A Day on Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho
Every year the REALTORS® from our office, Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty, take to the massive waters of Lake Pend Oreille off the shores of Sandpoint, Idaho to preview the waterfront homes we represent. We make it a day of fun and camaraderie, learn a bit about the inlets and homes on the lake, and a good time is had by all.
The Pend Oreille River is wide and deep, but nothing compares to the open waters of Lake Pend Oreille. With 148 square miles, 111 miles of coastline, and over 50 miles from tip to tip, there are few lakes in the U.S. that are this large and this uncrowded.
Lake & River Boat Launches & Marinas |
Lake Pend Oreille Depth Map (large file) |
| Health of fish in Lake Pend Oreille |
North Idaho Fishing Guide |
| What to do on the Water |
North Idaho & Sandpoint River Guide |
These pictures are about our team and the great time we had, July 29, 2009, on Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River.
The day begins with our flotilla boating out of Dover Bay Marina. Temps about 84º, sunny and lots of laughter.
Heading out on the Pend Oreille River towards the Long Bridge and the open waters of Lake Pend Oreille.
Opening up out of the Dover Bay Marina.
Lake Pend Oreille has Kamloops, Kokanee, Trout, and...uh...apparently, hats.
Beautiful waterfront Pend Oreille home.
Another Pend Oreille stunning home.
Having fun on Lake Pend Oreille.
Lake Pend Oreille Boating.
Fishing on Lake Pend Oreille.
Lake Pend Oreille North Idaho style home.
Lodge at Sandpoint.
Sandpoint Long Bridge crosses Lake Pend Oreille for over two miles.
Boating under the Long Bridge
Ready, set...
Goooo, for some great skiing on Lake Pend Oreille.
Yes, Lake Pend Oreille has pretty girls...
How do I get on this boat?
Way too much fun on Lake Pend Oreille.
Warren Island, Cottage Island, Pearl Island off the coast of the Hope Peninsula on Lake Pend Oreille.
Sailing under the majestic mountains off the coast of Hope, Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille.
The massive Green Monarchs rising up from the tremendous depths of Lake Pend Oreille.
Historic Hotel Hope as seen from Lake Pend Oreille.
Thanks for joining us for a great day on Lake Pend Oreille.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® & host of the radio shows North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts on KSPT & KBFI in Sandpoint & Bonners Ferry. When you need your real estate questions answered...
E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384
Finally, some good news for Sandpoint, IDaho's outlook and our national condition.
By Gary Lirette, host of North Idaho Business radio show on KSPT and KBFI, and REALTOR® for Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
July 28, 2009
Home prices show signs of stabilizing in May
Widely watched index shows first month increase in almost three years
According to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index of 20 major cities, reported by MSNBC on July 28, 2009
Housing construction hits a 7-month high
Sign builders regaining confidence as emerge from housing bust
Construction of new U.S. homes rose in June to the highest level in seven months, reported by MSNBC July 17, 2009
New-home sales soar 11 percent in June
Largest monthly increase in more than eight years, Commerce Dept. says
According to MSNBC reported on July 27, 2009
LA Times really likes Coeur d'Alene and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort
According to the LA Times Travel section, our part of the Inland NW is a "relaxing lakeside retreat" as reported on July 25, 2009
June 25, 2009
With the U.S. unemployment rate currently at 9.1%, the 7.8% rate in the state of Idaho seems generously low, though this is a 22-year high. Unemployment in Bonner County is still lower than the national level at 8.6%, with neighboring Kootenai County at 8%. The summer tourist business is experiencing a slow start, but with gas prices low and people looking to make more regional trips the vacation norm being forecasted, our summer season should hold its own. This means that at least a few more summer hires to bring the rate down even further. Construction is also moving forward, though not booming by any measure. Certainly the North Idaho region is faring better than our biggest neighbor: Spokane. They have an even higher number of unemployed than the national average, approaching double digits at 9.4%.
Even our real estate market is doing considerably better than last year. With homes in every other county in Idaho losing value in the last year, Bonner County has had a modest increase of just over 1%. Our pending sales as of today are at 167, though 115 of those are for homes and condos. With 282 closed sales since January 1, 2009, we are on target to match or exceed the 907 closed sales from last year. The hardest sell this year seems to be land parcels, much because there are fewer banks making land loans, and the ones that are continue to require stellar credit and 25 - 30% down.
Bottom line is that while we are not jumping up and down for joy in Sandpoint, we aren't as bad off as the rest of the country. In fact, according to Economy.com and Moody's, Idaho will be one of five states that will lead America out of the recession by the fourth quarter 2009. Read the article below.
Five States That Will Lead US Out of Recession
Posted By: Cindy Perman | Writer
cnbc.com
03 Jun 2009 | 03:03 PM ET
If you're not prepared to go to Australia to ride out the recovery, great news! A new report shows the five U.S. states poised to lead the nation out of recession.
You might want to get out your hiking boots and trail mix because most of the states are out in the northwest: Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
Those are the states where job growth is expected to sprout first - in the fourth quarter of this year - according to Moody's Economy.com, which conducted the survey.
The criteria for the survey included the labor market, income, credit quality/banking, real estate and consumer spending. Moody's conducts a regional employment forecast as well as an "adversity index" to gauge the status of state economies.
In the case of the northwestern states, the reason they got picked is because of their high concentration of high-tech companies, Moody's economist Andrew Gledhill said. Analysts expect a pick-up in tech spending as the recession gets going.
"[W]e feel that pent-up demand for high-tech equipment that has been furthered in part by the financial crisis could benefit states with these kinds of links," Gledhill said.
As for Texas , it was the oil industry: The strength of the industry made the lone-star state one of the last states to join the recession, and therefore will make it among the first out.
Housing was another factor: All five states had better-than-average household credit, which left them in shallower holes than other states, like, say, California .
Don't worry, California . You'll be back.
And, in case you're wondering where your state is in the lineup, Moody's has come up with the next waves of states to start showing signs of recovery.
The second wave, expected to hit in the first quarter of 2010, includes a lot of southern states-and Dakotas . That group includes: Alabama, Georgia, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota and South Dakota.
This group had relatively minor recessions that affected cyclical industries like manufacturing, Gledhill said, and should be able turn those minor recessions into minor recoveries when the economy starts to turn.
"Plus, housing has not been as much a factor for some of this group, which is such a hindrance elsewhere," Gledhill explained.
The third wave, expected to show growth in the second quarter, is all across the map. Those states are: Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wyoming.
If your state wasn't mentioned - sorry - it's in the remaining 31, which isn't likely to start popping until the third quarter of next year.
The most sluggish growth is in the northeast (ahem, Wall Street), midwest (*cough*cough* GM ), and Florida (enough said).
Gledhill said the impact of the housing crisis could also be a factor in California , Florida , Arizona and Nevada , causing those states to be slow to recover.
There was only one state that, as of the end of March, still had enough growth that it wasn't technically in recession.
Can you guess what it is?
You betcha, it's Alaska!
Pony Treats:
Down-But Not-Under. Australia, dubbed the best place to ride out the recession, really dodged a bullet on this one: Its economy actually grew last quarter, meaning it never officially entered recession, Reuters reports.
© 2009 CNBC, Inc. All Rights Reserved
URL: http://www.cnbc.com/id/31086859/
March 18, 2009
The stock market was up all week. MSNBC reported on March 18, 2009 that "Stocks had their fifth advance in six days Tuesday after a surprisingly strong report on home construction and building permit applications. Since the rally began last week, the Dow is up 849 points, or 13 percent."
Housing starts were up 22 Percent according CNBC (http://www.cnbc.com/id/29734541).
Add to that on March 11, 2009 CNN reported applications for new mortgages are up 11%. (http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/11/real_estate/mortgage_applications.reut/index.htm)
Bonner County is the only county in the whole state of Idaho that is not a declining market for housing prices, according to Jack Dyck, VP of Mountain West Bank.
Locally, home prices are going back up, unemployment is still lower than other areas, and is historically normal.
On Sunday Ben Bernanke took the bull by the horns, sounding very reassuring on 60 Minutes, and the Fed will be releasing their latest guidance today.
Another nice boost is the reappearance of cheap airline tickets. With gas prices being so much lower, airline flights have finally followed suit.
There has been so much bad news lately it was nice to note that CBS News has changed their motto to "CBS News is Very Good News."
How about the flack over AIG? Didn't the majority of this money go out during the Bush Administration? While the current administration owns responsibility for 30 billion more going to this behemoth, the lack of oversight started with the previous congress and president. President Obama's Geitner made the same mistake.
Obama recently unveiled his plans for helping small businesses, and stimulus money is already hitting North Idaho with the hiring of firefighters to help keep the danger levels down.
Add to that our unemployment rates for Idaho are among the lowest in the West, and Bonner County is the lowest in the region.
Good news? You Bet!
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® & host of the radio shows North Idaho 
Business as well as North Idaho Arts on KSPT & KBFI in Sandpoint & Bonners Ferry. When you need your real estate questions answered...
E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384
www.SandpointID.net - To learn all about Sandpoint and North Idaho
www.RealtySandpoint.com - For Sandpoint Realty
www.SkiSchweitzer.net - To visit Schweitzer Mountain's Community Web
This last week did a bit of hiking above the Clark Fork River and Spring Creek and the views of the island of the estuary and Lake Pend Oreille were awe-inspiring.
No need for more words, check out the view and you decide.
Lake Pend Oreille above the Clark Fork delta
Clark Fork River delta
Clark Fork River
The Clark Fork River is the major waterway that feeds Lake Pend Oreille
Lake Pend Oreille with Highway 200 leading to Hope, Idaho from the Clark Fork River delta
Gary Lirette walking a little slice of paradise
How is the Sandpoint Real Estate Market Doing?
First of all, as of today, July 26, 2009, pending sales in the Selkirk MLS area of North Idaho the stats are as follows:
Pending Sales: 169 All Types $44,542,718
Closed Sales since 1/1/09: 369 All Types $92,392,240
Closed Sales 2008: 907 All Types $241,893,271
Personally, closing on two waterfront homes in the last several weeks was a plus, but this last ten days has been especially busy. With seven contracts written, two have been accepted and close quickly. Another, 333 Derr Island, had one that was not accepted, but with over 50,000 hits on Tour Factory (Click Here to visit the tour) we are finally working with a buyer that looks to make a viable offer. We have had eight showings, several house events, and one wine tasting. There virtually no other waterfront properties in this price range, and there is even an airstrip right on the island.
Another buyer is doing his due diligence with an engineering firm to make an offer on a million dollar waterfront lot on the Hope Peninsula gold coast.
Funny thing is, I am working mainly in the half million range, and the sub-$250,000 range with virtually all my clients.
I am not having a banner year, but am having what many consider to be an average one. This is apparently much better than the vast majority of REALTORS®. I believe this to be directly related to my web presence, with outstanding web advertising, and over 100 websites that direct people to me and my team. These sites include www.SandpointRealtors.net, www.SandpointID.net, www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com, www.RealtySandpoint.com, www.RealEstateSandpoint.net, and many more. The combined totals of visitors to these websites, and our many community sites is over 400,000 annually.
A couple of great real estate knowledge gurus are some of the things we are working on this summer, including David Knox and Walt Fry. While following all the tenets of Ninja Selling would be admirable, our market of lake front properties, ski resort realty, and the quirks of our quaint North Idaho population don't always make their teachings applicable. The ones that work well though are worth emulating. Right now, my job for both buyers and sellers is to keep buyers in the funnel, continually finding people willing to make purchases, and finding them the right properties that fit their needs.
Continuing to make a living is hard for many REALTORS® for so many of the obvious reasons, but if I am not supporting myself, I do a great disservice to my clients. Decisions should never be based on needing to make the sale so that my next set of bills can be paid. Also, with the changing market, if an agent doesn't earn enough to warrant full-time to the job, part time knowledge is what the customer gets. Education, both in the field and in the classroom is paramount and the bare minimum of where customer expectations should begin.
So, not doing so bad in this down market. Don't you deserve a REALTOR® who is successful even when the job is hard?
THE TOP SIX
BONNER COUNTY REAL ESTATE SALES
Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International
Agency Volume $ Sold % of Total Volume Sold
Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty $ 46,713,850 30.26%
Second Place 28,079,335 18.19%
Third Place 13,216,525 8.56%
Fourth Place 11,186,240 7.25%
Fifth Place 7,001,650 4.53%
Sixth Place 5,822,350 3.77%
January-June 2009 Market Analysis
Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty has 21.00% of the Realtors in Bonner County
Balance of Bonner County MLS Real Estate Offices have less than 2.45% of $ Volume Sold
This representation is based on information from the Selkirk Association of Realtors for the period of January 1, 2009 through June, 30 2009. Statistics do not include transactions not reported to the MLS.
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed
A Great Weekend in Sandpoint and Dover, Idaho
As if having a fantastic 4th of July the week before wasn't enough the weekend of July 11th and 12th is packed with cool things to do in
North Idaho.
Dover Bay Days Pics
Sandpoint Wooden Boat Show Pics
JerryFest also rocked this weekend at Camp Eureka in Sagle, and Acorn Project, Spoonshine and Ten Mile Tide performed, but my commitments were elsewhere, but I promise to post the photos my friends shot as soon as I get them.
First, on the 11th the Wooden Boat Show is hopping at the City Boardwalk in Sandpoint Marina downtown. This annual event showcases antique and classic wooden boats from all over the country, plus there are events and happenings the entire day for the whole family. The day begins at 7 am with the Mountain Man Breakfast, and the day continues with the Spokane Model Boat Club Exhibit and Demo, the Parade of Dogs, Search Dog North Idaho Presentation, and the Flock of Dogs Floater. If you haven't gotten the clues, then the subtitle of A ‘Howling Good Time' along the City Boardwalk gives away the theme of this year's show: a tribute to our loving canine companions. There are a lot of things going on, including Summer Sounds at Park Place music, the Farmers Market, and so much more. Check out the full schedule of events below.
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"Mare de Mer" follows "Killer", she is a 1958 17' Chris Craft Sportsman. Repowered last year with a 350 Chevy engine. Originally delivered to Lake Tahoe. The Sportsman was the most affordable of all the Chris Crafts and many are still on the waters today. |
Not far down the road is the Dover Bay Resort's Dover Days, featuring big band live music, displays, food, drinks, and so much more. Dover Bay is North Idaho's premier waterfront community, and in addition to events and happenings over the two day fest, all of the eleven neighborhoods are on display. There will be booths and vendors with food, information, and crafts. Check out Dover Bay's Café and Wine Bar while you are there. A great place for lunch or to enjoy a nice glass of chardonnay while taking in the sun reflecting off the waters of Pend Oreille. See their schedule farther down the page.
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Dover Marina looking over the water at the Cafe and resort. |
Right in the middle of these two great events is one of Sandpoint's newest dining experiences: Dish Home Cooking. Gary and Laura Peitz have created one of Sandpoint's most pleasing and inventive menus, and with our #1 chef, Gabe Cruz 
at the helm, you can't go wrong stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Veterans are even being honored this weekend at the Veterans Stand Down at the Bonner County Fairgrounds Saturday, July 11th from 0800 - 1600 offering services for veterans and their families, such as haircuts, lunch, coffee and snacks, in addition to the more serious offerings of helping with VA claims and employment counseling.
With so much to do, this weekend promises to be a typical great Sandpoint summertime respite from the daily grind.
Sandpoint 7th Annual
Wooden Boat Festival
A DOG-GONE FINE FESTIVAL!
July 11, 2009
Schedule of Events: Get ready for a tail wagging good time!
On the City Boardwalk & Sandpoint Marina and Downtown
| 7:00 - 11:00 AM | Mountain Man Breakfast - Sandpoint Community Hall Sponsored by the Bonner County Historical Society |
| 9:00 AM | Farmers Market Opens - Farmin Park & Town Square |
| 9:00 AM | National Guard Presentation of Colors - Sandpoint Community Hall ACBS Skippers Meeting - Sandpoint Community Hall |
| 9:30 AM | Retiring of colors - Sandpoint Community Hall |
| 10:00 AM | 7th Annual Sandpoint Wooden Boat Show Opens - City Boardwalk & Sandpoint Marina ‘The Ships Store' aka "The Dog Pound" Spokane Model Boat Club Exhibit & Demo Kids Boat Building Program |
| 11:00 AM | Sandpoint's ‘Summer Coats Canine Fashion Show' (PAS models) - Cedar Street Bridge |
| 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Beer Garden - Sponsored by Laughing Dog Brewing - Sandpoint Marina |
| 11:30 AM | Parade of Dogs - (PAS) Cedar Street Bridge to Sandpoint Marina |
| Noon | Park Place Summer Sounds: Selkirk Brass Quintet |
| 12:00 - 12:15 PM | Search Dog North Idaho Presentation - Sandpoint Marina |
| 1:00 - 3:00 PM |
‘Flock of Dogs Floater' - A trough full of offers from Downtown Businesses and a chance to win the Golden Dog Biscuit Grand Prize! |
| 2:00 PM | Spokane's Model Boat Clubs Parade of ‘Model Boats' - Sandpoint Marina |
| 2:30 - 2:45 PM | Search Dog North Idaho Presentation - Sandpoint Marina |
| 3:00 PM | Parade of Wooden Boats - (spectator favorite) Sand Creek |
| 5:00 PM | Close of Wooden Boat Show |
| 7:00 PM | FREE Classic Family Movie - The Shaggy Dog at the Panida's ‘Little Theater'. Doors open at 6:30 (seating is limited) |
See you there for a great day on the water!
Get more information on the show:
For registration information: inlandempireacbs.org
For sponsorship information: downtownsandpoint.com or (208) 255-1876
Schedule of events and information for Dover Bay Days Saturday
| 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Volleyball tournament |
| 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Music in food area between café and fitness - Inbred Goat Ropers |
| 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Potato Sack Races and other kids activities on the Marina Town Lawn |
Sunday
| 11:30 AM | Tomlinson Bear arrives |
| 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Concert in the park - Swing Band |
All Day Activities
> Boat and ATV Demos from Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports
> The following vendors will be serving food and beverages all day in between the café and fitness area:
> Dover Bay Café
> Dover Bay Beer Stand
> The Flatbread Pizza Company
> Papas Mini Donuts
> Aurora - Shaved Ice
> Kettle Korn
> Big Bear Chocolates
> Variety of food from Mountain Sensations
> Fruit cups and Pesto Tortellini (Sunday Only)
> Croquet and other grass games at Parkside Bungalows
> Magic Show for kids at the Little Lambs booth every hour on the hour
> Juggling lessons at Waldorf School booth
> Jump-a-lot
Open Houses with prize giveaways at Parkside Bungalows, Marina Town, Bayside South, Cottages at Dover
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This Sandpoint real estate agent believes knowing your community is the most important thing, & as host for many years of the N Idaho Business & N Idaho Arts radio shows, I have that knowledge.
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