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Coeur d'Alene, ID Real Estate News

By Kevin & Maryellen Garasky, KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA
(KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington)
Young Father Collapses at Work of Brain Aneurysm:Employer to have Benefit for Medical Bills On September 10th, 2008, at 1:00 PM, while Justin (Zitny) was working in Airway Heights, he suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. Justin was rushed by paramedics to Deaconess Medical Center where he was stabilized, but in serious condition. Deaconess conducted an angiogram and discovered a large 1.7 cm ruptured aneurysm in a blood vessel at the base of his brain. Justin was sedated and placed on a ventilator. He also suffered from pneumonia in his right lung as a result of aspirating when he collapsed at his job-site. The neurosurgeon did not feel comfortable doing the procedure to repair the rupture at Deaconess, so at about 9:00 PM, Justin was flown by air ambulance to Harborview Medical Center i...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
This is NEW information.  They must work with you if you meet the 3-requirements below and follow the 4-steps below, and submitt a letter (sample below) or they are breaking the LAW.    Please pass this information on to your Distressed Homeowners and/or Sellers. This is effective IMMEDIATELY! Most distressed home owners are not aware that they have this option. There is already a "Bailout" for home owners that was made into LAW on June 30, 2008.  As you know from several of my other Blogs we have been trying to find out how and where  to direct distressed Home Owners / Seller to get this help.  Finally, after 3-months, I believe I have the info we need. Below, I have itemized the specifics and "HOW TO's" for Sellers to use this New Law,  Section 1403 of the New Housing Bill (HR 3221). ...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
It's no surprise to those of us who love living here that the Coeur d'Alene metro-statistical area ~ Kootenai County, including Post Falls and Hayden ~ placed 2nd on the Milken Institute's Best Performing Small Cities list for 2008, up four points from last year's 6th place finish.  "Coeur d'alene is not a secret anymore.  We're well known on both the East and West coasts," said Steve Griffitts, president of Jobs Plus, Inc., the Coeur d'Alene area economic development organization.  The index ranks U.S. metro areas to reveal where jobs and prosperity are being created based on economic growth, long- and short-termed measurements of employment, salary increases and high-tech output. The cat has been creeping out of the bag for some time now.  Locals and tourists have long known that Nort...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
  It is not unusual to have the question "How much does it cost to build a home" directed at me.  I wish there was a simple answer.   However, it is far from simple. Let's start with the type Floor Plan/Style your home will have.    Do you want a Rancher (one-level home), Rancher with a Basement (one-level home with basement), Rancher with a daylight walk-out basement (1-or more walls are not in earth), Rancher with a Bonus room above the garage, Rancher with a bonus room above garage and a basement or daylight basement? Do you want a 2-story home ( a home with the square footage equally distributed on each of the 2-levels) a 2-story with a Basement, 2-story with a daylight walk-out, 2-story with a bonus room above garage, 2-story with bonus room above the garage and a basement? Do you ...
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By Kevin & Maryellen Garasky, KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA
(KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington)
Mudgy & Millie are HERE! "Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse play a game of hide-and-seek.  Millie hides while Mudgy searches along the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene.  Children join in the fun as Mudgy wanders along the lake, across town and through the park in his quest to find Millie, who was hiding close by all along." Please join author Susan Nipp and illustrator Charles Reasoner on an historic quest around our very own Coeur d'Alene! To learn more about Mudgy & Millie, please visit the official Mudgy & Millie website. Photo courtesy of http://www.mudgyandmillie.com/
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By Kevin & Maryellen Garasky, KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA
(KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington)
Coeur d'Alene Public Library Fall Programs begin ... Sept 23 - Nov 11 Besides being one of the most beautiful public buildings I have ever seen (see photos below), the Coeur d'Alene Public Library is an institution of learning and a place for families to grow and come together. Once every week I take my daughter to the Cd'A Library to participate in one of their numerous children's reading programs.  Since the summer session ended, however, we have been wanting for our "library fix" and have made several trips even though class was not in session. I am happy to let you know that the Coeur d'Alene Library fall programs begin todayand will continue until Nov 21st.         First three photos courtesy of Blackstone Finish and Trim Company.Following three photos courtesy of Maryellen Garask...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Homeowners in North Idaho benefit from a substantial reduction in property taxes when they occupy the home as their primary residence.  But to receive it, you must apply!  This exemption is provided by state law and deducts 1/2 of the assessed value of the home and garage (not the land) up to a maximum of $50,000 for taxation purposes.  You qualify if you have: A valid Idaho drivers license (if you drive) A vehicle licensed in Idaho (if you own a vehicle) Registered Idaho voter (if you  vote) File an Idaho resident income tax return (if you file) Reside in Idaho for a majority of the year Wondering when to file?  On newly built homes that have not previously been occupied, the owner must apply within 30 days of occupying the home.  On existing or when purchasing a resale home, the deadl...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
I had an opportunity to cruise along Coeur d'Alene Lake towards Harrison and stop for lunch in the most pleasant lakeside setting at Hutton's General Store.  I enjoy noting the Coeur d'Alene Lake homes for sale as I go along, as well as taking in the world class scenery and frequent wildlife sightings.  There is no shortage of either - Coeur d'Alene homes for sale or wildlife sightings!  A pleasant cap to the day was a delicious lunch on a deck overlooking Squaw Bay with a backdrop of Tubbs Hill aross the lake on a day that illustrates the reasons we all call North Idaho home! 
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
Don't mess with this Squirrel while it's gathering its  stash! This was one of the funniest things I have seen.   The duck wandered over to see what the squirrel was doing.  The squirrel looked up, saw the duck and took off after him.  The duck was terrified and the squirrel was extremely proud of it self.  You can see part of what the squirrel was protecting... still in its mouth.  I'm not sure what it was, we were afraid it might go after us next!  My daughter had her camera with her and was quick thinking enough to get this shot just as the chase began!     
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
  Last night I got a sneak preview of this weekend's Boat Show.  On a perfect and glorious evening we wandered down to The Coeur d'Alene Resort for a Dockside dinner.  With a picture perfect sunset as the backdrop, we strolled the boardwalk and enjoyed looking at some of the 118 beautiful antique boats.  The event organizers did a wonderful job of ordering ideal weather, it's going to be a spectacular North Idaho weekend!    Come on down if you get a chance.  The Antique And Classic Boat Societies' 7th Annual International Boat Show is being held in Coeur d'Alene for the 2nd time.  Although no rides will be given, many boat owners will allow visitors to step on board for a look.  A committee from all over the country will be judging the boats on such things as Best Contemporary Classic,...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
Why will this will save you $$$ and Possibly your Life? Read on...Now that the colder weather is coming upon us make sure you have your Annual Furnace Maintenance performed. I have this on my SEPTEMBER annual maintenance calendar.  If you don't put your annual maintenance chores on a Calendar so you don't forget, it would be a good idea to start.  It works great for me.  Regular furnace maintenance will maintain the efficiency, and life of your furnace, not to mention its safety.  Remember, your furnace is one of the most expensive appliances to buy and operate that you own. No matter if it is fired by gas or oil, or powered by electricity.  Your system is complicated to maintain, and for most people, an appliance which should be serviced annually by a trained professional.  Your furnac...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
My 14 year old is a city boy, our caboose child that we have uprooted and brought with us home to Coeur d'Alene.  Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado where no one would be caught dead wearing anything camo.  His reaction to seeing so many people wearing so much camo at every function, camo cars, camo cell phones, camo this and that, has caused him to scratch his head in astonishment.  At a youth activity he was amazed that one of his leaders' cell phones rang, with a ring tone of an Elk bugle! The fellow ignored the call, which prompted his message alert to go off a moment later.  Can you guess what it was?  A turkey gobble!  He couldn't wait to crack out the redneck jokes and enlighten his city friends on Facebook to that unbelievable occurrence! Well, my sister Kerri made the la...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
We took another leisurly drive around the lake this afternoon.  This time I remembered to bring my camera.  There, in the marsh by the road along the East side of Lake Coeur d'Alene near Mineral Ridge, was my moose!  I saw him there Thursday, without my camera.  Today, he was still there, and I was camera ready. What a sight! 
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
I made time yesterday afternoon to attend a Broker Open House that was about a 30 minute drive along the lake south of Coeur d'Alene, almost to Harrison.  It was a beautiful day and I talked my husband into being my chauffer.  It's not every day that you can take a drive along one of the world's most spectacular lakes on a glorious afternoon with your sweetheart - and technically still be working!  I networked with some great people I wouldn't have met otherwise, and toured a home with hands down THE most breathtaking lake view I have seen in these parts.  On the way home, we saw a moose!  Now that's not something I am used to seeing everyday.  In fact, my only other moose encounter was several decades ago in Alaska.  I was so disappointed that I hadn't thought to bring a camera along. ...
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By Kevin & Maryellen Garasky, KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA
(KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington)
This is an earlier post of mine, but I wanted to re-post because this important event is just around the corner. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Help Feed Coeur d'Alene's Hungry! The United Way will be teaming up with Coeur d'Alene food assistant charity organization "Community Roots" to get fresh produce to those who need it most in our community. The Day of Caring is Wednesday, Sept 17th. Starting off at 8am with breakfast at the Coeur d'Alene library, then volunteer teams and project teams connect and head off for the days activities. Your day will be spent outside picking fruit trees (plums, apples and pears), weighing them, charting them, and then delivering them to numerous food assistance facilities that "Community Roots" has partnered w...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
So sorry, but I have to vent about this....... CROCK #1:The $7500 Buyer Credit has turned out to be a crock!  Yes, you can get it if you buy your first home (or buy one after not having owned one for 2+ years).  However, you will NOT get it in time to use as your down-payment!  Buy the time a buyer receives it... it's too late.  Yes, you could use it to eliminate some debt but we all know that it is alot more interesting to purchase that new motorcycle, big screen TV.... etc. etc....   So the claim that it is for "Helping" Buyers get into homes is a CROCK .. It's to help them build more debt - They have to pay back the $7500 in 15 years!  So, more debt unless they pay off their current debts with it. CROCK #2:I know I'm not the only one that would love to be able to direct those in need...
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By Kevin & Maryellen Garasky, KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA
(KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington)
As you may already know, North Idaho (Coeur d'Alene specifically) is an amazing place to be. That's why some of you have already decided to make it your home and/or business location.  That's why thousands of people vacation here every year! My husband has been a lifelong resident (he remembers when "The Resort" was "The Cloud Nine" and the only stop light in town was at 95 & Kathleen) - WOW!  How far we have come!  I consider myself a "native by marriage" - and wouldn't want to be anywhere else! Click on the attached link to the "USA Today" article Life on Vacation: Dive in to Divine Weather in Idaho, and learn why so many people are making North Idaho and Coeur d'Alene their second home destination! And, when you're finished, learn more about KMG Mortgage Group - North Idaho's leading...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
You will definitely want to put this on your calendar! Even your kids will love it.  Let me see if I can sum this event up in the way it deserves... Here goes.... $100,000,000 worth of Antique and Classic Boats!Lined up along the "World's Longest Floating Boardwalk" onOne of the World's Most Beautiful Lakes! September 19-20, 2008    Antique and Classic Boat SocietiesInternational Boat Show and Meeting If you are lucky, you might be able to catch a ride on one of this year's 500 entry's that are coming from all over to be part of this event. That is a lot of boats and a lot of dollars!!  We were figuring about 100 million dollars worth of boats.  This event was previously known as The Wooden Boat Show and it is one of the most popular events in Coeur d'Alene!  This spectacular event is b...
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By Kevin & Maryellen Garasky, KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA
(KMG Mortgage Group - Kevin & Maryellen, Idaho & Washington)
Help Feed Coeur d'Alene's Hungry! The United Way will be teaming up with Coeur d'Alene food assistant charity organization "Community Roots" to get fresh produce to those who need it most in our community. The Day of Caring is Wednesday, Sept 17th. Starting off at 8am with breakfast at the Coeur d'Alene library, then volunteer teams and project teams connect and head off for the days activities. Your day will be spent outside picking fruit trees (plums, apples and pears), weighing them, charting them, and then delivering them to numerous food assistance facilities that "Community Roots" has partnered with.  The days activities should wrap up around 2pm and you will be free to return to your day's activities. Anyone located in or around Coeur d'Alene who is interested in forming a team o...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
The Public is welcome. It's official, or it will be at 3:00 pm today, September 3, 2008.  Governor Butch Otter will be at the Plaza Shops, in Downtown Coeur d'Alene, with the Five Lifesize Bronze Statues of Mudgy the Moose and Millie the Mouse to proclaim September 13th as Mudgy and Millie Day in Idaho. To learn why this is such an important event, Please read my earlier Post Coeur d'Alene Real Estate and Community Events: What happens when a Moose and a Mouse decide to play hide-and-seek in Coeur d'Alene, ID?  Don't miss the opening of the Mudgy Moose Trail at the beginning of the Tubbs Hill Trail on September 13th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.  This is when all five statues of Mudgy and Millie, playing in downtown and around the Lake Coeur d'Alene waterfront, take their permanent places on...
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