Everyone could learn a little from USAA insurance for Veterans. I am sure we have all experienced it.  The big companies only worried about how much money they can squeeze out of you while smiling and saying how much they appreciate your business.   Calling to cancel a Satellite service, or web site, or phone service because the costs are just too exorbitant.  Only to have a representative tell you how happy they are that you qualify for a good size discount because they appreciate you as customer.  Where was that discount before I decided to quit the service?  Or being late on a payment and then having to not only pay a late fee but a hook up charge, reconnect fee, re install fee.  What about the fact I have faithfully paid you 10 years now?  We all can learn a lesson from USAA Insuran... 11/12/2014

Final days of Fall at Schweitzer Ski Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho With the hard rains today I thought it would be appropriate to give a last look at Schweitzer Resort before the white storms show up.  I was up there just the other day and quite beautiful.  The fall colors were still trying to hold on while a light dusting of snow was on the upper ridges.  All this only emphasized the final fall days at Schweitzer Resort as skiers and boarders alike anxiously await the white magic. The main Village itself was looking more like a ghost town that anything else.  The clouds dark and gray for the most part.  Smoke was seen on distant hills from ignited burn piles that had been given okay's due to the rains.  Even the view from 'turn 7' gave cold and chilly looking views of Lake Pend Oreille an... 11/06/2014

Sandpoint West Athletic Club (SWAC) is located near all in Sandpoint, Idaho.  This is a "four star" athletic club in my opinion. And coming from Newport Beach and San Fernando Valley areas, in Southern California, I feel I know of what I speak.   A unique Health Club in the heart of North Idaho! SWAC is kept immaculate daily.  Never have I walked in and seen the least bit of untidiness.  Owned by Don and Sue for almost 20 years now it is a well oiled operation.  A couple of staff members have been there since Don and Sue took over.  That says so much about the managing style of this couple.  It is very seldom that I see Don that I do not thank him for such a nice athletic club here in Sandpoint. No matter your work out preference you will be able to find it here.  Aerobic classes for al... 11/05/2014

Most anybar will have a TV of sorts anymore.  That does not automatically classify it as a sports bar.  Having a big screen with the game on and no sound does not really make for enjoyable game watching.  Sitting in a corner with you neck crooked up to see a Screen almost ceiling high is not going to work.   Lou's Bar & Resturant is a great choice. With  21 Big Screen TV's and cable feed there is little chance you will miss any game you might want to watch.   Log built with very high vaulted and beamed ceiling with wood accents thru out.  Stained concrete floor with moose and bear tracks embedded as you enter.  This has the North Idaho feel that you expect, and want, of a restuarant  in the northern region of the Panhandle.  Lou's in Sandpoint is the 2nd "Lou's" Resturant in the area.  ... 11/02/2014

The North Idaho Panhandle has been getting much needed, and dreaded by many, rain for the past week.  Weather channel shows we can expect much the same for the next week.  With Sandpoint sitting at the base of Schweitzer this is a welcome site for Boarders and Skiers.  While not cold enough for snow it is giving plenty of moisture to the slopes for soon to be freezing temps. Click Here to view Sandpoint Schweitzer Ski Condos for the winter season   " Your Realtor® for Life, everyday - Mark my Words! " 10/29/2014

The clouds would clear just enough today to give peeks of Schweitzer Ski Resort. I was not sure but thought I might be seeing snow up there on the upper ridges.  I decided to take Halley for a walk.  I was fortunate to run into someone and asked for a picture.  I have always said Schweitzer has better views from its parking lot than 90% of ski mountains have from their peaks.  This shot of Halley and I are on an access run to the ski village, looking back to Lake Pend Orielle and Sandpoint.  Gorgeous.    Click here to search Schweitzer Condos and Single Family Homes   MARK DON McINNES YOUR LOCAL NORTH IDAHO REAL ESTATE RESOURCE Contact direct phone or text:   208 255-6227   or email:   Mark@SellingHomes-Land.com Keller Williams Sandpoint   An Affiliate of Keller Williams Coeur D' Alene ... 10/26/2014

We all have been to garage sales.  I have not out grown the habit.  Years ago when in Truckee, Lake Tahoe area, they would have community garage sale days on Memorial Weekend and Labor Day Weekend.  People would, through out the area,  plan their garage sales for that weekend.  Local businesses joined in with huge sales on seasonal items that would have to be stored, if not sold.  This grew in popularity creating large numbers of individual garage sales.  My former wife and I would get up early and make our way to our favorite coffee shop. Everyone inside secretly checking out the other patrons.  Sizing up who would be their stiffest competition at 'garage sale bidding wars'.  With mocha and bagel, of course cream cheese added, in hand we would start our adventure.  Mostly it was just i... 10/11/2014

I believe we all have those sales that are just a bit more important or gratifying than others.  The sale of this condo happens to be just that way for both parties.  The sellers have waited years and two other agents prior to me.  Not over priced in fact lowest on the mountain.  Sellers would not reduce their price and I did not request them to because I saw the value where it was priced.     Prospective buyer asked me what was wrong with the condo because it was so low priced and had been on the market for so long.  Spoke for quite a while and honestly explained that the condo was in perfect condition with new appliances and everything someone would look for in a Ski Resort getaway.  I told her I had YouTube and Tour Factory that would help show the layout of the small studio even bet... 10/06/2014

I recently visited my friend Heather Mehra-Pedersen at her upscale B&B Talus Rock. For the better part of a decade I've been hosting and cooking for the Winemaker's Dinner at the Festival at Sandpoint Grand Finale. We were meeting at Heather's retreat to finalize plans. Let me tell you right here before you read further, there is nothing else like Talus Rock in Sandpoint or Bonner County. It really is extraordinary. Like many projects, TRR had it's rocky start. I was a REALTOR for Sotheby's then, and all too familiar with the road. Disgruntled neighbors, governmental road blocks, and the very real chance that this fantastic property might not come to fruition. That was 2010, and there was a bevy of articles detailing their travails. Flash forward to 2013. While the Bonner County Daily B... 08/15/2014

While walking Halley downtown yesterday I could not help but notice the people enjoying the wide variety of resturants offered in Sandpoint, Idaho.Even more fantastic is the number, of establishments, with outdoor seating enabling people to enjoy not only their food but the ambiance of Sandpoint on these wonderful summer days.  The food menu's vary from the simple cup of coffee to a full steak dinner with most everything in between. The list is impressive so not all are pictured. Unless a different city is stated all restuarants are in Sandpoint and within 4 or 5 blocks of one another.  I am sure I have unintentionally missed a few.  Know this is not ALL the resturants in town.  Only those with outside seating in no particular order. Trinity's at City Beach, Ivano's, Starbucks, Spuds', ... 07/13/2014

SOLD Fantastic Short Sale Opportunity! Custom built 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,557 sq ft home in the desirable South Sandpoint neighborhood. Features include, master bedroom with spacious walk-in closet, laminate wood flooring, hydronic heating, ceiling fans, open kitchen with birch cabinets and tile counter tops. Large landscaped backyard, with water feature, open patio, and privacy fence. Attached 2-car garage, covered porch, and laundry room. Located near Memorial Field, Lakeview Park, Schools and Shopping     CONGRATULATIONS to the buyers!   07/09/2014

"Lost in the 50's car show and event in Sandpoint, Idaho. Downtown is closed off to traffic for parade, car show and events. Restaurants, stores and the streets turn to 50's theme.  For more short videos of local events, both everyday and annual festivites join me on my YouTube Channel.  Also watch for 2014 'Lost in the 50's' video.   05/31/2014

Sold vs. Listed prices in Sandpoint Idaho Understand the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay). By comparing these price trends, you'll have a good idea of where the market is heading. The median listing and sold property prices are calculated based on the market activity each month. 05/29/2014

    Property Alert from Rain Silverhawk Listing Detail - 12-10283   Property Type: MOBILE City: Sandpoint State: ID Price: $165,000 School District: Beds: 4 Bath: 1 Sq Footage: 1200 Acres: 5.00 View More Details Request More Info Schedule Showing l 5-acre level parcel with views of Schweitzer & the Cabinet Mountains. Easy access. No CCR's, Barn, tack room, hay storage, chicken coop, wood shed, storage sheds, garden hoop house, 2-car garage, 4 bedroom, 1 bath, fenced & cross fenced, a perfect horse set-up. There is both a well and Oden bay water set up. Sun room, laundry and mud room, and an extra exterior room for a studio. Selle Valley                       If you or any of your friends or colleagues would be interested in learning more about this home, please do not hesitate to call ... 11/29/2013

  View Photos 1413 Sitting Bull Sandpoint, ID 83864 $299,900 3 bds 1 ba 2108 sq ft Status: Active Listing #: 20122699   Listing courtesy of TOMLINSON SOTHEBY`S INTL. REALTY       View Photos 1140 Jacobson Rd Sandpoint, ID 83864 $299,000 3 bds 2 ba 924 sq ft Status: Active Listing #: 20130402   Listing courtesy of TOMLINSON SOTHEBY`S INTL. REALTY       View Photos 53 Wrenco Loop Road Sandpoint, ID 83864 $290,000 3 bds 2 ba 1800 sq ft Status: Active Listing #: 20130657   Listing courtesy of EVERGREEN REALTY       View Photos 5618 Talache Rd Sagle, ID 83860 $249,000 1 bds 1 ba 670 sq ft Status: Active Listing #: 20132003   Listing courtesy of TOMLINSON SOTHEBY`S INTL. REALTY       View Photos 98 Poor Ln Sandpoint, ID 83864 $225,000 3 bds 2 ba 1782 sq ft Status: Active Listing #: 20133128  ... 11/25/2013

Sandpoint, Idaho 83864   Sandpoint Idaho With a population of approximately 7400 is a fantastic electic city in the heart of the prettiest scenery imaginable. If you are travelling North from Coeur d' Alene Hwy 95 your first views are from the long bridge. This 1 mile long bridge is the dividing line for Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River. Lake Pend Oreille (Pronounced Ponderay) is the 5th largest and 2nd deepest lake in the lower 48 states. This 43 mile long Lake is surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains and is even home to a submarine base in Bayview. Views of water, trees, mountains and wildlife never fail to take your breath away. Entering into down town sandpoint you will find artistic store fronts, waterfront gourmet restaraunts, clothing stores, and galleries. ... 11/11/2013

  The Seasons at Sandpoint is an upscale waterfront community of condos and townhouses on the shoreline of Lake Pend Orielle. Sweeping decks, luxury condos, scenic water views, lakefront pool and hot spas makes this an idyllic retreats for sunny days and starry nights.     On the club's main floor, there is a private dining area and a social room known as The Great Room featuring a grand warm fireplace. The 3 story clubhouse fondly named "The Retreat" resides beside the lake. On the Third floor spa, treat yourself to Swedish and aromatherapy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center offering all the latest equipment, exercise rooms and fitness consultants. Al Fresco Dining Alcove, overlooking the rolling lawns and shimmering waters. The... 09/29/2013

  Condo Del Sol Located on the South end of Sandpoint Idaho has easy access to downtown activities as well as lake and river relaxation and fun. There is free WiFi in the clubhouse, two swimming pools, tennis courts, halfcourt basketball, a beach volleyball pit, and massive expanses of lawn all with mountain and water views. The grounds are maintained by a full-time manager who covers the pools every night, cleans the grills, mows the lawn, and generally makes sure everything is perfect for the owners to enjoy. The units are all privately owned, so each condo will likely have different features and finishes Many of the units are used as vacation rentals for people coming in to enjoy the lake, Sandpoint activities or to ski Schweitzer. Easy access to the Long Bridge bike and walking pat... 09/29/2013

  Westwood Villiage is a waterfront condo complex with duplex and single family homes. Ammenities include Gas barbeque, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports court, Rec Room, Golf putting green, horseshoe pit. Waterfront fire pit and picnic tables, a floating dock, and a waterfront deck with a limited amount of storage for small craft and water toys during the summer. There are 46 boat slips available in the marina for lease to Owners, their renters, or the residents at Westwood Terrace on a first come, first served basis. HOA dues include, insurance, water, sewer, garbage, cable, telephone at office, snow removal, maintenance of pool, tennis court, equipment, grounds and marina.       09/29/2013

  I finally put up a business page at Rain Silverhawk - Sandpoint Real Estate https://www.facebook.com/SandpointRealty In the process I  discovered several North Idaho facebook business pages.  Stop by and press the “like” button, they may just like you in return   Winter Ridge Foods  https://www.facebook.com/Winter.Ridge Zanny Zebra  https://www.facebook.com/Zany.Zebra.Sandpoint Pack River Potions  https://www.facebook.com/Lotion4U   Eichardts  https://www.facebook.com/Eichardts 95.3 KPND radio  https://www.facebook.com/95.3kpnd Sandpoint Community Radio https://www.facebook.com/KRFY88.5 Millers Country Store  https://www.facebook.com/MillersCountryStore     Evans Brothers Coffee  https://www.facebook.com/EvansBrothersCoffee Perks Espresso  https://www.facebook.com/PerksEspresso Mr. Su... 09/02/2013