Randy Stone and Darla Wilhelmsen are passionate about their work and the community in which they live. As trusted realtors in Sandpoint, the two have nearly 40 years combined experience working with Coldwell Banker Resort Realty. So when the previous owners decided to retire, the couple knew they wanted to purchase the business. “We love where we work and could not imagine going anywhere else,” says Randy. “It made perfect sense to purchase the agency.”
Randy and Darla purchased the business in early 2017 and are enthusiastic about the opportunities for not only their clients, but their agents as well. “We are very involved with our agents and look forward to continuing to help them grow,” says Randy, adding that many of the realtors have been with the agency for many years.
“Our selective team of experts works together to serve our clients,” adds Darla. “It has to be the right fit.”
The secret to their success has been to conduct business with three guiding principles—honesty, integrity and knowledge.
“We believe in treating everyone like family,” says Darla.
With offices in Downtown Sandpoint and in the heart of Schweitzer Village, a total of 13 agents work closely with their clients to help them make their buying or selling experience seamless. They are members of both the Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint MLS, so they have a far reach when it comes to listing properties and helping buyers find the perfect home to fit their needs.
Sandpoint has been touted in several national publications over the last decade as one of the most beautiful places to live, and the publicity is paying off. Over the last few years, there have been more and more people discovering North Idaho and choosing to call it home. According to Randy, people are coming from Oregon, Colorado, Alaska, California and even from the East Coast. “It’s not just people looking to retire either,” he says. “There are a lot of young couples moving into the area as well.”
Randy and Darla live at Schweitzer and say the activity in their office in the heart of Schweitzer Village has seen a great deal of action. With new townhouses and condominiums being built, the development is drawing people from near and far who are seeking the perfect weekend getaway year round to enjoy both the mountain and the lake. “We have a lot of pull from Spokane who are seeking second homes,” says Darla.
While the economic downturn affected real estate for a period of time, it seems that is over, at least for the time being.
“We have had an extremely busy year,” says Randy of the 2017 real estate market. “And all signals point to next year being even busier.”
With an emphasis on providing superior customer service, Randy and Darla refer to their agency as small and strong. “Most of our agents have lived here for many years and have a great knowledge of Sandpoint and what it has to offer,” says Randy, and adds that even one of their receptionists has been with the agency 30 years, a testament to the type of company that Coldwell Banker Resort Realty is. “We will always retain a small group of agents, focusing on the quality of customer service.”
Each of their agents can provide a unique perspective on Sandpoint and enjoy providing clients with tours of the area. “We recently spent three days with a client who was here from Alaska,” says Darla. “It’s exciting to be able to share our beautiful town with others.”
Much of their business comes from referrals from past clients, and many of those clients have become lifelong friends.
“We love people and enjoy being able to introduce them to the wonderful community of Sandpoint,” says Darla, who moved here from Jackson Hole and was drawn by the abundance of opportunities that Sandpoint has to offer to enjoy the outdoors.
With a great desire to give back to the community that has supported them throughout the years, those at Coldwell Banker Resort Realty give regularly to the Bonner Community Food Bank, the Coats for Kids campaign and other worthwhile local causes.
The Downtown Sandpoint location is unique in that it has off-street parking, something most downtown businesses do not have. Conveniently located on the corner of First Avenue and Lake Street, it’s the first real estate agency you see coming into town and the last one you pass going out of town, headed to Coeur d’Alene.
Darla and Randy agree that there is something for everyone in Sandpoint, whether it is the arts, outdoor recreation or a desire to become involved in giving back to the community. It is a melting pot of people from literally all over the world with diverse interests. “We really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life,” says Randy. “It’s a very eclectic town.”
Darla emphasizes that the service they give at Coldwell Banker Resort Realty does not end with the sale of home. “We take care of our people and continue to be a resource for them long after they move here,” she says.
It is that kind of caring that has made Randy and Darla and the entire team at Coldwell Banker Resort Realty successful. “We love what we do and where we do it,” says Randy.
Coldwell Banker Resort Realty
208.263.6802
DOWNTOWN SANDPOINT
202 S. First Ave.
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT
166 Village Ln #201A