The Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service covers a wide geographical area, so to say the market is better than last year requires qualification. Overall, we are performing better than last year but prices in Coeur d'Alene/Dalton and in Post Falls remain lower than last year.

Those lows however, show less of a decline than those seen in recent months. In Coeur d'Alene/Dalton our number of sales is 11 percent below last year while Post Falls is down 13 percent. Virtually every area within our service posted gains in number of sales although not in average price.

Some will see cause for celebration. In fact, this is the first indication that we have a chance of exceeding last year's sales. In order to do that we have to maintain the narrow margin we achieved in August through the balance of the year.

Even though the price adjustments in most areas are significant, our total dollar sales volume for all residential types shows us less than a percentage point below last year's production as of Aug. 31. This appears to indicate that our local market may be gaining some traction and stability however tenuous that may be.

Once again, condo sales are the shining star of our statistical analysis showing not only a 29 percent increase in numbers sold, but an average sale price increase of 15 percent when compared to last year. The ever popular waterfront category is regaining some of its luster as well with a 40 percent increase in number albeit at a 7 percent higher average price than last year.

Our available inventory remains below last year by nearly 11 percent when all listing types are considered. For residential types - everything from manufactured to waterfront homes - we have 14 percent fewer listings.

Of course, as you are all aware, there is still plenty of inventory to choose from. Whether you are in the market for a home, office, land or a home with land, you will still find plenty of bargains when compared to recent years. Our data indicates though, that our local market demand is up slightly from last year as interest rates continue to remain low.

Our Friday check of rates at www.ihfa.org showed a 30-year conventional loan with interest at 3.75 percent. This, no doubt, is a contributing factor in the movement of real estate.

Remember, if you or someone you know is in danger of losing their home due to a loss of income, they only have until Sept. 19 to apply for relief under the E.H.L.P. program through IHFA.

And a special note: Please fly your flag today in remembrance of those who lost everything on this day in 2001.

Trust an expert... call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.

Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664.

Area Sales Average Price

Cd'A/Dalton -11% -5%

Post Falls -13% -12%

Hayden +7% -1%

Rath/Twin Lk. +5% +1%

North County +7% -23%

South County +78% +19%

Silver Valley +35% -28%

Bonner/Boundary +35% +6%

Benewah +63% -21%

Washington +135% -21%

Totals +1% -6%