Sink or Swim – Sandpoint Homes

In this “sink or swim” Sandpoint housing market many of us are just treading water and trying to keep our heads dry.

But on the bright side it was perfect weather to get out and about to enjoy our community.

Betsy and I had another wonderful weekend in scenic Sandpoint, Idaho where we enjoyed the energy of fellow spectators at the annual Long Bridge Swim on Saturday.  Over 700 people swam almost 2 miles and believe me the crowd of swimmers and supporters packed the finish line at Dog Beach which has shrunk due to the construction of the bypass.  It was a fun day for all.

I had the company of Idaho Representative, George Eskridge, on my morning Dover bike path walk.   George is also a Sandpoint Realtor and he commented on the lack of real estate buyers this summer.

George and I recognize that cash buyers continue to have their pick of distressed properties.  I know that with the big lake and big mountain, buyers will continue to purchase retirement and recreation properties.

George and I are concerned about the folks that plow our roads, wait on tables, man the cash registers, and recite the daily specials on the menu.  The workforce and affordable housing issues are at the top of the list as we become more and more a service economy.

Government moves that will allow foreclosures in Sandpoint to be occupied, loan modification assistance, and modifying while extending the $8,000 first time homebuyer program, could all lead to some of the pressure being removed.    I have noticed the blogs and social sites reacting to news that home sales are up.

The number one comment being “I wonder how many were Sandpoint foreclosures?”   That’s not a bad thing.  Sales reduce inventory and inventory reduction helps restore and create value.

Keep swimming.  The finish line be a long way off but it’s there for sure.

Tags: First Time Homebuyers, Who is Ray