Fernan Lake Village is a quaint enclave located on the northwest shore of Fernan Lake.  Downtown Coeur d'Alene's main street, Sherman Avenue, begins at the City Beach of Lake Coeur d'Alene on the west, and runs right into Fernan Lake Village at it's eastern end, just a couple of miles away.  Fernan Lake Village is a small residential neighborhood of about 70 households.  It is interesting to note that although homes in Fernan Lake Village have a Coeur d'Alene mailing address, the village is an incorporated town and not part of the city of Coeur d'Alene.  It elects its own mayor and city council. The lakeside neighborhood of Fernan Lake Village was developed in the 1950's.  The homes along the waterfront are valued in the million dollar range.  The neighborhood has a pleasant mix of home... 09/05/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Agent A real mom & pop operation, Candy Taranto is mom and Charlie Taranto is pop.  They have operated Valentino's locally with a Tuscan cafe theme for almost eight years, on the pad in front of Target between Government Way and Hwy 95.  Candy and Charlie started Valentino's Pizza in Santa Barbara, California in 1981.  They operated 4 award winning restaurants there, and were the pioneers of the take & bake pizza concept in Southern California.  When they relocated and opened Valentino's Pizza in Coeur d'Alene, they added hot baked pizza, and pizza by the slice to their long-time featured take & bake variety.  A new twist for them, they have added premium ice cream and a full smoothie operation, where they serve up f... 09/03/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Short Sale Agent One of the most challenging things for me right now is managing emotions of buyers who are waiting for response to their short sale offer. I have had wonderful successes for my buyers, and am a hands on short sale negotiator for my seller clients.  I understand the process, which has been aptly defined as CRAZY MAKING by one client.  I am an experienced short sale Realtor, trained, certified.  Forewarning and explaining what to expect is something I do right up front.   However, I find that for all my attempts to prepare buyers for the unavoidable delays and frustration that have become the standard, I often find myself in yet another situation with distraught buyers in a bad place emotionally. What is so hard f... 09/03/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Short Sale Realtor I am going to be spending tomorrow in Spokane at a seminar called Short Sales Gone Wild.  A couple of guys that closed over 250 short sales last year are going to share information guaranteed to help us cut through the mind-numbing red tape that is so typical in these short sale transactions.  I'm game! As I sit here at my desk up to my eyeballs in my personal Coeur d'Alene short sales gone wild, I have to chuckle at how ironic and fitting it is that I will be in a class by that name. Today I received a cancellation from a buyer on one of my short sale listings who has been waiting on a response to their offer since July 12th.  DANG! Yesterday I received a notice through Equator that the negotiator has deleted... 08/30/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Homes for Sale Having missed the past two Where is it Wednesdays due to a houseful of company determined to have some summer fun in the sun, I am catching up today!  I know it's not Wednesday, but I think it can be just as much fun to guess on a Sunday as it is on a Wednesday. I took this photo on Thursday while showing property.  So, where is it in Coeur d'alene, Idaho?  It's a three part quiz.  SPECIFICALLY which tee of which golf course taken from which condo development.... 08/28/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale This is a little late, but don't they say Better late than never?  I have missed the past two Where is it Wednesdays, having had visitors in town enjoying the summer sunshine in beautifulCoeur d'Alene.  I snapped this photo in my travels this afternoon.  Who can be the first to guess where this creative fountain is located?  It makes me smile every time I drive past it!  It's not actually within the city limits of Coeur d'Alene, but it's not too far away!  So, where is it?     08/28/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CHLMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale Come join Keller williams Realty this Tuesday, August 30th from 8:30 to 11:00 as we give the gift of life!  The Inland Northwest Blood Center Bloodmobile will be on site at 1450 Northwest Boulevard from 8:30 to 11:00. To sign up for a time online go to www.myinbc.org and use the sponsor code KellerWilliamsNID.  Or, you may call Patricia that (208) 667-2399. Click here for more information about the Inland Northwest Blood Center or donor eligibility criteria. 08/28/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, CLHMS, SFR, GRI - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Short Sale Specialist Today was a good day and another short sale success story in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  I love every opportunity to share good news and happy endings, ESPECIALLY when it comes to short sales! Captain Jake was out at sea, afloat in his boat but underwater big time in his mortgage.  The mortgage meltdown and the financial crisis that followed left him high and dry.  He had no choice but to set sail where he could find work.  Jake had hoped to get some kind of loan modification with Chase, but ended up a castaway in their process.  He wanted to keep his house, but eventually had no choice but to deep six that idea.  Captain Jake desperately wanted to avoid foreclosure, so we battened down the hatches and... 08/23/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, CLHMS, WCR, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Homes for Sale I was fortunate enough to grow up in what is now known as The Garden District in downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  It's defined as the neighborhood encompassed by 4th Street on the west, Montana Avenue on the north, Sherman Avenue on the south and 11th Street on the east.  There was no better spot on earth to call home in the 60's and 70's than 9th and Sherman!  The Garden District was home to my friends and schools and and the little stores where I bought penny candy, for a penny!  I think I have walked every single inch of it.  I have fond memories of time spent in many of the charming, historical homes with childhood friends who have long since moved on. Phippeny Park is the site for today's 7th Annual Garden Di... 08/14/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, CLHMS, WCR, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Homes for Sale Here is an opportunity for some FREE FUN in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  The weather promises to be beautiful for tonight's screening of the 1989 classic "Field of Dreams" starring Kevin Costner.  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to beautiful City Park in downtown Coeur d'Alene, on the shore of Coeur d'Alene Lake.  The movie begins at approximately 8:15 at the Rotary Lakeside Bandshell.  Event sponsors, Time Warner Cable and KXLY will be hosting some fun, interactive activities beginning at 6:15 with games, great prizes and giveaways.   For more information call 208-769-8336. 08/14/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Realtor It's that time of year once again that we at Keller Williams Realty in Coeur d'Alene are throwing a pig roast and luau to celebrate our WONDERFUL clients and friends! The best part of this business is to be able to make a difference in the lives of so many wonderful people.  This is a chance to let our hair down and come together for a little light hearted fun, food and fellowship!  If you would like to participate, just give me a call and I will get you on the guest RSVP list.  ALOHA! 08/12/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Homes for Sale This week, Where is it Wednesday features two photos instead of one, taken at the same location by my sister, Kerri.  This is a well traveled and popular spot that is always fun to visit when I'm out taking a scenic drive on a beautiful day. First person who guesses correctly will win a fabulous prize!  Will that be YOU?  Where is it in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho? 08/09/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Real Estate Success Story There is a movement going around the ActiveRain real estate network to create a tsunami of GOOD NEWS in the real estate industry to offset all the negative press plastered in the news.  There is some belief that if we flood the news with real estate GOOD NEWS, people's mindsets will change from negative to positve and everyone will be all the better for it.  A firm believer of eliminating negative energy, I thought I would do my part and contribute a success story full of positive energy and good vibrations! This is a picture of me with my happy buyers Brandon and Kristy on their closing day.  Also pictured is their lender, Dan Stubbs.  Brandon and Kristy were delightful to work with, very well informe... 08/07/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Homes for Sale in downtown Coeur d'Alene Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho homes for sale bring a bit of a premium over similarly sized homes of the same era in other areas of our real estate market.  The attraction, of course, is the proximity to our beautiful lakefront downtown with it's sandy city beach and park, quaint shops, restaurants galore and hopping night spots. The closer to the center of action, the higher the price tag per square foot.  Many historical homes, from bungalows to mansions, have been lovingly restored and remodeled with all the latest and greatest bells and whistles.  Many are in need of fixing, and there seems to be no shortage of people willing to snap them up as soon as they come on the market. If you are looking for a cha... 08/07/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Duane Hagadone's luxurious world-class Coeur d'Alene estate is set for auction on September 8, 2011.  The highest bidder at or above $7.5 million will score big time with what has been Kootenai County's highest priced residential listing since July of 2009. The estate was origianlly offered at $27,500,000.  The following spring, the estate's price tag was reduced to $17,500,000.  After another year with no takers, the estate is now being offered at auction. The news clip video below aired on local television shortly after the estate was first listed in 2009. It will give you a basic description and some photos of some of the spectacular amenities For complete property and auction inform... 08/07/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Homes for Sale I was taking a drive south on a beautiful fall day along spectacular Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway when I spotted this idyllic barn scene.  The location of this scene is somewhere along Hwy 3 as I headed north on my return trip to I-90 from St. Maries.  Fortunately, my camera was nearby so I was able to capture the lovely visual to share it with you!        08/07/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale I took this barn picture at a property I had for sale south of the Spokane River off of Greensferry Road in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  I have always loved it for the story it seems to be telling.  I was in the right place at the right time with my camera to capture the image when the light was just right.  08/07/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, SFR, CLHMS - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Sale Here is this week's installment of Where is it? Wednesday in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  The rules are simple, be the first to correctly identify where this photo was taken, and you win a quirky prize that you will collect when you stop by my office to say hello. I will warn you, local girl Sue Myers usually beats everyone to the punch to claim the prize on my Facebook wall with lightning speed.  Coeur d'Alene natives, she and I both spent a glorious childhood and adolescence running amok in beautiful Coeur d'alene.  Obviously, Sue gets around!  She knows just about every nook and cranny in these parts.  For me, the contest is to see whether or not anyone else can beat her to the correct answer! Let's see if anyone can... 08/03/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Bank Foreclosure REO Homes For Sale I recently posted a link to all 250 Coeur d'Alene homes listed for sale as short sales, so I decided to give equal time to the other distressed sale category, foreclosures.  These are homes that have been lost to the homeowner through a foreclosure proceeding and now belong to the lender.  They are known as REO's, for Real Estate Owned, a line item on the bank's balance sheet for their foreclosed properties As of today, there are 239 Coeur d'Alene Idaho MLS bank foreclosure REO's listed for sale. They run the gamut from a huge Coeur d'Alene Lake estate home in Kidd Island Bay for just under $2M, with a tax value of nearly twice that, to a little bungalow fixer in Mullan for $23,500. Unfortuna... 08/02/2011

Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Waterfront Homes for Sale Bellerive is an area of upscale homes with prime Spokane River waterfrontage in downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  Developed at the height of the runup of prices, the development hit hard times and was never completely built out.  There are incredible deals to be had on both bare land on the waterfront, as well as beautiful homes for the well heeled. Today I spent some time at Bellerive, and snapped a few pictures.  Bellerive is situated on the Spokane River, just west of where it connects with Coeur d'Alene Lake.  The close-in proximity to all the action in downtown Coeur d'Alene, as well as the location on the sunny side of the Spokane River above the dam, makes this PRIME waterfront real estate.  It rea... 07/31/2011