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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.
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.
More statistics for the numerically minded
A reader correctly bemoaned the fact that many of our outlying areas were not included in last week's report. When asked, "Why?," we had to pause. One reason is that the smaller numbers in the less populated areas,…
Sales still strong, price declines slow
It's hard to believe the year is 70 percent passed already. Judging from our trends so far, the local real estate market may be headed for greater stability. On the heels of steady declines, first the 16 percent in…
Must be the season for reasons
The editorial cartoon from the Philadelphia Daily News on Monday caught our attention. The sketch depicts a man listing his accomplishments: "I climbed Mount Everest" he says in the first picture. "Scaled the walls…
Long on patience? Try a short sale
With unemployment in Kootenai County reaching 10 percent once again, unfortunately there are homeowners unable to make their payments. Seeking to avoid foreclosure many homeowners are opting to sell short. What thi…
What does a Realtor do?
Ask anyone you know what Realtors do and you will usually hear, "They help people buy and sell homes." This simplistic answer summarizes the effect of Realtor actions for many, but Realtors are involved in all aspe…
Area sales slow, but news is good
July figures are out and as expected, we could not sustain the previous month's increase in Year to Date (YTD) sales. You will remember that June's figures reflected a 44 percent increase over the same period of 20…
National activity reflects some improvement in real estate
Some good news this past week from the national market as reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Townhomes offer something different
COEUR d'ALENE - In a real estate market already glutted with unsold condominiums in all price ranges, it may seem strange that anyone would build more, but her…