Sandpoint Idaho Home Stager Makes a difference ! Most everyone has sold a car a couple, or more,  times in their life.  They also understand the importance of cleaning the car completely before someone looks at it.  Not just  dusting and hiding of toys.  A very complete and detailed cleaning inside and out.  "Selling you home in North Idaho" is no different and "Sandpoint Idaho Home Stager", Cathy Gibson,  makes a difference.  'Cathy Gibson Home Staging' has shown herself to be consistent and reliable.  Nothing demonstrates success better than #s and with her fall newsletter she offers up just those,  along with some great tips.   "Sandpoint North Idaho Real Estate" and "Sandpoint Homes for Sale" Click here Are you looking to buy or sell North Idaho Real Estate?  Contact me for your rel... 12/10/2014

Schweitzer Ski Resort Condo goes under contract CONGRATULATIONS to Robert and Heather.  They have been looking for their perfect condo since late summer, around the Schweitzer Resort - Sandpoint Idaho area.  When finding one late summer, they really liked, they waited just a bit too long thinking the many 'days on market' meant it would be there longer still.  While that condo may of slipped thru their hands, with the offer presented Monday afternoon we have another Schweitzer Ski Resort Condo that has gone under contract.   "Schweitzer Condos for sale" and "Sandpoint Condos for sale" CLICK HERE "Schweitzer" "Sandpoint" "Coeur D' Alene" "North Idaho Condos for sale: Click Here Are you looking to buy or sell North Idaho Real Estate?  Contact me for your reliable, knowledgable, profession... 12/09/2014

Accusations Made of Sandpoint Idaho Realtor ! Yes I was accussed.  While standing in line at Starbuck's Coffee in Sandpoint I was speaking with a lady in front of me.  We were doing the small talk about the weather, the recent lighting of the Town Square Christmas Tree, nothing out of the ordinary.  She then asked what I did for work.  " I am a Realtor®" and shortly after that Accusations Made of Sandpoint Idaho Realtor ! This lady literally frowned and made a bit of a comment under her breath.  Most Real Estate Agents across the nation have heard it all.  'you make too much money for what you do'  'the store clerks who know more about real estate than we ever could'  'being put on the bottom rung of trustworthy just below car salesman', The list goes on.   I forced myself not to let th... 12/07/2014

Selkirk Association of Realtors' Installation Luncheon for 2015 Bonner and Boundary County represent the area covered, in Idaho, for Realtor's® in the Selkirk Assoiciation of Realtor's® and the Selkirk MLS.  Monday December 1, the Selkirk Association of Realtors' Installation Luncheon for 2015 was held at Trinity's at the Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho. We were honored to have Idaho Real Estate Commissions President elect for 2016 join us for the day and swear in Rafael Barta, center, as President for SAR this 2015.  After the installation there was a 'town' style meeting asking for input and suggestions for most wanted directions felt necessary for Idaho Real Estate improvement.  Overwhelming response was education for new incoming agents.  The time for a round applause, from an office, and... 12/06/2014

Sandpoint Police Asking for too much information? As Realtor's® we all know the value of information.  We have a list, whether written or mental, that we go thru with a new prospect we are speaking with.  I could not help but relate our asking for information to that of a phone call I made last night as I was driving home.  I had to question at what point, are we as Real Estate Agents turning off possible clients, doing exactly what I felt the Sandpoint Police were doing in asking for too much information. Even though still relatively early, being before 6pm, I had taken Halley for a walk through the downtown streets of Sandpoint, and was happy to see the snow finally falling on Sandpoint.  In getting back to the car and heading home I also realized how dangerous the streets were.     D... 12/04/2014

Realtor® Communications with buyers and sellers Communication within the Real Estate field remains one of the top areas needed for improvement according to National Association of Realtors®' surveys.   I have mentioned before my believe in continual education.  Yesterday I participated in an exercise that was an incredible eye opener.  Probably one of the biggest I have ever had in any class or seminar.  Even with its simplicity it really drove home the importance of Realtor® Communications with buyers and sellers.   We simply formed two lines as we headed out of the conference room.  The instructor tagged one person to close their eyes and the other to be their guide.  I was with eyes shut.  I was immediately uneasy even with my partner having hold of my arm, as if a date, and talking ... 12/03/2014

Sandpoint Monday Movie Review - 'Dumb and Dumber' "Dumb and Dumber" with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels is a must see if you even came close to enjoying the first one 20 years ago. If you did not see the first one, don't miss 'number to'! Of course there is the slapstick humor.  There is also the subtle humor that almost begs a second time to the movie to see what you might have missed.  Carrey and Daniels don't let you for a moment forget they are the original "Dumb and Dumber".  This is a laugh out loud movie...  Tears in the eyes funny...  Shake your head in disbelief that they are actually doing this.  Don't miss this one on the big screen in a theater.  It is definitely one that will also be purchased as part of the DVD home library.  Sandpoint Monday Movie Review - 'Dumb and Dumber' ... 12/01/2014

Sandpoint to Coeur D' Alene a beautiful drive ! Driving from Sandpoint south to Coeur D' Alene, on highway 95, never grows old.  It is a gorgeous ride.  Large pastures, open fields, tree topped ridges, Long Bridge, and the distant lights glowing as you approach the city.  Last night was a little different though.  The storm was just beginning to break and the clouds were clearing from the West as the sun dropped.  I was fortunate in being at Lake Cocolalla for the few minutes the lake water turned a glow with the sunset.  While maybe a minute late to a spot I could pull over, the colors none the less showed themselves off. Are you looking to buy or sell North Idaho Real Estate?   Contact me for your reliable, knowledgeable, professional.  " Your Realtor® for Life, everyday - Mark my Wor... 11/30/2014

Sandpoint Food Bank still taking donations               With Black Friday on us nationwide and not just in Sandpoint Idaho, I believe it is important that we all remember what the Holiday Season is really about.  With parking lots full and store isle's busting take a moment to remember those much less fortunate than us.  So I am sure that it is not just the Sandpoint Food Bank still taking donations.  I imagine most any city in this our United States can use donations. Don't get me wrong.  I am not saying that treating ourselves to something special is wrong.  Giving to our loved ones that certain something they have been wanting.  Being able to see childrens faces light up.  So very special and part of the season I agree.   I also do not feel that a single day feast is enough when lig... 11/28/2014

Special Sandpoint Street on Thanksgiving Eve As I was driving home early evening I noticed something was different.  Almost an erie feeling.  I pulled over into a parking lot to take an extra moment to see if I could get a better feel for what was causing the feeling.  It did not take but a second for me to realize what was making a Special Sandpoint Street on Thanksgiving Eve. Only 6pm and businesses were mostly closed.  Traffic mostly gone.  Yes Sandpoint was closing down early so people could be where they are supposed to be on a Holiday.  With family and friends.     I trust you are enjoying this Thankgiving day with family and friends and it turns to a special memory for you.  Mark   MARK DON McINNES - YOUR LOCAL NORTH IDAHO REAL ESTATE RESOURCE 11/27/2014

Sandpoint Idaho Home, Acreage with Horse set up Sold CONGRATULATIONS to Brandon and Julie!  Much time was spent in Bonner County looking for the perfect home.  Many different factors were taken into consideration.  Schools, driving time, bedrooms, animals, privacy, acreage.  The perfect Sandpoint Idaho Home, Acreage and Horse set up was found and purchased just before the end of October.     Three bedrooms and two large baths with an absolutely beautiful kitchen looking out to the huge back yard and fenced acreage beyond.  A covered patio area just outside the dining area perfect for summer get togethers or just sitting to enjoy the late summer sunsets.  The coming snows will bring a peace and tranquility of its own.  If that were not enough there is also a very nice 4 stall barn with s... 11/25/2014

Sandpoint home and acreage SOLD just in time for Thanksgiving Congratulations to sellers and buyers alike of this wonderful 3 bedroom home with detached shop in Sandpoint, Idaho.  As I have stated a few times, this year has brought some very satisfying transactions.  The recording of this Sandpoint home and acreage just in time for Thanksgiving is the most recent of those.  This now gives my sellers peace of mind through the holidays and coming winter.  Allows them to make plans for their future, without the question mark of a home for sale.  Close to Sandpoint and yet far removed from your normal 'City' activities.  In fact a recent post emphasized the homes seclusion.   The rewards of this business go way beyond that of a paycheck when you consider how much trust someone has bestowed ... 11/24/2014

Schweitzer Ski Resort opens as scheduled this weekend Schweitzer mountain was able to open this week albeit with very minimal runs and lifts.  That does not stop the skiers and boarders who have been waiting and watching closely every cloud and temperature reading since fall has arrived.  So even with the lack of snow, Schweitzer Ski Resort opening as scheduled this weekend, the 22nd of November is a welcome sight.  The stage has been set for a great winter.  The abnormal warm temperatures on the valley floor did not stop the 'snow gods' on the upper elevations.  The stores, restuarants and lodging are open and in full swing.  Looking for somewhere to enjoy some time this Thanksgiving.  Think about Schweitzer Ski Resort. SNOWFALL FRIDAY 11/21 1" SATURDAY 11/22 6" TODAY 11/23 0" MONDAY 1... 11/23/2014

Selkirk Association of Realtors'® picture contest Calandar As most of you know by now I enjoy taking photos and especially so of our American Flag. Selkirk Association of Realtors® (SAR) asked any members who cared to submit a picture, for this years first SAR's Annual Calandar.  It will be comprised of local area shots by members of the Selkirk Assoctiation of Realtor's®.  I must say I am quite pleased that my flag photo entry will represent Selkirk Association of Realtors' picture contest Calandar for the month of July 2015. Rainbow and Flag shown below. SAR represents both Bonner and Boundary Counties.  I feel quite lucky in being chosen for one of the representing pictures.  (every squirrel finds a nut every now and then)  There are some incredibly gorgeous and special shots of the ... 11/22/2014

Sandpoint's 'Chocolate Bear' with handcrafted Chocolates and Fudge With the holiday season upon us I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share, with you, a very special shop in Sandpoint Idaho.  The Chocolate Bear located at 204 North First Ave, or downtown Mainstreet in Sandpoint.  They do Gourmet Chocolates.  And I must tell you Halley probably gets walked a bit more often in a direction that takes me by main street so I can sample 'just one' of Sandpoint's 'Chocolate Bear' Handcrafted Chocolates.   The selection is fantastic.  Enjoy inside or take with.  You can also order to ship.  Carmels, Toffee's, Truffles, fudge.  All made from scratch and absolute delight to the taste buds even with the smallest of bites.  My favorites are the truffles.  Flavors from Key Lime, Chee... 11/22/2014

Mockingjay Movie at Bonners Mall in Ponderay Idaho I had another post planned and decided to give a little two for one movie review this evening.  I have carried my passion for movies since the old double feature days, with intermission drawings, when I was a kid.  Today I still enjoy escaping to a good movie.  I have so been looking forward to "Mockingjay - Hunger games".   Not because of all the hype but because I really enjoyed the first two and have no idea which way the movies are going for I never read the books.  The Mockingjay Movie at Bonners Mall was not as good as the previous two, in my opinion.   It seemed to be setting the stage for the next movie.  It also was filmed in that 'Batman' dark or gray type depressing manner found in a few popular movies of late.  Not that it w... 11/21/2014

Sandpoint Auto Repair and Tire Shop knows the value of customer service! As a Realtor®, I know the importance of referrals.  Any Real Estate agent can tell you the importance of someone being referred by a client.  I don't understand why it seems so many businesses do not understand.  It is not just in Sandpoint that customer service is an important part of business, it is anywhere someone is doing business, no matter the type business.  I was having having problems with my vehicle.  (I will not use names in order to protect the inno...guilty)  One business pulled my front drive line and called the next day saying they were able to find a replacement part for what I felt was a hefty amount.  I declined.  I then had my oil changed by yet another business and asked them specifically to ch... 11/20/2014

Sandpoint Ponderay area Transit bus stop compliments of Rotary There  are many service clubs in and around all of North Idaho, the nation for that matter.  If you are not familiar with them or do not belong to one you will be amazed at the work they do for local communities.  Ponderay Rotary headed this bus stop project up with local high school welders and suppliers donating time and money.  All these people teamed up for the new Sandpoint Ponderay Transit bus stop.  The transit is also known as "SPOT". A main stop for 'SPOT' (Sandpoint Ponderay Transit) is at Bonners Mall in Ponderay.  Prior to this project the stop consisted of either standing in the planter or in the parking lot near the exit/entrance.  A portion of the planter was removed, new curbing and concrete added with of cou... 11/17/2014

Sandpoint Waterfront Home with Price Reduction! This lovely Sandpoint area secondary waterfront 3 bedroom 3 bath home is located in Garfield Bay, Sagle Idaho.  3 levels with the 2 car garage on lower level.  Second level is main living with wonderful great room with fireplace and hearth, large dining area and beautiful user friendly kitchen.  Also found in the kitchen is a tiled island with separte sink.  Exit the living room, from the sliders, and enjoy the bay, Lake Pend Oreille, and sunsets on the nearbye ridges.  Bedroom, bathroom and laundry are also found on second level of this Sandpoint Waterfront Home with Price Reduction.  The third level has two huge bedrooms with two bathrooms and den or bonus room.  Vaulted ceilings add to the feel of the already oversized rooms.   Garfield... 11/16/2014

Realtor's education plays major role in professional services offered. An agents education after becoming a Realtor® greatly influences counsel and advice given while working with a client during the purchase/sale of land or home.  Yes there is a minimum amount required to maintain your license.  Is that really sufficent in this day and age?  A Realtor's® education should be based on professional service to his clients, not just keeping up with requirements for their license.   It is not always easy and sometimes classes seem to fall on days that everything else under the sun is happening.  The importance of keeping up to date with changes, in this market place,  is critical to a Realtor's® buyer or seller.   Four important classes all scheduled this week for me.  Some with work to be d... 11/13/2014