Realtors deserve kudos for reaching out to others

As the year comes to a close, I would like to recognize a group of generous and caring individuals. These folks are the ones who help us when we need to make a change in our lives. If our job takes us to another city or state, they help us sell our home, buy a new one and get settled in that new destination. They listen to us as we share our dreams and assist in making the dream of homeownership come true. They understand the value of owning a home and having a place to call home, and I personally know of several agents whose primary focus was to assist first-time home buyers fulfill their dreams. Why do I want to recognize our local Realtors? Let me start by saying that this year has been a tough one for them. The market as we all know it has been very slow and it has been hard to make a living and feed a family in the real estate business. Additionally, the companies that provide support have also seen a significant reduction in business as well. So it goes without saying that when the Realtors are struggling, there are a number of other important ancillary services that also struggle, from the bankers to the movers, to the house painters, repair and maintenance, on and on. Well, despite the downturn in business, the Realtor agents of the Selkirk Association of Realtors and their affiliate members have continued to give out of their own need. This year, they raised well over $23,000 to benefit a variety of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, scholarships for students, Kinderhaven, and a number of other very worthy causes. So, at the end of a challenging year, I want to say "thank you" Realtors of Bonner and Boundary counties for continuing to reach out and give to our community in so many ways, over and over again!

MARCIA PHILLIPS

Sagle