JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Another Housing Bubble? Why We Don't Think So Hey Honey! Harvesting Sweetness Summer Fun Revisited Ideas to Stay Busy Green Up Your Lifestyle Seven Ways to Do It What's For Sale? Ada and Canyon County Listings Happenings 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
This month's REAL is a bit different in that we usually place the monthly real estate statistics toward the back of the magazine. There's so much talk, though, about the possibility of another dangerous housing "bubble" that we wanted to share our thoughts — and some important numbers — right up front. There are several facts that make the housing market much different than the one leading to the market crash of a few years ago. Of course, we have included some great lifestyle stories and a few scrumptious recipes, as well. So read on, and if you think of a story you'd like to see, email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." ~ Maya Angelou
contents Another Housing Bubble? The real estate market is certainly interesting these days, but is this really another bubble?
Hey Honey! The payoff to keeping bees is that sweet, drippy, golden honey and all the things you can make with it.
Summer Fun Revisited Take a look back at our agents' favorite summer activities that are still a blast today!
Green Up Your Lifestyle These seven tips will help you and our planet.
Ada County Homes The market is moving quickly, so hurry to see these beautiful homes.
Canyon County Homes More home, less money? Check out a sampling of available homes in Canyon County.
Happenings There's always something fun to do in our valley!
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JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Another Housing Bubble?
Why We Don't Think So
Closed unit sales for the month of June were very strong in both Ada and Canyon Counties. Increasing sales and increasing prices bode well for the market right now, especially favoring sellers in most price ranges.
I
n today’s real estate market, median home sales prices are approaching what we saw 10 years ago during the previous peak, causing many, including news outlets and a number of our clients, to ask: Are we in another real estate bubble? The answer is “no,” and here’s why: During the last market peak, prices were high, and the housing inventory was also high. Speculative building and investing
were the cause of the previous market heat-up. We literally had busloads of “investors” entering the real estate market, just because of the accelerating prices. When the speculative demand fell off, there was too much inventory to absorb and so the distressed market became a real issue, driving us into a severe housing crisis. Today, the fundamentals are completely different in several ways. First, our inventory levels
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PAGE 5 are nowhere near what they were in 2006. Our price growth today is a direct result of a lack of available inventory in the market now, steady demand from homebuyers, and continued influx of new households into our area with economic expansion and improving employment opportunities.
We’re also experiencing the least-distressed inventory that we’ve seen in a number of years. Historically, 3-4% of the housing stock is considered “distressed” (bank-owned or foreclosed, short sales, etc). In the last cycle, a significant percentage of the market was distressed. Currently, we are seeing remarkably low
(2-3%) levels of distressed home inventory. Further, the mortgage lending environment is completely different today than it was 10 years ago. No longer can “anyone” get a home loan just based on stated income and assets. Bank underwriting makes sense
Charts courtesy of Boise Regional Realtors cbboise.com
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Housing Bubble? now, and because of the new regulations that took effect last year, loans are taking longer to close than they have historically. All of this indicates that buyers today are serious, qualified, and have “skin in the game.” Finally, affordability is still relatively positive, even in today’s seller’s market. Due to low mortgage interest rates, the average cost to be in an average home in the Treasure Valley is still well under the debt-to-income ratios for which most loan underwriters are
Continued from page 5
looking. And we continue to enjoy real estate prices that, while rising, easily rival those of other metro markets on the west coast. Because of all of these structural market differences, comparing the “bubble” of 2005-2006 to today’s market isn’t reasonable. Real estate – like most markets – has always been somewhat cyclical, and so we’ll need to watch what happens over the coming years and be prepared for a shift. But at this point, that shift isn’t happening any time soon. When it
does, it will likely be a much more controlled balancing of a buyer’s and seller’s market. If you’ve been considering a move, please get in touch. Everyone’s scenario is unique and having a skilled professional helping you evaluate yours is imperative. Coldwell Banker offers market analytics and tools for our sellers that can help you get the most out of your home, capitalizing on this seller’s market. Call, text, or email, and let’s take a look together!
Chart courtesy of Boise Regional Realtors COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
$254,000
HOMES SOLD JUNE 2016*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
11
Ada County
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
2,135 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.
448
$164,500
HOMES SOLD JUNE 2016*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
10 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com
Canyon County
920 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
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1,154
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Hey Honey!
Harvesting Sweetness
The rewards of beekeeping are many, but, without a doubt, one of the best things about all the work is liquid gold: the sweet, delicious honey. Karla Kimball Treasure Valley Beekeepers Club
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s a beekeeper, one of the most-appreciated aspects of keeping bees is cracking open a hive in the early spring and finding a cluster of buzzing, healthy honey bees. Especially seeing honey bees that are eager for the temps to reach 55 degrees, the early maple tree buds to start popping, and a bit of sunshine. The second most-appreciated facet would be gathering and extracting honey in the summer. I won’t lie‌ I love honey. Everything about it: the golden color, the thick stickiness as it drips off my morning toast, the smell of raw honey, and the taste. In the Treasure Valley, the first crops of honey can often be harvested as early as mid June. With an early June honey harvest, some beekeepers are lucky enough to get a second crop of honey around
the end of July or early August. Yet other beekeepers, depending on their colonies, harvest in the middle or end of summer. No matter the time of harvest, though, the rewards of a great crop of honey are welcomed. The process for extracting honey varies between beekeepers, but the end result is the same: clean, raw honey, and, hopefully, enough to last through the coming fall, winter, and spring.
extractor and spinning the honey out of the frame into a stainless steel drum. The honey is then drained into a container that filters out wax, dirt, and other impurities. The honey can then be processed or simply bottled raw. Raw means honey that has not been processed or heated; essentially, honey straight from the beehive. It can be substituted for sugar when cooking. It can also be an added ingredient when
There are different processes for extraction. Most beekeepers who harvest from a Langstroth beehive use the spin method. This consists of pulling the frames of honey from the beehive, removing the wax covering the honey (known as "uncapping"), and placing the frame in a basket inside an COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
PAGE 9 making lotions and creams. The beeswax from a honey harvest is used to make beeswax candles, lip balms, salves, and lotions, or for waterproofing shoes and wood products.
your recipe. Honey is no longer “just a drizzle,” but is becoming more of a staple in the pantry. It gives a unique flavor to foods and an added boost to your energy level.
Cooking with honey is an opportunity to be creative with
Try honey instead of sugar in a recipe, using half the amount of
honey to start and then adding additional small increments to taste. Pick up some fresh, local, raw honey the next time you visit a farmer's market. You won't be disappointed!
Enjoy these recipes from the National Honey Board! HONEY MANGO GLAZED BABY BACK RIBS
HONEY ALMOND BISCOTTI
1 c. honey 2 full racks, baby back ribs 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 4 ripe mangos, cubed 1 tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp salt
1/2 c. butter, softened 3/4 c. honey 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 31/2 c. all purpose flour 2 tsp. anise seeds
Remove ribs from packaging, rinse and pat dry. Remove membrane from backside of ribs. Place ribs in shallow pan, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly and set aside. In a small sauce pan, add chipotle/adobo, mango and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until cooked down and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Using the slow and low method of BBQ’ing, set temperature to 225-240 degrees. If using coals, let them burn off and move over to one side of the grill. Wrap the ribs and 2/3 of the sauce mixture in aluminum foil tightly and place on grill. Close lid. After 2 hours, flip the ribs and let cook for another 2 hours. Open the aluminum and remove ribs, place them on grill and brush on remaining sauce and let cook another 30 minutes.
Using electric mixer, beat butter until light; gradually add honey, eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth. In small bowl, combine flour, anise seeds, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and baking soda; gradually add to honey mixture, mixing well. Stir in cranberries and almonds. Shape dough into two 10x3x1-inch logs on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven to wire rack; cool 5 minutes. Reduce oven to 300°F. Transfer logs to cutting board. Cut each log into 1/2inch slices; arrange on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes or until crisp. Cool on wire racks.
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2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 c. dried cranberries 3/4 c. slivered almonds
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Summer Fun Revisited
Great Ideas to Stay Busy
The following activities were shared by our agents and staff back in 2014. They are such great ideas, we wanted to publish the story again!
W
hen we’re not assisting our customers and clients with their real estate
needs, we love spending time doing fun stuff with our friends and families. Some of our favorite activities are listed here. Many are common, but you might just find something new to try and enjoy! 1. One of my kids’ favorite things to do in the summer is make homemade lemonade popsicles. They are fun and easy to do with the kids and are a tasty treat. 2. Our annual week-long, selfguided rafting trip on one of Idaho’s rivers is a family favorite. We started when the kids were young, but no
matter the age, we all love going and being together and taking our dog. No phones, no TV. Incredible wilderness, and all of us working and playing together. 3. Roaring Springs is always fun! 4. A few times a year, we load our bikes with a picnic and ride to Ann Morrison or Julia Davis. We pack everything — blanket, food, drinks. Sometimes, our adult children or friends join us. 5. We love going to Starlight Mountain Theater outside of Garden Valley.
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PAGE 11 6. Back yard movie night! Set up a projector and screen (or sheet on the wall), put out lawn chairs or sleeping bags, and watch our favorite movies. 7. Sprinkler gymnastics. The kids love to do cartwheels and tumbling through the sprinklers. 8. We are fortunate enough to have a back yard pool, and we love watching the kids do cannonballs while the adults hold up scores like Olympic events.
to do. This summer, we’ll take a picture every day of a certain number of items. Day One - one item; Day Two - two of the same item, and so on. It’s kind of like a daily scavenger hunt. 10. Going to one of the local parks that has a water feature and cooling off. 11. We always camp out in the back yard and make s’mores on the grill. 12. Fishing with the kids at Wilson Ponds in Nampa.
The wackiest we heard? Having a BBQ with friends and, after dinner, pairing each youngster with an adult. One partner dons a pair of goggles while the other covers the goggle-wearer’s face with whipped cream (taking care to leave the nose clear). With all teams the same distance apart, Cheeto balls are tossed at the whipped cream. The winning team is the one with the most Cheeto balls stuck in the whipped cream after 30 seconds! 9. We put together a summer bucket list of things we want cbboise.com
13. Hiking in the Foothills. And a picnic lunch is a must.
14. Doing yard work for our older family members and friends. 15. Barbecuing on the patio, followed by s’mores and a rousing game of charades by the firelight. 16. Going to the Parma Motor-Vu Drive In Theater is a great time for everyone. 17. Cheeto-toss. (See blue box!) 18. Going to a different farmers’ market each weekend. We make a list and a plan for each week. 19. Exploring a park we’ve never been to before and keeping a list of our favorite things. 20. Floating the Boise River with a big group of friends.
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Green Up Your Lifestyle
These Seven Tips Will Help
Being more sustainable is all about creating long-term practices that are better and healthier for individuals, societies, and the planet as a whole. Jill Hertzberg Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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eing more sustainable means creating long-term practices that are better for everyone and everything on our planet. Below are a few everyday tips that will help keep your home, neighborhood, and city clean, healthy, and vibrant. By doing your part, not only will you lessen the impact you have on the environment, but your life will also be healthier and even less costly!
1. Reduce Consumption With population growth increasing exponentially, the amount of aggregate waste is becoming a huge problem. The most basic way to generate less waste is simply to consume less stuff. That means thinking clearly before you make a purchase. Ask yourself: do I really need this? Plastic, in the form of shopping bags or water bottles, is something that can be
easily substituted with reusable shopping bags and glass or metal water bottles. You’ll be surprised how many impulse buys you’ll be able to save by being more mindful of your actions and planning ahead. 2. Reuse and Recycle While living a zero-waste lifestyle has been proven possible, it’s still far from conventional, so it’s very
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PAGE 13 important to buy products that have various life-cycles instead of those with a single use. Try to have a separate bin to dispose of plastic, paper, glass, and metal containers. In addition, buy recycled products like paper towels or toilet paper in an effort to support the recycled product market. 3. Power Off Conserving energy is as simple as turning off the lights when you’re not in the room, switching to LED lightbulbs, investing in Energy Star appliances, and unplugging appliances since they still consume energy even when they’re turned off. By saving energy, you’re not only helping the planet, but you’re also helping your wallet! Smart homes make it even easier to control energy use, such as lighting and A/C, by turning them off when you’re not home, all through the touch of a button. It’s incredible how modifying a few habits can make a world of difference. 4. Walk, Bike, or Drive an Electric Car In a continued effort to limit the amount of fossil fuels that we use, give alternative methods of transportation a try. If you prefer the autonomy that using public transportation lacks, there are still other options available to you. When the commute is short, try walking. If it’s a little longer, try biking. Both are great for the planet, and they’re also great for your physical and mental health. If you’re looking to buy a new car, consider buying cbboise.com
electric. There’s the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and the Tesla. Do your research, and you’ll find what works for you. 5. Shop Smart Whether you’re buying food at a grocery store or cleaning products for your home, always opt for nontoxic alternatives. As far as food goes, try buying local and organic products as it means they’re free from toxic chemicals, GMOs, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Both organic and local foods are much healthier for you and the for the planet, and they even taste better. When buying cleaning products, look for natural or ecofriendly labels and avoid harsh chemicals. You’ll be surprised at all the new products out there that are making sustainability convenient and affordable. 6. Meatless Mondays Speaking of food, did you know that eating a vegan diet is arguably one of the best
things you could do for the environment? By sticking to a plant-based diet, your food is produced using much less water and energy than livestock and emits significantly less pollution. It’s also great for your health and is very rich in nutrients. Try going vegan one day a week, on Mondays, and you’ll see how incredible you feel and how delicious vegan food can actually be. 7. Start Gardening One of the greenest things you can do for your home is to plant trees in your garden. Stick to landscaping with native plants, as not only are they more likely to flourish, but they will also create beautiful habitats for local birds, butterflies and other natural wildlife. If you like to garden, try growing your own food, or if you’ve never tried it, start by growing herbs – both are much more economical and delicious than buying at grocery stores. Either way, simply adding plants to the planet is helping reverse climate change.
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Ada County
Featured Homes
320 E. Thurman Mill W Cental Boise This former model home has a spacious floor plan & it's completely decked out! Kitchen features granite counter tops, tile blacksplash, upgraded stainless steel appliances and pantry. Living room is inviting with high ceilings and gas fireplace. Master bath has dual sinks & walk-in shower. Nice back yard with mature landscaping and patio. Community clubhouse & pool.
246 S. Old Quarry Way W Boise Great opportunity to own in desirable Maple Hills Subdivision. Fantastic location, low maintenance and tons of space. Home features vaulted ceilings, two fireplaces, family room, living room, dining area, eating area, sauna and a rec room! Sits on a corner lot with a cozy front court yard. The back patio areas are adjacent to water feature, running creek and pathways.
1004 E. Wrightwood Dr. SE Meridian Custom-built, exquisite quality home with an inspiring rim view of mountains and the valley. Single-level floor plan features hardwood and tile floors, wood blinds, granite counters and Knotty Alder cabinets throughout! No detail has been spared on this 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths home! Large corner lot, steps from the pool, clubhouse and park.
499 S. Silver Bow Ave. Eagle Super clean and move-in ready! Featuring 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with a huge bonus room and separate office. Bright kitchen with brand new stainless steel appliances, pantry and breakfast bar. Kitchen opens to the dining area and great room with gas fireplace. Spacious master with 2 closets, window seat and dual sinks. Community pool, close to everything. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Ada County
Featured Homes
2199 E. Handel St. NE Meridian Amazing and spacious, single-level home loaded with upgraded amenities. Chef's kitchen features gas stove, dual ovens, island with extra sink, plenty of storage and walk-in pantry. Master suite has soaker tub, walk-in shower and separate vanities. Beautiful back yard with mature landscaping. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is a dream! Don't miss out.
1903 W. Quiet Peak St. NW Meridian Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in a desirable location! Close to community park and shopping. Separate living and family rooms with Kingston Peaks hickory laminate flooring. Spacious master suite features large soaker tub, dual sinks & huge walk-in closet. Open kitchen with lots of natural light, breakfast bar, smooth top stove & pantry. No back yard neighbors!
692 E. Whitney Ct. Eagle This warm and bright home features a welcoming front porch, formal dining room & separate eating area off the kitchen. Large master with double entry doors, master bath, dual sinks and large soaker tub. Park-like back yard with extended covered porch, perfect for entertaining. This gorgeous, south facing home is located in the Brookwood community.
1727 N. Silver Wolf Way Star Immaculate, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is movein ready. Wonderful floor plan with large living spaces, plenty of space for everyone. Spacious kitchen with island opens up to eating area and family room. Huge back yard has room for RV, fenced garden space with irrigation, mature trees and dog run. Interior has been recently painted! Close to schools.
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JULY/AUGUST, 2016
Canyon County
Featured Homes
4207 Boreal Ct. NE Nampa Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath & 2,068 sq.ft. home on a quite cul-de-sac. New floors and fresh paint. Kitchen features granite counters, island & spacious pantry. Master suite has soaker tub, separate walk-in shower, dual sinks & walk-in closet. Huge upstairs bonus room will give your whole family room to play! Located in wonderful neighborhood,
16178 N. Saint Helens NW Nampa Home in excellent location, lives larger than the 1,416 sq. footage. New paint inside, professionally cleaned and move-in ready! Features large bonus room and vaulted ceilings. East-facing back yard has fire pit, raised garden beds, cherry and apricot trees. Community park just a block away. Don't miss out!
2009 W. Rosten Ave. S Nampa Move-in ready home featuring 3 bedrooms upstairs and 1 downstairs. Wonderful kitchen with stainless steel appliances, top of the line gas stove, and breakfast bar. Opens to dining aread and living room with elevated gas fireplace. Relax in your manicured back yard under a 40' covered patio with bamboo garden. Hurry this won't last!
19789 Wilderness Dr. NW Caldwell This is not your cookie cutter home! Spacious two-story on a corner lot with lush landscaping, covered patio and 3-car garage. Bright and open kitchen with island, pantry and granite composite sink with updated faucet. Extra room for entertaining with a living room and family room. Move-in ready and super clean! COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Featured Homes
1927 S. Sandcrest Dr. S Nampa This well-maintained home on a corner lot is lovely! Spacious split bedroom floor plan with living room and family room. Kitchen includes breakfast bar, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom features dual sinks, soaker tub, shower and walk-in closet. Matching shed for more storage in manicured back yard.
217 Walnut Creek Way S Nampa Great location in the highly desirable Middle Creek Subdivision, right by the greenbelt! Open and vaulted ceilings, a newly renovated kitchen, and separate living room and family room. Beautiful back yard features a custom stamped patio, great for entertaining. Close to shopping and amenities. This 4 bed, 2.5 beauty is a must see!
10989 Rift Valley Dr. SW Caldwell Million dollar views! Spacious, single-level custom home with 2 master suites, extensive tile flooring, crown molding, archways, columns and coffered ceilings. Master suite has it all with beautiful dual sinks, soaker tub, walkin shower and gorgeous cabinets. Lots of space for RV parking, fully finished 3+ car garage, plus a 26x28 shop.
17134 Big Sage Ct. SW Caldwell Gorgeous custom-built, view property situated in a peaceful, serene country setting. Located just minutes from the golf course, freeway and excellent schools. Spacious master suite with soaker tub, separate shower and walk-in closet. Gourmet kitchen is open to living area, perfect for entertaining. Large covered patio and fenced pasture, all on 1.2 acres!
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Canyon County
JULY/AUGUST, 2016
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 10th and Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Each Saturday
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Each Saturday
9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket
Meridian Youth Farmers’ Market Each Saturday starting June 25
9:00 a.m.-noon Meridian City Hall Plaza 33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian Information
Nampa Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com
Caldwell Farmers’ Market Each Wednesday evening
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Arthur St. between Kimball & 7th www.caldwellidfarmersmarket.com COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
PAGE 19
Happenings What do you want to do today? Alive After Five Concert Series Wednesdays starting June 1
Canyon County Fair July 28-31
5:00-8:00 p.m., Basque Block 611 W. Grove St., Boise downtownboise.org
Free Movie Night in Meridian Every Friday in June, July, & August
Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads Movies start at dusk www.meridiancity.org/movienight
Great Garden Escape Thursdays, June 16-September 15
Check times & schedule online Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
Nampa Library Summer Movie "Ice Age: Continental Drift" Tuesday, July 19, 2:00 p.m.;
Nampa Public Library, 215 12th Ave. S. Info
Kleiner Park Live - The Come Together Band Thursday, July 21, 5:30 p.m.
1900 Records Ave., Meridian meridiancity.org
Kids Obstacle Challenge Saturday, July 23, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood St., Boise kidsobstaclechallenge.com
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22nd & Blaine St, Caldwell canyoncountyfair.org
San Inazio Basque Festival July 29-31; times vary
Boise's Basque Block 600 W. Grove St., Boise basquecenter.com
City of Trees Spikeball Tournament Saturday, July 30, 9:00 a.m.
Ann Morrison Park 1000 N Americana Blvd., Boise tourney info
KidsFest Idaho Saturday, August 6, 9:00 a.m.
Julius Kleiner Memorial Park 1900 Records Ave., Meridian kidsfest info
JAWS Pool Float Saturday, August 13, 8:00 p.m.
Boise Racquet & Swim Club 1116 N. Cole Rd., Boise idahohorrorfilmfest-jaws
Western Idaho Fair August 19-28, times vary
Expo Idaho 5610 Glenwood, Boise sharemyfair.com
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