North Idaho Real Estate Blog Keeping the “invisible” property owners of Kootenai County in-the-know, as if you were here on a daily basis. 208.769.9464 * dreamteam @ nidt . com * Author: Christina Ethridge, REALTOR(R)

I’ve been temporarily posting on my “other” blog (it’s really my “old” blog but I keep it active because a lot of you have found me in searches from that blog) - here are a few of the posts:

• North Idaho is great for vacations - especially affordable ones!

• Idaho holds it’s own in the 2009 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index

• Video tour of a beautiful Coeur d’Alene Idaho custom home on acreage - it’s my first, enjoy!

• Idaho holds it’s own in the 2009 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index

• Video tour of a beautiful Coeur d’Alene Idaho custom home on acreage - it’s my first, enjoy!

• A 6,000+ seat event arena, in Coeur d’Alene? It can be done!

• What do spiders and robins have in common???

• All right, here it is - Going directly to the builder WILL NOT save you money in the Coeur d’Alene Area!!! ARGGGHHH!!!

• Idaho ranks #8 in “Healthiest States”

• Stop giving away information to consumers - they won’t “need” us . . .

• The economy is helping some industries - North Idaho Nudist Community

• Need tailoring services in Coeur d’Alene Idaho? Then stay FAR away from . . .

• Mica Flats (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) puts new community on the drawing board - and it’s drawing debate…

• In a time of extreme unemployment, you’d think “time is of the essence” would be important! Post Falls Life Care Facility - NOW OPEN!

• Wordless Wednesday - Ribbit

• Wazza up with the online version of the Coeur d’Alene Press??

• You too can “know the future”… all it takes is watching the present with eyes wide open…

• Coeur d’Alene Idaho ranks #2 for best performing cities - We’ve done it again!

• Do you know that geese are LOUD???

• Coeur d’Alene Real Estate - Short Sale Opportunities

• Post Falls is examining 277 acre annexation request… for immediate development.

• Out with the old and in with the new!!! And no, this isn’t another resolutions/goal post

• Recession cuts Idaho’s numbers, but state still has sixth-fastest rate

• I’m running a business, not a charity - but apparently, all too many agents think the opposite.

• Ok people - relax, calm down, I’m not stalking you if I have your mailing address…

Posted under For Buyers, For Investors, For Renters, For Sellers

I have been very behind the times on keeping y’all updated and I sincerely apologize.  I don’t know that I’ve ever truly found the “balance” between truly working with buyers and sellers and keeping this blog updated so that buyers and sellers can stay informed.

Frankly, blogging takes a lot of time.  The beauty is, I very much enjoy my interactions with y’all, both virtually and live.  It’s been busy the past 2 months.

So, what does “busy” mean?

The North Idaho Dream Team LLC is now powered by SKE Realty Group LLC. The brokerage we were affiliated with, GMAC Northwest Real Estate essentially went “belly-up”.  The owners closed down the business and we had all of 24 hours to relocate.  Thank goodness we had already begun the work necessary to form our own brokerage.  It was our intention to open our brokerage in late spring of this year (2009) but with the advent of the actions of our previous brokerage, we opened on January 5th, 2009.  So, it was up to me to do 5 months worth of work in as short of a time as possible - and yes, I achieved that, but not without some downside - one being consistent updates to y’all via this blog.

I also was inaugurated as the local chapter President of the Coeur d’Alene Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. An honor and I very grateful for and am enjoying immensely.

AND, although number of sales are down this year over last year (so far), I’ve been incredibly busy working with sellers (and Chuck has been busy working with buyers) and well, actually ASSISTING you in your real estate transaction is our number 1 priority so this blog became a #3 priority.  But that is OK!

So, although we are still very busy helping you buy and sell real estate, I’m not as busy with the “nuts and bolts” of opening up a new business (SKE Realty Group LLC) as I was in January and February and, I feel as though I’ve “settled in” to my position as President so, I am fairly sure I’m back to keeping you updated on the real estate goings on of Kootenai County.

It is my absolute pleasure to assist you!

Posted under For Buyers, For Sellers, General Real Estate

Here’s what’s been happening in the Kootenai County real estate market in the past 7 days…

Residential Real Estate in Kootenai County:

• 2,521 residential properties are available for sale
• 30 properties received offers and went into pending status.
• 39 properties were closed and recorded (sold)
• 144 properties expired (failed to sell)
• 32 properties were canceled (taken off the market until another time)
• 5 properties were withdrawn (temporarily taken off the market)

Inventory is decreasing which is very typical for this time of the year.  So many people think of it as taking the last gulp of air right around the end of October and start breathing again in March.  The thing is, properties still sell in the winter - people still move.  The key?  Price your home perfectly so it doesn’t languish on the market over the winter months.  Buyers are in a prime position - plenty of options, not much buyer competition.

Multi-Family Real Estate in Kootenai County

• 91 multi-family properties available for sale
• 0 properties received offers and went into pending status
• 1 property was closed and recorded (sold)
• 2 properties expired (failed to sell)
• 0 property was canceled (taken off the market until another time)
• 0 properties were withdrawn (temporarily taken off the market)

There are plenty of Multi-Family properties available right now.  This is a ripe time to buy as properties have been languishing on the market and many sellers are ready and willing to consider lower but serious offers.

Posted under Market Reports

Here’s what’s been happening in the Kootenai County real estate market in the past 7 days…

Residential Real Estate in Kootenai County:

• 2,619 residential properties are available for sale
• 28 properties received offers and went into pending status.
• 31 properties were closed and recorded (sold)
• 65 properties expired (failed to sell)
• 38 properties were canceled (taken off the market until another time)
• 3 properties were withdrawn (temporarily taken off the market)

Homes are still selling, buyers are still buying.  North Idaho Real Estate is still going strong.

Multi-Family Real Estate in Kootenai County

• 93 multi-family properties available for sale
• 0 properties received offers and went into pending status
• 1 property was closed and recorded (sold)
• 7 properties expired (failed to sell)
• 1 property was canceled (taken off the market until another time)
• 0 properties were withdrawn (temporarily taken off the market)

There are plenty of Multi-Family properties available right now.  This is a ripe time to buy as properties have been languishing on the market and many sellers are ready and willing to consider lower buy serious offers.

Posted under Market Reports

Chamber Weekly Update

Posted under Activities and Events

Avalon Estates, Post Falls Idaho

Overall Market Analysis for May 2008

Sold / Closed: 0

Pending: 0

Currently for sale: 3
Average list price $229,000
Average square feet 2,105
Current DOM 177

For a PDF of this information, including photos & more details, email me.

More North Idaho residential real estate stats for May 2008:

County:
Kootenai County

By Town:
Coeur d’Alene/Dalton Gardens | Post Falls | Hayden | Rathdrum/Hauser

By Community:
Coeur d’Alene Place | Harmony Place | Hawks Nest | Sunshine Meadows | The Landings at Waterford | Broadmoore Estates | Best Hill Meadows | Bentwood Park | Armstrong Park | Fieldstone | Prairie Falls | Woodbridge | Avalon Estates | Greensferry Landing | Riverside Harbor | Hunters Glen | Northridge |

Don’t see your community? Let me know.

Posted under Market Reports

Fieldstone at Prairie Falls, Post Falls Idaho

Overall Market Analysis for May 2008

Sold / Closed: 4
Average list price $198,892
Average sold price $196,718
Sales price/list price ratio 99%
Average square feet 1,696
DOM 79

Pending: 15
Average list price $218,502
Average square feet 1,902
DOM 206

Currently for sale: 43
Average list price $223,430
Average square feet 2,013
Current DOM 86

For a PDF of this information, including photos & more details, email me.

More North Idaho residential real estate stats for May 2008:

County:
Kootenai County

By Town:
Coeur d’Alene/Dalton Gardens | Post Falls | Hayden | Rathdrum/Hauser

By Community:
Coeur d’Alene Place | Harmony Place | Hawks Nest | Sunshine Meadows | The Landings at Waterford | Broadmoore Estates | Best Hill Meadows | Bentwood Park | Armstrong Park | Fieldstone | Prairie Falls | Woodbridge | Avalon Estates | Greensferry Landing | Riverside Harbor | Hunters Glen | Northridge |

Don’t see your community? Let me know.

Posted under Market Reports

Local Area Events:

June 6-8 - Post Falls Days, Q’ emiln Park. 208-773-0539.

June 7 - Post Falls Days “Home Sweet Home” Parade - 11:00am. 208-667-2314.

June 7 - Gary Miller Memorial Race NW Modifieds - Early Stocks - Stateline Stadium Speedway. 208-773-5019.

June 8 - North Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association’s Spring Tour - 12:00-5:00pm. 208-664-9650.

June 8 - NIC’s Really Big Raffle Open House - 12:00-4:00pm - 2806 Marceille Dr., Coeur d’Alene. 208-769-3271.

June 9 – NIC’s Diversity Events Committee presents “Physicians From India: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health and Healing” – 7:00-9:00pm – Molstead Library’s Todd Hall. 208-659-9447.

June 11 - Second Annual WMBA Silent Auction benefitting the Children’s Village - 205 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls - 5:30-8:00pm.  208-773-3555.

June 11 - SCORE Workshop “How to Write a Business Plan” - 9:00am-12:00pm - BIZSTREET Resource Center, 801 W. Riverside, Spokane. 509-459-4118.

June 12 – Open House at Life Care Center in Coeur d’Alene – 4:00-7:00pm. Food and refreshments will be served, along with music. Come see our newly remodeled facility. Please RSVP. 208-762-1122.

June 12 – Children’s Village presents “Have a Heart, Help Build a Home” – Come learn about helping to build a third home for the youth of Children’s Village – 7:00pm – Coeur d’Alene Inn. 208-667-1189.

June 12 - Show N’ Shine Car Show - Red Lion Templin’s Hotel - 3:00-6:00pm. Open to the public, great food, entertainment and awards show. 208-773-1611.

June 14 - INSSA Super Stock Series - Hobby Cars - Street Stocks - Stateline Stadium Speedway. 208-773-5019.

June 14 – Post Falls Kid’s Duathlon. For info call Post Falls Park & Rec – 208-773-0539.

June 15 – Post Falls Duathlon. For info call Post Falls Park & Rec – 208-773-0539.

June 15 - NIC’s Really Big Raffle Open House - 12:00-4:00pm - 2806 Marceille Dr., Coeur d’Alene. 208-769-3271.

June 20 – Post Falls Chamber Annual Golf Tournament – Highlands Golf Course – 1:30pm shotgun start. 208-773-5016.

Posted under Activities and Events

Harmony Place Market Report January 1, 2008 through March 31st, 2008

There are currently 2 homes for sale in Harmony Place, with an absorption rate of 3.1 months. Absorption rate means that if no other homes became available for sale in Harmony Place, it would take 3.1 months to sell the 2 that are currently for sale. Current homes for sale range in price from $152,900 to $160,000. Days on market range from 32 to 86.

If you want your home in Harmony Place to sell in 3 months or less, you must price it lower than any other comparable within Harmony Place and price it in the bottom 1% of prices for surrounding comparables.

Homes that have sold and closed are averaging $136.02 per square foot with an average of 41 days on the market. Current homes for sale are listed for an average of $150.23 per square foot with an average of 59 days on the market as of today. What does this mean? It means that currently listed homes are over-priced for the current market. Homes that are selling are priced no higher than $136.02 per square foot.

Our advise for owners - sell but price competitively. If you are interested in selling your home in Harmony Place, now would be a good time to give it a whirl. As we all know, the market can and does change on a dime, but it appears to be going in the right direction and advantageous to home owners.

If you would like to know the sell-able market value of your home in Harmony Place, connect with us, there is no obligation.

More North Idaho residential real estate stats for May 2008:

County:
Kootenai County

By Town:
Coeur d’Alene/Dalton Gardens | Post Falls | Hayden | Rathdrum/Hauser

By Community:
Coeur d’Alene Place | Harmony Place | Hawks Nest | Sunshine Meadows | The Landings at Waterford | Broadmoore Estates | Best Hill Meadows | Bentwood Park | Armstrong Park | Fieldstone | Prairie Falls | Woodbridge | Avalon Estates | Greensferry Landing | Riverside Harbor | Hunters Glen | Northridge |

Don’t see your community? Let me know.

Posted under Market Reports

Please note - this information only encompasses Post Falls residential properties. It does not include the entire Coeur d’Alene MLS (commercial, businesses, etc nor other geographic areas included in the MLS).

Residential Stats for May 2008

Active Listings: 615
Average listing price $374,184
Average square feet 2,223
Average list price per sq. ft. $164.57
Average days on market 108

Pending Listings: 88
Average pending price $216,653
Average square feet 1,713
Average pending price per sq. ft. $128.44
Average days on market 147

Closed Listings: 47
Average closed price (listed) $195,488
Average closed price (sold) $190,511
Average list/sale price: 97%
Average square feet 1,666
Average closed price per sq. ft. (listed) $119.82
Average closed price per sq. ft. (sold) $117.68
Average days on market 123

Months of inventory
… based upon closings: 13.1 months
… based upon pendings: 7 months

More North Idaho residential real estate stats for May 2008:

County:
Kootenai County

By Town:
Coeur d’Alene/Dalton Gardens | Post Falls | Hayden | Rathdrum/Hauser

By Community:
Coeur d’Alene Place | Harmony Place | Hawks Nest | Sunshine Meadows | The Landings at Waterford | Broadmoore Estates | Best Hill Meadows | Bentwood Park | Armstrong Park | Fieldstone | Prairie Falls | Woodbridge | Avalon Estates | Greensferry Landing | Riverside Harbor | Hunters Glen | Northridge |

Don’t see your community? Let me know.

Posted under Market Reports