Buying an existing home or building new in North Idaho

[javatom]

I guess a better way to word it - If you were buying a house would you rather it was built with a permit or without a permit?

[banjomike]

All I know is I would rather buy a house that was built by home builders than a house that was built by farmers who have more experience building barns and corrals than houses.

I've lived in both.

[Cnynrat]

Originally Posted by javatom

I guess a better way to word it - If you were buying a house would you rather it was built with a permit or without a permit?

In the end I think the quality of the architect and builder is a stronger determinant of the quality of the home than whether or not it was permitted and/or had inspections along the way. I live in a home in Bonner county, so that should tell you that I am willing to buy a home that was built under the relaxed regulatory environment similar to what's now been made optional in Kootenai county.

With all due respect, I think there is a better approach than shifting responsibility to building departments who in the end will bear no liability for anything they do or neglect to do, but that's a discussion for a different forum.

Dave

[Sagle Sam 2016]

Just buy an existing. The whole Kootenai and Bonner county areas are booming. Decent bare land is very scarce and builders are in such short supply that they are stretched beyond thin and the whole process is a nightmare right now.

Even if you decided to buy existing, be ready to pounce because inventory is so low and will probably stay that way for a while.

Lastly, get ready to pay more for either. The area is growing so fast and is finally realizing its value. That said, buying now vs later is a good idea because there's no end to the growth in sight. Stake your claim while you can!