I just can't get enough of this stuff. We have had a magically mild winter here in North Idaho but, as if that wasn't enough, we have also been blessed with an endless stream of magnificent sunsets. Today was no exception.

As I started my evening walk with my wife today, we were intercepted by my neighbor, Jason. Noticing we were walking in an easterly direction (away from the explosion occurring in the western sky), Jason commented, "What's up you guys? Trying to get as far away from that sunset as possible?" (I think the whole neighborhood was out watching the sun go down).

No, Jason, we caught the sunset. ...and now the world of ActiveRain can enjoy it also. (I can't believe I live here).

Last Tuesday, on my North Idaho Business talk radio show, I had the pleasure of interviewing two upcoming events.

The first is the Moyie Springs Sno Cross. This event has Trophy Class snowbike racing and snowmobile races. Up there, past Bonners Ferry and north of Sandpoint is the Moyie Springs Sports Park. The races have the qualifiers Saturday and the Finals Sunday.

Looks to be a pretty cool event. Here are the vitals:

MOYIE SPRINGS SNO CROSS

February 13th & 14th
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

For more info, contact Arron Dabbs (208) 277-5413 or inyourfacemotorsports@gmail.com

Also coming up is the Outdoor Sports Expo. Held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, we had these guys on the show last year for their first shindig, and it was very successful, so we are looking for a great time this year also. There will be crafts, demonstrations, vendors, and all kinds of stuff to do.

They paid special attention to have things to do for ladies who aren't as sports oriented, and events and things to do for the kids.

They will have daily outdoor seminars, gun raffles, a kids fishing pond, free bow tune ups, and some great food. This three-day expo is put on by the Men's Alliance of Christian Churches and the Sandpoint Business Community and benefits a local charity.

Here is some more info:

OUTDOOR SPORTS EXPO

February 12th, 13th, and 14th
Friday noon - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 2pm

For more info call Dave Lotze 263-9887 or Larry Book 263-7416

Always something to do in Sandpoint. Don't you love it?!!!

The first year I came to Sandpoint I was invited to putt-putt at the Downtown Golf Scramble. We had a blast. You golf on tiny courses set up at various businesses, several of which serve you cocktails, then end up at a restaurant where prizes for best round and such are handed out. It was a cold February day, and we finished at Ivano's. My team won 'Worst Dressed.'

Another year my restaurant, Wigleys, was one of the vendors for the Mardi Gras Ball.

I love the event. After all, I am from New Orleans.

There are events that take place all over town, and it is more fun than should be allowed by law.

While I helped just the tiniest little bit, the great volunteers that put this together and the businesses that participate should be lauded.

So, as we say in New Orleans, "Laissez le bon temps roulez!"

Happy Mardi Gras

To find out more, visit www.MadCapMardiGras.com

The stats are in for condo sales in Sandpoint. Idaho and Schweitzer Mountain! As we can see from the graph below, prices have been holding fairly well (only 16% below 2007's "sold" prices).

The lack of volume in 2009 is alarming but not much of a diversion from what we have seen nationally. Note the sale price/list price ratio and the days on market. ...fairly solid.

North Idaho is a strong retirement/baby-boomer area and the numbers above support that. Condos are one of the "homes of choice" for retirees and their value has held well through these difficult times.

For quite some time I taught adults. One thing we always made clear: it is best to be professional in all cases.

Here is an example I used:

When dining out, or working with a close associate in a transaction, such as purchasing insurance, it is common for the shopper/diner to ask the question, "So, are you from here?" In Sandpoint, a town that has received numerous accolades and national press, this is perhaps the most common question.

While the answer may seem simple, it is probable that we forget the proper answer. We forget who it is being served. We typically gush about our home towns, then tell them about our marriages, our bad jobs, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

This is not the right response.

Here is the proper answer:

"I am from New Orleans. Where are you from?"

Here are some other examples:

"How long have you been working for Sotheby's?"

Answer is, "I have been working here for two years. What kind of work do you do?"

"Are you married?"

Answer is, "We've been married for twenty-two years. How long have you two been married?"

While it may seem odd to many to turn each question into a question about your client, please try to remember, you are not the client. It is our job to provide for our clients and customers the absolute best service we can. Certainly, if asked, we want to provide info that tells about ourselves. However, each question offers an opportunity to better learn our clients. The more we know about them, the better we can satisfy their needs.

Besides, we go out to dine to be served. We buy insurance to be protected. If our insurance agent knows more about us and our lives, they can better match the proper policy to our needs.

The same goes for us as real estate professionals.

Plus, there is an often hidden benefit to maintaining a professional relationship. While we could probably all use more friends, maintaining a professional relationship keeps paying for that service in perspective. After all, most people don't commonly tip friends very well.

It is more common for a friend to ask for a 'discount' on a transaction or deal than a client.

Moral is, keep it professional. Make it all about your client. It will benefit you in the long run.