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ADMIT IT, YOU HAVE AN INQUIRING MIND, AND YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEAM DESIGNING YOUR DREAM HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THE INCLINATION. SO WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU SHOP TALK CONVERSATIONS WITH LOCAL Sun VALLEY PROFESSIONALS.
Keller Williams
JAMES TAUTKUS | ASSOCIATE BROKER
James Tautkus is a dedicated Idaho real estate broker specializing in premier land, ranch, and residential properties across Blaine, Custer, Camas, and Lemhi Counties. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and hands-on approach, he combines a background in alpine ski racing with deep local knowledge and a passion for Idaho’s landscapes. Through his brand, Southern Idaho Land, James offers full-service marketing, drone media, and expert guidance to help clients buy and sell Idaho’s premier land and lifestyle.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
I broker the buying and selling of real estate.
What geographic area(s) do you serve?
I serve Blaine County, Custer County, Camas County, Lemhi County.
Do you have any certifications or specialties?
In addition to a sales license, I am also a broker. I also have a goal of getting my Accredited Land Consultant endorsement.
“I get to pursue everything that I love. I get to embrace my whole self and fulfill all of it. A family, a home, a community, a rewarding and entertaining career, skiing, music, ranching in the American West.”
What is your professional background?
Prior to getting into real estate, I coached alpine ski racing. It took me all over the country and the world. It was an invaluable experience.
How did you get your start as an agent?
I knew that if I continued on the path of coaching ski racing that it would compromise my ability to contribute to a great home. As much as I am in love with the sport, I did always envision challenging myself in a commercialized career path.
When did you know that you wanted to become a real estate agent and what motivated you?
I’ve always had an affinity for land, property, and lifestyle.
What inspires your work?
I get to do a job that brings out the best in me; it’s something that I get excited about, and I like learning. In this day and age things are moving so fast, which means new ideas are coming at us all the time, thus creating more opportunity to be better at what I do.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY CHANGING AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS?
It already has changed so much in the last three years. I envision it being more tech-heavy, and more demanding on buyers, sellers, and agents.
What trends are you most excited about in the real estate industry right now?
I like the tools technology is offering because they help me be better at my job. I like that the market rewards buyers and sellers who are honest with themselves. It’s a tough market out there and everyone’s got to put in the work and a lot of that means changing your expectations.
What is your process? WHAT CAN CLIENTS EXPECT WHEN THEY WORK WITH YOU?
Start big, get small. Ski racing is a process, goal-oriented sport. Real estate is also exactly that. Let’s figure out where this needs to go and then create an expectation of how we are going to get there. And let’s focus on what’s important and be honest about what is not.
What other specialties do you have in-house?
We do all our own marketing media. Drone, photos, videos, tours, and floor plans. This allows us to be in the driver’s seat, gather additional media for platform content, up-date with seasons.
What have you learned over the years that is part of your due diligence in how you help your clients that you’d be willing to share?
No two deals are ever the same and to make sure you’re listening to your gut.
What word(s) do people use to describe working with you?
Professional, thorough, patient, and knowledgeable.
What do you enjoy most about being a real estate agent?
Building relationships and leveraging myself to reach my best potential. I love that being the best version of me equates to success. There are plenty of hard moments that go along with it and they are all there so I can get better.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR HOME? DID YOU WORK WITH AN AGENT?
Ha, my wife almost wanted to fire the agent. I was the agent. I had my eye on a duplex for a summer and knew it was a great opportunity but it was listed as a whole. Once they split the listing into two units we jumped.
DO YOU HAVE PETS? WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES?
We’ve got a brown lab named Jake and eight horses we spoil. They have names, but they don’t know them.
WHAT’S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND AND WHY?
Waiting on the Moon. Peter Wolf’s memoir. It’s wild how one can look back at their life and have so many moments of purposeful chance and his happen to include a load of wild and interesting well-known people.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPORT OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY, AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT IT?
I love skiing and I love ski racing. At one time I could tell you why, but I haven’t the slightest idea anymore other than there is something inside me telling me I have to do this.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TRIP?
Probably going with my wife to Kitzbühel or Wengen. I’ve had a lot of experiences with skiing in Europe and it’s the mecca. I’m just so glad we got to experience the holiest events together.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING HERE?
I get to pursue everything that I love. I get to embrace my whole self and fulfill all of it. A family, a home, a community, a rewarding and entertaining career, skiing, music, ranching in the American West.
whj SHOP TALK
