REAL Magazine, March-April, 2017

MARCH/APRIL 2017

Respecting Our Trails Springtime Hiking Guidelines It's That Time of Year Seven Landscape Tips for Spring Cleaning 101 Oft-Overlooked Items to Scrub Protecting Your Castle Things to Remember Monthly Market Report Get Outside!

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

Do you know anyone who might like to receive REAL Magazine? Contact your Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group sales associate with names and email addresses, and we'll get them on the list.

REAL Magazine is designed to be a quick read, with short articles meant to inform and entertain. You might even learn something new, or feel inspired to try one of our recipes. And, as always, if you have an idea for a story, we'd love to hear it.

Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity."

~ John Muir

contents Respecting Our Trails Boise's Ridge to Rivers Partnership works to preserve our trail system.

Spring Landscaping Tips Put these seven items on your spring to-do list.

Clean or Overlooked?

15 household items that need a regular cleaning.

Not Welcome!

Make sure you aren't inadvertently attracting a burglar.

Market Stats What does the real estate market look like for spring?

Ada County Homes Ada County has some beautiful homes for sale.

Canyon County Homes Is a Canyon County home right for you?

Get Outside!

A nifty list of some events right here in the Treasure Valley.

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Respecting Our Trails

Springtime Hiking Guidelines

We know you are itching to get outside, but before you hit the trails, please check conditions first. Muddy trails, as well as trailside vegetation, can erode quickly with improper use. Boise's Ridge to Rivers Partnership makes it a point to inform and educate so we can all enjoy our beautiful foothills.

A

fter a winter like we've had here in the Treasure Valley, cabin fever is high, and most of us can't wait to get outside. Your New Year's resolutions might even include exploring the foothills trail system.

As tempting as it might be to lace up the boots or jump on the mountain bike and just head out, be sure to check the trail conditions first. The severe winter and heavy rains we have experienced impact which trails are safe to use and which are still too muddy for traffic.

As the snowpack melts, trails can become saturated with runoff. Any kind of use under these conditions can lead to trailside vegetation

loss, trail widening, and damage to the waterbars designed to divert water away from the trail.

To help hikers and mountain bikers determine which trails are safe to use, the Ridge to Rivers Partnership posts daily trail condition reports on both their website and their Facebook page. Consulting one of these will help ensure a good trip for you and protection for the trails.

This time of year, sandier trails will be your best bet. Check the trail maps available on the website for trail names and locations. The site also includes informational videos and proper trail etiquette.

Respectful use of the trail system

is vital to maintaining the foothills and ensuring that our future generations are able to enjoy them.

The Ridge to Rivers Partnership was formed in 1992 and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Boise, the Boise National Forest, the BLM, Ada County, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, with the City as the lead agency.

The Partnership's success is based on sharing both expertise and funding, making the most out of both. Bringing together those with specialized knowledge and many passionate volunteers creates the

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 5

The Ridge to Rivers trail system is managed by a small, dedicated staff of trail professionals.

Additionally, volunteers spend around 2,000 hours a year helping with the maintenance and repairing seasonal damage. workforce needed to keep the trails in top shape, while pooling the funding from the various resources ensures efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Because many of the trails cross private land, the full system of interconnected trails and open space would not be possible without the cooperation of the landowners involved.

We encourage you to get out and explore, whether you are a regular visitor, or a hiking or mountain biking novice. Take advantage of the resources provided by the Ridge to Rivers Partnership, and if you'd like to volunteer to help maintain the 190+ miles of trails and meet likeminded recreationists, contact the Partnership today. cbboise.com

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

It's no question that plants thrive on natural rain water. A DIY rain barrel is as easy as placing a catch container at the base of a downspout.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

That Won't Break the Bank

Seems like all we can talk about right now is how hard the winter was in the Treasure Valley. Getting out and doing some things around the house is a perfect way to welcome warmer weather.

W

ith the wet winter and warming temperatures, it won’t be long before lawns and flower beds will explode with color. Now is the perfect time to give your landscape a facelift without having to mortgage the homestead. It’s easier than you think, and here are seven inexpensive ways to make your yard pop, and possibly save money in the long run.

Power Clean That’s right. You can rent a power washer and power clean your fence, driveway, walkways, porch, windows, and even your brick.

Focus on the obvious areas, like walls below downspouts or roof gullies where repeated water leaves dirt and calcium buildup. Grey fences can be given new life with a good cleaning. With just the power of water you can transform the look of your home.

Paint and Stain You would be surprised how much a little touch-up with paint and stain can dramatically improve the visual impact of your living space. With just a gallon of paint, cbboise.com

it’s easy to touch up scuffs, animal chew marks, and areas near your plants where the wear and tear is most likely to happen. The same is true with fences. Even if it is just to touch up where the sprinklers have sprayed up against the boards, refreshing the stain on your fence makes your landscape look more appealing and soothing.

Weed and Feed With all the rain, your yard and shrubs are growing. And so are your weeds. Weed and feed helps to control the weeds while providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs to build strong roots for the summer. A strong, healthy lawn will actually choke out unwanted weeds and require less water.

Trim and Mow Most of us are great at mowing, but few are good at keeping our shrubs nice and trim. A fantastic looking landscape is mowed, edged, and trimmed well. Keep those shrubs from taking over.

Stain the Deck If you have a wooden deck, a good power wash and application of

stain will make the whole back yard look its best and impress your guests at your next outdoor party.

Plant Drought-Tolerant Varieties Nothing, absolutely nothing, makes your front and back yards look better than new plants, flowers, and shrubs. So why not select drought tolerant ones?

Visit your local nursery for a list of plants perfect for Idaho’s soil.

Install a Rain Catcher Bucket In urban areas, about 25 percent of water use is attributed to landscape irrigation, and approximately 50 percent of irrigation water applied is lost due to inefficiencies and improper operation. Keep your improved landscape looking its best through the hot summer months by reclaiming rain water to water shrubs and keep the soil around the foundation moist.

You don’t have to take out a home improvement loan to give your landscape a makeover. A little time is all it takes.

Christopher Williams Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

PAGE 7

Spring Landscaping Tips

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Clean or Overlooked?

15 Household Items to Clean Stat!

If you aren't already cleaning these items regularly, spring cleaning is certainly the time to start!

D

id you know there are 10 MILLION bacteria per square inch of a kitchen sponge? (dailymail.co.uk) What about the fact that your pillow is as germy as a TOILET SEAT! (NY Post) Those are just two of the mind blowing (and scary) facts about common household items that are probably not getting cleaned as regularly as they should be. Here are 15 items that you should give a little extra TLC: Remote Control Many of us have heard that remotes are often the dirtiest item in a hotel room, but did you know the same holds true for the remotes in our homes? You should clean these, and game controllers, once a month with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab for those hard-to-reach spots.

Stove Knobs Cleaning stove knobs can be a pain but it is an important part of keeping your kitchen free of icky

germs we spread from handling food. For a quick clean simply pull off the knobs and soak them in a bowl of white vinegar.

course of a single week! To clean naturally, use a quality microfiber cloth and hot water, wringing as much water out as possible.

Dishwasher Sometimes we forget to clean the things that clean. Add cleaning the dishwasher at least once a month to your to-do list.

Depending on the model you have, you may need to manually clean the filter. To do this, pull out the bottom rack, locate the filter, and clear it of any debris. Check the appliance’s owner’s manual for complete instructions. After that, you can place a clean bowl with a cup or two of white vinegar in the center of the bottom rack, and run through a cycle without detergent.

Door Knobs Again, think how often door knobs are touched. A once-a-week cleaning, then, is a must.

Light Switches The basic rule of thumb is this: if a hand touches it, it needs to be cleaned. This is especially true during cold and flu season. Think about how often light switches are touched – and by whom – over the

Garbage Cans Sure you take the trash out when the bag is full but when was the last time you actually scrubbed the inside of the can? And how about the can(s) outside?

Comforter You may change your sheets every week (or every other week) but when was the last time you cleaned your comforter? Cleaning experts suggest cleaning it once a season.

Pillows Dust mites, pet hair and dead skin.

Sadly, all of these things might be living in and on the place where

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 9 you lay your head to sleep each night. Wash the pillow cover (not the pillow case that matches your sheets – you’ll wash those when you wash the sheets) a minimum of every three weeks. Did you know you can wash most pillows (even down/feather ones) in the washing machine? Do this about every three months. Make sure you dry them thoroughly!

Keurig/Coffee Maker Is your morning cup of Joe contaminated? To be sure you get coffee and not germs, experts recommend that a Keurig be cleaned (and descaled) every 3-6 months. Wondering how to clean it? Here you go.

Dish Sponge Did you know that a kitchen sponge is actually 200,000 times DIRTIER than a toilet seat? First things first, if your sponge is over a month old then toss it. For regular cleaning, wet the sponge and, without wringing out the water, cbboise.com

place it in your microwave on high for a couple of minutes. Don’t walk away! You need to make sure the sponge doesn’t dry out and catch fire. As an alternative, make a solution of 10% bleach and soak the sponge for up to five minutes.

Rinse and wring out excess water.

Let dry.

Top of the Fan Cleaning a ceiling fan can be a dirty and dusty job if you let it go too long. Carefully climb a stepladder, and use a mixture of water and white vinegar (a couple of tablespoons mixed in a spray bottle of water) to loosen grime.

Wipe clean and dry.

Lint Trap This is an important one not only to keep your home clean but also safe! “The U.S. Fire Administration (part of FEMA) cites that there are 2900 home clothes dryer fires every year resulting in an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

And the leading cause: failure to clean them.” (cushmaninsure.com) Washing Machine Washing machines are pretty clean since you use often use hot water to clean your clothes but they still need attention about once a month. To clean your washer just run an empty load with hot water and bleach.

Toothbrush Holder According to NSF International, this is one of the germiest items in a home. Pretty gross considering it holds the item that cleans your mouth.

Toilet Bowl Handle Use a disinfectant wipe and make sure to close the lid before flushing to avoid airborne germs!

Lindsay Listanski Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Not Welcome!

Protecting Your Property

Without knowing it, you may be doing things that attract a burglar. Common sense is your best defense. Don’t get too fancy, or too sloppy. Simply installing a good security system is not enough. Here are eight things to avoid.

O

ur homes are our castles, safe havens from the boisterous world “out there.” Too often, without realizing it, we set ourselves up to attract a burglar and destroy the feeling of safety we have worked so hard to establish. It’s not so much what we don’t do, as what we do that may actually attract attention. If you do the following, you might find yourself on the radar of a burglar.

Leave your home doors, windows, and storage sheds unlocked.

This seems like a no-brainer and for most of us it is — as far as the

front door is concerned. Have you thought about the back door, or are you trusting that the fence provides a security buffer?

According to Victor Urbach of The Urbach Letter, this is simply not the case. A burglar will knock on the front door to see if you are home, then promptly go to the back door to gain access.

Leave your car unlocked.

This should go without saying, as well, but, surprisingly, many people think their cars are safe when they are parked in their driveway or even on the street in front of their house. Not only lock

your car, but do not leave valuables in view at any time.

Leave a key under the flower pot (or anywhere else).

This is probably the most common way for a burglar to gain access to your home. Instead of hiding a key, go to your local hardware store and purchase a lock-box with a combination. Attach it to your back door and you have a safe place for your key.

Turn off all the lights when you leave for a night or a vacation.

Here is where some smart home technology might potentially help

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 11 deter a burglar. If lights are going on and off at random, it is hard to tell if there is someone home. Most burglars won’t take the chance.

Post details about your upcoming vacation.

Signs on your door or gate announcing you are not home for two weeks because you are hiking the Andes will foil all of your best efforts at home security.

The same is true for social media posts. Doing a countdown to your upcoming vacation is not a good idea. Nor is posting photos while you are away. Save your photos of your vacation for when you return. cbboise.com

Leave boxes of expensive items at the curb.

This is not limited to Christmas.

Big purchases of expensive items happen during the year, and you can easily advertise this fact by simply placing the empty box at the curb for collection.

Have a beautiful, well-manicured yard with excellent curb appeal or an unkempt, neglected yard with poor curb appeal.

Here’s one you didn’t expect. Curb appeal is great, but can also attract attention whether it’s good or bad.

Either way, make sure you include lights and security systems in

your landscaping. According to international security providers, a potential burglar can spot a good security system, too.

Leave expensive toys outside overnight.

Don’t let your children’s expensive toys say, “Come on in!” to a potential thief. Bring the toys in.

You work hard to make your home a beautiful retreat. Make it safe, too.

Christopher Williams Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Monthly Market Stats

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

T

he weather challenges last February. In Ada County yearfrom earlier this year have to-date, the total volume of sales manifested themselves in is up about 6% from last year. lower closed sales volume and However, in Canyon County, total units in both Ada and Canyon volume sales are down about 4% Counties for February. While prices from last year. moved upward and median days For tunately, on market We would likely have even early indications down, it is now evident higher sales activity if only are that pending that more we had more homes to sell activity picked up once the buyers stayed to our buyers. home in snow melted.

Inventory still January, and more sellers kept their homes off remains our primary challenge, the market. and you’ll notice that the inventory levels are relatively unchanged Closed sales units dropped from from last month. We would likely January – which is uncharacteristic have even higher sales activity if (usually we are building up through only we had more homes to sell to spring) – as well as compared to our buyers.

This time of year, many prospective sellers start preparing their homes for the market, and due to the held-back traffic from the poor weather, we expect increased activity to hit very soon. If you’re considering a spring move, you might want to get a head start on the process by getting in touch sooner rather than later. Doing so will help you get ahead of the anticipated spring rush and allow you to have less competition on the market.

So let’s get started! Your referrals and repeat business are so very greatly appreciated, and professional advice is just a text, call, or email away.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$259,900

HOMES SOLD FEBRUARY 2017*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

20

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

1,381 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

220

$169,700

HOMES SOLD FEBRUARY 2017*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

28 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

637 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

534

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Ada County

Featured Homes

2786 E. Hard Rock Dr. NE Boise Stunning curb appeal, spectacular sunsets, & unparalleled views of the valley below.

Expansive 10'-14' ceilings & elegant finishes, yet comfortable & welcoming. Gather your friends around the majestic kitchen island, or cozy up to the timeless stone fireplace in your spacious great room. West wing features lavish en-suite. Better than new!

6081 S. Pearl Jensen Ave. SW Boise Thoughtful craftsmanship & bright & cheery light throughout this beautiful home! Kitchen boasts granite, tile, stainless steel appliances, & an amazing walk-in pantry. Huge main level master suite with lovely tiled bathroom, dual vanities, soaker tub, & walk-in closet. Upstairs features 2 large bedrooms with Jack & Jill bathroom & a spacious bonus room.

3652 S. Leanato Ave. SE Meridian Beautiful custom home in desirable Tuscany.

Open floor plan, 12' ceilings in main living area, & extensive hardwoods. Kitchen features large pantry, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, & a gas range. Main-level master retreat, large bonus room, & oversized rooms with 3 walk-in closets. Mature landscaping, east-facing back yard, & covered patio.

296 E. Lake Creek St. SW Meridian Beautiful, nearly new home with lots of charm.

Front porch & natural wood door invites you home. Gorgeous kitchen with built-in gas range, double ovens, granite counters, & subway tile. Spacious master suite features separate shower & soaker tub. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with 2,830 sq.ft. has plenty of room for everyone.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

2243 W. Lowry NW Meridian Great floor plan in a desirable location! Kitchen is perfect for entertaining. Features breakfast bar with built-in swivel stools, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, & pantry. Master suite with separate soaker tub, walk-in shower, & dual sinks. Beautiful landscaping with no back yard neighbors. Oversized garage with room for RV. This home has it all!

3114 E. Deerhill Dr. SE Meridian You will love the floor plan in this 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,523 sq.ft. home. Main level boasts a kitchen & great room area ideal for entertaining, a large master suite, plus a separate office. Three bedrooms upstairs, plus a bonus room. Lots of craftsman upgrades throughout. Community pools, playgrounds, & scenic paths throughout the neighborhood.

623 Senora Way Eagle Beautifully appointed, rare single-level in the Eagle Creek subdivision. Entertain from the chef's kitchen, complete with granite counters, prepping & serving island, a butler's pantry, & wine rack. Serene master suite offers privacy with his & hers closets, tiled shower, & a Bainultra air massage tub. Desirable split bedroom with Jack & Jill bathroom.

531 W. Omphale St. Kuna Super popular floor plan, with a large living, kitchen, & eating area, & an office/den on the main level. Master suite features a separate soaker tub, walk-in shower, dual sinks, & a large walk-in closet. 3-car garage & true RV parking with cement pad. Fully-fenced back yard has vinyl fencing, nice landscaping, & extended south-facing rear patio.

cbboise.com

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Canyon County

Featured Homes

11236 W. Kipling Way NW Nampa Stunning property, maintained to perfection!

Hardwood & marble floors throughout. Twostory bay windows open up the large master suite with walk-in closet, deep soaker tub, & dual sinks.

Beautifully remodeled kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counters, island, & gorgeous cabinets. Perfect for entertaining.

4500 E. Burgundy Ct. S Nampa Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home located in a private cul-de-sac. Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, natural tile back splash, & maple cabinetry. Spacious master features soaker tub with travertine surround, separate shower, & walk-in closet. Large front & back yard with extensive landscaping, deck, fire pit, playground, shed, & large stamped concrete patio.

12810 Lakecrest Dr. S Nampa Fabulous lake & valley views! Comfort & space in this custom-built, 4 bedroom, 5 bath home with shop on 1.71 acres. Features living, family, & dining rooms, along with a theater room, rec. room, & a full mirrored gym. Gourmet kitchen boasts granite counters, wine rack, extensive cabinets, large island, & pantry. This stunning home has upgrades throughout.

1212 Torrey Ln. S Nampa Custom-built home located in Torrey Pines gated community. Sits on half an acre of waterfront property. Home features hardwood floors, granite countertops, premium cabinetry, & molding throughout. Gourmet kitchen with built-in fridge, gas stovetop, island, stainless steel appliances, & butler's pantry. Master suite on main level with access to patio. Mature landscaping.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

4212 Lava Spring Loop S Nampa This charming 4 bedroom, 3 bath home offers plenty of space for everyone. Main-level master suite features soaker tub, shower, & dual sinks.

Spacious kitchen boasts granite tile counter tops, breakfast bar, & spacious eating area. Upstairs includes 3 bedrooms, & an oversized bonus room & loft area. Large back yard for plenty of outdoor activity. Close to community pool.

615 S. Davin Creek Loop S Nampa Stunning 3 bed, 2 bath home with beautiful upgrades throughout. Large kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz counters with full tile back splash, & custom cabinets with soft-close drawers. Master suite offers quartz counters, dual sinks, tower cabinet, tiled walk-in shower, & walk-in closet. Utility room with mud bench & much more.

15475 Orchard Ave. SW Caldwell Fantastic location! 1.5 acres on Lake Lowell, with amazing park-like setting & fish pond.

Lots of natural light & windows. Great room with vaulted ceiling opens to gourmet kitchen with granite counters, center island, custom cabinetry, dual oven, & more. Plenty of space for everyone in the 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3,662 sq.ft. home.

8996 New Castle Dr. Middleton Gorgeous custom, 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on 1 acre. Spacious kitchen features granite counters, double ovens, gas range, & beautiful cabinets. Master suite with separate soaker tub, tiled walk-in shower, dual sinks, & an enormous walk-in closet. Fully landscaped back yard includes a stunning fire pit. Shop & mother-inlaw apartment, too!

cbboise.com

PAGE 17

Canyon County

MARCH/APRIL, 2017

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 19

Get Outside!

Get up, get out, and enjoy!

Boise Spring Home Show March 16-19, hours vary

Easter Eggstravaganza at ZooBoise Saturday, April 8, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

ZooBoise

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise

zooboise.org

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

Treefort Music Fest March 22-26, times vary

Downtown Boise See website for lineup and info treefortmusicfest.com

Boise Flower & Garden Show March 24-26, times vary

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

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa Info

Idaho Kids Fun Fest/Family Pet Expo Saturday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

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

Idaho Steelheads 20th Anniversary Reunion Saturday, March 25, 7:10 p.m.

Treasure Valley Kite Festival Saturday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

CenturyLink Arena 233 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise Info

Nampa Rec Center's Splash 'N Dash Friday, March 24, 5:45-9:45 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa Splash n Dash info

SNIP Idaho's "Spay"ghetti No Balls Sunday, March 26, 5:00 p.m.

Riverside Hotel 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City snipidaho.org

cbboise.com

Kleiner Park, 1900 N. Records Ave., Meridian tvkitefestival.com

Lantern Fest Saturday, May 13, 4:00-10:00 p.m.

Meridian Speedway 335 S. Main St., Meridian LanternFestBoise

Mother's Day Brunch at ZooBoise Sunday, May 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

ZooBoise

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise

zooboise.org

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