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Unlimited access to all the journalism we offer, plus the full digital experience. Secured peace of mind that your rate plan never increases.
Real Estate News
Stay informed on major Kootenai County real estate news. Browse our articles below.
Marty and Max: Fernan Lake — Passion, Persistence, and Community Spirit
Fernan Lake and its surrounding area offer a unique blend of country charm and urban convenience.
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.
Two sides to foreclosure
Of course you know we are seeing a pretty active market in foreclosed and short sale properties this year. So far this year, roughly 40 percent of our residential sales have been of foreclosed properties. All indic…
Time really is money
You must have seen the news last week as headlines screamed, "Rising Homes Sales Point to a Recovery." It seems that the economy is so slow that any news is good news, although the discriminating reader is bound to…
Statistics show balancing act
March real estate sales figures show a geographical shift in activity. The long impoverished Rathdrum area showed a dramatic 77 percent increase in sales this year to date, although overall our sales are down 1 per…
Time is not on your side
If you are a homeowner in distress, time is running out for an emergency home loan. As reported on Friday, these programs made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are for fo…
Glimmers of hope
Unemployment figures are falling. Not enough to make everyone happy, but after the long, job scarce market, any news of higher employment is welcome and at least some are happy.
Mortgage rates, tax deductions help homeowners
We continue to watch mortgage rates as their status remains tentative. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to stop buying Treasury Bonds at the end of May. Most agree that this will surely cause an increase in mortgag…
A little housekeeping
Every once in a while we like to bring you up to date on a variety of issues that may be important to you, but don't warrant a full column. Today is one of those days so here are some short bits of information you …
Foreclosures, sales increase
Driven by low prices in many areas of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) area, sales of single family homes on less than an acre are outpacing last year's sales. While Coeur d'Alene and the northern portion of the …