The Post Falls Food Bank Annual Turkey Drive will soon be here.  The date is Saturday November 10th at Stancraft Boats.  The big event will be from 4pm to 8pm.    The Food Bank has a goal of 1061 turkeys this year.  Admission is one turkey per person or $25.00.  There will be a live auction starting at 6:15pm which Dave Cotton from KHQ will be hosting.    There will be food and drink and Stancraft will have some of their new boats on display.  This is a “must not miss event” and you will want to help fill a boat with frozen turkeys.  Stancraft is located at 4739 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls.  So join the Post Falls Food Bank in “Giving Hunger the Bird”.   Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene ... 10/29/2012

Market Report - Homes for Sale in Highland Park Estates in Post Falls, Idaho     Highland Park Estates is a beautiful, upscale public golf course community on a bluff overlooking Post falls, Idaho.  The Highlands Golf Course is picturesque and pleasant, and the neighborhood is manicured and lovely.  Having recently listed a beautiful home on the 2nd green of The Highlands Golf Course I was just reviewing the neighborhood sales statistics.  The news looks GOOD!  I had posted a market report at just about this same time last year so it was interesting to see the year over year comparisons. Click here to check out my new Highlands Golf Course listing at 716 N Dundee Drive, Post Falls , ID 83854 There are currently only 7 Active listings in Highland Park  compared to 18 at this time last ye... 10/27/2012

Beck Road Interchange in Post Falls, Idaho is looking good.  As you drive by on I-90 you may have been delayed by the closure of one lane traffic both east & west bound but now, for the most part, all lanes are open.  The on and off ramps off I-90 to Beck Road (where the complex for Cabela’s and Walmart are located) are due to open by the end of November.  Shoppers are eagerly waiting for the road to open so they can have easier access to shopping.   Two of the ramps have been paved as shown on the picture on the right. All of the areas around the Interchange worksite is very busy with equipment and workers hustling to get the job done before we get winter weather.   Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Co... 10/26/2012

We have a new store in Post Falls called “Consign Furniture”.  This is the smart way to buy and it is a safe easy way to sell.  The furniture is clean and in great shape and they have lots to choose from.  Store is located at 1525 E. Edmonton Ave in PostFalls, This Thursday October 25th they will be having a ribbon cutting open to the public from 5pm to 6;30pm so come and share in this event with the Post Falls Chamber. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. No matter how big or small your real estate dreams may be, you can call me in confidence.  Please call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you.  Patsy Barten 208 818-6622. 10/23/2012

If you are having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments, there is something you need to know.  You don’t have to lose your home to foreclosure  and you don’t have to go through this alone!   Feeling as if you are about to lose your home to foreclosure, with nothing you can do about it, is a devastating experience.  Unfortunately it's one that thousands of homeowners encounter every single day in the current housing market.  If you have found yourself in this situation, I CAN HELP YOU!   I've successfully helped many homeowners avoid foreclosure and save their credit by obtaining their lender's permission to sell their property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage.  The agent you hire ABSOLUTELY makes a difference in your odds of a successful outcome! My success rating... 10/14/2012

Well once again it is time to start thinking about the PostFalls Chamber Chili Cook-off.  The date is Thursday October 18th from 4 pm to 7 pm.  Tickets are $5.00 and you can eat all the chili that you want.  There will be live music for your entertainment, and you can vote for your favorite chili.  The weather is usually  wonderful fall weather and it is a great time to walk around and visit with your neighbors as you sample the chili’s,  This event takes place outside at the Post Falls Chamber located downtown Post Falls at 201 E 4th St..  See you there. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. No matter how big or small your real estate dreams may be, you can call me... 10/09/2012

Do you have a child or grandchild that has difficulty learning?  Many children have difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, math, attention, and memory.  All children want to be successful in school yet they struggle despite parent-teacher interventions or private tutoring.  Thanks to current research in the fields of neuropsychology, major steps forward have been made in understanding potential causes of several learning disabilities.  As a parent/grandmother it is so hard to watch as a child struggles to learn and you try to do the right thing and help, but sometimes that is not enough.    Alyssa Pukkila who has her Masters as Educational Therapist is having an Open House on Wed, Oct 3rd from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at her office 1616 E Seltice Way, (second floor) PostFalls.  She wil... 10/01/2012

Progress in Post FallsIdaho!  The Beck Rd Interchange project is on schedule for opening Black Friday.  Cabela’s and Walmart are excited as it is expected that other business will soon be opening at “The Ponte” the complex where Cabela’s is located.   As you drive on I90 by stateline  it is very easy to see the work as it progresses.  The bridge girders are erected over the freeway and there is much movement of dirt for the ramps.  This project when finished is estimated  to take 5 to 10 minutes off drive time when going to Cablea’s or Walmart.  The entire project is should be completed in June 2013.   Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho.   No matter how big or sma... 09/28/2012

North Idaho is the place to be.  We are having the most gorgeous fall here with the daytime temps in the upper 70’s and lower 80’s and the leaves are starting to turn color.  There is no better time then now for those hikes or bike rides.  The gardens are just about done for the season, corn was marvelous this year as were the green beans, carrots will harvested this weekend and what a crop.  We have picked the apples and just last evening I made an apple crisp with our apples and it was so tasty.  North Idaho has 4 distinct seasons and you have to love each season for the changes that it brings. Fall is time for cider and fresh applesauce and pies.  Hope you can take time to slow down and enjoy this great fall season. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are p... 09/26/2012

Looking to help support your community!  Sat Sept 29th the Post Falls Chamber is having a party, Tapas & Tailgating at the Track.  This event will be at the Greyhound Park & Event Center in Post Falls from 6pm to 10pm. Games for everyone….  Stateline pit stop (changing a tire), Shoot the hoop, Putting, Touchdown sweep, Launching for success (airplane toss), & Baseball toss (diamond necklace prize). And of course Food….Yummy Tapas provided by:  Bardenay, Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn, Coeur d’Alene Casino, Greenbrier Inn, Moon Dollars, Rosa’a Italian Deli, Red Lion Templin’s and Texas Roadhouse.  What a line up.  The food alone is worth of admission.  The tickets are only $30 for Festival Seating.  You can purchase your tickets online at www.postfallschamber.com or call (208) 773-5016. ... 09/24/2012

Improve your credit score and why is it important. Many lending institutions set qualifications for their extension of credit on your credit score.  They will also use your credit score to determine the level of risk you present and corresponding price of credit to you.  Over time a poor credit score can cost you thousands of dollars in additional interest that you will pay indifference to someone with a higher score. How to improve your credit score. 1.     Pay your bills on time 2.     Pay down your balance 3.     Timing – inquiries on your credit report can lower your score 4.     Be patient – past history for repayment history is the best indicator 5.     Have a good mix of credit types   In other words do not go crazy and buy everything on credit, plan how to stay on a budget and t... 08/07/2012

 If you missed the annual party on Friday evening put on by “Body by Scotty” you really need to plan on going next year.  The weather was a perfect summers evening.  There was plenty of food and beverages for all and some great music to relax with.  The crowd was well mannered and as you can see from the pictures is was a really great time in Post Falls Idaho.   Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. No matter how big or small your real estate dreams may be, you can call me in confidence.  Please call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you.  Patsy Barten 208 818-6622. 07/29/2012

The Annual ”Body by Scotty” Block Party appreciation event is tonight!    This is a free event which will include a chicken and ham dinner with beverages, music by the Rhythm Dawgs and there will be kids activities.    Time is from 6pm to 9pm and is at the business located at 311 E. Third in Post Falls, Idaho.  They are expecting around 3500 to attend this event which is the largest company-sponsored event of its kind in the area.   Tips received at the bar will benefit the Post Falls Food Bank and leftover food will go to the homeless camps in our area.  Body by Scotty is a full-service vehicle collision repair and towing business and a very active member of the Post Falls Chamber.   Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers... 07/27/2012

Recently I wrote a contract on a Short Sale.  Questions were asked why an owner would do a Short sale.  Well this is the answers that I gave to them.  People often find in today’s economy that they cannot keep up with mortgage payments for a variety of reasons.  Their home in today’s market may be worth a lower amount then their mortgage amount so they still need to get out from under their home mortgage.  The bank agrees to take less for the home then is owed on it creating a Short Sale.  So why a Short Sale vs Foreclosure, generally speaking a Short Sale is less damaging on your credit score.  So there are many people that will tell you Short Sales will not impact your credit score and that simply is not true. Whatever you do whether a Short Sale, Foreclosure or a Bankruptcy, all will... 07/26/2012

“Get Fired Up” tonight at Kootenai Urgent Care. 1300 E. Mullan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho. Tonight Kootenai Urgent Care is having a summer celebration, featuring a special outdoor BBQ, there will be music and prizes.  This is a “Business After Hours” event through the Post Falls Chamber.  So come do a little networking and say “Hi” to one of our great Chamber members and grab a bite to eat.  This event is from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm tonight. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. No matter how big or small your real estate dreams may be, you can call me in confidence.  Please call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you.  Patsy Barten 208 818-6622. 07/19/2012

A Small Step to Being Smarter….   1.     It will make you smarter. 2.     It will make you more purposeful. 3.     It will make you more creative. Are you intrigued by these three statements?  Are you learning based? Or are you ignorance based?  There are two broad options here for us to consider.  Ignorance based  is described by this statement  “I know what I know and I’ll ignore anything else.”  Learning based will have ”the mindset of a lifelong learner.” The simple answer to being a lifelong learner is “Carry a Notebook.”  It invites you to take notes, to capture your ideas and record your thoughts. It has been proven in several studies that the physical act of writing increases learning and gives the brain stronger feedback then typing and helps with retention. Notebooks allow you... 07/18/2012

Thursday July 19th you have an opportunity to tour and go behind the scenes to see just what goes on at Kootenai Urgent Care facility in Post Falls, Idaho at 1300 Mullan Ave.  Most of us don’t think about Urgent Care facilities until we are in desperate need of some kind of medical care and then we just try to find a facility that is open or run to the emergency room at the local hospital.  Urgent care facilities are usually much quicker in their treatment with less forms then the emergency room.  Please understand that I am not saying you should not go to the hospital as this a judgment call.  For most of our problems that need attention that are not life threatening an Urgent care facility is a good solution. So on Thursday evening from 5 pm to 6:30 pm Kootenai Urgent Care will be ope... 07/17/2012

Well the extremely hot weather here on the prairie in Post Falls, Idaho has broken and now we are back to seasonal normals .  The only thing that really seems to like the extreme heat was the corn in the garden and it looks to have caught up to where it should be by now so I guess there is a silver lining in the clouds.  Summer is here and it feels good to sit on the patio in the evening watching the birds and the sunset.  Lately I have been able to see a few baby quail running around and they are so much fun to watch, so cute and so small, makes you wonder how any of them survive. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. No matter how big or small your real estate dre... 07/16/2012

Well once again I am reminded of the beauty of friendships. We were honored to have friends of many years ago stop last night for an overnight visit and what fun we had sharing about family, friends and of course how the families have changed with additions of grand children and just life in general. It can never be said to often but take time to enjoy and stay in touch as friends enrich our lives in so many ways.  Stories to be remembered and shared with younger family members are always so much fun.  So from the prairie here in Post Falls, Idaho, take time today to call an old friend and spend some time sharing, you’ll be glad you did. Patsy Barten provides a level of Real Estate Service that “You are proud to Refer” to buyer and sellers in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai Count... 07/11/2012

Monday afternoon I had the privilege of attending a ribbon cutting on a new manufacturing facility right here in Post FallsIdaho.  The company is Ground Force Manufacturing and they make equipment for the mining industry which is booming now.  The have just signed a contract with Caterpillar to build an underground motor grader and they are now looking to fill 100 plus jobs in Post Falls, Idaho.   Governor Butch Otter was on hand to talk to the 400 plus attendees and help with the ribbon cutting.  Post Falls Chamber Ambassadors were there serving cold beverages and Moon Dollars catered the event.   Some of the equipment was out for public viewing and when you stood next to a 7-foot tire you felt rather small.  They were fabricating a 60,000 gallon fuel tank and transport skid that was b... 07/05/2012