Day: December 7, 2023

Where Does The Water Come From?Where Does The Water Come From?

When you turn on your tap do you ever wonder where exactly your water comes from? What journey has your water has taken between the time it fell from a cloud and to the point at which you use or consume it? And where does it go after your are done? For the answers to all of these questions lets take a look at the source of our water here in our community,the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.

Spokane Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer

The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (SVRP Aquifer) covers about 370 square miles in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. It is composed of Ice Age flood deposited gravels,cobbles,and boulders and is filled with water. No continuous clay or silt layers exist across the SVRP aquifer to keep contaminants from the surface moving down into the SVRP aquifer. Groundwater in the SVRP aquifer flows from the northern Rathdrum Prairie area southward to Coeur d’Alene–Post Falls,then toward the west into Washington. The water flows through Spokane–Spokane Valley areas and separates to flow around the Five Mile Prairie. All the water eventually empties into the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers that flow into Lake Spokane.

A Did You Know infographic in green.

A Did You Know infographic in blue.

The large spaces between the rocks in the SVRP aquifer allow relatively large interchanges of water with the river. The Spokane river is the largest recharge source to the SVRP aquifer. What that means is our Aquifer,the primary source of drinking water is constantly mixing with the Spokane River. The Spokane River is contaminated with more of a potentially harmful fire retardant than any other waterway tested in the state,The reports also show that the river continues to contain more adverse chemicals and metals compared with other bodies of water statewide.

Where does the Water Come From?

Water enters the SVRP aquifer from several sources including:

  • Precipitation
  • Inflow from upland bedrock watersheds
  • Seepage from lakes
  • Seepage from the Spokane River
  • Water from irrigation
  • Effluent from septic systems

How has your waters journey affected its quality? And what does this mean for YOUR quality of life?

Because the aquifer serves as the sole source of water for most people in the area it is important for the water to be continuously tested to ensure that it meets federal standards. However the water’s journey from testing site to your faucet can cause the water quality to change. From broken water and sewer lines,chlorination stations,and miles of old water pipes it is important to conduct water tests at the home to paint an accurate picture of your specific water chemistry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends homeowners test their water annually or even more frequently in some situations. 

Click the link below to find out more:

Spokane Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer

How to Sell Commercial Real EstateHow to Sell Commercial Real Estate

Selling commercial real estate can be a complex and long process,especially if not using a broker to help you sell the property. There is a lot to know about how to market buildings,how to negotiate,find a buyer,and the legal end of selling commercial real estate as well. With that in mind,we’ll be touching on three primary areas to give you the basics of how to sell commercial real estate and what to expect when putting a commercial property on the market. 

Selling Commercial Real Estate Off Market

One of the first things people consider when selling commercial real estate is where to let people know the property or properties are for sale. Looking for a buyer off-market is essentially looking for them yourself via three routes:

  • Letting family and friends know you’re selling off your property. Even if they can’t afford it or you know they wouldn’t be interested,they can let others know that may be interested or didn’t they were till the opportunity presented itself.
  • Contacting real estate developers directly. Most developers are always looking for new properties and are also very well connected. Identifying who are some of the leading commercial property real estate developers can land you an offer.
  • There are several firms that are always looking for investing opportunities in commercial real estate. Contact them to see if they’re interested in reviewing your property and perhaps they’ll take the property off your hands. 

Selling Commercial Property Without a Broker

To preface this,it isn’t usually a good idea to try and sell commercial real estate without agents or a broker. It’s a lot of complex work and requires a lot of knowledge,as well as expenses. If you’re committed to putting your properties on the market yourself,here is how to sell commercial real estate on your own:

  • You’ll want to hire an inspector to review the property and have any repairs that are needed to be dealt with immediately. 
  • Hire a commercial property appraiser so that your listing price is justifiable and on point with the market
  • List the commercial property
  • Promote the listing on social media,through friends or family,and other places you’re able to list properties for sale.
  • Make the property presentable for showings
  • Hire a real estate attorney to ensure contracts and sales are legal,as well as to ensure good negotiating with potential buyers.
  • If an offer is made that you find acceptable,decide on a closing date and then finalize the sale with the buyer. 

Be prepared for a time-consuming process and a lot of attention to detail when selling the commercial property yourself. It’s easily a full-time job at a minimum. 

Sell Commercial Real Estate Property with a Broker

Working with commercial real estate agents is far easier than trying to juggle the job yourself,and is often a far better strategy to sell your property. Real estate agents and brokers are professional experts and know tricks of the trade that can only be learned through experience. They are also far more well-versed compared to any first-time seller,making them a great guide from inspection to sale. Here are a few ways working with a commercial property broker helps sell your property:

  • Real estate agents and brokers know what marketing a property takes,and also have connections with professional photographers,as well as where to list your property. They are a big help in marketing the commercial property to get you the best and fastest sale.
  • The first section listed who to contact to sell a commercial property,but there would be no need if working with a broker. They already have a list of contacts and be able to connect you with a potential buyer. 
  • Working with a broker or agent saves you time and not just in regard to how long the property is listed. They handle the communications with potential buyers and speak on your behalf with added expertise.
  • Real estate negotiating is intense and can be off-putting to a new seller. Luckily,agents and brokers are well-versed in how to negotiate the sale of commercial property and can ensure you get a favorable return on your buildings. 

When looking for a commercial real estate agent or broker,you’ll want to make sure they’re experienced in commercial real estate. Click the link below to connect with a commercial real estate expert today!

Goodale & Barbieri Commercial Real Estate