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Coeur d'Alene, ID Real Estate News

By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf,GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d' Alene Idaho Homes For Sale These days, one thing EVERY buyer has in common is that they are looking for a SCREAMING DEAL!  Often, they look for that deal in the form of a foreclosure.  These are properties that unfortunate homeowners have lost to their bank.  They are now bank owned, and the banks refer to them as REO properties, short for Real Estate Owned.  REO is one of the lines on a bank's balance sheet.  Click here to see every bank owned home currently listed for sale in theCoeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service. As of today, 9/27/2012, there are 147 active REO foreclosure listings of homes for sale in the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.  Another 25 Coeur d'Alene REO foreclosure properties are in escrow with pending sales.  T...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
I snapped these pictures while cruising through some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in north Idaho.  That's saying a lot, because North Idaho is pretty darn scenic!  I'm wondering if my Facebook friends will be able to identify the subject of these photos, this location is somewhat off of the beaten track...  First person with the correct answer will win a fabulous prize!    
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Short sales, that's the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the name of this blogging challenge.  I have accumulated more than my share of short sale horror stories, blogged about many of them.  Survived them all.  Now, here I stand, a SURVIVOR of several years of endless toils in the maddening niche of short sales.  And yes, I am stronger (and smarter, and braver) for it! Just this morning, after waiting for a couple weeks, calling and recalling, I FINALLY received from our negotiator (Specialized Loan Servicing on bahalf of Bank of America) the promised valuation of my short sale listing.  It came as a huge fax, 40 some pages, which contained six copies of an actual appraisal.  That was odd, I've never been sent six copies a copy of the actual appraisal before.  I thumbed ...
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By Patsy Barten, REALTOR Post Falls ID
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
18 Condos have sold in Coeur d’AleneIdaho in the last 60 days!  WOW!  Prices ranged from $1,200,200 down to $93,000.  The condo market in Coeur d’Alene has something for everyone.  Seven of the condos were cash deals while ten were conventional loans.  Not one went with FHA financing.  This will change now that FHA has relaxed Condominium rules as of September 13, 2012.  If you are considering buying a condo check with your lender to see if the newer friendlier rules for condo financing will apply for your condo.  Of the 18 condos that sold recently, 15 condos were built in 2005 or newer and half were very close to or in the downtown corridor of Coeur d’Alene.  So you can see where the action is on condos. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Homes and land for sale at exclusive Gozzer Ranch Club in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho I had an opportunity to take a cruise through beautiful and exclusive Gozzer Ranch a couple weeks ago.  I was on errand to Harrison along the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway and decided to take a quick detour through Gozzer Ranch. Gozzer Ranch, off the beaten track and nestled in the woods overlooking the lake, is a community of exclusive properties with world-class amenities.  Not just the requisite nationally recognized golf course, but there are also marinas, restaurants, a pool and spa, kids camp and of course a multitude of recreational pursuits on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. It's quiet at Gozzer Ranch, and beautiful.  The development fell on the same hard times as others built in the heyday of the mar...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
The Idaho State Tax Commission has announced that the maximum homeowner's property tax exemption for 2013 will decrease again, from our current $83,974 to $81,000. In 2011, the maximum exemption was $92,040.  In 2010, $101,153.  In 2009, $104, 471. What this means is that Idaho homeowners with property value on their principle residence above $163,000 will pay more property taxes next year.  Again.  We have seen the maximum exemption decrease every year for at least five years. As a result, our property taxes rise by the corresponding amount each year.  I often hear people asking how it is, when property values have been falling, property taxes continue to rise every year?  The reduced maximum homeowner's exemption is one reason.  Another is that the taxing entities of cities and counti...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
For the most part, home sellers in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho have come to grips with the reality of the current market conditions and are pricing their homes accordingly.  Many home buyers in the Coeur d'Alene area, on the other hand, still seem convinced that all sellers should be grateful for any lowball offer that comes their way.  I still see buyers who are convinced they can get their dream home at much less than whatever a seller is asking.  They have been surprised to find competitive conditions in some price ranges, and many are losing out in competitive multiple-bid situations before finally accepting reality and getting a home under contract.  A look at the actual List Price to Sales Price ratios for single family transactions in the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service proves th...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
There's no getting around it, I'm getting older!  But then so are you.  And so are 80 million baby boomers approaching retirement age! My left knee hurts.  My right foot hurts.  But only when I walk!  I need to schedule an eye appointment and face the music this time.  Yes, I really DO need bifocals!  My hairdresser keeps the gray at bay, and good genetics have blessed me with few wrinkles and an appearance younger than my age.   When it comes to homes, as we age we begin to rethink things a bit.  Stairs!  Recent years have seen a change in home designs to accommodate the desires of the aging population.  One level living.  Smaller homes but larger rooms and higher quality finishes.  More and more buyers are insisting on homes with at the very least, a main floor master bedroom suite.  ...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Real Estate It's always interesting to see the various reactions I receive from home sellers about staging their homes prior to listing it for sale.  Quite often a seller will tell me that they know they should, but they just don't want to, and aren't going to.  Then there are the motivated and enthusiastic sellers who eagerly do anything they possibly can, and go the extra mile.  In spite of the various attitudes towards staging, one thing is for certain.  Statistics prove that staged homes sell faster, and for more money. Staging is simply dressing your home to appeal to the most people possible.  It's removing anything that would be off-putting or offensive. Or distracting.  It's helping your house put its best foot forward,...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
I recently posted a link to all 243 Coeur d'Alene homes listed for sale as short sales, so I decided to give equal time to the other distressed sale category, foreclosures.  These are homes that have been lost to the homeowner through a foreclosure proceeding and now belong to the lender.  They are known as REO's, for Real Estate Owned, a line item on the bank's balance sheet for their foreclosed properties As of today, there are 144 Coeur d'Alene Idaho MLS bank foreclosure REO's listed for sale. They run the gamut from a 25 acre Hayden Lake waterfront property for $2,250,000 to a little bungalow fixer in Pinehurst for $14,000. If you would like more information on any of these homes. please give me a call.  Likewise if you would like information on avoiding foreclosure through short se...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, CLHMS, SFR - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Real Estate Are Open Houses worth the risk?  I'm not so sure, what do you think? A while back I received the following email from the executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors: Open Houses can be difficult with multiple groups touring the property at the same time. Here is a recent example from a CDA REALTOR as a reminder of how critical it is to monitor your visitors: "I got a phone call from my seller at CDA Place. They had a box of check books stolen from their house they believe from the open house we had on Saturday. Their account was completely drained.Because of the writing they believe that it was a woman. I'm so bummed that it happened on my watch!!! Although the bank will make things right, it's ...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Click here to view every parcel of bare listed for sale in the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.This link will update daily and remain active for 30 days. Because the list of bare land parcels is so HUGE at nearly 3000, you can click below for a particular type of bare land parcel for sale: Commercial Bare Land Parcels for SaleWaterfront and Secondary Waterfront Bare Land 1 to 10 Acre Bare Land Parcels For Sale20+ Acre Bare Land Parcels for SaleVacant Lot Bare Land Parcels for Sale Bare land for sale is plentiful in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  In fact, you could say there is a bumper crop!  One of the problems with our high inventory and high days (years?) on market for some spectacular parcels of bare land is that lenders are not enthusiastic about lending on it.  The past few years s...
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By Patsy Barten, REALTOR Post Falls ID
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Parkside Condo’s in Coeur d’Alene Idaho are hot!  5 Units sold in August  and yes you can still get in.  There are 4 units left in this Luxury High Rise right in the heart of Coeur d’Alene.  Talk about location… location… location.  This 20 story condo building offers a FitnessCenter, Restaurant, Bakery, Coffee Shop, and Retail/Office spaces.   Amenities include: 2 car underground garage, 9 foot ceilings, great room, large covered decks, custom cabinetry, granite/marble counters, one-touch window blinds, 2 fireplaces, premium flooring, smart wiring, soundproofing and views from every window.   Every level offers 4 condo homes with energy efficient natural gas and premium gas appliances.  There is still 1 penthouse unit available for $1,719,000 and 3 other units available from $719,000 t...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
It has been a long wait but it is finanlly here !!!!   Our local Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors are proud sponsers! - Don't miss out on the GRAND OPENING of the Frontier Ice Arena on September 8th from 9AM-9PMDon't miss the FREE Skate times and the FREE BBQ!! See flyer for list of festivities.  http://files.flexmls.com/cda/20120905182225170622000000.jpg  
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By Patsy Barten, REALTOR Post Falls ID
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Schedule of events for Saturday September 8th for the new Frontier Ice Arena. Grand Opening is from 9am to 9pm   The long awaited day is finally almost here for ice skaters here in North Idaho, Saturday has a very full schedule with something for everyone.  The doors will open at 9am with free public skating from 9:15 to 10:15.  A free BBQ will be going on from 11am to 3pm.  From 11am to 11:30am you will be able to watch a Curling demonstration.  A Figure Skating/learn to skate demonstration will be from 11:30am to 12:15pm.   A Sled Hockey demonstration is scheduled from 12:30pm to 1pm.  Sled Hockey is a sport that was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play the game of ice hockey and was invented in the early 1960’s in Stockholm, Sweden at a rehabilitation...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
One of the most challenging things for me right now is managing emotions of buyers who are waiting for response to their short sale offer. I have had wonderful successes for my buyers, and am a hands on short sale negotiator for my seller clients.  I understand the process, which has been aptly defined as CRAZY MAKING by one client.  I am an experienced short sale Realtor, trained, certified.  Forewarning and explaining what to expect is something I do right up front.   However, I find that for all my attempts to prepare buyers for the unavoidable delays and frustration that have become the standard, I often find myself in yet another situation with distraught buyers in a bad place emotionally. What is so hard for people to understand is the why.  Why isn't there something that reasonab...
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By Patsy Barten, REALTOR Post Falls ID
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
You've probably heard about North Idaho living. Small towns, incredible natural scenery, a relaxed pace of life and plenty of access to the great outdoors makes Coeur d'Alene an ideal place to live.  If you're looking for a place to relax, with easy access to downtown's shops, restaurants and night life, yet staying close to the lake and within reach of the great outdoors.  With affordable luxury condos and townhomes to fit any budget and family, these hand-crafted homes will enable to you to enjoy the Idaho lifestyle as a summer home or year round. We have riverfront condos, high rise condos, downtown condos, condos overlooking a world class golf course and of course condos at all prices, large or small. North Idaho has it all, skiing, boating, bicycling, hiking, hunting, fishing and a...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
The first ever ActiveRain MeetUp in Coeur d'Alene is history.  Who needs an excuse to get together for good times and great conversation?  Not me!  But hosting a MeetUp sounded like fun, and I was extremely curious to see if I could dig up some 'Rainers from my neck 'o the woods.  Coeur d'Alene isn't exactly a metropolis, but I know there are a handful of 'Rainers here abouts, and I hoped to be able to round some of them up.  I also knew there was a chance I would only be meeting up with Me, Myself and I. As it turned out, Patsy Bartson and I spent a pleasant dinner as we compared notes and came away with some new ideas.  It's not quantity, it's quality.  We both agreed that it was time well spent!  It was fun putting the great state of Idaho on the MeetUp Map. I did hear from some othe...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Short sales have become a significant percentage of our real estate transactions here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  It used to be that most agents would refer them to other agents who specialized in short sales but not anymore.  Because of the sheer numbers of them, just about every agent in Coeur d'Alene is accepting short sale listings.  That's not really a good thing for short sellers, but that's a blog post for another day. So, on any given day I am dealing with my short sale transactions along with my traditional real estate business.  Achieving and maintaining a 100% track record of successful short sale closings comes with a lot of self-imposed pressure.  I'm extremely proud of that accomplishment and would like to maintain it as long as I can, hopefully forever!  It's personal to me...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
This past weekend I took a drive down to Harrison along the beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway.  I was hoping to see a moose in the swampy area near mineral ridge.  I have seen moose in that spot this time of year before.  It was not to be, no moose sightings for me on that beautiful day.  Yesterday, my friend Dan Hughson posted a moose picture on Facebook!  He had spotted a mama moose and calf just south of Coeur d'Alene in his travels yesterday afternoon.  Yes, I'm jealous!  Good for Dan to have a camera nearby to capture the sight.  Thanks for allowing me to post his awesome picture here for all to enjoy.
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