Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming fast. Between financing, inspections, negotiations, contracts, and trying to understand the market, many first-time buyers don't even know where to begin.

The reality is this: who you hire matters.

The right real estate agent can save you money, protect you from major mistakes, explain the process clearly, and help you compete in today's market. The wrong one can cost you time, stress, and potentially thousands of dollars.

If you are a first-time home buyer in Spokane or Idaho, here is what you should know before hiring an agent and starting the home buying process.

Step 1: Understand What a Buyer's Agent Actually Does

Many buyers think an agent just unlocks doors and writes offers. That is not even close.

A strong buyer's agent helps you:

• Understand financing options

• Connect with trusted lenders

• Analyze...

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Spokane Is Building Fewer Homes Than It Has in Decades — Here's Why That Matters

A recent article from the Spokane Journal of Business highlighted something many people in real estate and construction have already been feeling firsthand: Spokane is not building enough homes.

In 2025, the City of Spokane issued permits for just 146 single-family homes. According to the article, that is the lowest number recorded in more than 50 years.

For a growing area like Spokane, that matters.

Why Are New Home Permits So Low?

There are several factors contributing to the slowdown in new construction:

• Rising construction costs

• Higher interest rates

• Increased development and permitting costs

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If you work at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and want a neighborhood that makes daily life easier, healthier, and more connected, the Manito Park area on Spokane's South Hill deserves serious attention.

For physicians, surgeons, nurses, specialists, and medical professionals with demanding schedules, where you live matters. Long shifts, overnight call schedules, unpredictable hours, and emotional burnout make convenience and quality of life non-negotiable. That's exactly why so many healthcare professionals are drawn to the Manito neighborhood in Spokane, Washington.

Close to Sacred Heart Medical Center

One of the biggest advantages of living in Manito is proximity to the hospital district.

Most homes in the Manito and South Hill area are just minutes from Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Providence Holy Family Hospital, making commuting fast and predictable. For physicians who are on call, work long shifts, or simply want less ti...

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Why Abbey Parsons Is One of the Best REALTORS® in Spokane

If you're searching for the best REALTOR® in Spokane, you're probably not just looking for someone who can unlock doors and write contracts. You're looking for someone who knows the Spokane market inside and out, understands negotiation strategy, communicates clearly, and will actually show up when things get complicated.

That's exactly why so many buyers and sellers across Spokane and North Idaho choose to work with Abbey Parsons.

With nearly 15 years in real estate, Abbey has built a reputation for being knowledgeable, hardworking, honest, and deeply connected to the Spokane community. From first-time homebuyers to luxury clients, investors, relocation buyers, and families looking for more space, Abbey helps clients navigate the market with confidence.

A Spokane REALTOR® With Deep Local Knowledge

Abbey Parsons has lived in Spokane since 2011 and has spent her career helping cli...

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Perched high in the Selkirk Mountains of North Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the Northwest's best-kept secrets. With panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and access to nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Schweitzer is more than just a ski destination — it's a four-season lifestyle.

A Four-Season Playground

• Winter: Schweitzer is famous for its powder, with terrain for beginners to experts, including glades, bowls, and groomers. Ski-in/ski-out access makes it easy to maximize...

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