Active Rain Community Guidelines - Not just for Active Rain Until Lynn B. Friedman's Big Blog Boost Contest for January 2015 I had not read the Weltanschauung or Community Guidelines.  Not for being rebellious nor an outlaw.  Just some issues have always seemed to be a matter of common sense. At the same time I understand rules need be written in order to enable actions, against ignored rules, of what should be common sense to begin with.  I did find something mentioned in the Community Guide lines that I would not have thought of.  Bob Crane wrote an excellent post on the Rules and I commented to Bob that there is a learning curve to any new area we get involved with.  It is very seldom that I repost and yet easily could have made an innocent mistake with this rule. "Do not republish a... 01/12/2015

Sandpoint Idaho Quiet Streets After Busy Weekend Sandpoint business is based mostly on outside sources coming in.  So to complain about crowds is foolish.  Yet I can not help but enjoy a walk on the Sandpoint Idaho Quiet Streets After Busy Weekend.  Most of the skiers have headed home.  The football games are over and the skies are clear of clouds, with the cold moving in.  Second Avenue - Sandpoint - Idaho    January 11, 2015 *************************************************************************** Empty Highway 95 by-pass bridge from walking path at City Beach Entrance  *************************************************************************** SEARCH: "Sandpoint Idaho Homes for Sale" & "Sandpoint Idaho Condos for Sale" Click Here   SEARCH: "Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate for Sale" Cli... 01/11/2015

Schweitzer Mountain Condos for Sale Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort Village, in Sandpoint Idaho, is less than 15 miles from downtown Sandpoint and less than 5 miles to the base parking if you want to park then take the Schweitzer Shuttle Bus to the Village.  Schweitzer Resort is a hidden gem which is a good reason to check on Schweitzer Mountain Condos for Sale.  Lift lines that are considered long if one waits close to 5 minutes. As of January 11, 2015  2,875 acres of the 2,900 are open with 91 of the 92 runs.  38 of these open runs are groomed.  Base snow level at higher levels 52 inches and at lower levels 18 inches.  Schweitzer has recieved 1 inch fresh snow in past 72 hours and a total of 96 inches thus far this season. Currently there are 25 Schweitzer Mountain Condos for Sale unde... 01/11/2015

    Westwood Villiage is a waterfront condo complex with duplex and single family homes. Ammenities include Gas barbeque, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports court, Rec Room, Golf putting green, horseshoe pit. Waterfront fire pit and picnic tables, a floating dock, and a waterfront deck with a limited amount of storage for small craft and water toys during the summer. There are 46 boat slips available in the marina for lease to Owners, their renters, or the residents at Westwood Terrace on a first come, first served basis. HOA dues include, insurance, water, sewer, garbage, cable, telephone at office, snow removal, maintenance of pool, tennis court, equipment, grounds and marina.   01/10/2015

   See what homes sell for in Sandpoint Idaho and surrounding areas at my Real Estate Market Insider Report  Just type in the zip code and find all the sold listings or the active ones for any area in North Idaho. 01/10/2015

  Review the inventory and health of the market by looking at the number of sold and listed properties. To understand if the market inventory is growing or shrinking, compare the number of sold properties to newlistings. If inventory is growing, the market could be trending toward a buyer's market. If inventory is shrinking, then it could be a seller's market. Gauge the health of the market by comparing the number of standard to distressed listings. If the number of distressed listings is greater, the market could be unhealthy and more likely a buyer's market. Sold: Properties sold that month New: Listings that are new on the market Distressed: Listings that are short sales, bank owned, or up for auction.   Standard: Non-distressed listings 01/09/2015

  Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed   Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends for Sandpoint Idaho, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. Some sales are not immediately available from public records. As they become available, the data are updated.     01/09/2015

Selkirk Association of Realtor's Board Orientation Today was a very productive and relaxing day at the same time.  First this morning I attended an orientation at Selkirk MLS for which I am Vice President this year.  Have you ever got caught not quite reading all the small print.  Today I realized I had not done so last year, and it hit me upside the head like a 2X4 today while at the Selkirk Association of Realtor's Board Orientation. I have already made it clear to Cindy Hunter, this year's President, that I wanted to be kept in the loop on everything so I may observe and learn first hand.  It is a good that I made this decision to committment in my head early on.  Because the actual term that should be used for MLS Vice President should be MLS President Elect!  Yes that puts a whole ... 01/08/2015

Sandpoint Idaho Homes for Sale, In Town Sandpoint Idaho is noted as a "walking town"  With bike paths and walking paths stretching from one end of town to another, living 'In Town' is important to many.  As of January 7, 2015 these are the Sandpoint Idaho Homes for Sale, In Town. There are currently 36 homes for sale in Sandpoint with one Pending Bank Approval, as of January 7, 2015. Average price is $283,723.00 with the low being $139,000 and the high price at $949,000.00.   Median Price (18 below and 18 above) $239,450.00 Lots range in size from .14 to .68 acres and square feet varies 1,060 to 3,814. There are 4 two bedroom homes, 21 three bedroom homes, 9 four bedroom homes and 2 five bedroom homes.  Average 'days on market' at 178 with median days on market at 95.   Contact me, Mark... 01/07/2015

"Sandpoint West Athletic Club" Idaho - Resolutions or Goals?  Before heading home to Naples Idaho this evening I swung by SWAC to pay my monthly membership dues.  With cold wet conditions I was expecting to see a few extra vehicles in the parking lot.  The parking lot was beyond full.  I had to park half in a walkway just to run inside for a moment.   Normally one girl at the front desk and tonight there were 2 with still a bit of a line asking questions and such. The number of people had not altered their friendly demeanor I am used to at SWAC.   I shook my head in amazement and asked if they had been this busy all day.  She smiled and said it has been crazy for a few days.  Our recent storm in North Idaho had lasted about that amount of time.  I mentioned that I had never seen weather... 01/06/2015

Vehicle Winter Emergency Kits for For Everyone's Well Being Sandpoint Idaho is no different than most of our northern states.  Come winter the snow is expected and looked forward to.  As with most items the scales always tend to keep things equal.  The beauty of the snow falling is beyond words sometimes.  Along with the snow storms come a very real need for Vehicle Winter Emergency Kits for For Everyone's Well Being. The sign at the Sandpoint Visitor Center is showing the beauty and tranquility of the snow falling.  Along with that comes the hazardous driving conditions of the snow bound states.  Even without an accident one never knows what may happen to strand them in their vehicle unexpectedly.   While many will shake their head and say it can never happen to me...it does and can.  ... 01/04/2015

Sandpoint Idaho Movie Review - 'All I want for Christmas' This will be the last Christmas 'movie' review for this season.  We all know and enjoy most of the classics or 'must see' Christmas movies.  "It's a Wonderful Life" "A Christmas Story" "Miracle on 34th Street" and more recently "Polar Express" "Christmas Vacation" "Scrooged" "Home Alone" 1 & 2 "Santa Claus-e" 1 & 2.  If you want something fun for the whole family watch this week's Sandpoint Idaho Movie Review - 'All I want for Christmas'. Ethan Randall (Dutch) and Thora Birch (Patriot Games) play brother and sister who plan out an elaborate miracle for their Christmas.  Lauren Bacall plays the wise Grandmother.  And who better to play Santa Claus than Leslie Nielsen?  This movie, in my opinion, is well worth watching, if for noth... 12/22/2014

Sandpoint Restaurant - "Mick Duffs Brewery" a perfect stop! As heading home last night I knew I would not be in the mood to fix dinner when getting there.  Just a little after 5pm I was surprised to see how quiet downtown main street was in Sandpoint Idaho.  With no problem in finding a parking spot I went in to Sandpoint Restauran - "Mick Duffs Grewery". The cold and wet weather along with Christmas shopping had left the tables pretty much empty.  Not good for business and yet perfect for me.  Sitting with the fire to my back I enjoyed the virtually empty street outside the window.  Christmas lights reflecting softly with the occasional vehicle drifting by made for a perfect stop.  Normally main street nor the restaurant is seen with this few of people.  It was a nice treat. After enjo... 12/19/2014

Sandpoint Idaho Home Stager Makes a difference ! Most everyone has sold a car a couple, or more,  times in their life.  They also understand the importance of cleaning the car completely before someone looks at it.  Not just  dusting and hiding of toys.  A very complete and detailed cleaning inside and out.  "Selling you home in North Idaho" is no different and "Sandpoint Idaho Home Stager", Cathy Gibson,  makes a difference.  'Cathy Gibson Home Staging' has shown herself to be consistent and reliable.  Nothing demonstrates success better than #s and with her fall newsletter she offers up just those,  along with some great tips.   "Sandpoint North Idaho Real Estate" and "Sandpoint Homes for Sale" Click here Are you looking to buy or sell North Idaho Real Estate?  Contact me for your rel... 12/10/2014

Schweitzer Ski Resort Condo goes under contract CONGRATULATIONS to Robert and Heather.  They have been looking for their perfect condo since late summer, around the Schweitzer Resort - Sandpoint Idaho area.  When finding one late summer, they really liked, they waited just a bit too long thinking the many 'days on market' meant it would be there longer still.  While that condo may of slipped thru their hands, with the offer presented Monday afternoon we have another Schweitzer Ski Resort Condo that has gone under contract.   "Schweitzer Condos for sale" and "Sandpoint Condos for sale" CLICK HERE "Schweitzer" "Sandpoint" "Coeur D' Alene" "North Idaho Condos for sale: Click Here Are you looking to buy or sell North Idaho Real Estate?  Contact me for your reliable, knowledgable, profession... 12/09/2014

Accusations Made of Sandpoint Idaho Realtor ! Yes I was accussed.  While standing in line at Starbuck's Coffee in Sandpoint I was speaking with a lady in front of me.  We were doing the small talk about the weather, the recent lighting of the Town Square Christmas Tree, nothing out of the ordinary.  She then asked what I did for work.  " I am a Realtor®" and shortly after that Accusations Made of Sandpoint Idaho Realtor ! This lady literally frowned and made a bit of a comment under her breath.  Most Real Estate Agents across the nation have heard it all.  'you make too much money for what you do'  'the store clerks who know more about real estate than we ever could'  'being put on the bottom rung of trustworthy just below car salesman', The list goes on.   I forced myself not to let th... 12/07/2014

Selkirk Association of Realtors' Installation Luncheon for 2015 Bonner and Boundary County represent the area covered, in Idaho, for Realtor's® in the Selkirk Assoiciation of Realtor's® and the Selkirk MLS.  Monday December 1, the Selkirk Association of Realtors' Installation Luncheon for 2015 was held at Trinity's at the Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho. We were honored to have Idaho Real Estate Commissions President elect for 2016 join us for the day and swear in Rafael Barta, center, as President for SAR this 2015.  After the installation there was a 'town' style meeting asking for input and suggestions for most wanted directions felt necessary for Idaho Real Estate improvement.  Overwhelming response was education for new incoming agents.  The time for a round applause, from an office, and... 12/06/2014

Sandpoint Police Asking for too much information? As Realtor's® we all know the value of information.  We have a list, whether written or mental, that we go thru with a new prospect we are speaking with.  I could not help but relate our asking for information to that of a phone call I made last night as I was driving home.  I had to question at what point, are we as Real Estate Agents turning off possible clients, doing exactly what I felt the Sandpoint Police were doing in asking for too much information. Even though still relatively early, being before 6pm, I had taken Halley for a walk through the downtown streets of Sandpoint, and was happy to see the snow finally falling on Sandpoint.  In getting back to the car and heading home I also realized how dangerous the streets were.     D... 12/04/2014

Realtor® Communications with buyers and sellers Communication within the Real Estate field remains one of the top areas needed for improvement according to National Association of Realtors®' surveys.   I have mentioned before my believe in continual education.  Yesterday I participated in an exercise that was an incredible eye opener.  Probably one of the biggest I have ever had in any class or seminar.  Even with its simplicity it really drove home the importance of Realtor® Communications with buyers and sellers.   We simply formed two lines as we headed out of the conference room.  The instructor tagged one person to close their eyes and the other to be their guide.  I was with eyes shut.  I was immediately uneasy even with my partner having hold of my arm, as if a date, and talking ... 12/03/2014

Sandpoint Monday Movie Review - 'Dumb and Dumber' "Dumb and Dumber" with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels is a must see if you even came close to enjoying the first one 20 years ago. If you did not see the first one, don't miss 'number to'! Of course there is the slapstick humor.  There is also the subtle humor that almost begs a second time to the movie to see what you might have missed.  Carrey and Daniels don't let you for a moment forget they are the original "Dumb and Dumber".  This is a laugh out loud movie...  Tears in the eyes funny...  Shake your head in disbelief that they are actually doing this.  Don't miss this one on the big screen in a theater.  It is definitely one that will also be purchased as part of the DVD home library.  Sandpoint Monday Movie Review - 'Dumb and Dumber' ... 12/01/2014