Real Estate Marketplace NW, Inc.

09/29/2026

Is Your Well Water Safe To Drink?

It is considered best practice for real estate brokers to use the statewide Land and Acreage Addendum as part of any purchase agreement for rural property. Among many important topics, the document warns and educates buyers concerning the need for well testing (quantity and quality) and creates contingencies for that process. When testing for quality or potability, a minimal standard for testing should include the detection of elements such as lead, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria, and uranium. A more comprehensive test may be necessary where external chemical contamination could have occurred, such as airplane de-icing chemicals, agricultural pesticides and herbicides, fuel tanks, or other commercial uses.

This point-of-sale education is sometimes missed altogether or watered down when brokers fail to emphasize this ultra-important topic. Choose a real estate broker who has expertise in this subject matter. After all, water is probably the most important consideration when buying rural property.

For those readers who currently use a well that supplies water for their domestic use, consider spending the money to periodically test your well water to be sure it has remained free of impurities and contamination (organic or inorganic). Do not cut corners on this topic! Procrastination could result in severe health risks that may not readily be discernible.

Testing should be done when purchasing a property with a private well, but there are other times when testing should be considered. If there has been a change in the taste, odor, color, or appearance of the water, it is time to investigate. Testing should also be considered after flooding, well repairs, changes to the well system, or other events that could introduce contaminants into the groundwater

Because of heightened consumer awareness and broker emphasis on this topic in recent years, water service companies have accumulated more data than ever concerning the presence of undesirable elements in domestic water supplies in our region. All of the five elements listed above (and more) have been found in local domestic wells at a frequency that should not be ignored.

The good news is that once any of these undesirables are detected, appropriate treatment or filtration can often address the problem. Undetected, however, such tasteless, odorless elements can create irreversible health issues, such as cancer or kidney failure. Some elements, such as iron, manganese, or sulfur, are readily detected by our sense of taste and smell, but probably won’t have the same adverse health effects as lead or uranium can.

09/26/2026

Serene 10-Acre Retreat in Pend Oreille County** Tucked into the trees just 20 minutes from Newport and a quick 40 from Spokane, this 10-acre parcel is your chance to build the life you've been picturing. Towering pines, dramatic rock outcroppings, and views create a sense of quiet you don't find every day. Whether you're dreaming of a cabin in the woods, a custom home, or a place to park an RV and just breathe — this land is ready when you are. Private, peaceful, and perfectly positioned.

09/26/2026

Charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering tons of value at this price! Inside, the bright kitchen is welcoming, and the upstairs bathroom features convenient double sinks. A fourth large basement bedroom offers excellent additional space but is non-egress. Enjoy cozy evenings by the gas fireplace with remote. The 5-year-old furnace and newer sewer pipe provide added peace of mind. The outside has mature trees that provide shade, privacy and character, while the vinyl fence creates your own backyard oasis. The home has original windows, and the exterior is ready for your T.L.C.—bring your paintbrush and make it your own! Ideally located less than a mile from the The Garland District, this charming home offers space, potential, and plenty of value.

09/24/2026

Enjoy your own little private oasis in the forest. Nestled on 5 leveled acres surrounded my mature trees, this stunning 5 bed / 3 bath home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and natural beauty. Spanning 3 completely finished stories, the home welcomes you with soaring vaulted wood ceilings and dramatic floor to ceiling windows that fill the living room with natural light and showcase the peaceful wooded setting. Thoughtfully updated throughout, you will find new flooring, fresh interior paint, stylish new bathroom vanities, and beautifully remodeled walk in tile showers. All bedrooms are generously sized, including the primary suite featuring a private deck, full bathroom, dedicated vanity room, and large walk in closet. A 3 car attached garage offers ample room for vehicles, storage, and hobbies. The expansive wrap around deck is perfect to entertain or relax. If your looking for privacy, modern updates, and room to roam, this move-in-ready exceptional property delivers all!

09/24/2026

Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-level home offering comfort, character, and pride of ownership throughout! The inviting kitchen features quality appliances, including a stainless-steel dishwasher, plus thoughtful finishes that make it both stylish and functional. Gas heat provides extra winter comfort, while convenient main-floor laundry adds to the ease of single-level living. Step outside to a large, fully fenced backyard with plenty of room for gardening, pets, entertaining, and family fun. Enjoy morning coffee, summer barbecues, or relaxing with friends and family on the front and back decks. Ideally located near great schools and just minutes from abundant shopping, dining, and everyday amenities—with Trader Joe's conveniently close by. This wonderful home combines comfort, convenience, and exceptional outdoor living and is ready for you to move in and enjoy!

09/23/2026

Asbestos, Is it Still a Problem?

Most people think that the use of asbestos has been discontinued in this country and that we don’t really have to worry about it in new building products. The truth is that asbestos is still being used in some building products that can be found at local hardware stores. Some of the everyday products that may contain asbestos include roofing shingles, roofing felt, roof patching compound, cement siding, drywall and drywall mud, vinyl and asphalt floor tiles, and mastic adhesives for vinyl floors and carpeting.

Why is asbestos dangerous? Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural disease or inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lungs. As early as the 1900s, researchers began to notice a large number of premature deaths and lung problems in asbestos-mining towns. But it is not just a problem of the past; asbestos exposure continues to cause over 12,000 deaths each year in the United States.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral composed of long, thin, microscopic fibrous crystals. It was first used more than 4,000 years ago when the Greeks and Romans discovered that it was resistant to fire and heat. It has been used since then for a wide range of purposes. The word asbestos comes from the ancient Greek word meaning “unquenchable” or “inextinguishable.”

There are now many federal regulations concerning the handling of asbestos-containing materials, particularly when they are removed from commercial or public buildings during demolition or remodeling projects. When such materials are classified as “friable,” they may fall under federal regulations. Generally, friable asbestos-containing material is material that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the pressure of an ordinary human hand. This is particularly dangerous because the fibers can become airborne and easily inhaled into the lungs. Once released by such crumbling, asbestos fibers are light enough to remain suspended in the air for hours or even days, long after other dust from the project has settled. A simple cotton face mask is not sufficient protection against these microscopic particles. Breathing in tiny particles of asbestos is what can make people sick, even though symptoms may not appear for decades.

Asbestos abatement can be extremely expensive because of the careful and tedious process required for safe removal. In non-commercial structures, such as residential dwellings, homeowners may not be subject to all of the same regulations that apply to commercial projects. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure are no less significant when working on DIY projects around the home. If you are working on an older home, don't assume that a material is asbestos free simply because it looks harmless.

09/22/2026

09/22/2026

Beautifully-designed country home showcasing sweeping territorial views of the Saddle Mountain Range and even Mt. Rainier on clear days. Enjoy sunny Eastern Washington living with natural light filling the main living area. Gorgeous wood beams and tongue-and-groove ceilings create a warm, rustic charm. The spacious kitchen features a granite island with sink, quality cabinetry, and a large pantry—perfect for the home chef. Little touches in the home shines with pride of ownership! Good well with 20GPM. A true horse lover's dream, the property is fully animal-ready with secure pipe-and-cable fencing, cross-fenced paddocks, and corrals. The 40x54 barn includes five stalls with paddocks, concrete hay storage, roll-up door, power, lighting, and "4' man-door, plus a 12' three-quarter-sided lean-to for extra covered workspace. Additional features include a generator hookup for backup power (no generator), workshop, and a chicken coop with run. Conveniently located close to town and Potholes Reservoir.

09/19/2026

Beautiful, single-owner 5-bed, 3-bath home on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desired Colbert/Bidwell Park area. Perfect for families, it's walking distance to the park, pool, sledding hills, and paths to the new market, with a nearby school bus stop. The bright, open main floor features vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, a gas fireplace, new carpet, and main-level laundry for easy single-level living. This energy-efficient design keeps utility costs low. A slider opens to a Trex deck and large patio with a gas BBQ hookup—ideal for summer gatherings in the fully fenced 1/3-acre yard, which features a private hot tub, mature berries, raised garden beds, a gravel play area, and a treed field behind for privacy. The lower level offers a walkout entrance, family room, second gas fireplace, kitchen/entertainment area, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bath. Perfect for entertaining or generating Airbnb income! Enjoy parking for 8+ vehicles plus gated RV access. Get a country feel without the upkeep of acreage!

09/17/2026

Tucked away at the tranquil end of a quiet street in Chewelah's welcoming neighborhood, this meticulously maintained 2003 manufactured home boasts a thoughtfully planned interior. New Roof installed 2026 promises years of reliability and peace of mind. Step inside to a spacious, open-concept layout enhanced by vaulted ceilings, plentiful windows, and skylights, flooding the home with natural light. The versatile bonus room offers flexibility, easily adapting to your needs. Master suite features a spacious walk-in tile shower and walk-in closet. Detached 2-car garage provides secure parking, storage, and workshop. This property stands out as an exceptional home, seamlessly blending comfort, practicality, and the vibrant spirit of its community into one compelling package.