ERA Real Estate, a global franchise within the Realogy family of brands, today announced the affiliation of ERA Shelman Realty. The former independent brokerage is based in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and has served the community since 1963.
Owners Mark and Loralee Carey purchased the firm in 2018 from Mark’s brother Steve Carey, who bought the firm in 1991 from the Shelman Family.
In a press release, ERA CEO and President Sherry Chris said, “Mark and Loralee’s years of experience with everything from homes, farms and ranches to investment properties have made them an invaluable asset to Bonners Ferry. Now as an ERA affiliated company, they will be well-positioned for continued success in the next phase of the company’s growth. Their partnership with the ERA brand is a testament to their dedication to their agents, clients and community. We look forward to supporting the firm’s bright future as part of the ERA family.”
A native of Bonners Ferry, Mark Carey left his hometown following his high school graduation in 1981 to find work due to the downturn in the economy. He met his wife Loralee Carey in Oregon in 1982 and earned his real estate license there in 1984. The couple moved back to north Idaho in 1993 where Mark continued his real estate career. In 2017, Loralee obtained her real estate license when the couple was purchasing the family brokerage. Mark and Loralee’s son, Isaac, is also a REALTOR® with the local Bonner Ferry brokerage, as well as a number knowledgeable and experienced agents who live in the area.
Bonners Ferry is located in the Kootenai River Valley, approximately 30 miles south of the Canadian border and 20 miles west of the Montana border. The city serves as the official gateway city for travelers from Canada. The area is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. With a lower-than-average cost of living, Bonners Ferry and the surrounding towns are popular with families and retirees. Major employers are in health care, retail trade, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and forestry. Additionally, many employees in the area work remotely due to the availability of high-speed internet.
