COEUR d'ALENE - Katie Bane. Marcello Conigliaro. Chad Oakland.

Between them, they were responsible for $60 million in real estate sales and around 250 transactions last year alone.

No wonder.

Each has nearly 20 years experience in real estate. This is and has been their full-time job.

"It's what we do," Oakland said. "We don't do anything else except sell real estate."

"All we do is live, breathe, sleep, eat real estate, 24/7," Conigliaro said.

And here's what Bane had to say:

"It's about helping people make choices of where they're going to live, how they're going to live, and how they're going to invest," she said.

With all that in mind, the three recently came together and opened Northwest Realty Group, a full-service real estate company, 1919 N. Third St., Coeur d'Alene.

Conigliaro said they want to create a culture of top-producing agents in a small, independent company.

"We have no intention of being the biggest," he said. "We just want to be the best.

"We just wanted to establish a culture of more intimate services," he added.

Each said it seemed a natural fit for them to be owners in the profession they love. Each has a track record of standards, ethics and service. Each has a well-established client base.

"So working in a small brokerage works really well for us and our clients," Bane said.

Northwest Realty Group opened about a week ago and the response has been what they called "phenomenal."

"I can't tell you how many people have told me, 'I can't believe it's taken you this long to do this,'" Conigliaro said.

The office is set up to handle six agents, so more could join the Northwest Realty Team. The goal is to have $200 million in brokerage sales.

They believe it's a good time to open a new office.

Mortgage rates are low, sales are up, prices are improving and the outlook for new construction next year is strong.

"The opportunity is here, based on the cyclical nature of the market, and being five years of down market," Bane said.

"The bottom has come and gone," Conigliaro said.

Conigliaro, 47, Bane, 44 and Oakland, 38, started their careers at small real estate offices, then worked at larger ones before venturing out on their own. They're friends who enjoy each other's company.

"We have all three come full circle," Oakland said.

And each is passionate about their work.

"Every day it's different," said Oakland. "I love what I do. If there was a business that was made for me, this is it."

Same for Conigliaro.

"I love the fact I have a spring in my step right now. There's a renewed vigor for the enjoyment of selling real estate.

"I've always loved it. Helping people with the single biggest investment of their lives is pretty powerful stuff."

Bane, too.

"My passion is helping educate people about making good investment choices," she said. "That's the most fun part of my job."

Information: 664-4200