Where the Market Stands Right Now

After a period of adjustment, the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene markets have found their footing heading into spring. Inventory is up, mortgage rates have dipped closer to 6%, and sales volume is rising — setting the stage for a more active buying season than we've seen in several years.

5 Things Every Seller Should Know This Spring

Homes priced right are still selling — but the days of listing above market and waiting for offers are over. Here's how to position yourself for success.

• 1
  Price it right from day one. About 50% of Spokane homes have seen price reductions — overpricing leads to stale listings. Homes that started at market value continued to attract strong interest and, in some cases, multiple offers.
• 2
  List early — before April competition heats up. As mortgage rates dip closer to 6%, buyer confidence is expected to spike in spring. Sellers who list in March and early April have a cleaner window before inventory builds further.
• 3
  Invest in presentation. Professional photography, staging, and drone footage aren't optional in today's market. Buyers have more choices now — first impressions online matter more than ever.
• 4
  Understand your carrying costs. With homes sitting an average of 56 days, sellers should factor in mortgage, utilities, and insurance for potentially 2+ months while on market.
• 5
  Expect to negotiate. The sale-to-list ratio sits at 98%, meaning buyers have a little leverage. Being flexible on closing dates or minor repairs can make or break a deal.

Your Window Is Now — Here's How to Use It

For the first time in years, buyers have real negotiating power in the Spokane/CDA market. Inventory is at a 3.3-month supply — far better than the 0.5 months buyers faced in early 2024. Here's how to take advantage.

• 1
  Get pre-approved before you start shopping. With rates flirting with 6%, locking in a pre-approval gives you a concrete budget and signals seriousness to sellers.
• 2
  Don't wait for a "perfect" rate. Rates may dip, but when they do, buyer demand will surge quickly. The inventory advantage buyers have today often disappears when rates drop.
• 3
  Understand affordability constraints. In Spokane, housing costs consume roughly 38% of median household income — close to the national average. In CDA, that number jumps to 72%. Know your numbers before falling in love with a zip code.
• 4
  Explore West Plains and Valley alternatives. Areas like Airway Heights, Medical Lake, and Spokane Valley offer more inventory and stable prices — solid options for budget-conscious first-time buyers who don't need to be in the city core.
• 5
  Budget for the full cost of ownership. Beyond your mortgage, factor in homeowner's insurance (which has risen sharply), property taxes, and maintenance. A trusted lender can help you see the full picture.

Top Concerns for Buyers & Sellers in 2026

• ⚠
  Affordability squeeze — especially in CDA. With the median CDA home requiring 72% of household income to carry, many local families are being priced out. Budget carefully and explore surrounding areas like Post Falls and Hayden for better value.
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  New construction slowdown. Single-family building permits in Spokane County dropped from 317 in 2024 to just 146 in 2025. Less new supply means existing home prices have a floor — but it also limits options for buyers wanting new builds.
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  Insurance costs rising. Homeowner's insurance premiums have climbed significantly across the region. Factor this into your monthly budget — it can add hundreds of dollars per month beyond your mortgage payment.
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  Rate sensitivity. The market is highly reactive to rate movements. When rates dip, competition returns fast — particularly for homes under $400K in North Spokane, Spokane Valley, and similar areas.

April Around Spokane

From Easter egg hunts to music festivals and preservation galas, Spokane's spring calendar is packed. Here's what's on.

April Around Coeur d'Alene

CDA's spring scene ranges from waterfront art walks to wine tasting and live music. Here's what's happening across the border.

New & Notable: The Inland NW Food Scene

The Spokane-CDA food scene has been buzzing lately. Whether you're treating clients, hosting out-of-town buyers, or just exploring your own backyard, here's what's new and worth knowing.

• 🍕
  Spokane Slice — Downtown Spokane (Saranac Commons) Pizza is back at 19 W. Main. The Talotti family's beloved Spokane Slice recently reopened in the Saranac Commons building. A hometown staple with a fresh start.
• 🍝
  The Temple Tavern — Garland District Opened early 2026 inside the historic Masonic Temple building at 706 W. Garland Ave. Fresh pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, and craft cocktails. A great addition to the ever-evolving Garland neighborhood.
• 🍜
  Supa! — Downtown Spokane A Japanese kitchen serving ramen, sushi rolls, rice bowls, and boba tea in the heart of downtown. One of the most talked-about 2025 openings, now in full swing.
• 🍺
  Griffin Tavern — Downtown Spokane A modern take on the British pub with local favorites, Eastern Washington's first self-pour beer wall, and a rotating selection of craft beers, wines, and ciders. Perfect for a post-showing drink.
• 🍩
  Lantern Donuts — CDA (519 E. Sherman) A new donut shop coming to downtown Coeur d'Alene. Worth watching for their opening date at lanterndonuts.com.
• 🥂
  June & Co. — Coming Soon, Downtown Spokane Under construction at 123 N. Wall St., this new concept from the Gander & Ryegrass team is one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2026 in downtown Spokane. Stay tuned.

Pro tip: New to the area or scoping out neighborhoods? Food is one of the best ways to get a feel for a community. Take an afternoon to explore the Garland District, walk Sherman Ave in CDA, or grab lunch downtown Spokane — you'll get a real sense of the vibe before you ever make an offer.