Date Archives: September 2022

With classic food and a timeless atmosphere, stopping by a local diner is a fun experience and a perfect way to relax and refuel after looking at Spokane homes for sale.

Once you move into the neighborhood, local diners make for a great, casual family outing with a different vibe than your standard chain restaurant. Here are some retro diners in the Spokane area that are well worth a visit.

• Frank's Diner - 1516 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  There are actually two Frank's Diner locations - one downtown and one in North Spokane. Both are located in antique train cars, over 100 years old. It's a popular place and can get crowded, but it's worth the wait - Frank's has a beautiful, historic atmosphere and a unique dining experience. Plus, the menu is delicious. Specializing in breakfast, they serve a number of unique offerings, including crispy duck bacon eggs, purple oatmeal (served with huckleberries), and several different varieties of eggs benedict, from Florentine Benedict to Creole Benedict to Irish Benedict to Great Nana's Meatloaf Benedict.
  
  
• Satellite Diner & Lounge - 425 W Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  Open until 2 am daily, the Satellite Diner & Lounge is a great place for an early breakfast or a late-night drink. Serving up all the diner classics, such as biscuits and gravy, patty melts, BLTs, burgers, fries, and onion rings, they also have a selection of beers on tap and other drinks. Whether you want to have a bite with the family or a drink with friends, the Satellite Diner can accommodate you.
  
  
• Uncle Rusty's Diner - 1412 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  Family-owned and operated, Uncle Rusty's is the quintessential American diner. With a classic atmosphere, they're open from 7 am to 3 pm daily, serving up country fried steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, fried chicken sandwiches, corned beef hash, and more. They also have more unique menu items, such as their deep-fried PB&J or S'mores sandwiches. Whatever you order, the food is delicious, for breakfast or lunch.
  
  
• Frankie Doodle's - 30 E 3rd Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
  A great place for breakfast or brunch at reasonable prices, Frankie Doodle's is simple but delicious. Try their house-made Texas Sized Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting. They also have a variety of croissant sandwiches, including Philly, tuna, and crab. Or, for dinner, try the liver and onions, breaded veal, or a delicious New York steak, grilled to order. And don't forget to try their brownie supreme, or a banana split, for dessert.
  
  
• Molly's Family Restaurant - 224 S Lincoln St, Spokane, WA 99201
  Open for breakfast and lunch, Molly's Family Restaurant prides itself on simple, great food, with big portions and low prices. For breakfast, try their wide variety of omelets, from the classic Denver and Western omelets to their Hawaiian omelet, avocado omelet, bacon cheeseburger omelet, and more - plus pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes. For lunch, their sandwich bar includes German dogs, tuna melts, ribeye steak sandwiches, and their Blue Hawaiian sandwich with ham, chicken, Swiss cheese, and pineapple. Whatever you order, it's a perfect place to bring the family.

The Spokane area has all sorts of great things to offer its residents. If you're ready to make Spokane your new home, contact us. Our real estate agents will help you find the home that best meets your needs in a neighborhood you'll love.

Should You Get a Home Inspection BEFORE Selling?

Delta Media Group

Selling your home? A recent survey showed more than 85 percent of buyers who applied for financing asked for an inspection of the home they intended to buy. Today's savvy home buyers rarely leave things up to chance — they want to be assured they are getting great value.

Despite this growing trend, many sellers still wait for buyers to take the initiative on inspections. A seller might save a few hundred dollars by waiting until the buyer makes the first move, but this is rarely worthwhile. In fact, there are many benefits to taking the plunge and getting an inspection as soon as you decide you are serious about putting your property on the market.

Let's look at six benefits of pre-listing home inspections:

1. Attract More Buyers
   Savvy buyers who have purchased a property before will know about the necessity of a home inspection and will appreciate this is one less step (and expense) they need to worry about. New buyers seeking their first home may not be as savvy at first, but they will soon figure it out. All in all, an inspection will reassure and attract more would-be buyers.
   
   
2. Accelerate the Sales Process
   Sooner or later, an inspection will happen — and when it does, it's bound to turn up something. Relatively minor issues might throw a wrench into your hopes of selling your home. When you get proactive, you have the chance to resolve problems that might otherwise add months to the sales process. Plus, in many cases, you can turn those fixes into part of your sales pitch.
   
   
3. Provide a Stronger Negotiating Position
   Most home sales involve some "give and take" over the final price. Buyers will look for anything they can find as a reason to maneuver excess costs onto the seller. With a recent inspection report in hand, you can counter these moves without any sour grapes — you've gone the extra mile to ensure that everything in the home is on the up and up, after all!
   
   
4. Reduce Recurring Repair Bills
   It isn't always easy to determine the true source of a recurring problem in a home, even a newer one. For example, if your toilet drains slowly, you might simply need to snake it... or you may have a major issue with your septic system. Whatever the case, an inspection helps you get to the real root of the problem. It saves money if you don't sell and improves your price if you do.
   
   
5. Take Control of the Process
   Unless you find out something truly appalling, you don't necessarily have to take time to repair whatever an inspection turns up. Instead, you have the option of lowering your price or going "as-is." All in all, an inspection gives you the opportunity to take the steps that are right for you instead of running to catch up to a buyer whose inspection uncovers unwelcome surprises.
   
   
6. If You're Selling Your Home, Start with an Inspection
   In today's real estate market, a seller's pre-inspection of a home is a mark of quality that buyers increasingly expect. If you put your home on the market and don't find interested buyers in a relatively short time, an inspection is one precaution you'll end up taking.

With all that in mind, selling your home should almost always start with an inspection. It's an essential step, just like making basic repairs, listing your home in the right places, staging it for potential buyers, and partnering with a real estate agent you can trust.

Spokane's vibrant downtown neighborhood is a delightful combination of urban attractions and green spaces. Right in the middle sits River Park Square, conveniently located just minutes from Spokane homes for sale. Plan a day of shopping and dining at these great stores and restaurants.

• The Great PNW
  Show your regional pride with clothing and accessories from The Great PNW. Founded right here in Spokane in 2013, the shop exemplifies the creativity of local residents. When graphic artist and PNW native Joel Barbour was frustrated by the lack of region-specific apparel, he decided to design some himself. One of their best-sellers, the Miller tee, bears the saying, "Upper Left, USA." Other products include sweatshirts, hats, drinkware, and stickers. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Whiz Kids
  The slogan of Whiz Kids says it all: "Smart Toys for Smart Kids." This independent, locally-owned shop was recently named "Best Toy Store" by Inlander, the popular urban weekly that covers the region. With more than 6,000 puzzles, games, stuffed animals, science kits, and books from 200 different suppliers, there's something for every interest. Mother-daughter duo Kathleen and Julia Lara recently purchased Whiz Kids from longtime owner Jan St. George, and they plan to continue the store's tradition of carrying unique products. Whiz Kids is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  
  
• Anderson & Co.
  When men want to look their best, they head to Anderson & Co. for high-quality fashion. In addition to premium clothing made with the finest fabrics, locally-owned Anderson & Co. is known for superior customer service. Friendly and knowledgeable staff members are always ready to offer one-on-one assistance with personalized advice to match your individual taste. Hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar
  Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar puts a modern spin on the classic cocktail. Choose from an incredible selection of signature flavors, including the traditional Twigs martini as well as Cucumber Lime Basil, Caribbean, and Chocolate Kiss. The beverage menu also features a wide variety of Mules, Mojitos, and Margaritas. Food is equally appealing, with a number of small plates and full-size entrees to accommodate any appetite. Twigs is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. -  10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Mac Daddy's Gourmet Grub
  Is there any food more satisfying than mac & cheese? Mac Daddy's Gourmet Grub takes this comfort food favorite to a new level with several creative variations. Try your mac Philly cheesesteak-style, loaded with veggies, or topped with Buffalo chicken and bleu cheese. Even burgers and fries come with a healthy dose of mac & cheese. All flavors are available for carry-out in half- or full-pan orders for family dinners or special occasions. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

About River Park Square

River Park Square is located at 808 W. Main Ave. General hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

Whether you're buying or selling a home in Spokane, our real estate agents are ready to provide cheerful and experienced assistance. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson to learn more.

MAINTENANCE HACKS FOR YOUR HOME

From our friends at Delta Media Group

Little fixes around the home can take time and money. Try one of our quick tips to save both! 

1. Fasten a Tennis Ball to your Mop Handles
   Never get on your hands and knees again to scrub scuff marks off your floor. Simply attach a fuzzy tennis ball to the end of your mop handle, and whenever you find a difficult scuff, flip the mop over and use the tennis ball to buff the mark from the floor.
   
   Bonus Hack: Keeping a couple of tennis balls in your swimming pool helps remove the oils, lotions, and sunscreens from the water.
   
   
2. Plunge the Clogs from the Drains
   The next time your bathtub or sink drain backs up, don't reach for a bottle of expensive chemical drain cleaner. Grab your toilet plunger instead. Fill the basin with a few inches of water, use a bit of cloth to cover the overfill hole, and use the plunger over the drain. More often than the clog loosens after just a few plunges.
   
   
3. Easy Spackle
   If your drywall cracks, make your own spackling compound by mixing a small amount of baking soda with glue.
   
   
4. Loosen Stubborn Nails
   Whenever you engage in a home improvement project, there always seems to be that one nail that refuses to come out. A homeowner's trick that frequently works involves using a hairdryer to warm the nail, causing it to expand, creating a larger hole so that after the nail cools and returns to normal size, you can easily remove it.
   
   
5. Repair Windows
   If you have a small hole or crack in your windows, fill the space with clear nail polish. It prevents the hole/crack from spreading when the temps drop below freezing.
   
   
6. Caulking Made Easy
   Caulking isn't always a favorite home maintenance chore. Many struggle to keep the tip of the caulk gun straight or they find that they get caulk everywhere but the spot they want it at. Rather than having a professional come into handle routine caulking for you, stock up on painter's tape. Simply place a strip of painter's tape above and below the area you need to be caulked. Caulk the area and peel the tape away while the caulk is still wet. All the mess goes on the tape.
   
   
7. Fix Holes in Drywall
   Don't worry if you get a small hole in your drywall. Fixing it is easy. Home improvement experts will tell you that you'll need to invest in paper tape or mesh. However, those with strong home maintenance skills know that all they really need is a small makeup brush to spackle their walls. Use the brush to fill the hole with spackle and sandpaper to sand down the spackle.
   
   
8. Take the Elbow Grease Out of Shower Cleaning
   Rather than scrub by hand, easily clean your shower by fastening a foam ball to your cordless drill attachment. It'll have your shower gleaming in no time.

View our comprehensive Spokane real estate market report for the month of August!

The information in this report is compiled from a report given by the Spokane Association of REALTORS© and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and correct.

Download the August Market Report PDF here.

Want more info about the current real estate market? Contact us today to speak to an agent. 

View our comprehensive Kootenai Country real estate market report for the month of August!

The information in this report is compiled from a report given by the Spokane Association of REALTORS© and to the best of our knowledge is accurate and correct.

Download the August Market Report PDF here.

Want more info about the current real estate market? Contact us today to speak to an agent.