Contrary to popular opinion, we do have pest issues in areas like Pullman and Moscow.  Our primary invader is the carpenter ant.  The problem that is starting to develop is that while we have a slew licensed inspectors in the area (and the number is growing), only two of us are still licensed as pest inspectors. The Washington State Standards of Practice for home inspectors is pretty clear.  We are required to report any conducive conditions to pest infestation and wood destroying fungus and, if not also licensed as a Structural Pest Inspector, refer our clients to an SPI if we suspect insect damage. One of the realities of the marketplace is that home inspectors market to Realtors rather than directly to clients.  I have my doubts that the referral will consistently take place.  There ... 10/02/2010

The title of the post and the question itself probably seem a bit silly.  Everybody here on AR is in the same business whether they're a Realtor, Inspector, Mortgage Broker, Stager.  Quite often though I see people confuse industry with job. A good example was this last Friday. I was taken by surprise during one of my inspections Friday, of a Clarkston WA house. I had an exchange with a Realtor from Lewiston ID that went something like this: Inspector:  So, have you been keeping tracks of the changes in the home inspection side of things? Realtor:  No.  Why should I pay attention to your industry? Huh?  Since I didn't have a ready answer, I think she had a point.  And in my usual way, I thought of all sorts of good answers - hours later.  Before I arrived at those answers though, I had ... 02/09/2009

I recieved the following email from the ASHI of Western Washington- Well, it didn't take long! We have just received word that the first attempt to change the new Home Inspector Law has been brought forth in the Legislature. It is Senate Bill 5644, which you can review at: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5644.pdf Basically, the bill attempts to allow on-line learning and inserts the word MOLD into the requirements for a Home Inspection. We would expect the DOL to fight the on line learning change, as all Real Estate classes are currently required to be instructor lead courses. Both the Real Estate Licensees and Home Inspectors are under the Real Estate Division of the DOL. Of course, inserting the word MOLD into the Home Inspection requirements... 01/29/2009

Well, it's about time. For those that don't know me, I am an avid, if less talented, runner.  Unfortunately, one that has been sidelined for several months.  I'm finally back to running but because I haven't had a chance to build up my mileage, it won't be racing any time soon. In the meantime, I'll be crewing.  The Snake River Half is a fast 1/2 marathon run every year by the Palouse Roadrunners just down the hill fron Pullman WA.  The course is an out and back with an elevation profile that looks like this: Ideal for someone that hates hills. Since I can't run it though, I'll be assisting at one of the aid stations with the Asotin HS Cross Country team and their coach, Tim Gundy. I haven't helped at many races in the last few years and I find that I miss it.  One year, while still in ... 01/20/2009

The Lewis Clark Real Estate Merket ...Current Period 01-01-08 through 12-31-2008                                 these are just residential SOLDS in the LC Valleytotal SOLD: 720 total volume 126,698,706 average price $175,970One Year Ago SOLD: 976 153,569,078 $157,345 Increase/(Decrease) (256) -26% volume(26,870,372) -17% $18,625 12% Interest Rates are at a all time low .... Paying rent on property owned by others is not an attractive proposal. Even if you, as a new home owners understand that you may not realize high equity gains for some years, owning a home offers a quality of life that we Americans desire. We are an independent society and having control of our home drives many of us home buyers. Let's talk about owning a home!   01/16/2009

Cost of Living Comparison:Clarkston, Washington - Encinitas, California Change cities Encinitas is 136% more expensive than Clarkston. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Housing is 522% more expensive in Encinitas. A salary of $125,000 in Clarkston, Washington should increase to $295,102 in Encinitas, California Clarkston U.S. Avg. Encinitas Cost of Living Indexes Clarkston Encinitas Overall 86 203 Food 101 113 Housing 58 363 Utilities 82 126 Transportation 104 112 Health 116 131 Miscellaneous 104 105 100=national average » Compare these cities in over 100 categories   it is True!  there is No Place like Home!  information from 12/21/2008

Market Report for Lewis Clark ValleySingle family home sales in the Lewis-Clark Valley1.  Number of homes on the market...3652.  Homes sold since beginning of 2007...4433.  Average sales price of those homes sold...$169,4324.  Average days on the market...96LAST YEAR, SAME PERIOD...1.   there were 308 ACTIVE Residential listings in the Lewis-Clark Valley2.  Homes sold in same period in 2006...3333.  Average price of those homes sold last year 2006...$157,7494.  Average Days on the market...86To take a look at the listings in my area check out my Website  http://www.pattyluther.com/YOUR LEWIS CLARK VALLEY REALTOR OF CHOICE 08/10/2007

                                             Welcome to Clarkston, Gateway to Hells Canyon! We are proud to be recognized as a region of outstanding beauty and historical significance. The twin cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washingotn were named in honor of the famous explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from the Corps of Discovery Lewis and Clark Expedition. As they led the Corps of Discovery through our area in 1805 they were provided much needed assistance from the Nez Perce Indians in the region. Located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, surrounded by gentle rolling hills, the Lewis-Clark Valley is located 465 river miles from the Pacific Ocean and is at the head of the navigation system of the Columbia/Snake River. The area is often referred ... 07/30/2007