Explore the latest trends for the Kootenai County residential real estate market in our comprehensive monthly report.
Explore the latest trends for the Spokane County residential real estate market in our comprehensive monthly report.
As the seasons change and chilly weather settles in, many families across the Spokane area face a real challenge—making sure their children have the warmth they need during the winter months. For some, the cost of a new winter coat is more than their budget can handle.
That's where the KXLY 4 News Now Coats 4 Kids campaign comes in. For over 40 years, this community-driven effort has been bringing warmth, comfort, and smiles to local children. With winter just around the corner, the initiative is once again underway, continuing Spokane's proud tradition of care and generosity. Together, we can ensure every child has a warm coat this season.
How You Can Get Involved
• Donate a Coat: Clear out your closets and pass along gently used coats your kids may have outgrown. For a child in need, your gift can make all the difference.
• Spread the Word: Tell your family, friends, and coworkers about Coats 4 Kids. T...
As the seasons change and cooler temperatures encourage more time indoors, homeowners are looking for ways to make their spaces feel warmer and more inviting. But creating a cozy home doesn't have to mean filling every surface with blankets, pillows, and décor. One of the biggest design trends for fall 2026 is intentional coziness—creating warmth and comfort while keeping spaces clean and uncluttered.
Start with texture. Layering materials such as wool, linen, leather, and natural wood can instantly make a room feel more inviting without adding visual clutter. A textured area rug, woven throw, or upholstered chair can provide warmth while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic.
Lighting is another powerful tool. Replace harsh overhead lighting with a combination of table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and accent lighting. Warm-toned bulbs create a softer atmosphere and help rooms feel especially welcoming as daylight hours become shorter.
Home-buying trends reveal how buyers' priorities – and the definition of an ideal community – continue to evolve. The signals this year are mixed. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) June 2026 Existing-Home Sales report found housing supply is up slightly from the month before, and its Housing Affordability Index rose – driven mainly by wage growth outpacing home-price growth rather than prices falling. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies takes a more cautious view in its 2026 State of the Nation's Housing report, describing overall activity as subdued, even as new construction slowly chips away at supply shortfalls. Against that backdrop, home-buying trends show buyers are looking beyond the suburban-versus-urban debate and focusing on the communities that deliver the best combination of lifestyle and affordability.
Suburban Home-Buying Trends
Suburbs remain the default choice for buyers who want more space, larger...