North Idaho housing is as varied as the terrain it sits within. Sandpoint area homes, with 83864 zip code, alone range from in town, river front, lake front, large acreage, ski resort, and even farming. This Bonner County Market Report 2017 is meant to give a general trend. Specifics vary greatly within the county.
Total transactions for 2015 number 754. 2016 number 806, with 2017 numbering 838. With a 10% increase in transactions overall and a modest increase from 2016 to 2017, of 4%, the market is showing different than what many perceive.
The Bonner County Single Family Home SOLD price median for 2015 was $230,000.00. In 2016 the SOLD price median was $249,000.00, with 2017 median at $273,250.00. An overall increase of approximately 16%. These figures stand in line with the national chart shown below indicating, surprisingly, Idaho ranked #5 with 9.2% overall housing price increase 2017. Interesting is the fact that sold price to listing price, for all 3 years, has remained steady at roughly 96%.
Housing Price growth US 2017
Both the average and median Days on Market were exactly the same for 2015 and 2016. 142 and 99 respectively. In 2017 ‘Days on Market’ showed a decrease in both average and median by approximately 10%.
What is the take away for buyers and sellers? The market remains strong and continues to show itself as a sellers market. Low interest rates are a big plus for buyers and sellers alike. More buying power allows for continued growth in selling prices, with more buyers able to qualify. Any raise in rates will see an already locally stretched budget pressed to the limit though.
The increased housing pricing continues as a result of confidence in a growing economy. More buyers. And while the transactions have increased slightly they remain steady year to year. What is being thought of as a tremendous jump with number of transactions, is actually the lack of inventory at any one time. 5 people looking at 2 similar homes has a completely different feel than that of 5 people looking at 10 similar homes.
In my opinion now is an excellent time for both sellers and buyers in the Real Estate market. Any professional Real Estate agent should be able assist with the nuances of a specific area.
I believe it is worthy of note also. 4th quarter showed signs that 2018 will hold with the same pattern. Approximately a 4% increase in both listing and sold prices of 4th quarter 2017 compared to overall 2017.
Lake access is less than a mile away. Before start time of the Open House I also enjoyed a moment at a Day Use Beach, Kalispell Bay area. While more open, it was no less spectacular in sitting for a moment to overlook a 
small portion of Priest Lake.
Open House times:
levels, on 2 lots, was wonderfully thought out. Enter the main floor from either the attached 3 car garage or of course the main entrance of the covered porch. Every person coming through the ‘Open House’ last week was amazed at the size of 440 Creekside Drive. Yet in all the size is also found a very sensible floor plan. Main Floor Living being but one fantastic bonus to this already special Kalispell Bay Home for Sale.
Doors off the entrance hall way include attached garage, office/reading room and half bath. As you come to the end of the hallway the living room opens to you. Cathedral ceilings and floor to ceiling windows looking past the outside deck to the year round creek. Wood accents and large wood beams add warmth and comfort. Partially separate
d from the living room, by a 3 sided glass fireplace is the dining room and kitchen. Exit to the open deck from the sliders. The tranquility afforded by the large open space with views to the forest are but a fantasy to most living in the cities or even small towns.
One may either enter the walk in closet from the laundry room or from the Master Bath. Main Floor Living is available and affordable with this Kalispell Bay Home for Sale! Enjoy the short YouTube video below to get a better feel for the layout of the main floor.
Wendy and Adam had an idea what they were looking for and we searched from Bonners Ferry to Sagle to Clark Fork to Priest River to find the home they knew was perfect the moment they walked in. While we did not know it at the time, finding the home even with the declining inventory, was going to be the easy part.
I focus on communication in any transaction. With ‘out of state’ buyers I am even more cognizant of its’ importance. I feel every detail need be relayed and let the buyers decide what is ‘too much’. It always pleases me to see I have been successful in my efforts. A couple of lines from a recent testimonial/review confirmed just that. Wendy and Adam wrote:
As a side fun side not I think it is worth mentioning the home purchased was on ‘Bear Paw’.
move to new location in Bonners Ferry Idaho. Having been located on Kootenai Street in Downtown Bonners Ferry, they are now located on South Hill in Bonners Ferry on Highway 95.
While not all the finishing touches are complete, this seems, in my opinion, a fantastic move for multiple reasons. Much more exposure with Highway 95 frontage. Easier access for anyone going there. Off street parking at the building. A fresh clean move can rekindle some sparks that may have been fading. I personally look forward to hearing about, and seeing, the growth this move will make for Sharlene and company.
When searching for a home in North Idaho more than just the home and property plays a big part of the choices a person makes. The land, views, local events, schools and much more all should come into consideration. In any community, or area, this is the case and especially when planning on ‘Living In North Idaho’.