Posts made by author 'Coldwell Banker Tomlinson'

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...

Click Here to Read More...

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...

Click Here to Read More...

Between managing work, school drop-offs, and an endless to-do list, figuring out what's for dinner can feel like a daily challenge. Meal planning for busy households is the ultimate solution to this common problem.

Spending just a little time organizing your week ahead can reclaim hours of your time, cut down on grocery waste and lower your evening stress. Best of all, it doesn't require culinary mastery to work. A few simple adjustments to your routine will help you spend less time hovering over the stove and more time enjoying the meals.

Build Around Your Real Calendar

The most effective strategies adapt to your actual lifestyle, not an idealized version of it. Before you even touch a grocery list, look at your household calendar. If Tuesdays are packed with sports or Thursdays involve late meetings, those are not the nights to experiment with complex new recipes.

Instead, save your busy evenings for...

Click Here to Read More...

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working spaces in any home. It's where mornings begin, dinners come together and family members seem to gather without even trying. But when cabinets are overflowing and pantry shelves are cluttered, even simple tasks can feel frustrating. If you're looking to organize your kitchen without spending weeks on a renovation, a free weekend may be all you need. A few simple changes can help create a more functional and organized space.

Start With a Clean Slate

The first step is to take everything out. While it may seem overwhelming, emptying cabinets, drawers and pantry shelves gives you a clear view of what you have and how much capacity is available.

As you sort through items, check expiration dates and remove anything that is no longer usable. Set aside any duplicate gadgets, unused containers or other staples you no longer use. Decluttering before reorganizing helps prevent unnecessary items from fi...

Click Here to Read More...