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Welcome to our new Frequently Asked Questions section.
As we receive common questions about Idaho, the real estate market,
or the processes of buying or selling property we will be
posting them and their answers here.
Please feel free to send us any questions you might have!
Why should I use a realtor?
National Association of Realtors members must adhere to a strict Code of
Ethics and are committed to treating all parties to a transaction honestly.
Local Realtors are community experts. They track real estate trends,
share neighborhood concerns and participate in local affairs. They are
good neighbors who are in the business of helping others buy and sell homes.
Many of the rules and regulations for buying and selling property are complex,
along with paperwork and procedures. Your Realtor will work for you to cut
through the red tape, and make your experience a happy one, as it should be.
If you are selling a home a Realtor can get you listed in the MLS listings
database and more. If you are buying a home a Realtor can help you with your
decision for a home. From how much you can afford, and what type of financing
you'll need, to always making sure the process is understandable.
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments
most people experience in their lifetime. The Realtor you work with could
be one of your most valuable resources. So, always make sure your real
estate agent is a certified Realtor!
Is there a Real Estate Agent "Code of Ethics?"
Yes there is. Certified Realtors are members of the National Association
of Realtors, which does have a code of ethics for their 720,000 members.
The actual code of ethics is listed
here.
We are a proud member of the local
Selkirk Association of Realtors.
How can I get more information about Sandpoint and North Idaho?
Please visit our
local information
section for lots of local information, and feel free to contact us with specific inquiries.
In addition, the local
Chamber of Commerce
has a wonderful welcome packet.
What are the schools like in Sandpoint?
Links to websites for the local schools can also be found in our
local information section.
Are there any local private schools?
The Sandpoint Junior Academy is a Seventh-Day Adventist school that serves
grades 1-8th.
The
Sandpoint Waldorf School
uses the Waldorf educational approach, serving preschool - 8th grade.
Does Sandpoint have a college?
The North Idaho College
based out of Coeur d'Alene has a local "Outreach Center" here in Sandpoint.
What is the population of Sandpoint and Bonner County?
Sandpoint has a local population of over 8,000 people as of July 2005. As
of 2004 Bonner County had almost 40,000 residents and 20,000 houses. The
land area for the entire county is 1,737.7 square miles, and 181.9 square
miles of water coverage.
What is the local climate like?
Sandpoint is famous for its seasons both warm and cold. In the summer
people come for all over to boat and swim in the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.
Summer temperatures typically range in the 80's - 90's, but can get up into
the 100's on occasion. In the winter the town is just as bustling from
tourists enjoying the snow at the
Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort.
Are there a lot of jobs available?
As with anywhere the employment rate varies as the months go by. Please visit
the Idaho Department of Commerce & Labor
for detailed information on available jobs and the job market.
What drives the local economy?
Sandpoint is primarily a popular tourist attraction. The local economy is kept
thriving on a constant influx of people coming here to enjoy the nature, the lake,
and of course, the ski resort.
Does Lake Pend Oreille get warm enough to swim in?
Absolutely! In fact, it is a challenge during the summer to find one of the
many public beach areas unoccupied. As well as Lake Pend Oreille, there are
also numerous swimming locations all over North Idaho within driving distance of
Sandpoint. Some of them known for their downright warm waters.
What are the winters like in North Idaho?
Being so far north has its great advantages. The winters are cold but loveable.
During the snowy weeks of winter, nature sleeps as snow blankets the town.
Making a Sandpoint winter the perfect place to enjoy the landscape, and of course,
there is the skiing.
Where is the nearest Airport?
Sandpoint itself has a nice IFR airport on the edge of town. It has a 5,500
foot paved runway capable of holding up to 40,000 pounds gross weight
single-wheel load. Amenities and services include pilot’s lounge,
courtesy cars, fuel, flight school and tiedowns. Find out more
here.
If you are looking for a commercial airport, you can find the
Spokane International Airport
in Spokane, Washington approximately 76 miles, or 1.5 hours drive from Sandpoint.
How far is Sandpoint from the Schweitzer Mountain Resort?
The ski resort and lodge is approximately 13 miles from town. In the winter
it usually takes only 30-40 minutes to get up the mountain.
What is the "Idaho Club"?
The Idaho Club
is a local organization dedicated to creating the finest resort/residential
gated community here in the Northwest. Please drop by their site for more information.
I am concerned about owning a second home so far away.
While Sandpoint tends to be a quiet town with a low tendency for crime, there
is always the exception. Security Patrol Services, Inc. is a locally owned and operated company
that specializes in security services including: patrol, securing, inspection,
and alarm response. Please contact them at (208) 263-1128, or you can email them at
securitypatrol@intermaxnetworks.com
How can I find out where my property lines are?
The easiest way is to hire a local forester who specializes in compass/gps
reading. You can contact Terry Oliver at (208) 290-4118 for more information
on forester services.
You can also hire a licensed surveyor. However, the later tends to be
considerably more costly.
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