REAL Magazine, July-August, 2015

JULY-AUGUST, 2015

Pizza Pizzaz!

Grill Your Pizza on the BBQ Farmers' Markets Fresh, Friendly, and Educational Park it!

Meridian's Settler's Park The Art of Relaxing Choose the Perfect Hammock June Market Report Things To Do With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

D O W N T O W N B O I S E 3 4 3 .3 3 9 3 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5272

What a summer it's been! Extreme heat, wild weather, great fireworks shows, tons of outdoor fun. What are your favorite summer activities so far this year?

We'd love to hear them! Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com. Include some photos, and we'll make room to feature them in a future publication.

We hope you enjoy this issue of REAL, and if you have any suggestions for future stories, we are eager to provide what you'd like to see.

“

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. � ~ Sam Keen

contents Pizza Pizzaz!

Enjoy homemade pizza and keep the summer heat outside where it belongs by grilling your next pie.

Farmers' Markets Fresher food, healthier options, but is that all?

Park It! Grab the family and explore Meridian's Settler's Park.

The Art of Relaxing What could be better than a restful snooze or a good book while lounging in your new hammock?

June Market Stats Hot weather.

Hot real estate market.

Ada County Homes See just a few of the great homes for sale in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Wonderful selection, terrific prices.

Here's a sample of what's for sale in Canyon County.

Things To Do It's time to play!

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JULY/AUGUST, 2015

Pizza Pizzaz!

Great Grilled Pizza on the BBQ

Satisfy your pizza craving by making it yourself — and keep the summer heat outside where it belongs. Try this great recipe for BBQ chicken pizza from our friends at My Family Tradition BBQ Sauce and Rub. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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ccording to the History Channel and "Pizza, A Global History" by Carol Helstosky, pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 1,700s. Once an independent kingdom, Naples was teeming with poor waterfront workers. These laborers required inexpensive food that could be eaten quickly. Flatbread topped with various ingredients and eaten any time of day filled this need.

In the 1800s, immigrants from Naples came to the United States as factory workers, bringing with them their affordable concoction, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The first documented pizzaria in the U.S. was G. Lombardi's on Spring Street in Manhattan, though unlicensed street vendors sold the pies in the city long before that. Lombardi's is still in operation today with the same oven it used way back when.

Traditionally baked in an oven, pizza on the grill is a relatively new method that requires some preplanning and a little organization because the key is to top the pizza after it's on the grill. You'll want to cook one side of the crust, turn it over, and then top it.

Start with your grill pre-heated to at least 550º and, once everything is ready, stretch your dough into a thin circle (or another shape!) and brush one side with olive oil. Put that side on the grill and cook it (grill lid up) for about 3 minutes.

Check it with tongs so it doesn't burn.

Brush the up side with olive oil, flip it over, and top quickly, using light sauce so the crust won't get soggy.

Remember that every grill is different! Your pizza may take more or less time depending on how hot your grill gets.

Chocolate Raspberry BBQ Chicken Pizza • • • • •

• •

Season chicken breast with MFT Original Rub & pan sear in olive oil until done. Chop into 1-inch cubes.

Roll out pizza dough in desired size & thickness Brush one side with olive oil and grill uncovered 2-3 minutes on hot (550º) grill, watching closely.

Reduce heat, brush "up" side of crust with olive oil, turn, & spread Chocolate Raspberry sauce evenly.

Spread chicken, veggies, & 1/2 the cilantro & green onions, & cheese.

Close grill & cook 3-5 minutes, checking frequently & moving pizza to cooler part of grill if necessary.

Crust edges should be crisp & the cheese bubbly.

Top with remaining cilantro & green onion & serve!

cbboise.com

Ingredients: • Pizza dough of your choice • 1 c. MFT Chocolate Raspberry sauce • 2 c. mixed parmesan, mozzarella, & asiago cheeses • 2 chicken breasts • 2 tbsp. MFT Original Rub • 1 red onion, chopped • 2 c. mushrooms, sliced • 1/2 c. fresh garlic, sliced • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped • 1 bunch green onions, sliced

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

Farmers' Markets

Fresh, Friendly, & Educational If you've never experienced the local farmers' markets, what's keeping you? And if you regularly attend a specific market, try one of the others in the valley!

Christopher Williams Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

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daho has a rich past rooted in agriculture, which is being celebrated in the growing popularity of the local farmers’ markets. Back in the day a local market meant something quite different from the ones that have recently grown in popularity across the U.S. and Canada.

In the wake of salmonella in spinach and other health issues, a general concern is growing over industrialized food production.

This concern strengthens a general desire to help local farmers and support rural regeneration while obtaining high quality, healthy food. Apart from the nostalgia a farmers’ market may engender and the good food they provide, why is it important to support our local farmers’ markets?

Better Food The obvious reason local markets are popular is because the food

they sell is simply better and fresher. Farmers are able to harvest their produce at the peak of flavor and deliver it to consumers directly. No shipping, chemical processing, and no sitting in storage somewhere. This food is as real as it gets — fresh from the fields. One step away from the earth is best!

Educate Yourself and Your Kids about Agriculture In our fast-paced, technologybased world, our children have little or no connection with our food supply. How food is produced is abstract and distant.

Supporting your local farmers’ market means you can educate them, and yourself, about how we get our food and what it takes to produce healthy food of excellent quality. Taking time to talk to the farmers who come to the market is an excellent way to learn more

about how our food is produced.

Also, local markets sell food that is in season — meaning it reflects authentic flavors and helps demonstrate the cycles of nature behind food production.

Enjoying produce at the height of its seasonal production and anticipating the next seasonal crop helps us connect with the rhythms of the earth. What a great way for our children to learn about the changing seasons and how they influence holidays such as Thanksgiving.

Nurture an Educated Palette At a local market you will find an amazing array of produce that you might not see in the run-ofthe-mill grocery store. Red carrots, watermelon radishes, purple cauliflower, and tomatoes of all colors are just a sampling of the culinary diversity awaiting you.

Raw milk, fresh eggs, and grass-fed

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 7 meats are other options offered.

These are choices many families are turning to in response to allergies and other food concerns.

Be Green and Save Some Green The prices you pay at a local market reflect the fact that you are bypassing the middle man. You are also avoiding the wasteful distribution chain used to deliver produce to consumers and unnecessary packaging. The less distance food has to travel to get to you the better it is for the environment.

Did you know that food in the U.S. travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your plate? All cbboise.com

those miles use up fossil fuels, and extra packaging fills up shrinking landfills. Conventional agriculture more often than not pollutes water, land, and air with toxic byproducts. Buying at your local market helps save the planet.

Get Out and Mingle Perhaps the best reason of all for frequenting your local farmers’ market is so that you can enjoy the great outdoors and rub elbows with your neighbors. Instead of pushing a metal cart around a freezing grocery store, wouldn’t you rather stroll among outdoor stalls full of fresh aromatic produce? Besides, it’s a great place to meet with friends, bring the

kids, and just get a taste of small town life in the midst of suburbia.

There are so many excellent reasons to support local farmers’ markets. Check out the farmers’ market info in our “Things to Do” section, and discover the benefits of eating locally!

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

Park It!

At Meridian's Settler's Park

Located at Meridian and Ustick Roads, 57.7-acre Settler's Park offers everything from fishing to free outdoor movie nights.

S

ettler's Park in Meridian is a notso-hidden gem with tons to discover, including Idaho's first universally-accessible playground.

The park includes a splash pad, swings, the "Little City of Rocks" climbing structures on a padded base, and a "sound garden" where kids can compose

their own music on hanging organ pipes, drums, and chimes.

A fishing pond with benches is a great place for little ones to learn to fish, or where adults can sit to read or watch the ducks and geese.

Multiple picnic areas, concession stands, tables, benches, and lots of shade trees are well-distributed, making room for everyone.

Tennis courts and tournamentstyle horseshoe courts are available. And in the winter, a

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Treasure Valley residents love our parks, and Settler's Park is high on that list. It's worth the drive from anywhere in the valley!

9-hole disc golf course is installed.

Additionally, Meridian Parks holds free movie nights almost every Friday night through August, with fun, family-friendly films.

We are a valley who love their parks, so grab the family and get outside! cbboise.com

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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The Art of Relaxing

Choose the Perfect Hammock

A hammock is the ultimate symbol of summer relaxation. Do you know how to select the right one to fit your needs and lifestyle?

Audrey Sellers Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

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ick back, relax, and enjoy some blissful moments from the comfort of your very own hammock.

Know the Different Types Before you start considering where to buy a hammock, it helps to know the different kinds of hammocks on the market. Here’s a quick rundown.

Rope Hammock Designed for warmer climates, this type of hammock will be right at home in your backyard.

It’s typically made from polyester or cotton, and it’s designed with a light weave for easy relaxation.

Fabric Hammock While this variety of hammock works great in cooler climates, it’s a nice choice for homeowners who want to add a pop of color with bright solids or stylish stripes.

Camping Hammock If you want a hammock that does double cbboise.com

duty — relaxation at home and the versatility to take on weekend getaways — check out a camping hammock. They’re exceptionally lightweight and serve as an alternative to a sleeping bag.

Hammock Chair and Swing This is a nice alternative if you want to sit upright, sip a glass of wine, read a good book, or take in the sunset.

Spreader Bars: Yes or No? When thinking about where to buy a hammock, there’s another aspect to keep in mind: whether or not you want a hammock with spreader bars. Ultimately, it’s a personal preference. Spreader bars, which are located at the head and foot of a hammock, help prevent the hammock from enclosing you like a cocoon.

If you have little ones, just use caution if you opt for a hammock without spreader bars, as they can sometimes find it difficult to get out.

Where to Hang Your Hammock Whether you want to use your hammock to read, nap, study, or simply relax and contemplate the day, it’s important to get the placement just right. Take a look around your yard. Do you have many large trees that would provide some shade while you swing and sway? Or what about posts on your pool deck?

Don’t be afraid to take your hammock inside your home, either. Homeowners often think that hammocks only belong outdoors, but that’s simply not the case.

Hammocks can easily be the happiest spot in your yard or home.

Whether you envision it poolside or you bring it inside in your media room, a hammock can be both functional and stylish. Give one a try. You won’t be disappointed!

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

Monthly Market Stats

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

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sale, median sales prices are also continuing their steady rise. Though not at an unhealthy pace, this increase in prices has The typical spring selling season helped propel the total market sales volume started earlier this year In all price points under up 28% in Ada County than usual, $500k in Ada County and and 21% so you’d $300k in Canyon, we have in Canyon, think that we would see a less than 6 months’ supply year-to-date compared to s l o w d o w n of homes for sale. sooner in the last year. year as well.

That has not been the case. In fact, In all price points under $500k in June’s sales numbers showed the Ada County and $300k in Canyon, highest single-month unit sales we have less than 6 months’ that we’ve seen in over five years supply of homes for sale. This in both Ada and Canyon Counties! market favors sellers - 6 months is considered “balanced” supply.

Because of the continued pressure on the market with demand Interest rates continue to hold outpacing supply of homes for around 4.0%, which eases riple digit temps aren’t the only things that are hot in the Treasure Valley these days!

affordability, and the economic situation abroad would seem to indicate that rates should remain fair for the near term.

Clearly, we are still in need more inventory to meet the demands of today’s hot market. Who do you know that might be thinking of selling this summer? We’re happy to help.

As always, real estate is most definitely local. Call or email to find out what all of this means for you in your own neighborhood.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$230,000

HOMES SOLD JUNE 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

15

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

2,510 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

394

$142,400

HOMES SOLD JUNE 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

19 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

1,173 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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1,049

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

Ada County

Featured Homes

11693 Kings Canyon SW Boise Terrific single-level with 3 beds, 2 baths, & 1,303 sq.ft. Perfectly located on a quiet, dead-end street close to schools & shopping. Great curb appeal with covered front porch & curved walkway.

Open plan with spacious kitchen flowing nicely to dining and great room with fireplace, plant shelves and Pottery Barn colors. Slider from kitchen to back deck.

3803 N. Burnstead Pl. W Boise Wonderful 4 bed, 3 bath home with room for everyone! 2,600 sq.ft. and brand new, 50-year roof, exterior paint, & water heater. Great kitchen with tons of cabinetry & open to spacious family room with brick fireplace. Bright & cheery plan with tons of natural light. Huge master suite with dual walk-in closets & vanities & jetted tub. Established landscaping & oversized 3-car garage.

13341 W. Baldcypress St. W Boise Location! Location! Location! Darling 3 bed, 2 bath home with 1,469 sq.ft. close to Meridian Village, Big Al's Bowling Center, theaters, parks, & more. Turn key with vaulted ceilings, plant shelves, & fenced yard. Large living room, bonus room, & master suite with dual sinks. Back patio & plenty of room for a garden or dog run.

2077 S. White Pine Ln. SE Boise Located in prestigious River Run. 3 bed, 3 bath & den or 4th bed. Recent remodel with many updates. Granite countertops, GE profile appliances, custom cabinetry, crushed granite under mount sink, hardwood floors throughout the 1st floor & upstairs hallways, large master closet, heated tile floors, glass walk in shower, & jetted soaker tub. 93% efficient gas furnace.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Ada County

Featured Homes

8807 N. Esterbrook Pl. NW Boise Welcome home to your own private retreat and come see what Idaho truly has to offer! Marvelous country setting with stunning views from all angles. Natural light floods the home with an open kitchen & family room area. Spacious & luxurious master retreat with updated bath & tile walk-in shower. Covered wrap-around porch & magnificent foothill views.

5938 N. Alder Point Pl. NW Boise Adorable & updated split bdrm plan with bonus room & curb appeal galore! Brand new interior paint & dishwasher. New in 2014: carpet, kitchen vinyl, countertops & backsplash. New furnace/ water heater in 2011. Vaulted ceilings, open plan, updated light fixtures, ample natural light, & dining to patio access. Private fully fenced, low-maintenance yard.

684 N. Senora Way Eagle Spectacular home in elegant location. Master suite showcases a luxurious bath with dual vanities, travertine tile, roman shower & freestanding soaker tub. Refinished hardwood floors are maple & walnut. Alder cabinets throughout, granite counter tops in kitchen & gas fireplace in family room. Koi pond, cement landscape edging, new roof & backs to common area.

1572 W. Par Ct. Eagle Great location adjacent to the Banbury Golf Course. This has been a 2nd home with limited use & looks like new. Split bedroom design with open floor plan. Bathroom accessible from 2nd bedroom or entry on main level. Granite, custom cabinets, SS appliances in kitchen. Hardwood floors in entry, dining & kitchen. Tile floors/ counters in all bathrooms & utility.

cbboise.com

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

Canyon County

Featured Homes

16685 Rose Briar Ln. NE Nampa Amazing acreage estate in coveted Cherry Lane Meadows Subdivision! Horse trails throughout the neighborhood, as well as pathways, tennis courts, & a playground. Beautiful two-story barn that makes a great shop with gas stove for heating, R.V. space & mature landscaping make this property a paradise. Minutes from the freeway & Boise. Nothing compares!

10311 Sumpter St. NE Nampa Brand new & ready for you! 3 beds, 2 bahts, 1,658 sq.ft. A great split bedroom design with an open concept. Gorgeous granite throughout, large pantry, tile accents, SS appliances, beautiful cabinetry, & much, much more. Stucco finish exterior with complete sprinklers & landscaping.

Don't miss this one!

513 Seasons Ct. S Nampa Great single-level with 3-car garage & close proximity to hospital, rec center, & shopping.

The high efficiency, newer furnace & A/C units will cut utility costs & help keep home temperatures ideal. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,423 sq.ft. Open plan, great room with gas fireplace.

Master bath has dual sinks. Covered back patio & spacious yard.

2412 S. Royal Meadows Dr. S Nampa Wonderful home with no back yard neighbors & east-facing, shaded back yard & patio! Rare 3-car garage in this price range. Main-level living room with fireplace & family room. Comfortable kitchen with corner pantry. All appliances included - even the washer/dryer! Main-level 4th bedroom OR home office/den. Lots of utility in this floor plan. Brand new A/C, too.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

11353 W. Brandi NW Nampa One of Nampa's most desirable subdivisions with pathways, playground, & a proposed 52-acre park close by. Very light & open plan, real wood floors, granite counters with tile accents, split bedroom design with wider hallways & doors. 3-car garage & above-ground saltwater pool included.

Surround sound system in great room stays. Extra electrical outlets added & CAT 5 wiring, too.

1818 W. Summerwind Dr. NW Nampa Immaculate & move-in ready! This well-cared- for home features formal living, dining & spacious family room. Bright, open plan lives very large & flows seamlessly. Kitchen with large pantry, island, pull-out shelves. Master suite has large walk-in closet. Upgraded Hunter Douglas blinds & Pottery Barn fixtures including French doors to beautiful, fully landscaped back yard.

3408 Iowa SW Caldwell Home was gutted & redone in 2005. Over $35,000 in upgrades: all vinyl windows, lap siding, glass tile backsplash, new counters & cabinets in kitchen with built-ins. Hard surfaces include tile, hardwood & granite. Fixtures, baseboards & doors have been replaced. All interior paint, stove & carpet in living room & dining room is less than a year old.

24410 Ranch Rd. Middleton Beautiful custom built home with huge shop!

Master suite, great room, formal living & laundry room all on the main level. Master bath has soaker tub, dual vanities, separate shower & walk-in closet. Cozy up by the fireplace with granite hearth in the spacious great room.

Kitchen has all new SS appliances, granite counter tops, pantry & tile flooring.

cbboise.com

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Canyon County

JULY/AUGUST, 2015

FARMERS’ MARKETS Capital City Public Market Saturdays; 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

8th & Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

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

Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

Flickr: JOSEPH

185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket

Kuna Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-noon

Kuna City Park, Main St., Kuna www.kunafarmersmarket.com

Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

1350 Front St., Lloyd Square, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com

Caldwell Farmers’ Market Wednesdays; 3:00-7:00 p.m.

On Arthur between Kimball & 7th, Caldwell www.caldwellidfarmersmarket.com

Flickr: Robert Bejil

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Things To Do There's still a ton of fun waiting for you this summer!

Alive After Five Summer Concert Series Every Wednesday, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Canyon County Fair July 23-26

Grove Plaza, downtown Boise www.downtownboise.org

22nd & Blaine St, Caldwell canyoncountyfair.org

Gazebo Concert Series in Eagle Last Thursday of each month through Sept.

Jaialdi, 2015 July 28-August 2

6:00-9:00 p.m., Heritage Park 185 E. State St., Eagle Gazebo Concert Series Info

Idaho Shakespeare Festival “Dial 'M' for Murder� - through August 2

See website for full schedule 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise www.idahoshakespeare.org

Great Garden Escape Thursdays through September 17

Check times & schedule online Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

Free Movie Night in Meridian Every Friday through August at dusk

Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads www.meridiancity.org/movienight

Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series Various through August

Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise Concert Schedule

cbboise.com

Basque Block & various other locations Visit website for complete schedule

KidFest Idaho August 1, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Kleiner Park, 1900 Records Ave., Meridian kidfestidaho.com

Breakfast with the Lions at Zoo Boise August 1, August 18

ZooBoise, 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise ZooBoise.org

Kleiner Park Live Concert Series August 6 & 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Kleiner Park, 1900 Records Ave., Meridian kleinerparklive.com

29th Annual Nampa Festival of the Arts August 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; August 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lakeview Park, Nampa Nampa Festival Info

8th Annual Pooch Party Stroll & Splash August 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Lakeview Park, Nampa INFO

D O W N T O W N B O I S E 343.3393 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5 2 7 2