You might grouse about out of state real estate agents telling the nation [through Fox News Channel ] about our supposedly "cheap" real estate. However, I have a somewhat different take on the issue. Housing on x by x lots once cost between 80 to 95 thousand sawbucks. Truly expensive homes were lake front and having plenty of acreage. But, I think that Coeur d'Alene and the real estate brokers saw a real opportunity in jacking up the prices on even houses on x by x lots. If the incoming [from out of state] buyers of homes in CDA can pay 95 thousand, they can pay 100 thousand. If they can pay 100 thousand, they can pay 150 thousand. If they can pay 150 thousand, they can pay 191 thousand. However, between the price of rent (of apartments) and the increased price of permanent homes. Both real estate agents and the city of Coeur d'Alene seem to have forgotten that most jobs don't pay above 35 thousand a year unless you are the CEO of Avista, etc. And most working stiffs (outside of teachers) might not see 35 thousand per year in after tax income. In short, putting the price of rent and real estate beyond the reach of most people of low income has the unfortunate consequence of producing a homeless population.

Joan Harman
Dalton Gardens

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