I didn’t realize that ‘automated valuations’ are not legal for financing in Idaho. If they are not legal, why are lenders lending based on them? Could this become a more serious issue now in the face of lender / appraisal fraud issues throughout the country?

Not everyone likes my point of view - and that’s ok. It’s always nice to know that someone does though!!! From the day I started this blog, my goal was to provide (what I think) is the voice of reason in this sea of cacophony called the media - specifically focused on Kootenai County real estate. I wanted to provide information to our clients and prospective clients who own (or hope to own) property in Kootenai County but probably don’t live here or don’t currently live here.

If there is something you’d like me to include - please do not hesitate to let me know.

It is my goal to provide as much accurate and factual information as possible. With everyone being bombarded by ‘bubble busters’ and ‘media panic makers’, I felt we needed a dose of reality, regardless of whether reality is positive, negative or stagnant.

I mentioned the Copper Basin project in another post on this blog. I wanted to clarify my statement - I am absolutely not against builders providing incentives for buyers who then may flip the properties. This is actually a different issue than what I was referring to.

Copper Basin is requesting a modification in density in an existing sub-division specifically for “work force housing”. In my opinion, if something is designated “work force housing” then it needs to be “protected” as such. Because affordability is a “hot” issue in Kootenai County - not protecting designated “work force housing” becomes a farce so to speak.

In other words, if the offering of $130,000 - $150,000 houses ends up mostly being sold to investors who then rent them out or flip them for higher prices - how did this help the work force in the county that can not purchase at the higher prices?

I do not agree that “protection” needs to be placed on all real estate - ONLY on specifically designated “work force housing” projects. In other words, requirements that it must be owner-occupied, that the owner must work in Kootenai County, having specific income requirements, length of occupancy/ownership requirements, etc.

I am a real estate investor, my family members are all real estate investors and the clients I work with (such as yourself) are mostly real estate investors. I have a vested interest in being able to obtain and provide real estate that will make myself and my clients money.

I also have a strong interest in making sure that those that work in Kootenai County can afford to own a home in Kootenai County.

Does that answer your question? Please let me know if I need to clarify anything.

I am interested in the comment you made regarding the Copper Basin new construction project. It seems you are against the situation where builders give incentives to attract buyers, who then flip the properties. I am interested to know why this is a bad idea?? I think I have interpretted your comment correctly??

Thanks