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Coeur d'Alene, ID Real Estate News

By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf, GRI, PMN, SFR, CLHMS - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate First of all, what is HUD? HUD is the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. What is a HUD home? It is a home for sale that is the result of a foreclosure action on a FHA-insured mortgage. In other words, it's a repo. HUD paid the insurance claim and now is the property owner. It is offered for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim. By definition, a HUD home can be a 1 to 4 unit residential property. When first hitting the market, they are offered to owner-occupied buyers first. After the initial offering, unsold properties are available to all buyers, including investors. How Do I find a HUD home? HUD repos are available to the public on the internet by management companies under contract t...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
      SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Janna Rankin Scharf     Photo Gallery                                                 Description       The well failed so this beautiful property is unfinancable. Here is an opportunity for a CASH BUYER to purchase an idyllic country estate in a prime location for a SONG! The price has been reduced by the cost to istall a new, 700 ft deep well. Located in highly desired Cougar Gulch, this Norman Rockwell country home offers privacy and seclusion that is just a hop skip and jump from beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene and town. A pond and an underground spring keeps the pond and irrigation cistern full year round! The pond is permitted and the property has senior water rights recorded with the state. Proof of funds to purchase are required prior to scheduling showing...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho It's been a while since loan modification alerts have been a hot topic in the news, but an encounter I had this week reminded me that the scammers are alive and well, and still preying on distressed homeowners. I wrote about a crackdown called Operation Loan Lies back in 2009 when Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden shut down Apply 2 Save, a loan modification assistance company based in Coeur d'Alene after receiving 400 complaints. Distressed homeowners is several states had paid hefty sums to Apply 2 Save for assistance in obtaining loan modifications, and got nothing in return. There are still companies in operation that for a hefty fee, offer to help homeowners through the loan modification application process. What you need to know is that there is nothing th...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
I was driving along out near Kidd Island Bay in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho when I came upon this pretty sight.  This deer seemed curious about what I was doing in the neighborhood.  He posed nicely so I could capture this photograph, then went back to grazing as if I had never interrupted his lunch.      
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
March 3, 2013 Today the sun came out after a string of gloomy, drizzly days.  It gave us a glimpse of the splendor that awaits us just around the corner.  When the sun comes out and the world warms up, there is no more beautiful place on the planet to be than in north Idaho.  The official beginning of spring is less than three weeks away.  Hurry spring, we're ready for you! This is the walkway ramp at Independence Point in downtown Coeur d'Alene.  The lake level is at its winter low.  Once it fills with the spring runoff, the docks will rise and the ramp will be more horizontal.    
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Here's some encouraging news - sales of luxury homes above $750,000 have been increasing nationwide.  Sales are up by 38.7 percent from a year ago for homes with values between $750,000 to $1 million. For homes over $1 million,  sales are up 25.7 percent.  Now that sales of upper end homes are making a comeback, so are jumbo loans.  For a while these loans disappeared from the radar screen.  Jumbo loans are loans above the $417,000 limit for federal insurance agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  Only for the most qualified of borrowers, jumbo loans currently have interest rates that are surprisingly comparable to conventional mortgages.  Read the entire RealtyTimes article on Jumbo Loand here. Here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho we are seeing some positive trends in the ...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
I am delighted to announce that Tracy Claybaugh has joined Janna Scharf Realty Group at Keller Williams Coeur d'Alene as administrative assistant.   Tracy, a licensed Idaho associate real estate broker, brings nearly 10 years of high level real estate experience to the team.  She is a skilled professional who is highly respected in the Coeur d'Alene real estate community.  To have someone of Tracy’s caliber on board will be a tremendous boon. We look forward to expanding the high level service which we provide to our valued clients in 2013 and beyond. Welcome, Tracy!
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
2309 N. 12th StreetSOLD by Janna Rankin Scharf My client approached me when she realized that she couldn't continue to stay afloat and was in danger of losing her home to foreclosure. A hard working, self-employed widowed mother, she was out of options.  We determined that her odds of success in short selling her home were very good, and we began the process.  I was able to guide her step by step, and in this case it was pretty straight forward.  No glitches, no long and frustrating delays.  She was grateful to be relieved of liability for the deficiency between what she owed and what the bank netted from the sale of her home.  She also was fortunate to receive funds in the amount of $3000 for relocation expenses.  She found a wonderful rental property for much less than her monthly mor...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
    Investors are out in droves, competing with entry level buyers, looking for affordable homes to invest in before market values rise.  Competition is fierce, you better be educated, pre-approved and prepared to POUNCE the minute a good home hits the market! Locally, prices and sales are trending up and it is generally thought that we have hit bottom and turned the corner.  Fence sitters are now hopping off the fence and hitting the ground running.   If you are looking for an investment opportunity in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the link below will take you to every foreclosure property listed for sale in the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.  There are 154 foreclosure listings as of today, February 10, 2013.  Check back often, this link will UPDATE DAILY for 30 days with any new list...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
If you are looking for waterfront homes for sale in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, your search is over.  I invite you to make short work of your search by simply clicking on the link below. Waterfront Homes for Sale in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho This link will take you to every waterfront home for sale that has been listed in our Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service. Please don't hesitate to contact me for more information about our Coeur d'Alene Waterfront Market or more information about any of the beautiful waterfront homes for sale that you come across in your search. You may be interested in SECONDARY waterfront property.  Click here to find out just what that is, and to see every Secondary Waterfront Home For Sale in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf, AB, CLHMS, GRI, PMN, SFR This was a busy week with showings on all of my listings, and when the dust settled a couple of my sellers had strong contracts pending after receiving multiple offers. What we are seeing in our Coeur d'Alene market is that there is fierce competition in certain niche markets, where inventory is low.  Highly sought after are horse properties, homes on small acreages, multi-family, and entry level homes suitable for first time home buyers and investors.  Waterfront properties at affordable prices, particularly on navigable lakes and rivers, are always at a premium.  On Thursday I received three offers on a beautiful horse property I have for sale on Lancaster Road.  By Friday we had a purchase and sale agreement for significantly more than th...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf, AB, CLHMS, GRI, PMN Fernan Lake Village is a pleasant enclave, tucked away in the heart of Coeur d'Alene.  It's actually it's own incorporated town on the shore of the lake popular with kayakers, sport fishers and nature lovers.  As a kid growing up in Coeur d'Alene, I spent many hours playing in and around Fernan Lake.  Some of my favorite memories are winters spent ice skating on the frozen lake with my friends.  Perhaps that's why this photo taken by my sister, Kerri Thoreson, really "spoke" to me. 
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Fernan Lake Village is a quaint enclave located on the northwest shore of Fernan Lake.  Downtown Coeur d'Alene's main street, Sherman Avenue, begins at the City Beach of Lake Coeur d'Alene on the west, and runs right into Fernan Lake Village at it's eastern end, just a couple of miles away.  Fernan Lake Village is a small residential neighborhood of about 70 households.  It is interesting to note that although homes in Fernan Lake Village have a Coeur d'Alene mailing address, the village is an incorporated town and not part of the city of Coeur d'Alene.  It elects its own mayor and city council. The lakeside neighborhood of Fernan Lake Village was developed in the 1950's.  The homes along the waterfront are valued in the million dollar range.  The neighborhood has a pleasant mix of home...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
The other day I was having a discussion at a board meeting about what sales price was the benchmark in our market for the top 10% of sales prices.  It had been over a year since I had calculated it, and at that time it was surprisingly low, at just under $350,000.  Meaning that 90% of all home sales in our MLS were lower than $350,000. I was curious to do the math again to find out what that number was for 2012.  We have seen prices trending upwards, generally.  It seemed reasonable to think that the benchmark number would rise as well.  Although, I couldn't help but wonder the effect of so many sales in the entry level, affordable ranges fueled by the current investor frenzy. In Kootenai County in 2012, there were 2,343 home sales of all types, excluding manufactured homes.  Sorting th...
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association Presents:  The 3rd Annual "Chocolate Affair" DATE:  February 8, 2013 TIME:   5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Be sure to mark your calendars for this sweet event.  It's a Chocoholic's dream walk! Join in on the tastings  Be a part of the show.  Enter the contests. It is the SWEETEST walk of the year!!     For more information, or if you would like to be a part of this very popular event, contact Gay Glasson, Downtown Association Events Coordinator, at (208) 415-0116 or Gay@cdachamber.com. www.cdadowntown.com 
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By Pam Jank, Your Coeur d'Alene & North Idaho Real Estate Pro
(Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty)
Music Walk Starts this MonthDate: January 25, 2013 (and every 4th friday of each month through April, 2013) Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM The Coeur d'Alene Arts and Culture Alliance presents Music Walk! Every fourth Friday of each month from January to April, stroll through beautiful downtown Coeur d'Alene and enjoy live music performances from some  of our local favorites! Visit supporting restaurants, shops, businesses and galleries with your friends and family! A family-friendly, free event! Come and join us! 5:00pm - 8:00pm. beginning January 25th, 2013
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Short Sale Realtor - Both of these homes were recently listed for sale in the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.  These two homes have more in common than you might think based on outward appearances.    Behind the four walls at each home were distressed homeowners underwater on their mortgages.  Upside down is another tag for their situation.  They owed more on their mortgages than they could sell their homes for in our current market.  The size of the home and means of the owners may be worlds apart, but they were essentially in the same situation.  One size fits all.  Some turn of events  made it impossible to continue with their house payments. One was offered for sale as a short sale for $59,000.  The other at $1,150,000.  Their lifesty...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
A quick peek in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for homes for sale as short sales turned up a list of 190.  They range in price from a high of $1,595,000 for a Coeur d'Alene Lake waterfront home, to a low of $21,000 for a manufactured home on a rented lot in Rathdrum.  One thing's for sure, short sale distress is an equal opportunity condition. It's noteworthy that of those 190 homes, 84 have contracts pending, awaiting review by the seller's lender.  I haven't seen the inventory of short sales this low in Coeur d'Alene in the past few years.  If you've been sitting on the fence waiting to scoop up a super deal, you may have missed the boat! Homes that are being offered for sale as Coeur d'Alene short sales are homes that have a current market value of less than what the owner owes on their mortg...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
Janna Rankin Scharf - Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Sales It's always a great day when we have a successful real estate closing, and especially on bare land parcels.  Bare land for sale is plentiful in the Coeur d'Alene MLS, and lending restrictions are TOUGH to say the least.  In fact, many lenders won't lend on bare land.  So it is with great pleasure that I announce the successful sale of this beautiful parcel of 20 acres on Bunco Road.  Seller was very happy to close the deal before the end of the year.  The buyers are thrilled to have found a perfect spot to build their north Idaho dream home.  It was a win/win situation, the very best kind of real estate transaction. Click the link below to see every bare land parcel currently for sale in the Coeur d'Alene MLS.  Give me a call i...
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By Janna Scharf, Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene)
SECONDARY WATERFRONT is a classification of waterfront property for sale in the Coeur d'Alene MLS, and I often get questioned about just what that term means. Quite simply, it means that a particular piece of property classified as secondary waterfront in the Coeur d'Alene area has no frontage on the water, but it does have rights to water access.  Often, we will see this in waterfront communities where some of the homes have frontage on the lake or river, while others in the neighborhood do not.  But those non-waterfront homes or lots are often granted access to the neighborhood beach, dock, boat ramp or park which does front the water. For many, secondary waterfront in Coeur d'Alene is desirable in that it gives them easy recreational access to our beautiful lakes and rivers, while it...
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