REAL Magazine, Dec, 2017-Jan, 2018

DECEMBER, 2017-JANUARY, 2018

December Honey-Do List for Your Home Is Your Home's Roof Healthy?

Some Things to Check Avoid Cabin Fever 7 Ways to Extend Patio Season Say YES to Fruitcake— Really!

Monthly Market Report Celebrate the Season 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

Winter is upon us. Here's hoping the powers that be will keep the snow in the mountains and off of our driveways this year! With the cold comes maintenance for home and yard, so this month's REAL includes tips and items that might need your attention. Once you've tackled the to-do list, reward yourself with a homemade fruitcake.

Yeah, yeah…we know what you're thinking — fruitcake as a reward? Yes! We dare you to get brave and try one! Then, let us know what you think. Shoot us an email at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy this season and all the blessings that come with it.

“

There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other."

~ Johnny Carson

contents December Honey-Do List Make sure your home and yard are ready for winter with these helpful tips.

Healthy Roof Important items to check before the weather turns ugly.

Avoid Cabin Fever Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't utilize your outdoor space.

Say YES to Fruitcake!

Fruitcake is the butt of myriad jokes, but is there a recipe that's actually good?

Market Stats Does winter mean a slowdown?

Check out the latest report.

Ada County Homes View a small sample of the homes for sale in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes There are some terrific homes for sale in Canyon County.

Celebrate the Season There's no need to get bored because it's cold outside!

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DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

December Honey-Dos

Make a List & Check it Twice

December may be the busiest time of year, but this list of home projects will have you ready for the holidays in time to actually enjoy them!

Victoria Keichinger Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

D

ecember is arguably the busiest month of the year, so it’s important to get started on your home’s to-do list early. Follow this guide to prepping your home for the holidays, so that you can relax and enjoy.

Clean Out Your Fridge It’s prime time to make room for holiday goodies. Before the next big holiday grocery shop, take 20

minutes to clean out your fridge.

If you’re feeling really ambitious, tackle the pantry while you’re at it.

Deck the Halls Before December gets away from you, reserve an afternoon to put up the holiday decorations. Make it fun by turning on some holiday tunes, invite some friends over and serve up cups of hot cocoa or eggnog. For light-up decorations,

be sure to test them before you hang them and find out a bulb is missing. For convenience and safety, consider putting your lightup holiday decorations on a timer.

Clean Your Oven Holiday cooking doesn’t stop after Thanksgiving. To prep your kitchen for cookies and that holiday roast, take a few hours to clean your oven of leftover turkey grease. If you’re

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PAGE 5 looking for a non-toxic method, we have you covered.

Stock Up on Firewood There’s no denying that the colder months are upon us. For those with a wood burning fireplace, stock up on wood now and store to keep the logs covered and dry.

Insulate Exposed Pipes Cold weather and holiday travel can spell trouble if you don’t take measures to protect your home. To prevent pipes from freezing, clean and insulate exposed pipes.

Clear Any Lingering Leaves Before the snow and ice arrive, be sure to rake and remove leftover fall leaves. Fall foliage forgotten under a layer snow all winter can wreak havoc on your lawn next spring.

Put Together a Winter Storm Kit In the event that a winter storm hits and your home loses power, cbboise.com

you should be prepared with an emergency kit. Collect extra candles, matches and batteries along with extra blankets and a car charger for your cell phone.

Create a Gift Wrap Station To avoid scrambling for the Scotch tape with every last minute gift purchase, set up a gift wrap station with extra wrapping paper, scissors, tape, ribbons, and bows. Also keep a stash of neutral gifts on hand, like candles or boxed chocolate, for unexpected gift exchanges.

Start Working on Your Home Resolutions Have an idea for a home renovation project? Create an inspiration

board on Pinterest, or start by browsing ours. Do your research on products and vendors, and start scheduling specialists now before their calendars book up for spring.

There’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays, so take time to relax and enjoy being with family and friends.

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

The record-breaking winter of 2016-2017 wreaked havoc on roofs and homes all over southern Idaho. Check and repair things now to prevent damage from occurring this season.

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PAGE 7

Healthy Roof

Things to Check

The holidays are just around the corner and thus winter weather is at our doorstep. Now is the ideal time to do a roof health check-up to ensure you are prepared for the ice and snow winter will bring.

David Baur Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

Y

ou’ve probably never thought about it, but your roof has to battle a lot of Mother Nature’s enemies: ultraviolet rays, rain, wind, snow and ice. But the good news is most new shingle roofs are designed to last about 20 years.

Slate roofs and some types of tile and metal roofs can last even longer. The actual life span of your roof is determined by several factors, including environmental conditions, material quality, proper application and regular roof maintenance.

How do you know when your roof is in trouble? Look for these warning signs.

Outside • Shingles that are warped, blistered, missing or torn • Shingles covered in moss or algae, which hold moisture and encourage rot • Loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations cbboise.com

• Overhanging tree branches that could gouge the roof in a strong wind • Excessive debris (leaves, dirt, ice, roofing granules) in the gutters or downspouts, which block drainage Inside • Ceiling spots or leaks • Cracked paint • Discolored plasterboard • Peeling wallpaper • Mold, mildew, or rot in the walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical systems • In the attic, look for signs of water infiltration such as staining, dampness, or mold growing on insulation, sheathing and rafters. A poorly ventilated attic that shows signs of moisture promotes the roof’s decay. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents.

If repairs are needed, don’t skimp on quality to save a few cents.

Much of the damage associated with serious storms results from water entering the home when roof coverings or siding is blown off. This is why it is imperative that you have a secondary layer of waterproofing protection underneath the shingles and siding.

If proper protection measures are not taken, the resulting leaks are the main cause of interior damage, as well as potential causes of rot and mold, which can lead to major structural damage and even potential health problems for homeowners.

David Baur is product manager at GCP Applied Technologies, formerly known as Grace Construction Products. He has step-by-step tips for homeowners, contractors and builders on building homes for extreme weather. For more tips and information visit: www.gcpat.com.

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

Avoid Cabin Fever

Use Your Patio Year 'Round

Don't let colder temps keep you from enjoying your outdoor space! Use these tips to enjoy your patio all year.

Katie Kuchta Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

O

utdoor living can be constrained due to seasonality, but it doesn’t have to be—especially if it means you’ll utilize your patio area longer!

As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it becomes harder to create a space outdoors that is comfortable and inviting. Here are some tips on how to continue to enjoy your outdoor living space indefinitely.

Outdoor Heater Perhaps the more obvious of cold weather accommodations, adding heat to your outdoor space will allow you and your guests to relax in fresh air with warmth. Whatever your budget may be, there’s a heater that will work for your space. Ranging from less than $100 to well over $1,000, they come in many varieties and power sources such as a table-top gas heater or a standing solar-powered heater.

Standing heaters are great for heating up a patio space, typically running off propane or natural gas. Using natural gas is the more efficient of the two, and you’ll never run out of fuel. You also have the option of an electric heater, that has a lower up-front cost and costs less to run than a gaspowered heater. If you’re looking for a cost effective and eco-friendly option, a solar-powered heater is just right for you — providing all the warmth from the sun’s energy.

Fire Pit Creating a space with warmth is key, but adding that element with an extra emphasis on aesthetic appeal is a bonus. You can easily create your own using bricks or large rocks to create the pit or purchase one installed by professionals, depending on your budget. Similar to outdoor heaters, there are a variety of fuel source options. If open wood burning

isn’t allowed, you can install a fire pit that is fueled by gas. One advantage is that you can fire up your pit in an instant.

Not only can fire pits add warmth and depth to your patio’s hardscaping, but it also creates a collaborative social atmosphere —there’s nothing more nostalgic than roasting marshmallows or telling stories around the flickering blaze of a real fire.

Coverage There’s nothing that really outlines a space like adding coverage by way of roof or walls, such as a pergola or retractable awning that can definitely help curate a more suitable ambiance in the winter months. If you already have a covered patio, you can hang outdoor curtains to contain heat and to help keep out wind or rain.

Hanging up curtains will also add a whimsical or romantic look to your

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PAGE 9 patio space, softening the corners and rigidness of hardscaping. With the selection of colors, patterns and styles, you won’t have to sacrifice your fashion sense to keep the patio warm!

snow and ice off the path to the tub and the top of your tub or the spa cover to make it accessible whenever you want to use it. Plus, it will help keep heating costs down.

Cozy Fabrics Creating an extra-comfortable outdoor space means adding textiles that will repel warmth from their materials. These textiles include getting cozy outdoor couches, warm blankets, and throw pillows—all items that you or guests can curl up on and into.

A couch with cushy cushions and throw pillows sure beats your runof-the-mill patio furniture. Have a stack of low-cost, but decorative, blankets on hand when additional warmth is needed.

To experience ultimate luxury post hot tub bathing, keep a towel warmer next to the spa. It’s actually more practical than it sounds. A warm towel will keep your body temperature from dropping too quickly when you step from the tub.

Hot Tub or Spa Relaxing in a steamy hot tub or in-ground spa feels great all year long, but in cold weather, the temperature difference can make it feel even better. Although, using it during the colder months may require a little preparation before stepping out in a swimsuit. Keep cbboise.com

Hot Beverages Hot chocolate will always be the quintessential winter warmup, but why not be a bit more exciting? Take the time to create a personalized hot beverage that you, your family, or guests can enjoy to help withstand the cool weather.

• Warm Mulled Cider – Simmer apple cider with mulling spices, orange zest, and ginger. It smells as good as it tastes.

• Mulled Wine with Cranberries – Simmer cranberry juice cocktail, cinnamon sticks, and star anise

for 15 minutes. Stir in the wine and cranberries and bring back to a simmer before serving.

• Warm Hazelnut Toddy – Stir hot water into Frangelico and spoon a dollop of whipped cream onto the top.

Winter Grilling Grilled meats and kabobs aren't only for summer. Enjoy summertime barbeque-inspired flavors in the winter months by utilizing your grill. For that matter, grilling can be done year-‘round.

All you have to do is keep a pathway cleared if there’s snow. Be sure to clear around the grill itself, too, as proper ventilation will keep your grilling safe.

When the temperatures are below freezing, it can take twice as long to preheat the grill and cook your food. Keep the lid closed as much as possible when cooking, as the more often you open it, the longer it will take your meal to cook.

Get outside this winter, and enjoy your home’s outdoor space with family and friends!

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

Say YES to Fruitcake

Really!

Is any holiday dessert more derided than fruitcake? What happened in its history to make it so reviled, and is there any redeeming value to make it worthy of your time?

B

elieve it or not, fruitcake is a well-loved dessert known throughout the world. It is only in the United States that this cake is the butt of jokes, probably because they were, at one time, mass-produced for mail order and tended to be dry and of questionable age. Some say the ridicule can be traced to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, but research shows "fruitcake trashing" occurred much earlier in the 20th century.

Though celebrated by some as the delicious tradition it is intended to be (National Fruitcake Day is

December 27), others applaud this dense loaf laced with fruit and nuts only when it is flying through the air on National Fruitcake Toss Day, January 3.

Historically speaking, some believe that ancient Egyptians sent fruitcake to the afterlife with their deceased loved ones. We do know that they did not become common, though, until Roman times, when pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and barley mash were mixed together.

Preserved fruit, spices, and honey were added during the Middle

Ages. Sugar became a main ingredient in the 1500s in the American Colonies, and alcohol was widely used starting in the 1800s. Somewhere along the way, nuts became a staple, as well.

Today, fruitcake is served year 'round in Australia, but is generally enjoyed as a Christmas cake across Europe, India, and parts of the Caribbean.

So, will you buck the trend in the U.S. and give this recipe a try? If you don't like it, you can always save it for January 3!

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PAGE 11

No-Bake Graham Cracker Fruitcake

3/4 c. sweetened condensed milk 3 c. mini marshmallows 1/2 c. orange juice 1 box + 1 inner seal pkg graham crackers 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. allspice

INGREDIENTS 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1 c. raisins 1 c. dates, chopped 1 c. nuts, chopped 16 oz. assorted candied fruit, chopped

DIRECTIONS Combine milk, marshmallows, & orange juice in large bowl. Let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows soften & dissolve slightly. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs & mix with spices. Add fruits & nuts, stir. Slowly add liquid mixture and stir by hand until well combined.

Press fruitcake into non-stick, lightly greased, or waxed-paper-lined bread pan or mold, cover with plastic wrap, and then with foil. Refrigerate for 2-3 days for flavors to combine. Slice & enjoy.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS Instead of the listed fruit, experiment with craisins, dried apples, peaches, mangoes, blueberries, and/ or strawberries, or get crazy and use gumdrops, gummy bears, gummy worms, and/or chocolate chips.

If you use dried fruit, soak it in additional orange juice (or brandy) in a glass or ceramic bowl (not metal) a few hours or overnight to soften.

cbboise.com

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

Monthly Market Stats

Home Sales Top $3 Billion in Ada County

Ada County home sales surpassed the $3 billion mark for the first time, based on total dollar volume figures year-to-date, Jan. 1–Nov. 30, 2017.

H

istorically, the month of December adds another $100-150 million worth of sales, on average going back to 2005, so we should see total dollar volume exceed $3.1 billion for all of 2017.

was down 13.2% compared to last year at this time.

In contrast, new home sales were up by 10.9% over last year, with a slight uptick in inventory. With a more balanced supply of new homes compared to demand, the Year-to-date through November 17.9% growth in total dollar volume 2017, nearly 10,000 homes sold mostly reflects the increased costs in Ada County, up just 2.6% of land, materials, and labor that compared to 2016. Breaking this builders are including in new down by property type illustrates home prices. the impact limited supply has had Total dollar volume for existing on existing home prices. and new construction combined Existing home sales were nearly has been steadily increasing since even with last year, yet total dollar 2009. The previous high point was volume increased by 9.2%. This in 2006 when total dollar volume means that individual home sale sold was nearly $2.7 billion. prices had to increase, as buyers competed for persistent, limited Additional information about inventory of existing homes, which trends within each county, by

price point, by existing and new construction, and by neighborhood — including monthly statistics for November 2017 — are now available in the monthly market report. This report includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.

Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional Realtors

Get in touch if you'd like to know how all of this information affects your situation!

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$269,900

HOMES SOLD NOVEMBER 2017*

Ada County

38

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,623

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* * Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

$184,011

360

HOMES SOLD NOVEMBER 2017*

42

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

cbboise.com

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

760

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

839

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

1902 N. Livorno Way Eagle This exquisite, former Parade home, features 2,881 sq.ft. of pure perfection. Grand circular entrance, beautiful spacious island kitchen with double ovens & granite counters. Fabulous great room, incredible master retreat with 5' copper tub. Main-level covered patio plus a second-level covered patio with amazing views of the Boise Front.

5446 W. Demison Ct. Eagle Great home in The Preserve. Large great room flows into the beautiful kitchen featuring granite counters, subway tile backsplash, & stainless appliances. Main-level bedroom with full bath nearby, perfect for guests or home office. Loft/bonus area upstairs. Master suite with his/her walk-in closets, dual vanities, separate tub & shower. Covered back patio.

478 E. Stonewater Ct. Eagle Beautiful 5 bed, 3 bath home with 3,246 sq.ft.

Gorgeous open kitchen with tons of counter space, plenty of cherry cabinets, & breakfast bar. Oversized master retreat with views of the foothills. Extras include water softener, alarm, central vacuum, high-efficiency water heater, AC with humidifier, & laundry chute. Huge stamped concrete patio, 4-car garage.

1338 N. Waterbrook Way Star This serene design features quartz countertops in kitchen & baths, custom alder stained cabinets throughout the home, Bosch appliances, solid oak hardwood flooring, custom trim package with hand textured walls, custom stone/tile in master. 15' x 45.6' RV garage, fully landscaped/ fenced with pressurized irrigation & full automatic sprinklers.

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PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

1158 N. Meadowstream Star Great location in the middle of Star. Main-level master with giant soaker tub & wrap around walk-in shower with dual vanities. Custom kitchen with hardwood floors, knotty alder cabinets, tumbled stone on countertops, large breakfast bar & eating area. Living room has a gas fireplace. Formal dining. Large bonus room that could be 4th bedroom/office.

2943 Tusa SE Meridian Exceptional value, great location! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,650 sq.ft. Energy Star construction with zoned heat & AC. Lovely island kitchen with stainless appliances, large pantry, beautiful dark wood cabinets, granite counters & tile backsplash. Open great room with hardwood floors & gas fireplace with hearth and wood mantle. Main-level master suite.

1790 W. Rattlesnake Dr. NW Meridian What a great floor plan! Two master bedrooms— one on the main level & one upstairs. Large bonus room upstairs, too. Wonderful kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, & large pantry. 3,214 sq.ft., 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3-car garage. Cute front porch, large fenced back yard with plenty of space for a garden, covered patio.

9444 S. Kelsan Ave. Kuna Located on the Meridian side of Kuna, this 3,254 sq.ft. home boasts 4 beds, 3.5 baths, open kitchen with stainless appliances & granite counters. Formal living room, office with builtin alder cabinets, great room open to kitchen, & huge master with walk-in shower, corner soaker tub, separate vanities, & large walk-in closet. Huge bonus/media room.

cbboise.com

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

13315 Crescent S Nampa Come enjoy your country home with fantastic views of the mountains & close to Lake Lowell.

Pasture is fully fenced & includes shed that is ready for your animals. Home is move-in ready with granite, large 3-car garage, RV parking, lovely master with walk-in shower, & upstairs bonus room. A large back yard & deck great for entertaining.

4321 E. Tuscany S Nampa Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,472 sq.ft. home with Hardie Plank siding, wood-wrapped windows, concrete curbing, sprinklers, & vinyl fencing. Great kitchen with sunny dining area, lots of natural light, vaulted ceilings, spacious great room with fireplace, & master with dual sinks & walk-in closet. Large back yard with patio area.

548 W. Bayhill Dr. S Nampa Welcome to your own oasis in this beautiful custom home. Wrought-iron fenced yard & large wrap-around porch; granite tile kitchen island, hardwood floors, formal living & dining, fireplace in family room. Master suite includes walk-in shower & jetted tub with marble tile.

Updated with new interior & exterior paint, carpet, lights, fixtures, & hardware.

439 W. Island Ct. S Nampa Top-quality custom residence nestled in Bayhill on large, well-manicured/landscaped lot with gorgeous views of the valley & Boise mountains.

Welcome your guests into the 20-ft. entry with curved staircase. High-end finishes throughout including coffered ceiling in library, slab granite gourmet kitchen with top-end appliances, custom cabinets, wood floors, etc.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

131 N. Orchard Heights Way NW Nampa Darling 3 bed, 2 bath home with 1,674 sq.ft. & a 3-car garage. Large corner lot (over 1/4-acre) with sweet front porch & rear covered patio.

Spacious master with dual vanities, walk-in shower, & jetted tub. Vaulted ceilings, plant shelves, Storage shed & RV parking in the back.

Solar panels installed this summer for extra energy savings.

320 Hilldrop St. SW Caldwell Gorgeous 2-story home with fully finished basement. Crown molding, 2 cascading staircases to the upper floor. Home boasts a formal dining room, office, living room, family room & home theatre room. Main-level master suite features a large bedroom, bath with jetted tub, separate tiled, walk-in shower, his/her closets & dual vanity.

Gorgeous kitchen with granite.

4605 Autumn Leaf SW Caldwell Beautiful single level home with plenty of natural light. The open floor plan features a large kitchen island with stained concrete counters surrounded by plenty of dark wood cabinets & a custom wine rack. Stamped concrete drive & walkway lead you to an inviting entry with luxurious dark engineered wood flooring. Flex room can be a den or extra bedroom. Large fenced yard.

23687 Lansing Lane 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

DECEMBER, 2017/JANUARY, 2018

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Fun for All Ages!

Holiday Lights Trolley Tours Through December 27, times vary

Nampa Rec Center Splash 'n' Dash Friday, December 22, 5:45-9:45 p.m.

Tours leave from Cole/Ustick Info

Boise Indoor Farmers’ Market Each Saturday through December 23

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

8th & Fulton St., downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com

Winter Garden aGlow Through January 1, times vary

Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 N. Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

Traditions of Christmas Through December 23, times vary

Nampa Civic Center 311 3rd St. S., Nampa traditionsofchristmasnw.com

"Love Actually" Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.

Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main, Boise boiseclassicmovies.com

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Friday, December 22, 2:00 p.m.

Albertsons Stadium Wyoming vs. Central Michigan Tickets & Info

cbboise.com

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org

Sons of Thunder Mtn. Christmas Concert Saturday, December 23, 7:00 p.m.

Riverside Hotel 2900 Chinden Blvd. Boise Tickets & Info

New Year's Eve Lock In for Kids Sunday, December 31, 6:00 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center

131 Constitution Way, Nampa Info HERE

New Year's Idaho Potato Drop Sunday, December 31, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Music, Food Vendors, Fun Downtown Boise idahopotatodrop.com

The Great Polar Bear Challenge To benefit Make-A-Wish

Monday, January 1, 10:00 a.m.

Spring Shores Marina, Lucky Peak Info

PAGE 19

Celebrate the Season

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