Just a Tiny 'Reminder' As I walked into Sandpoint Super One Grocery, on the way home this evening, I could not help but think of a couple of sayings, quotes...however you wish to call them.  "Two sides to every coin" & "The scales always keep things even" Here is what greets people the moment they walk thhrough the door just for those of us that need Just a Tiny 'Reminder' not to forget their special one.  Nice.  Of course on the other side it may be like a 2X4 upside the head to those of us who may not have someone to enjoy this day with.  Always "two sides to every coin." (And as a side note I forgot eggs so could not enjoy my pancakes for dinner that I have been thinking about all day! ! )   *************************************************************************** Search: "Sandpoin... 02/11/2015

Auto Mechanic's "Who You Going to Call?" ! I was recently very fortunate in catching what had turned into a serious problem before it became a safety incident on the highway.  I had been using an inexpensive large retail establishment for oil changes.  When asking them about specifics, I was concerened about, I got head shakes like a porcelin dog in the back of a car, and became obvious that head shake was the most attention the concern ever received.   I have since found two reliable mechanics to take care of my automotive needs.  At the present time I no longer worry about who I am going to call when it comes to my Mechanic. My latest find, D&Z Auto, was through two channels we all speak of. I opened my mind to the opportunity of finding one and it came about while I was helping someo... 02/09/2015

Sandpoint Monday Movie Review - "Jupiter Ascending" "Jupiter Ascending" was a very pleasant surprise.  I did not realize until getting to the theater the main character was Channing Tatum.  For you ladies that appreciate a nice body he is shirtless about half the movie.  Cut and lean of old.  And I had to look up the actress, Mila Kunas, because I just did not recognize her.  I will have to find "Friends with Benefits" again.  I enjoyed the first time and most likely will more so the second time because of her.  Russian descent having moved here at 7 years old.   The movie is not a bad plot actually.  Some fantastic special effects that are both brand new and tweaks from previously used special effects.  Some funny scenes, great action, and new concepts.   I enjoyed the movie in 3D and ... 02/08/2015

  Schweitzer Mountain Condos Sold January 2015 Schweitzer Mountain Condo sales were robust this January compared to January 2014.  This year showed 8 condos SOLD in January compared to 1 in January of 2014.  So it will be interesting to see if the Schweitzer Mountain Condos SOLD in January 2015 will continue its trend thru out the year or if we just got our figures in a bit early for 1st quarter of 2015. Of the 8 Schweitzer Mountain Condos sold high sales price was $642,801.00 and low price was $97,800.00.   1 studio, 2 one bedroom, 1 two bedroom, 3 three bedroom, and 1 four bedroom with 1 to 4 bathrooms shows there is something for everyone's dreams and desires.  Average 'days on market' was 196.   My post on Schweitzer quarterly sales for 2013 and 2014 shows there is very little diffe... 02/07/2015

4 Inches New Snow at Schweitzer Mountain past 24 Hours Snow started falling hard in Sandpoint late this morning and has been coming down steady at Schweitzer Mountain Resort since a bit earlier than that.  The snow at Schweitzer is expected to continue through the night.   Warm conditions prior to this storm left some runs closed and will need be evaluated prior to opening tomorrow AM.  Be sure though, this new snow is a welcome sight and a sure help to the mountain activities and events, at Schweitzer, in the month of February.   Search: "Schweitzer Mountain Resort Condos for Sale" under $250,000.00. Search: "Schweitzer Mountain Resort Condos for Sale" $250,000.00 to $500.000.00. Search: "Schweitzer Mountain Resort Condos for Sale" over $500,000.00 Are you looking to Buy or Sell Schwei... 02/02/2015

Sandpoint Home for Sale with 5 acres - Price reduction Two bedroom 1 bath home with detached garage on 5 acres in sought after Selle Valley, northeast of Sandpoint proper has just reduced the price. A manufactured home converted to Real Property with an additional cover, over the home and walkway, for added protection from the elements.  Wood buring stove for heat with covered strorage just off the mud room.  Dining room sits just off the kitchen with peninsula bar separating the two.  Large bay window for plenty of light.  This is a fantastic opportunity to own a Sandpoint Idaho home with acreage.  $129,000.00   MLS# 20143015 Contact me if you would like more information on this Sandpoint home or would like to set up a showing.   Search: "Sandpoint Homes for sale" & "Clark Fork Homes f... 02/01/2015

Sandpoint West Athletic Club I have spoke of SWAC in Active Rain before.  I feel that it should be mentioned again as a must see when in Sandpoint Idaho.  It is not just a 'gym'.  It is a full facility health club.  Take a quick look at Sandpoint West Athletic Club. Don't feel you have to come to SWAC to work out.  I don't know about you but one of my favorite things to do is get a massage.  SWAC has trained/licensed masseuse's on hand, with soothing dedicated massage rooms.  Would not be a bad way to start or finish a vacation day.   Or come in and enjoy a hot steam room.  Dry sauna more your cup of tea? SWAC has 'em both along with large Jacuzzi next to the indoor pool.  Couple of trips between those two and you will forget where you came from much less when you need to get back.   Wa... 01/29/2015

Sandpoint Idaho Monday Movie Review - 'American Sniper' "American Sniper" surprised me. A Warner Brothers / Malpaso endeavor I was pretty sure I was going to enjoy the movie.  I was not at all disappointed there.  What I was not expecting was learning some things I did not realize prior to this movie.  I believe, at least on my part, when we hear the word 'Sniper' we picture someone crawing thru the deep brush and jungles and alone for days on end to accomplish a mission.  This film brought to light a completely different meaning. I was pleased as well that the movie did not glorify killing.  More the horror of it, in a very realistic way.   American Sniper Kris Kyle had a huge # of kills to his credit.  We would also put a certain stero typing to that type of individual.  I believe thi... 01/27/2015

Not your every day Jaywalker! Unless you are in Sandpoint Idaho I must admit this is not your everyday sighting even in Sandpoint Idaho.  I am betting we see it much more frequently than most anywhere else.  Do keep in mind this is not on the far reaches of town.  Highway 2 and Division near the Sandpoint High School  and Civic Center.    And with closer inspection of picture I believe no Jaywalking is involved and moving on green light. Search: "Sandpoint Homes for Sale" & "Sandpoint Condos for Sale" Click Here Are you interested in Buying or Selling North Idaho Real Estate? Contact me for your reliable, knowledgeable, professional. " Your North Idaho Realtor® for Life, everyday - Mark my Words! " 208 255-6227 MARK DON MCINNES - YOUR LOCAL NORTH IDAHO REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Mark@SellingH... 01/27/2015

Training - Do it ahead of time ! As I was heading to a listing appointment in Sandpoint yesterday I noticed a group of Firemen grouped at a station.  Curious I turned around.  Cars had been stacked to represent a serious accident.  They were training for what hopefully they will never come to deal with.  We expect proficency from professions such as firemen.  It also made me get to wondering how many people wait till it is already needed before they train. I believe sports relate to so many life instances.  How many times have you heard one of the greats talk about the years of training he/she did prior to actually being at the playing level that needed that type of focus.  The point is they were able to step up to the position, at a moments notice in some cases, because they had been t... 01/25/2015

Downtown Sandpoint Idaho to be Enjoyed No Matter the Season ! Sandpoint Idaho is unique in many different ways.  From Schweitzer Mountain Resort to Downtown Sandpoint at Lake Pend Oreille in about 30 minutes.  Abundant wildlife, sometimes even seeing a moose in Sandpoint City. Rivers and Lakes for fishing, boating, swimming, and playing all near bye.  Biking / Walking paths from one end of the city to the other and beyond.  While there are many specific things to see and do, Downtown Sandpoint Idaho to be Enjoyed No Matter the Season ! I enjoy walking Halley in Sandpoint any time of the year.  Quiet winter Sunday nights when crowds are thinning and streets mostly empty make for special reflective walks.  Enjoy this short You Tube video of Downtown Sandpoint on one such Sunday night.   S... 01/25/2015

Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend Celebration at Schweitzer Mountain Schweitzer Mountain Resort can be enjoyed year round as a destination resort. Winter offers up not only the skiing and snow boarding, but special events as well.  The Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend Celebration at Schweitzer Mountain proved again this year to be a fun filled gala event.   Saturday high lights the event with lights out in the Village with a groomers parade shortly there after.  As the line up of grooming machines, with lights blazing and flashers reflecting off the snow, reach the bottom the Skiers torch parade begins.  With lit flares in both hands about a 100 skiers begin down the slope in a snake pattern.  Quite impressive.   Just before the last skier reaches the bottom the first "Kaboom" sounds... 01/24/2015

Schweitzer Idaho 'Blue Beetle' Condo SOLD !   CONGRATULATIONS to Robert and Heather Q. on the successful purchase of their new Schweitzer Mountain Condo!  Robert and I met quite a few months ago looking at a certain condo between downtown Sandpoint and Schweitzer, Idaho.  After bringing the whole family back a couple of times they still were not sure if this was really the one even though they really liked it.  When I called to tell them it had gone pending they were a bit disappointed.            We continued looking and know there is a reason they did not get the other condo.  They are absolutely ecstatic with purchase of their new Schweitzer Mountain Condo.  Are you wanting to Buy or Sell a Schweitzer Condo, or know someone who is thinking of doing so?  Contact me, Mark Don McInnes, ... 01/19/2015

Quarterly sales of Schweitzer Mountain Condos 2013 & 2014 Schweitzer Mountain Resort Village is located only minutes from Downtown Sandpoint Idaho acting as a backdrop to an already charming city.  Many feel Schweitzer Condo Sales are seasonal.  Much the same as home sales in Sandpoint that is a myth perpetuated by people/agents themselves.  Quarterly sales of Schweitzer Mountain Condos 2013 and 2014 show differently. The charts show a slight decline in year to year sales (under $500,000.00) although less than 10%.  What is not shown with these charts is the decrease in lower end inventory.  Sellers have reached a point, with all sales not just condos, that for the most part they do not HAVE to sell.  With the scales to always keeping things even buyers have learned their lesson and are... 01/17/2015

When Should I List my 'Sandpoint Home for sale' ? Sandpoint Idaho has 4 seasons.  Rainy springs , hot sunny summers, Gorgeous cool colorful falls, and single digit snowy winters.  What does this have to do with selling your home in Sandpoint Idaho?  Most people, including many Realtor's® think everything.  I disagree with the majority of people as to When Should I List my 'Sandpoint Home for sale' ?   Sandpoint Intown sales will differ from out of town sales mainly because of the terrain and acreage when out side of town.  What is important to examine with this chart is the quarterly percentages.             83864 Zip Code is the inclusive area for all of Sandpoint Idaho.  This chart is inclusive of all home sales in 83864 including Intown Sales for 2014.  Again take note of quarter to ... 01/16/2015

 Schweitzer Mountain Resort has 5" fresh snow in past 24 Hours   All of North Idaho has a storm coming through that started the night of Thursday January 15, 2015.  Schweitzer Mountain Resort has received 5 nches fresh snow the past 24 hours with more on the way!  Weekend temperatures are warmer being forecasted in mid to upper 30's.  Perfect weekend to enjoy Schweitzer Mountain Resort and all the festivities for the weekend. Keep in mind while driving this is wet heavy snow and the worst conditions for safety on the road.  Bonner County does and excellent job keeping with snow removal.  It does not change the fact that they can not get to every street and highway at the same time.  And with a heavy snow it does not take long for traffic to turn roads into an ice pack.  Leave a few mome... 01/16/2015

Testimonial from Satisfied Sandpoint Idaho Client We, as Realtor's®,  work hard every day towards objectives that will hopefully help us achieve our goals.  Many times numbers are not the most important visuals as to how we are doing in relationship to our objectives.  Such was the case today when I read a testimonial from one of my recent satisfied Sandpoint Idaho Home Sellers. I want my clients to appreciate the fact they are being communicated with.  I do not want them feeling uncomfortable asking questions at any time we are working together, or after as far as that is concerned.  I want my clients to know the work that is being done on their behalf.  That may mean sometimes having to say we saw no results this week.  As hard as that call is to make it is much better discussed than ... 01/15/2015

  As your coming from the south end of the long bridge crossing Lake Pend Oreille Lake and Pend Oreille River one of the firsts land sites you see is Condo Del Sol.  This complex is one of the favorites for vacations or year round living.  On the grassy banks of the river it is a short walking distance to downtown Sandpoint Idaho. There is free WiFi in the clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, halfcourt basketball, a beach volleyball pit, and massive expanses of lawn all with mountain and water views. If you are looking for maintenance free living Condo Del Sol on the water is a great place to see.   The units are all privately owned, so each condo will likely have different features and finishes Many of the units are used as vacation rentals for people coming in to enjoy the l... 01/14/2015

Goal checks and adjustments for 2015 We are two weeks into 2015.  Bob Crane wrote a very insightful post recently.  It was based around the importance of continually monitoring the goals you have set for yourself and business.  On any journey if we are not constantly checking our course we can drift away from the destination.  In some cases too far to ever get back on course again.  So goal checks and adjustments for 2015 are important from the start to the end. One of my goals is to watch closely my ROI on marketing, lead generating, follow up systems.  One system I began last year is the 800 # for information and of course phone # capture.  I have 'Sign Riders' printed specifically with the #.  While early on I was getting a call or two even those have dwindled. In thinking it through... 01/13/2015

Sandpoint Idaho Movie Review  -  "Taken 3" Liam Neeson in 'Taken 3' does an excellent job again.  I enjoyed both 1 and 2 and many are saying '3' outdoes number 2.  The movie takes a couple of turns that I did not expect.  Of course one does not leave the theater wanting for more action.  Liam still is able to pull off "BAD".  One of the very pleasant surprises for me was what I thought to be an excellent job by Forest Whitaker.  All the characters are believable which makes for an entertaining time at the theater.  Overall why we go to the movies.   My shake of the head, I guess, is in this style movie getting a bit tiring.  One guy, Liam or not, against too many bad guys to count, and insurmountable odds.  At some time I am going to say enough.   Search: "Sandpoint Homes for Sale" & "S... 01/12/2015