COEUR d'ALENE - Vicky Houle, of Windermere Real Estate/Coeur d'Alene Realty Inc., has been named Realtor of the Year.

"I was surprised," Houle said after receiving the award Wednesday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, where the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors held its membership meeting.

"It's an honor being recognized in your peer community," Houle said.

The Realtor of the Year selection committee consists of the past five Realtors of the Year.

Houle, who sells residential property, started with Coeur d'Alene Realty 21 years ago, which at that time was called Better Homes Coeur d'Alene Realty.

She said she likes being a Realtor because she's able to set her own hours, continues to learn, and, most importantly, is able to help others.

"I like finding that exact right property that would really fit their needs," Houle said.

She said her strengths as a Realtor are her honesty and her knowledge of the real estate market in Kootenai County.

She said sales have been challenging in the current economy, but, "It depends on your attitude. If you think it's going to be a lousy market, it's likely going to be a lousy market."

She said the sale of land has been showing some promise recently, as prices have come down.

"People see it as an opportunity to get that little piece of property" they've long wanted, Houle said.

Federal stimulus dollars helped her and other Realtors through July on residential property sales.

Houle is active in the association, serving as local director, state director and is past president.

And she has been active in the Women's Council of Realtors and was president of the local chapter in 2006.

Houle contributes to the community through her church and with fundraising.

She is married to Roland Houle, for 41 years, and they live in Kootenai County. She enjoys gardening.