Tag: MarkDonMcInnes

  • ‘Wednesday Wisdom’ Keeping Widescreen Format for Instagram

     

    ‘Wednesday Wisdom’ will be a new feature.  Both posts and Video’s will be used to help inform.  While today’s topic may seem a bit out of the Real Estate realm it does have its place for both the agent and I believe general public.  So welcome to the 1st edition of ‘Wednesday Wisdom’.

    Instagram has as its default template, for photos and videos, square or portrait screens.  This can be frustrating if a widescreen video you are loading has much of what you intended to be seen, being cut off.  I must admit that I spent much time trying to figure all this out and hoping it saves you some time.

     

    Along with the widescreen you will want to add a custom thumbnail to your video to prevent it from showing as only a black screen on your Instagram Homepage.  This page is available immediately after setting your video for widescreen on your Instagram phone application.

     Experience the Difference Living In North Idaho will make.  Contact me as your local North Idaho Real Estate Resource.  Mark Don McInnes.

  • Sandpoint City Market Report – December 2018

    Sandpoint City Market Report – December 2018

    As with previous market reports I try to give some parameters to give guides lines and consistency.  83864 zip code includes an incredibly large diversification in homes, styles and land.  Sandpoint City Market Report includes in town Single Family homes with minimum of 1 bedroom and 1 bath.  With a maximum price of $750,000.00.  These parameters searched in Selkirk MLS.

    Sandpoint City Market Report

    Sandpoint is very much staying in line with the stated National trend of leveling off or even declining in some areas.  Sales remain strong in all of Bonner and Boundary Counties although showing a steady decline in activity since August 2018.  Sandpoint City’s figures bounce around a bit yet confirm that trend at least through December.

    December home sales in Sandpoint City totaled 12.  A small decline from October’s 14 and November’13.  Days on Market jumped around from 105 in October, 62 in November, and December settled in the middle at 84.

    Actual Median Home sold prices for December varied a great deal from listing price.  Median Sold price was at $259,893 compared to the median listing price of $341,000.  This huge difference seems to be common through out all the 7 different areas I do reports for.

    While prices declined steadily from October, December 2018 showed an overall increase in median price of 11% from December of 2017.  Inventory available also decreased from 44 in October, 31 November, to 22 in December 2018.

     

    Sandpoint City Market Report -December 2018What does this mean to Buyers and Sellers. I believe sales will remain strong.  The market, while seemingly leveling off a bit, still remains very much a sellers market.  As long as our inventories remain low, the prices will sustain at current levels.  Sellers need be cognizant of rising interest rates and not price too high.  Buyers need be prepared to act “now” when they find the home they want.

    One stat I find interesting and will watch as we move out of winter months is the Selkirk MLS ‘Pending’ category. With no restrictions to vacant land, residential, or commercial.  Any sale pending.  In late August Pending’s were showing in the low 400’s.  September at 392, November 292 and December at 233.  A very good needle for overall activity.

    No single market report can give anyone an accurate price estimate on their home.  They are meant as an insight to market conditions and trends.  If you would like a Broker Price Opinion on your specific home please do contact me.  We can talk and put something together more in line with your home.

    Figures from Selkirk MLS do not represent all sales in Boundary and Bonner Counties.  There is also Coeur D’ Alene MLS as well as “For Sale by Owner”.

    Experience the Difference Living in North Idaho will make.  Contact me as your local North Idaho Real Estate resource.  Mark Don McInnes 

  • Christmas Fudge – Family Tradition Continues in North Idaho

    Christmas Lights Decorations

    Christmas Fudge – Family Tradition Continues in North Idaho

    Christmas Fudge

    The Holiday Season is always so special to me.  It does not matter one’s religion or beliefs.  The season leading up to Christmas is filled with warmth and giving.  Part of the spirit seen is all the baking.  Handed out in good cheer and enjoyed by all.  Mom’s Christmas Fudge tradition continues long after her passing.

    Many years before I was old enough to remember, Mom was given a recipe for some very special fudge.  She made it but once a year, Christmas time.  She felt if it was made more often than that it would no longer be special.  I begged her for the recipe through the years and never was it relinquished for this very same reason.

    Christmas Fudge

    Long ago Mom became ill with cancer.  She gave me a beautifully written Christmas Card.  With the card came the very special gift of her Christmas Fudge recipe.  Also asking me to make it but once a year as had been her tradition.

    Christmas Fudge

    Since then, Mom’s Christmas Fudge tradition continues on through me.  This will be the 63rd year with me having missed but one, and, of course, Mom never having missed any.  With the Holiday Season a time to spread cheer I always find it warming to be able reflect on Mom, and years past, while making her special Christmas Fudge.

    I always chuckle when I give out a plate of fudge.  I receive a thank you, and an odd look, especially when realizing I personally made it.  Much doubt as to its taste worthiness. lol  It never fails though, the very next year the same skeptics are asking if I am making fudge again.  With the short ‘Christmas Wish’ video below you can see the answer to that question is ‘YES’.

    Christmas Wish 2018 – Don’t forget the Fudge from Mark Don McInnes on Vimeo.

     

    Enjoy your Holiday Season and Experience the Difference Living In North Idaho will make.  Contact me as your local North Idaho Real Estate resource.

  • North Idaho and Sandpoint ‘Ice Dams’

    Sandpoint ‘Ice dams’ are not specific to Sandpoint Idaho and surrounding North Idaho areas. Any cold weather states susceptible. The weather this season thus far has proven to be excellent for the forming of ‘ice damns’. While the name may sound cool, the damage that can be done to a home is not.

    Ice Dams are those formations of ice at the edge of roofs.  Yes those wonderful ice cycles we all enjoy looking at are tell tale signs of ice dams and possible damage, many times serious, secretly happening without our knowledge until too late.

    For excellent information on ice damns and possible damage and tips for removal I suggest going to http://www.icedamcompany.com/about-ice-dams/ based out of Minnesota.  The diagram below, from the Ice Damn Company is excellent in showing exactly what is happening behind the ice we see.

    Sandpoint 'Ice Dams' no different

    illustration Courtesy Ice Damn Company – MN.

    So next time you are enjoying one of those Sandpoint ‘Ice Dams’,  realize the damage that may be lurking behind the beauty of a simple ice cycle !

  • Sagle Idaho 3 bedroom Home For Sale – $79,000.00

    While it is argued there are no longer good values to be found in North Idaho housing, this Sagle Idaho 3 bedroom Home For Sale gives proof to just the opposite.  At $82,000 (Improved price as of January 22, 2018 – $79,000) it would be difficult to find rent less expensive,at this time, than the mortgage payment of this home.

    Sagle Idaho 3 bedroom home for sale

    Three bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,096 sq. ft.  with community water and private septic.  Real property manufactured home located on .34 acres and less than 9 miles to Highway 95 with either Dufort or Sagle Roads.  Minutes to beautiful Garfield Bay boat launch, marina, camp ground and park.

    Located at 135 Cedar Hill in Sagle Idaho this home and 10X16 storage shed, situated on .34 acres, allows room for garage / shop and or garden area.  2 of the 3 bedrooms separated from the master bedroom and bath by open living area.  User friendly kitchen with plenty of cupboard space and peninsula counter to separate kitchen from living room.  Separate rear entrance combines for mud room and laundry room with washer and dryer.  Small open deck off the main entrance.  Season creek.

    While there are no bells and whistles with this Sagle Idaho 3 bedroom home for sale, it is clean, good bones, ready to move in, and at a price confirming the fact there is a motivated seller.

  • Sagle Idaho Home for Sale

    2,352 sq. ft. 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sitting on .5 acres.  This Sagle Idaho Home for Sale offers a unique layout.  All 5 bedroom are on the upper level including the Master Bedroom and bath.  Central to all bedrooms is a common area that can be utilized in any fashion that fits your needs.

    The lower level has a large kitchen and dining area with windows/and rear door opening to open deck area.  Connecting to the kitchen/dining area is the large living room with south facing window welcoming the sun and light.

    The wood burning stove sits just off the living room, and near the stairs, allowing for wood heat to be dispersed through out the home nicely.  A larger than normal mud room off the front entrance makes keeping winter time clean up much easier.  The separate laundry room conveniently located on main level as well.  Storage area, with separate entrance, off the laundry room gives  protected access to additional freezers, tools, cleaning items etc.

    Located less than a mile from County maintained road and less than 9 miles, via two different main roads, to Highway 95.  Enjoy the short distance to Garfield Bay boat launch, park, and camp ground, as well as Bottle Bay, Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint, and Schweitzer Ski Resort.

    Consider this Sagle Idaho Home for Sale when searching for your new home.  Listing price at $189,000.00  Selkirk Listing # 20173178.

  • Christmas Lights Decorations 2017

    A Christmas tradition over the past decade I always enjoy a nice dinner and movie in Coeur D’Alene.  With us already middle of January 2018 I wanted to bring up a couple things.  Riverstone Plaza is just down the street from the Coeur D’Alene Resort yet many people miss the wonderful Christmas lights displayed there.  Whether having seen before or not make it a point to enjoy the Coeur D’ Alene Christmas Lights Decorations this December 2018.

    Christmas Lights Decorations

    Coldwell Banker at Riverstone has a beautiful display.  With the blue lights showing off fresh fallen snow always very impressive.  This post being mainly written to bring that to peoples attention who have not been to Riverstone Plaza to enjoy the Christmas Lights Decorations

    I also want to mention my feelings on Christmas Lights Decorations 2017.  It seemed an odd year to me.  Many rushing, trying to bring in the season even before Halloween had passed.  Yet as the season arrived it seemed far fewer had decorated than usual.

    And now as we move to the 3rd week of January it seems of those many  having decorated, businesses and personal alike, have left the decorations up as well as leaving Christmas lights on.  While the spirit was wished for, it just did not seem to materialize as it normally does.  It will be interesting to me what spirit will show itself with Christmas Lights Decorations 2018.

  • Sold Sandpoint Home on 10 acres – Congratulations Ron and Brandy

    We met in late fall and began our search.  Two extended weekends and over 40 homes viewed gave way to an offer in Selle Valley Sandpoint.  As luck would have it another buyer was also interested and submitted an offer.  Best and last was a success for Ron and Brandy and so began the process of Title and Lender requirements.  With many outside obstacles, we finally reached the goal of a Sold Sandpoint Home on 10 Acres.

    A transaction is more than just a buyers agent working with the buyers.  Lenders, listing agent, title and many more come into play as one moves through the process.  Ron and Brandy were great.  Hung in there through all the obstacles.  Erik Envik of Realty Plus made a huge difference as well as Lynnette Miller of North Idaho Title.  Thank you to all.

    Sold Sandpoint Home on 10 AcresUsually closing and recording are the big relief.  A moment to sit back and enjoy your new home.  Unfortunately Ron and Brandy have not had much luck with weather.  Large snow storms have interfered with moving.

    Sold Sandpoint Home on 10 acresOn top of that propane supplier was unable to get to the house due to snow accumulation on the 200 yard driveway.   With the tank extremely low and single digit temperatures I loaded my snow blower and worked clearing the driveway so propane could be delivered early the next morning.

    Through all this Ron and Brandy have remained positive.  Good people that I feel fortunate to consider friends.  Congratulations again on your Sold Sandpoint Home on 10 Acres !

  • Freedom of Speech and NFL

    I want to pass along a thank you to the NFL players who chose to kneel this year during the National Anthem.  Even knowing my Patriot’s ‘ice man’ and Coach Belichick’s careers were at the closing years, I boycotted all football games.  Freedom of Speech right?  That included watching even games at home, enjoying a draft and a ball game, or eating at a restaurant to watch a game.

    Two very interesting realizations after having done so.  One is that football scores, stats, Superbowl participants, and anything else to do with football did not change.  Collectively with others that choose the same course, as myself, maybe some revenue was lost but nothing that will change the future of the game or how the players are treated by owners and coaches, or the media for that fact.  I feel good with my choice.

    Two, and most importantly to me, is how much time I saved over this past football season.  How much I was able to get accomplished while in the past I would have easily spent 1 maybe 2 games a week in front of a screen watching.  That amounts to a lot of hours and possible dollars saved while watching something that I had absolutely no control over the end outcome.

    Do know I am a big proponent of Freedom of Speech.  I do however very much question the intelligence of disrespecting the very icons at the core of what represents this country’s Freedom of Speech.   What brave women, men and families have sacrificed, in the past and present, to insure our rights as Americans to that privilege.  I do not argue our country to be perfect, as is not any other country, or individual for that matter.  I believe it is one helluva country to live in though.

    You might enjoy this short You-Tube video to gain a better insight as to just what our Anthem and Flag represent.  “Freedom of Speech” along with all our other Freedom’s through out history have come at no small cost.

  • Sagle Cabin Accepted Offer

    Congratulations to Marcus and Amanda !  A real estate transaction is like any journey.  Destinations are reached by taking one step at a time.  The first step of an accepted offer is very exciting and rewarding.  With their Sagle Cabin Accepted Offer we will move through the transaction process one step at a time to see the finish line.

    I received a late evening call that Marcus and Amanda were leaving the next morning and would like to see a Sagle Idaho Cabin before leaving.  I was able to make arrangements with the listing agent to see it that evening and met Marcus and Amanda at the cabin.  They liked the cabin and wanted to discuss it before making any decisions.

    A hidden gem in Sagle situated on 5 private acres.  A wonderful enclosed/screened patio to enjoy those special North Idaho late afternoons and sunsets.  Cute inside with completely redone kitchen.  Cozy living room area with wood burning stove.  Easy access to Highway 95 with short commute to all that North Idaho has to offer in outdoor activities.  A perfect North Idaho getaway for sure.

    Later that night I received a call that after discussing they wanted to make an offer.  We met next morning at the office and the offer was submitted before they left town.Sagle Cabin Accepted Offer

    After some negotiations with the sellers, and both parties working together, an agreement was made resulting in the Sagle Cabin Accepted Offer.  I am looking forward to working with Marcus and Amanda.  The listing agent and seller show themselves to communicate well and I am trusting this transaction to move forward smoothly.

    Congratulations again to Marcus and Amanda on the Sagle Cabin Accepted Offer!

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