REAL Magazine, January-February, 2018

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

Winter Exploration on Snowshoes New Year. New You. Creating the Perfect Home Gym Super Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday Love Your Home Things to Tackle in February 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

The New Year brings with it a promise of things to come, an opportunity to set goals, and make new plans. Perhaps your bucket list includes getting outside more, regardless the weather. If that's so, check out our story about snowshoeing. Or maybe you want to exercise a bit more but don't want to commit to a gym membership.

We have terrific information about setting up a place to work out at home.

And if you aren't into feeling the burn, you might enjoy trying some of the tasty treats we've included just in time for the Super Bowl!

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.

“

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

~ Charles Schulz

contents Explore!

Get outside this winter!

Is snowshoeing for you?

New Year. New You. New Year's resolutions or not, creating a home gym might be the motivation you need.

Super Snacks Tis the season for yummy appetizers!

Love Your Home Show your home–and those who live there–some love this February.

Market Stats A look at 2017 and and update on the current market.

Ada County Homes Winter is a great time to buy and sell in Ada County!

Canyon County Homes Affordable beauty.

See what's for sale in Canyon County.

Get up and Get Out! Check out these great Treasure Valley events.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

Explore!

How to Do It on Snowshoes

Here in Southwest Idaho, you won't have to go far to try your hand (or foot) at snowshoeing.

Susan Hansen CBTG Director of Education

T

he quiet solitude of a snow-covered forest is an experience best savored on foot. You can set your own pace, without fear of being run over by faster explorers, and take a moment to enjoy nature’s beauty.

There are a few helpful tips that you should consider prior to setting out on your journey: Plan Your Route There are many places to explore in and around Boise. From Bogus Basin to Idaho City, there are a number of trailheads and areas that you can go. The difficulty of the trail is something to take into consideration. If you are a beginner or have children with you, you may want to utilize groomed trails. Bogus and many of the areas around Idaho City have trail maps that will help you plan your course. Stay to established trails if you are newer to snowshoeing and, even if you are an experienced snowshoer, consider carrying a GPS unit to help you navigate if you wander off trail.

Plan Your Provisions Snowshoeing, especially if you are

going off trail, is exhausting, and dehydration is a genuine concern.

Pack plenty of water as well as a lunch and snacks – this will keep energy and attitudes up!

Plan Your Attire It is key to dress in layers. You may get too warm when climbing hills, but you will cool down quickly as you hit lower impact sections and when you are done. It is important to have a way to control your temperature. Keeping your core warm is imperative and will help you stay loose as muscles grow fatigued. Additionally, consider packing extra gloves and keep spare, dry clothes in the car.

Plan for Emergencies Just like the boy scout motto, it is important to always be prepared.

Carry a small first aid kit, along with a headlamp, and chemical hand/foot warmers.

Once you’ve compiled all of the supplies you need, now you need to prepare yourself: Stretch! STRETCH! Stretch!

One of the most important things you can do before, during, and after

you go snowshoeing is stretching.

When you are snowshoeing, you are walking with a different gait than your norm. As soon as you start snowshoeing using this altered gait you will discover: 1. Muscles you never recalled ever having.

2. Muscles you haven’t used in forever.

3.

Muscles you have that are weak and in need of a workout.

4. All of the Above Poles in Hand When snowshoeing for the first time make sure you are using poles.

Not everyone’s balance and first time wearing snowshoes is equal.

While you may feel confident in blazing down a trail your first time, it is best to have poles as your backup plan. Learning your new snowshoeing gait and balance is key to having fun in the long run.

Stay Flexible It’s important to allow your body to be flexible and loose. Make sure you are always snowshoeing with bent knees to allow your body to go with the flow. You can’t judge a layer of snow by its cover. It may

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PAGE 5 look like an inch of powder but in reality it’s a foot. Or it may look like fluffy bliss but there is a layer of ice hiding underneath.

Take Your Time Take your time and as many breaks as you need. The beauty of snowshoeing is that it opens up a world of winter for you to stop and enjoy. If you are too busy trying to keep pace or stressing out about going fast enough, you are missing out on the experience as a whole.

Take a moment to breathe, take in the stillness, and admire the wild beauty of winter.

Mind Your Confidence Snowshoeing is easy to learn and a blast! If there is one downfall of it being such an easy winter activity to learn, it’s becoming overconfident in your abilities.

Just remember to be on your guard when trekking on a trail and to visually sweep the area before taking your next step. It is also cbboise.com

important to know your physical limits. Until you are a more seasoned snowshoer, make sure you choose trails that are practical and achievable based on your skill level.

Hydrate!

Staying hydrated while snowshoeing is vital! You may not think it, but you can easily get dehydrated in the winter faster than you do in the summer.

Between elevation gain and sweating you are losing a large amount of your body’s hydration.

Drink lots of water on the trail even when you don’t feel the inclination of thirst. Want to drink something different? Try drinking hot tea from a thermos for a more flavorful boost. It will hydrate you as well as help keep your core warm.

Know Your Trail Carry a map of the trail and/ or GPS with you when you are snowshoeing. With a fresh cover

of snowfall during your hike, the beaten path can disappear and the landscape may visually change. If possible, check in with a ranger or the party responsible for monitoring the trail of choice for updates and conditions that may be pertinent.

Never Go Alone Snowshoeing is a fun winter activity, but is not one to be enjoyed alone. When exploring the outdoors, it is important to have at least one (if not ten!) snowshoeing buddies who can be there to help out should you get stuck and need a helping hand.

Whether you own your snowshoes or are just renting them for a day, you can tackle the wilderness and gain an appreciation for a new perspective on winter. Good luck, have fun, and see you on the trails!

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

New Year. New You.

Is a Home Gym for You?

Whether or not you are a "resolution setter," you might have considered adding some exercise to your routine. Learn which home gym essentials will create the perfect room for you to thrive.

Juliet Grossman Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

I

s a home gym for you? Before you buy your first kettlebell, take a moment to consider whether you’ll work out at home as much as you would if you joined a gym or enrolled in a class.

Be realistic! Some people need the motivation of meeting the same friend at a Zumba class or the mental separation of home and workout that a commercial gym provides. If you do think a home

gym suits your personality, the convenience of being able to work out on demand can’t be beat.

Start with a plan.

The more specific your workout plans, the better. Are you interested in losing weight?

Unwinding after a long workday?

Becoming more flexible? Gaining endurance or muscle strength?

Once you know what your goals

are, you can narrow down what type of exercises you plan to do.

Equipment matters.

There’s no substitute for having the right tools for the job. Depending on your goals, outfit your space with these home gym essentials: • Strength Training: The most traditional tools are hand-held dumbbells. Choose a variety of

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PAGE 7 sizes in the weights you’ll use most frequently, such as 10, 15, and 20 pounds. Also consider kettlebells, which come in a wide variety of weights and are versatile for building strength.

Resistance bands (very strong tubing) are another allpurpose and lightweight way to build strength.

• Body-Weight Tools: Stability balls are a fantastic and inexpensive addition to a home gym. When you combine a ball with body-weight exercises (maneuvers using just your own body weight for resistance), you’ll increase core strength and balance. A bench or step is another useful tool for body-weight exercises.

• Tech Tools: A TV, DVD player, computer, or tablet can be useful for working out with a virtual instructor. There are DVDs, videos, apps, and streaming services for every interest and skill level. Even cbboise.com

if you don’t work out with a video, music can be a great motivator, so don’t forget a way to listen to your favorite exercise playlist.

• Stretch: A sturdy foam roller, padded mat, and adjustable strap for cool-down stretches and increasing flexibility

should round out your home gym essentials.

The final step to creating your ideal home gym? Always remember that this space is part of your home, so you deserve to love it.

Keep it clean and make it a welllit, bright space that will make you smile every time you step inside.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 9

Super Snacks

For Super Sunday or Anytime!

Our agents and staff share their favorites. We hope you love these like we do!

ARTICHOKE DIP 2 cans non-marinated artichoke hearts 1 c. mayonnaise 1/2 c. sour cream

1 can diced green chilis 1 c. shredded parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients in small baking dish and bake for 20 minutes at 400°. Serve with tortilla chips.

TEQUILA-SPIKED SALSA 2 c. chopped, seeded tomato 1 c. chopped onion 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro 1/3 c. peeled, chopped avocado

2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tsp. tequila (optional!)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients & toss gently. Serve with tortilla chips.

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP 10 oz. chicken breasts, boiled & shredded 2 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese, softened 1 c. ranch dressing

3/4 c. (or more based on taste/preferences) pepper sauce (e.g. Frank's Red HotÂŽ) 11/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Place shredded chicken & hot sauce in skillet & heat over medium heat until heated through. Stir in cream cheese & ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended & warm. Mix in shredded cheese & stir until melted. Transfer to crockpot to keep warm & serve with tortilla chips.

OREO POPCORN 20 Oreo cookies 2 bags of microwave popcorn, popped

2 c. white chocolate chips

Place Oreos in large Ziploc bag and smash. Heat white chocolate chips in microwave on high for 30-second intervals up to 2-3 minutes, stirring until melted. Mix popcorn & melted chocolate in large bowl until well-combined. Slowly add the cookies & mix. Turn out on waxed paper until cool. Break into pieces & enjoy. cbboise.com

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 11

Love Your Home & More

This Valentine's Day

Make Valentine's Day about more than hearts and flowers. Show some love in other ways with these easy ideas.

Victoria Keichinger Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

V

alentine’s Day is around the corner. If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your love for your significant other, you’ll be sure to win their heart by tackling one of these around the house to-dos.

loved one will surely appreciate that you not only cooked a delicious meal, but delivered it to them in their bedroom. For great tips on unique breakfast ideas, check out this sweet guide to breakfast in bed.

A Little Goes a Long Way Looking for simple ways to win big points? Check out the Coldwell Banker Home Tip of the Day video series for tutorials that range from how to clean glass shower doors to how to dust your baseboards.

Ticking off just one of these small tasks is guaranteed to impress your honey.

Clean Range Hood Filter and Fan After plenty of cooking over the holidays, and a bacon-heavy Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed (see above) it’s about time to consider cleaning your stove’s hood filter & fan. Follow this DIY tutorial for easy instructions.

Serve Up Breakfast in Bed Everyone knows the way to the heart is through the stomach. Your cbboise.com

Start on Tax Prep While taxes are about as unsexy as topics get, it’s important to start gathering the paperwork necessary for filing your taxes now.

Visit the Internal Revenue Service to access important tax forms and tools.

Give Your Master Bedroom a Makeover This is the room where the magic happens. Of course, we’re talking about sleep! Give your master bedroom a refresh. Use soothing tones to promote relaxation and add opaque drapes to keep bright light out. Something as little as adding a new sheet set to the rotation can make the room feel brand new again.

There’s more than hearts and flowers for Valentine’s Day. Let your imagination go!

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

Monthly Market Stats

More New Homes for Sale than Existing in Ada County

The market remains strong with residential new construction leading the way.

Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®

A

da County hit another record low for inventory in December 2017, with just 1,391 homes for sale — a 6.6% drop from December 2016.

While we’ve discussed the lack of inventory at length in our previous market reports, a new twist on the inventory shortage showed up in the December 2017 numbers…

There were 317 more new homes for sale in Ada County in December 2017 than existing homes. The actual numbers reported for Ada County were 854 new homes, compared to 537 existing homes on the market in December 2017.

Looking back at the year, there were five months that this happened, but December 2017 had the largest spread. (We saw this once in December 2016, but never before then in our ten-year data set.)

As reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), we need builders to bring more product online to pull us out of our

local – and nationwide – inventory shortage, so an increase in new construction is welcomed.

But some question if this strategy could lead to another wave of overbuilding like we saw in the mid-2000s. At that time, new construction was more speculative, which led to more new houses than there was demand. Today’s new construction inventory levels are much more in line with buyer demand for new homes, which has increased with the Boise region’s population growth.

The Months’ Supply of Inventory figures for new construction in Ada County over the past 4-5 years indicate a general balance between supply and buyer demand. In December 2017, the months’ supply of new homes was at 4.1 months.

A balanced market—not favoring buyers or sellers—is typically between 4-6 months of supply.

That’s a good starting point for builders, as they’re not too far behind

demand right now. Although, we did see the months’ supply of new homes dip below 4.0 months last summer, so the more product that can get started now, the better.

A mix of price points among newly constructed homes will also be necessary, but that’s proved difficult with the rising cost of land, labor, and materials. This was evident in December 2017, as Ada County’s median sales price for new homes saw a record high of $361,030, up 13.5% from December 2016. (In comparison, the median sales price of existing homes in Ada County was at $254,250 in December 2017.)

Additional information about trends within Ada County as well as Canyon County, by price point, by existing and new construction, and by neighborhood, are now available in the December 2017 Market Report.

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

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$277,900

HOMES SOLD DECEMBER 2017*

42

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,391

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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

$192,780

325

HOMES SOLD DECEMBER 2017*

43

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

cbboise.com

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

695

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

805

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

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.

1777 N. Bearden Ct. NW Meridian Lovely 4 bed, 2 bath home with 1,906 sq.ft.

New exterior paint, new carpet. Two skylights, plant shelves, newly remodeled guest bath.

Modern kitchen with tile backsplash & custom beveled granite counters. Terrific master with corner jetted tub & tiled walk-in shower with dual heads. Big back yard with patio, garden space, RV parking pad, & large gate.

3300 W. Grand Rapids Dr. NW Meridian You won't find another one like this any time soon! Gorgeous 4 bed, 3 bath home with office & formal dining room. Stunning great room with vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Open gourmet kitchen with slab granite, breakfast bar, center island, custom cabinetry, & SS appliances. 2,807 sq.ft., 3-car garage, covered patio, & in-ground pool.

1857 E. Expedition Dr. NE Meridian Custom 5 bed, 4 bath home just 2 miles from The Village. Bonus room, home theater system & mounted projector with drop-down screen, & wet bar. Great storage throughout, central vac, dual furnace/AC system. Beautifully landscaped, garden area, fire pit, & large covered patio. Big 3-car garage with drive-through/RV parking, 220 amp, shop area.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Ada County

Featured Homes

8427 S. Danskin Lane SW Meridian Perfect setting for this immaculate home!

Peaceful & quiet property with room to roam.

Stunning great room with vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace, large windows with views of beautiful back yard & open space behind.

Bright & open kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, & gas stove. Main-level master suite. Large shop/RV garage.

2616 E. Aspenwood Eagle Builder's own custom home in an incredible setting at the back edge of Lexington Hills. 1.15acre homesite with terrific views & beautiful landscaping. 4 large bedrooms, formal dining, den, great room, & bonus room. North-facing, shaded patio, bright & open kitchen with granite counters, undermount sink, new appliances, & custom cabinets.

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.

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

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

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.

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.

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.

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.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

14982 Burger Lane 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.

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.

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Canyon County

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2018

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Events for all ages!

Family Field Trip Weekend

January 20-21, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center Indoor Triathlon

Saturday, February 3, 8:30 a.m. - noon

World Center for Birds of Prey 5668 W. Flying Hawk Ln., Boise peregrinefund.org

Nampa Rec Center Splash 'n' Dash

Friday, January 26, 5:45-9:45 p.m.

131Constitution Way, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org

131 Constitution Way, Nampa namparecreation.org

ZooBoise's Wild at Heart

Saturday, February 3, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Free admission, face painting, and more 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

Edwards Greenhouse Pop-Up Park

January 26-February 4, times vary

Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XIV

Sunday, February 4, 3:00 p.m.

4106 Sand Creek St., Boise edwardsgreenhouse.com

Idaho Remodeling & Design Show

January 27-28, times vary

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

Rock Baby Rock

Celebrating the birth of rock & roll

Saturday, January 27, 7:30 p.m.

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

Buy Idaho Capitol Show

Tuesday, January 30, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Idaho State Capitol

700 W. Jefferson St., Boise buyidaho.org

cbboise.com

90 rescue pups from 48 rescue centers Watch on Animal Planet Puppy Bowl

Woo at the Zoo for Adults

Saturday, February 10, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

ZooBoise

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise

zooboise.org

Cupid's Undie Run

To benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation

Saturday, February 10, noon Tom Grainey's, 109 S. 6th St., Boise www.cupidsundierun.com

Romancing the Pen

Wednesday, February 14, noon-9:00 p.m.

Old Idaho Penitentiary 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise Information

PAGE 19

Get Out and Do!

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