June 28th and 29th2008 -  6300 teams will gather in Spokane WA for HOOPFEST 2008! This is an incredible weekend of 3 on 3 with teams ranging from small children to pro's! Excitment swooshes through downtown Spokane as it is turned into every basketball lovers dream. Spokane is truly anamazing place. We pull off some of the most incredible events. My kids have played Hoopfest several times. If you have never been to Spokane WA you may want to plan a trip sometime and visit during Hoopfest if you love basketball! For more information, visit www.hoopfest.net              BethAnn Long, Tomlinson South Inc. ...Jumping through real estate hoops for YOU! www.bethannhomes.com    visit my real estate web site! 06/22/2008

LIFE   Approaching fifty in the near future has made me more contemplative and introspective than usual.You see, I am blessed. I marvel everyday at the simple and the extraordinary.However, my life has been riddled with challenges. I am guessing your has to? Some of my personal challenges have been cancer, experiencing the ravages of addictions in my family, raising 5 children, loss, rejection, and things I just can't share. No pity party here. Each of these challenges have come into my life and changed the fabric  of who I am. The most cherished outcome of adversity, is an ever increasing empathy for those going through difficulty. I live my life from a biblical perspective, and believe all things work together. I truly believe that when seeking answers, anything that has ever worked f... 06/21/2008

Hello Everyone,  Spokane Real Estate is prime for Spokane Real Estate Investors right now. Home prices have come down a bit, but more importantly inventory is up and bank short sales are rising and more importantly now they are finnaly getting reasonable about the offers they will take.  What does this mean to you? Well, it's time to peel back the eyes and keep a look on what is going on out there. If you are thinking of getting started investing in Spokane real estate, now is a good time. While everyone else is worrying about the economy, investors are buying, buying, buying. Remember when things are going bad, people are getting rich. Will you take advantage of this market so that when it goes up you can cash in? If you want real help in Investing in Spokane Real Estate just call us a... 06/17/2008

Hello Everyone,  I just want to share with you an important part of our personal lives that affect every client we help. I had a choice a while back to build my Spokane Real Estate Team with anyone I wanted. I decided instead to work with friends and fellow Christians. Bottom line is my name is the one on the sign and I have found that people who live by a strong moral code of right and wrong are the kind of people I want to work with. This has a been a big blessing in my business. Though being selective meant slower initial growth, I have to fell good about the people representing my brand. Whether you beleive in God or not it still helps you because the fact is we hold ourselves to higher standards then even our profession calls for. This means when you hire Team Quintana you can know... 06/17/2008

YUM. The Spokane Farmers Market is now open with a variety of local vendors supplying yummy fresh fruits, vegies and much more! Visit their web site for details on their hours, and schedule of events, including LIVE MUSIC! www.spokanefarmersmarket.org   I like to support the local growers and benefit from the delicious organic foods they offer. Make a day of it, and hit the market on your way home to pick up something for dinner!                                                          EAT YOUR VEGGIES!                                                       BethAnn Long 509-362-4607 Tomlinson South Inc. www.BethAnnHomes.com 06/17/2008

I believe that private property is one of the cornerstones of our free society and that the use and protection of private property advances the well being of our state.  Private property is one of the foundations upon which our country was built.  Here are my three thoughts for the day on eminent domain.  Private property advances economic opportunity.  The use and protection of private property allows individuals and businesses to grow and accumulate wealth and security.  Excessive government regulations are a threat to private property rights.  Over-burdensome environmental regulations, growth controls, and forced annexation pose serious threats to the rights and interests of property owners.   Eminent Domain should be used as a last resort.  Governments should not use Eminent Domain... 06/17/2008

There are some unbelieveable historical Spokane Wa Homes, mansions, and buildings. Here are just a few of my favorites THE FLOUR MILL: Directly across the river from Downtown Spokane WA lies an old flour mill filled with great shops, and perhaps my favorite resteraunt, Clinkerdaggers.   THE GLOVER MANSION: Located on Spokane wa South Hill, we hosted my parents 50th wedding anniversary at this amazing mansion! EJ Roberts Mansion, Brownes Addition BED AND BREAKFAST! This spectacular home is owned by a friend of my oldests son. ARBOR CREST WINERY The Riblet Mansion Unreal views from this world class winery! Spokane Valley THE CLARK HOUSE MANSION Once a personal residence, this home has been a resteraunt (Pasty Clarks) and is now the home of some business owners. THE CAMPBELL HOUSE: This Ki... 06/17/2008

In a fascinating, yet somewhat obscure community here in Spokane Wa. called "Vinegar Flats", sit's a little white house on Chestnut Street. Nestled along Hangman Creek( also known as Latah Creek)  between the back side of the South Hill and Highway 195, this charming neighborhood is little known - even by Spokane natives. When I drive through Vinegar Flats, my bones tingle. I am filled with curiosity and fascination of how my grandparents walked these streets and made there way with a dog kennel business here. I guess being a dog lover is just another hereditary thing for me. My father, J.Pat O'Neill (now 81) was about 16 when his parents and siblings moved here from Superior ,Montana. My dad is indeed a fascinating character. His Irish heritage and meager upbringing give him qualities... 06/15/2008

I have been singing and performing since the worlds fair in Spokane Wa. Expo 74 ! (OK that dates me...) My music web site is comprised of 3 custom albums I produced along my life journey. I would love to share my music with you. God Bless! Visit my music web site: www.BethAnnLong.com BethAnn Long, The Singing Realtor! 06/14/2008

Eagle Ridge & Indian Canyon - home of the Qualchan Golf Course. This is just one of the tremendous views from the miles of paved trails throughout the estate. The exercise from walking or running or jogging or biking is reward enough but the refreshment from your surroundings is immeasurable. It sure is great to be alive! 06/13/2008

There's nothing boring about walking the trails at Eagle Ridge. Whether for exercising the body or freeing the mind of clutter, passing along the paved paths is a joy and a wonder. The whole circuit provides beauty at every turn and corner. From breathtaking vistas to beautiful flowers and shaded woods - there is reward for everyone who deserves the best. 06/13/2008

Here in Spokane WA There is still alot of homes on the market, in comparison to the past two years. ACTIVE LISTINGS for May 2008 were at 3,354, up from 2,756 in 2007, and 1,971 in 2006. This creates issues for sellers, such as longer days on market, stiffer competition, and buyers who somewhat have the upper hand. In my opinion, this overage is created mostly  by current lending factors, and the economy. What we have here is a supply and demand reflection. It is VERY important to have your house IN THE MARKET not just ON THE MARKET if you expect to sell.     Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Spokane, Wa area? Call BethAnn 509-362-4607 BethAnn Long Tomlinson South 06/13/2008

Eagle Ridge is a Newland Communities development South of Spokane. It is designed to make life easy for you - you work hard and deserve a maginificent place to live. Only seven minutes to Downtown Spokane and yet set in 160 acres of parkland. Tranquility embraces you and you know that you are ARE in the country. Leave the Interstate well behind you and relax as the Highway takes you through the beautiful valley to your home. Truly: you feel good at being home BEFORE you get to your door. It is a wonderful place. The roads are laid out with neighborhood in mind. They are wide and lined with a variety of trees to add shade, color and variety to your afternoon stroll or morning run. There are miles of paved paths for you to enjoy hiking, walking, running or biking. maybe, just sitting on a... 06/13/2008

SUMMER and Real Estate Is summer a good time to buy and sell homes? With the changes in the market from late 07 till now (6/08) I am thinking now that people realize the world is still turning, this will be a great summer to buy and sell real estate. When you look at the big picture, interest rates are still at historical lows. People have gotten used to the fact that it is more of a buyers market, and things are evening out. Lets face it, how many other investments can you live in? First and foremost, summer is to be enjoyed! However, many people want to have their homes sold by the end of the summer so they can transition into fall with a new start. Especially here where seasons change. Let's face it. Summer is a blast! It's a time for relaxation, barbeques, picnics, and vacations. Th... 06/12/2008

I love a good mini trip! There is so much to do close by when you live here in Spokane, Wa.                                                                                   Here are a few of my favorite day trips and mini trips from Spokane, Wa.   1. Just an hour and a half from Spokane, lies the amazing little town of  SANDPOINT,  IDAHO. Sometimes we go for the day, and sometimes we stay for a week! The shopping and resteraunts are great. The natural beauty is breathtaking. The public city beach is amazing!                                                           Even when our kids were tiny, we would get a room right on the beach and play! 2. SILVERWOOD THEME PARK! (www.Silverwoodthemepark.com) If you want some action, head to Silverwood! It's just an hour from Spokane and it is gre... 06/11/2008

LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM HOUSE IN THE SPOKANE, WA AREA? If you are looking for a home online, you may get tired of going to various web sites and entering and re-entering all of your personal search criteria. SAVE YOURSELF SOME  PRECIOUS TIME! I have a GREAT FREE solution for people looking for a home in the Spokane WA area! Let the "Scouting Report" from Home Buyers Marketing do the work FOR YOU! You won't miss a single potential property that might interest you. In fact, you can wake up in the morning with your coffee, open your e-mail and whala! Homes that YOU are interested in are e-mailed to you directly from the Spokane Wa MLS! The scouting report is an amazing tool for home buyers. You can even track  Spokane WA. homes that spark your interest, and you will be notified when they g... 06/10/2008

  Selling your house? What do you do with your pets while people are looking?  Many homeowners consider their pets to be more than just animals - they are beloved members of the family. When it comes to renting or selling a house, however, homeowners often don't realize their furry, feathered or scaly friends may leave some potential buyers feeling they're barking up the wrong tree. "People don't want to hear that their pet isn't an attribute - it's almost like insulting their mother," says John de Reeder, an associate broker with Prudential Douglas Elliman in Mattituck. "Especially in today's changing real estate marketplace, presentation is everything. Homeowners need to distinguish themselves from their competition in a good way and minimize any of the distractions - and pets are a d... 06/06/2008

It is not necessary to identify a mold in order to know how to treat it. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "all mold and moisture problems should be treated with the same care and urgency. Check for signs of mold and trace the moisture back to the source. If you have a high relative humidity in a room of 55% or higher, then consider a dehumidifier. If you have a water leak have it fixed and dry the area thoroughly. Do not leave wet towels or other items near walls or laying on floors. Remember it only takes 24-48 hours for toxic mold to germinate and grow." Sick House Syndrome describes a house with a serious indoor air quality problem which causes people to develop symptoms such as headaches, nausea, watery eyes, skin irr... 06/06/2008

Saving the World from Ordinary Service!  TM Who should do the cleanup?If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can probably handle the job yourself. However:If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types. If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, or the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Indus... 06/06/2008

EWWWW...Why is mold growing in my home? Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. Can mold cause health problems?Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substanc... 06/06/2008