Existing-Home Sales Resume Uptrend with Stable Prices - This article was published by the National Association of REALTORS® ON December 22, 2010 Existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 5.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million in November from 4.43 million in October, but are 27.9 percent below the cyclical peak of 6.49 million in November 2009, which was the initial deadline for the first-time buyer tax credit. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, is hopeful for 2011. "Continuing gains in home sales are encouraging, and the positive impact of steady job creation will more than trump some negative impact from a modest rise in mortgage interest rates, which remain historically favorab... 02/25/2011

So, with a 148 square mile lake, even during wintertime we normally see significant sales. For the winter of 2010-2011 to date we have had just five sales of residential real estate on Lake Pend Oreille. Three were condos, one of those was a bank repo, and all were under $500,000 with one exception. In fact, we haven't seen prices like this in years. Does this mean that we are now an area that people will find affordable in terms of waterfront? Probably not as much as you would think. Waterfront is still a finite commodity in virtually all waterfront communities, including ours. Add to that the fact that sellers are simply not listing their lake and river front homes if they can't get the price they perceive their properties are worth. So, the ones that come on the market that are screa... 02/23/2011

I interviewed Russell and Jeanne Spriggs, both certified master inspectors from the Home Inspection Team. While they do all kinds of inspections, I had them on the North Idaho Business radio show to talk specifically about mold since I am not an expert, but like many of you I have questions. Many people think that a mold inspection is part of the menu of things home inspectors do when inspecting a home, but usually only surface mold is looked for. While conversing with Chris Munro of Peak Inspections in Sandpoint he pointed out that without true testing, results in our area can be skewed. According to Chris, in our area a cursory test might show significant mold spores in the home's interior air, but that could come from the many trees in our area or from natural sources from outside of... 02/23/2011

Last year I interviewed Lisa Richards who started a cool group called Chix in the Kitchen. Laughing Dog Brewing was just about to have their grand opening at the new digs at 1109 Fontaine Drive and the Chix were having a Beer Chili Cook-off there. The day before the new tasting room had been packed with well-wishers and beer tasters. The hope was to have a repeat success. We talked about the event, and how Chix had evolved over the last year. Below you can read a little of that interview. The Chix invited well-known chef Gabe Cruz and myself to be judges for the contest. The pictures tell the rest of the story. http://www.chixinthekitchen.com/ The following is the interview: What is Chix in the Kitchen? Chix in the Kitchen is a club for women of all ages who love to cook and entertain. ... 02/23/2011

I interviewed the cast of "Puppy Love" on my radio show last week. First let me tell you these are the funniest troup to ever be on my show. There, I said it. Add to that the foible that I called the award-winning author Penny several times, even though her name is Teresa Pesce. Bottom line is, if they are that funny just ad libbing and talking off-the-cuff on a radio show, the play must be hilarious. Below is the info taken from the Panida Theater's website: "Puppy Love" by Teresa Pesce, a romantic comedy about love and the furry friends who help you find it. THE PLOT Marie, a socially awkward divorcee, gets a little help from her lovingly protective "fur family" (Tank the dog, Miss Puddy the cat and Cheep the parrot) as her loneliness first leads her into the arms of a con man, then a... 02/23/2011

I interviewed Gwen Victorson last week on my radio show from the True North Treks organization here in Sandpoint. True North Treks helps young adult cancer survivors learn ways to become re-oriented, set new coordinates and chart a new course through short term experiences in nature centered around the training of "survival skills for survivors." This event takes place after the Yoke's Outrageous Air Show. You can read about it here: http://actvra.in/5Ls The Yoke's Outrageous Air Show Friday February 25, 2011 - Saturday February 26, 2011 Presented by The Pacific Northwest Inlander and Rock 94.5The Yokes Outrageous Air Show takes place on the slopes just above Schweitzer Mountain Village. Four-time World Champion Steve Omischi and Olympic Gold Medalist Jean Marc Rozon will be jumping wit... 02/23/2011

Here are some pictures of North Idaho wildlife and scenery that I recovered from a corrupted SD card. North Idaho is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Besides, in depth of a glorious winter day, with 10 inches of fresh powder on Schweitzer Mountain, what could be better than pictures of summer around Sandpoint? What do you think? Remember to visit www.SandpointID.net to learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho. Priest Lake Priest Lake water skiing Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille Granite outcropping creekside in Boundary County One of dozens of creeks in Boudary County Boundary County Creek North Idaho Cow Moose & Calf North Idaho Cow Moose & Calf Creek near one of my fav North Idaho swimmin' holes. I'd tell you where it is, but then I'd have to... Follow the leader... 02/23/2011

Coldwater Creek Wine Bar 311 First AvenueSandpoint, ID 83864(208) 265-1912 The entrance to Coldwater Creek Wine Bar In an interview with Dave Vermeer we talked about Coldwater Creek Wine Bar last Tuesday on my radio show, North Idaho Arts & Adventure. At one time we had just two wine bars in town, Coldwater Creek and the Pend Oreille Winery. Obviously, you could only get the wines produced by the winery at their bar, and the Coldwater Creek Wine Bar was beautiful, in the Cedar Street Bridge overlooking Sand Creek. It came replete with over-stuffed leather couches and giant timbers. When the Coldwater Creek flagship store moved their digs to across the street on First, the wine bar came with. Dave Vermeer, manager of Coldwater Creek Wine Bar Over time, just a few years ago, we had six or... 02/20/2011

What and where is Hope, Idaho (Scroll to the bottom to see several pictures of Hope, Idaho) The area of Hope consists of between Clark Fork and Sandpoint, with the primary communities being East Hope, Hope, and the Hope Peninsula. The full-time population is approximately 500. Some Hope History and Info First and foremost, the attraction Hope creates with both visitors and inhabitants alike is the expansive view afforded by most home of Lake Pend Oreille. The views have drawn many, many notable and famous people for over 100 years. The Hope Peninsula is the home to the Sam Owen State Park, and the natural beauty of the island-like peninsula inspires and awes. There are three resorts there, and the wildlife is abundant and protected. However, while the deer, turkey, and other animals are... 02/19/2011

I am happy to announce a free service for Sandpoint.  Darby Counseling, located in Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church has recently added an Intern, Brom Glidden, who is offering free counseling services to the community.   Brom is completing a Master's degree from Walla Walla University and will be serving the Sandpoint Community for approximately 3 months.  He will be offering counseling services free of  charge to individuals and couples in the community.  If you are interested in working with someone to deal with stress or need tools for problem solving as a couple or  would like support in dealing with other areas of relational or  personal growth, call 263-6219 for an appointment.  Services are free, although donations will be gladly accepted. Appointments with Brom Glidden can be... 02/19/2011

On my Tuesday radio show I interviewed Gwen Victorson from the True North Treks organization here in Sandpoint. True North Treks helps young adult cancer survivors learn ways to become re-oriented, set new coordinates and chart a new course through short term experiences in nature centered around the training of "survival skills for survivors." She was promoting a special event taking place during the Yokes Outrageous Air Show next Saturday, February 26 on Schweitzer Mountain. Called Fight the Fight & Own the Night! the event offers night skiing for a discounted price with Schweitzer donating 50% of the proceeds to the organization. The goal is to raise $10,000 which will cover the planned September 2011 Olympic Peninsula trek. True North Treks allows all young adult (18-40) cancer sur... 02/19/2011

On my Thursday radio show I interviewed Clint from the Sandpoint Fire Department talked about their participation in the Scott Firefighter Stair Climb in Seattle. Clint related how the competitors climb an equivalent of 69 floors with gear weighing 65 pounds. Having placed well in the previous contest the hopes are to have all in our group of fine men be in the top 100 out of 1,500. The firefighters participating this year are Britian Whitley, Casey O'Donnell, Allo Pucci, and Clint Frank. ABOUT THE EVENT At 788 feet of vertical elevation, the Columbia Center (formerly Bank of America Tower) in downtown Seattle stands as the second tallest building west of the Mississippi. It takes 69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps to reach the highly acclaimed observation deck overlooking the city. ... 02/19/2011

We've been going through the Matthew Ferrara Learning Network (http://www.mflearn.com/) with one of his short learning videos at our weekly Wednesday meetings for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty. Here are some interesting statistics that he pointed out: Where to buyers of real estate come from? Agent 38% Internet 37% Sign 11% Friend 6% Newspaper 2% Magazine <1% That's right. Print advertising in total is less than 3%! By some accounts, 97% of all buyers now see the listing through the internet. Agent contacts, their inner circle and sphere of influence still is tops, followed closely by internet. How do agents get their message out there these days? Certainly from being a part of their community, but that is also much done by the internet. This makes me proud of my ef... 02/16/2011

You've got to understand.  This is "play country" in North Idaho.  My wardrobe consists (primarily) of warm-ups, sweat sox (typically ankle sox for tennis), dozens of athletic gray tee-shirts, ski clothes and a lot of polos & blue jeans.  All of these items do double-time as work-wear & play-wear.  My clients have come to expect the "casual look" in this part of the country.  It's the primary reason I have chosen to make this my home.  Showing homes up at Schweitzer Mountain is often done in "standard-fare" Descente ski pants, Salomon mock fleece & ski vest.  In the summer you'll find me in my boating clothes (anyone not spending the majority of their time somewhere around Lake Pend Oreille is really "missing the boat").  Well...long story short, I had a listing appointment last week do... 02/15/2011

While driving clients around I snapped these photographs of the area of North Idaho surrounding Sandpoint:  Train passing Lake Cocolalla on a sunny day View of Lake Pend Oreille mountains in Trinity at City Beach Pend Oreille as seen from Baldy Mountain Pend Oreille as seen from Baldy Mountain Sandpoint and the Longbridge as seen from Forever View Sandpoint and the Longbridge as seen from Forever View Gary Lirette with Sandpoint and the Longbridge in the distance Pack River where Buck & Edna's Tavern burned to the ground in 2004 Pack River near where Buck & Edna's Tavern once stood Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's Blogs   Tomlins... 02/13/2011

AHHH, February.  This is the month everyone waits for.  The snow is soft and plentiful, the frigid days are "mostly" behind us and the skiing is spectacular.  Valentine's Day on Schweitzer Mountain is always a good day! Enjoy the view from the top of White Lightning above the Great Basin quad!  No one tires of this view!   02/13/2011

I took these pics yesterday to be included as lifestyle pics for a new listing: Merrit Brothers Bridge in Priest River Pend Oreille River leading into Newport, Washington Newport,WA from the air Pend Oreille River on the Idaho/Washington State line Downtown Newport, WA The Roxy Theater in Newport, WA Newport, WA Nature's Ice Sculpture along the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage between Sandpoint & Priest River Bridge leaving Oldtown along the Pend Oreille River & the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage Albeni Dam along the Pend Oreille River & the Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage  Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts. E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384Read Gary's Blogs   Tomlinson... 02/12/2011

  Here are some notes which are a compilation of several meetings of brainstorming about Sellers.   SELLER COUNSELING   If your REALTOR® did everything right, what would you expect them to do? If they did everything right, and the home did not sell, what would you think the reason(s) would be? If one of the reasons was the price was too high, do you think that chasing the market could ultimately hurt the home getting sold? How much effort are you willing to put into this process to achieve your goal of selling? It has been our experience that sellers know more about their house and the selling points than any other person, including sales people. How do you feel about being part of the team when creating the marketing for selling your home? There are literally hundreds of websites that ... 02/10/2011

I recently ran a report comparing sales data at Schweitzer Mountain Resort from 2009 to 2010, and a few trends become readily apparent. Units sold were up by almost 35% and average and median price had declined by almost $150,000. What does this mean for buyers?----It's a great time to buy as affordability both in price and interest rates have never been better. Here is a look at some of the numbers:                                     2009                    2010 High Sold Price:         $856,000                $460,000 Low Sold Price            $116,500                $70,000 Average Sold Price     $434,316                $282,088 Average DOM               222                         271 Number Sold                 24                           31   The ski season for this year has bee... 02/08/2011

Pend Oreille Veterinary Services 895 Kootenai Cut Off RoadPonderay, ID 83852-9720(208) 263-2145 http://www.sandpointvets.com/ Almost a decade ago I started using the services of Pend Oreille Veterinary Services bringing my beloved Samoyed Chardonnay to their clinic. My vet's name was Jerry Lewis, an unforgettable character. Dr. Lewis graduated from Colorado State University and established Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in June, 1964. He and his wife Pat are closely tied in to the community, and while he is a great vet, he is now in semi-retirement and is at the clinic a couple of days a week. For over 46 years this multifaceted clinic has served our community, and their six vets have over 103 combined years of service and knowledge in the veterinary profession. Vets of the Pend Oreill... 02/06/2011