Is real estate company a friend or a foe?

Sotheby's International Realty finds a home in Sandpoint, thanks to an alliance with Sandpoint's Tomlinson Black, (of NICAN fame). Here are just a few of the excerpts from the recent Daily Bee article.

"The affiliate will improve exposure to Sandpoint and luxury properties."

"We offer luxury homes, estates, and properties throughout the world on the Internet."

"Our clients move all over the world. We're dealing with people with very super wealth, as well as normal people." (Where does the average resident fit into this equation?)

"Many people own two, three, and five homes and are always looking."

"Sotheby's real estate agents make three-times more money than the national average."

Sandpoint, our lake, Bonner and Boundary counties will now, more than ever, attract the wealthy seasonal owners from different countries. It's the real estate monopolies that are literally selling our area right out from underneath us.

How is this good for Sandpoint? Sotheby's and Tomlinson Black, friend or foe?

LAURIE WADKINS

Priest River