Watch for the government's BAIT & SWITCH for first-time home buyers! I love being a hero.  I sold a great home to a wonderful couple in 2009.  ...their dream home, in fact, and they have no plans to let it go.  Life is good for these first-time home buyers.  They got their tax credit, paperwork went smoothly...the system actually worked.   ...or so we all thought. As we know, the economy has not been our friend the last several years, hence the introduction of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit (FTHBTC).  In these trying times, people have had to be rather creative to make ends meet and the FTHBTC afforded many young couples the opportunity to own a home they may not have otherwise been able to purchase.  The problem, of course, is that job stability has become a slippery slope.  Most... 10/29/2010

The plane leaves for Europe at 10:15 on Wednesday.  I won't see my little grand daughter, Pepper, on American soil until sometime next summer. Enjoy her zest for life.    ...Do you think I'll miss her?    “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential...”           10/05/2010

I never was much of a fisherman...even though I live on Lake Pend Oreille, home to some of the best trout fishing in the country.  (Check out Seagull Charters here on the lake to book your next outing!).  I always gravitated toward activities that I felt I could control more easily... tennis, hiking, climbing, skiing, etc. That's why I find it interesting that I have chosen real estate as a career.  It's really a lot like fishing... I find my favorite "hot spot" (Schweitzer Mountain - Sandpoint, Idaho), educate myself to be the best "fisherman" (Realtor) I can be (Brokers' classes, ethics classes, company meetings, strategy sessions, ActiveRain participation, real estate tours, MLS committee memberships, etc.), throw out my bait/lure (my web site/blog, social media like - Facebook/Schwe... 10/03/2010

We are enjoying (finally) some spectacular Fall weather here in Sandpoint, Idaho.  It's tough to beat this shot taken on the lawn of Trinity Restaurant at City Beach.  (Not a bad spot to enjoy a meal or a beverage on the deck on a warm evening like this).     09/26/2010

In my previous post I showed the views from several Sandpoint waterfront properties. Here is what the lake looks like while boating:  Schweitzer Mountain from Lake Pend Oreille Fun on Lake Pend Oreille Goin under the Longbridge Water view of the Longbridge Water skiing on Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille islands Catch of the day! Rocky outcroppings along Lake Pend Oreille Puttering into City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho Windbag Marina and Seasons at Sandpoint Sandpoint is a railroad town Sunset view under the Longbridge Another beautiful day ends on Lake Pend Oreille 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 Sandpoint So... 09/23/2010

So, in the last month I have sold a home originally listed at $1,200,000 for under $750,000 and another listed originally for $799,000 for under $250,000. There are certainly some bargains out there. One of my specialties is finding these fantastic waterfront and waterview homes for the best prices. Here are some views from the parcels we were viewing over the last month: View of Lake Pend Oreille from Forever View Bottle Bay from Sourdough Point Green Monarchs from Garfield Bay Peeking through the wildflowers on Schweitzer Mountain overlooking Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille from Schweitzer Mountain Marshes between Sourdough and Bottle Bay A windy day along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille has many islands Lake Pend Oreille was once mainly campgrounds and weekend c... 09/23/2010

Sandpoint & North Idaho October Calendar of Events Sandpoint Upcoming Events - This Week in Sandpoint from the Sandpoint Chamber Coeur d'Alene Upcoming Events - from the CdA Chamber Weekly - Saturdays & Wednesdays: Sandpoint - Farmer's Market An open-air market Sandpoint tradition where you can find locally grown fresh produce, crafts, flowers, food and music at Farmin Park, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm. For more info get this pdf 2nd Friday monthly April - Dec: Coeur d'Alene - Art Walk The Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance has organized a monthly Art Walk, that takes place from 5-8 pm the 2nd Friday monthly, April through December. Enjoy an evening of exceptional art, fine dining and friends in downtown 208-664-3194 www.artsincda.org September 16 -October 1... 09/18/2010

Things to Do in Sandpoint and North Idaho for Autumn 2010 Certainly with the turning of the leaves comes one of the most beautiful times of year for the North Idaho Panhandle. There are a lot of things to do, from Fall Foliage tours on Lake Pend Oreille to Historic Train Rides up the Pend Oreille River Valley. There are over a dozen traditional (and some not so traditional) Oktoberfests, (see the blue field on the right) and Halloween, with Silver Mountain and Schweitzer both having cool goings on. Every season has a premier festival: Winter Carnival in...uh, winter, and Festival at Sandpoint in summer. Still, what makes Autumn so special are the crisp, cool nights and the painter's scheme of colors. The colors are the myriad of the rainbow, with Buckthorn, Larch, and Maple turning yell... 09/18/2010

Here are some great pics of some of the scenery photographed while I was showing properties to clients over the last two days: Coast of the Pend Oreille River in Sandpoint, Idaho Granite Knoll near Sandpoint, Idaho The island part of the Longbridge leading into Sandpoint, Idaho Looking down at the Cove on the granite knoll on the Pend Oreille near Rocky Point ...and the tree said, "Waassssuuupppp!!!!" Seriously, what was the question? Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille above Sourdough Green Monarchs from Garfield Bay 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's I... 08/29/2010

Saw this newborn, still with spots, peeking out of the forest yesterday: 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www.RealtySandpoint.com - For Sandpoint Realty www.SkiSchweitzer.net - To visit Schweitzer Mountain's Community Web 08/29/2010

It has been a month since I had a total hip replacement.  The experience has certainly derailed my AR participation while I have adjusted my schedule to do what I can to maintain my Real Estate career.   I'm not complaining, however.  I get to convalesce in Sandpoint, Idaho.  Just for the record, those are my feet hanging at the end of the dock...just another reason I call Sandpoint home...Sacred Heart Medical Center and Lake Pend Oreille.  It could be worse. 08/22/2010

Sandpoint & North Idaho September Calendar of Events: Sandpoint Blog Sandpoint Upcoming Events - This Week in Sandpoint from the Sandpoint Chamber Coeur d'Alene Upcoming Events - from the CdA Chamber Check out all daily Sandpoint Events in the Bonner Daily Bee Weekly - Sat. & Wed.: Sandpoint - Farmer's Market An open-air market Sandpoint tradition where you can find locally grown fresh produce, crafts, flowers, food and music at Farmin Park, Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm and Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm. For more info get this pdf 2nd Friday monthly April - Dec: Coeur d'Alene - Art Walk The Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance has organized a monthly Art Walk, that takes place from 5-8 pm the 2nd Friday monthly, April through December. Enjoy an evening of exceptional art, fine dining and friend... 08/22/2010

The third Tuesday of every month I host the radio show North Idaho Arts & Adventure. This Tuesday I interviewed Alex Stanton who is one of the organizers for OKB, or Operation Kill Boredom. Operation Kill Boredom (OKB) is dedicated to destroying boredom amongst teenagers... Some of the choice ways of destroying that boredom has been by putting on concerts, tribals, game nights, film festivals, band mix up nights, and a WHOLE LOT MORE! Read more: http://www.myspace.com/operationkb#ixzz0wvdvyoT1 Alex was promoting the last big event of the year, a very cool concert coming up on August 28th: the OK FEST 2010. Jammin' at City Park in Newport, the concert lasts all day, from 10 am to 10 pm. Featuring eight bands, a hot dog eating contest, and way more, this very cool event is not only packed... 08/17/2010

Here are some of the best pictures of the wild goats of Scotchman Peaks we have posted. As you may recall, we had the Friends of Scotchman Peaks on my radio show - North Idaho Arts and Adventure - last month. There is a development with great roads and spectacular views not far from here off Springy Creek. Contact me if you want more info. Check out these pictures of the goats of Scotchman Peaks: 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and Nort... 08/17/2010

Grand Finale Concert was Sunday at 7:30 p.m. showcasing Russian Masterpieces with the Spokane Symphony including Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and the traditional fireworks finale, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The fireworks corresponded with the firing of the cannons, and the event was punctuated by the appearances of a pair of guest artists. Pianist Archie Chen, a former Spokane prodigy who now tours worldwide, played Rachmaninoff's famous "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini." Sandpoint soprano Hailey Fuqua and former scholarship winner of one of the Angels Over Sandpoint grants will sang Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Gary Sheldon conducted. Preceding the concert was the annual "Taste of the Stars" wine tasting featured 36 Northwest wineries. "This is the largest tasting in the st... 08/17/2010

Grand Finale Concert was Sunday at 7:30 p.m. showcasing Russian Masterpieces with the Spokane Symphony including Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and the traditional fireworks finale, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. The fireworks corresponded with the firing of the cannons, and the event was punctuated by the appearances of a pair of guest artists. Pianist Archie Chen, a former Spokane prodigy who now tours worldwide, played Rachmaninoff's famous "Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini." Sandpoint soprano Hailey Fuqua and former scholarship winner of one of the Angels Over Sandpoint grants will sang Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise." Gary Sheldon conducted. The annual "Taste of the Stars" wine tasting featured 36 Northwest wineries. "This is the largest tasting in the state of Idaho," Dyno Wahl, ... 08/16/2010

The last Saturday night of the Festival at Sandpoint is typically the biggest event, but to be honest, I did not expect the turnout for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The Festival Grounds were packed. By the time we arrived, and we were volunteering for another event, we were faced with standing room only. We found a spot on the bleachers, and the concert was excellent. August 14 was SUPER COUNTRY SATURDAY starring favorite Festival alumni (from 1999 and 2002) NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND. They formed in Southern California during the spring of 1966 as a scruffy, young jug band, and forty-two years later, the quartet (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen) is still going strong with their special blend of country music infused with pop, rock and bluegrass. With over 30 albums ... 08/15/2010

In and around Sandpoint, Idaho are numerous great hikes. Going towards Bonners Ferry is the Roman Nose with its two alpine lakes which you will recognize in these photos. There are hundreds of waterfalls, the main of which are featured in our North Idaho Waterfalls page. The ones in these photos are smaller cascades that dot the area in numbers too numerous to count. Hiking here is awe-inspiring. What do you think? 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about... 08/14/2010

In 2003, I was looking to start a charity run across the Longbridge, maybe with a bike ride. I was approached to help with the Bonner Healing Garden. With the help of dozens of volunteers, it opened in 2004. It is a wonderful, pastoral, beautiful place year-round. We have city parks, but this is our only public garden. It is wonderous, but don't take my words. Pictures paint the ideal: 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 BlogFor more detailed local info & real estate   Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty 200 Main StreetSandpoint, Idaho 208-255-3474 www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho www... 08/14/2010

So, on my show, North Idaho Business, broadcast on the Talk North Idaho radio network, I interviewed the Secret Thai Cafe last Tuesday. I had first encountered this couple of a Thai wife and American husband at last year's Festival at Sandpoint. They had been in the vendor booth next to Dish Home Cooking. I helped at the Festival as well as lending a hand at the Dish booth. We traded food with the Thai guys, and it was good, but I couldn't help but notice for every ten people served at the Dish booth, they served one. A little slow in the cooking process. So, in my interview with Secret Thai Cafe, I was pleased to find out that every menu item was under $10. I also liked their hours of operation. They are open from 11 am to 2 pm, and then reopen for dinner from 4:30 - 8 pm. They took ov... 08/14/2010