Home sales in Kootenai County in 2016 reached their highest mark in the past decade and increased 12 percent from 2015, but observers don't believe the market is nearing another unhealthy bubble.

The number of sales in the county increased from 2,914 in 2015 to 3,255 last year, according to a recent report by the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.

"Low interest rates raised sales and we have an economy that is much healthier now," said Pat Krug, broker for Windermere Coeur d'Alene Realty.

"More people are moving into the market as first-time home buyers and people are taking advantage of the appreciation in their homes and being able to sell and buy something different."

Krug said she expects 2017 to follow suit/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

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