MAY-JUNE 2019
Spring Road Trip Thousand Springs Scenic Byway Plus
Light Up Your Landscaping Installing a Doggie Door Best Grilled Turkey Burgers
With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley! DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272
The snow is almost gone on Shafer Butte, which means it's time to plant, plant, plant! We hope you are enjoying the warming temps and longer days and encourage you to take a little time away from your spring cleaning and yard work to make the trek along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. It's a beautiful time to see the waterfalls bursting from the canyon walls and maybe even take a dip in a delightful hot spring along the way. Are you enjoying REAL Magazine? Our goal is to provide quick-to-read, but informative stories, and we'd love to hear from you! Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." ~ Margaret Atwood
CONTENTS Features
4
Spring Road Trip
6
Light It Up!
8
Time for a Doggie Door?
10
The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is an easy drive from Boise and yields beautiful scenery and fun stops along the way.
Solar lighting lining pathways and sidewalks and placed in your flowerbeds will give your landscaping a whole new dimension.
You have the fenced yard and the perfect pup. Now install a doggie door to give your pooch access to the outdoors.
Grilling the Perfect Burger Do you love a good burger, but want to cut back on the red meat? Give one of these recipes a try!
In Every Issue
12 14 16 18
Market Stats What's the word on the real estate market this spring?
Ada County Homes Some great homes are for sale in Ada County.
Canyon County Homes Explore the beautiful homes on the market in Canyon County.
Things to Do It's a great time to get out and enjoy our valley!
MAY-JUNE, 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Spring Road Trip
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
Travel a mere 90 minutes from Boise to experience the beautiful geology of Idaho's Snake River Canyon.
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earching for an adventure for Memorial Weekend but don't want to join the throngs who launch their summer camping trips over the holiday? Take a drive through the Hagerman Valley to view the spectacular scenery that is the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Springtime is perhaps the best time to view the springs as the water makes its way through the volcanic canyon walls to the Snake River below. An easy day trip from Boise, the Byway begins on US Highway 30 at Bliss, just off I-84. After exiting the interstate, the road descends quickly into the Snake River Canyon and reveals beautiful,
craggy cliffs formed millions of years ago. Almost immediately, you will see the waterfalls and understand how the Byway received its name.
picnic, there is an area where you can relax and enjoy your lunch. The hatchery is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. There is no charge for a visit.
Along the route, stop at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center where you can view a short film, as well as displays, and the kids can work toward their Jr. Ranger badges. Currently, the center is open Thursday-Monday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and every day beginning on June 5. There are no fees to enter the Visitor Center or the Monument grounds where you can enjoy a hike along the Emigrant Trail where you'll likely catch a glimpse of the wagon ruts from the Oregon Trail.
There is so much to see along this short stretch of scenic Idaho! Stop for a dip in one of the hot springs resorts where pools range from small, private soaks to large public pools. Should you decide to make a weekend out of the trip, these facilities have campgrounds, and/ or cabins for rent.
From there, take time to visit the Hagerman Fish Hatchery show pond where you can see numerous species of fish. If you've packed a
Other attractions in the area include Thousand Springs State Park, a large complex consisting of hiking trails, viewpoints, and many photo opportunities. Plan your trip ahead of time, wear comfortable shoes, and take plenty of water. For an overview map of the area, visit the National Park Service website. cbboise.com
MAY-JUNE, 2019
Light It Up!
Add Appeal to Your Landscaping Solar-powered landscape lighting makes it easy for you to add some interest to your pathways and flowerbeds. Tiffany Aller Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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his spring, as you spend more time outdoors, consider some subtle but bright ideas to light up your patio and flowerbeds. Modern In-Path Lighting Whether you already have a path through your yard or are considering adding one, a sure bet for lighting is inserting solar lamps between or around each stepping stone or concrete pad. These lights are designed to lie flat with your path, to eliminate tripping hazards, and have all day long to soak up sunlight so that they can brighten your yard at night. Subtle Foliage Lighting Does your landscaping design include bushes, hedges, or thicker perimeter plants? Instead of using obtrusive lights to shine at or down upon this foliage, you can place lighting inside of the plant
area. If you want to keep the ease of solar as an option, be sure to place the lights where they will still receive the charging rays from the sun. Otherwise, you’ll need to investigate wired lighting. The good news there is that you can more easily hide the hardware of the lamps and bury related wiring. A word of caution: if you plan to hide lights inside a densely planted area, ensure that they are cold-burning lights so that you do not expose your house and landscaping to fire risk. Conversation Piece Lighting In contrast to the first two subtle illumination techniques, you may consider other outdoor landscape lighting ideas like above-ground lights that match your outdoor decor or add a conversation piece to your yard. From classic black lantern designs to more modern
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pieces, you can place these lights either at strategic points in your yard to provide even lighting coverage or use them to ring your house or line a walkway. For the Patio Twinkling light strings are a popular way to add ambience to your porches and patios. From novelty lights to elegant white strands, these can turn a simple patio into a warm and welcoming gathering place for family and friends. Decide what mood you'd like to set, and go from there. Tying It Together As you begin making your outdoor lighting plans, be sure to choose lighting techniques that will provide just enough lighting without going overboard. Moderation is the key—and your yard will shine its approval.
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By adding lighting to your flowerbeds, porch, and patio or deck, you are really creating another room. Add a fountain or firepit, and you will find yourself looking forward to getting away from the television and into the fresh evening air! cbboise.com
MAY-JUNE, 2019
Add a Doggie Door
Give Your Pup Some Freedom
In. Out. Repeat. Sound familiar? Stop playing doorman and install a doggie door. This guide will help you get started. Sharon Lee Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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t’s no surprise that Idaho is one of the most pet-friendly places in the country. Wanting the best for our fur-kids is a natural for most of us, so when thinking about adding a doggie door, there are some important things to examine before you move forward. The first and most important step in determining whether a pet door is right for your home is to consider what issues might come from your pup’s new-found freedom. For starters, do you have a securely fenced yard? Have you evaluated your landscaping and flowerbeds to make certain there are no toxic plants your pup could get to? Is he or she a digger? If so, you might also ponder installing a sandbox made specifically for your pooch. After you’ve addressed your pet’s outdoor safety, you’ll need to determine the kind of pet door that is right for your home. A pet door
can be installed in the wall, storm or screen door, garage door, or sliding glass door. Likewise, the door can be a simple flap or a high-tech, electronic door that will require your pet to wear an activation unit on his collar. In the Treasure Valley where we enjoy four distinct seasons, look for a two-flap version so you have some insulation from the cold and heat. Something you might not think about, but, based on where you live, might need to, is whether there are critters you don’t want using the door along with your dog. Are there raccoons? Foxes? Skunks? Some of these animals can be pretty brazen when they are hungry. If you live in the foothills, or in another part of the valley where the wild things are, a locking/collaractivated door might be your best bet.
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Before making your pet door selection, you’ll need to take your dog’s measurements and weight. Consider that he will duck his head when entering and exiting, so you’ll want to find a door that is slightly taller than his shoulder height and at least two inches wider than the widest part of his body. Finally, remember, if you have multiple dogs, your installation will need to be low enough for your smallest pup, and high enough for your tallest. The cost of installation and complexity of the project varies with each option. After doing your research, you might decide to hire a professional. If you are handy, though, you’ll likely be able to follow a step-by-step guide from your local home improvement store.
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MAY-JUNE, 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Grill the Perfect Burger
Keep It Healthy with Turkey!
Summertime is grilling time. While beef and chicken are the most popular, why not take a walk on the healthier side and try a ground turkey burger? We bet your tastebuds will do a happy dance! JUICY GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS 1 lb. ground turkey (dark meat is more moist) 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1Tbsp. Worchestershire sauce Salt & pepper
DIRECTIONS: Lightly knead together all ingredients & form 4 patties. Oil grill grates with a very light coating of high-heat cooking oil (canola or peanut). Heat grill to medium-high (400-450o). Grill burgers about 5 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165o. Remove from grill & let rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted, whole-grain buns with your favorite condiments.
SPICY GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS 1 lb. ground turkey 1/3 c. red onion, finely chopped 1 med. jalapeno pepper, finely chopped 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
11/2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil
DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients & make 4 patties. Oil grate & heat grill to medium-high (400-450o). Place burgers on grill & cook 3-5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165o. Top with pepperjack cheese, & remove from grill. Place burgers on choice of bun & top with salsa, guacamole, or your choice of condiments. cbboise.com
MAY-JUNE, 2019
Monthly Market Report
More Ada County Inventory Helped Moderate April Home Prices Home prices held fairly steady between March and April. Breanna Vanstrom, Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®
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he median sales price of existing homes in Ada County was at $308,450 in April 2019, up 12.2% over April 2018, but down slightly from March 2019. The median sales price for new construction was at $369,000, nearly even with last year but down 2.3% from March 2019. This put the overall median sales price at $331,990 (for existing and new construction activity combined), an increase of 12.5% year-over-year and down just 1.0% from the previous month.
which helped moderate the new and overall median prices a bit.
to $280,885 in today’s dollars for a comparative increase of 9.8%.
In addition, an increase in total inventory helped hold prices steady month-over-month across all segments. There were 1,525 homes listed as “active” in the multiple listing service, up 22.9% year-overyear and up 12.8% from the previous month. 756 of those listings were new homes—269 were move-in ready, 417 were under construction, and 70 were listed as “to be built.”
The median sales price of new homes previously peaked in 2007 at $312,575. Looking at actual dollars, the median sales price in April 2019 was 18.1% higher than the 2007 peak. However, adjusting for inflation, that 2007 price would be equivalent to $385,247 in today’s dollars for a comparative decrease of 4.2%.
When median prices go above the $300,000 mark, we’re often asked to compare our current situation with 2007, when the market peaked before the recession. However, when looking at prices that are more than a decade old, we must adjust for inflation.
As we’ve reported previously, new construction sales have been gaining more and more of the total market share in Ada County. “Since new homes generally sell for more than existing homes, this segment continues to have a greater impact on the overall median sales price,” For example, the median sales said Phil Mount, 2019 President of price of existing homes previously Boise Regional REALTORS®. peaked in 2007 at $227,900. Looking at actual dollars, the median sales But while the share of new home price in April 2019 was 35.3% sales remained high (36.3% of all higher than that previous peak. sales in April) it was just below the However, adjusting for inflation, share of new home sales in March, that 2007 price would be equivalent
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The theory of supply-and-demand would suggest that the adjusted price decrease for new homes since 2007 should have been caused by more inventory, but that was not the case. At the 2007 peak, there were 1,355 new homes for sale compared to 756 in April 2019. Instead of prices being based on supply-and-demand, they were being driven by speculation. Today, new home prices are being driven mostly by higher land, labor, and material costs, as well as a low level of move-in ready inventory, compared to demand.
PAGE 13
By the Numbers 935
HOMES SOLD APRIL 2019*
41
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Ada County
$331,990 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
1,525
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons. Statistics provided by Boise Regional REALTORS® Single arrow denotes change of less than 10%; double arrows denote 10%+.
443
HOMES SOLD APRIL 2019*
36
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Canyon County
$248,500 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
617
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* cbboise.com
MAY-JUNE, 2019
Ada County
Featured Homes
6311 E. Gateway Ct. SE Boise What a find in Surprise Valley! This home shines with fresh interior paint, tile floors in entry, living room, & great room & hardwood floors in kitchen & eating area. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, & stunning stained glass windows. Master bedroom features large windows to enjoy the views. Large bonus room perfect for enjoying a movie.
11702 Annalee Ln. SW Boise So much space in this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome with two master suites. Elegant & yet cozy floor plan with hardwood & tile. Chef's kitchen includes alder cabinets, granite counters, large island, & gas range. Soaring great room ceiling & stone gas fireplace. Walkin shower, upgraded trim/moldings, railings, & doors.
8025 W. Beckton Ln. W Boise Quaint & clean townhome in a nice gated community on a quiet cul-de-sac. Kitchen has been updated with granite counters & tile backsplash & an engineered hardwood floor. It also features an 11' long breakfast bar, dedicated dining space, & a two-sided gas fireplace. Enjoy your north-facing back yard under the large patio cover.
2467 E. Lenox Ct. Eagle A beautifully landscaped & well-maintained 6 bed, 3.5 bath home. This magnificent Lexington Hills residence is located near community fishing ponds & schools. Master bedroom is graced with soaring ceilings & balcony. The secluded South-facing back yard includes mature trees, patio, & storage shed. 3,322 sq.ft. of living space & a 3-car garage.
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Ada County
Featured Homes
2653 E. Lakefork Dr. Eagle Beautifully updated 4 bed, 2.5 bath in desirable Great Sky Estates. Private & shaded back yard & patio. Hard surface floors including oak & cherry. Kitchen amenities include slab granite countertops & recently updated appliances including gas stove. Updated granite counters & tile floor in main-level master. Main-level flex room can be formal dining or living room.
225 S. Stephenson St. Eagle Impeccably cared-for 3 bed, 2.5 bath singlelevel with 2,205 sq.ft. Welcoming & warm color palette, massive windows, 10' ceilings, & 8' doors create light & space. Incredible kitchen, tech room, elegant master retreat. Enormous 3-car garage with over 1,000 sq.ft.! Landscaping taken care of by HOA - perfect for today's busy lifestyle.
3058 S. Silvertip Ln. SW Meridian Captivating views of Bogus Basin & the Boise foothills set this sprawling haven apart. An open home design has uninterrupted flow from the cook’s kitchen through the dining area & into a vast gathering room with breathtaking views. Retreat to the master suite offering a doublesided fireplace leading to the cast iron clawfoot soaker tub in the elegant bath.
312 S. Hullen Ave. Star Super clean & move-in ready modern farmhouse with 3 beds, 3 full baths & 4th bedroom/upper bonus. Impeccable design & quality craftsmanship throughout w/a HERS rating of 57! Open layout with tons of light & gorgeous kitchen with Bosch appliances. Fully fenced on a huge corner lot & a beautiful covered patio perfect for entertaining. cbboise.com
MAY-JUNE, 2019
Canyon County
Featured Homes
6015 E. Carson Ct. NE Nampa Custom one-owner home on one acre. Animals okay. Private road, home is in cul-de-sac. Soaring ceiling & abundant windows highlight the living space in this beautiful home! Gas fireplace, eating space & formal dining. True entryway as you step in. Bonus room upstairs, master downstairs, living space abounds in this home. Terrific view of Boise front.
17856 Mesa Springs Ave. NE Nampa Be ready for entertaining with a large back yard & beautiful deck that is perfect for summer BBQs. Those with a green thumb will enjoy the garden space & added greenhouse. Open downstairs floor plan. Dining area is separated from the kitchen by large island great for social gatherings or holidays. Large 3-car garage gives added space for storage.
18328 Buckeye Pl. NE Nampa Not a cookie cutter house! Wonderful, 2,118sq.ft. floor plan features large living, kitchen, & eating areas downstairs, flowing to a covered patio & evening shady yard for summer enjoyment. 4-car garage! Upstairs you will find a spacious bonus room, private master suite & 3 additional bedrooms. Laundry is upstairs for convenience as well.
1210 Williams Ln. S Nampa Dream acre with a shop! Spacious, custombuilt home with highly energy efficient precision panels, 3-zone heating & A/C. 5 large bedrooms & 3 full baths, office, bonus/flex room, & amazing storage! Handicap accessible with 4-ft doorways on main level & suite with roll-in ready bath. Heated 1650 sqft shop with 1/2 bath, 14x40 RV bay with 12-ft door.
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Canyon County
Featured Homes
4323 E. Rhine River Dr. S Nampa This lovely home has so much to offer! Space for everyone can be found in the 4 oversized bedrooms. The generous kitchen features a large breakfast bar & access to a spacious covered patio & the fully-fenced back yard has plenty of room to play, entertain, & garden too. Study or work in the cheery office or visit with company in the formal living room.
2720 Sunflower Dr. S Nampa Comfortable 3 bed, 2 bath home on a 1/4acre lot in a very quiet neighborhood. Newer laminate flooring in main living areas, new furnace & new water heater. Split bedroom plan, lots of closets for storage. Spacious northfacing back yard, fully fenced, full automatic sprinklers, 12 x 10 storage shed & plenty of space for potential RV parking.
1100 Burnett Dr. NW Caldwell Wonderful 1,560-sq.ft. home with 3 beds, 2 baths, & a 3-car garage. Open kitchen with nice flow to dining & great room. Walk-in shower in master bath. New roof & HVAC in the last year. 3rd car bay is climate controlled with wall separation for a great workshop area. Porch has been enclosed for extra storage and multiple uses.
11336 Purple Sage Rd. Middleton Beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath home on 3.09 acres! Top-of-the-line finishes, include hardwood floors, granite counters, & designer windows with custom trim work. Large master bedroom & huge bath with double-head, walk-in shower, along with garden soaker tub. Private guest/inlaw bedroom with full bath. Custom stamped patio, great for entertaining! cbboise.com
MAY-JUNE, 2019
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 1500 Shoreline Dr., Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Each Saturday 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Each Saturday 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle cityofeagle.org
Nampa Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com
Kuna Farmer's Market Each Saturday COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
9:00a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kuna City Park 201 W. Main, Kuna facebook.com/KunaFarmersMarket
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Things to Do Fun for the entire family! Idaho's Largest Garage Sale Saturday, May 18, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Zoo Daze - "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Saturday, June 8, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood, Boise Information
ZooBoise, 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org
Boise City Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 27, 10:00 a.m.
Get Outdoors Festival Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise Ceremony Info
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge 13751 Upper Embankment Rd., Nampa Outdoors Festival Info
Memorial Day Flyover Monday, May 27, 10:00-11:30 a.m. (flyover)
Private Gardens Tour Sunday, June 9, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Warhawk Air Museum Memorial Day hours: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 201 Municipal Dr., Nampa Information
Greek Food Festival May 31-June 1, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Greek Orthodox Church 2618 W. Bannock St., Boise boisegreekfestival.com
Nampa Parks & Rec Summer SPLASHtacular Saturday, June 1, 1:00-4:45 p.m.
Lakeview Water Park & Lincoln Pool, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org
Movies in the Park Friday nights, June 7-August 16, dusk
Throughout Boise Tickets & Info
Father's Day Classic Car Show Sunday, June 16, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
8th, Idaho, & Bannock Streets, Boise downtownboise.org
Boise Music Festival Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood, Boise boisemusicfestival.com
Gorongosa Exhibit Grand Opening Wednesday, July 17, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
ZooBoise, 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org
Settlers Park, Ustick/Meridian Rd, Meridian meridiancityspecialevents.org cbboise.com
DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.