About & Testimonies
About James:
I love being a member of this community and being connected to the state of Idaho. I'm rooted here growing a family, appreciate my opportunities, and contribute to the strengthening of this place. My wife, Ashley, was born in the old Moritz hospital and is now a Physician Assistant running her own medical clinic Ketchum Family Medicine. We have a young daughter, Penelope, who knows she lives in a special place and will one day understand the magnitude of it. And we love our world famous english chocolate lab, Chunk, who is a staple beside either one of us on any given day.
I moved to Utah out of college and coached ski racing. Early on I was fortunate enough to come up to Sun Valley for the first time and immediately knew I was somewhere different that gravitationally pulled me in, much like the lot of us felt upon our first visit. I try to revisit that feeling often as I can as I move and shake across the towns of Blaine and Custer County. This place isn't for all, and for those that it is, you know who you are because it's a decision your heart makes for you.
In the time I've grown into this community I have involved myself with many meaningful associations. I've spent five years as a head alpine coach with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, three years apart of the Sun Valley Economic Development Board where I am still in my first year on its executive committee, and am initiating my second year on the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council.
I chose to be apart of the Keller Williams Brokerage because it's an agent centric office where one can learn and grow with a terrific amount of resources to do so and for that it is no wonder why we are the number one brokerage in the Sun Valley MLS. I also really like the fact that the brokerage covers all of South Central Idaho because it gives me greater perspective of our real estate market and the folks that make up this great part of the state. Lastly, KW as whole offers an incredible amount of opportunity to market and leverage itself across the country creating a network that is beyond regional. I've visited KW offices across the country and each one of them has that "old familiar feeling" to them. It's like walking into Cheers.
I am passionate about skiing, spending time with my family especially at our ranch riding horses and hunting, and selling real estate. And what really strikes my chord is playing and performing country western music. I love playing my guitar and singing favorites by Waylon, Marty Robbins, Merle, and Gene Autry. I front a band out of Ketchum called The Pisten Bullys where you can find us playing at any venue on any given night in the Wood River and Sawtooth Valleys. It's more than a hobby and you can see how when we perform.
I am grateful to be an Idahoan and love sharing my passion for this place. I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you and help you root yourself here too. Thank you for checking me out.
Here's what others say about me:
"I highly recommend James Tautkus to accompany you on your acquisition or relinquishment journey in the real estate arena. He goes above and beyond to make transitions of property easy and seamless, even in difficult or complicated circumstances. Being personable and kind, he is nevertheless trustworthy and honest in all his dealings. No matter which side of the transaction you find yourself, he will work diligently to create a fair and commensurate outcome."
-Vicki
"James literally went above and beyond on our real estate purchase. He was very patient with us and was always eager to show us a listing anytime, even by video. He was able to help us write up a great offer that closed quickly. After the sale he was able to assist with fixing property deficiencies and connect us with contractors to perform upgrades. He is a true local and his wealth of knowledge of Sun Valley was very helpful. I have already recommended him to another friend and will continue to do so in the future."
-Eric and Alicia
"James helped me with the purchase of my condo in Ketchum and I can say with certainty that the purchase wouldn't have closed without him. He went above and beyond and was responsive at every stage of the process. Thanks!"
-Derek
"James is an exceptional agent to work with. He made sure he was always available to answer our calls. He was always willing to answer all of our questions and if he didn’t know the answer he would find out quickly. We felt he went above and beyond what is expected of an agent. Highly recommend."
-Scott and Jamina
"Working with James has been an exceptionally lovely experience. Due to Covid, we were unable to view any of the properties in person. James created videos of each property and even took videos driving up to the homes so that we could have the true 'experience'. James was always direct regarding pluses and minuses of each property and we couldn't have trusted him more. Thank you James for finding our dream Sun Valley ski spot."
-Trevor and Tatiana
"I worked with James on the sale of my home near Stanley, ID. I found him to be very professional and committed to selling my property. He conducted open houses, and advertised on several websites, and periodicals. The property was unique in that it was somewhat remote, and challenging to market given the travel distances to the grocery store and restaurants.. James was not deterred, and was able to bring a number of qualified buyers to tour the home and property, which culminated in the sale. I would recommend James to any home buyer or seller who is looking for a hard working real estate agent..."
-Tait
"James identified the perfect property for us and negotiated the price down. He was responsive, attentive and easy to communicate with. He did a great job representing us and we would use him again!"
-Charles and Gretel
"We have used James for multiple real estate deals and he goes above and beyond every time. He is incredibly knowledgeable of the area and that shows with every deal. He gives great advice, and we are incredibly grateful for his expertise. Highly recommend!"
-Kelsey and Charlie
"We love working with James. He is always responsible and responsive. And he will always follow through with any task. Thanks again James!"
-Lynn and Tom
"I got to know Taco when he coached my daughter ski racing. The same 3 qualities that made him an exceptional coach make him an exceptional real estate broker: hard work, humility and enthusiasm. It’s clear from his market research, his property owner outreach and his follow through on every detail that Taco works his ass off for his client. He places his client first and he gets true joy from executing a successful deal. His clear appreciation for believing in him was the cherry on top. Taco is a relative new comer in a crowded field of brokers, but having those three qualities in spades makes me very glad to have been his client and to recommend him without reservation."
-Will
"James was awesome! James assisted us in selling our mountain property near Stanley, Idaho. From the start he was enthusiastic, prompt, professional and just fun to work with. In the end, he sold our property in a week. We were fortunate enough to meet his family and we have become friends. James cares about his clients and doing the best job possible. We recommend him highly."
-Mark and Candace
"Just a short note to thank you for the fine job you did on the sale of my Stanley property. Your diligence, follow through, and attention to detail resulted in a very fair sales price and an excellent sales experience. I deal in real estate extensively and was very impressed with your handling of this sale."
"P.S. I also feel that I made a friend, i.e. you."
-Harry
“Such a hardworking realtor. Really appreciated all the time and energy staying on top of negotiated items seller needed to repair. Very good communication skills. Highly recommend.”
-Siobhan
"James and his team were a dream to work with. James was extremely quick in responding to our requests or questions. He went above and beyond in helping with the final arrangements to get our property ready to sell. The entire process was seamless, and we sold the property within the first 30 days! We would absolutely recommend James for your real estate needs."
-Janette
"James.... you rock as a realtor. We were satisfied with your marketing skills. You worked the buyer/seller negotiations very well. A job well done. Thank you!"
-Cheri
"Our experience working with James was nothing short of perfect.. he was well attentive to our needs not only representing the sellers but us as buyers.. we recommend James to others looking to find property in the greater Sun Valley area."
-Doug
"James is a great real estate agent. He was very informative and a good advocate on our behalf. We would not hesitate to use him again."
-Stu and Kathy
“James was professional and thorough throughout the whole process of buying my home. You can trust that he will follow up on every detail. I highly recommend James!”
-Cara
"As a first time home buyer, James brought a level of clarity and thoroughness to the home buying process that put us at ease. He knows the market but more importantly, his clients. Thank you James, we couldn't have imagined a better first time home buying experience!"
-Jackie and Kitt
"James was a fantastic realtor who took the time to help me find just the spot I was looking for. Though I was reluctant with what the market had available at first, he worked with me and through this town’s wonderful network of friends found me my new home. He made the paperwork and contracts a breeze to get through, and was a real pleasure to work with. He will help you find what you are looking for in the valley!"
-Julie
"In a town where every third person you tap on the shoulder is a "real estate agent," the decision on who to work with is not an easy one. After mentioning to James that my wife and I would love to buy a home in Ketchum, but are likely a year away, he became a great resource for us. James started to call me up when he went to look at a place he thought I might like. He knew we were not ready yet, but was still excited for us and wanted to do whatever he could to help us get to know the area.
Like most, I met James through one of his other talents (music in my case), but working with him on our home purchase was where his attention to detail and organization really shown through. Our purchase, like many transactions involving older homes in the valley, was not without its share of problems. There were several significant repairs that needed to be completed and James helped us work through these with the sellers and come to fair resolutions. He calmed me down when I was riled up and made sure we stood our ground when it was necessary.
All in, James was a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a new home and great service."
-Sean & Heather