JimmyMac: I have qualified many people making less than money than this couple for homes here in Kootenai County. They refer to rising home prices and "their lifestyle" as reasons why they cannot afford a home. Well people, sometimes you have to sacrifice to buy a home. If you have a $500 truck payment, three credit cards maxed out and toys galore (not that these people fit this criteria but this is why many people can't qualify and continue to complain.) The couple have also lived here all of their life without buying a home which is rediculous. I have been all over the country on business this year and I'll tell you one thing. ... overall North Idaho is still considered very affordable compared to the rest of the U.S. We weren't going to have homes for less than $120,000 forever and anyone that thought we would is a fool. I'm not saying that increased prices haven't made it difficult or impossible for many to become homeowner's. However, the adjustments and sacrifices one has to make to purchase a home in North Idaho are drastically different than what a peson has to do in most other parts of the country.

DFO: Thanks for the reality check, JimmyMac.

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