JULY-AUGUST 2019
Time Out
at the MK Nature Center
Plus
Visit a Valley Park Protect Your Treasures 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 heat is on! Are you getting out to enjoy it, or are you hiding in the AC? Our valley has tons to do, both inside and out. This month's REAL Magazine takes a look at the MK Nature Center, gives you a peek at the terrific parks all across the valley, and, if you are one of the many who are moving, provides some great tips on keeping your treasures safe from damage. Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com if there's a story you'd like to see or a place you'd like us to explore.
“
And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby
CONTENTS Features
4
Time Out
6
Growing the Green
8
Protect Your Treasures
Have you taken a stroll through the MK Nature Center yet? Find yourself away from it all in the middle of the city!
It's no secret that the Treasure Valley is growing. Are the parks and other green space keeping pace?
Lots of us are moving across the valley and across the country. Here's a list of the top ten things that get damaged and how to protect them.
In Every Issue
12 14 16 18
Market Stats How's the market so far this summer?
Ada County Homes What's for sale in Ada County?
Canyon County Homes A sample of beautiful Canyon County homes for sale.
Things to Do Hot weather. Cool things to do.
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
Classrooms, displays, and a gift shop are located in the Visitor Center. With public programs like "Class in the Creek" the Nature Center provides wonderful learning experiences for one and all!
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PAGE 5
Time Out
At the MK Nature Center
Located off Broadway and Warm Springs in Boise, the MK Nature Center is a quiet oasis where you can explore and find peace.
A
landfill for the City of Boise in the early 1900s, the 4.6 acres that is now the MK Nature Center has a storied past. From 1939 to 1962, the area (along with 5.1 acres where the Idaho Department of Fish and Game now stands) was home to a 5000seat baseball stadium for the Boise Pilots, later the Boise Braves. After 1962, the Nature Center land was nothing more than a giant field of weeds until 1987 when construction of the pond began. 1990 brought a stream, and an education building was completed in 1993.
Today, there are pathways, bridges, gardens, educational signage, viewing windows, and more. It's easy to spend an hour or so wandering the paths, or sitting with a good book on one of the shaded benches, listening to bird calls. The area is so peaceful, in fact, that it's hard to believe something so tranquil lies in the middle of the city. The Center hosts groups and public programs, and lone visitors are welcome to stroll the Streamwalk from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. cbboise.com
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
Growing the Green
Treasure Valley's Park System
As our valley grows, so, fortunately, does our park system. The 200+ parks across the valley include places to picnic, play, paddleboard, row, run, raft, relax, swing, swim, sweat, mix, mingle, and more. Boise even has a nature guide to encourage learning about our local environment and how to live within it.
F
rom small community spaces and wild reserves to Boise's "Ribbon of Jewels," comprised of eleven riverside parks including those named for Julia Davis, Ann Morrison, Kathryn Albertson, and Esther Simplot, Treasure Valley cities and their residents recognize the value of a great park system. There's still time this summer to get out and explore some of the very best things about our valley. We've included some links to help
you build a plan. There are waterslides, public pools, splash pads, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, playgrounds, climbing walls, concerts, movie nights, and more! City of Boise City of Meridian City of Eagle City of Kuna City of Nampa City of Caldwell
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PAGE 7 cbboise.com
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
Protect Your Treasures
Top 10 Items Damaged in a Move Protect your precious belongings by packing them correctly, and make your move a smooth one! Laura McHolm Co-Founder, NorthStar Moving
B
efore you start to pack, make a game plan. Which of your items are fragile? What will you need to pack them? Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 items damaged when moving. It’s surprising what items make the list. To help you with your move, we’ve also included tips on how to protect your treasures so you can “break” this pattern. 1. Drinking Glasses It is no surprise glasses are the #1 breakable. But, with simple steps you can ensure they arrive in one piece. Protect: One of the key factors to keeping your glasses and wine glasses from breaking or getting crushed is using the proper box. Use a “dishpack” box that has double-thick walls for extra protection. Place a glass on packing paper horizontally. Grab a corner of the packing paper, and roll the
glass into the paper. Make sure to tuck the sides of the paper in, like you would do wrapping a burrito. Repeat 3-5 times (depending on thickness of glass) with more sheets of packing paper. Make sure to label your glass burrito: “Wine Glass” so it won’t get tossed aside with the packing paper during the unpacking process. Cushion the bottom of box with crumpled packing paper. Place the wrapped glasses vertically (yes, you read that correctly: VERTICALLY) in one layer in the box. They are much more secure vertically. After completing the first layer, place packing paper on top. Repeat these layers until the box is full. Fill all remaining space with crumpled packing paper. 2. Plates The biggest moving crime — plates are often placed in boxes without enough packing paper.
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You don’t want to hear the dishes rattle in the box! Protect: To keep plates from breaking, first wrap each plate in packing paper. Repeat 3-5 times with more sheets of packing paper until the plate is properly secured & cushioned. Label your little plate package: “Plate.” Again, use a secure dishpack box. Always, use plenty of tape on the bottoms and tops of every moving box. Don’t just use one strip of tape; use multiple strips, and run the tape both directions to make sure that box is secure. Before placing any of the wrapped plates in the box, cushion the bottom of box with crumpled packing paper. Then place the wrapped plates VERTICALLY in one layer in the box. After completing one layer, place packing paper on top. Repeat these layers until
PAGE 9 the box is full. Once the box is full, fill any remaining space with crumpled packing paper. 3. Artwork Glass artwork often breaks because there is not enough cushioning in the moving box, and the top of the box is left with a gap. The top of the box then collapses and the piece of art breaks. Protect: To protect artwork from breaking use a picture box. Line the bottom of the box with crumpled paper. Place the glass art in the box, then stuff front, back and along the top with paper and or eco-bubble wrap. You want to be sure the box is completely
packed with paper (top, bottom and sides) with no air gaps. 4. Lamp Shades Lamp shades are an awkward shape and usually large, making them difficult to pack. If not packed properly, they can easily be dented or torn. Protect: Wrap the lamp shade in eco-bubble wrap, covering every inch. Then fill the interior cavity of the lamp shade with packing paper (do not use newspaper as the print may rub off onto your lamp shade). Fill the box with enough packing paper to keep the shade from shifting around inside. Do not place anything on top of
the shade, not even soft items such as linens. Use only packing paper to secure the lamp shade from shifting. 5. Liquid Cleaning Supplies Many times, homeowners pack bottles of liquid cleaning supplies without sealing them properly. This causes leaks and damages things inside and outside of the box. Do not pack or move flammable supplies! Protect: First, remove the cap from each bottle and place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening. Then tightly screw the cap back on. Use tape to secure the cap to the bottle. Begin placing the cbboise.com
JULY-AUGUST, 2019 cleaning products in a small booksized box and check the weight as you go. You don’t want to make the box too heavy. When the box is full and not too heavy, place packing paper all around the bottles to keep them from shifting. And, this is important, remember on every box to use more than one strip of tape on the bottom and top, and run the tape in multiple directions. When a box is not taped properly, boxes can open at the bottom and spill. Always label every box with its contents, room in the new home where the box should go, and directional arrows pointing up. Repeat the label on each and every side of the box. You will hate us for this tip while you’re writing and rewriting the same thing over and over again and love us later when you have stacks of boxes and don’t
have to turn boxes around to find out what’s what! 6. Wine & Liquor Bottles These bottles can easily leak or break, and damage items in and outside of the box. Protect: Use a divided/cell box you can get free from a specialty wine shop or liquor store or purchase a cell kit from a moving store. Use smaller boxes so they are easy to lift and carry. Again, be sure you double and even triple tape the bottom of the box. If you’re packing opened bottles, ensure they are properly sealed by tightening the caps. Tape the caps on to the bottles. Roll each bottle in packing paper with 3-4 layers of paper. Secure the wrapping with tape and make sure there are no loose ends. Label the bottle appropriately. Finally, place the bottle in the box. If there
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are any spaces or gaps between the bottle and the divider, fill them with paper. Finally, make sure the box is not too heavy. 7. Mirrors The big mistake with mirrors is that people pack them in picture boxes without any eco-bubble around the mirror. If the front of the mirror faces the wall of the box without protection, it is likely to break. Protect: Use a flat box or have your movers pack the mirrors in a custom wood crate to provide extra protection. If you’re doing the packing, line the flat box with crushed packing paper to create a padded bed for the mirror. Wrap the mirror completely in multiple sheets of paper or eco-bubble. Tape the wrapping tightly around the mirror and place the mirror in the box. Fill any gaps with more crumpled paper. Only pack one mirror to a box.
PAGE 11 8. Glass Pictures Glass picture frames are easily broken if not packed in the right box. We want to keep those precious memories in one piece! Protect: Use a picture box. Line the bottom of box with crumpled packing paper. Wrap each picture frame in packing paper or ecobubble and pack each frame in the box vertically. Stuff packing paper in between each picture and on top, making sure nothing will shift. 9. Stereo & Audio Equipment The reason stereo and audio equipment gets damaged is folks stack a few components in the same box and without putting any layers of padding in between the pieces of equipment. Protect: If possible, pack your stereo equipment in their original cartons. If you did not keep their original boxes, use a dishpak box. Remember, dishpaks are specially designed boxes to handle and protect fragile items. If you can’t find dishpaks, use double corrugated boxes. After double-taping the bottom of the box in both directions, pack the bottom of each box with crumbled packing paper for padding. Wrap each electronic
component separately in ecobubble. Pull the wrap over and tape it all together. Make sure the item is completely covered. Place it upright, vertically in the box. Repeat this process for the next big item then place it vertically in the box next to the first item. Do not stack! Stuff packing paper in open spaces and on top for extra cushion. 10. Books This one is a surprising one, but if books are packed improperly, they can get damaged. When books are placed too tightly together, the edges get folded and covers get marred. Likewise, if books are packed with too many air pockets/gaps inside the box they can shift during transportation and get damaged (smashed corners, wrinkled covers, etc.).
to make the box too heavy. Pack paper on top and sides if there are any air gaps. With these steps your move will be unbreakable! Remember, you can always do some of the packing yourself and leave the rest to the professionals. Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving, & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company, an award-winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.
Protect: Use a book box. Place books flat, and stack them with the heaviest books on the bottom and the paperbacks on top. Be sure not cbboise.com
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
Monthly Market Report
Record Ada County Home Prices Tempered by Low Mortgage Rates
Ada County home prices continue to be driven by a decreasing supply of lowerpriced homes. Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®
H
ome prices have continued to climb in Ada County, reaching a record median sales price of $354,405 in June 2019. This was up 10.0% over the same month last year. The median sales price for both existing and new homes were also at record highs in June, at $339,945 and $419,040, respectively. While we can’t point to any one factor for the hike in prices, we have identified three reasons we’re seeing these types of numbers in Ada County. There continues to be a shortage of housing, particularly in the lower price points. This has caused the share of higher-priced home sales to continue to rise, further driving up the median sales price for the existing segment, as well as the market overall. The uptick in existing inventory of 13.2% year-
over-year in June was no match for the fact that we’ve seen demand consistently outpace supply for the last several years, as indicated by the Months Supply of Inventory (or MSI) being at 1.1 months in the existing segment. A balanced market—not favoring buyers or sellers—is typically between 4-6 months of supply. As we’ve noted previously, the rise in new construction home prices is due to the increasing costs of land, materials, shortage of skilled labor, as well as consumer preferences. A recent report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) says that, “Job openings in construction in May 2019 outpaced the number of workers looking for construction jobs.” This shortage of workers has hampered housing starts nationwide and has
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an impact on the type of product and at what price point builders are able to build. Yes, prices are up, but low mortgage rates are helpful for buyers and may also be influencing what homes buyers purchase and at what price point. Since lower rates equate to lower monthly payments, buyers may be selecting a more expensive home that still fits their budget. Low mortgage rates also fuel demand for housing, as those who have been waiting for rates to drop to start shopping for homes. Get your financing in order and work with your REALTOR® to write a competitive offer so that you’re ready when you find your next home.
PAGE 13
By the Numbers 1,091 HOMES SOLD JUNE 2019*
31
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Ada County
$354,405 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
1,725
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%+.
512
HOMES SOLD JUNE 2019*
35
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Canyon County
$247,608 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
694
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* cbboise.com
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
Ada County
Featured Homes
1216 N. 22nd St. N Boise Gorgeous North End bungalow! Nestled in the perfect location, this 2 bed, 1.5 bath beauty boasts sun-filled living & dining rooms with stunning hardwood floors that extend throughout the entire home. Lovely kitchen that offers a new dishwasher & plenty of cabinet space. Back yard oasis with stained concrete patio & firepit.
4020 E. Aphrodite SE Boise Imagine living on a rim with views of the city & in the evening, the sunsets paint the foothills a rose color. Perched high above the valley, this single-level 4 bedroom is warm & inviting & provides room for the toys with a 3-car garage. Beautiful granite top kitchen island, spacious eating area with spectacular views, & great room with striking rock fireplace.
3795 Chatterton W Boise Down a winding lane tucked in a quiet culde-sac is your dream home! This house has everything! True office area, terrific flow from the stunning slate stair entrance to the formal living, dining, & great room. Open cook's kitchen boosting granite, tile backsplash, & newer SS appliances. Master on main with sitting area & door leading out to patio.
711 W. Ramsbrook St. NW Meridian Comfortable & inviting home with 9 solar panels in desirable Cedarcreek. Great curb appeal with attractive landscaping. Spacious living room with lots of windows & natural light. Open kitchen with breakfast bar, large corner pantry, & beautiful wood cabinetry. Sunny eating area with sliding door out to patio & fully fenced yard.
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Ada County
Featured Homes
9459 S. Rock Cliffs Way Kuna Beautiful 5 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2152 sq.ft. & a 3-car garage. Open, elegant plan with quartz countertops in kitchen & full baths. Huge, tandem garage that is 46' deep & room for your toys, storage, or projects. This newer neighborhood features pathways & a community swimming pool for tons of summer fun.
3225 N. Cherry Laurel Way Star Like-new 4 bed, 3 bath home with 2972 sq.ft. Many upgrades including new carpet & engineered vinyl plank flooring. Delightful kitchen with huge island, granite, double ovens, 5-burner cooktop, & microwave. Spacious master retreat with vaulted ceilings, walk-in shower, double vanities, & soaker tub. Dual-zoned for comfort.
751 N. Aspen Lakes Way Star Attractive, beautifully-maintained home on large fully-fenced corner lot with main-level master. Sparkling clean with new interior & exterior paint, new carpet & many other upgrades. Nostalgic wraparound front porch with room for a swing! Spacious, private master suite offers an office/sitting room, terrific master bath & his 'n hers closets.
4782 N. Echo Summit Way Star Stunning French country-style home situated on rolling hills with panoramic views. Superior craftsmanship. Open, bright floor plan with soaring ceilings. Many upgrades including granite counters, wood floors, induction cook top. 1.3 acres with extensive gardens, several patios including raised patio with trellis. Neighborhood has equestrian center. cbboise.com
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
Canyon County
Featured Homes
6015 E. Carson Ct. NE Nampa Custom one-owner home on one acre. Animals okay. Private road, home is in cul-de-sac. Soaring ceiling & abundant windows highlight the living space in this beautiful home! Gas fireplace, eating space & formal dining. True entryway as you step in. Bonus room upstairs, master downstairs, living space abounds in this home. Terrific view of Boise front.
18575 Emerald Lake Ave. NE Nampa This spacious home includes immaculate finishes in every room. Full tile backsplash, sleek quartz countertops, & custom-made cabinetry featured throughout the kitchen & bathrooms. Separate dining area opens up to patio & back yard. Large master suite with dual vanities, full tile shower, soaker tub, & walk-in closet. Bonus room upstairs.
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.
219 24th Ave. S. S Nampa Completely updated with two homes on one lot! Front home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with new carpet, paint, SS range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, enclosed front porch, & separate entry to front bedroom that would make for a perfect private entry. Back home is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with range, microwave, dishwasher, & refrigerator.
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Canyon County
Featured Homes
2525 W. Sherman Ave. S Nampa Pride of ownership shows in this immaculate, single-owner SMART home. Privately nestled on a quiet little cul-de-sac, this home is sure to please. Versatile plan gives many options for guest, den, or bonus rooms. Newly painted, new doors, carpet, blinds, hardware + much more. Great room with cozy fireplace.
1012 W. Belknap Dr. S Nampa Well-maintained 4 bed, 2 bath home with 1,535 sq.ft. & lots of privacy. Great plan with large living room open to kitchen & dining, perfect for entertaining. Fully fenced yard with north-side patio, great for your summer BBQs. New paint throughout, tons of storage, vaulted ceilings, beautiful landscaping.
10434 Ryan Peak Dr. NW Caldwell Lovely 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with plenty of room for everyone. Well-appointed kitchen includes loads of storage, quartz counters, rich wood cabinets, & SS appliances. Master getaway with elegant bath & walk-in closet. Front office, under-stair storage, gorgeous gas fireplace, big windows, breakfast bar, & eastfacing patio.
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
JULY-AUGUST, 2019
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 1500 Shoreline Dr., Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Saturdays 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle cityofeagle.org
Meridian Main Street Market Saturdays
9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. 33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian meridianmainstreetmarket.com
Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com
Kuna Farmer's Market Saturdays COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
9:00a.m.-1:00 p.m. Kuna City Park 201 W. Main, Kuna facebook.com/KunaFarmersMarket
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Things to Do Summertime Fun! Boise Film Foundation Summer Series Each Wednesday through Aug. 21, 8:00 p.m.
2019 Soul Food Festival Saturday, August 10, 11:00 a.m.
Payette Brewing Co. 733 S. Pioneer St., Boise boisefilmfoundation.org
Julius Kleiner Memorial Park 1900 N. Records Ave., Meridian boisesoulfood.org
Canyon County Fair July 25-28, times vary
33rd Annual Nampa Festival of the Arts August 10-11, times vary
22nd & Blaine St, Caldwell canyoncountyfair.org
San Inazio Basque Festival July 26-28, times vary
The Basque Block 608 W. Grove St., Boise basquecenter.com
Run Wild at ZooBoise Saturday, July 27, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org
Wings Summer Sleepover for Kids Saturday, July 27, 6:30 p.m.
Wings Center, 1875 Century Way, Boise wingscenter.com
Kuna Days August 2-3, times vary
Lakeview Park 1304 7th St. N., Nampa namparecreation.org
Western Idaho Fair August 16-25, times vary
Expo Idaho 5610 Glenwood, Boise idahofair.com
Class in the Creek Sunday, August 18, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
MK Nature Center 600 S. Walnut St., Boise idfg.idaho.gov
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic August 28-September 1
Ann Morrison Park 1000 S. Americana Blvd., Boise Schedule of Events
Bernie Fisher Park 201 W. Main St., Kuna kunachamber.org cbboise.com
DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.