Top 3 Fears for First Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home is a BIG DEAL. But it may not be as “scary” as you thought!
We have helped tons of first time home buyers get into their first homes. Time and time again, the concerns, misconceptions and fears we discuss are the same.
Here are just 3 we hear all the time and often the reasons buyers decide they need to wait or that it “just wont for for them”.
We are here to tell you, its not as hard you think and when you work with someone like us, we will get all of the questions answered and guide you through the process each step of the way. Believe us, whatever you worried about or are afraid to ask, we have dealt with it before and can help you too!
If you are curious about buying and want to know more, let’s connect! We are here to help you Make Awesome Happen.
Also be sure to watch our First Time Buyer Play List on YouTube for more helpful information about buying your first home.
Downtown Farmers Market

Now that it is nearly summer in Northern Idaho, you can almost hear a collective sigh of relief across the Panhandle. The sun is out, flowers are blooming and we can finally head downtown to Coeur d’Alene’s wonderful farmers market! John and I have always felt personal conviction to buy local and to support our community and what better way than going out to meet the faces behind all the hard work?
Just a short trip down town to 5th street and you’ll find dozens of tents full of color and aromas that will make you soar. Last year we bought some rare herbs for the garden at one of the local vendors and I was relieved to find that they are back again this year.
You’re also likely to find one or two dairies, some fresh made stone-fired pizza and handmade soaps and countless other crafts but my Granddaughter’s favorite is the strawberry ice cream that Sweet Peaks is selling. Sweet Peaks has been doing the farmers market for a while now, but are just opening up a food truck on 4th & Best Ave. They make all of their ice cream right on the spot with liquid nitrogen. It was really nice finally having ice cream that tasted like both cream and strawberries (real ones).
We hope you get out to the next one and make your own adventure like we did!
Hours
Downtown: Wednesdays 4pm-7
5th & Sherman
Hayden: Saturdays 9am-1:30
Hwy 95 & Prairie
What documents to keep and what to toss?

Tax time again and a mound of documents and not sure what to do with it all?
Hopefully you made it through another tax season and found all of your documents needed to file your return. Now, what documents do you need to keep and which ones should you toss? Here’s a little guideline which will help you with clearing out the old paperwork, but not throwing away anything that you might need later.
What to keep and what to toss?
John and Tracey Tindall
208-818-2365 or 2456
January’s Market Update – Is this a good time to sell?

Is this a good time to sell?
Here is your housing snapshot for January 2017 showing an increase of 10% in median home prices and time on market down 5% in Kootenai County. If you are a seller who is on the fence about putting your home on the market, this snapshot is a good indication that this might be a very good time for you to sell your home.
A market offering higher median home prices, shorter closing time frames and less inventory will give sellers who decide to list now have some real advantages especially this time of year.
Listing your home before the masses who wait for better weather in April and May can give you the edge for success. Low inventory combined with a large number of qualified buyers creates competition for your listing. Many buyers have already lost out on another home and these buyers are ready to pounce once your listing hits the MLS. Homes that are show ready and priced right are garnering multiple offers at full price and often offers over full price!
If you would like to be kept up to date on the market or know more about selling your home or the value of your home, contact us and we will be happy to provide you with a customized market analysis.

Considering a Remodel? 4 Points to Consider

Thinking of remodeling your home? Maybe you are looking for a home to buy that might need some remodeling? To Remodel or Not… 4 Points to consider when taking on a remodel project and understanding the benefits and challenges.
As with anything in life, a remodeling project can come with its ups and downs. Certain phases seem to go a mile a minute, while others feel like they’ve lasted a lifetime and a half, all while it looks as though nothing is being completed. Fear not — this is pretty typical. And, while every project is different, a good portion of renovations have four major phases, what I’m calling the Honeymoon, the Midproject Crisis, the Renewal of Vows and the Happily Ever After.
For now, let’s take a closer look at the Honeymoon phase of renovating….read more
Honeymoon 1: Homegrown Decor, LLC, original photo on Houzz
After weeks of searching for a remodeler in your area, calling references, checking out their Houzz profile and working toward an agreeable price, you say, “I do,” sign the contract, finalize the design and begin work in two weeks. There’s a little nervousness in the air, but as you enter the Honeymoon phase, the mood is mainly one of excitement.
Demolition Begins
A couple of weeks go by, and the day comes for work to start. Protective products are placed, and demolition begins. Demo, sweet, demo. Normally one of the quickest moving stages of a remodel, demolition makes it look as if a lot of work is being done practically overnight. Cabinetry is removed, walls are torn down, appliances are taken away and, in a matter of days or weeks (depending on the size of your project), you’re staring at a blank canvas.
After that, any necessary framing and structural work will begin. Framing usually isn’t as exciting or fast-paced as demolition, but still, there is visible progress almost daily. At this point, you and your partner are walking on air. The rate of work is astounding, and you’re still very excited (although maybe a little less nervous now) about the entire project…..read more
Posted in Houzz.com by Houzz.com