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
We are all in it together
In this last column of the year we reflect a bit and project a bit, at least as well as we are able in these uncertain times.
Cheer up, things could be worse
So the old saying goes. "And then I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse," said the curmudgeon. But things don't appear to be getting worse in our real estate market.
Too serious for confusion
It is a pet peeve when people use industry vernacular in a discussion. Their acronyms and abbreviations don't mean a lot to people outside their profession and only serve to create confusion and misunderstanding. I…
The time is right to buy or sell
This week's news of rising interest rates should get the attention of those contemplating a change in their housing status. These last three weeks we have seen a modest rise in interest rates among the nation's len…
Some foreclosures continue to stall
Several weeks ago, we told you about foreclosures being halted by major banks due to confusion about the true ownership of the mortgages. Regular readers will remember that shortly after that article appeared, some…
Sales tax on home sales?
Not yet. The Internet is a wonderful tool that makes mass communication a viable option for anyone with access. Unfortunately, as with any tool, there is misuse as those with less than honorable intentions use the …
Local home sales still ahead of last year
The staff at the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has completed their monthly compilation of statistical information for area sales. The good news is we are still running ahead of 2009 in total sales.
Not much change in the market
As we continue to watch market conditions we see little change in local real estate since we last reported. Agents continue to report steady activity and attribute it in part to the attractive mortgage interest rat…
Value is related to accuracy
When we began this column in the spring of 2008 it was partly a reaction to negative information presented to our community by outside media. We wanted you to have accurate, local information about our market. Thro…
Foreclosures have impact beyond their neighborhoods
Anyone living in a neighborhood where foreclosed properties proliferate has seen their impact. If you have a home for sale and right down the block is a foreclosure, it can be difficult to sell yours for a fair pri…
New statistics show continued adjustment
No one really thought the stellar performance of the first half of the year would sustain after the expiration of the tax credit. You may recall at the end of June we were up 44 percent compared to June of last yea…
No crystal ball predictions here
Because of our profession, we Realtors are often asked "How's the market?" As a sign of the trying times we are in as a nation, the question has changed somewhat. Now, what people most often want to know is, "When …
Commercial market may see some relief
Last week the president signed the $30 billion "Small Business Jobs Act" to aid small and medium businesses by providing funds for loans. Another portion of the measure provides tax relief to encourage job creation…
Good news this week
We are not sure the area's unemployed would agree, but apparently the recession is over. Yep, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the recession officially ended in June of 2009.
Houle named Realtor of Year
COEUR d'ALENE - Vicky Houle, of Windermere Real Estate/Coeur d'Alene Realty Inc., has been named Realtor of the Year.