My husband and I entered the market as first-time homebuyers last year only to realize the majority of houses were above our price range. More buyers were coming into the market with cash offers above the asking price and the offers we submitted couldn’t compete. We realized we needed to look outside the area if we wanted to be able to purchase a home. We are currently renting from a local woman who has kept her rents at what is affordable versus the current market price, a very rare find these days. We were born and raised in the Coeur d Alene area and wanted to raise our kids here but with the current market, it’s no longer an option for us. I understand the appeal of Coeur d Alene so I can’t blame others for moving here but I wish there were more options for first-time buyers. 

–Sarah, Coeur d’Alene ID