Munro Murdock has lived across the country, from the beach to the forest. His career has similarly included multiple stops before finding the right destination. 

As a child, he lived in Utah, California and Hawaii before moving back to Hawaii in 2012, where he started a real estate business. After nearly a decade, Murdock moved to North Idaho with his family in 2021. 

“We loved our time in Hawaii,” Murdock said. “We were there nine years, and it was a really cool experience of just going after our dreams and goals. Once the COVID-19 shutdowns happened, our business was shut down for nine months. During that time, we realized it was time for us to leave.” 

The family visited Bonners Ferry and quickly felt at home. 

“As we drove down into town from the South Hill, seeing the river, my wife and I both just felt like, ‘Wow, this is a really special place,’” Murdock said. “We had a really good first impression, and then we happened to find a house we really loved.”

His path into real estate was not traditional. 

“I did sort of accidentally get into real estate by way of short-term vacation rentals,” Murdock said. “My father’s an entrepreneur, so I wanted to be in business for myself, but I just hadn’t discovered how to do it.”

“At a job I had, I overheard someone talking about this thing called vacation rentals by owner and I thought, ‘Well, my parents own properties in Hawaii that are furnished and sitting there, never getting rented,’” Murdock said. 

Three years after learning about VRBO, Murdock started a real estate company in Hawaii. Moving to Idaho from Hawaii was a big change in scenery, and the same is true for real estate. 

“It’s obviously a very different market, where you’re more often dealing with people who want to live here, want to relocate here, or who are already living here and may be upsizing or downsizing,” Murdock said. “It’s also very different in that you’re dealing with farms and ranches, rural properties, and septic systems and wells and things of that nature.” 

However, the transition has given Murdock an opportunity to continue learning and growing in a new environment. 

“That’s what’s exciting for me about the North Idaho real estate experience — I get to learn all about what it takes to help people buy and sell property here,” Murdock said. 

He said he has maintained a relational focus in business rather than a transactional one. 

“What I’ve found over the years is that by focusing on relationships and creating lasting relationships with clients and guests, and making sure they have an amazing experience, that is huge,” Murdock said. “Doing everything within your power to create a professional environment and a really nice experience, whether it’s in real estate or at a campground, makes all the difference.” 

In 2022, shortly after moving to Idaho, Murdock and his wife bought the North Haven campground in Boundary County. It has 21 RV sites, as well as glamping accommodations and log cabins. 

Glamping is a style of camping that combines traditional camping with luxurious amenities, such as beds and electricity. 

“When we acquired the campground in 2022, that gave me a great understanding of property here,” Murdock said. “I’ve learned a lot more about road building, wells and all the little nuances of North Idaho real estate.” 

“It’s kind of neat to play a small role in people’s enjoyment of passing through and experiencing Bonners Ferry,” Murdock said.

However, he is preparing to sell the property. 

“It’s a great business,” Murdock said. “We’ve really enjoyed the experience with it, but I think there’s a time and season for everything. This is one of those times where we’re ready for a different chapter and I’m ready to pivot back into real estate full time.” 

Murdock shared why he believes the campground is special. 

“I think my favorite thing about the campground is creating a five-star experience for guests in this beautiful setting,” Murdock said. “That’s what I’ve enjoyed most about vacation rentals and hospitality in general — creating a fun and positive environment for guests.” 

Murdock said he now plans to focus on the career he loves: real estate.