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Gary Lirette
e-mail
208-610-1384
Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's
International Realty
Contact Gary for all your Real Estate needs
First, the combination of Tomlinson, with our local expertise, and Sotheby's with it international reach, bring a unique philosophy, programs and services that are designed to serve homebuyers and sellers. We also offer training and resources to our market. Browse the categories below to discover what has made us the leading real estate company in the customer service in the world. Sandpoint is a small town that has relished its personal interaction and service with the community. This is in keeping with our philosophy. Hire only the best and top producers and become an integral part of the community. While the company is growing, our top flight resources can give the kind of time and personal service that Jed and Gary believe in. Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty specializes in investment properties, resort homes, and the boutique market of elite homes in the North Idaho area. We have a full inventory in all price ranges, but by being a company that has expertise in selling and finding the very best homes, that translates into every one of our clients, friends, and customers getting the kind of service that warrants the very best.
Gary is tied into the community in special ways. He has his radio shows, and owned Walker Donuts and Wigley's Cafe. 200 to 300 people visited these establishments every day, more than any other restaurants in town. He learned about the community in a very personal way.
We have the connections that can help you to turn a distressed property at a bargain price to a diamond in the rough.
We are able to put your house on the market in very special ways, with Internet savvy and desktop publishing that brings cutting edge techniques and technology to the real estate market.
We use GPS to find the out-of-the-way properties that many could never find otherwise.
We research the county records every week for buys that aren't necessarily on the MLS.
We often find pre-foreclosure properties and willing sellers that must close soon.
We look for the best buy. This is a big one. A main business focus of the Inland Boys is to service our investor(s) and investor groups. While those who are just starting out, and those who are recovering from financial downturns want to save money, investors make it an absolute requirement. We think that the best price isn't always negotiated, it is discovered.
We have the professionalism to evaluate properties beyond the norm. Our company has the highest level of experience in the area. Jed and Gary worked for a company that specialized in evaluating homes for banks. Also, as a builder and renovator of older homes, Gary has experience in this area that makes him an ideal agent for his client.
We are honest. We will tell you how much you really can sell your home for. We will guide you to buying properties that will appreciate in value. We are not there to be yes men. If we don't think we can help you with honesty, then we will gladly suggest another agent. We want a good, honest, working relationship with our clients, one that will continue for years and decades to come.
What should you expect from your Sandpoint REALTOR®?
These days, as bankers commit acts that many believe should be criminal, and mortgage brokers make loans that are questionable at best, it seems that expectations have been lowered to an all-time low.
As Americans we should expect more.
So, what should you expect from your Sandpoint real estate agent?
Certainly you should have a knowledgeable REALTOR®.
What kind of knowledge should your agent have? College educated? A builder? An interior designer? Someone who renovates homes? Knowledge of the area?
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Here is what I offer for a base of knowledge:
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College educated.
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Investor and owner of several homes locally.
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Renovated and built several houses doing much of the work myself. This helps you in that knowledge helps you make informed decisions.
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As the host of two radio shows - North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts & Adventure, I have interviewed hundreds of business leaders, local government officials, and personalities from all over North Idaho. Add to that the research I have done to prepare for the interviews and you can see how this has helped me to gain intimate knowledge of our area.
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With over 60 articles about North Idaho and Sandpoint published on the web, the Bonner County Daily Bee, and other rags like the Sandpoint Reader, I put that knowledge on paper every week.
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Currently I am an editor for this area on City-Data.com, Topix, a major contributor on ActiveRain, and an expert author on Ezine. I also write for Idaho Cuisine magazine.
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Interviewing businesses has given me the inside scoop on helping dozens of people find jobs .
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One of the most important things I do is to do the research and write the articles about our local economy and other community pertinent data.
Should your agent be involved with the community?
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Having done the radio shows for the last six years as a community service is one way I am part of our wonderful North Idaho paradise. However, I also owned two restaurants in town: Walker Donuts and Wigleys Café and Bakery, and served hundreds of people a day.
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We have many, many events and charities that take place in North Idaho each and every month. So, every year both my business associate Jed Sigman and I volunteer for dozens of happenings, including the Festival at Sandpoint, Lakedance Film Festival, and many more. We just finished as part of a small team that organized the most successful Sandpoint Winter Carnival in a decade.
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In the last five years, our contributions, and the money we have raised for these charities and events have totaled over $50,000.
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We have sponsored and paid for completely from our own pockets twenty Artist Open House events, culminating with the Midwinter Art Fest that had hundreds and hundreds in attendance to see the art of over forty North Idaho artists.
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Mentored over a dozen young businesses, designing and donating their websites for the first year of business.
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Designed and run some of the most viewed community websites in North Idaho, free of charge, with no advertising, including www.SandpointID.net, www.SandpointCentral.com, www.SkiSchweitzer.net, and www.Sandpoint-Idaho.org.
Should your agent help you with more than just buying and selling property?
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By finding gainful employment for many, we have helped our clients, friends, and family make the transition to living a better quality of life in Sandpoint and North Idaho.
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On my wall in my office are posted a couple of dozen thank you notes from people we have helped to build their own barns, grade their roads, prepare an LLC on the state website, and many other endeavors.
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Bottom line is it is our responsibility to help buyers and sellers in every way. That is why we work so hard at learning not only about real estate, but all about our community, so that when you need a plumber, or where to apply for a hunting license, or the nearest oncologist, we can get you the information you need.
What kind of professionalism should your REALTOR® have?
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First and foremost, real estate agents have chosen a life that is different than other professions. People look for properties in the evenings and weekends. A REALTOR® should expect to work when people are ready to do business.
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Just as important, your agent should be sensitive to what you need. All too often sales people talk, talk, talk. Most important thing is to listen. Once we find out what your goals and needs are, we are best able to accomplish the task.
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A REALTOR® should always answer their phones. Since I dislike not being able to get in touch with an agent, my bet is that customers don't like it either.
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Your REALTOR® should stay informed about the newest technologies that can help you buy or sell.
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Your REALTOR® should be informed about county rules and regulations, and info that will help you make smart and informed decisions.
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Your REALTOR® should always be taking courses to stay apprised of the business and the market.
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Finally, if your Sandpoint Real Estate agent doesn't know the answer, they should have the resources to find out.
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We are a small community, so when new folks move up here, we don't just look at them as clients, they become friends. You can't hardly take a drive here without someone waiving at you, whether they know you or not. That is the way of our place: friendly people who work hard and play hard. We expect people to be friendly and polite here.
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You have your own expectations. We believe you should expect more from your REALTOR®.
Here are some more tips
What should you do if you're stuck between two homes: one you can't sell and one you've contracted to buy?
Sometimes this means putting both properties on the market to see which sells first. Sometimes this means cutting the price of the first property and taking your losses right away.
How can homeowners sell their homes quickly?
Price it right and get it "staged." Price them low, very close to the bottom line. When there's a lot of inventory, price is essential. Of course, having the home in "show shape"-decluttered and clean for any showings-is putting your best foot forward.
What does staging involve?
If the home is vacant, we'll bring furniture in. We hire stagers and offer that service to sellers. The stager I work with charges less than $100 an hour and typically works for two to four hours. Another rents furniture by the room for $350 a room.
What kinds of repairs are worth making before selling?
The kitchen and the master bath are the hot spots for buyers in today's market. The midrange fix-ups are ones that are the most worthwhile. Don't go crazy and put in granite and high-end appliances. Paint the cabinets, spruce them up with new hardware, replace the lighting with up-to-date fixtures. Buy new carpeting.
Is it so bad if a house sits on the market for a long time?
It has been said that the first six weeks of a listing is the "hottest" time for a sale, and we want to make sure it shows the best right away.
Where can buyers go to make sure they are seeing everything in their price range?
Over 98 percent of what's available can be viewed on realtor.com, including listings from discount brokers.
How should potential buyers approach the market?
This is a great time for buyers to get into the marketplace. Interest rates are low and there is wonderful selection for buyers in all price ranges. But these conditions might not last.
As usual, my promise is to work 24/7 for my clients, and always be available, not only in areas of real estate, but in mentoring new businesses, finding the right schools, and helping with your job search in this place, your new home.
Gary Lirette, REALTOR® Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty
208-610-1384
800-282-6880
gary.lirette@sothebysrealty.com
To learn more about our area, visit one of our 50 websites:
www.WaterfrontHomesSandpoint.com
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