There aren’t many real estate sales that closed in January. 7 or 8 pending transactions on the books. The 3 sales from the past 5 days involved vacant land deals in the region. 72 Acres did sell on Red River Road, same location where my new listing for a custom log home resides. The 72 Acres was listed for $699K and closed substantially lower to a non-resident of the area.
This winter has been especially healthy in the amount of cold and snowfall, replenishing are drought ridden acquifers and will help when fire season returns. Once better weather begins to appear more readily, folks who want to escape the cities to a simpler existence, or to search for a vacation getaway, will return with funds to spend.
As most seem to agree, we are somewhat insulated here in the region of Idaho County from the fraud and foreclosure pony show going on in other states, and even in densely populated cities of Idaho. Nonetheless, there are those even in our midst who will suffer from the seeds sown in the markets of yesterday.
I spent a few minutes this morning catching up on the last 60 minutes segment that spun the story of complete and utter mortgage fraud.
The whole story is downright disgusting, from the words of the consumers all the way to the impacts to our world economy. The Global Economy needs an INTERVENTION. Reality TV may be able to shake some sense into the world. But of course, its someone elses fault. Lets blame it on Sadam Hussein. He’s dead, so he won’t care.
Years ago I kept a weather log at www.grangevilleidaho.com and I learned later that alot of people from outside the area were following that log.
Since I’m blogging several times a week, I will resume the weather notices. Visitors to this site can click on the “weather” category to pull up the most recent weather notices easily. When possible, I will post photos to show the appearance of the weather from my vantage point 6 miles east of town.
Today of course, the weather conditions are poor. I heard from a friend in town they are calling it BLIZZARD CONDITIONS in town and Hwy 95 has been closed all morning. Blowing snow and drifts are the real hazards, including high wind.
Schools are closed today in the Mountain View School District 244. Check their website for other notices pertaining to school closures. www.sd244.org
Best thing to do today is to stay put inside safe and warm.
Deep in the heart of North Central Idaho, Black Swan Development is creating unique destination properties that will fit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts who fish, hunt, hike, camp, snowmobile, and any number of other activities that folks just like you enjoy in the great Idaho outback.
Rivers’ Edge is one of those properties that you cannot miss. Set against a backdrop of Elk City Idaho National Forest lands, these unique waterfront lots are EASY to access and provide a great landing for you and your friends.
All but one lot in Rivers’ Edge development are vacant lots with American River frontage. Lot 5 however, has alot more to offer. In addition to the American River frontage, a fine custom cedar sided cabin, approximately 1600 Sq. Ft. in size with covered deck and detached garage gives an opportunity for those who don’t have the time to plan and build. This lovely cabin with rustic wood interior is decked out with vaulted ceilings, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, laundry, full kitchen with breakfast bar, dining area and a large loft with an extra bedroom and hobby area.
When the weather provides for fairer temps, you’ll enjoy the Elk that meander down to the river to drink, and FISHERMEN will love the thought of spawning salmon and steelhead making their way to the river within a stones throw of your back porch. From family gatherings to friends hunting and fishing, this cabin is one to be treasured.
Take Hwy 14 along the South Fork of the Clearwater River from Grangeville to Elk City, 55 miles on a road that is accessible year round, and plowed daily when snow falls. The scenery is breathtaking, and the fishing spots numerous. Hope you’ll make it to Elk City when the weather clears. Call Mary Mangold at 208-983-7602 for details or stop at our Windermere real estate office at 320 East Main Street in Grangeville, Idaho.
Wow, the news is full of ripe news (or is it “overripe” news) about the investigations of mortgage fraud sweeping the country by the FBI, the SEC, the DUMB, the CONS.
As a real estate agent, I put my trust in the banks who qualify buyers for loans. But things just don’t add up for many of the lending practices.
The big tip off that something was awry in the mortgage banking industry came for me in 2006. I was working with a gal and her significant other we’ll call Samantha and Dale. Both essentially unemployed, they had purchased a home in another state based on some sort of income producing endeavor 2 years previous, and now they were ready to move to Grangeville Idaho to buy a new home. They sold the home in the other state, providing a means for sustaining their lives for a time, and producing a handsome downpayment on the new loan in Grangeville.
Both talented in their own entrepreneurial spirit, Sam and Dale found the home of their dreams and set out to buy it through one of the larger traditional banks in the country, known for its strict guidelines. Who was I to question the loan of $200,000 to a single borrower who had credit and stated income enough to purchase a $275,000 home. What bank in its right mind would lend that much based on W2’s for a couple appearing to ”not work” at all. Without question, there was no real solid business base to effectively show a consistent income stream. Sams credit not worthy, the couple pursued the purchase of their home based on the Dales credit worthiness alone.
Dale closed on the new home and they moved in, setting up their new lives, in a new town, with new people to meet.
In the meantime, I continued to question the banks sanity in the endeavor to lend such a big chunk to a couple who didn’t seem to be in a real big hurry to secure jobs. A year later, refinancing was the game plan, and the home was used as a cash cow to extract equity that could be used to purchase lots of new fun toys. Cha-ching.
Next story: Banks hiring appraisers to inflate values on homes for refinancing.
If you read about the beautiful log home on Red River Road in an earlier post, you may also want to know about the vacation lots with American River frontage available in Elk City Idaho.
River’s Edge is Elk City’s newest subdivision with 12 vacant lots all with American River frontage range in size from 3/4 Acres to 3 Acres. Investors or recreationalists, once you see this well manicured development by Black Swan Development, lined on the perimeter with 3 rail fencing, you’ll fall in love. Spawning grounds for steelhead and salmon are just one of the pristine features of these waterfront lots.
We are awaiting county approval for River’s Edge in Elk City Idaho. Black Swan Development’s Kevin Tomlinson is working through the county requirements to prepare for the announcement of the platt approval when it is received. For now, if you have interest in receiving a price sheet on these lots when its ready, please email marymangold@windermere.com In the subject line type: River’s Edge Elk City
Sue and I saw an Elk Cow and her 2 cows, across the river, stepping higher on the ridge as we crunched our way to the covered porch to snap new photos of the rustic vacation cabin on Lot 5 with 2.85 Acres (MLS# 109203). We could not get our camera on them before they disappeared into the tree line above, but it was an exciting moment to see these magnificent creatures.
Life in Grangeville Idaho features mountain views, world class steelhead and salmon fishing on the South Fork of the Clearwater River, hunting and wildlife sightings, jet boat tours, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, rodeos, archery, snowmobiling on hundreds of miles of groomed trails, cross country ski trails and so much more. If you love being outdoors, you’ll love Grangeville.
Looking for horse property? This 7.93 Acre property features pastoral views, panoramic landscapes, and is within walking distance to town.
Build your new home and enjoy the mountain views, the seasonal creek and a nice quiet county maintained road for easy access.
Don’t just dream of Idaho, build your life here and live the dream while prices are still affordable!
Just 3/4 miles south of Grangeville, these five acre lots are in an excellent location on Fish Hatchery Road. Unencumbered views of the mountain range to the south also make these lots a beautiful site for your future ranch.
Investors! These lots are in such an excellent location close to Grangeville, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the potential of this investment to grow your money faster than the banks, while interest rates are low. Appreciation of land values are increasing quickly in this area. Get in while prices are still low and per acre prices are $15,000 ea.
Questions? Contact Mary Mangold: 208-983-7602(( just think about what tomorrow could bring - ground isn’t getting any cheaper))
Sue and I drove up to Elk City Idaho area to tend to some real estate listings. It was a perfect day of adventure, with blue skies and frosty clean snow putting a sparkle on the landscape.
We departed from Grangeville around 8:45am, heading down Mount Idaho Grade to Hwy 14 along the South Fork of the Clearwater River. Its a beautiful 55 mile drive, any time of year, and the Ford Explorer with studded tires was an excellent vehicle for our January road trip.
Turning onto Red River Rd, just past the old Bennett Mill site, held the promise of a new listing. Galena creek meanders through the property where it meets with Red River, a frozen ribbon through the giant meadows of the Red River area. This beautiful family size log home on the right side of the road perches itself at the edge of a beautiful landscape of pure wilderness as far as the eye can see.
The county plows Red River Road daily making winter access a breeze. Year round recreation is the key to enjoying the Red River area. Snowmobiling, ATVing, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, photography and wildlife observation. You won’t find shopping malls, Starbucks coffee joints, nor much of a cell signal here, deep in the heart of the north central Idaho wilderness. What you will find is abundant wildlife and panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Neighbors include Moose and Elk in your yard, birds of all varieties, and world class fishing for cutthroat, steelhead and salmon.
Watch this video of the interior:
Contact marymangold@windermere.com if you would like to placed on a mailing list for marketing materials, photos, videos and flyers regarding this beautiful log cabin on 4.06 Acres. Put RED RIVER CABIN in the subject line and I’ll immediately add you to the subscribers list for this property. In the meantime, development of all marketing materials and advertising for this beautiful one-of-a-kind vacation destination is ongoing.
For details, call our Windermere office in Grangeville ID at 208-983-8000 to speak to Sue Schmacher or Mary Mangold. Check back here for other articles, videos, photos and information about this and other Windermere listings. Or visit www.marymangold.net to search the MLS.
Just 3/4 miles south of Grangeville, these five acre lots are in an excellent location on Fish Hatchery Road. Unencumbered views of the mountain range to the south also make these lots a beautiful site for your future ranch.
Investors! These lots are in such an excellent location close to Grangeville, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the potential of this investment to grow your money faster than the banks, while interest rates are low. Appreciation of land values are increasing quickly in this area. Get in while prices are still low and per acre prices are $15,000 ea.