Admin
Services for Real Estate Pros
Marte Cliff
From web pages to agent bios to prospecting letters and more... I write the words that show why YOU are the agent to choose.
Office: (208) 448-1479
More Info
Real Estate Broker/Owner
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
'Experience the Difference' in working with a full time Sandpoint Realty professional Realtor®. Your wants and needs are my priorities!
Cell: 208 255-6227
More Info

Bonner County, ID Real Estate News

By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Rates moved up again this week, and the Fed may not be done. Closer to home, Sandpoint has a zoning hearing coming up that downtown and Highway 2 owners will want on the calendar. Here's what's real this week.Rates are up to 7.40%, the second weekly rise in a rowFreddie Mac's weekly survey on Oct. 8 put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.40%. That's up from 7.28% the week before and 7.03% on Sept. 24. A year ago it was 6.30%.In real dollars, on a $400,000 loan, principal and interest runs about $2,770 a month at 7.40%, compared with about $2,476 at 6.30%. That's roughly $294 more every month, before taxes and insurance.Keep in mind the Fed raised its rate a quarter point in September, and minutes from that meeting show most officials expect another increase by the end of the year. Thei...
Comments 2
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
 Rain, How’s the Market? — September 2026It never fails when I walk into the grocery store someone asks me Rain, How's the Market? The short answer is that homes are still selling, but listings are short and buyers are taking their time. We have fewer properties changing hands than we became accustomed to during the pandemic years, and price matters much more than it did when almost everything attracted immediate attention.The market is also not the same everywhere. A well-priced home near Sandpoint may behave very differently from rural acreage outside Bonners Ferry, an off-grid property or a waterfront home. That is why broad headlines rarely tell a North Idaho property owner very much about their particular situation.Buyers have choices, and they are looking closely at condition, acc...
Comments 3
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
I've heard some version of the same frustration from agents all year:"Everything was moving along... and then the buyers just disappeared."Maybe.But I don't think most buyers have disappeared.I think they're frozen by uncertainty.One headline says mortgage rates are about to fall. The next says they're headed back up.One social media post predicts a housing crash. Another insists prices will keep climbing.Every expert seems to have a different opinion, leaving buyers wondering who to believe.Eventually, people stop trying to make the right decision and become focused on avoiding the wrong one.The buyers who are successfully moving forward aren't always the ones with the biggest budgets or the perfect timing. More often, they're the ones who accept that no one can predict the future with...
Comments 7
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Why We Love Where We LiveThere’s something special about a place that doesn’t just give you an address… it gives you a feeling.In Sandpoint and all of North Idaho, that feeling starts with the simple things—low crime, kind people, and that unmistakable small-town atmosphere where life slows down just enough to breathe. The local art, music, and events scene is one of the true heartbeats of life here—and it’s something you don’t fully appreciate until you experience it. Towns like Sandpoint are known as vibrant arts communities, with galleries, public art, and creative spaces woven right into everyday life . Throughout the year, there’s always something happening—from weekly live music at the farmers market to spontaneous performances at local venues, to major events like the Festival at...
Comments 9
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
The Hardest Battle You’ll Ever FightYour worst battle is between what you know… and what you feel.It doesn’t happen out loud.There’s no audience.No one sees it.But it’s one of the most important battles you’ll ever face.It shows up in quiet moments—when you’re lying awake at night…when you’re staring at a decision…when something deep inside you just doesn’t feel settled.Because part of you already knows the answer.You know what’s right.You know what makes sense.You know what you should do.And yet… Logic and emotions collide.Why This Battle MattersThis is where your life begins to change.  Not when things are easy.Not when everything lines up perfectly.  But right here—in the middle of uncertainty.Because every time you choose what you know is right…over what feels safe or familiar… you ...
Comments 5
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
People Only See the Decisions You Make—Not the Choices You HadPeople may see the path you chose. They see the outcome. They see the result.But what they don’t see…are the choices you had to face before you ever made that decision.The Invisible CrossroadsEvery decision comes from a moment most people never witness.A quiet crossroads where you’re weighing: What’s right vs. what’s easy What you want vs. what you need What feels safe vs. what requires courage And sometimes… none of the options feel good.Sometimes it’s choosing between: Holding on or letting go Speaking up or staying silent Staying comfortable or stepping into the unknown From the outside, it may look simple.But from the inside, it rarely is.Not All Choices Are EqualLife doesn’t always offer clear, easy answers.Sometimes all...
Comments 14
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
🌸 Is April the Best Time to Sell Your Home in North Idaho? If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in North Idaho, April might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.As the snow melts and the days grow longer, something else starts to heat up—the real estate market.But is April really the best time to sell? Let’s take a closer look.🌿 Why April Kicks Off the Spring Market In North Idaho, April marks the true beginning of the spring selling season. Roads become more accessible (especially for rural and off-grid properties) Buyers who paused during winter re-enter the market Homes and land start to show their full potential After months of limited inventory, buyers are actively searching—and ready to move quickly when the right property appears.📈 Low Inventory = Opportunit...
Comments 0
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
April 1st in Real Estate: No April Fools—Focus on What Gets ResultsEvery year on April 1st, we’re surrounded by jokes, pranks, and things that aren’t quite what they seem.But in real estate—and in life—this day is actually a great reminder of something important:Not everything you hear is real… but results always are.The Real Estate Truth Behind April Fool’s DayIn today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise. Agents promising top dollar with no strategy Listings that look great online but don’t deliver in person Marketing that sounds impressive but produces little activity It’s not always intentional—but sometimes, it can feel like an April Fool’s joke.That’s why experience, transparency, and proven systems matter more than ever.What Actually Gets a Home SoldIn North Idaho’s u...
Comments 4
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Grateful for the Life We’re LivingFinding Joy in Family, Moments, and What Truly MattersIn a world that constantly pushes us to want more, do more, and be more… it’s easy to forget just how much we already have.Today, I want to pause—and invite you to do the same.To take a breath.To look around.To feel gratitude for the life you’re living right now.The True Wealth in LifeSuccess isn’t just measured in numbers, transactions, or achievements.It’s found in the quiet moments: A cup of coffee in the morning before the day begins A laugh shared with family A hug that lingers just a little longer The comfort of coming home These are the things that don’t show up on a balance sheet—but they are everything.Family is the Foundation Our Big WhyThrough every season—busy, stressful, exciting, uncert...
Comments 10
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
🌟 To My Fellow Agents: You’re Doing Better Than You ThinkReal estate isn’t just a career.It’s a calling.And some days, it can feel like a heavy one.Deals fall apart.Clients change their minds.The phone doesn’t ring when you need it to.And behind every “easy closing” is a hundred unseen moments of work, worry, and persistence.If you’re feeling that right now, I want you to hear this:You’re doing better than you think.💬 The Work You Do MattersAs agents, we don’t just sell homes.We: Help families make life-changing decisions Guide people through emotional transitions Solve problems most people never even see Protect our clients from mistakes they may never know they avoided That’s not small work.That’s meaningful work.🌱 It’s Okay If It Feels Hard SometimesThere are seasons in this business...
Comments 7
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Why North Idaho Waterfront Is One of America’s Best-Kept Real Estate SecretsWhen people think about waterfront living, their minds usually jump to Florida, California, or the Pacific Northwest coast. They imagine palm trees, crowded beaches, high taxes, and million-dollar price tags.But there is a different kind of waterfront in America — one that offers breathtaking beauty, privacy, and lifestyle without the chaos.It’s right here in North Idaho.After nearly four decades of selling real estate in this region, I’ve watched thousands of buyers discover what locals have always known: North Idaho has some of the most spectacular and livable waterfront property in the country — and it remains quietly undervalued compared to coastal markets.Lake Pend Oreille — Big Water, Big BeautyLake Pend O...
Comments 9
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
After the Storm: How Real Estate Agents Re-Energize and Rise AgainReal estate has a way of asking everything from us—our time, our emotions, our patience, and sometimes our peace of mind. When markets shift, deals fall apart, clients disappear, or months of effort don’t translate into closings, it can feel personal. Exhausting. Heavy.If you’re coming out of a hard season, know this first: you’re not broken—you’re just depleted.And depletion is fixable.Step One: Give Yourself Permission to PauseRecharging isn’t quitting. It’s maintenance. Even the most seasoned agents need moments to step back, breathe, and regain clarity. Silence the noise for a moment—no MLS pings, no notifications, no “shoulds.” Rest is not laziness; it’s strategy.Step Two: Reconnect With Your “Why”Before the contract...
Comments 5
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Selling A Home After Loss and Choosing to Live AgainThere are moments in life when a house becomes more than walls and a roof.It becomes a witness.After the loss of a spouse, a home can feel full—full of echoes, routines that no longer exist, and memories that surface without warning. The quiet can be loud. The familiar can feel heavy. Rooms once filled with laughter may now hold grief that settles in corners and waits.For many widows and widowers, the decision to sell isn’t about real estate at all.It’s about survival.It’s about healing.It’s about choosing life again.Living Among the MemoriesGrief doesn’t follow a schedule. Some days are gentle. Others are overwhelming. And when every doorway holds a memory—morning coffee rituals, shared meals, conversations that once flowed easily—it ...
Comments 3
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
A Moment of GratitudeToday feels like a good day to pause and acknowledge something we don’t talk about often enough:relative ease.Not because life is perfect.Not because there haven’t been hard seasons.But because right now, many things are working.There is food in the fridge.A roof overhead.Work that is meaningful.People I love.Problems that are solvable instead of overwhelming.That, in itself, is worth noticing.Success doesn’t always arrive with fireworks or headlines. Often, it shows up quietly—through steady clients, trusted relationships, consistency, and the ability to meet challenges without panic. It looks like experience earned, lessons learned, and knowing when to push and when to rest.There was a time when everything felt harder. When uncertainty was louder. When success fel...
Comments 10
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
First-Time Home Buyer? You've Got This!Here Are the Steps to Get You Home With ConfidenceBuying your first home is exciting — and a little overwhelming. There’s a lot of advice out there, and not all of it is clear or accurate. The good news? When you take things step by step and work with the right professionals, the process becomes far more manageable (and even enjoyable).Here’s a straightforward roadmap to help first-time home buyers understand what to expect and how to prepare.Step 1: Clarify Your Goals and BudgetBefore browsing homes online, take time to think about: Where you want to live How long you plan to stay Your lifestyle needs (commute, land, schools, privacy, recreation) At the same time, review your finances honestly. Your comfort level matters just as much as what a len...
Comments 6
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Simple January Refresh Ideas That Add Instant Comfort & ValueJanuary is the perfect month for a fresh start — not just for our goals and routines, but for our homes, too. The holidays are behind us, the pace slows a little, and we finally have time to look around and think, “What small changes could make this space feel even better?”The good news? You don’t need a full remodel to make a big impact. A few simple updates can instantly add comfort, warmth, and even increase your home’s value — whether you’re thinking ahead to selling or just want to fall in love with your home all over again.Here are some easy January refresh ideas that go a long way.🎨 1. Refresh with Paint — The Ultimate Reset Paint is one of the most affordable ways to transform a space.Consider: Warm neutrals for living...
Comments 8
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
The Two Days We Never Need to Worry AboutThere are two days in every week that don’t deserve a single ounce of our worry. Two days that should be kept free from fear, stress, or anxious thought.The first day is yesterday.Yesterday came and went with its share of mistakes and triumphs, its joys and its regrets. Maybe there were words spoken that we wish we could take back. Maybe there were choices we’d rewrite if we had the chance. But the truth is, yesterday has passed completely beyond our control. No amount of money, energy, or heartache can bring it back for editing.We can learn from it. We can grow from it.But we cannot relive it.So we gently set yesterday down.The second day we should not worry about is tomorrow.Tomorrow carries with it unknowns — challenges that may or may not com...
Comments 7
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Creating a Cozy Winter Home — North Idaho StyleWinter in North Idaho has a magic all its own. Even in years when the snow arrives late (or only visits occasionally), there’s something about the crisp air, evergreen forests, and quiet evenings that makes “cozy” feel like a way of life. Whether you live in a log cabin, lakefront home, farmhouse, or in-town bungalow, winter is the perfect time to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and restful.Here are some simple ways to bring extra comfort and charm into your home this season — North Idaho style.🔥 Fireplaces & Woodstoves — the Heart of the Home There’s nothing quite like the glow of a real fire during winter. Around here, fireplaces and woodstoves aren’t just decorative — they’re part of our lifestyle.Consider: Stacking firewood n...
Comments 6
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
When I asked a client today how they found me they said that google brought me up with a glowing accolades.  So I went to google and asked "Who is Rain Silverhawk" and this is what came up. Rain Silverhawk is a highly regarded, experienced real estate broker in Sandpoint, Idaho, known for her deep local market knowledge, particularly with luxury, waterfront and unique and rural properties, specializing in helping clients with off-grid living, wells, and septic systems, and is considered a top local expert who focuses on building long-term relationships and community trust, as evidenced by extensive client testimonials and her active presence on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, LinkedIn, and her own blog/website, Sandpoint Realty LLC, and ActiveRain. Key Aspects of Rain Silverhawk's E...
Comments 5
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Getting Home Safe in Rural North IdahoLately, it seems like almost every day brings news of another highway closure, another accident, another long delay. Black ice appears without warning. Heavy rains turn roads slick. Snow drifts across open stretches. Wind pushes vehicles just enough to matter. Add in distracted driving, impatience, or rushing to beat the weather — and suddenly a routine drive home becomes dangerous.Rural North Idaho is beautiful, but it demands respect.These aren’t city streets with quick detours and streetlights every block. Our highways wind through forests, mountains, open farmland, wild life crossing, and long stretches without cell service. When conditions change, they change fast — and the margin for error gets very small.Slow Down — Even If You Know the RoadO...
Comments 3
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Lessons I’d Share With My Younger Self After Four Decades of Building a BusinessIf I could sit across the table from my younger self—coffee in hand, optimism in the air—I wouldn’t talk about shortcuts, hacks, or overnight success. I’d talk about foundations. The kind you don’t appreciate until you’ve stood through market crashes, reinventions, long nights, and unexpected wins.Here are the lessons I’ve learned over the last 40 years that I wish I had fully understood sooner.1. Consistency Will Outperform Talent Every TimeEarly on, I believed that working harder, being smarter, or doing more would move the needle faster. What actually built the business was showing up—every single day—especially when it wasn’t exciting.Consistency compounds quietly. It builds trust, reputation, systems, a...
Comments 5
Explore Bonner County, ID
View all cities
Bonner County, ID Real Estate Professionals