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🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide Homeowners across Idaho are receiving insurance cancellation notices and massive rate increases, leaving many wondering: Could this happen to me? In this video, we break down the wildfire insurance crisis impacting Idaho homeowners, why premiums have surged 46% since 2021, and how national wildfire losses are affecting local policies—even in well-managed forest regions like North Idaho. You’ll hear firsthand insight from a former firefighter and wildfire survivor as we explain what’s really driving insurance companies out of Idaho, how wildfire risk maps work, and why Boise foothills homeowners are seeing some of the largest premium spikes in the state. We also share practical wildfire mitigation tips that can protect your home and improve insurability, plus what to do if your policy is non-renewed. If you’re buying land, living in an enhanced wildfire zone, or considering a move to North Idaho, this is must-watch information before you make your next real estate or insurance decision. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: Why Idaho homeowners insurance rates are skyrocketing—and how other states’ wildfire losses are impacting you. How to properly mitigate wildfire risk to protect your home and avoid insurance cancellations. What to do if your insurance is canceled or non-renewed, including how to shop smarter for coverage. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us? Email us at info@nidexperience.com 👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living! 📱 Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #coeurdalenerealestate #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #northidahorealestate #IdahoInsurance #WildfireInsurance #HomeownersInsurance #IdahoRealEstate #MovingToIdaho #WildfireRisk #BoiseFoothills #NorthIdahoLiving #InsuranceCrisis #FireMitigation 00:00 Idaho Homeowners Getting Insurance Cancellation Letters 01:01 Idaho Insurance Rates Up 46% Since 2021 02:10 Why Idaho Is Paying for Other States’ Wildfires 03:45 California Wildfires & Insurance Company Bankruptcies 05:10 Boise Foothills Insurance Rate Spikes Explained 06:27 Wildfire Risk Maps & Government Insurance Mandates 07:50 What Is the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)? 09:38 How Wildfires Really Destroy Homes (Embers vs Flames) 11:17 Fire Mitigation Tips That Protect Your Home & Insurance 14:12 Shopping for Insurance & What Idaho Homeowners Can Expect
Idaho Homeowners Insurance Crisis Explained | Why Rates Are Skyrocketing
🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide Some of the strongest foundations don’t start with perfect conditions — they start with grit. Elaine moved to the mountains of North Idaho right before second grade, into a home that was only framed — without windows — while her parents worked, saved, and finished it over time. Determined to be debt free, they slowly paid cash as they earned, and it took 10–15 years to complete the house. Elaine and her sisters spent their childhood outdoors — playing in dirt piles, walking gravel roads, and growing up surrounded by wide-open land and family nearby. As Elaine got older, she started spending time on job sites with her dad doing cleanup: picking up scraps of wood, washing windows, sweeping sawdust, and learning firsthand what hard work looks like. She even helped set panels and rebar so her dad could pour concrete. Those early years didn’t just build a home — they helped build the mindset and work ethic that later became the foundation for entrepreneurship. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of North Idaho life, resilience, and real-life foundations. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Elaine Damschen https://www.elainedamschen.com/ Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 📘 Find Elaine’s book: Made in Vietnam: https://amzn.to/4psDGxO 💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us? Email us at info@nidexperience.com 👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living! 📱 Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/ #NorthIdaho #IdahoLife #EntrepreneurMindset #WorkEthic #BlueCollarRoots #ConstructionLife #DebtFreeJourney #RuralLiving #MountainLife #SmallTownStories #GritAndGrowth #Foundations #RealLifeStories #SelfReliance #NorthIdahoExperience
We Moved Into a House With No Windows
🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide In this powerful episode of the North Idaho Experience Podcast, we sit down with Elaine Damschen, a lifelong North Idaho local, entrepreneur, and author of the memoir “Made in Vietnam: My Epic American Journey.” Elaine shares an unforgettable story rooted in the Vietnam War, immigration, identity, and healing—along with her real-world perspective on entrepreneurship in North Idaho and why the region continues to be a magnet for families, business owners, and skilled trades professionals. Elaine opens up about growing up Vietnamese American in North Idaho, discovering the truth behind her parents’ love story, and the emotional journey that led her to write her book. She also speaks candidly about multicultural family dynamics, the reality of racism perceptions in North Idaho, and the importance of forgiveness, resilience, and community. Beyond her memoir, Elaine shares decades of experience building a successful trades business—offering insight into why the skilled trades (electric, plumbing, HVAC) are the backbone of America’s health, safety, and comfort. If you’re considering a move to North Idaho, building a small business, or exploring a future in the trades, this episode delivers real conversation, real lessons, and real perspective. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: Vietnam War immigration & family history Vietnamese American identity in North Idaho Healing trauma through storytelling & writing a memoir North Idaho community & quality of life Entrepreneurship, business growth & the skilled trades Policy, localism, and protecting what makes North Idaho special 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with Elaine Damschen https://www.elainedamschen.com/ Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 📘 Find Elaine’s book: Made in Vietnam: https://amzn.to/4psDGxO 💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us? Email us at info@nidexperience.com 👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living! 📱 Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #northidahorealestate #NorthIdahoExperience #MadeInVietnam #VietnamWarStories #VietnameseAmerican #CoeurDaleneIdaho #NorthIdahoPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SkilledTrades #MovingToIdaho #Memoir 00:00:00 Meet Elaine Damschen + What This Episode Covers (North Idaho + Vietnam War Story) 00:02:02 “Made in Vietnam” Explained: Why Elaine Wrote the Book 00:03:22 Vietnam War Love Story: How Elaine’s Parents Met in Saigon 00:05:43 The Hidden Truth: Trauma, Survival & A Family Secret Revealed 00:08:59 Is North Idaho Racist? Elaine’s Perspective Growing Up Vietnamese American 00:14:30 Returning to Vietnam: Family Conflict, Money Pressure & Hard Truths 00:21:58 Boise State MBA Trip to Vietnam: Full-Circle Healing Moment 00:31:10 Growing Up on Carpenter Loop: North Idaho Childhood + Work Ethic 00:43:14 Localism + Policy: Protecting What Makes North Idaho Special 00:56:07 Skilled Trades Are the Future: Why Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC Matter
S*x Trafficking, War, and the American Dream: One Woman’s Untold Vietnamese American Story
What does it really look like to live the North Idaho lifestyle? In this conversation, John and Austin break down what they’re building next — a new outdoors-focused direction featuring North Idaho and Montana, the hunting and backcountry lifestyle, and the real stories that come with it. This won’t just be about adventure and epic views… it’s about bringing on rad people, talking through adversity, sharing raw emotion, and showing how powerful storytelling can be. Whether you’re already living the outdoor life or dreaming about moving to North Idaho, this channel is for you. 🔥 Subscribe if you’re into: ✅ North Idaho outdoors ✅ Montana adventures ✅ Hunting + lifestyle content ✅ Real conversations and healing stories ✅ The “why” behind the lifestyle The Next Ridge Podcast #northidaho #montana #outdoors #huntinglife #podcast #northidaholifestyle #idaho #backcountry #veteranstories #storytelling 🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with The Next Ridge The Next Ridge Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjshkjkLoRSKynphMF2V7-xhqXUHuTLAB John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com 💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us? Email us at info@nidexperience.com 👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living! 📱 Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/ #NorthIdaho #Montana #Outdoors #NorthIdahoLifestyle #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingLife #Backcountry #IdahoOutdoors #MontanaOutdoors #VeteranStories #Storytelling #LifeInIdaho #AdventureLifestyle #RawConversations #NorthIdahoExperience
The Outdoors, North Idaho Lifestyle & Raw Stories
Welcome to North Idaho Experience! In this episode, we sit down with John and Austin from our North Idaho real estate team to talk about their brand-new outdoor lifestyle podcast and channel: The Next Ridge — a show built around hunting, outdoor living, mindset, and life in North Idaho & Montana. This conversation goes deep. John and Austin share powerful stories from their time in the U.S. Army, including intense deployments to Afghanistan, combat experiences, and hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and brotherhood. We also talk about the lifestyle shift that happens when veterans and first responders move to places like Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Sandpoint, and the Idaho Panhandle, where the outdoors, strong community, and freedom-based values help people heal and rebuild. You’ll also hear why John and Austin are launching The Next Ridge Podcast, what it means to keep moving forward in life, how the outdoors can reset your mind and spirit, and why North Idaho is becoming one of the top destinations for people seeking land, lifestyle, and a fresh start. If you’re thinking about relocating to North Idaho, our team is made up of veterans and former first responders, and we’d love to help you make the move smoothly. 🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode: Why North Idaho is a powerful “reset” location for veterans, first responders, and families seeking freedom, community, and outdoor living. Real-life military deployment stories from Afghanistan and how combat changes your mindset, perspective, and priorities. What “The Next Ridge” means—and how outdoors + purpose can help you move forward in life and avoid stagnation. 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 👤 Connect with The Next Ridge Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjshkjkLoRSKynphMF2V7-xhqXUHuTLAB John Fontaine -208-719-6881 Austin Johnson - 208-640-9001 Thenextridge208@gmail.com 💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us? Email us at info@nidexperience.com 👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living! 📱 Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/ #Northidaho #coeurdalene #LivinginCoeurdalene #coeurdalenerealestate #movingtocda #movingtocoeurdalene #livinginnorthidaho #movingtonorthidaho #northidahorealestate #NorthIdahoExperience #MovingToIdaho #NorthIdahoRealEstate #CoeurDaleneIdaho #SandpointIdaho #VeteranPodcast #AfghanistanWarStories #OutdoorLifestyle #HuntingLife #TheNextRidge 00:00:00 Intro: The Next Ridge Podcast + North Idaho Lifestyle 00:02:05 North Idaho vs Washington: Freedom, Politics & Values 00:05:17 Submarine Sonar Stories: The Ocean, UAPs & Deep Sea Sounds 00:12:07 Life on a Submarine: Underwater Culture + Survival Humor 00:16:44 Combat Medic in Afghanistan: Medevac Missions + Real Trauma 00:33:11 Infantry Deployment to Kunar Province: First Gunfight & Night Ops 00:44:12 Losing Leaders in Combat: Green-on-Blue Attacks + Reality of War 01:02:28 Launching The Next Ridge: Outdoors, Purpose & North Idaho Living 01:09:35 Healing After War & First Responder Trauma: Nature as Therapy 01:21:43 The Outdoors Reset: Hunting, Brotherhood & “Keep Moving Forward”
From Combat to the Idaho Mountains: Veterans Talk Life After Service
Canadians — this video is for you, especially if you’ve been thinking about making the move to “free America.” 🇨🇦➡️🇺🇸 We’re talking about what’s happening in Canada right now and why we’re seeing a massive increase in Canadians reaching out about relocating to North Idaho. Between rising restrictions, business shutdowns, inflation, and a heavy tax burden on working families, many Canadians are starting to look south for a new way of life. In this reel, we break down: ✅ Why Canadians are considering moving to the U.S. ✅ How Canada’s population growth and immigration numbers are changing fast ✅ Why North Idaho is becoming a top destination for freedom-minded families ✅ What makes North Idaho feel familiar to Canadians (but with more breathing room) If you’ve been thinking, “Is it time?” — you’re not alone. 📍Want help exploring North Idaho? Reach out and we’ll help you understand the areas, lifestyle, housing, and what the move could look like. 🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions: Contact us at seth@nidexperience.com Phone: 208-618-4421 For the most up-to-date real estate listings check out my North Idaho Experience mobile app - click above to start searching today! https://bk.homestack.com/northidahoexperience/?aik=khorst Grab our Relocation Guide: https://sholink.to/Relocation Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://sholink.to/Sellerguide 📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content: https://northidahoexperience.com 💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us? Email us at info@nidexperience.com 👉 Subscribe for more interviews, neighborhood tours, and tips on North Idaho living! 📱 Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience Brokered by: The Experience Northwest Equal housing opportunity ====== ****Most stats and data come from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: Great Schools: https://www.greatschools.org/idaho/coeur-d'alene/ Neighborhood data: https://www.niche.com/?ref=places-to-live Census data: https://data.census.gov/ More about Coeur d'Alene: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeur_d%27Alene,_Idaho ***All stats, data, housing prices and anything else mentioned are subject to change and provided merely as examples at the time of recording*** ====== IREC: https://irec.idaho.gov/consumer/ #Canada #MovingToIdaho #NorthIdaho #MoveToAmerica #LeavingCanada #Relocation #IdahoLife #CoeurDalene #Sandpoint #RealEstate #Freedom #MoveToTheUSA #ExpatLife #CanadianToAmerican #IdahoRealEstate
Canada to “Free America”? Why More Canadians Are Leaving
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