Interest Rates Drop: Buyers Returning to the MarketAfter months of hesitation, homebuyers are stepping back into the real estate market thanks to a noticeable drop in mortgage interest rates. Recent rate updates are giving both first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners fresh motivation to make their move.Current Mortgage Rates 30-Year Fixed: 6.000% (APR 6.174%) 15-Year Fixed: 5.000% (APR 5.263%) 30-Year FHA: 5.500% (APR 6.355%) 30-Year VA: 5.500% (APR 5.851%) These numbers are significant. Just a few months ago, many buyers were staring at rates well above 7%. The new drop translates into hundreds of dollars in potential monthly savings, making homeownership more attainable for many households.Why Lower Rates MatterFor most buyers, the difference between 7% and 6% on a 30-year loan can ... 09/17/2025

20 Acres • 2 Ponds • Off-Grid Property SOLD FAST with Rain Silverhawk!Thinking of selling? You don’t need months of waiting and stress — just the right agent. This stunning 20-acre off-grid property with two ponds wasn’t an easy sell on paper. Niche property, remote location, off-grid living — the kind of listing that often lingers on the market. But not with Rain Silverhawk of Sandpoint Realty.With smart marketing, drone video, and a deep network of off-grid and land buyers, this property went pending in only 3 days.🌟 No Hassles. No guesswork. Just results.Rain’s proven approach includes:✅ Strategic pricing and buyer targeting✅ National TV exposure✅ Drone and 360° virtual tours✅ Strong buyer network for land, homesteads, and off-grid buyers✅ Decades of real estate experience that gets ... 05/09/2025

Gardening in North Idaho: Thriving in the Panhandle's Unique Growing ConditionsGardening in North Idaho is not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace its rhythms, the rewards are rich, fragrant, and often delicious. From Bonners Ferry to Sandpoint and stretching down to Coeur d’Alene, our short but vibrant growing season demands a mix of planning, resilience, and a bit of local know-how.Understanding the ClimateNorth Idaho's gardening season is defined by a late frost in spring and an early frost in fall, which means your average growing window runs from mid-May to late September—sometimes shorter in higher elevations or shaded valleys. The USDA Hardiness Zones here range mostly between 4b and 6a, depending on your specific location.What Grows Well in North Idaho?Despite the ... 05/05/2025

🎣 Fish Stocking in the Idaho Panhandle: Where the Trout Are Biting This Month 🐟Ever wonder if the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s stocking trucks are heading to your favorite fishing hole? We reached out to our hatchery staff to get the scoop on where rainbow trout are making a splash this month across the Panhandle.If you're looking for an easy and fun way to get outside, fishing for stocked rainbow trout is a great option—especially for new or young anglers. These locations are easy to access, family-friendly, and perfect for a relaxing day on the water. All you need to get started is a fishing license—and kids under 14 can fish for free! Need a license? You can buy one instantly on your smartphone and hit the water the same day.Here’s what’s being stocked in the Idaho Panhandle t... 05/02/2025

Life Jacket Loaner Stations: Promoting Water Safety in Bonner and Boundary CountiesWith the abundance of lakes, rivers, and creeks in North Idaho, water recreation is a way of life. However, safety should always be a top priority when enjoying these natural waterways. That’s where the life jacket loaner stations in Bonner and Boundary counties come in—a vital initiative aimed at keeping residents and visitors safe on the water.What Are Life Jacket Loaner Stations?The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation boating program and the Sheriffs Department have installed Life jacket loaner stations stocked with free-to-use life jackets. These stations are strategically placed at popular boat launches, beaches, and fishing areas, ensuring that anyone who needs a life jacket has access to one. ... 04/19/2025

In the world of real estate, we’ve always been on the lookout for scams, but lately, there’s been a serious uptick in a specific — and very costly — scheme: land fraud.Our area has been hit especially hard by fraudsters targeting vacant land and absentee owners. Criminals are forging documents, creating fake IDs, and attempting to pose as the rightful landowners to illegally sell properties they don’t own. As a Realtor, I’ve seen this firsthand — and I can tell you, it’s a growing problem that’s affecting both individual property owners and the integrity of our entire market.These scams often start with out-of-state or vacant land parcels, where there are no homes or active occupants. Scammers identify properties through public records, assume the identity of the owner using fake IDs, a... 04/17/2025

How to Virtually Stage a Home (Without Breaking a Sweat)By Rain Silverhawk — Sandpoint Realty | Experience the DifferenceOne of the easiest ways to help buyers emotionally connect with a home—and help sellers stand out in a competitive market—is virtual staging. It’s fast, affordable, and you don’t have to move a single piece of furniture. Here’s a simple guide real estate agents can follow:🛋️ What is Virtual Staging?Virtual staging is the process of digitally adding furniture, décor, and style to a photo of a vacant room. It helps buyers visualize the space as a real home, instead of a blank slate.🎯 Why Use It? Saves money: No need to rent or move furniture. Highlights potential: Buyers can imagine living in the space. Boosts marketing: Makes your MLS listings and social media pop. Qui... 04/08/2025

 If you ever watched the classic TV series Northern Exposure, you might remember the opening scene—a lone moose casually wandering through the fictional town of Cicely, Alaska, as if it owned the place. It was a charming reminder that, in certain parts of the world, wildlife doesn’t just stay in the woods—it strolls right into town.Here in Sandpoint, Idaho, we have our own version of that scene playing out in real life. Moose are a regular part of the landscape, often making their way through neighborhoods, stopping to rest in a backyard, or even taking a dip in an unsuspecting homeowner’s kiddie pool. They have no problem hopping fences to reach the next tasty treat and will "yard up" in residential areas , finding a quiet spot to rest or a tree to nibble.Today I recieved a Nixle alert... 03/09/2025

North Idaho: A Water-Rich ParadiseNorth Idaho is a land of breathtaking beauty, defined by its abundant water resources. From rushing creeks cascading down forested slopes to meandering rivers carving their way through picturesque valleys.A Landscape Shaped by WaterWater is the lifeblood of North Idaho, shaping its landscape and sustaining its diverse ecosystems. Pristine springs bubble up from the earth, feeding crystal-clear ponds. The area is also dotted with countless natural and man-made lakes, making it one of the most water-rich regions in the Pacific Northwest.Rivers and Creeks: The Arteries of the RegionThe rivers of North Idaho are as diverse as the terrain they flow through. The Clark Fork River winds its way through lush valleys before emptying into Lake Pend Oreille, the la... 02/21/2025

The real estate industry is full of highs and lows. Markets crash, deals fall through, clients walk away, and challenges arise when you least expect them. But those who persevere through hardships are often the ones who come out stronger, wiser, and more successful. C.S. Lewis’s words—"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."—ring especially true in real estate.Overcoming Challenges: My Own JourneyI’ve seen firsthand how adversity creates opportunity. In the 1980s, I was new to realestate.  Interest rates were sky-high, many buyers struggled to secure financing. Rather than letting the market dictate my success, I focused on wrap-around loans, a creative financing strategy that helped buyers and sellers make deals work. That challenge taught me the power of... 02/11/2025

"We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." – Jim RohnSelf-discipline is the foundation of greatness. It’s the quiet strength that empowers us to trade fleeting comforts for lasting triumphs. It asks us to choose purpose over distraction, resilience over ease, and the promise of a better tomorrow over the allure of immediate gratification.With self-discipline, we forge resilience and cultivate perseverance. It enables us to face setbacks with courage, transform obstacles into stepping stones, and keep our eyes fixed firmly on our aspirations.Beyond action, self-discipline deepens self-awareness and mastery. It helps us understand the patterns of thought and behavior that ho... 01/20/2025

Here is a quick recap of homes and properties I listed and sold recently.  Congratulations to both buyers and sellers, it was my pleasure to serve you.SOLD By Rain Silverhawk 58114 Highway 200 Clark Fork ID 83811Beautiful Log home and barn on 10.17 acres, 30 GPM well, river access and amazing views overlooking the Clark Fork Valley and Bitterroot Mountains. This immaculate single level 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath rancher boasts an enchanting river rock floor-to-ceiling hearth, slated entry, warm wood floors, office space and a spacious kitchen with abundant cabinets and a breakfast bar. -----------------------------------------------SOLD By Rain Silverhawk 137 Larkspur Lane, Bonners Ferry ID 83805Welcome to your dream home! This spacious 4290 sq ft 4-bedroom 3 bath home plus a basement den offi... 01/19/2025

A powerful reminder that the journey to success begins with daring to imagine possibilities beyond our current reality. It encourages us to embrace bold aspirations, no matter how ambitious, and to summon the courage to take action.  May you always face challenges with determination and  view setbacks as stepping stones on the path to fulfillment.Rain Silverhawk Sandpoint Realty 01/13/2025

I love this property.  Not only is Clark Fork one of my favorite places I actually trained and boarded my horse on this very ranch while I was building my barn.  Log-sided 3+ bedroom 2 bath 2182 sq ft rancher, Office, Den 2 barns nestled on two parcels equaling 10.42 acres of lush forest and fenced meadows. This beautiful home boasts a full covered deck, perfect for enjoying the serene surroundings. The kitchen has been beautifully updated with new hickory cabinets, countertops, updated appliances, breakfast bar with outlets, open to great room with open beams, and chalet windows. The expansive master suite features a private office/den, bathroom and deep closets making it a versatile space for relaxation or productivity. New paint and fixtures throughout the home complementing the deco... 01/11/2025

 As the calendar turns and a new year begins, we find ourselves brimming with hope and possibility. It's a time for reflection, goal-setting, and recommitting to the things that matter most. This year, let’s embrace a resolution that can transform the way we experience life: Never Miss. At its core, “Never Miss” isn’t just about punctuality or productivity; it’s a commitment to being fully present and engaged in every aspect of our lives. It's about recognizing and cherishing the opportunities, relationships, and moments that make life meaningful. Here's how this resolution can shape our year ahead:1. Never Miss an Appointment or DeadlineIn our busy lives, staying on top of commitments can feel like a juggling act. But honoring our appointments and deadlines isn’t just about time manage... 01/01/2025

As April showers gracefully give way to May's radiant sunshine, North Idaho transforms into a realm of awe-inspiring beauty and boundless adventure. From the majestic peaks of the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Pend Oreille, this picturesque region becomes a playground for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike. Welcome to Miraculous May in North Idaho, where every moment is an invitation to explore, discover, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors.Blooming WildernessMay in North Idaho marks the awakening of nature from its winter slumber. The forests burst into life as wildflowers carpet the meadows with vibrant hues of purple lupines, golden balsamroot, and delicate columbines. Hiking trails that were once blanketed in snow now lea... 05/04/2024

As spring ushers in a kaleidoscope of colors and scents, there's an air of excitement in Sandpoint, Idaho as the town gears up for a beloved tradition—the opening day of Farmers' Market. A celebration of community, sustainability, and locally-sourced goodness, the market's debut is a beacon of hope and renewal for both residents and visitors alike.Farmers' Market at Sandpoint begins on May 4, 2024 and runs through October 12, 2024. The Market is open on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons in Farmin Park in downtown Sandpoint, Idaho Saturday markets are from 9am until 1pm; Wednesday markets from 3pm until 530pm.Welcoming the Season:For many in Sandpoint, the opening day of the Farmers' Market marks the unofficial start of the warmer months. It's a time when vendors dust off their ... 05/04/2024

Calling all biking enthusiasts and families alike! Get ready for two annual bike rodeos coming up next week in Sandpoint and Ponderay. These events promise an afternoon of fun, education, and community spirit, all centered around bike safety and skills development.Hosted by the Lake Pend Oreille School District's Safe Routes to School coordinator, Erin Billings, these rodeos are perfect for riders of all ages and abilities. Here's what you can expect at each location:Sandpoint Bike Rodeo:Date: May 3Location: Parkside Church, 423 N. Lincoln Ave.Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Details: This free event offers a bike safety check with minor repairs, skill-building activities, and valuable information on bike safety. Pre-registration is not required. Sponsored by the city of Sandpoint, LPOSD Saf... 05/01/2024

Reel in the Excitement: Exploring the Sandpoint Fishing Derby in IdahoAttention anglers, there's no better way to experience the thrill of fishing than at the annual Sandpoint Fishing Derby. With its scenic setting, friendly competition, and abundance of fish, the derby has become a beloved tradition that draws fishermen and women from near and far. Let's dive into the excitement and explore what makes the Sandpoint Fishing Derby a must-attend event for fishing enthusiasts of all levels.Casting Off: The Basics of the Sandpoint Fishing DerbyThe Spring Fishing Derby from April 27th to May 5th.  Anglers of all ages and skill levels gather at designated fishing spots along the lake's shoreline or aboard boats to try their luck at catching the biggest fish and competing for prizes. You can p... 04/30/2024

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts and seekers of exceptional customer service! Today, I've got to give a massive shout-out to a true hero in the automotive world—Taven Groves at O'Reilly Auto Parts in Ponderay Idaho. Picture this: it's pouring rain, I'm desperately in need of new windshield wipers, and, lo and behold, Taven steps in to save the day.I don't know about you but I hate changing windshield wipers, they are never the right size, they never go on easily. Not only did he help me find the perfect size, but he also managed to save me some hard-earned cash. And here's the kicker—he offered a free installation service! In less then a minute, Taven expertly installed the wipers on my car, all while braving the relentless cold, wet, downpour. Now, that's what I call good old-fashione... 12/07/2023