Real estate scams are not new — but they are becoming more sophisticated, more frequent, and harder to spot at first glance.Lately, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in individuals posing as property owners who claim they want to list “their” property. On the surface, the story may sound legitimate. They often provide what appear to be valid IDs, ownership documents, or title paperwork. But once you start asking the right questions, the cracks begin to show.Common Red Flags Of Seller Identity FraudToday I had a fake seller get very upset that before listing a property, Sandpoint Realty always asks for photo ID's to verify and owners name.  A real owner NEVER gets upset that we verify their ownership.  Real owners always produce verifiable picture ids immediately and are grateful that we are ... 01/18/2026

Why “Precision-Built” Homes Deserve a Better ReputationI once had a client purchase a truly stunning three-story custom home — complete with a dramatic prow design and expansive windows that framed the view beautifully. It was the kind of home that stops you in your tracks.During the escrow period, the home inspector called me and said,“Rain, I have a problem.”That’s never a sentence you want to hear.Then he laughed and followed with,“I can’t find anything wrong with this house. It’s one of the best-built homes I’ve ever inspected.”And then came the kicker.“Did you know this is a modular home? I found the Stratford building tag from Post Falls, Idaho, on the attic truss.”That moment stuck with me.     For years, the housing industry has struggled with a language problem.Homes that are w... 01/21/2026