Gov. Butch Otter told more than 350 Idaho real estate professionals in Coeur d'Alene this week that Idaho's economy is one of the nation's strongest — and housing is bucking the national decline.
Otter said Idaho enjoyed 16,000 housing starts this year and 5 percent growth multiple-family housing units in the first six months of this year.
"Reports of the housing market's death have been greatly exaggerated, especially in Idaho," Otter told the annual Idaho Association of Realtors meeting.
Otter cited low energy costs, a business-friendly regulatory climate and a high quality of life as reasons for Idaho's prosperity.
Association President Gail Hartnett of Boise presented Idaho's Realtor of the Year award to Teena Turner of Emmett. Past President Jill Stone swore the new president ,Willis Stone.
