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Pullman, WA Real Estate News

By Paul Duffau, Caring for People, Educating about Homes
(Safe@Home Inspections, LLC in SE Washington)
In addition to being a home inspector, I am also an infrared thermographer - the two don't always meet in the middle - and I have been keeping busy checking on wet basements for the last two weeks. As many of you know, the Pacific Northwest has been getting hammered by snow.  That has caused all sorts of hazards on the roads and roof collapses and several deaths - one when the snow on a roof slide off and buried an elderly lady on her sidewalk. But what you may not know is that we also had a brief warming trend, leading to flooding in ours waterways and streets.  Much of this water made it into homes as well with the usual results in wall and flooring damage, potential health hazards and additional expenses right when homeowners can least afford them. After doing several houses, a theme...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
~ 10 Inexpensive Ways To Give Your House Curb Appeal ~ By Lori Cofer, REALTOR ~ "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"   As they say, you only make a first impression once.  A potential buyer has many choices these days.  You want to put your best foot forward.  Here are a few inexpensive and easy tips to give your home curb appeal! 1.  Power wash the house.  Make sure to pay attention to areas under the eaves.  You don't want to greet your buyers with spider webs. 2. Tidy up the landscaping.  Make sure bushes are neatly trimmed and in proportion to your home.  Overgrown bushes can make your house look small! 3.  Water and fertilize the grass so your lawn is green.  And when it begins to grow, keep it neatly trimmed and mowed.  4.  Keep flower beds looking their best.  Put in some new an...
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By Paul Duffau, Caring for People, Educating about Homes
(Safe@Home Inspections, LLC in SE Washington)
Living in a rural community (even one populated with two state univeristies - the Univeristy of Idaho and Washington State University) often leads to interesting discussions since everybody knows everybody else. Case in point is a debate that the home inspectors here have been having with several electrical contractors regarding Federal Pacific Electrical panels. The debate has gone on for the better part of four years. We insist that the panels are problematic, the electrical contractor declares them fine and says nothing is wrong with them. Since the Consumer Product Safety Commission finished their testing (they didn't have the money for testing), excuses have been made that the panels and breakers are okay. Even the CPSC found that the breakers didn't not operate correctly under UL ...
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By Olga Diaz, Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR
(COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON)
Tomorrow is Inauguration Day.  As a nation, we look forward to this day for many special reasons.  For me, it is the day our new President, Barack Obama, takes office, our nation comes together in celebration, and my seven year old daughter is able to watch and remember this grand event.  She has been talking about it for weeks now as her teacher and class have discussed the upcoming day.  And with today's holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King almost over, I smile as I remember her interest and comments at the dinner table.  She commented on the unfairness the African-Americans experienced and spoke of how Dr King struggled to make our nation a better place.  She watched the news eagerly and listened to the news anchor list the schedule for tomorrows special day and she earnestly spok...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
  A Warm Welcome From the Pullman Chamber of Commerce ~ by Lori Cofer, REALTOR Your Pullman Real Estate Connection As a proud REALTOR who lives and works in Pullman, I decided it was time for me to join the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. I don't know what took me so long!  It is a valuable resource for both businesses and visitors to our great community.       So, the other day I did just that, I stopped by and joined.  I can't tell you what a warm welcome I was by them!  They are a great bunch of people who work tirelessly spreading the news about Pullman, or own little piece of paradise on the Palouse.  They deserve a big THANK YOU from us all!                                                                                            Photo Courtesy of Mark & Eric Tetzlaff One of the fan...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
What is Happening in Pullman Washington  ~ By Lori Cofer, REALTOR Your Pullman Real Estate Connection Wineries are popping up all over Washington State as our reputation for wine is on the rise.  Feel like sampling some Washington Wines in Pullman?  We have two wineries here locally with tasting rooms. Merry Cellars began in 2004 with their first crush.  This family owned winery begun by Patrick Merry produces red and white wines from fruit grown in Washington.  They are located at 245 SE Paradise Street in Pullman and their tasting room is open from 1-6 Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.  For more information, check out their web site at http://merrycellars.com  Their phone number is 509-338-4699. Wawawai Canyon Winery opened in 2006.  They also use Washington fruit, some of ...
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By Olga Diaz, Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR
(COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON)
Fur Balls in the Living Room, Fur Balls in the Dining Room .... where can we find Fur Balls?  Well, you can find the Whitman County Humane Society Second Annual Fur Ball and Yappy Hour scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the SEL Event Center.  It's a fantastic way to support the Whiman County Humane Society and our community.  This special event is a way to donate towards the building of the new pet shelter, AnimalHaven.  What a super evening!  It starts at 4:30 p.m. with a VIP reception with Dr. Marty Becker and continues until 9:30 p.m. There are a number of special guests that include Dr. Marty Becker, adjunct professer, graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and co-author of the literary pet book, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul.  Consi...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
My Newest Little Personal Assistant ~ By Lori Cofer, REALTOR  ~ Your Pullman Real Estate Connection   My Christmas present this year is a little bundle of love. His name is Chewbacca, Chewie for short. He is a little "Munchkin," which is a Yorkie Shitzu cross. I shared this little picture in a previous blog, and I have had so many people ask me how is doing, I thought I would give you all a progress report. He has settled into the house completely and is pretty much running our home right now. He is a bundle of energy and absolutely adores running up the stairs only to find he is stuck and needs help down again.  He also loves to curl up on my lap as I work on the computer or make calls. I guess he has dubbed himself my new assistant! Now if only I can keep him off the keyboard!     He ...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
 Pullman Washington Real Estate ~ Tips on Selling Your Pullman WA Home By Lori Cofer, REALTOR "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection" Here are just a few of many things to keep in mind as you prepare to put your house on the market. Remove Clutter. Now is the time to begin to sort and pack up things you won't need. The result is your home will look tidy and more spacious to your prospective buyer. Besides, you are moving, right? So why not get a jump start on it!   Remove Extra Furniture. We all have pieces of furniture that might be too big and bulky, or we might be overcrowding our rooms. Remember, less is better! It helps facilitate your showings if people can easily move through your home.   Clean, Clean, Clean Until Your Home Sparkles. You always want to put your very best foot forwa...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
What is Happening in Pullman WA This Week  By Lori Cofer ~ Your Pullman Real Estate Connection The New Year has begun and many of us are feeling those winter time blahs.    There may still be a wisp of snow here or there, or even more to come, but we have many facilities in Pullman that offer help to shake the winter time blues! One great way is to take advantage of our great indoor Pullman Aquatic Center.  Inside we not only have a lap pool to get into shape, but also an exercise room and a therapeutic pool as well to ease those sore muscles. It is located at 500 Larry Street.  You can call them at 509-338-3290.  We also have a wonderful indoor Rec Center on the Washington State University Campus that not only has an indoor pool, but pretty much everything you can imagine.!!  Check out...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
Pullman WA Residents Gather Together to Send Valentine's to Support Their Local National Guardsman!  By Lori Cofer ~ Your Pullman Real Estate Connection Rebecca Schwartz, one of the organizers for the rally to send care packages to our troops during deployment sent me an email thanking all who supported the December 6th troop support party.  Due to the efforts of Pullman residents from young to old stockings were stuffed, Christmas cards were written resulting in approximately two dozen Christmas care packages to make their holiday brighter. I have personally received emails from the guys in the field as a result and I can't tell you how much they appreciate being thought of...not to mention the fact that they love all the goodies and chocolate!   There will be another rally to support ...
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By Olga Diaz, Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR
(COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON)
The community of Pullman, nestled in the rolling Hills of the Palouse, hosts a variety of activities and characteristics that make it a unique, and special place to live.  It's academic excellence is evident with the Pullman School District rating in the top 100 in the United States and WSU as one of the the top research universities in the area.  In addition, Pullman boasts a very active community where residents are involved in a variety of activities. The excitement of the new year has begun as the public school systems have started and WSU begins again this coming Monday, January 12th.  Students from all over the country will transend into the quiet community bringing life to the holiday peace that has dominated the town.  It's also a time that the community enjoys the Spring sports...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
What is Happening in Pullman WA This Week  By Lori Cofer ~ Your Pullman Real Estate Connection       The influx of students is always an exciting time for Pullman as a steady stream of cars brings our little college town back to life.  All the snow is beginning to melt and traveling should be easier!  Thank goodness!  Many will be  arriving for Thursday's Men's Basketball game against the California Golden Bears which is scheduled for 7:00PM at the Beasley Coliseum.    There will also be a Saturday's  Men's Basketball game will also be at 7:00PM against Stanford. GO COUGS!!!! About the Author: The above piece was provided as a community service by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is ...
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By Olga Diaz, Potter, Mng Broker, CRS, ASP, ePRO, ABR
(COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON)
I can hear the wind as it whips around outside.  It's an incredible sound.  This winter has definitely been one to remember.  With the snow accumulating past the two foot mark, the rain coming down so hard that it produces instant streams, and the wind that could blow a house down, it makes us feel somewhat uncertain.  It can make us feel almost like we have been feeling about the real estate market in our area.  It has raised questions for many of our clients and colleagues alike but as the weather shall pass and move into Spring so will the market begin to regroup around us.  We'll ride out the storm...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
We have all heard the phrase, "the weather outside is frightful."  Extreme weather conditions causes extreme problems!  We spend our days and nights just trying to keep our walks clear, our gutters running smoothly, and our roofs free from extreme snow loads.  But it is also important not to forget to keep your GAS METER FREE FROM SNOW AND ICE!  Your GAS METER NEEDS TO VENT TO WORK PROPERLY.  So do the VENTS TO YOUR GAS HOT WATER HEATER, FURNACE AND APPLIANCES.  When they can't vent, they won't work causing you a fright you can do without! Who needs the additional headache of having your furnace or electricity not functioning when it is preventable with a few minutes time! When REMOVING SNOW from your meter, GENTLY BRUSH AWAY SNOW.  DO NOT USE SHOVELS OR KICK YOUR METER as it could caus...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
      Today we all woke up with SNOW and LOTS OF IT, probably about four inches right now and still falling. We are expected to get quite a bit followed by cold temperatures...Brrrrrr...please read the cold weather tips at the end to keep your home safe.     The snow sure is pretty and putting everyone in the mood for Christmas!  Here is the scene right out my front door just a few minutes ago!        This week is full of activities such as the LINCOLN SCHOOL BAND CONCERT on the 18th at 7:30.  Being a band member in Junior High and High School myself, I know how hard they work to put on a great show and would love to have you come watch them play.  Do please come! Also, please don't miss Pullman Civic Theater's presentation of "MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET."  They have lots of performances to...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
WE LOVE OUR GUARDSMAN AND IT SHOWS! Saturday, December 6th Pullman Washington held a Christmas Rally to support our local National Guardsman who will be away from home during the upcoming Christmas Season. The turn out was fantastic with approximately 50 people showing they care by gathering together to write letters and fill handmade Christmas stockings  with donated items for our soldiers. It was an enjoyable time for all!!!!  I, for one, had a blast writing Christmas Cards and getting to see old friends and make new ones too!                     The keynote speaker was Michael Baumgartner, a local resident who holds degrees both at WSU and Harvard.  Michael left the private sector in 2007 to become a civilian volunteer with the US State Department in Iraq.  He was appointed Deputy Di...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
Living in Pullman provides great opportunities for families, friends and neighbors to get together. This is one of things that makes our community such a great a place to live, work and play! There is so many things going on, especially with the Christmas Season Approaching, but my pick will be Pullman's Annual Tree Lighting Event which is scheduled for December 5th 2008  in the High Street Square! Come down and join me in the fun!  The festivities will begin at 5 P.M. as the music begins!  Next to snow, nothing puts you in the mood for Christmas like your favorite Christmas Carols. The tree lighting will take place at 6 P.M.  A bonfire, cocoa and cider will be available.  Most retailers will be open for their extended Holiday Hours so you can get some shopping done too! There will also...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
  Thanksgiving Food Drive  Thanksgiving is a time to stop and be truly thankful for all the blessings that we enjoy in life.  I am thankful to be a part of a team of real estate professionals at Beasley Realty who care about the needs of those who might need a little help this Thanksgiving.  Although there are so many worthy causes from which to chose,  we decided as a team to donate to the Pullman Child Welfare.  It gave each of us great joy to deliver the sacks of food, knowing that it would make such a difference in the lives of so many families within our local Pullman Washington community.  In total we donated 466 pounds of food  which consisted of 35  sacks of side meals for a family Thanksgiving, as well as an additional 54 large cans of soups and stews to the Pullman Child Welfa...
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By Lori Churchill Cofer, Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA
(Beasley Realty)
As a REALTOR® in Pullman and a member of the Whitman County Association of REALTORS, I take great pride in helping buyers find a house to call home.  Often I am asked, "should I buy or rent?"  Each individual situation is unique of course, but there are certainly added benefits to purchasing your own home. Obviously, the first reason is PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP.  We live in a great country where we have the privilege to privately own property.  Owning your own home is part of the American Dream.   Second, is THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE WEALTH.  This is done both through APPRECIATION and EQUITY.  Real estate is not like the volatile stock market with sharp increases and decreases.  Instead, it is a long term investment that yields long-term growth in value.  For example, on a typical fixed mort...
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