The purchase of a home will likely be the biggest invest anybody will make in their life. Our homes are the centers of our lives because they hold everything and everyone important to us. Our top priorities are taking care of that invest.  Winter is a harsh season here in North Idaho as a result it can cause some damage to our homes, properties, our loved ones, or even our wallets! It can be avoided if we take extra steps this fall or start of winter to prepare.

The next question is where do I start? Not knowing can be overwhelming and stressful. Below is just a small list of some important home maintenance ideas. Included is the reason you should do them. It can make a huge difference on your home and property this year.

Interior

• Windows & Doors ~Install cool weather storm windows & doors, repair and/or replace loose or damaged window or door frames and insert weather stripping or caulking around windows & doors. This will all keep your house better insulated through winter.

• Heating Systems ~Replace the filter in your furnace and clean your ducts to help your furnace’s efficiency and help save money

• Plumbing ~ Be sure your pipes are well insulated to help avoid freezing. You’ll also want to know where the water shut off valve is in case your pipes do freeze.  Be sure to remove hoses from hose bibs on your home in colder weather so that your bibs and frost fee bibs don’t freeze in the low temperatures, causing leaks in the warmer months.  

• Ventilation ~ Check the eave vents to be sure it’s clear of insulation and other debris to prevent mold.  Clean out your dryer vents to protect from possible ignition.  Close your foundation vents durning the fall and winter to keep pipes in your crawl space from freezing. 

• Safety Devices ~ Now is a good time of year to check all your safety devices to be sure you can make it through winter. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers, test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (changing the batteries if necessary) and test your home for radon.

Exterior

• Gutters & Downspouts ~ Clean our your gutters and downspouts of debris to put a stop to any possible rot and to keep your gutters in proper working order

• Chimney & Fireplace ~ Have a professional inspect & clean your chimney  to help avoid chimney fires. Test your fireplace flue for a tight seal when it’s closed to prevent water getting into your chimney.

• Landscaping & Outside Work ~ Trim any limbs that are close to power lines, cover or store your patio furniture, check your walkways, stairs and driveway for easier winter navigation. To help promote yard growth, you could fertilize and reseed your lawn as well as prune your trees and shrubs.

• Air Conditioners ~ If you have a window AC unit, be sure to remove it and store in a dry play before winter. Or cover your AC unit with a piece of plywood held down by bricks. This will help protect the unit from falling debris but also continue to allow airflow. You don’t want to put a waterproof cover over it during winter because it creates a warm environment which attracts unwanted guests.

All fathers deserve the best! But sometimes they might be a little difficult to shop for, so maybe treating them to an experience would be more ideal. There are loads of fun activities you can do with your dad this Father’s Day! Check out some ideas and events happening below.  And if worst comes to worst, there’s also some out of box gift ideas, which are all below $100. 

Activities:

Take advantage of our local lakes and rivers. Rent a boat and enjoy the water. Maybe fishing or just cruising around. Click here for a list of area lakes & rivers plus some boat launches. 

Head out to a brewery. There are a ton of great breweries in our area. If beer is your dad’s thing, check out a list of local breweries by clicking here.

Hike or Bike. Maybe being active is something your dad enjoys. We’re in North Idaho, so there are plenty of places to hike or bike. Check out a great list we put together bu clicking here.

Take him to a live show. Everybody loves music! There are some concerts happening this weekend in the area, check it out here. 

Check out some classic cars. You’re in luck! This weekend is the annual Car d’Alene in beautiful downtown. Check out the details here.

Take him to the golf course. Hit a few balls at a local golf course. Click here for a list of the ones in the area.

Just lay low. Keep it simple and make your dad a nice home cooked meal. Or take him to a nice restaurant in the area and have others doing the cooking for you. 

Local Events:

Father’s Day Cocktail Class – On June 16th you and your dad can make two signature cocktails at Up North Distillery in Post Falls, plus get 20% off all merchandise. 

Father’s Day Buffet – On June 16th at the Coeur d’Alene Casino, dad’s can enjoy a yummy buffet and $3 Manmosas!

Car D’Alene – June 14th and 15th in Downtown Coeur d’Alene, check out some classic cars with your dad.

Out of the Box Gift Ideas

Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit – $35

If your dad is a spice lover, this great gift he help can create his own brand of spice. 

Personalized Spatula – $24.95

Nothing shows your dad you love him more than your name on an item he uses frequently. He’ll think of you every time he uses it.

BeerLoft – $30

Save some room in your dad’s fridge with this beer loft. Now he’ll have more space for his snacks. 

Whisky Wedge and Glass – $18

Help minimize the water dilution in your dad’s whisky but also keeping it chilled. That way it’ll be good to the last drop.

Beer Jelly – $30

Now your dad can eat his favorite beers straight from the tap with jelly infused with craft beers. 

Personalized Engraved Glass Decanter – $29.99

Engrave one side or two sides of a glass decanter for your dad and help them savor whisky the way it was supposed to be.

Bottle Opener Slot Game – $70

Make your dad’s house the place to drink with this slot game. Who knew drinking could become even more fun? 

Check out full lists of great ideas by following the links below:

Uncommongoods.com

Etsy

Personalizationmall.com

Mancrates.com

Credit: Goodhousekeeping

What do you think of when you hear the words St. Patrick’s Day? Likely the words green, beer, and parades come to mind. There’s actually a full history behind that holiday and St. Patrick himself, with lots of interesting facts.

History

St. Patrick’s day celebrates Roman Catholic Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. He wasn’t born in Ireland, but rather Britain. When he was 16 he was taken captive to Ireland as a slave. He escaped and fled to a monastery in France.  Years later he went back to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity. Although the religion had already taken hold in the country, he helped it become more widespread. By the time he died, he had created many monasteries, schools and churches. The day of his death, March 17th, has become what we know and celebrate today – St. Patrick’s Day.

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day started in Ireland. After the Irish immigrants moved to the United States, the celebration really took off with the parades and celebrations that we know today. Both the Irish and the non-Irish participate in the widespread holiday.

Fun Facts

The Shamrock was used by St. Patrick to explain the Trinity and is also Ireland’s national flower/emblem.

Although the color green is now the common color of the holiday, it was not the original one. Blue was traditionally associated with the holiday. It switched because of Ireland’s nickname “The Emerald Isle”, the shamrock and the green in the Irish flag. 

Beer is the mostly widely consumed beverage on St. Patrick’s Day (Big Surprise!), with Guinness being the most popular.

According to a census in 2016, 32.3 million U.S. residence had Irish ancestry which is 7 times the population of Ireland.

You have a 1 in 10,000 chance of finding a 4 leaf clover.

Local Events

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown Coeur d’Alene on Saturday the 16th from 4-5pm

St. Patrick’s Day Splash Bash – Coeur d’Alene Resort Saturday the 16th from 8-11:30pm

St.Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration – Mirabeau Hotel in Post Falls from the 15th-17th

Coeur d’Irish Party– On March 16th at the Coeur d’Alene Resort from 5:00- 11:30. Featuring traditional Irish music and St. Patricks day Fare.

CDA Firefighter’s Pipes and Drums Pub Crawl– It is on March 16th and starts at 3:00 and goes on till 10:30. We have a schedule posted on our Facebook Profile so you can join in the shenanigans. Or… if you prefer. ↓↓↓

3:00PM – Capone’s
3:30PM – All Things Irish
4:00PM – St. Patrick’s Day Parade
5:00PM – O’Shay’s
5:30PM – Slate Creek
6:00PM – Paragon Brewing
6:30PM – Daft Badger
7:00PM – Capone’s
7:30PM – Coeur d’ Irish
8:00PM – Eagles
8:30PM – Moose Lounge
9:00PM – Crafted
9:30PM – Crickets
10:00PM – The Ironhorse
10:30PM – Beacon

Happy St. Patricks Day and Erin Go Bragh

John & Tracey

Credit: GPB Media, Encyclopedia Britannica, LiveScience, ProFlowers, History

One thing you can count on in North Idaho and that is that Idaho has 4 great and very distinct seasons. Each having something fun and unique to offer. From the weather to events, food  and clothes. Above all, there is always something to do in each season. Indoor or outdoor person, it doesn’t matter, there’s something for you. 

Over the next few months there are enough activities in our beautiful city and surrounding area to make your head spin. Below are just a few of  activities you might want to consider.  You can always stay tuned to our What’s Happening Page for January, February & March for a full list. Including dates, times, locations and links!!

• Mamma Mia! – Aspire Community Theatre on Feb. 8 -17. 

It’s a show you can’t miss! The only Pacific Northwest Company to hold this will have this production.

• The Chocolate Affair –  Feb. 8 from 5-8pm

Can’t miss this chocolate tasting event & competition. Test chocolates with the perfect wine pairing with your valentine!

• The Sweetheart’s Ball –  Feb. 15 from 5:30-9:30pm

There will be a buffet dinner, plus a silent & live auction

• Charter Academy’s Soup & Chili Cook-Off – March 2 from 5-8pm

Sample the Soup & Chili.  Also Enjoy Auction Items, Game Room for Kids & Musical Performances

• Bartender’s Ball – March 2nd from 7:30-10:30pm

Check out this cocktail showdown with Local Mixologists!

The above is just a handful of the events happening over the next couple of months. And, there is always many to choose from each month and season.  Get out and enjoy all our area has to offer this winter!! And don’t forget to drop by our What’s Happening Page for January, February & March for a full list. Including dates, times, locations and links!!

John and Tracey Chime In

We love north Idaho. We love the fact that every season has its own unique life.  Festivities, events and change.  You never get bored here.  Just about the time you are ready for a change, Idaho delivers!  Each season has so many fun and unique activities and many that you look forward to all year long.   Idaho keeps it interesting and enjoyable and its just one of the reasons we call this our forever-home! 

John and Tracey Tindall 

What is Radon?

If you are buying or selling a home, Radon might not be on your radar, but it should be!   Learn more about Radon,  and what you should consider before you sell your home or buy your next one.

Learn more about Radon with John and Tracey 

Looking for the home that has it all?  You have found it! 

You need to see this gorgeous home offering high end finishes and beautiful mountain views. Located in desirable Meadow Ridge. Country feel yet close to everything. This home has it all with granite, tile, hardwood, large master suite with spacious walk in closet, tiled shower, jetted tub, 3 car tandem garage and 20×40 paved RV pad behind large gate. Fabulous kitchen with lots of counter space, storage and light. Elegant cathedral 10’ foot ceilings, gas fireplace, luxurious formal living and dining, spacious family room, custom railings, large laundry room, AC, fully fenced and READY for your SHOP (at least 20×40) This home has been PRE-INSPECTED and is move in ready and comes with a 13 Month Home Warranty

MLS:16-1042  

 We are super excited to announce the launch of our YouTube Channel!  

Keeping it Real…Estate with John and Tracey will be your site to learn more about the real estate industry, beautiful North Idaho and experience a "real" tour through a variety of homes. 

We will cover topics for the first time home buyer, investors, those who want to build, lending questions, what to look for in an agent and more.  Stay tuned!    

We will have a mix of serious business and fun while always keeping it 100% real.   Se sure and subscribe to stay up to date. Ask us a question on line and we will try to answer it in one of our future videos!

 

 

 

John and Tracey

Your Professional Agents

 

208-818-2365 John        johntindall@windermere.com        

208-818-2456 Tracey     traceytindall@windermere.com

Website                         www.johnandtracey.com