COEUR d'ALENE — Last year's housing market started with low interest rates, almost no inventory and high prices.

It ended with high interest rates, the most inventory in years and falling prices.

"I believe we saw the entire market spectrum in one year," said Duffy Smock, managing broker and co-owner of Windermere/Coeur d'Alene Realty's Hayden Lake office.

They not only got through it, but thrived, he said.

"I would say it’s a darn good thing we had 100 years of preparation," Smock said Wednesday during Windermere/Coeur d'Alene Realty Hayden/Post Falls annual awards event at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn. It was the first time the event had taken place after being canceled for two years due to COVID-19.

About 125 people attended the celebration that opened with a prayer and was marked by a look at what happened last year and what's ahead.

Windermere/Coeur d'Alene Realty co-owners Don "Pepper" Smock and Pat Krug sat at a table near the front.

Awards were presented to four people.

The Humanitarian Award went to Mark Whitt; Rookie Award to Stacy Gray; Spirit Award to Dan Hummer; and Mastery Award to Ryan and Morgan Keller.

The award recipients, and all in the room, were lauded for their dedication to the company and their community.

Duffy Smock spoke to the crowd and credited agents and staff in Windermere's Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Hayden Lake offices for their hard work.

"We are here to honor you and your achievements and your successes," he said as the crowd applauded.

The company's first awards banquet was 21 years ago at the Avondale Golf Course bar with a handful of people, he said.

"Look where we are today. Look how we have grown," Smock said.

He said the company's story isn't about dollars and sales. It's about the people.

"This room today is full of leaders with integrity and courage and compassion," he said.

Many are involved in nonprofits, churches and other charities, including the Windermere Foundation. They are dedicated to their families, friends and colleagues.

"You are the reason why we are so trusted," he said.

Smock noted that Coeur d'Alene Realty started in 1922 on Fourth Street just off Sherman Avenue. It became affiliated with Windermere more than 25 years ago. Today, it has offices in Post Falls and Hayden Lake, with more than 100 agents.

"We are still here. We're not old. We’re getting younger, we’re getting stronger, we’re getting better with every generation," Smock said.

He said the company has persevered through depressions and recessions, a rising and falling stock market and pandemics. It has earned Windermere/Coeur d'Alene Realty a reputation of dependability, reliability and resolve.

"No matter what, we’re here. We’re in business every day and every year," Smock said.

While the housing market has cooled from the bidding wars of 2021, Smock said he expects it to remain strong in North Idaho.

It continues to be a desirable area with scenic beauty and a sound economy. It is where people want to work and raise families, and it will continue to grow, he said.

"All we have to do is stay the course," Smock said.

He discussed several of the company's projects, including a 55-and-older community in Coeur d'Alene, land for home construction in the Atlas Mill Site and a 320-home neighborhood in Hayden.

The company is also working on partnerships with other "successful, like-minded, value-minded individuals" as it continues to accelerate and create more opportunities.

"We have challenged ourselves to grow the right way with the right people," Smock said.

Windermere remains committed, he said, to its core values of support, encouragement, planning and responsibility.

"I like who we are, and that will not change," Smock said.