Driving in a rural area is quite different than driving in a metropolitan area.  I think over the last two decade I have heard a car horn 5 times and most were from a driver tapping out a greeting to a friend.  Many times I have been amazed by the lack of banged up cars on the roads.  You turn on a turn signal to change lanes and the car in that lane lets you over.  During inclement weather people slow down and use common sense.  Common road obstructions include flocks of turkeys, deer, elk herds and moose. With the recent migration of people to Idaho we are seeing more city driving style behavior on the road ways.  One of our locals decided this is unacceptable and put a stop to it. I was traveling south hwy 95 when I saw the cars in front of me stop.  There was a huge bull moose on th... 07/18/2023

So, you've got an accepted offer on a property, and now you're in the "escrow period." What the heck does that mean? Well, let me break it down for you.In EscrowFirst things first, your agent will open an escrow account with a third-party Title and Escrow company. Escrow will keep all the important documents, funds, and instructions safe and sound until the deal is done.What happens to the Earnest MoneyThe buyer typically provides an earnest money deposit, which is a sum of money demonstrating their commitment to purchasing the property. The funds are held in escrow and will be applied towards the purchase price at closing.Title SearchThe title officer will dig deep into the property's background to make sure there are no hidden issues, liens, or ownership disputes. They also pull up do... 07/16/2023

When it comes to intriguing histories, the community of Clark Fork has a tale to tell, and it revolves around its remarkable bridges. Situated in Idaho, this location played a pivotal role during the gold rush years as one of the most accessible routes to reach the northern part of the state. Over time, the construction of bridges became a pressing need for the community, leading to the development of various structures that shaped the town's transportation landscape.The first bridge to be built in Clark Fork was primarily for the railroad and was constructed around 1891. Prior to that, people relied on a ferry to cross the river. However, as the early 1900s approached, the community recognized the necessity for a bridge that could be utilized by everyone. Local newspapers from as early... 07/05/2023

Pend Oreille Shores Resort is a time share waterfront property.  Fully furnished, one, two and three bedroom condominium units nestled between breath taking Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains in Northern Idaho. Condominiums are also available for rent to the public by the day or by the week.   Pend Oreille Shores offers a full service Athletic Club. Indoor or outdoor hot tubs, indoor pool. Sauna and steam rooms, racquetball courts, weight room, cardiovascular equipment and a tanning booth.  An espresso shop and gift shop on site.  The resort is an amazing getaway.  07/01/2023

I am writing this to celebrate the life of Lynnette Miller, a woman who embodied the true meaning of compassion, kindness, and care. She was a shining example of what it meant to lead with your heart, to love and care for others without hesitation or reservation.She had a spirit that was truly infectious, and those who had the privilege of knowing her were touched by her warmth, her generosity, and her unwavering love. She lived her life with an open heart, always willing to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on.Her kindness knew no bounds, and she went out of her way to make everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Whether it was through a smile, a kind word, or a simple gesture, she had a way of making people feel valued and important.Her care and concern for oth... 05/08/2023

Have you heard of the Little Free Pantry program? It's a community-based initiative located in downtown Sandpoint that aims to provide wholesome and nutritious food to those in need. The program operates on the principle of mutual aid, where community members donate wholesome food items that are then made available to those who need them. The "Eat Smart IDAHO" program accepts food donations, ensuring that those who rely on the pantry have access to healthy and sustainable options. What's even better is their focus on youth involvement in community nutrition programs. By educating young people on healthy eating and sustainable food practices, they're setting the foundation for a healthier and more sustainable future.But the program isn't just about providing food. It's also about creatin... 05/08/2023

Mark your calendars because May Day is just around the corner, and it's time to celebrate! For those of you who are unfamiliar with this joyous occasion, let me fill you in on all the excitement.May Day is a worldwide celebration of spring and the beauty of nature. It's a day when people from all walks of life come together to dance, sing, and revel in the sheer joy of being alive. The tradition of May Day dates back centuries, and it's still celebrated with gusto all over the world today.One of the most iconic May Day traditions is the Maypole dance. A tall pole is decorated with ribbons, and dancers weave in and out around it, creating a colorful pattern as they go. The Maypole dance is a symbol of the new life and growth that spring brings, and it's a beautiful sight to behold.But Ma... 04/28/2023

  North Idaho is known for its pristine beauty and natural landscapes, and it's no secret that keeping the area clean is a top priority for residents and visitors alike. From the crystal clear waters of Lake Pend Oreille to the rugged peaks of the Selkirk Mountains, North Idaho's natural wonders are worth protecting.One way that North Idaho residents are taking action to protect their environment is through regular clean-up events. In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Sandpoint is hosting a clean-up event at City Beach and Lower Sand Creek. This event provides an opportunity for residents to come together and make a tangible difference in the community by clearing our shorelines and waterways of trash.Participants are encouraged to meet at the City Beach pavilion on April 22, 2023 a... 04/16/2023

We are keeping the Easter Bunny hopping and those chickens havent been laying down on the job either.  Local communities in Sandpoint and Ponderay are gearing up for Easter with a host of exciting festivities planned for children and families. Here are some of the local events happening in the area.Christ our Redeemer Lutheran Church is hosting its annual 10K Egg-stravaganza on Sunday, April 10th. (Yep that is 10,000 brightly colored eggs)  The egg hunt, which begins at 11 a.m., is open to children between the ages of toddler and 12 years old. The event also offers complimentary refreshments for everyone. You can find more information on corsandpoint.org.The Sandpoint Lion Clubs will hold their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 16th, at Lakeview Park. The event starts at 9 a.m. ... 04/04/2023

206 E Third ave Clark Fork ID 83811 Seller is tired of the snow.  He sold the snow blower, got rid of the snow shovel and found a new home!  In search of a buyer who wants an affordable home with a shop and some elbow room.  This one even has an low interest assumable loan to help a new buyer. Granite counter tops custom solid oak cabinets, large rooms, new pellet stove with rock hearth, new paint and carpet and luxury vinyl are just a few upgrades on this 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Dining room open to large living room Attached carport, covered patio and a large 30x40 insulated shop with a loft and 220 power. a 12x10 rv storage and a wood shed. Enjoy the Fruit trees, flower beds, fenced garden area, rock walkway sits on 4 fully fenced flat city lots with great mountain views, circular driv... 03/05/2023

  We live in a world of sensory overload.  It doesn’t matter if we live in a small rural area or a fast paced city.  Things are constantly coming at us, demanding our attention, draining our energy.  Most people have a cell phone that is beeping and buzzing all day long.  If you go on amazon and look at curtains you will be targeted and have ads following you for weeks full of curtains to entice you to buy.   The trending way of doing business has become impersonal, unreliable, and unsatisfactory for the consumer.  How many times have you called a service to be frustrated by a phone tree that took forever to get you to a live person to talk to.   Now in 2023 we deal with supply shortages and long service times.  All of this leaves us feeling like we are a number, insignificant and that ... 02/15/2023

Thanks to Aura Alex and Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker for hostingJanuary 2023 Challenge: Sharing Your Marketing Tips For Real Estate BusinessMarketing in today’s world incorporates many techniques and platforms and is extensive.  For decades I have been lucky enough to get incredible traction on every new listing.  I have often had people mention to me the first time we meet that they see my name and listings everywhere.  Our careers rely on how much money, time, and energy we put into marketing. Think about all those things that we are marketing every single day. We market our home listings to find that perfect buyer.We market ourselves to stand out in the crowd of real estate agents. We market our local areas to show people why we love where we live.We market our personal values... 01/30/2023

   Thank you Mark McInnes for this  5.6 treed acres with beautiful mountain and panoramic views.  It is amazing how well the road is plowed and maintained.  This will make a really nice homesite for someone.  The terrain is perfect for someone that wants to capture the open views or to be tucked away in the forest for serene privacy.  Electric right at the property line and an area of high output wells.  Direct line of site to Schweitzer means wireless internet will be available.   I sold the parcel next door to this and here are a few summer time photos for you. Congrats on a nice listing and speedy sale.  01/23/2023

Enjoy canoeing on the quiet peaceful waters of Livermore lake. See listing at 1818 Camp Bay Sagle ID 83864 Spacious 4 bedroom 2 bath home backs up to greenspace with direct private access to Livermore lake. Situated on a nicely wooded .61 acre parcel with a private well and septic and on a paved county maintained road. New metal roof, dishwasher, gas stove, paint, Den and living room both have a propane freestanding stoves. Large covered decks, oversized 3 car garage with a RV bay door shop area and a carport. Fruit trees include plum, cherry, apple and pear. Near Lake Pend Oreille and gov'tl and for a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Wonderful year round home or vacation retreat about 20 minutes to Hwy and no train noise. To get more details (current pricing, aerial maps and... 01/21/2023

 Our newest member of Sandpoint Realty  Monique has a great new listing to share. 1728 and 2026 Dry Creek Road. Clark Fork, Idaho 8381190 Acre Estate, Two Homes with Utilities, 100% surrounded by US Forest Service, with Dry Creek running through it and Year-round Accessibility at the End of a County Maintained road. Main Home is 2,244 sq. ft. 4 bed, 2 bath with multiple outbuildings. Cabin is 1033 sq. ft with 10 GPM artesian well water, pump house, power and 1000 gal. concrete septic. With two hunting blinds, an extensive trail system and panoramic mountain views, this one of a kind acreage last seen on the market 47 years ago is a mountain valley wilderness - wildlife, solitude and spectacular cliff views watching mountain goats out the window. Located minutes from western Montana, exc... 01/21/2023

During the holidays, selling your home seem like a daunting task but it  can be one of the most rewarding times to sell a home. Do buyers really look for houses during the holidays?  You bet they do!December can typically be one of the most active months for home sales.  The kids are out of school, and winter buyers are always more motivated and serious. With a few simple touches, you can create an inviting environment that sparks fond memories of the season and demonstrates how warm and cozy their next home can be.  Are you worried about making a move in the snow?  Relax.  Most often a home listed in December can be negotiated to allow you to move when the snow disappears.  If selling your home is on your holiday wish list consider these tips.Price your home rightNo matter what time of... 12/11/2022

Come celebrate a fantastic milestone with us! Do you remember your first sale?  Many of you do no matter how long you have been in the business.   As you know we invited Monique Couture to come work with us a few weeks ago.  I am proud to say she is off and running and just closed her first sale on a cocolalla waterfront parcel. Even more importantly than the sale itself, she performed excellent client care and served our good name well.  It will undoubtedly be a long and wonderful career in real estate for Monique.  Congratulations Monique on a reaching a wonderful milestone in a short amount of time!  08/07/2022

It is with great pleasure to announce that agent Monique Couture has joined our team at Sandpoint Realty.    Raised in Santa Barbara by a family of avid travelers, including a professional travel guide, Monique Couture embraced all opportunities to see and surf the world. She worked for the U.S. Embassy Guyana, in South Africa as a logistics coordinator and as a teacher in rural Japan, surfing everywhere she found a wave.Her father’s tales of commercial fishing in Alaska and thrilling grizzly bear stories drew her north of the Arctic Circle at age 18, where she spent the summer working for the National Park Service in Nome. Loving the remote rugged landscapes, Monique was certain she’d be back to the land of the midnight sun. After college, and against her Dad’s better judgment, Monique... 07/22/2022

Setbacks - How to move on and get back on track.Setbacks are a fact of life.Without a doubt, setbacks can have dramatic negative effects of all of us if we all allow them to.  Despite our best intentions and well-laid-plans, life doesn’t always go according to our hopes and expectations. We all experience setbacks, both small and large and sometimes we are overwhelmed with frustration. Sometimes it  feels hopeless and stressful and then the self doubts start to creep in.  Always remember there is always hope, and it starts with our mindset and how we chose to view life’s inevitable setbacks.The very first thing to do is to remember you are human. As much as you want to be perfect and always in control, you’re not; no one is. Think about the many, many successes in life already and know ... 07/01/2022

During this month we visited many cities across the nation to see the local American flags proudly displayed.  We have learned from each other, we have honored our brave, and we have born witness to each sorrow.  Loved ones that have been lost have had their memory revitalized and perhaps a little healing along the way.  As we end our month of Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho and Endre Barath, Jr. challenge to celebrate  ole glory, I wanted to share a favorite video of mine presented by Evangelo Morris.  If Ole glory could talk what words would we hear? May Ole Glory stand watch over you and yours and remind us how lucky we are.    07/01/2022