Sandpoint & North Idaho Waterfront Real Estate Blog My name is Gary Lirette and my partner and I specialize in waterfront in and around Sandpoint, Idaho. This includes Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River primarily, and Lake Cocolalla. To a lesser degree, we also have extensive knowledge of the Priest River, the Moyie and Kootenai Rivers, Pack River, Rapid Lightning Creek, the Clark Fork River, and the lesser lakes around Lake Pend Oreille. Click to Search for Real Estate     Jed Sigman                         Gary Lirette 208-255-6739                    208-610-1384        e-mail                                   e-mail Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby'sInternational RealtyLooking for Sandpoint waterfront?Contact Gary or Jed What to do on the Water N Idaho Lake Guide N Idaho River G... 08/05/2009

Kent Anderson is a Realtor®, sales associate with Coldwell Banker Resort Realty in Sandpoint, Idaho. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Idaho, you deserve local expertise and advice to be provided by a professional in real estate. Kent Anderson, is a full-time Idaho REALTOR® providing full time, professional real estate services to home buyers and sellers in the cities of Sandpoint, Sagle, Ponderay, Kootenai, Priest River, Priest Lake, Hope, Bonners Ferry, SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT and all surrounding cities in the  Bonner County / Boundary County North Idaho area. You may be relocating to or from Sandpoint, Idaho due to any number of reasons... whatever the case, when searching for a real estate professional outside the state of Idaho, please feel free to Contact Me o... 08/05/2009

TRINITY AT WILLOW BAY (formerly called Cafe Trinity), located between Sandpoint and the town of Priest River and on the shores of the Pend Oreille River is a REAL culinary pleasure!   TRINITY AT WILLOW BAY was formerly located right in Downtown Sandpoint, Idaho and loved by all.  They took the "Divide and Conquer" concept to the extreme and created 3 distinct Trinity-inspired restaurants:  TRINITY AT WILLOW BAY, TRINITY ON THE BEACH & 41 SOUTH.  All three have become Sandpoint destinations. TRINITY AT WILLOW BAY offers the same Southern Cuisine we have come to love at the original Cafe Trinity.  Now we get to sit right on the Pend Oreille River while enjoying their great food!  ...and best of all...TRINITY AT WILLOW BAY is located just under 1 mile from Salishan Point by car or boat.  W... 08/04/2009

Larry with Competitive Instincts Bike Shop in Sandpoint Idaho is THE person to see for any bike repairs in the area, whether road or mountain.  His business is one of those 1-man places that just adds value to a town like Sandpoint. Larry is the kind of guy that knows pretty much everyone in town.  He is extremely honest and is always concerned first and foremost with saving the customer money and in getting him on the road as soon as possible. I became sold on using Competitive Instincts for all my bicycle repairs after buying an old Torelli road bike, which is a classic bike with a handmade Italian frame and parts that just aren't made anymore.  I started having problems immediately with the shifting and all the tweaking did nothing but make it worse.  I visited several area bike shop... 08/04/2009

Festival at Sandpoint These are some pictures of setting up and scenes from the last couple of years of the Festival at Sandpoint. This year, 2009, marks the 27th annual Festival at Sandpoint. There is so much more that goes into producing such a large event. Besides running the event for two weeks with international stars appearing four nights a week, there is the wine tasting, other associated events, and the set up and break down takes days. These photos of the Festival at Sandpoint are just to give you a brief glimpse of that great musical magical time in Sandpoint, Idaho along the shores of the Pend Oreille River. To see this year's lineup, visitwww.FestivalatSandpoint.com Hundreds come to support and volunteer to put on the Festival at Sandpoint Putting up the tent Almost there...... 08/04/2009

I swam across Lake Pend Oreille in the Long Bridge Swim yesterday!  What a cool event!  This swim race is probably the premier swimming event in the Northwest, and is truly one of Sandpoint Idaho's quintessential events. In its 15th year the Sandpoint Long Bridge Swim sets a new record for participation every year.  This year I believe there were close to 900 swimmers, ranging in age from 88 to 5 years old.  That's right, 5!  We all gathered at City Beach prior to the race and were bussed over to the south side of the Long Bridge.  The race is 1.76 miles across Lake Pend Oreille, running parallel to the bridge, and finishing at 'Dog Beach' on the Sandpoint side.  What's really unique about this race is that it is so great for spectators, because they can literally walk the Long Bridge a... 08/02/2009

Okay, so sometimes I just don't have pictures 'cuz I am just having way to good a time to be the snapshot king. So, there are shots of some, but others you are just going to have to use your imagination. Earlier this week on Wednesday, about thirty of us took to the waves and spent all day on Lake Pend Oreille. It was the annual waterfront tour of homes on the lake for the REALTORS® from Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty. We spent the day checking out the dozens and dozens of lakefront homes we represent, and had just a tiny bit of fun along the way. See more here: http://sandpointid.net/Day_on_Lake_Pend_Oreille.html Then the Sandpoint Artwalk started Friday, and downtown was hopping all day long. There was live music everywhere, lots of cool folk from all over the US a... 08/02/2009

SANDPOINT LONG BRIDGE SWIM - 2009 Today was the perfect day for a swim. The proverbial news on the airwaves called for temperatures to be the highest of the year so far. Not a cloud in the sky. The 1.76-mile swim was most likely in 65-70 degree water (usually the temperature is between 68-70 degrees) from the south end of the Long Bridge to the north. Two and a half hours was the allotted time limit for swimming the distance. There were hundreds and hundreds of cheering onlookers, and with yesterday being the beginning of Sandpoint's Artwalk, the perfect day was underway. The swim is not quite the distance of the two-mile span of the Long Bridge, which crosses Lake Pend Oreille from Sagle to Sandpoint. The first Long Bridge began May 26, 1908, and was in operation until being torn down ... 08/01/2009

41 SOUTH in Sandpoint, Idaho REALLY came through for us helping make our Summer Sales Event Party a huge success! "At one end of the long bridge lies Sandpoint, Idaho. But at the other end...." When planning for our Salishan Point Summer Sales Event, we wanted to have something special to draw potential clients to the event.  We knew the beach, marina and all the other amenities were cool,  but it always helps if there is that "wild card" that people can gravitate to.  So...who better to approach than 41 South Restaurant and Lounge! This is simply the best spot to enjoy a meal in all of North Idaho.  41 South is located on the water directly across the bay from Sandpoint.  Their outdoor tiered dining cascades down to the water's edge and the ambiance is absolutely perfect!  Too many su... 08/01/2009

Sandpoint Real Estate: Yes, we are selling properties While our market suffered its worst effort in years in 2008, so far, in total we are behind that number. However, my team is selling. As part of the Northwest Group of Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty, my part of the team consists of our assistant Keely, my business partner Jed Sigman, and me, Gary Lirette. This year we have had a couple of waterfront sales among several other closings, and I had two accepted offers this week. Plus, in the last two weeks I have written seven offers. Granted, getting financing has been the final hurdle that does not always get overcome. That said, when the market was hot, order takers could easily make sales. Wouldn't you want an agent who works hard and smart enough to sell during t... 07/31/2009

A Day on Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho Every year the REALTORS® from our office, Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty, take to the massive waters of Lake Pend Oreille off the shores of Sandpoint, Idaho to preview the waterfront homes we represent. We make it a day of fun and camaraderie, learn a bit about the inlets and homes on the lake, and a good time is had by all. The Pend Oreille River is wide and deep, but nothing compares to the open waters of Lake Pend Oreille. With 148 square miles, 111 miles of coastline, and over 50 miles from tip to tip, there are few lakes in the U.S. that are this large and this uncrowded. Lake & River Boat Launches & Marinas     Lake Pend Oreille Depth Map (large file) Health of fish in Lake Pend Oreille     North Idaho Fishing Guid... 07/31/2009

Finally, some good news for Sandpoint, IDaho's outlook and our national condition. By Gary Lirette, host of North Idaho Business radio show on KSPT and KBFI, and REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty July 28, 2009 Home prices show signs of stabilizing in MayWidely watched index shows first month increase in almost three years According to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index of 20 major cities, reported by MSNBC on July 28, 2009 Housing construction hits a 7-month highSign builders regaining confidence as emerge from housing bust Construction of new U.S. homes rose in June to the highest level in seven months, reported by MSNBC July 17, 2009 New-home sales soar 11 percent in JuneLargest monthly increase in more than eight years, Commerce Dept. sa... 07/28/2009

Prices have certainly come down for Waterfront Condos in South Sandpoint.  There are really only a few options for condominiums on the water in the heart of downtown, or 'South Sandpoint'.  For luxury waterfront condos on Lake Pend Oreille a great option is Seasons at Sandpoint.  These south facing luxury condominiums are located steps from the Sandpoint City Beach and just across the inlet from the heart of Downtown Sandpoint.  Seasons offers a private sandy beach, an elegant lakefront pool and jacuzzis, a private marina, and a luxurious Spa and Fitness Center that is often a destination for Sandpoint visitors.  Seasons is set up as a condominium resort hotel, complete with concierge services, bell service, property management and a rental program.  Shuttle service is also provided to ... 07/27/2009

This last week did a bit of hiking above the Clark Fork River and Spring Creek and the views of the island of the estuary and Lake Pend Oreille were awe-inspiring. No need for more words, check out the view and you decide. Lake Pend Oreille above the Clark Fork delta Clark Fork River delta Clark Fork River The Clark Fork River is the major waterway that feeds Lake Pend Oreille Lake Pend Oreille with Highway 200 leading to Hope, Idaho from the Clark Fork River delta 07/26/2009

How is the Sandpoint Real Estate Market Doing? First of all, as of today, July 26, 2009, pending sales in the Selkirk MLS area of North Idaho the stats are as follows: Pending Sales:                             169 All Types      $44,542,718 Closed Sales since 1/1/09:            369 All Types      $92,392,240 Closed Sales 2008:                       907 All Types    $241,893,271 Personally, closing on two waterfront homes in the last several weeks was a plus, but this last ten days has been especially busy. With seven contracts written, two have been accepted and close quickly. Another, 333 Derr Island, had one that was not accepted, but with over 50,000 hits on Tour Factory (Click Here to visit the tour) we are finally working with a buyer that looks to make a viable offer. We have had... 07/26/2009

Yappy Hour is a new Sandpoint event which is essentially a happy hour where you can bring your dog with you.  This is a concept that was started by my wife when we lived in Santa Barbara, CA and that really took off.  There are too few places where dogs are allowed and even welcomed.  The first event here in Sandpoint was hosted by the Ponderay Vet Clinic at the Dog Park.  This second event will take place at Dover Bay Resort from 4-7p on July 30, in the lawn between the Cafe and Pool. Admission is free with a cash bar and other refreshments available.  Donations are welcome, with all monies going to the Panhandle Animal Shelter, our local no-kill shelter. The concept of Yappy Hour was inspired by our paralyzed pug named Molly, who very sadly passed away last week at the age of 8.  The ... 07/24/2009

SANDPOINT, IDAHO TENNIS Sandpoint has a great tennis community!  Last week we hosted the 3rd annual Sandpoint Tennis Camp and it was the best yet!  Jane Rockwell (USPTA teaching pro and former Sandpoint High School coach) and Mary Jo Lambert (current Clark Fork High School coach) once again put together a 1st-class Camp. The Sandpoint Tennis Camp started out with a Monday rainout...a rare event in the middle of July in Sandpoint.  I was the scheduled guest coach for Monday along with my good friends Tom Boulay (USPTA teaching pro from Minnesota) and Kent Stadum (USPTA teaching pro from Minnesota and 5.0 National champion).  As the current Sandpoint High School coach, it was my reponsibility to make sure the first two days of the camp were high impact, fun and INTENSE.  This year's Camp ... 07/21/2009

This is like FIGHT CLUB.  I NEED to let go!   I just got done showing a property that happens to be situated next door to another great Lake Pend Oreile waterfront property that I was actually very knowledgable about.  When I was done with my customer, a new potential buyer drove up and started asking me questions about that adjacent waterfront.  A gift from God perhaps? We are not setting real estate sales records here in SANDPOINT, IDAHO and suddenly I've got customers flagging me down.   I answered all of his questions and was pretty proud of my ability to really speak with authority.  There are some engineering issues with the property that need to be addressed to complete a successful build and I even knew the engineers the potential client should contact.  We spoke for a half hour... 07/09/2009

A Great Weekend in Sandpoint and Dover, Idaho As if having a fantastic 4th of July the week before wasn't enough the weekend of July 11th and 12th is packed with cool things to do in North Idaho. Dover Bay Days PicsSandpoint Wooden Boat Show Pics JerryFest also rocked this weekend at Camp Eureka in Sagle, and Acorn Project, Spoonshine and Ten Mile Tide performed, but my commitments were elsewhere, but I promise to post the photos my friends shot as soon as I get them. First, on the 11th the Wooden Boat Show is hopping at the City Boardwalk in Sandpoint Marina downtown. This annual event showcases antique and classic wooden boats from all over the country, plus there are events and happenings the entire day for the whole family. The day begins at 7 am with the Mountain Man Breakfast, and... 07/09/2009

Let's face it, REALTORs® have a reputation just hovering above used car salesmen. I don't mean that everyone thinks poorly of us, but we rank in opinion right around attorneys, politicians, and doctors. Weird that some of those professions used to be the most respected. I believe that while we earn our daily bread from selling properties, it is also our job to promote and steward our towns and communities. Some of our area REALTORs® do a very good job of doing just that. Right here on ActiveRain in Sandpoint there are three that are very good at helping the world know about our award-winning town. Both Kent Anderson and Rick Evans not only blog constantly about area events and features, but also get out and enjoy the activities Sandpoint and North Idaho have to offer. Both are avid skie... 07/09/2009