REAL Magazine, Feb-March, 2018

FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

Fun on a Fat Bike Give One a Try First-Time Home Owner?

Some Maintenance Tips Honey-Do List for March Attention Cat Lovers!

Making Your Home Feline Friendly Monthly Market Report Events & 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

Daylight Saving Time is nearly upon us­—don't forget to "spring forward" on March 11th, or better yet, on the 10th before you go to bed.

Already many of us here in the Treasure Valley are seeing the tiny heads of crocus and daffodils peeking through the soil, and are feeling blessed and giving thanks for the mild winter we've experienced thus far. With the birth of the buds comes an eagerness to get started on spring chores, so we've given you some tips and guidance this month to get you started.

Here at REAL Magazine, our goal is to provide short, fun, and useful stories that you can read quickly. Have an idea for us? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later."

~ Winston Churchill

contents Fat Bike Fun Have you tried a fat bike?

It might be time you did!

First-Timer Home Tips As a new homeowner, there are a few things you can do to help you maintain your castle.

Home Work Start your spring chores now, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Feline Friendly Make your cuddly kitten feel at home with these handy reminders.

Market Stats What's happening in real estate so far in 2018?

Ada County Homes Take a look at some of the homes for sale in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Is a move to Canyon County in your future?

Fun Things to Do Our valley has lots to do!

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FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

Fat Bike Fun

Where and When to Go

Is a "fat bike" for you? You can rent one at Bogus Basin and find out!

P

edal into a new adventure by exploring the "fat bike" craze at nearby Bogus Basin— and there's no need to wait until summer! That's right. Nordic trails at Bogus are open to these soft terrain vehicles that can be rented from the Nordic Center for as little as $35 for a 2-hour testdrive.

Like most everything, necessity is the mother of invention, and the evolution of the fat bike is no different. The bike came to be because fearless riders wanted to go more places and see more things than their mountain bikes would allow. As riders explored back country trails and old logging

roads, reveling in the freedom to get off the pavement, the "what if" of an even bigger tire was explored.

With its wider, softer tires, a fat bike not only moves through soft surfaces easier than its mountain bike cousin, it doesn't leave the

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PAGE 5 ruts caused by narrower tires, so it's possible to get into the foothills on days when a traditional mountain bike would cause trail damage. Of course, checking trail conditions is always recommended.

If you've never tried a fat bike and are interested in giving it a go, grab some buddies and head up to Bogus. The Nordic Center has different sizes to accommodate most riders. Hours during the cbboise.com

week are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the weekends.

Be sure to ask about etiquette on the trails to keep everyone safe, and, above all, have a great time!

FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

First-Time Home Tips

For the New Homeowner

Some helpful tips whether this is your first home or your fifth!

Lindsay Listanski Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

B

uying a home is an exciting and worthwhile investment.

After the home-buying process is over and you are settled in your new home, it’s time to focus on the best ways to maintain the property. Timely home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and upgrades over the years.

neighbors, friends, and family about the best service providers in the area. Take the time to do your own research on contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other professionals in the area. Having a list of professionals on hand can help you respond to potential problems quickly or plan for basic maintenance tasks.

You can simplify—and keep track of—the process by creating a quick checklist and information sheet that can be used for years into the future.

Put together your supplies.

If you’ve moved from an apartment to a new home, you may not immediately think about the need for such basic items as flashlights and shovels. You can better prepare for home maintenance tasks by creating a list of home items you need and making the purchases. Over the years, you may need ladders, tool kits, lawn and garden items, and other instruments to complete basic work around your home.

Create a contact list.

There are several types of professionals that you, as a homeowner, may need hire to complete projects or audits on your home. Because you want to get down to the business of life without thinking about home projects already, it can be helpful to create a list of potential service providers, their contact information, and the type of work they specialize in early on.

Begin by asking for some recommendations from co-workers,

Visiting a home improvement store and speaking with a professional or simply walking the aisles can give you an idea about the tools you may lack, as well as the costs involved. With a list in hand, you can make note of prices and create

a budget to spread purchases over a few months. Of course, neighbors are often willing to lend a tool or ladder when needed, too.

Create a monthly checklist.

There are several tasks home owners need to complete on a monthly or seasonal basis.

Developing a calendar that outlines each action that needs to be completed can keep you on target and help you avoid forgetting about maintenance actions.

The list can include items as simple as conducting an energy audit and cleaning the gutters to weeding the lawn and laying down flower beds. In addition, be sure to create a timeline for replacing roofing, furnace and AC systems, and appliances. Again, knowing the approximate costs can help you save for the time you will need these larger items.

Home ownership is fun and exciting. With a little planning, you can keep it that way!

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Homeowners across the country spent an average of $5,157 in 2016 on home projects according to homeadvisor.com.

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FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

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Home Work

Your March Honey-Do List

With St. Paddy's Day just a month away, this green-inspired honey-do list has your home’s March to-do chores covered.

Victoria Keichinger Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

G

et a head start and check off a few items from your spring honey-do list with these St. Paddy’s Day-inspired green tips!

Green Thumb Now’s the time to start prepping your garden for spring. Here’s a zone by zone gardener’s to-do list to guide your green thumb.

Remember the Luck of the Irish It’s easy to get caught up in keeping up with the neighbors, so instead of turning green with envy, let St. Patrick’s Day serve as a reminder of just how lucky you are. Make a list of 10 things that you’re grateful for and keep it somewhere you’ll see every day.

It’s a great reminder when life gets difficult that there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. cbboise.com

Try a Greener Glass Cleaner Spring cleaning will be in full swing sooner than you think, so if you’re looking for a greener glass cleaner than a product using chemicals you can hardly pronounce, try this trick on those glass shower doors.

Pot ‘o Gold With Tax Day approaching, now is a good time to take a close look at your finances and make sure your investment strategy and budget fit your current lifestyle. For a easy and free money management tool, try mint.com.

Consider Composting Turn garbage into gold with a compost pile. Composting is a green way to nourish your garden, restore vitality to soil and reduce waste. This is a great guide for how to make and use compost

at home. If you live in Boise, you may be taking part in the City’s compost program, which is great!

Make a note of when you can pick up some of the compost you helped create!

Redecorate with the Rainbow Brighten up a room with pops of spring colors like lemon yellow and apple green. Try adding a light throw, patterned pillows or a vase of fresh flowers to breathe new life into a room. For even more fresh ideas, check out the Coldwell Banker ‘Pop of Color’ Pinterest board.

FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

Feline Friendly

Keeping Kitty Happy

Cats are incredible creatures. Though more independent than dogs, they still need your attention and care. Below are some tips that can help.

Felise Eber Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

C

ats can be very affectionate and lovable pets, especially if they are in a happy, healthy home. Since cats are territorial species, their environment is important to their well-being.

Below are 5 tips to make your home great for your furry feline, too!

Determine the Best Way to Feed Domestic cats still have innate wild instincts intended to help them survive in nature, so preserving those habits for those who live indoors creates a happier, healthier life for them.

Cats in the wild are most often accustomed to eating several small meals throughout the day,

so if your cat is a “self-regulator,” meaning she can control her intake, it is fine to leave a full bowl of food out at all times so she can eat when she pleases. Just remember to supply fresh food each day. For other cats, snacking can lead to obesity, so scheduled once or twice daily meals are a better plan. Your veterinarian can give you advice about what’s best for your cat, as well as whether mixing dry kibble with wet food is appropriate.

Separate Their Water Bowl from Their Food Bowl Another natural behavior of cats is that they don’t usually consume food and water in the same sitting.

While most owners place both

bowls side-by-side, in the wild, cats hunt for food or search for water in two different occasions.

Placing the water bowl next to the food might actually deter cats from drinking sufficient water since many find it rewarding to to find water elsewhere. They enjoy the challenge.

Have a Tall Scratching Post It’s understandable that most cat owners don’t like the thought of an unsightly scratching post, but it’s important to think of how happy and healthy it will keep your pet. Scratching posts provide a high place where they feel safe, as well as a place to scratch to maintain their claws. If adequate provisions aren’t made, cats will

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Millions of healthy, but unwanted, pets are euthanized in the U.S. each year. You can help by making sure your cat is spayed or neutered. Visit snipidaho.org for information on low-cost procedures.

often scratch furniture or curtains, something much worse than the scratching post itself. Scratching posts should be as tall enough to allow your cat to fully stretch its body. There are even new models on the market that have modern design elements!

Provide a Variety of Toys for Predatory Play As mentioned, domestic cats still have strong instincts. Out in the wild, cats spend roughly 6 hours a day hunting for food, making indoor cats susceptible to the problems of a sedentary lifestyle. It is important, then, that you make some time to play with your cat every day to keep it active and happy. Please your cat with toys that have fur or feathers like their natural prey cbboise.com

would have. Challenge them with wands, ribbons, or a laser, making them run and jump around your home. Tunnels, puzzles, and ball games are also great options to keep your cat busy when you’re not home. Just like humans, cats can get bored and depressed if not stimulated both mentally and physically.

Give Him a Cozy Bed Cats spend much of the day sleeping, so make sure that they’re comfortable when they do. If you buy your cat a bed, place it in a high place, as cats tend to feel vulnerable on the floor and enjoy being able to see their surroundings from a higher place. They also like to sleep in warm areas, so consider putting their bed somewhere where it

gets sunlight or other forms of indirect heat. Your cat may also love sleeping on your bed; they feel comforted by the scent of their person. Other places your cat may like to nap include the couch, chairs, inside a dresser drawer, or anywhere hidden from plain sight.

It’s important that you give cats their own personal space as they are private creatures. Whether you buy them a bed or they use something you already own, make sure they’re undisturbed and comfortable when they’re resting!

Cats — and all pets — deserve to be treated with love and affection. Owning any pet is both a responsibility and a blessing, so you owe it to them to take steps to make them feel comfortable, safe, and happy.

FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

Monthly Market Stats

No Lag in Demand for Homes in Ada County

Pending sales are outpacing inventory, reinforcing growth and housing demand.

Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®

L

ast January, we discussed the effects of a historic snowfall on Ada County’s real estate market, which is quite different from recent stories about the mild winter helping boost new construction.

But despite builders being able to work when they normally cannot, it hasn’t been enough to push new inventory higher than it was last year. Homeowners are also not listing quickly enough to raise existing inventory levels, reasons for which are discussed in BRR’s 2017 year-end market report.

Surprisingly, pending sales (a measure of home buyer demand) were up 32.7% year-over-year, even as the supply of homes was down.

When looking at these numbers, we see there were more pending sales in January

2018 than the number of homes for sale in Ada County, both in the existing and new construction segments (figures in the chart are combined).

This happened in early 2017, as well, and can occur because homes usually don’t close in the same month they are listed since it can take 30-90 days to do so after an offer is accepted. So, when inventory is very low, there can be more homes under contract or pending, than available for purchase.

It’s remarkable that we’re seeing pending sales outpace inventory for new construction, too, especially considering the weather has been more favorable for building this

Key Metrics January 2017 Inventory 1,425 Pending Sales 1,037 Difference 388

winter. These numbers further reinforce the tremendous growth and demand for housing in our area.

The result of this very low supply compared to the very high demand, is that the Ada County median sales price hit a new record high of $279,900 in January 2018, up 16.8% from January 2017.

Additional information about trends within the Boise region, by price point, by existing and new construction, and by neighborhood, are now available in the January 2018 Ada County, Canyon County, and Gem County Market Reports.

This includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.

January 2018 1,213 1,376 -163

YOY % Chg -14.9% +32.7% —

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$279,900

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2018*

41

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,213

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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

$193,000

262

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2018*

53

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

cbboise.com

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

582

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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605

FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

841 N. Caledonia Pl. Eagle What a beautiful, meticulously-maintained home on a cul-de-sac in desirable Redleaf Heights.

Huge back yard with garden space, covered back patio & great mature trees. Hardwood floors throughout the living, eating and kitchen.

Wonderful kitchen with corner pantry. Vaulted living room, bright family room with gas fireplace, giant master upstairs.

1459 N. Luge Ave. Eagle This gorgeous home features an open design with the best of everything! 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,580 sq.ft., 10' ceilings, & large rooms. Gourmet kitchen with huge center island, SS Bosch appliances, double oven, 5-burner cooktop, & walk-in pantry. Luxurious master with walkin tile shower, soaking tub, & huge closet.

Expansive covered patio.

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 Must-see beauty with 5 beds, 3 baths, & 3,246 sq.ft. All cherry cabinets, rich wood molding, & custom built-ins. Open kitchen with upgraded appliances, double dishwasher, breakfast bar, & concrete countertops. Oversized master with dramatic vaulted ceiling, dual sinks, soaking tub, & walk-in shower. Huge stamped concrete patio, invisible fencing system, 4-car garage.

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Ada County

Featured Homes

3707 S. Lamone Way SE Meridian This lovely 4 bed, 2.5 bath home boasts 2,611 sq.ft. & is located in Tuscany Lakes, which features common areas, ponds, a community pool, & clubhouse. Slab granite counter tops grace not only the kitchen, but the baths, as well. The master suite includes a bright sitting area with a fireplace. New covered patio with lots of space for entertaining.

1005 Bear Track SW Meridian Everything you've always wanted in your dream home. Gourmet kitchen with 5-burner Kitchen Aide gas cooktop, LED under-cabinet lighting, striking waterfall backsplash, walk-in pantry, & butler's pantry. The design is perfect with split bedroom plan, large central living area, and upstairs bonus room with full bath.

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.

1285 W. Wild Sheep Ln. Kuna 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.

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FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

548 W. Bayhill Dr. S Nampa This newly-updated custom home in the quiet, gated Bayhill sub will not disappoint.

Professionally refinished hardwood floors, new interior & exterior paint, carpet, lights, fixtures, & hardware. Granite tile kitchen island, custom woodwork throughout. Master suite includes walk-in shower & jetted tub with marble tile.

Large wrap-around front porch.

7255 Saratoga Dr. S Nampa Beautiful & spacious 6 bed, 3.5 bath home on 6.7 manicured acres. 6,012 sq.ft., geothermal heat, updated AC, new windows, vaulted ceilings, & 2 fireplaces. Separate gated & fenced pastures, 115 mature trees including apple, apricot, & peach. RV barn, automatic heated water system for animals, & finished 3-car garage with cabinets lining the walls.

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.

215 W. Roosevelt Ave. S Nampa Spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in central location close to shopping, restaurants, rec center, & medical facilities. Large living area has skylights & a wood burning fireplace. Kitchen features an abundance of cabinets & counter space, tile flooring. Large master bedroom. Vinyl windows throughout. Easy-to-maintain yard.

Single-car garage.

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Featured Homes

1605 W. Crystal Falls Ave. NW Nampa Lovely 4 bed, 2 bath home with 2,004 sq.ft. and Energy Star-certified. Thoughtfully-built with handicap accessible amenities from ramps outside to wide doors & hallways, as well as a roll-in shower. Hand-textured walls in the custom kitchen. Floating IKEA shelving in family room. Back yard patio with remotecontrolled awining. Extra-large 3-car garage.

14982 Burger Ln. NW Caldwell Fantastic property with No CC&Rs. 30'x32' insulated shop with 200 amp service & RV parking awning. Custom-built home on large lot with awesome views. Great floor plan with vaulted ceilings, large master suite, living room, family room with gas fireplace. Upstairs bonus room could be 4th bedroom. Beautiful country kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

15738 Eclipse Drive SW Caldwell Views, tranquility & space await you. Custombuilt home with attention to every detail.

Separate living quarters for guests. Great room with vaulted ceilings, double-sided gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling brickwork. Gorgeous kitchen with Corian counters & large center island. Sun room with fireplace, stamped concrete floor.

Main-level master with large bath, walk-in closet.

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.

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Canyon County

FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2018

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Our valley has so much going on!

SNIP Idaho Open House

Sunday, February 18, 1:00 p.m.

Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs

Saturday, March 17, 2:00-6:00 p.m.

1785 W. Cherry Ln, Meridian snipidaho.org

Lloyd Square, 1 14th Ave. S., Nampa namparecreation.org

2018 Lincoln Day Banquet

Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.

Boise Flower & Garden Show

March 23-25, times vary

Boise Centre on the Grove 850 W. Front St., Boise adacountylincolnday.org

Boise Centre on the Grove 850 W. Front St., Boise gardenshowboise.com

Nampa Rec Center Splash 'n' Dash

Friday, February 23, 5:45-9:45 p.m.

ZooBoise's Easter EGGstravaganza

Saturday, March 24, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

131 Constitution Way, Nampa namparecreation.org

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

Housing & Economic Development

March 5-6, times vary

SNIP Idaho's "SPAY"ghetti Event

Sunday, March 25, 5:00 p.m.

Boise Centre on the Grove 850 W. Front St., Boise Information

Riverside Hotel ballroom 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise snipidaho.org

All Shook Up

Celebrating the songs of Elvis Presley

Easter Spring Fling Extravaganza

Saturday, March 31, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.

Nampa Civic Center 311 3rd St. S., Nampa Tickets & Information

St. Paddy's Day 5K

Saturday, March 10, 1:00 p.m.

Wiseguy Pizza Pie

570 Main St., Boise Registration & Information

cbboise.com

Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood St., Garden City Information

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 31, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa namparecreation.org

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Do Something!

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