REAL Magazine, April-May, 2017

APRIL/MAY 2017

It was a Rough Winter When is it Safe to Plant?

April Honey-Do List For Your Home Swing into Spring Create the Perfect Party Pad Cinco de Guacamole!

Celebrate with a Recipe from Andrade's Monthly Market Report Get Outside!

With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

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It looks like spring is finally arriving in typical Treasure Valley fashion. One minute, you are outside in your shorts, and the next, you are running for the umbrella - or even your down coat. Though most of the Greenbelt is closed, and the river is overflowing its banks in some places, it won't be long before we are wondering where the hot, hot weather came from. Enjoy this transitional time, and use the cooler temps to get some things done around the house.

And, as always, if you have an idea for a story, we'd love to hear it. Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!"

~ Sitting Bull

contents When to Plant Did the heavy winter delay planting season?

Honey Do This!

An April checklist for your home.

Swing into Spring Getting ready for outdoor entertaining.

The Perfect Guacamole Cinco de Mayo is coming, so it's a great time to revisit this fantastic recipe.

Market Stats Has the market picked up now that the weather is warming?

Ada County Homes Stunning homes for sale in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Affordable beauty in Canyon County.

Get Outside!

The Treasure Valley always has lots going on.

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APRIL/MAY, 2017

The rule of thumb is to wait until all visible snow is off Shafer Butte before planting most of your vegetables.

When to Plant W

e all know the winter of 2016-2017 in the Treasure Valley was one of the harshest on record. Even though it wasn't the snowiest (that one belongs to the winter of 19161917 according to the National Weather Service) this winter was enough to push even the hardiest among us over the edge.

Given the length and severity of the season, lots of us are experiencing spring fever on steroids, longing

in the Treasure Valley

to get outside to get the whole garden planted and on its way to our tables. We just want to see some green. Let’s face it, a day or two in the high 60s, and it’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of weather-security.

But, if you don’t have a greenhouse or haven’t started your seedlings indoors, you might be in for a heartbreak if you plant too early.

Boise and the Treasure Valley are considered “high desert,” meaning

we not only have four distinct seasons, but also that the region is very dry with hot, arid summers.

With normal years averaging just 12 inches of precipitation, one might think getting a jump on the planting season when days are cool and rainy would be the way to go.

While this seems logical, it’s not the best plan of attack. Ask anyone who’s “been around,” and they will most likely share that the rule of

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PAGE 5 thumb is to wait until all visible snow is off Shafer Butte before planting a good share of your vegetables, and even many annual flowers.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac gives May 10th as the date of the average last spring frost, although it can happen as late as June. The last frost in 2013 was May 5th, but 1995 saw a record low in June of just 31°.

The Almanac has a great — and printable — planting guide that cbboise.com

breaks down the best time to sow a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Visit your local garden store, or do a little research online to get your garden ready and before planting, but, most of all, trust in the local lore, and wait to plant until Shafer Butte tells you it’s OK! Other terrific gardening resources: www.ufseeds.com www.letsmoveboise.com

The average last frost in the Boise area is May 10th.

APRIL/MAY, 2017

Clean out the winter grime, stash the snow shovels and ice melt, sort, empty, and label. Get started now so you can enjoy the nicer weather once it arrives.

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PAGE 7

Honey Do This!

Your Home's April To-Do List

It's time to clean! As unpleasant as the chores can be, don't you feel great as you mark each item off your list?

Victoria Keichinger Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

S

pring cleaning season is in full swing, so to help, here’s a list of to do’s for your home this month.

April Showers Bring May Flowers But, only if you prep the garden today! Lay mulch around shrubs and flower beds before the weeds take over next month. However, resist the urge to plant warm season annuals and vegetables until the last frost date has passed in your area.

Fresh Air, Fresh Paint Planning to paint the exterior of your home, deck or front door? cbboise.com

Start preparing exterior surfaces now by scraping and sanding so that when the warmer weather arrives, you’ll be ready to apply the first coat (without a coat on!)

Dust Off the Patio Furniture The days of lounging in the backyard are almost here! Take some time to clean and repair any outdoor furniture.

Get Rid of House Guests While we all love having family and friends visit over the holidays, other unwelcome house guests can often make themselves at home in our roofs and walls during

the winter. Follow this guide to inspect and repair damage from animals who took shelter in your home this winter season.

Organize the Garage or Shed For most of the country, it’s finally time to stash the snow shovels and bust out the lawn mower.

Spring Clean That Closet Kick off your spring cleaning project by tackling one of the most cluttered spots of the home.

Follow these three steps to a spring miracle: an organized closet.

APRIL/MAY, 2017

Swing into Spring

Creating the Perfect Party Pad

You've worked hard to finish the spring cleaning and are ready to celebrate with friends. Use these tips to create an outdoor gathering place for all to enjoy.

Sharon Lee Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

W

arm weather is upon us, and it’s time to take the party outside. From Cinco de Mayo to Mother’s Day to Memorial Day, spring’s signature celebrations deserve a festive and welcoming outdoor space.

But what if your patio feels a little plain, a little bare, or a little less-

than-inspiring for the party of your dreams?

Dreams can become reality if you have the right plan. Here’s how to take a winter-worn patio and make it bloom into a versatile foundation for hosting three spring parties, from setting up the perfect base space to perfecting every minor detail, down to the apps and napkins.

Build a Beautiful Base Before running off to purchase celebration decorations, take the time to build a versatile, functional outdoor living base for your family, whether you are entertaining or not. Most patios need the following basic elements: • • •

A table and set of chairs Planters and greenery A source of shade

Of course, don’t forget the grill— the official cooking tool of spring and summer.

Spruce Up the Area After the dreary winter months, your backyard oasis might look a little rough around the edges.

Shrubbery can have dead or uneven growth, and leaves and branches litter the ground. In general, your greenery may need a little TLC. Pay attention to the plants and lawn around your patio by trimming, checking for disease or damage, and fertilizing all greenery. Setting up your lawn and garden for success means that they’ll reward you with beauty all season long.

Don’t forget the patio itself.

Concrete is the most common patio surface, and since it is semiporous, it can hold general grime

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PAGE 9 as well as stains from plant matter.

Use a pressure washer to bring back its sparkle (while you’re at it, extend the cleaning to the exterior of the house as well). Pressurewashing can prolong the life of your surfaces (mold and mildew naturally cause decay), and the results are immediate!

Once the surface is clean, add potted planters filled with seasonal, colorful flowers to help blend the patio with its surrounding environment.

Choose Your Investment Pieces Plastic Adirondack chairs are great for a casual get together. But when you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into an entertaining area suitable for the whole family, you’ll need comfortable, attractive seating, some shade and a table fit for all the great food coming off the grill.

“The elements are going to take their toll, so it’s important to invest in quality,” says KariAnne Wood, a blogger, lifestyle expert and creator of Thistlewood Farms in Paducah, Kentucky. “Look for pieces that are a good scale for your size patio, and when you invest in furniture, make sure that cbboise.com

you get furniture protectors so you can protect it from the elements in the off season.”

A neutral table and chair set is a great base (especially if you add a little texture with a rug below it).

From there, says Wood, it’s time to add some shade. Consider an umbrella or pergola: “It extends the life of the patio, and helps define and add purpose to the space.”

Umbrellas come in a huge range of styles, from traditional tableanchored options to bigger, more modern cantilever styles.

Finally, the easiest way to “fire up” a party is to add a grill to your outdoor setting. By taking the cooking outside, you’ll get to spend time with your guests, keep the house cool in the heat of summer and show off your cooking chops to the neighborhood. Gas and charcoal are both excellent choices, and some grills include both, so you can leave your options open.

Your base patio is set. Decide on an easy-to-prepare menu, select your guest list, and party away!

APRIL/MAY, 2017

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from Boise's Andrade's

Need the perfect appetizer for your Cinco de Mayo party? You can't go wrong with plenty of chips and homemade guacamole. This recipe from our friends at Boise's Andrade's Mexican Restaurant is sure to be a hit!

INGREDIENTS 6 avocados, peeled & pitted 2 roma tomatoes, diced 1/2 onion, diced 1/2 c. cilantro, chopped Juice from 2 limes, freshly squeezed Jalapenos, to your liking, diced (HINT: wear gloves when dicing) 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Salt to taste Mash together avocados, lime juice & garlic powder. Mix in remaining ingredients, add salt to taste. Serve with chips.

Choosing the perfect avocados: Avocados should be dark with a hint of green and no dents.

Avocados that yield to pressure when you squeeze gently are ready to eat!

Andrade's Mexican Restaurant is located at 4903 W. Overland (just east of Orchard) in Boise cbboise.com

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The Perfect Guacamole

APRIL/MAY, 2017

Monthly Market Stats

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

W

e continue to experience a shortage of inventory compared to the buyer demand in our market, pushing the median sales price of resale homes up near a record high in Ada County and setting a new record in Canyon County.

Last month, the median sales price for existing homes in Ada County was up 8.4% from last year at this time, and Canyon County’s increase was 10.2% compared to last March. Additionally, this low inventory continues to drive down average days-on-market in most of our market area.

Fortunately, more existing homes are being listed as we continue into the high-activity spring market, but it’s still not been enough to keep up with buyer demand. In

fact, primarily because of this ease the shortage on the lowerresale inventory shortage, new priced half of the market as well. construction now makes up more than half Interested in of the total New construction now seeing what’s inventory available in new makes up more than half in Ada construction County and the total inventory in Ada that might work County and almost half in almost half for your family?

Canyon! in Canyon!

Curious about This is your home’s highly unusual but is expected to new value in the marketplace? continue for the near term.

Get in touch and let’s get started together.

Your referrals and Homebuilders are primarily repeat business are so very greatly increasing inventory in the mid-to- appreciated, and rest assured that upper price points, which will not professional advice to help you only help current buyers but also navigate your next move is just a existing homeowners who may text, call, or email away. desire to move but are uncertain where they would land if they were to sell. The domino effect of having plenty of inventory for these “move-up buyers” could COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$252,500

HOMES SOLD MARCH 2017*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

11

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

1,573 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

361

$175,000

HOMES SOLD MARCH 2017*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

18 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

673 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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848

APRIL/MAY, 2017

Ada County

Featured Homes

2786 E. Hard Rock Dr. NE Boise Stunning curb appeal, spectacular sunsets, & unparalleled views of the valley below.

Expansive 10'-14' ceilings & elegant finishes, yet comfortable & welcoming. Gather your friends around the majestic kitchen island, or cozy up to the timeless stone fireplace in your spacious great room. West wing features lavish en-suite. Better than new!

7668 N. Waterlilly Ave. NW Boise Walk into this beautiful, single-level home, & you'll be amazed at the peaceful, large open flow throughout. Features a split bedroom plus upper bonus design. Fabulous kitchen with granite countertops & stainless steel appliances. North-facing back yard with a gazebo, great for entertaining. Thoughtfully designed with a modern style.

268 W. Claire ME Meridian Light, bright, & inviting! Beautiful home in a desirable subdivision, close to schools, shopping, parks, & paths. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, with a large family room & great room. Spacious & open kitchen has breakfast bar & plenty of storage. Large master features walk-in closet & dual sinks. Gorgeous back yard with patio & mature landscaping.

2261 W. Anatole St. NE Meridian Super clean & move-in ready! Stunning oneowner home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, formal living/dining, & a family room. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, knotty alder cabinets, & tons of natural light. Concrete RV parking pad, mature landscaping with curbing, & a large covered patio, perfect for entertaining.

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Ada County

Featured Homes

5986 S. Schooner Pl. SE Boise Custom, one-of-a-kind home on over half an acre, with a resort-like back yard. Incredible panoramic views of the mountains, Barber Wildlife Preserve, & downtown. Original flagstone rock pool & spa, sunken tennis court, timbered cabana, & a stunning waterfall. Home boasts beautiful vaulted ceilings, 6 beds, 7 baths, wine closet & much more.

12445 W. Gumwood Dr. W Central Boise Great floor plan in this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with updates throughout. Spacious master suite has elegant tile tub & beautifully tiled shower. Cheery kitchen features slab granite & huge island, overlooking the back yard with gazebo, fire pit, garden area, & more. Plenty of room for everyone with 3,185 sq.ft. Close to everything.

2697 W. Wolf Rapids Dr. NW Meridian Beautiful, modern urban farmhouse near Heroes Park. Functional floor plan designed for family life. Gourmet kitchen features concrete & butcher block counters, stainless steel appliances, open shelving, & window seats.

Two inviting stone fireplaces, rec room, main level, & 3rd floor master retreats. Large yard & covered porch, with room for everything.

1646 W. Kerf St. Kuna Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offering a spacious floor plan with open living areas, & a big back yard. The large kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, island, & plenty of storage. Great room & dining space are perfect for entertaining. Big bonus room & 3-car garage, this home is a must-see!

cbboise.com

APRIL/MAY, 2017

Canyon County

Featured Homes

3 S. Cobblestone Ct. NW Nampa Charming home in quiet neighborhood, close to parks & more. Open sunken family room, with vaulted ceilings & a large picture window.

Spacious kitchen with eat-in dining. Large master bedroom features walk-in closet & access to the back yard. Covered patio & garden space in the nicely-sized back yard. New windows throughout.

Corner lot.

2018 W. Neilscott Dr. NW Nampa Impressive 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, & 3,212 sq.ft. home has loads to offer! Separate office, living, & family room. Large kitchen with island & huge walk-in pantry room with window. Master suite boasts dual vanities, soaker tub, separate walkin shower, & 2 spacious walk-in closets. Plenty of room for everyone; don't miss it.

18038 Angelina Ct. NW Caldwell Custom-built beauty on 1.31 acres, with upgrades throughout. Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, & 2,704 sq.ft. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen, with granite countertops, Bosch stainless steel appliances, island, & tile backsplash. Oversized garage is 893 sq.ft. Bonus room with bathroom, perfect for entertaining.

15475 Orchard Ave. SW Caldwell Fantastic location! 1.5 acres on Lake Lowell with amazing park-like setting & fish pond.

Lots of natural light & windows. Great room with vaulted ceiling opens to gourmet kitchen with granite counters, center island, custom cabinetry, dual oven, & more. Plenty of space for everyone in the 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,662 sq.ft. home.

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Featured Homes

615 S. Davin Creek Loop S Nampa Stunning 3 bed, 2 bath home with beautiful upgrades throughout. Large kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz counters with full tile backsplash, & custom cabinets with soft-close drawers. Master suite offers quartz counters, dual sinks, tower cabinet, tiled walk-in shower, & walk-in closet. Utility room with mud bench & much more.

1212 Torrey Ln. S Nampa Custom-built home located in Torrey Pines gated community. Sits on half an acre of waterfront property. Home features hardwood floors, granite countertops, premium cabinetry, & molding throughout. Gourmet kitchen with built-in fridge, gas stovetop, island, stainless steel appliances, & butler's pantry. Master suite on main level with access to patio. Mature landscaping.

15738 Eclipse Dr. SW Caldwell Stunning, custom-built home on a cul-de-sac lot, with no detail overlooked. Separate in-law quarters. Impressive entry, great room with vaulted ceilings, & a double-sided gas fireplace with floor to ceiling brick work. Gorgeous kitchen with Corian counters & a large center island. Sun room with fireplace & stamped concrete floor.

Breathtaking views.

8996 New Castle Dr. Middleton Gorgeous custom, 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1 acre. Spacious kitchen features granite counters, double ovens, gas range, & beautiful cabinets. Master suite with separate soaker tub, tiled walk-in shower, dual sinks, & an enormous walk-in closet. Fully landscaped back yard includes a stunning fire pit. Shop & mother-inlaw apartment, too!

cbboise.com

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Canyon County

APRIL/MAY, 2017

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PAGE 19

Get Outside!

Get up, get out, and enjoy!

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Movie Duo Weekend at the Old Pen

April 28-29, doors open at 8:00 p.m.

Boise Farmers’ Market

Each Saturday

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

10th and Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com

Old Idaho Penitentiary 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise history.idaho.gov

Idaho Kids Fun Fest/Family Pet Expo

Saturday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Capital City Public Market

Each Saturday

9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

8th and Idaho, downtown Boise

www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Treasure Valley Kite Festival

Saturday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Eagle Saturday Market

Saturdays starting April 29 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

185 E. State St., Eagle

www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket

Nampa Farmers’ Market

Saturdays starting April 29

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

Front & 13th, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com

Kuna Farmer's Market

Saturdays starting April 29

9:00a.m.-noon Bernie Fisher Memorial Park Main & Linder, Kuna www.facebook.com/Kuna-Farmers-Market

cbboise.com

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

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

National Public Gardens Day

Friday, May 12, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Idaho Botanical Garden 335 S. Main St., Meridian idahobotanicalgarden.org

Lantern Fest

Saturday, May 13, 4:00-10:00 p.m.

Meridian Speedway 335 S. Main St., Meridian LanternFestBoise

Mother's Day Brunch at ZooBoise

Sunday, May 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

ZooBoise

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise

zooboise.org

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