North Idaho homes remain in strong demand, according to the latest report from the Coeur d'Alene Regional Realtors. 

The number of single-family homes in Kootenai County sold through July, 1,499, was a 6.9% increase from a year ago, while the number of active residential listings, 1,124 as of Aug. 5, was up 4% from last month but down 9.6% from the same time last year. 

The median sales price in Kootenai County remained at $565,000 for the second straight month, up 3.8% from one year ago. 

“The market has been very steady. Sales are up and inventory is down, which is a good sign that the market is a little hotter than it was last year,” said Jared McFarland, real estate agent with Century 21 Beutler and Associates.

The median home prices in other counties as of July: Shoshone, $314,750; Bonner, $522,450; Benewah, $330,000; and Boundary, $402,500. 

Mortgage interest rates remain high. According to bankrate.com, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan rose to 6.69%, up from 6.63% and the highest level since July 2025.   

The prices and rates make it difficult for blue-collar workers to own a home, a topic a panel of housing and elected leaders, including Sen. Ben Toews and Post Falls Mayor Randy Westland, will discuss Thursday. 

The public meeting is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Innovation Collective, 418 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene. It will be “an open community conversation about housing challenges in North Idaho.” 

The Gem State Housing Alliance, Panhandle Area Housing Alliance and the Housing Solutions Partnership are sponsoring it. Tickets: bit.ly/4bbkNLE 

Despite home ownership challenges, the housing market is keeping real estate professionals busy.

“We are seeing plenty of buyer activity. Homes that are priced right are selling, and anything in the more affordable range — under $500,000 — is moving especially quickly,” McFarland said. 

Vacant land seems to be the slowest segment of the market, and while waterfront inventory has remained fairly low, waterfront sales have been significant. 

“Overall, I feel like we have had a very steady and healthy market so far this year, with good activity and slow, steady growth,” McFarland said. “This is exactly what we like to see.”