Wyndham Hotels
- Zappos
This year could be the year in which world leaders finally pass a binding climate change treaty and citizens and corporations divest from fossil fuels and both politicians and consumers put sustainability and renewable energy solutions where their mouths are. It turns out that consumers are fiercely loyal to brands that do that.
If you want to put your own principles and environmental standards to the test, Earth Day Network has a Personal Footprint Calculator, so you can see the impact you’re having on our planet. Just click here and take the test:http://www.earthday.org/footprint-calculator
For what it’s worth, when it comes down to the bottom bottom-line, unlike many things in our lives, it’s exactly what environmentalist Wendell Berry said, “The earth is what we all have in common.”
Robert PassikoffContributor
Robert is author of “Predicting Market Success.” Connect with Robert on LinkedIn.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Staging Your Home!
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Staging a Home
What to do and what not to do when setting the stage for selling your home.
The following is a guest post from Patti Stern of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating
The first step to getting a home sold quickly and for top dollar is choosing a real estate professional whose expertise can help to successfully market a home. One of the most important things a trusted real estate agent will recommend is the service of a professional home stager to bring out the best in a home. However, many sellers are still hesitant and need to be convinced why staging is a worthwhile investment. The following are some key points to consider when deciding whether to stage a home before listing.- Higher Sale Price vs. Possible Price Reduction.
Staging will boost a home’s perceived value. According to The International Association of Home Staging Professionals, 95% of staged homes sell on average in 11 days or less and for 17% above the asking price compared to those not staged, in a similar market. Since a move-in ready home that a buyer can visualize living in will most likely sell for top dollar, the money spent upfront to hire a staging professional is a fraction of the cost of just one price reduction. - Fast Selling Time vs. Stress From Not Selling.The longer a property remains on the market, the lower the offers will become and the more stress it will bring. Staging will set a home apart from the competition and attracts buyers who are ready to move quickly on a sale. In addition, top-notch photos taken after a home is staged to market a listing on the internet will spark the interest of those buyers initially shopping online.
- Third Party Objectivity vs. Emotional Burden.
When depersonalizing a space, a professional stager will use their expertise to take the burden off of both the real estate agent who is uncomfortable with possibly offending their client as well as the seller who may have a hard time detaching from their home. A stager will manage all aspects of the recommended improvements from de-cluttering to removing sentimental photos so the seller doesn’t feel overwhelmed emotionally. - Knowledge and Efficiency vs. Wasted Low Return on Effort and Investment.
The benefits of staging go beyond just making a space attractive. If a seller with a good sense of style decides to tackle certain aspects of staging themselves, they may not understand what is priority in terms of the features that will be marketable to the largest possible audience. A professional will have a better understanding of what will inspire an offer and can therefore make suggestions for alternative furniture placement or paint colors that will enhance a room’s original architectural features and charm. - One-Stop Shopping vs. Hiring Multiple Workers.
Hiring a full-service stager who has a team of professionals on standby to manage the entire process and deliver the home ready for market is key. The staging team can coordinate a comprehensive and detailed plan to de-clutter, paint, repair, update and ultimately sell the property. This convenience gives the seller less details to worry about.
Header image is a dining room staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating
http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/understanding-pros-cons-staging-home/
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Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
10 Reasons 2015 Will Rock for Real Estate!
http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2014/12/31/10-reasons-2015-will-rock-for-real-estate
10 Reasons 2015 Will Rock for Real Estate
After a slowdown in the market this year, housing analysts and economists have high hopes for 2015. The real estate market is expected to build momentum across the board nest year, mostly because of a strengthening economy.
Here's a recap of some of the real estate forecasts for 2015:
Here's a recap of some of the real estate forecasts for 2015:
- Millennial force: Younger professionals are having more luck in the job market, which is expected to help more of them jump into home ownership in the new year. Overall, employment is on the rise, but jobs for Millennials — particularly those aged 25 to 29 — has risen by 3 percent. That's one percentage point above the nationwide rate. According to some forecasts, Millennials are expected to drive two-thirds of household formations over the next five years. The forecasted addition of 2.5 million jobs next year, as well as an increase in household formation, will likely drive more first-time home buyers into home ownership, according to realtor.com® projections.
- Home prices stabilize: The double-digit price increases seen in 2013 have slowed, and more stable growth was the trend in 2014. As investors have retreated from the market, so have the rapid home prices in many markets. Home prices are expected to continue to edge up in 2015, with realtor.com® predicting a 4.5 percent gain. "After two years of abnormally high levels of home-price appreciation in 2012 and 2013, price increases moderated throughout 2014," realtor.com® notes in its 2014 Housing Review. "We are now experiencing increases in home prices consistent with long-term historical performance."
- Mortgage rates rising: Interest rates the last few months have been dipping below 4 percent, lowering the borrowing costs of home buyers and refinancing home owners. However, don't expect the low rates to stick around much longer. Mortgage rates are expected to rise next year. Freddie Mac projects mortgage rates will likely average 4.6 percent but inch up to 5 percent by the end of 2015.
- Return of the 3 percent down payment: New programs are popping up to help more buyers break into home ownership with lower down payments. In early December, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced conventional loan down-payment programs that will allow qualified first-time buyers to secure a fixed-rate mortgage with a 3 percent down payment. Prior to that, they needed at least 5 percent. Also, "there are many states as well as national programs, which offer grants that range from 1 to 5 percent to be used for a down payment or closing costs," writes Damian Maldonado, co-founder of American Financing Corp., at CNBC. "These easing loan standards will allow more first-time buyers to enter the market."
- Housing affordability declines: Affordability for homes, based on home-price appreciation and rising mortgage interest rates, will likely fall by 5 percent to 10 percent in 2015, according to realtor.com® forecasts. However, the decline in affordability could be offset by an increase in salaries next year for many households. "When considering historical norms, housing affordability will continue to remain strong next year," realtor.com® notes in its report.
- New-home sales rebound: Single-family new-home starts barely budged in 2014 compared to 2013, and new-home sales remain far from normal levels. But that could finally turn around in 2015. Sales of new homes are expected to rise 25 percent as single-family construction picks up traction in 2015. The National Association of REALTORS® projects single-family housing starts to rise to 820,000 in 2015, which is still below the 1 million historical average. In the latest new-home report, sales dipped 1.6 percent in November, but builders are remaining optimistic heading into the new year. "As the labor market and broader economy continue to strengthen, we can expect the housing sector to gain momentum heading into next year," says David Crowe, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders.
- Foreclosures recede to pre-recession levels: The number of foreclosures is expected to continue to fall in 2015, but expect them to still be elevated in some pockets across the country — particularly in judicial states where foreclosures must wind through the courts. Foreclosure filings have been on the decline for most of this year. From January through November, foreclosure filings fell about 172 percent compared to the same period one year prior, according to RealtyTrac data. "Every month so far this year, we've been down from a year ago," Daren Blomquist, vice president of RealtyTrac, said in a prior report. The only uptick has been in foreclosure auctions, which are up 5 percent in November compared to one year earlier. Foreclosures will likely fall to pre-crisis levels in 2015, Blomquist predicts.
- Drop in oil prices will boost housing: Oil prices have plunged 45 percent since June, which could inadvertently provide a lift to the housing market. "Households in the U.S. spend more than $1,800 on energy-related costs annually, and 22 percent of that energy consumption is due to residential real estate," according to CoreLogic's 2015 Housing Outlook. "So while the drop in oil prices typically has been linked to a reduction in driving-related expenses, it clearly also reduced energy-related expenses for residential real estate."
- Rent rises to outpace home-value growth: Rents likely will continue to rise in the new year, and an increase in rental costs in 2015 could outpace annual home-price gains. Expect the rental market to remain a "landlord's market" in 2015, with vacancy rates expected to stay below 5 percent in the new year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That should lead to demand pushing rents up even higher and keeping them above inflation, notes NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Apartment rents are projected to increase 4 percent in 2014 and 4.1 percent in 2015.
- Stronger economy leads to greater confidence: A stronger economy will likely lead to more demand for housing in 2015. "Overall, the economy finally appears to be gaining enough momentum to help provide the support that the housing market has needed for stronger recovery," Sam Khater, deputy chief economist at CoreLogic, notes in the company's 2015 Housing Outlook. "The combination of stronger employment growth and especially Millennial job growth makes for solid footing for the real estate market. Moreover, the recent drop in oil prices cannot be overstated, because not only does it directly lower the transportation and home energy costs for households, but it also improves consumer confidence. And confident consumers are more likely to spend on big ticket items, which is sweet music to the ears of the real estate market."
Friday, February 27, 2015
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