Content to turn down a listing !      As Realtor's® we all know the importance of listings.  What is a much harder lesson to learn and then practice, is the importance of not taking a listing that most likely will not sell.  The work will be the same, or more as that of a listing that will sell, and yet we know going in all the work will not end in a pay check.  How many times do agents, myself included, take a listing knowing it will not sell and hoping it will create advertising.  It takes a long while for many and depending on the market it is still difficult to turn a listing down, and yet today I was content to turn down a listing !      This was an expired I have spent a lot of time on in the Sandpoint Idaho area.  Actually met with the sellers after a couple of phone calls and 1/... 03/17/2015

Forgetting Our Own Advice ! I recently had a tenant move out of one of my units.  The best I can describe the condition left is squalor.  That is a whole different post if I do decide to go there.  More important to this post, is more often than no,t are we Forgetting Our Advice ?  Apparently the bath tub had been used as a play pool and water left to seep into the floor.  Subfloor was rotten thru with even the laminate flooring breaking through at the tub.  This had been going on so long it had crawed into adjoining bedroom as well.  Called a friend/aquaintance that I knew had the tools to get the job done.  Cheaper and less hassle was my FSBO thinking.   3 weeks later, and many excuses, only the original holes in floor, to inspect what would be needed completed.  Oh and tools moved in... 03/09/2015

  We have had wonderful sunny days in Sandpoint Idaho and just in time for the 32nd annual Gun 'n' Horn Show. Come join  us March 6-8 2015 The Bonner County Sportsmen's Association hosts the 32nd annual Gun 'n' Horn Show at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.    ~ Free horn scoring ~ Over 100 vendor tables ~ Archery alley for the kids ~ First Time Hunter Contest for hunters 16 years old and under ~ Trail Cam Photo Contest - Win a new Trail Cam! ~ Free contest entry for horns, antlers and skulls  All contest entries are due by Friday.    Admission is $5 adults, free for kids age 11 and under; three-day pass is $10.  Hours are 12 p.m to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.    For more information go to http://www.BonnerCountySportsmen.org. 208-263-9117   02/28/2015

Another Satisfied Buyer for Schweitzer Mountain Condo We all have goals that are important to us.  I want for all my clients to feel they have been communicated with from start of process to finish.  I do not want them ever feeling they were being left out.  So to get this type of testimonial, from another Satisfied Schweitzer Mountain Condo Buyer, is very rewarding. Mark helped me and my family find the perfect ski condo at Schweitzer. We had very specific needs and a budget that allowed for a limited number of condos. Mark worked with us until the we found the perfect place. He worked well with the other professionals involved in the purchase and made sure that everyone completed what was needed in a timely fashion. GREAT experience.  Robert Queen Search: "Schweitzer Mountain Condos f... 02/15/2015

Are We Treating Past Clients Like We Are Trying to Win Their Business? I could not help but compare a recent hair cut to our Real Estate business.  My hair desperately needed cutting (both of them) and in calling for an appointment I got a message she would be out for two plus weeks.  I had already gotten to what I repectfully refer to as the 'Grandma Look', but having my hair cut by her for over 5 years, I decided to wait.   This week I called only to get another message.  Left one of my own with no answer returned.  I could wait no longer and went to another.  WOW.  Same price I got hair wash & conditioned, cut, and facial trim.  What man does not enjoy that kind of treatment?   Most importantly though I have been unhappy with my hair 'look' for many years now and just accepted it as ... 02/13/2015

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