Pullman Washington -- Our Famous Giant Snow Man -- By Lori Cofer REALTOR

Our Famous Giant Snow Man ~ By Lori Cofer REALTOR

Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection

Over the Christmas Break for Washington State University, the Pacific Northwest was absolutely dumped on with snow storm after snow storm! I believe we had somewhere between two to three feet of snow! And it just kept coming, storm after storm...Needless to say we had a White Christmas in Pullman this year! In fact, it snowed all of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! It was truly a Winter Wonderland...

So what do you get when you combine lots of snow and kids home for Winter Break? Snow Men of course! A couple of our local neighbor kids got busy making quite possibly the biggest Snow Man ever built in Pullman. It was an afternoon adventure and a engineering feat to boot! Here are some pictures of the process. Notice Mr. Giant Snow Man is taller than the back of the house in the bottom picture!

The amazing builders of this amazing Snow Man are from the left of the Snow Man from back to front are: Kerri Spangenberg, Amy Sterk, Kyle Spangenberg, Rachel&Val Sias and on the right of the snow person is Cam Turtle, Joel Turtle Katie Spangenberg and Ashley Sterk. Photos courtesy of Debi Sterk.

Of course, when warm temperatures came, our little famous Snow Man became affectionately called "Mr. Slushy", and no doubt, and like they say, all good things must come to an end. But wait...isn't there a little phrase from “Frosty the Snowman” that goes something like “he will be back again some day”? Well, we have had snow these past few days, of course nothing like we did, but maybe here and there, if you look real hard, we might find little “honey I shrunk the Snow Man” versions popping up all over Pullman. Keep your eye out... You never know... And by the way, you are always welcome back to Pullman Mr. Giant Snow Man!!!

Lori Cofer

REALTOR

Pullman WA

Pullman Real Estate -- Our Pullman School District

Pullman Real Estate -- Our Pullman School District

By Lori Cofer REALTOR

"Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"

As a REALTOR in Pullman Washington, I am often asked a bit about our local schools. Here is just a brief overview of our Pullman Schools. The Pullman School District is the proud supporter of three elementary schools, Franklin Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, as well as Lincoln Middle School and Pullman High School. Our school district serves approximately 2000 students in grades K-12.

Are our schools good? They are great! Pullman has been recognized by the Hearst Foundation as one of the top 100 school districts in the US! And Pullman was rated first for communities up to 50,000 in population for support of public education in both funding and volunteerism according to the Pullman School District Website which can be found at: http://www.psd267.wednet.edu/default.asp?PageID=576

Franklin Elementary is located on Pioneer Hill. Franklin has approximately 285 students and is the proud representative of over 20 countries represented, with 10 different languages spoken, and over a third of their students a part of a national culture or ethnic minority. Wow!!! That is pretty cool! Franklin Elementary School, 850 SE Klemgard, Pullman WA, (509)334-5641.

Their website is:

http://www.psd267.wednet.edu/Schools/FES/default.asp?PageID=14

Jefferson Elementary is found on Military Hill. Jefferson averages about 400 students and also prides itself on drawing from many cultures and nationalities. It serves students from all parts of the city and rural areas as well. Jefferson Elementary, 1150 SW Bryant, Pullman WA, (509)332-2617

Jefferson's website is found at:

http://www.psd267.wednet.edu/Schools/JES/?PageID=15

As the name implies, Sunnyside Elementary is located on Sunnyside Hill. It is a school characterized by strong academic achievement, high behavior standards for students, and consistent parent/community involvement. If you are a student of Sunnyside, you are a proud Sunnyside Superstar! Sunnyside Elementary, 425 SW Shirley, Pullman WA, (509) 334-1800

Sunnyside's website is found at:

http://www.psd267.wednet.edu/Schools/SES/default.asp?PageID=17

Lincoln Middle School is located on Pioneer Hill. Our middle school consists of grades 6-8. With approximately 500 students the student to teacher ratio is approximately 21. Lincoln is the proud home of the Spartans. Go Spartans!! Lincoln Middle School, SE 315 Crestview, Pullman WA, (509)334-3411

The Lincoln Middle School website can be found at:

http://www.psd267.wednet.edu/Schools/LMS/default.asp?PageID=16

Pullman High School is located on Military Hill. Our High School covers grades 10-12. Pullman High School is one of the top academic High Schools in Washington! In the past 5 years they have produces 17 National Merit Scholar Finalists. Way to go Greyhounds!!! Pullman High School 510 NW Larry Street, Pullman WA, (509)332-1511

For more information, check out their website at:

http://www.psd267.wednet.edu/Schools/PHS/default.asp?PageID=11

Lori Cofer

REALTOR

Pullman WA

Pullman Washington -- What’s For Lunch This Week In Our Schools?

Pullman Washington ~ What’s For Lunch This Week In Our Schools?

Courtesy of Lori Cofer, REALTOR: Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection

MONDAY ~ January 26, 2009

Elementary: Pepperoni Pizza Rounds Veggies Fruit Fruit&Yogurt Snack Milk LMS: Little Caesars Pizza

LMS: Pepperoni Pizza Rounds Veggies Fruit Fruit & Yogurt Snack Milk LMS: Little Caesars Pizza

TUESDAY ~ January 27, 2009

Elementary: Grilled Cheese Sandwich Tomato Soup w/ Crakcers Veggies Fruit Milk

LMS: Grilled Cheese Sandwich Tomato Soup w/ Crakcers Veggies Fruit Milk

WEDNESDAY ~ January 28, 2009

Elementary: Philly Steak & Cheese Pocket Veggies Fruit Dessert Milk

LMS: Philly Steak & Cheese Pocket Veggies Fruit Dessert Milk

Thursday ~ January 29, 2009

Elementary: Popcorn Chicken Yeast Roll Veggies Fruit Milk

LMS: Popcorn Chicken Yeast Roll Veggies Fruit Milk

FRIDAY ~ January 30, 2009

Elementary: Breakfast for Lunch French Toast Sticks Pork Link Sausages Strawberries Asst. Fruit Juices Milk

LMS: Breakfast for Lunch French Toast Sticks Pork Link Sausages Strawberries Asst. Fruit Juices Milk

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!

REALTOR, BEASLEY REALTY

Pullman Washington Real Estate -- Baby it is Cold Outside ~ Household Tips To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

Pullman Real Estate -- Baby it is Cold Outside ~ Household Tips To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing

By Lori Cofer REALTOR ~ "Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"

Baby it is cold outside! Last night the weather was forcasted to be, 12 degrees but we woke up to -14 degrees. Wow, someone was way off! When the mercury dips that low there are some easy home precautions that you might want to take. As they say, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

1. Make sure cupboards under sinks are left open. Cold air can be trapped under your sink, but with the cupboard open heat can freely circulate keeping pipes warmer.

2. Leave a small stream of both hot&cold water flowing. Some people make the mistake of just keeping the cold water going. Big mistake! Hot water actually freezes faster than cold....so make sure you leave a bit of BOTH going.

3. Check out your gas hot water tank. Gas hot water tanks need to vent outside. When temperatures drop the cold air from outside could be sucking right in that vent and on copper tubing. The best solution is to have the tubing wrapped with electrical tape. And it doesn't hurt to have the tank insulated too! In a pinch, make sure there is plenty of heat around the tank and with leaving the water in a stream of hot and cold will force your tank to kick on too!

4. Double check to make sure hoses are disconnected and outside hose bibs are protected. This is typically taken care of as you get the house ready for winter, but it is always a good idea to double check....just in case someone reattached a hose during a warm spell.

Lori Cofer REALTOR

Pullman WA

Pullman WA Real Estate -- Beginning Your Online Journey to Your New Home

Pullman Real Estate -- Beginning Your Online Journey to Your New Home

By Lori Cofer "Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"

Searching for a new home? Maybe it is your first home...or maybe you are relocating....where to do you begin in your search for that perfect house to call home? Here are a few tips for beginning that search that I hope you find helpful.

1. Look on-line. You have already completed this one! Why is this important? Because this will give you a general feel for price in the area. You are welcome to use my free Pullman WA MLS search to preview all homes available in the Whitman County area including Pullman Washington.

Something to remember though, there is a lot you can't see on-line. But it is a great place to start!

2. Get Pre-Approved. I know this is a hard one to get motivated to do...but a pre-approval letter is a win-win situation for YOU! Here is why:

• A pre-approval letter gives you a realistic price range and let’s you know if you have the adequate cash to buy...and if you aren't quite ready, your lender can give you advice to help you achieve your goal! Don't worry, you will get there!
• Your lender will be able to look at the various programs for which you might qualify. There are still some great options out there. But you won't know until you check it out!
• Having a pre-approval letter in hand will help you in negotiations and is one less thing you will have to worry about!

3. Find a REALTOR who understands the market in your area! Each market is unique, so you need someone who understands not only what you are looking for in a home, but a good value! For example in Pullman, we not only have a city-wide market for Pullman but four mini-markets which consists of College Hill, Military Hill, Pioneer Hill and Sunnyside Hill. Your REALTOR specializes in understanding the local market, and is your advocate through the entire process!

4. Make a list of needs versus wants. Now that you have a general idea of prices and what you can afford, you can begin the all important list of needs versus wants. This will help you and your REALTOR in the initial stages of your search. Just a few examples of things you might want to begin your list with are:

* Bedrooms

* Bathrooms

* Square Footage

* Price

* Neighborhood Preferences

* Preferences & Special Amenities

As you look at homes with your REALTOR, some of these things may change, but that is OK! Just revise the list! You and your REALTOR can change it as you go! But with a list in hand, it keeps your search less stressful, and keeps open lines of communication between you and your REALTOR.

Searching for that perfect home is an exciting time! If you considering REALTORS in the Pullman Washington area, I would love to help!

Lori Cofer REALTOR

Pullman WA

Pullman WA Real Estate -- 10 Inexpensive Ways To Give Your House Curb Appeal

Pullman WA Real Estate -- 10 Inexpensive Ways To Give Your House Curb Appeal

By Lori Cofer, REALTOR ~ "Your Pullman WA 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 annual flowers which grow quickly and provide lots of color. Don't forget to sprinkle a fresh layer of bark or mulch to provide a wonderful backdrop to those new flowers. It will make them pop!

5. Give your yard interest. Tuck in a few garden accents to cause buyers to linger and set your home apart from others. That little signature element can imprint your house on their memory!

6. Put a pot of bright flowers by your door and a new welcome mat. Nothing says "welcome to your new home" like an attractive entry way.

7. Replace or repaint house numbers. Buyers often preview properties. One of the first things they will most likely notice is your house number. So make them shine!

8. Make sure your walk way is swept clean and in good repair. And don't forget to hide unsightly hoses etc.

9. Check out your entry way. Give the door a fresh coat of paint or polish. Maybe it is time to invest in a new door handle? How about a nice point of interest like a seasonal door wreath? And don't forget the importance of adequate lighting!

10. Take a look at your mailbox. Is it looking worn or outdated? A new mailbox just might be the ticket!

There are lots more ideas I would love to share with you to help your home get tip top! Feel free to call me for your personal consultation. I am here to help!

Beasley Realty ~ 509-330-0086 ~ loricofer@yahoo.com

The Pullman-Moscow Bill Chipman Trail -- A Great Way to Enjoy the Great Outdoors

The Pullman-Moscow Bill Chipman Trail ~ A Great Way to Enjoy the Great Outdoors ~ by Lori Cofer, REALTOR "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection."

Outdoor activities are one of the things that makes living in Pullman Washington a great place to live. There are always lots of outdoor activities to do in and around Pullman.

One of the great things to do is to get out on a nice day and go for a walk or bike ride. It refreshes both the body and soul. Pullman has a trail for you to do just that! It is called the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail. It is a seven mile long paved trail located along Highway 270 that connects Pullman Washington with Moscow Idaho.

The trail provides an ideal place for walking, biking and rollerblading. And of course, there are benches scattered a long the way providing great places to rest or just to sit and relax. Or maybe you are thinking about an impromptu picnic?

Do get out and enjoy the great outdoors. It is one of the fantastic benefits of living in the Great Northwest!. The access points for the Trail are in Pullman on Bishop Boulevard behind the Quality Inn and in Moscow across from the Palouse Mall.

So why not make a day of it on the next beautiful day? Grab the bikes, skates or walking shoes and head out on the Trail! And at the end of your journey, do stop in and get acquainted with our sister city, Moscow Idaho.

A Warm Welcome From the Pullman Chamber of Commerce

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!

One of the fantastic things I thought that is available for a vistor coming to Pullman is the tremendous amount of local information that the Chamber has readily available in the foyer which is open 24 hours a day. It is loaded with brochures, maps, visitor's guides and so much more. Do please stop by and help yourself to this valuable resouse of information about our great community.

Here are just a few of the area statistics according to the Chamber Guide:

• Average Elevation ~ 2346 feet above sea level
• Climate Temperature Range ~ Winter 23/41; Spring 31/64; Summer 47/82; Fall 31/72
• Population Profile ~ Estimated 2009 for 27,150 for Pullman and 43,000 for the County
• Mileage Chart ~ 8 Miles to Moscow ID
  35 Miles to Lewiston ID
  76 Miles to Spokane WA
  95 Miles to Coeur d'Alene ID
  288 Miles to Seattle, WA

So do please stop by the the Chamber when you are in town. The Pullman Chamber of Commerice is located on 415 N Grand Avenue, Pullman WA. For more information on the chamber visit their website at http://www.pullmanchamber.com/ or give them a call at 509-334-3565. They would love to tell you more about Pullman, our little piece of paradise on the Palouse!

Lori Cofer

REALTOR

Pullman Washington

What is Happening in Pullman Washington

What is Happening in Pullman Washington

By Lori Cofer, REALTOR -- Your Pullman Washington 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 which includes grapes grown on their own property. Their winery and tasting room is located on the Moscow-Pullman Highway. For additional information, their website can be found at http://wawawaicanyon.com You can also call them at 509-338-4916

Do stop by and enjoy a bit of fruit of the vine courtesy of Washington State!

Lori Cofer, REALTOR ~ Pullman WA

My Newest Little Personal Assistant

My Newest Little Personal Assistant

By Lori Cofer, REALTOR

Your Pullman WA 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 is quite the snuggler. Here is a picture I shot one handed with my iphone last night which was quite a task as I couldn't see what I was aiming at!

December of 2008 and January of 2009 had record snowfalls. I can't tell you his delight when he once again saw grass. He adores running and rolling on the grass.

This puppy has provided me hours and hours of joy as only a little animal friend can. There are so many little kitties, cats, puppies and dogs that need a home of their own. Maybe you are considering adding to your little family as we did. Do check out our local animal shelter. It is located at:

635 NWGuy Street
Pullman, Washington 99163
Phone: 509-332-3422

Pullman Animal Shelter

We also have a world class veterinarian department at Washington State University to take your new little one. We are fortunate in Pullman to have such a facility at our disposal. In fact, it is time for Chewie's check up. So maybe we will see you there! Here is the link to the WSU Teaching Hospital for more information:

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vth

Lori Cofer

Realtor

Pullman WA

Pullman Real Estate -- Tips on Selling Your Pullman WA Home

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 forward and a clean home sells much better than a dirty one. You don't get a chance to make a second impression in life, and this is certainly true in the sale of your home.

• Greet Your Visitors With a Pleasant Smell.The first thing that will greet your prospective buyers will be how your home smells. Odors, especially pet odors, are an absolute no no. A nice, clean fresh smell is always welcome. Don't overpower your guests with intense room fresheners etc. Remember, some people are sensitive to smell

• Make a Great First Impression. Take an objective stroll up to your front door and into your home. Is the walk clean and tidy? Are bushes trimmed? Is the front door attractive? Is the doormat worn? How does your mail box look? Is there something of interest such as an attractive wreath or a nice pot of flowers.

Feel free to call me for a free market analysis of your Home. I would be happy to meet with you and discuss my personalized analysis of your home and how to put your best foot forward in the sale of your home.

Lori Cofer, REALTOR, Licensed in WA & ID ~ 509.330.0086 ~ www.MyPullmanHome.Com

Pullman WA MLS Search

New Construction

Pullman WA Real Estate -- New Construction -- Building Trends
By Lori Cofer ~ "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"

If you are thinking of building a new home, you most likely you have a vision of what your new home will look like. This article touches on just a few of today's trends in building.

Today's trends are toward open floor plans and spacious kitchens. Gone are the days of compartmentalized rooms. The new generation of homes have a flow from room to room providing both large areas for gatherings and private spaces.

Due to lifestyle changes, the kitchen and adjoining family rooms have become the heart of our homes, both for family times as well as entertaining.

Bedrooms have also undergone great changes. The days of a room merely for sleeping have also disappeared. Today's new plans boast large, spacious master suites to retreat from the pressures of everyday life. Children's rooms are also being redefined with individualized study/play areas.

We have also become a media centered generation and this too is reflecting in our homes. Built in media centers, ipod docs, and surround sound are a great new addition to today's new homes.

Today's new homes are leaning toward more environmental responsibility. Increased awareness of the spiraling cost of energy is resulting in increased energy efficiency. Many homeowners are also considering building "green."

These are just a few current trends that are making their way into the building industry. If you considered building, do feel free to call me. I would be happy to take the stress out of building your new home. It might surprise you how cost-effective and fun it can be!



Beasley Realty
"Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"

Buying Versus Renting by Lori Cofer, Beasley Realty ~ Pullman WA Real Estate

By Lori Cofer -- "Your Pullman Washington Real Estate Connection"

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, of course, unique, but there are certainly added benefits to purchasing your own home.

Obviously, the first reason is pride of ownership. We live in a great county where we have the privilege to privately own property. Owning your own home is a 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 mortgage you are decreasing your debt with each and every payment that you make! At the same time, as the value of your home rises, you are gaining appreciation on your investment! It is a WIN-WIN situation! When you pay rent, it is money gone never to be seen again. And instead of creating your own wealth, you are creating wealth for your landlord.




TAX BREAKS is the third reason for owning your own home versus renting. The US Tax code allows home owners tax deductions for the interest that you pay on your mortgage, paid property taxes as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

Fourth is STABILITY. When you have a fixed mortgage you know exactly what your payment will be and that will not change. Rent, however, is always subject to increases. As rental property becomes less available, it is inevitable the rent prices will increase! It is the rule of supply and demand.

Fifth is THE FREEDOM TO DO AS YOU WISH WITH YOUR PROPERTY. You don't have to ask permission to improve the property. The house belongs to YOU! The choice is YOURS! And best yet, most improvements you make to your property increase YOUR HOME‘S VALUE!

These are just a few of the benefits of owning your own home. There are so many more!

What if you can't buy a home now? Make steps to purchase in the future! There are a great many things you can do to get ready!

Whether you are ready now, or would like to prepare for the future, please feel free to call or email me. I am here to help!

Lori Cofer

"Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"