Real Estate News
Stay informed on major Kootenai County real estate news. Browse our articles below.
Landowners, Adams district, Nez Perce Tribe restore 1.25 miles of the Little Salmon River
Fencing cattle off of streambanks can make a significant improvement in an area’s water quality
Small business gets boost from unlikely source
If you own a small business that has been trying to expand or even survive, you know how challenging it can be to borrow money in today's environment of cautious - even contracted - banks. This coming November you …
More good delivered to the community
Last month we reported that more than a hundred of your goof-off Realtors were out playing golf. We are pleased to report that we accomplished what we set out to do; had a great time and raised some much needed mon…
Market shifts send mixed message
It seems that everywhere we go someone wants to know, "How's the real estate market?" Although the correct answer is, "It depends where you live," that is harder to sell these days. The overall perception seems to …
Mortgage help continues in Idaho
When we reported here that homeowners in jeopardy of losing their homes may find some relief through the Emergency Home Owner's Loan Program (EHLP) we didn't think the money would last. After all, Idaho was one of …
Should you buy or continue to rent?
We know there are plenty of reasons for folks to rent their homes. Young people just out on their own who haven't built good employment or credit history are the obvious ones. Folks with transient employment that c…
Realtors continue to contribute
We Realtors take a lot of criticism. Heck, some people even blame us for the real estate boom and subsequent decline. As if we had that much power. Others assume that we goof off a great deal. Many of us have heard…
Preliminary stats may indicate improvement
Although not complete, the preliminary June figures imply some stability may be returning to the local real estate market. Overall, activity remains below last year. May's figures showed sales off 8 percent while J…
Bargains aren't always
Ronald Reagan once said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'" Recently, we were reminded of how true that statement can be.
Shadow inventory less of a threat
With all the news about the housing slowdown there are still signs of market improvement. Although the headlines are largely discouraging with their persistent message of slowdowns, there are other areas where slow…
Be careful out there
Scammers are everywhere. We have warned you here before about equity skimming scams, rent back-sell back scams, mortgage scams and phony Realtor scams. Last week we were again reminded of the need for vigilance amo…
Effects of tax credits apparent
Although the tax credits have long expired, the resulting slowdown from its expiration is painfully apparent. Our May sales figures show a significant slowdown from last year's sales that will no doubt persist thro…
Uncertain times increase caution
Folks are usually cautious when approaching an investment as significant as buying real estate, as they should be. Foreclosures in virtually every neighborhood would imply that caution is not always the dominating …
Realtors champion home ownership
Last week thousands of Realtors from across the country convened in Washington, D.C., for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) mid-year sessions; I was honored to be among them. During this annual event our s…
Market stabilization continues
The latest market statistics have been compiled and depending on where you live, you will be pleased or discouraged. As reported with regard to statistics at the end of March, Rathdrum was a strong geographic area …
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
With apologies to Charles Dickens, this is the tale of two markets, the buyer's market and the seller's market, for it is both.