REAL Magazine, April-May, 2018

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Sweet Stop Boise's Poppy Seed Bakery + Café Stargazing at Bruneau Sand Dunes Essential Gardening Six Tips to Know Make It Shine Easy Home Updates Monthly Market Report Things to Do 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

This month's REAL Magazine features a fantastic little sweet shop in Northwest Boise. Poppy Seed Bakery + CafĂŠ is a hidden gem you simply must try. Give the gluten-free Almond Joy cookies a taste. You'll definitely be back for more!

We're also revisiting a story we did back in 2014 about Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park. With all the growth in our valley, it has become difficult to get a great nighttime view of the stars. A trip to the Dunes and the park's observatory is a sure cure for that.

As always, we strive to provide fun, interesting, and quick-to-read stories we hope you'll enjoy. If you have something you'd like to see, don't hesitate to email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

Spring is the time of plans and projects."

~ Leo Tolstoy Anna Karenina

contents Sweet Stop Boise's Poppy Seed Bakery + CafĂŠ is the perfect treat stop.

Starry, Starry Night Get away from the city lights! Plan a trip to Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park Observatory.

Essential Gardening Shake off winter with these springtime gardening tips.

Make It Shine These inexpensive and easy updates will add some pizzazz to your home!

Market Stats The real estate market is thriving.

What are the key points?

Ada County Homes A sample of the beautiful homes for sale in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Is a move to Canyon County right for you?

Things to Do It's time to get outside and play!

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Sweet Stop

at Poppy Seed Bakery + Café

Looking for local charm? Find it, along with coffee and treats, on Hill Road in Boise!

W

e’ve all heard it. We know it’s true. “Not just nice, Boise nice.” And if you have to have a local quirk, niceness sure isn’t a bad one. But we’re also the fastest growing city in America.

Sometimes it can feel like our “Nice Boise” is quickly becoming more and more detached. But there is still plenty of local Boise charm out there. Where? The North End, of course.

Poppy Seed Bakery + Café is a local walk in / sit down café located on Hill Road, near the 36th Street roundabout. If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming environment that will remind you of the “small town feel,” then look no further. When you walk into Poppy Seed, you’ll be greeted with a jovial, “Hello!” or “Good Morning!”

Poppy Seed offers a bit of everything, with plans to expand even more. It’s open for traditional bakery hours and offers options for breakfast and lunch, as well fresh baked goodies and locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks.

Owners Kim and Jeremy purchased Poppy Seed from its original owner in April of 2017, and have since grown the café and its menu

extensively. Nestled right up to the foothills, Poppy Seed is the perfect stop for cyclists, hikers, dog walkers, and downtown or Bogus commuters.

And speaking of the owners, they aren’t some CEOs behind a desk. Kim does all the baking, can make any espresso drink you can think of, and runs the café from open to close every day. You’ll see her bearded husband, Jeremy, from time to time, helping out with customers, or making their popular gluten-free Almond Joy cookies.

Boasting 5-Star ratings on both Yelp and Facebook, Poppy Seed is one of the North End’s best-kept secrets. Looking for a cozy spot to catch up with a friend? They’ve got a quaint upstairs loft that features living room-style seating, soft lighting, and a Little Free Library.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to study, they’ve got free Wifi – just

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 5 plan on the quietness during the weekdays. Fridays and Saturdays tend to be hoppin’, so stop in early to catch one of the bakery goodies before they’re gone.

It doesn’t stop there, either. Poppy Seed takes special order requests – Kim makes a mean quiche (hint, hint) – including pies during the holidays, and is available for delivery through UberEATS, and soon, GrubHub. So even if you’re stuck at work, you can still get a great cup of local coffee. On May 17th, Poppy Seed will celebrate its first full year of serving North Enders. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, deals and upcoming events. cbboise.com

So let’s keep it local, Boise. Locally owned and operated shops like Poppy Seed are a large part of what makes our big city feel small.

More information, including contact info, hours, menu, and special ordering, is available on Poppy Seed’s website, poppyseedboise. com.

Stop by and say hi.

Grab a coffee or a Poppy Seed original Happy Belly Bar (it’s gluten free and vegan!), and strike up a conversation

with Kim and Jeremy about the local music scene or the valley’s crazy weather. You won’t regret it.

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Starry, Starry Night

at the Bruneau Sand Dunes

Bruneau Dunes State Park is open all year, with a visitor center open 9:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. (with some variation during the off season). Call 208.366.7919 for details.

L

ocated just 64 miles south of Boise, Bruneau Dunes State Park is an often-overlooked, year ‘round adventure perfect for all ages. With the tallest singlestructured sand dune in North America, rising 470 feet above the desert floor, the park offers hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, camping, dune skiing/sand board sledding, and star gazing at the park’s observatory.

Spend the day sliding down the dunes with a sand board rented from the visitor center, or bring your own saucer. Plastic ones work best, as anything metal gets hot in the summer.

Hike, birdwatch, plan a picnic, or fish for bluegill in the lakes at the foot of the dunes. You’ll enjoy the quiet, as vehicles aren’t allowed on the dunes, and only electric motorboats and non-motorized watercraft are approved for the lakes.

Bring your horses and explore the park’s 9-mile riding trail. There is a dedicated equestrian area with corrals and water spigots for your horses, as well as a vault toilet and small shelter with picnic tables. This area includes 15 nonreservable campsites.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 7

Gather friends & family for a fantastic trip to view the night sky without the light pollution we see in the city! This story has been updated from one that ran in 2014. Enjoy!

Though plenty close enough for a day trip, if you visit on a Friday or Saturday from early April through mid-October, you’ll want to stick around to check out the stars.

For just $5.00 per person (children five and under are free; seniors are $3.00), you can participate in a short orientation and introductory astromomy program followed by the opportunity to view the heavens through the observatory’s collection of telescopes. For presentation times, call the visitor cbboise.com

center at 208-366-7919, or check the kiosk when you arrive.

Plan to camp or stay in a cabin. In addition to the equestrian area, the park has 82 serviced sites, as well as 35 standard, two ADAcertified sites, and two cabins.

There are showers, flush toilets, and dump stations. Campsites range from $12 to $29 per night; cabins are $50-$55.

For information, visit the website by clicking HERE.

APRIL-MAY, 2018

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 9

Essential Gardening

Six Tips for Spring

Even though the weather is still unpredictable, spring is definitely in the air, and that means it's time to get your garden in shape.

Audrey Sellers Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

A

re you in need of a few good gardening tips as springtime approaches?

Whether you are new to your home, or you’re just looking to reinvigorate your garden after the winter season, there are some essential things you should know if you want to see your garden thrive. Grab a pair of gardening gloves and get started!

Complete a tool tune-up.

It’s frustrating when you’re ready to work in the yard, but something is broken or not running quite right. Now’s the time to get your lawnmower tuned up and the blade sharpened. It’s also a good idea to clean and sharpen all your tools and make a checklist of the items you’ll need to replace.

Get to pruning.

Allow new growth to spring forth by removing dead branches and selectively pruning shrubs and trees. Don’t be overzealous though — it’s better to be conservative cbboise.com

with what you trim away. You can’t piece branches back together once they’re cut.

Keep bugs at bay.

Once temperatures stay above freezing, it’s a good time to apply insect control such as a horticultural insect spray. The last average frost in the Treasure Valley typically occurs around the end of April.

Test your soil.

This is one of those gardening tips that’s easy to forget but can really make a big difference. A garden is only as good as the soil it’s growing in, so take time to learn as much as possible about your soil.

For example, do you know if your garden has soil that is acidic or alkaline? Check with your nearest greenhouse or gardening store for the proper additives and advice.

Take a look around.

A lush, colorful garden doesn’t happen overnight. It takes plenty

of attention and care. Once a week or so, spend 15 minutes just wandering around your garden.

Look for any signs of trouble such as insects or diseases. Don’t be afraid to get down on the ground.

Most diseases start on lower leaves and then spread up. And turn those leaves over, too. Many insects prefer the underside of foliage.

Add decorative elements.

While the colorful blossoms can certainly stand alone, it’s always nice to add a few beautifying touches to a garden. Think about installing a hummingbird feeder or birdbath to draw more of nature’s beauty into your yard.

By taking some time to prepare your garden for spring, you’re setting the stage for a picturesque season. Happy gardening!

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Make It Shine

Affordable DIY Updates

Feeling like your home is a bit tired, but the budget won't allow for a remodel? Below are affordable tips to freshen your home without breaking the bank.

Melina Gillies Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

T

o update and freshen your home, even tiny fixes can have a big impact. Here are 10 of the best low- (or no-) cost home improvement fixes to make your house like new.

Address the Heart of the Home For many, the kitchen is the center of the home – for family and guests. If a new kitchen just isn’t in the cards, consider replacing smaller ticket items and decluttering. Low- and no-cost fixes for the kitchen include: • New cabinet hardware • New faucets • Installing a new backsplash • Storing countertop appliances to create more work space • Replacing dark valances with lighter fabric or removing them altogether

Update Switch Plate Covers Switch plate and outlet covers are brittle, and can crack and yellow over time, resulting in a home that, no matter how well updated, still looks dated. New outlets and covers can be replaced in a snap for generally under five dollars, making it one of the lowest cost updates available. Consider flat switches that create a modern, streamlined silhouette and stick to white for a timeless look.

Beautify the Bathroom An updated bathroom is second only to the kitchen when it comes to giving your home a current and clean look and feel. New flooring can give an otherwise tired bathroom a much-needed facelift and create a newer-looking bathroom overall. Coordinating

linens, a new shower curtain, and thoroughly cleaned grout can top off this easy home improvement investment.

Address Storage Having enough storage to put items away prevents messy spaces.

Installing low-cost organizers to your existing closets will increase storage and organization in your home. Add storage baskets to hide clutter, and you will have beautiful storage areas.

Deep Clean If your home contains wall-to-wall carpeting, clean carpets can make a world of difference. Cleaning carpets can easily be completed in a weekend with a rental cleaning machine, and it creates a fresh, odor-free environment.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 11 Boost Curb Appeal Nothing boosts curb appeal like a tidy yard. Trim and edge walkways, weed gardens, and trim shrubs for maximum impact. If you have a porch, consider potted, seasonal plants to bring the look together.

Improve the View Ensure that your entryway is clean and inviting with something as simple as a new mailbox or updated house numbers. Wash windows and doors to complete the job.

Add a Coat of Paint Freshening up your living space will cover up any nicks, scratches, or dents your wall incurred over years of daily living. There’s cbboise.com

nothing like new paint to make everything look clean and fresh!

Update Lighting While not the lowest cost solution on our list, you will find that a new light fixture or two really breathes new life into key living spaces. If your budget is tight, look to kitchen, dining, and living rooms for the most bang for your buck.

Add Some Decor Pizzazz Finally, a fresh look can be completed with nothing more than some colorful fabric.

Inexpensive pillows and throws in a coordinating palette through your home will create a unified look that will make you proud.

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Q1 Ada Market Stats

Warmer Winter: Early Spring Housing Market

It seems our mild winter brought out more homebuyers in Ada County than we typically see in the first quarter.

T

here is no denying that the real estate market in the Treasure Valley is brisk. Looking over the first quarter statistics, some key takeaways are: •

•

•

Warmer winter temps may have encouraged homebuyers to shop earlier, as the growth in purchase activity during the first quarter was more like what we typically see early in the second quarter of the year.

The median sales price is the point at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less. For the existing/resale segment, there were approximately 725 homes that sold for less than $273,650 during the first quarter of 2018 in Ada County, and another 725 that sold for more.

Prices for existing/resale homes continue to be driven by lack of inventory versus demand, with 33.1% fewer options for buyers to choose from in the first quarter compared to same quarter last year.

Just because there is low inventory doesn’t mean there is no inventory. At the end Q1-2018, there were nearly

1,150 existing and new homes for sale in Ada County across all price points.

Analysis: During the first quarter of 2018, homebuyers in Ada County purchased 1,450 existing/resale homes and 658 new homes, for year-over-year increases of 7.9% and 26.8%, respectively. Warmer weather over the winter may have encouraged people to shop earlier, as the growth in activity — especially for new construction — is more like what we typically see early in the second quarter of the year.

The Q1-2018 median sales price for existing/resale homes in Ada County was at $273,650, up 21.1% from Q12017. The median sales price is the point at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less during a certain period. For context, this means that there were approximately 725 existing homes that sold for less than $273,650 during the first quarter of 2018 in Ada County, and another 725 that sold for more.

Prices for existing homes continue to be driven by lack of inventory. Based on the number of homes available for

purchase at the end Q1-2018—just 498 properties—homebuyers had 33.1% fewer options to choose from than the previous year.

Looking at the new construction segment, the Q1-2018 median sales price in Ada County was at $355,085, up 12.1% from the same period last year. This means that there were approximately 329 new homes that sold for less than the median price during the first quarter of 2018 in Ada County, and another 329 that sold for more.

New construction prices primarily reflect the rising prices of labor and materials, as well as lower inventory this year than last year. There were 645 new homes for sale at the end of Q1-2018, down 18.7% from the end of Q1-2017. However, there continues to be more new homes available than existing in Ada County.

Cassie Zimmerman Director of Communications Boise Regional REALTORS® Get in touch if you'd like to know how all of this information affects your situation!

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$308,950

HOMES SOLD MARCH 2018*

40

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,143

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons. Statistics provided by Boise Regional REALTORS®

$211,945

424

HOMES SOLD MARCH 2018*

48

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

cbboise.com

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

529

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

848

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

4162 E. Arborvitae Ct. SE Boise Fabulous two story boasting 4 beds, newer carpet, tile counters, high ceilings, ceiling fans & a cozy gas fireplace. 3-car finished tandem garage including epoxy floor, fully stained fenced with auto sprinklers, trellis/awning-covered patio, mature landscaping with mtn. views & no back neighbors. Close to Simplot Sports Complex, pathways, & community rec. center.

12690 W. Renwick St. SW Boise Better-than-new in wonderful neighborhood!

Enjoy pathways, basketball court, & community parks, & this great 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home.

Completely remodeled with new roof, interior & exterior paint, remodeled kitchen & master bath all in the last 2 years. Huge corner lot with RV parking & 3-car garage. 4th bedroom could be a bonus room.

2412 N. Eureka Ave. NE Meridian Tidy 3 bed, 2 bath home with 1,232 sq.ft. New paint inside & out, brand new carpet, new sinks, & roof. Separate living & family rooms, master with access to back patio, large fenced yard with room for a garden, & more. This home is ready! Great location near shopping, schools, & parks. Don't wait! This one won't be on the market long.

5139 N. Black Sand Ave. NW Meridian Incredibly-maintained 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2,659 sq.ft. Open & versatile living spaces.

Cook's kitchen with large center island, stunning cabinetry, SS appliances, & large pantry. Great room with vaulted ceiling, lots of natural light, & gas fireplace. Main-level master with dual vanities, large walk-in shower with dual heads, & spacious walk-in closet.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

2649 Ladle Rapids NW Meridian Gorgeous open floor plan with vaulted ceilings!

Enjoy the separate living area upstairs that could be a movie theater! JUST refinished hardwood floors. Travertine & ceramic tile throughout.

Fantastic kitchen with huge island, granite counters, SS appliances, gorgeous cabinetry & open to the cozy family room. 5 beds, 3 baths, 3,492 sq.ft.

5971 N. Botticelli Ave. NW Meridian Luxury at its finest & private spaces for everyone! Imagine yourselves in this newlybuilt 4 bed, 4 bath home. Perfect for today’s lifestyle with its enormous gathering room, luxurious master retreat, an unmatched gourmet kitchen, perfect for entertaining & expansive outdoor patios leading to a back yard oasis. Includes full landscaping.

1285 W. Wild Sheep Ln. S Meridian Your perfect luxury ranch setup on a private lane.

This 10-acre retreat boasts an incredible singlelevel home with unsurpassed outbuildings, the envy of every horse enthusiast. Sip your tea on the covered porch, listen to your horses munching in the many pastures, & unwind while watching the stunning sunset views of the surrounding mountains.

11640 W. Tustin Kuna Here is the 1-acre lot you've been waiting for! Grand floor plan with an abundance of natural light. 4 beds, 3 baths with office space, loft & bonus room that would make a perfect home theater. North-facing back yard is an entertainer's dream with no back neighbors, a covered patio, built-in fire pit, & views of the Boise foothills.

cbboise.com

APRIL-MAY, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

925 S. Spring Valley Dr. S Nampa Gorgeous quality-built, high efficiency home with RV parking. Kitchen features hardwood floors, center island with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft close cabinets & double ovens. Butler's pantry has plenty of shelving & a service counter. Spacious master suite with dual vanity, soaker tub & walk-in tile shower. Oversized garage.

1605 Gold Ct. S Nampa SHOP & RV parking! So much to love about this home! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,820 sq.ft. with separate living & family rooms. Beautiful fireplace, vaulted ceilings, & plant shelves.

Large windows for tons of natural light. New paint, new vinyl, new carpet, refaced cabinets, storage sheds, central vac, water softener, culde-sac lot, & no association fee or CC&Rs.

13865 Locust Ln. S Nampa A beautiful home with a beautiful view! Custom single-level with 3 beds, 2 baths, & 2,868 sq.ft. Granite kitchen countertops, stainless appliances. 10'ceilings & 8' doorways. Coffered ceilings with crown moldings & rope lighting.

Master suite offers a jetted tub & beautiful walk-in glass shower. A 3-bay, RV-sized garage to park all the toys.

3433 Southside Blvd.

S Nampa Private & close to town! Sprawling 3 bed home with 2,248 sq.ft. Office with French doors, formal living room with bay window, large family room with pellet stove. Just over an acre with room for animals & RV parking. Split bedroom plan, plenty of space for everyone.

Private deck. Home is nestled at the back of a long lane.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

34 S. Shumway Ave. NW Nampa Lovingly-maintained 4 bed, 2.5 bath home in great location. 2,645 sq.ft., large island kitchen, open floor plan. Spacious master, loft/ bonus area, convenient upstairs laundry. Eastfacing back yard with great landscaping, play structure, swing set, & garden area. Large 3-car garage with quiet opener, shelving, & door to back yard.

2029 Brookside Dr. SW Caldwell Beautiful brick, single-level ranch on over a quarter acre. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, & many updates throughout. 300 sq.ft. sunroom, gym, or office space. Property features RV parking & a 16x20 detached shop. Back yard has mature trees & great garden space. Lot backs to BLM easement/creek.

15470 Mink Rd. Caldwell Beautiful custom-built brick home located on 4 acres & nestled in farming community.

Roughly 3 acres fenced in pasture for horses or other animals. The main level features 1012' ceilings, great room, granite, hardwood & more! The basement has a 2nd kitchen. In all, there are 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4,782 sq.ft. 5-car garage, no CCRs.

23687 Lansing Ln. Middleton This fabulous 23+ sprawling acreage includes a recently renovated single-level home.

Gorgeous finishes that you must see to appreciate. Spacious modern kitchen. Excellent horse setup & outdoor riding arena. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from this private retreat.

Lush pasture in grass hay & fully fenced w/New Zealand fencing, safer for horses & stock.

cbboise.com

PAGE 17

Canyon County

APRIL-MAY, 2018

FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market

Each Saturday starting April 7th

9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

10th and Grove, downtown Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com

Capital City Public Market

Each Saturday starting April 14th 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

8th and Idaho, downtown Boise

capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Eagle Saturday Market

Saturdays starting May 5th 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

185 E. State St., Eagle

cityofeagle.org/market

Nampa Farmers’ Market

Saturdays starting April 28

9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com

Kuna Farmer's Market

Saturdays starting May 5

9:00a.m.-noon Kuna City Park 201 W. Main, Kuna facebook.com/KunaFarmersMarket COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 19

Things to Do Get up, get out - it's time to play!

Star Gaze at the Observatory

Friday & Saturday evenings, 6:30 p.m.

Yoga on the Blue

Saturday, April 28, 10:00 a.m.

Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd., Mtn. Home parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

Albertsons Stadium 1400 Bronco Ln., Boise Information

Nampa Rec Center Splash 'n' Dash

Friday, April 20, 5:45-9:45 p.m.

Idaho Kids Fun Fest/Family Pet Expo

Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org

Idaho's Largest Trash Clean-Up

Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA Swan Falls Road south of Kuna Infomation

Pickin' Boise Vintage Show & Artisan Market

April 21-22, times vary

Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood St., Boise pastblessingsfarm.com

Letters from Anne & Martin

Thursday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.

Morrison Center 201 W. Cesar Chavez Ln., Boise wassmuthcenter.org

Wildflower Walk in the Boise Foothills

Thursday, April 26 & May 3, 6:30 p.m.

Meet at the Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise idahobotanicalgarden.org

cbboise.com

Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood St., Boise ibleventsinc.com

Treasure Valley Kite Festival

Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Kleiner Park, 1900 N. Records Ave., Meridian tvkitefestival.com

TEDx Boise

Saturday, May 5, 1:00-9:00 p.m.

JUMP Boise, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise tedxboise.org

Mother's Day Brunch at ZooBoise

Sunday, May 13, 9:00 a.m.

ZooBoise, 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

Mother's Day Concert at Ste. Chappelle

Sunday, May 13, 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Featuring the Fabulous Chancellors Ste. Chapelle Winery 19348 Lowell Rd., Caldwell Information

DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272