REAL Magazine, Feb-March, 2019

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

Exploring

Virtual Reality Plus

Spring Cleaning Tips Soup's On! Thinking of Selling?

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

January's beautiful weather certainly spoiled us and gave us the false hope of an early spring. Alas, winter is back, and that is good for the skiers and our winter snowpack. If you are dreaming of a warm, sunny beach, why not experience it at one of the valley's virtual reality arcades? Check out our first story to get the info!

Our goal with REAL Magazine is to provide short, informative stories you can read quickly. We want them to be interesting, too, so if you are curious about something in the valley that you'd like to see covered, email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want — oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! "

~ Mark Twain

Tom Sawyer, Detective

CONTENTS Features

4

Virtual Reality

6

Spring Clean Inside

8

It's Still Soup Season

10

Explore all that can be done with virtual reality. Whether you want adventure or training, VR might be the ticket!

Spring brings with it lots of home chores, inside and out. Tackle the ones inside your home while it's blustery outside.

Warm up with a wonderful bowl of homemade soup. We share some great recipes.

Thinking of Selling?

Deciding to sell your home is a big decision. Before putting the sign in the yard, there are some tasks to accomplish.

In Every Issue

12 14 16 18

Market Stats How does the market look so far in 2019?

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

Canyon County Homes Canyon County boasts some lovely homes for sale

Things to Do Despite any inclement weather, there's still lots to do!

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

Virtual Reality

Much More Than Entertainment From gaming to training, VR can take us places we once could only dream of.

Annie Morley Idaho Virtual Reality Council

Y

ou’ve probably heard about virtual, augmented and mixed reality. For most, these terms conjure images of video games or new rides at Disneyland. However, this technology goes far beyond gaming and entertainment. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being used in numerous industries to improve efficiencies, cut costs, and increase information retention.

The medical industry is using VR to help combat chronic pain, treat people with PTSD and various phobias, and as a potential tool to diagnose certain mental illnesses.

The architecture, construction, and real estate industries are slowly being transformed by this tech, as well.

Getting stakeholders to visualize what a space looks like from 2D plans or event photos can be challenging. Put someone in VR to look at a home or building that’s going to be constructed and they can immediately “feel” what the space is like. This often leads to changes being made and mistakes

being caught before the project is underway which can translate to big cost savings.

For training purposes, VR is allowing people to become immersed in the content, gamifying the learning process, increasing retention, and reducing costs. Entire classrooms are taking virtual field trips to locations around the world.

Imagine being able to visit the Amazon rainforest in the morning and the Louvre Museum in the afternoon! VR doesn’t replace seeing these locations in person, but what a great alternative to just looking at pictures.

People are even losing weight by playing VR games! It sounds crazy, but think about it. Instead of playing games while sitting behind a screen, people are getting up and moving, getting their heart rates up while time flies by.

Black Box VR is taking this one step further by adding in resistance training. They are taking the addictive elements of video games and applying them to your workout

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

by making your body the controller.

These examples only scratch the surface of the tech’s application potential. Our imagination really is the only limitation.

So how can you get your hands on this technology? The Treasure Valley has a number of locations where you can try VR. There are two arcades with hundreds of experiences available: VR1 Arcade in Eagle and VR Tech Lounge in Meridian. Check with your local library! All Boise Library locations have VR technology for patrons to try.

The Idaho Virtual Reality Council is also a great resource for organizations trying to learn about immersive technology.

Our mission is to bring together the people, companies, and technologies in Idaho to create a thriving AR/VR industry in Idaho! If you’re interested in learning how it’s being used in your industry (or is expected to be used) reach out to us for a free demo. You might just be very surprised at the applications!

PAGE 5

Though the term "virtual reality" was coined in the mid 1980s, today's VR technologies actually evolved from ideas dating back to the early 1800s.

Source: The Franklin Institute cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 7

Spring Clean Inside

While It's Still Cold Outside

Just when we thought Boise and the Treasure Valley had avoided any real winter weather, the snow started to fly. Did January and February trade places?

B

y getting started now on spring cleaning inside, you'll be ready to tackle outdoor projects once the weather does get warmer.

Clean the blinds and the insides of the windows. If your blinds are just dusty, using a vacuum with a dust brush attachment might do the trick. Close the blinds all the way and run the attachment over the blinds from top to bottom.

Be sure to set aside old medications and dispose of them at an approved site. Check for a drug take-back program in your area. Consider donating towels and blankets to the Idaho Humane Society or other rescue for use in kennels.

If the blinds need more than a dusting, use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water to wipe them clean. Close the blinds one way and wipe with clean cloth dipped in the vinegar solution.

Then, turn them the other way and repeat. No microfiber cloth? Use a clean cotton sock!

Clean kitchen cabinets inside and out. For a green solution, mix a 50/50 blend of white vinegar and warm water and place in a spray bottle. Mist on, let sit for a minute or two, and wipe with a clean, soft cloth. If there’s grease, you might need to add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to the solution. Don’t forget the pulls and handles. Use a second, damp cloth rinsed in clear warm water to wipe off the cleaning solution, and a third towel to thoroughly dry all surfaces.

Organize and clean the closets and medicine cabinets. Take everything out, sort and refold, use a vacuum attachment to get dust and debris out of corners, then wipe shelves clean using a 50/50 white vinegar/warm water solution. Dry thoroughly before replacing contents.

Clean your refrigerator. Take everything out and place in coolers and turn off the fridge while you remove drawers and shelves, cleaning them with hot, soapy water. Be sure to rinse them well and dry thoroughly before putting them back. And don’t forget your freezer!

Move furniture and vacuum along walls and trim. Dust and dirt tend to collect where the flooring meets the baseboard. Once you vacuum, use a damp cloth to wipe the trim boards.

Touch up the paint. Small dings are easy to fix with a little work. First, clean the surface, repairing nail holes and scratches by spackling if necessary. Then, use the same paint if possible. Flat paints are easier to touch up. An eggshell finish is a bit harder, but not impossible.

Before you paint, moisten the wall.

Apply paint to the smallest area possible and “feather” the edges to blend. Whatever you do, use a small brush or roller. Remember, less is definitely more!

If the area is simply too large, you don’t have to paint the entire room; try painting just that wall, or to a natural stopping point.

Taking the time to get the interior of your home in "summer shape" will allow you to get outside feeling accomplished and energized! cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

It's Still Soup Season

Piping Hot Comfort Food

As much as we'd like to move on into spring, the weather is still wintry, and nothing warms the body quite like a bowl of steaming homemade soup.

THE BEST CHICKEN SOUP EVER 1 whole chicken (2-3 lb) 3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped 1 lb. baby carrots 2 onions, chopped 2 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled 1 packet chicken noodle soup mix 2 cans (14.5 oz.) cans chicken broth

1 pinch dried thyme 1 pinch poultry seasoning 1 pinch dried basil 5 black peppercorns 2 bay leaves 1 pinch dried parsley 1 pkg (8 oz.) pasta

DIRECTIONS: In large pot, cover chicken with water, add celery leaves, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer until chicken is cooked, 30-40 minutes. Remove chicken and place in a bowl until cool enough to handle.

While chicken is cooling, strain the liquid, discarding celery tops. Pour liquid into large pot, and add celery, carrots, onion, bouillon, soup mix, & chicken broth & let simmer. Season with thyme, poultry seasoning, basil, peppercorns, bay leaves, & parsley.

Bone chicken & cut meat into bite-sized pieces, return to pot. Cook until vegetable are tender & flavors are blended, up to 90 minutes. Stir in pasta & cook 10-15 minutes until noodles are al dente. Serve hot.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 9

MINESTRONE SOUP 1 lb. stew meat 2 c. water 1 c. chopped onion 3 Tbsp. dry red wine 2 Tbsp. barley 1 c. celery, chopped 1 c. carrots, cubed or sliced 1 c. green bell pepper, chopped 1 can (16-oz.) tomatoes 1 can (8-oz.) tomato sauce

2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled 3 small potatoes, diced into 1/2" cubes 1/2 tsp. each salt & pepper 1 c. frozen corn 1 c. frozen green beans 1 c. pasta shells 1 can kidney beans, drained 1 c. zucchini, cubed

DIRECTIONS: Boil stew meat in 2 c. water, skim off fat. In large pot, saute onion in wine, add beef, water, & remaining ingredients, except for the pasta, kidney beans, & zucchini. Simmer for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil, add pasta. Gently boil until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Add kidney beans & zucchini, & heat without boiling until warm. Sprinkle servings with 1 Tbsp. parmesan cheese.

POTATO SOUP 6-8 med. potatoes 1/4 c. butter 1/2 c. flour 6 c. milk

2 tsp. chicken bouillon 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 lb. shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Peel, cube, boil, drain, & "mash" potatoes to desired consistency. In separate pan, melt butter, add flour, & cook, stirring constantly, about a minute. Add half the milk & on med. heat, bring to boil stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Turn off heat & add remaining ingredients. cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

Thinking of Selling?

Some Things to Do First

Before you put that “for sale” sign in the front yard, prepare some information to help a prospective buyer choose your home.

David Marine & Sally Isom Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

T

he real estate process is chock full of information.

Sometimes it might feel like more information is exchanged in a real estate transaction than on a national security background check. In addition to getting your home physically ready, you can help the sale by compiling some information.

Gather your receipts for improvements and repairs – This is excellent information that will help you complete a property disclosure, as well as provide an opportunity to show buyers the

extensive improvements that have been made to your home.

loans on the property (mortgage company name, loan #s, etc.).

HOA rules and regulations – Have a copy of your Home Owner’s Association Rules and Regs so this can easily be shared with interested buyers or provide buyers and their agents.

A one-page home “brag sheet” – List any improvements you have made to your home, whether major or minor, and include redesigns of rooms, new flooring, bathroom updates, or anything else that you can that will help prospective buyers know your home has been well cared for.

Mortgage documentation and info about any Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – When you obtain a contract on your home, the closing office will need all of the information about your mortgage and any additional

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Warranty information – Any major improvements that have warranties in effect could be very desirable to a buyer. For example:

PAGE 11 windows with lifetime warranty or help prospective buyers picture a roof with a 25-year warranty. what their lives might be like living in the home.

Provide your REALTOR® with details about outdoor features – Types Remember how it felt when you of landscaping, fruit trees, etc., first purchased your home – You irrigation systems, outdoor kitchen wanted as much information about features, fire pit information, etc. the home as possible. Put yourself will help elevate excitement about in the buyer’s shoes and try to your home and grounds. provide as much documentation as possible.

Tell the story of your neighborhood – Providing a list that If you are having trouble includes the neighborhood remembering any issues or repairs website, nearby trails, community made to your home, walk through events, best parks or playgrounds, each room – A tour of each room dog parks, common areas, etc. will and the exterior will help you

remember any changes and repairs or issues that have come up while you lived there. If you have had any homeowner’s insurance claims, be sure to provide all documentation to your REALTOR®.

Remember: disclose, disclose, disclose. Don’t withhold any reports or information about your home. What may seem minimal to you may seem major to a buyer.

cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

Monthly Market Report

Existing Housing Supply Up in Ada County in January

Does this recent uptick in inventory for sale signal a move toward a balanced real estate market?

Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®

D

id the new year bring with it a new trend in the housing market for Ada County?

While one month of existing inventory increases can’t be considered a trend, January 2019 was the first time since October 2014 that the number of existing homes for sale in Ada County was higher than the same month the previous year — up 5.9% compared to January 2018. We’re hopeful that this year-over-year increase is the start of inventory coming back into balance, however, we still have quite a ways to go before that happens.

Any increase in housing inventory is welcome news to those who’ve been looking to buy. If you’ve been considering a move, now would be a great time to talk to your REALTOR® about what’s newly available.

Despite this recent uptick in existing inventory, overall closed sales were down 6.3% year-overyear. Looking at the existing/resale segment specifically, sales were down 18.6% from a year ago. The number of closed sales that are even possible has been limited due to the fact we’ve had fewer and fewer existing homes to sell each month compared to buyer demand for over four years. The logic is simple — buyers haven’t been able to buy homes that aren’t for sale.

months. The resulting number can be described as the number of months it would take to sell through all the available supply assuming no other homes came on the market.

As of January 2019, the months supply of existing/resale inventory in Ada County was at 1.2 months for all price points combined, up from 0.9 months in January 2018, when looking year-over-year, as well as December 2018 looking month-to-month. Still a far cry from the 4-6 months of supply that is considered “balanced,” but a small step in that direction. We will continue to monitor these metrics to see if the trend continues into spring.

Speaking of buyer demand, the “Months Supply of Inventory” metric is a way to measure the relationship between inventory and buyer demand. This metric takes the number of homes for sale (inventory) divided by the Get in touch if you'd like to know average number of closed sales by how all of this information affects month for the preceding twelve your situation!

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 13

By the Numbers 578

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2019*

49

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

Ada County

$318,000 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,388

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons. Statistics provided by Boise Regional REALTORS® Single arrow denotes change of less than 10%; double arrows denote 10%+.

274

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2019*

49

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

Canyon County

$235,000 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

620

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

Ada County

Featured Homes

6450 S. Luna Pl. S Boise This beauty is move-in ready! Desirable open plan with vaulted kitchen/great room. The kitchen has alder cabinets, tile counters, & SS appliances. The great room features a toasty gas fireplace. The large bonus room upstairs is perfect for games & movies. Large, manicured lawn with mature landscaping, a private covered patio, & plenty of room for fun.

6045 S. Acheron SW Boise Spotless 3 bed + office, 2.5 bath home with 2,069 sq.ft. Lovely, open kitchen with breakfast bar, hickory cabinets, & huge pantry. Great room with corner gas fireplace & raised hearth.

Maple flooring throughout entry, office, kitchen, & great room. Vaulted ceilings, central vac, upgraded carpet in bedrooms. Master with soaker tub & separate shower.

5413 N. Lolo Pass Ave. NW Meridian Lochsa Falls is the setting for this spacious, warm home. The 2-story floor plan features: main floor master, formal dining/office off the great room, remodeled kitchen with granite counters, large eating space, & covered patio.

Upstairs is a spacious bonus room, full bath, another master with en suite bath, & walk-in closet, 2 additional bedrooms, & more!

2225 E. Chimere Dr. NE Meridian Wonderful 4 bed, 2.5 bath home on nearly half an acre. 3,095 sq.ft., RV garage, private yard with garden boxes, gas BBQ stub, & perfect space to entertain. Great kitchen with granite, double ovens, 2 pantries, & instant hot water.

Large living room with access to covered patio.

Upstairs master with private coffee bar/fridge area, dual vanities, separate tub/shower.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

1535 N. Luge Ave. Eagle Beautiful custom home on a rare half acre + lot within the Legacy community. Recent updates include all new oak flooring throughout, new paint & extensive lighting/fixtures. The great room offers a stone fireplace, built-in bookcases, & wood beams. 2nd master suite with a kitchenette & separate entrance opens up a number of possibilities.

2168 W. Forest Grove Ct. Eagle Elegant, roomy, & stately best describe this home! Large rooms, ample entertaining areas.

Lots of built-in cabinetry in den, family room, & kitchen. 4 true bedrooms upstairs plus a HUGE bonus/rec room. Master has vaulted ceilings, an extra sitting area & his/her closets. Covered patio off eating area & amazing back yard with mature trees & no immediate neighbors.

12123 W. Rice Rd. Star Brand new custom home with quartz counters in kitchen & baths, custom alder cabinets throughout, solid oak hardwood flooring with tile inlay, custom trim package, & hand-textured walls. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,315 sq.ft., & a 4-car garage that includes a 46' RV bay with 13.6'high door. Wonderful kitchen featuring Bosch appliances.

838 E. Andes Dr. Kuna Brand new 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2,857 sq.ft. & a main-level master featuring a double vanity, soaker tub, tile walk-in shower, & tile floor. The master closet has a private door to the laundry room. The stunning kitchen boasts double ovens, quartz counters, & island. The upper floor includes 2 spacious bedrooms & a large bonus room (or 4th bedroom). cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019

Canyon County

Featured Homes

6420 E. Victory Rd. NE Nampa Lovely, custom built home nestled in nice country setting! Desirable .78 acres, perfect for relaxing, gardening, & small hobby farm living if desired. Open floor plan, formal dining, & office or use however you wish. Airy studio or rec. room is an exciting addition to this unique property. No CC&R's, 20' x 36' finished shop, RV parking, vinyl covered patio, storage shed.

5204 Roy Dr. S Nampa Conveniently located south of I-84, near Boise, this beautifully landscaped & captivating property boasts an impeccable, luxurious home offering upgraded Net-Zero savings and Energy Star Certification (HERS score -11). 2 bed, 2.5 bath, 1,815 sq.ft. on nearly 7 acres. Culde-sac locaton with plenty of space. This is the perfect equine environment.

135 S. Beechwood Dr. S Nampa Beautiful custom-built home in Dallan Woods Subdivision. Split-bedroom design offers 2nd master suite. Granite countertops in kitchen with breakfast bar opens into living area.

Living room has gas fireplace. Vaulted ceilings are throughout home. Den & formal dining complete the home for comfortable living. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,356 sq.ft.

536 N. Stratford St. NW Nampa Great home in the coveted 55+ Goldcrest community. Fantastic floor plan with bamboo flooring throughout main areas in home, 170 sq.ft. enclosed patio, extra large 2+ car garage with built-in workbench, beautiful custom painted walls in master, split walk-in closets, vaulted ceilings, huge kitchen skylight, space for small garden, clubhouse with pool on-site.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 17

Canyon County

Featured Homes

4518 Kadie Ct. SW Caldwell Newly constructed 3 bed, 2.5 bath home on .25-acre fenced & landscaped lot located at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood.

1,708 sq.ft., beautiful finished, walk-in closets in every bedroom, & incredible attention to detail. Spectacular master retreat with dual sinks & TWO walk-in closets! Great room with fireplace.

5609 Lakewood Ave. SW Caldwell Just renovated, beautiful, single-level, move-in ready home on large corner lot! Fresh interior paint, new countertops, new carpet, new appliances & plumbing fixtures make this a fresh, new-feeling home that you will just love!

Home features a split bedroom plan, vaulted ceilings. Back yard is fully fenced with a huge, covered concrete patio.

22875 Rosicky Way Middleton This home has it all! Views, 42' RV garage, every upgrade within a graceful single-level farmhouse-style, open plan. Views of Boise Front from your kitchen window & home office.

Don't miss the HUGE hidden pantry with its own prep sink & window. Quality is in every corner of this home with room to roam & a spot for all your toys on one full acre.

24890 Desert Pine Middleton Gorgeous view home with 5 beds, 3 baths, & 3,409 sq.ft. on 1.077-acre property. High ceilings, shiplap in the dining room, upgraded electrical throughout. Beautiful island kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, gorgeous cabinets. Master with coved ceiling, transom windows, & bath with dual sinks, walk-in shower, walk-in closet. cbboise.com

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 19

Things to Do Our valley has something for everyone!

The Original Rocketeers: 50s Sock Hop

Thursday, February 21, 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Riverside Hotel Sapphire Room 2900 Chinden Blvd., Boise Info & Tickets

YMCA St. Paddy's Day 5K

Saturday, March 16, 9:30 a.m.

Julia Davis Park Bandshell

150 N. Capitol Blvd., Boise Registration & Information

Idaho Gem & Mineral Show

February 23-24, 10:00 a.m.

Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs

Saturday, March 16, 2:00-6:00 p.m.

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

Girl Scout Cookies Car Show

Saturday, February 23, 4:00 p.m.

Strongline Espresso 5120 W. Overland Rd., Ste. B, Boise Information

Idaho Humane Society's Sip 'n' Purr

Thursday, February 28, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Boise Linen Building 1402 W. Grove St., Boise Sip 'n' Purr Tickets and Information

Nampa Rec Center Lock In for Kids

March 1-2, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.

131 Constitution Way, Nampa namparecreation.org

Meridian Firefighters' Chili Cookoff

Saturday, March 2, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Meridian Speedway 335 S. Main St., Meridian Details

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

Boise Flower & Garden Show

March 22-24, times vary

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

Glow in the Park Fun Run

Saturday, March 23, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Guerber Park 2200 E. Hill Rd., Eagle Information

TreeFort Music Fest

March 20-24, times vary

Downtown Boise treefortmusicfest.com

Jurassic Quest

March 29-31, times vary

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

cbboise.com

Spring Forward March 10th

DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.