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FAST FIVE Nick Shriner keeps it real in real estate

by DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer | November 16, 2024 1:00 AM

Meet Nick Shriner, who is originally from the scenic landscapes of Wyoming — yes, it’s a real state — and made his way to Coeur d’Alene in 2010.

After playing soccer at the local college, Nick diversified his professional expertise, diving into beverage sales, hospitality and exploring the remote parts of Idaho as a wildland firefighter before ultimately finding his calling in real estate.

Obtaining his Idaho license in 2014 and adding a Washington license in 2022, Nick has been steadfast in leveraging his extensive knowledge and expertise to facilitate transactions for clients spanning both states.

His dedication to the real estate realm was further exemplified when he joined the Coeur d’Alene Regional Realtors board in 2021, initially as a local director. Today, he proudly serves as a state director on the board, while also spearheading the local Young Professionals Network chapter as vice chair. This involvement has afforded Nick a profound understanding of the inner workings of the industry, solidifying his role as an advocate for the 2,000-plus members of Coeur d’Alene Regional Realtors.

When not working, he loves anything to do with the outdoors: Fishing, hiking, hunting and camping. But his true happy place is floating down a river in his raft with his wonderful wife and twin boys.

1) What is shaking in our local real estate world these days — trends, exciting news, anything of note?

In 2024, our local real estate market has eased up a bit, marking a healthy shift from the fast-paced sellers' market of recent years toward a more balanced environment. Buyers now have the opportunity to explore more homes thoughtfully, with properties staying on the market for an average of 30-40 days before receiving an accepted offer. Additionally, new construction is up 20% from last year, expanding the range of options available to buyers. Currently, our median home price stands at around $530,000, reflecting both stability and growth in our community's housing landscape.

2) What are some of the biggest changes you have seen since you began with Windermere a decade ago?

Real estate has been a dynamic field, with new changes every year, and I've seen many shifts over the past decade! For instance, there are now approximately 2,200 Realtors in Kootenai County, most of whom joined within the last five years. I’d bet that everyone reading this knows at least a couple of Realtors! I embrace the competition — it pushes me to stay sharp and stay current with new marketing and pricing strategies. Remote work trends have also influenced home design, with more people now seeking open living areas that also include dedicated office spaces. But the biggest change by far has been home values. When I first started, the median home price was around $200,000, and today, it stands at about $530,000. 

3) What are a few things you love most about your job?

My job comes with so many incredible perks. I meet remarkable people, from industry peers to new clients who often become close friends. My work ethic and dedication directly impact my success, which might seem daunting to some but is a challenge I look forward to every day. It drives me to keep improving. And perhaps the best part is the flexibility — it allows me to spend quality time doing what I love most, with my wonderful wife and two amazing boys.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Every year I sign up and run a 32-mile Trail Ultra marathon!  So far, I've completed four total ultra marathons, including Big Sky, Mont. Mount Hood, Ore., Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint and the Beaver Heads in Salmon, Idaho.  

5) What do you foresee happening with our market in the next few years, and what would you like to see take shape?

I do keep up with several economists, and the consensus seems to point toward a period of slow but steady growth nationwide over the coming years. We’re likely to see rates fluctuate between 5.5-6.5%, with home prices holding steady and increasing by around 3-5% annually.

On a personal level, and as a member of our community, I hope to see more people achieve their dream of homeownership. Since prices aren't expected to decline, affordable housing initiatives will be crucial in making this possible. I know there are dedicated people in our industry working hard on this, and I’m optimistic we'll see meaningful progress soon!