Outdoor Living Is Taking Center Stage for Homebuyers in 2026
For many buyers, the idea of home has expanded beyond the walls of the house.
A kitchen, living room, and primary suite still matter, of course. But increasingly, buyers are also thinking about the spaces just outside the back door.
A recent Green Builder Media article reported that outdoor living spaces ranked as the most desired emerging home feature in its 2026 consumer data. That finding says quite a bit about how people are thinking about home right now.
Outdoor space is no longer treated as a small bonus. For many buyers, it has become part of everyday living.
That might mean a covered patio for morning coffee, a low-maintenance deck for summer dinners, a garden, a fire pit, a barbecue area, or a backyard that gives kids, pets, friends, and family a place to gather.
In Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, this trend feels especially relevant. We live in a region where the seasons shape how people use their homes. A well-designed outdoor space can extend the way a home functions during spring, summer, and fall, while creating a natural place to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The appeal is not just about entertaining. Outdoor spaces often support the quieter parts of life too. A shaded patio, a comfortable chair, or a peaceful garden can change how a home feels at the end of a long day.
For sellers, this is a useful reminder that outdoor presentation matters. A clean patio, comfortable seating area, fresh landscaping, and good lighting can help buyers imagine how they would actually live in the home.
For buyers, it is worth thinking carefully about how a property’s outdoor space fits your daily routine. Some people want room to garden. Others want privacy, space for gatherings, or a low-maintenance area that feels easy to enjoy.
Outdoor living does not have to mean elaborate or expensive. Often, the best spaces are the ones that feel natural, comfortable, and easy to use.
As buyer preferences continue to shift, outdoor living is becoming one of the clearest examples of a larger trend: people are not just looking for more square footage. They are looking for homes that support how they want to live.
In Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and throughout the Inland Northwest, that often includes a place to step outside, slow down, and enjoy the space around home.
Outdoor living spaces are becoming one of the most desired features for today’s homebuyers.
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
Abraham Lincoln
This is the thought I’m carrying into the week.
I don’t know about you, but I can sometimes find myself waiting for things to line up just right before moving forward. The better schedule. The quieter week. The clearer plan. The perfect moment when everything finally feels settled.
But most weeks do not arrive that neatly.
There is usually something unfinished, something uncertain, and something competing for attention. So this week, I’m trying to focus less on waiting for ideal conditions and more on taking the next useful step.
Not the biggest step. Not the final step. Just the next one.
One useful step can change the tone of the week
There is something encouraging about making even a little progress.
A task that has been sitting around for too long feels lighter once it is started. A conversation that has been avoided often feels less intimidating once it begins. A goal that feels too broad can become a little more manageable when it is broken down into something small enough to do today.
That is what I appreciate about this quote. It does not need to be complicated. It is simply a reminder that the future is not only something we wait for. In small ways, we participate in shaping it.
That might look like making the call, setting the appointment, cleaning up the calendar, reviewing the numbers, finishing the project, or getting one step closer to a decision.
Real estate planning often starts this way too
In real estate, people sometimes assume the process starts when they are fully ready to buy or sell.
In my experience, it often starts much earlier and much more casually. A homeowner wonders what their property might be worth. A buyer starts thinking about what a payment would actually look like. A family begins talking through timing. Someone looks around the house and realizes a few projects would be easier to handle now than later.
Those early steps do not have to create pressure. In fact, they usually do the opposite.
A little information can make the process feel less blurry. A simple conversation can help sort out what matters now, what can wait, and what may not need to be worried about at all.
No need to rush the future
Creating the future you want does not mean forcing everything to happen immediately.
Sometimes the wisest move is to wait. Sometimes the right answer is “not yet.” Sometimes the best thing you can do is gather information, get organized, and give yourself room to make a better decision later.
That still counts as progress.
For someone thinking about buying, selling, relocating, or investing in Spokane, North Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or the greater Inland Northwest, a useful first step might simply be getting clearer on the options. What is the home worth? What would need to be done before listing? What would the numbers look like on a purchase? What kind of timing would actually work for the family?
Those are good questions. And good questions often make the next step easier to see.
A simple thought for the week
Maybe the goal this week is not to overhaul everything.
Maybe it is just to choose one thing worth moving forward.
One task. One conversation. One decision. One small piece of preparation. One thing that makes the rest of the week feel a little less stuck.
That is what I’m hoping to do this week, and I hope it is helpful for you too.
The future can feel like a big word. But today’s next step is usually much more manageable.
Final thought
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
That is a good reminder for a Monday morning.
Whatever you are working on this week, I hope you find a practical way to move it forward.
And if part of your future involves buying, selling, or simply thinking through a real estate move in Spokane, North Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or the Inland Northwest, I would be glad to help you sort through the options with clarity and care.
Why Homes With Character Continue to Capture Buyers’ Attention
When people think about what buyers want, the conversation often centers around larger kitchens, updated bathrooms, or open floor plans.
Those features remain popular, but recent Zillow data suggests another trend worth paying attention to.
Buyers are showing increased interest in homes with character.
According to Zillow’s research, homes featuring original woodwork, hardwood floors, fireplaces, built-in cabinetry, and distinctive architectural details often generate stronger buyer engagement.
Part of the appeal may be that these features help a home stand out. In a market where many homes can feel similar, character creates a sense of individuality.
For homeowners in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, this is particularly relevant. Many local neighborhoods offer mature trees, established streetscapes, and homes with unique design elements that are difficult to replicate in newer construction.
Character doesn’t necessarily mean historic. It can include thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, custom features, or architectural details that make a home feel different from the rest.
While trends will continue to evolve, homes that create a connection with buyers often remain in demand. Increasingly, character appears to be one of the qualities helping create that connection.
As buyers continue to prioritize authenticity and individuality, homes with distinctive features may have an advantage in attracting attention and leaving a lasting impression.
Homes with character continue to attract attention from today’s buyers.
Small, consistent steps often create the clearest path forward, whether you are building a habit, planning a move, or preparing for the next chapter in real estate.
“Small disciplines repeated with consistency lead to remarkable results.”
John C. Maxwell
Big decisions tend to get most of the attention.
Buying a home. Selling a property. Moving to a new city. Preparing for retirement. Investing in real estate. These are major decisions, and understandably, people often think of them as single defining moments.
But most meaningful real estate outcomes are not created in one dramatic step. They are usually built through a series of smaller decisions made with consistency over time.
That may mean watching the market before you are ready to move. It may mean cleaning up finances months before applying for a loan. It may mean walking through your home with honest eyes before listing. It may mean asking questions early, even when the answer might be “not yet.”
Those small steps matter.
Real Estate Progress Usually Starts Before the Move
One of the most helpful things a buyer or seller can do is begin before the pressure is high.
For buyers, that might include understanding payment comfort, credit strength, down payment options, neighborhood preferences, commute patterns, school considerations, and what tradeoffs are realistic in the current market.
For sellers, it may involve learning what similar homes are actually selling for, identifying repairs or updates that are worth considering, understanding timing, and deciding how to prepare the property so it presents well when the time comes.
None of these steps require an immediate decision. But each one adds clarity.
And clarity has value.
Consistency Beats Guesswork
Real estate can feel overwhelming when people try to solve everything at once.
The better approach is often simpler: take the next useful step.
That might be a pricing conversation. A market review. A lender introduction. A walk-through consultation. A discussion about timing. A review of comparable homes. A basic plan for what needs to happen before a move becomes realistic.
Small disciplines repeated with consistency can turn uncertainty into direction.
A Better Plan Creates Better Options
The goal is not to rush into buying or selling. The goal is to be prepared enough to recognize the right opportunity when it appears.
In Spokane, North Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and throughout the Inland Northwest, real estate conditions continue to shift. Inventory, interest rates, buyer demand, pricing, and local neighborhood trends all matter. But the people who tend to make the clearest decisions are often the ones who started planning before they had to.
A little preparation today can create better options tomorrow.
Final Thought
A successful real estate move is rarely just about timing the market perfectly.
More often, it is about thoughtful preparation, consistent action, and having a clear understanding of your options.
Small steps add up.
And over time, they can lead to remarkable results.
For much of the past several years, buyers faced a common challenge: there simply were not enough homes available.
That situation is beginning to improve.
A recent National Association of REALTORS® report found that housing inventory continues to increase across much of the country. Buyers now have more homes to choose from than they’ve seen in quite some time.
At first glance, that sounds like universally good news. More inventory typically means more opportunities, less competition, and additional time for buyers to evaluate their options.
The reality, however, is a little more nuanced.
The report found that many of the newly available homes are priced above what middle-income buyers can comfortably afford. In other words, inventory is growing, but not always in the price ranges where demand is strongest.
Even so, the increase in available homes represents a meaningful shift from the highly competitive market conditions that dominated recent years.
For buyers in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, a larger inventory of homes can provide several benefits:
• More opportunities to compare properties
• Additional negotiating flexibility
• Reduced likelihood of intense bidding wars
• More time to make informed decisions
Every local market is unique, and national trends do not always mirror local conditions. However, rising inventory is generally a positive development because it helps create a healthier balance between buyers and sellers.
Whether you’re considering purchasing your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, understanding inventory trends is an important part of making informed real estate decisions.
If you’d like to discuss how today’s market conditions are affecting Spokane or Coeur d’Alene specifically, I’d be happy to help.
Increasing housing inventory is giving buyers more choices and helping create a more balanced housing market.
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
Sam Levenson
It’s a simple quote, but it carries a useful reminder.
A lot of people delay real estate decisions because they feel like they need perfect timing, total certainty, or a complete picture of what comes next. In reality, progress often comes from steady movement rather than perfect conditions.
That’s especially true when it comes to buying or selling a home.
Real estate progress rarely happens all at once
Most successful real estate journeys come together through a series of smaller, practical steps.
For a buyer, that may include starting a conversation about financing, getting pre-approved, narrowing down location preferences, understanding comfort with monthly payments, and beginning the home search with realistic expectations.
For a seller, it may include discussing timing, understanding the
A Motivation Monday reminder to keep moving forward toward your real estate goals in Spokane, North Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the Inland Northwest.
current market value, making a short list of prep items, scheduling photos, and choosing a pricing and marketing strategy.
None of those steps may seem dramatic on their own, but together they create momentum. And momentum is powerful.
Consistency creates clarity
One of the biggest obstacles in real estate is uncertainty. People often wonder whether now is the right time to buy, whether they should sell first or purchase first, what they should do to prepare their home, or whether it would be better to wait.
Those are all fair questions. But clarity often comes through action, not just contemplation.
When you begin taking the next step, the picture usually becomes clearer. Conversations lead to options. Options lead to strategy. Strategy leads to confidence.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you start. You simply need a willingness to keep moving forward.
Small steps can lead to meaningful results
A quick market analysis can help a homeowner better understand their equity position. A lender conversation can help a buyer see what is realistic. A home prep consultation can turn an overwhelming project into a manageable checklist.
These small actions often reduce stress because they replace uncertainty with information.
And once you have good information, it becomes much easier to make wise decisions.
The market may change, but preparation is always valuable
Real estate markets naturally shift over time. Interest rates move. Inventory levels change. Buyer demand rises and falls. Seasonal patterns influence activity.
While we cannot control every market variable, we can control how prepared we are.
That is why planning is so valuable.
Whether you are hoping to buy in Spokane, sell in North Spokane, relocate to Coeur d’Alene, or simply explore your options in the greater Inland Northwest, preparation gives you flexibility and confidence when opportunity arises.
Keep going, even if your move is not immediate
Not every client is making a move next week or next month. Some are planning six months out. Some are a year away. Some are just starting to gather information.
That is perfectly okay.
There is still value in starting the process early. In fact, early planning often leads to better outcomes because it gives you time to think clearly, make thoughtful decisions, and avoid unnecessary pressure.
You do not have to rush. But steady progress is still useful.
Final encouragement
If a move has been sitting in the back of your mind, let this be a simple reminder:
You do not need to solve everything today. You do not need every answer today. You do not need perfect timing today.
But you can take the next step today.
And in real estate, as in so many things, steady forward motion often leads to the best results.
If you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply planning ahead in Spokane, North Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or the Inland Northwest, I’d be glad to help you think through your goals and map out a path forward.
The housing market is beginning to show some encouraging signs as we move further into 2026.
According to a recent housing market update from Realtor.com, pending home sales increased in March despite elevated mortgage rates and continued affordability concerns. Inventory levels also improved, and new listings saw a noticeable increase compared to earlier periods.
For buyers, that means more options and slightly more negotiating flexibility. For sellers, demand remains steady for homes that are well-prepared, properly priced, and strategically marketed.
In many ways, the market appears to be shifting toward something healthier and more sustainable.
Throughout Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, we are seeing many of these same patterns locally. Buyers are becoming more thoughtful and informed in their decisions, while sellers who position their homes carefully are still generating strong activity and interest.
One of the most interesting shifts is that today’s market increasingly rewards preparation over urgency.
During the ultra-competitive market conditions of previous years, speed often overshadowed strategy. Today, factors like presentation, pricing accuracy, neighborhood positioning, and long-term value are becoming more important again.
That can create better long-term opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
For buyers, improved inventory means there may be more flexibility to compare options carefully and negotiate confidently. For sellers, realistic pricing and strong marketing continue to stand out.
Real estate remains deeply local, and market conditions can vary significantly between neighborhoods, school districts, and price ranges throughout Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. National headlines provide important context, but understanding local trends and buyer behavior remains critical when making real estate decisions.
Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply watching the market, these recent trends suggest that the housing market may be moving toward a more balanced and sustainable phase.
The national housing market may finally be settling into a healthier and more balanced phase.
According to recent housing data from Redfin, home sales have increased compared to last year, inventory levels are improving, and mortgage rates remain slightly lower than they were a year ago. While affordability continues to be an important factor for buyers, these shifts are helping create more flexibility and opportunity across many housing markets.
That trend is increasingly visible throughout Spokane and Coeur d’Alene as well.
For the past several years, many buyers faced extremely competitive conditions with limited inventory, rapid price increases, and very little negotiating power. Sellers often benefited from multiple offers and compressed timelines. Today’s market feels different. Activity remains steady, but buyers are becoming more thoughtful and strategic about pricing, condition, location, and long-term value.
In Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, well-prepared homes are still attracting strong attention, especially properties that are priced correctly and marketed effectively from the start. At the same time, buyers are beginning to regain a bit more breathing room to evaluate homes carefully and negotiate more confidently.
One of the more interesting developments in this market cycle is that balance itself may actually be a positive sign.
Balanced markets often create healthier long-term outcomes for both buyers and sellers because success depends less on urgency and more on preparation, timing, pricing strategy, and understanding local neighborhood trends.
National headlines can provide helpful context, but real estate remains deeply local. Conditions can vary significantly between neighborhoods, price ranges, school districts, and even individual streets throughout Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
Whether you are considering buying, selling, or simply trying to better understand the market, staying informed about both national trends and local market dynamics can make a meaningful difference.
New Redfin housing data points toward a more balanced market with improving inventory and increased opportunities for buyers and sellers in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
A thoughtful reminder for anyone planning a future move in Spokane or Coeur d’Alene: the best next step often starts with better information.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
It is a simple quote, but it speaks directly to one of the most common real estate questions buyers and sellers ask: When is the right time to make a move?
For many people in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene real estate markets, the answer is rarely obvious at first. Buyers may be wondering if mortgage rates will improve. Sellers may be watching home values, inventory levels, or seasonal timing. Homeowners may be thinking about downsizing, moving closer to family, purchasing acreage, or relocating between Washington and Idaho.
Those are all valid considerations. Real estate decisions should not be rushed. But waiting for perfect certainty can also keep people stuck longer than they intended.
The better first step is often not making a decision today. It is getting better information.
Start With Clarity, Not Pressure
A thoughtful real estate plan begins with understanding where you are now.
For a Spokane homeowner, that might mean reviewing your home’s current market value, looking at recent comparable sales in North Spokane, checking local inventory, and understanding what improvements could help your home show well.
For a Coeur d’Alene buyer, it might mean reviewing purchasing power, comparing neighborhoods, understanding Idaho market trends, and getting clear on what monthly payment range actually feels comfortable.
The goal is not to force a move. The goal is to replace guesswork with useful information.
In real estate, the first step often creates the clarity that waiting never does.
Why Timing Feels So Difficult
Real estate markets are always moving. Mortgage rates change. Inventory shifts. Buyer demand rises and falls with the season. Local neighborhood trends can vary from one area to another.
That is especially true across the Inland Northwest. Spokane, North Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, and surrounding communities can each behave differently depending on price range, property type, location, and condition.
A well-prepared seller in one neighborhood may have a very different experience from a seller in another. A buyer looking for a newer home in North Spokane may face different options than someone looking for land, acreage, or waterfront property in North Idaho.
That is why broad national headlines only tell part of the story. Local real estate guidance helps turn general information into a practical plan.
Small Steps Can Create Better Options
You do not have to list your home tomorrow to begin preparing. You do not have to write an offer this week to begin learning the market.
A useful first step might be:
Reviewing your home’s estimated value Walking through possible improvements before selling Understanding your current equity position Comparing Spokane and Coeur d’Alene market conditions Talking with a lender about updated purchasing power Identifying neighborhoods that fit your next chapter Building a timeline that works for your family
Those small steps can make a major difference when the time comes to act. Preparation often gives buyers and sellers more confidence, more control, and better options.
For Sellers: Preparation Pays Off
If you are thinking about selling a home in Spokane, North Spokane, or Coeur d’Alene, early preparation can help you avoid rushed decisions later.
A good listing strategy usually includes more than choosing a price. It involves understanding buyer expectations, property condition, timing, presentation, photography, marketing, and how your home compares with competing listings.
Sometimes the best move is to make improvements. Sometimes the better choice is to price transparently and let buyers see the value. The right approach depends on the home, the neighborhood, and the current market.
Starting early gives you time to make those decisions thoughtfully.
For Buyers: Knowledge Builds Confidence
For buyers, the first step is often understanding what is realistic.
That means more than looking at online listings. It means understanding financing, monthly payment comfort, inspection considerations, neighborhood tradeoffs, and how quickly good homes are moving in your target area.
In the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene housing markets, buyers who are prepared can often move with more confidence when the right home appears. They know what they can afford, what compromises they are willing to make, and where they should hold firm.
That kind of confidence rarely happens by accident. It comes from preparation.
The Second Best Time Is Now
The quote works because it is honest. Yes, there may have been an earlier time to start. But that does not make today less valuable.
Whether you are considering selling a home in Spokane, buying in Coeur d’Alene, relocating within the Inland Northwest, or simply trying to understand your options, now is a good time to begin with information.
You do not need pressure. You need a practical next step.
And in real estate, that first step can often make the whole path clearer.
Buyers Gain Purchasing Power as Mortgage Payments Ease
A recent Fox Business report points to a welcome shift for homebuyers: purchasing power has improved compared with one year ago. According to the report, typical mortgage payments are now 8.4% lower year over year, while median-income buyers have gained roughly $30,302 in additional buying power due to lower mortgage rates and rising household incomes.
For buyers in Spokane, North Spokane, and Coeur d’Alene, this is meaningful. It does not mean affordability challenges have disappeared. Home prices, interest rates, insurance costs, and available inventory still matter. But in a market where many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines, even a modest improvement in monthly payment can change the conversation.
A lower monthly payment may help a buyer qualify for a slightly higher purchase price, feel more comfortable re-entering the market, or expand the number of homes that fit their budget. In real estate, small shifts can make a real difference.
The Fox Business article also noted that buyer purchasing power is now at its strongest level since 2022, helped by mortgage rates easing from their recent highs. For local buyers, that could create new opportunities in the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene housing markets, especially for those who paused their home search when rates were higher.
The key is perspective. Improved purchasing power does not automatically make every home affordable, and it does not guarantee that prices will fall. But it can give buyers more room to maneuver, especially when paired with careful budgeting, local market knowledge, and a clear understanding of current mortgage options.
For sellers, this is also worth watching. When buyers feel a little more breathing room, showing activity and offer activity can improve. Well-priced homes in desirable Spokane and Coeur d’Alene neighborhoods may benefit if more buyers move from “waiting” to actively looking.
The takeaway is simple: affordability is still a challenge, but the market may be giving buyers a bit more leverage than they had a year ago. In a housing market shaped by interest rates, inventory, and confidence, that small improvement matters.
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