I couldn't help but smile when I read in this morning's paper that a local barbershop has an idea to jumpstart the economy, with scissors and hair! According Legends Barbershop to co-owner Daniel Abrahamson, "Our idea of a stimulous is $8 haircuts.  We all need to get on board, we have a real problem here," he said.  He believes the economy can rebound if everyone works hard and offers good service for a reasonable price.  I think this is his version of Bloom Where You're Planted.  And how true that concept is! None of us individually can fix the economic woes our nation is mired in, but each of us CAN do SOMETHING to make a difference.  Do you remember the story about the kid, seeing thousands of starfish stranded on the beach at low tide, throwing as many as he could back into the oce... 03/04/2009

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Downtown Shopping Event is here! One Day Only!  Saturday March 7th 11 am - 5 pm  Support your community! Come and enjoy Downtown shopping with your friends, neighbors and colleagues!  Free 2-hour parking. More than 25 different stores will be offering complimentary refreshments, In-store specials & a chance to win Prize Packets worth over $600!    If you visit all of the stores on your sheet (pick up sheet at Booth in Plaza Shops or in CDA press) you will be in to win one of the Grand Prize packages filled with Gift Certificates!  For more information, call 208-415-0116, www.cdadowntown.com          Please contact me with any of your Real Estate / Relocation / New Construction and/or Referral needs: Pam Jank, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ABR, RRS, PPS... 03/03/2009

Couer d'Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho, are in the top 100 'Great Towns of America' Premier National Guidebook. Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Coeur d'Alene Resort were just two of the things that helped put Coeur d'Alene in "The Great Towns of America," a book listing the top 100 cities for a "Vacation or a Lifetime." The brand new and fully revised second edition of the premier national guidebook, The Great Towns of America, was just released on January 1, 2009. Two of the Greatest Towns listed in this book are here in North Idaho!  Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint Idaho! These two towns are only about 45 miles away from each other and are considered to be two of the nation's most favored communities. They have both urban charms and unforgettable settings.  They are  fun-filled getaways with enoug... 03/03/2009

It's not a news flash to local residents that Coeur d'Alene is a great town.  In fact, we are getting used to the accolades.  We're often recognized for our outstanding natural beauty and wonderful quality of life whenever a new list comes out.  According to Jonathan Coe, president of the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce, "Every time we get another feather in our cap it is one more boost for the economy."  Well, that sure sounds good about now! The Lake City is a solid 10 in The Great Towns of America,a 624-page book that features the 100 Best Getaways for a Vacation or a Lifetime.  "It beat out every other town in the Rocky Mountain region for its summer weather," said David Vokac, who with his wife Joan crossed the country north to south and east to west to compile the guideboo... 03/02/2009

Music Walk: Let the Beat Move You... Every fourth Friday from January - April, stroll through beautiful Downtown Coeur d'Alene and enjoy live music performances from some of our local favorites at Music Walk! Visit supporting restaurants, shops, businesses and galleries with your friends and family! A family-friendly, free event!  Come and join us! 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Upcoming dates:  February 27th, March 27th and April 24th, 2009. Times:  5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location:  Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d'Alene. Cost:  FREE, including parking! To read a review on most the supporting venues, CLICK HERE! For more information:  Please visit the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance website, www.artsincda.org. Maryellen GaraskyMortgage BrokerKMG Mortgage Group(208) 664-3600(509) 638-3455www.kmgm... 02/20/2009

Valentine's Choco-Celebration in Downtown Coeur d'Alene: Friday, Feb 13th For all you love birds out there, take your Valentine to this year's Chocolate Walk offered by the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association. Who can pass up FREE CHOCOLATE?! That's right, FREE Chocolate.  All you need to do is stroll beautiful Downtown Coeur d'Alene and visit the participating retailers. There will be everything from chocolate foundations to chocolate flavored wines, home made delicacies, imported chocolates and much, much more! What a perfect time to shop the great businesses in Downtown Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Date: Friday, February 13th, 2009 Time:  5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Sherman Avenue in Downtown Coeur d'Alene Cost:  FREE See you there! Maryellen Garasky (self-subscribed Chocoholic and amateur ph... 02/13/2009

Who really WANTS to Live Green anyway?  Read on...  Just the other day I was at our local Realtor Association taking a CE course on Green Housing.  This is a subject that I would naturally gravitate toward, regardless of the need for hours.  Now, I have always figured that when attending any training event IF I come away with ONE PEARL, it was worth going.  And, while this ‘overview' of the subject was very informative, one blessed pearl came to light that I didn't expect. We had a discussion about the hypothetical ‘needs and wants' as they pertain to housing of the usual generational groups... you know, the Baby boomers, Generation X and Y.  This yielded the usual... location, size, efficiency etc.  Then, just at the end of our class, the instructor revealed this new dynamic.  The lig... 02/06/2009

So, I have these clients, a cute, mature couple, who want to downsize, not so much the house, but the property.  They really like this one particular neighborhood in Coeur d' Alene which is slow to turnover.  Being a good realtor as my primary intention, I sought out to talk with the folks who live there, asking if they knew of anyone who might be interested in selling.  This, of course, did provoke the question, "What's my house worth?"  Doing my due diligence I provided the appropriate follow up with individual CMAs for each inquiry. Curiously, one of those houses was perfect for my clients.  But, we all know that life is never that simple.  The current owner is widowed, lives on her social security, has equity in the house and a small mortgage.  She is in good health and the reality ... 02/02/2009

First off, I'd like to say congratulations for your desire and intention to buy a home.  When you own a home the pride of ownership you gain is difficult to put into words.  Then, to build EQUITY, along with the other financial advantages, the interest deduction (off of your taxes) and the current $7500 tax credit, LAUNCHES your financial future into a whole new direction. Now, purchasing a home is a BIG decision and the process can be intimidating.  Hiring a Realtor has HUGE benefits for you first in terms of knowledge of the marketplace, then of course the obvious, access to property.  Remember also, your realtor handles negotiations on your behalf, along with the details, dates and, last but not least, the paperwork.  Really there is so much more.  Finally, did you know that the fees... 02/02/2009

Get Scared to Death at "The Roosevlt Inn" B&B in Downtown Coeur d'Alene "Enjoy a thrilling murder mystery game with other guests as you try to solve the age old question -- Who dun it?" Once a month The Roosevelt Inn hosts a murder mystery dinner where guests arrive under pseudo names and dressed in character. This is a great time if you are needing a "date night" with your loved one, but are tired of the "same 'ole, same 'ole." You can choose to come to dinner alone, or stay overnight in one of the luxurious rooms.  The Murder Mystery Package includes: An authentic Sherlock Holmes mystery Hors d'oeuvres Five-course gourmet dinner A thrilling game of "Body-Body" Deluxe accommodations for two (with overnight stay) 24-hour hot tub and sauna (with overnight stay) Two-course gourmet breakfa... 01/25/2009

I have just returned from 2-weeks in Los Cabos, Mexico.  We stayed in one of gorgeous Montecristo Estates on Sunset Beach between Pedrogal and the new Jack Nicolas Golf Course Development, Quivira Los Cabos. Residences at the Ritz Carlton. I thought I'd share this interesting bit of architecture.  I really admired how this home in Pedrogal was built to conform to the rock outcrop at the end of Sunset Beach rather than blasting it away.     Please contact me with any of your Real Estate / Relocation / New Construction and/or Referral needs: Pam Jank, Realtor, GRI, CRS, ABR, RRS, PPSPreviews Property SpecialistYour North Idaho Real Estate ProFREE MLS Listings Search at:Web:  Coeur d'Alene Idaho Homes for Saleemail to:pamjank@hotmail.comPhone:  208-661-2282Fax:  208-446-0660  Toll Free:  8... 01/21/2009

Coeur d'Alene Area Businesses Celebrate 2008 in "After Holiday" Party The Coeur d'Alene Business Referral Group celebrated a successful 2008 last night in their annual "After Holiday" Party at Brix Steak and Chophouse in downtown Coeur d'Alene with food, wine and laughter. Seated in front: Sue Breesnee (Program Director) - State Farm Insurance Karen Moglia (Treasurer) - Auto Center Northwest Middle row: George Goetzman- Goetzman Photography Elsie Patrick (Referral Director) - North Idaho Title Erin Zasada (Secretary) - Financial Advisor at AG Edwards/Wachovia Carl Stearns (Sergeant at Arms) - Civic Mind Media Steve McCaughan - CPA at Clark, Anderson, McNelis & Company Back row: Troy Murphy (Vice President) - Radio Spokane Kevin Garasky (President) - KMG Mortgage Group Henry Villa (with ... 01/18/2009

Congratulations to the students, parents, staff and supporters of Coeur d'Alene Charter Academyfor another fabulous recognition of all that they have accomplished.  This kudo follows its listing last fall as 97th on U.S. News and World Report's list of America's Best High Schools.  In 2007 the school was named a National Charter School of the Year by the Center for Education Reform.  This amazing achievement from a 10 year old charter school is a testament to the vision and tireless effort on behalf of untold numbers of people.  In 1993, my family was one of the founding families of Liberty Common School, the first charter school to be established in Northern Colorado after our charter school law passed there.  It was a struggle, a battle actually, and I can just imagine what obstacles ... 01/17/2009

Whether you are a first time home buyer or a veteran, buying a home is a complex process.  It's always a stressful time, no matter how well you plan for it.  But doing your homework will definitely pay off in the long run. Beginning this month, CAR becomes one of eight regional training partners with The Idaho Partners for Homebuyer Education to administer its Finally Home!® program.  A training partner since 2002, North Idaho College resigned from the program at the end of 2008. If you are a first time homebuyer, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to prepare for homeownership now, or at some point in the future. Class Schedule The class series is 8 hours in length and is offered monthly in 2009.  The first class will be held on January 20 and 27 from 5:30 to 9:30.  Registration is... 01/01/2009

I recently reconnected online with an old friend of mine.  We haven't seen each other since our days running amok at Coeur d'Alene High School.  Those were the days!  Good times, happy memories, and a wonderful childhood growing up in beautiful North Idaho.  He shared with me the following piece he wrote about the current opportunity in the real estate market, and I wanted to pass it along. SIGNS OF OPPORTUNITY by Bruce Simon As a recent signs and media manufacturer, and also an occasional real estate investor, I truly enjoy the slogan: The sign on the door of opportunity reads PUSH.   These are exciting times for the opportunist who knows when the time is right to take advantage of certain investments, including Real Estate.  For the astute investor the time has never been better. The... 12/30/2008

12/19/2008

This weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 4, you won't want to miss the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association's Annual Gingerbread Walk.  Fifteen shops will be displaying Gingerbread Houses made by local residents, Santa Clause will be at the Plaza, and there will be free gift wrapping for your downtown purchases.  Good times! Twenty years ago this month, I made my first Gingerbread house.  Such fun, I was hooked!  For the next decade, I was into elaborate creations, entering contests, winning awards and earning the nickname of The Gingerbread Queen!  I built and sold custom Gingerbread Houses to businesses and individuals, elaborate, and 100% edible. This past decade, I was less into competing and more into teaching and enjoying the delight that people, young and old, experience when t... 12/05/2008

For those of you who may not know, this year's Special Olympic World Games are coming to Idaho this winter. This is a HUGE honor for the state of Idaho.  The honor, however, will be extended to our very own community.  The Olympic Torch will be passing through Coeur d'Alene January 29th and 30th! A couple of weeks ago our Kiwanis Club had the privilege of meeting Christine Jarski (VP of Development and Marketing, Special Olympics Idaho) and Kirk Grogan (Global Messenger AND Bronze Medalist for shot put) - see photo below right. Kirk shared his many experiences with Special Olympics.  In addition to participating in Hong Kong games and meeting the President of the United States, Kirk has visited many other countries around the world on behalf of Special Olympics by supporting and educat... 12/03/2008

Holiday Light Show: Lighting the Sky Above Coeur d'Alene The Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show has become a tradition for many families in North Idaho and Eastern Washington.  My family is no exception. Every year the event, which always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, draws more and more people.  Last year the ever popular ABC morning news show Good Morning America featured it as one of the best in the nation.  I couldn't agree more! Imagine beautiful Coeur d'Alene and downtown Sherman Avenue lit up with over 1.5 million twinkling Christmas lights ..... add Santa ..... add Christmas carolers ..... add hot cocoa ..... add a cruise to the North Pole to meet Santa himself ..... and you have the perfect equation for a great Christmas time! This year will boast the tallest liv... 11/25/2008

There is HOPE for Distressed - At Risk of Foreclosure - Homeowners in Idaho. Don't make the mistake of believeing that it will be better to let the foreclosure happen, because after you lose your home, you will still need to find a new place to live. All too often, the price you will need to pay in rent will be almost as high if not higher than your current mortgage payment. Remember: The owner of the property needs to make his/her mortgage payment, too, so he/she is going to charge a rental payment that's higher than his/her mortgage costs. On October 1, 2008 the Bush Administration put into action additional mortgage assistance for homeowners that are "At Risk" of foreclosure.   It is called "The HOPE for Homeowners Program."  This program will refinance mortgages for borrowers who ar... 11/18/2008