REAL Magazine, May-June 2018

MAY-JUNE, 2018

Day Trip to the Owyhees Reynolds Creek Bug Off! Plants that Repel Time to Celebrate Graduation Party Ideas Summer Treats Easy Recipes You'll Love Monthly 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!

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

With kids getting out of school and graduation season in full swing, things are busier than ever. Why not take a break for an outing? Pack a picnic lunch (and fill your gas tank) and head out for some sightseeing in the Owyhee Mountains? You'll be sure to have a great time.

As we celebrate four years of REAL Magazine, we continue to strive to provide our readers with short, fun, and easy-to-read stories. If you have something you'd like to see, don't hesitate to email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing, but what you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself."

~ Alan Alda

contents Day Tripping The Owyhee Mountains and rangelands are full of beauty and surprises.

Bug Off! Plant these to naturally repel mosquitoes and other bugs.

Party On! Graduation season is here.

Try one or more of these decoration ideas.

Summer Treats Our agents and staff share a few of their favorite summer recipes.

Market Stats Is it still a seller's market?

Let's take a look.

Ada County Homes Despite low listing inventory, Ada County has some beautiful homes for sale.

Canyon County Homes Canyon County might be the perfect place for your new home.

Things to Do Summertime is the perfect time to get active!

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

MAY-JUNE, 2018

Day Tripping

Reynolds Creek in the Owyhees Pack a picnic lunch, and take a half-day drive into southern Idaho history!

W

hile most people in the Treasure Valley head north toward McCall or east to Sun Valley for a scenic drive or weekend away, those seeking the proverbial road less traveled might try going south to explore

the Owyhee Mountains and a little ghost town called Reynolds.

It was during the first session of the newly-established Idaho territorial legislature, held in Lewiston in December of 1863, that Owyhee County was created. In the spring of that year, a small group of miners, including A.J. Reynolds, struck out to explore the crags and valleys of the Owyhees approximately 25 miles north of the burgeoning mining camp now known as Silver City.

Š2018 GOOGLE MAPS

Up until that time, the area was relatively unexplored. As the party crossed

the Snake River, they came upon a creek, which they named after Reynolds, and began panning.

Finding the area promising, an influx of miners soon began, and the town of Reynolds was established in the spring of 1864.

A stage stop was added in 1877.

Along with mining, residents soon discovered rich farming soil and abundant grasses for cattle grazing. By 1889, it is estimated that close to 100,000 head called the valley home.

Today, explorers will see vast green fields dotted with farmhouses, rugged rock formations jutting skyward, and what is left of the town of Reynolds. Visitors can explore the cemetery with beautifully-crafted headstones, some made from warped and weathered wood and some with heart-wrenching messages to long-lost children.

To get to Reynolds, take Hwy. 45 from Nampa. This road will

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 5 become Hwy. 78. Watch for Upper Reynolds Creek Road a bit farther, and turn right. The cemetery will appear first. A short distance and a left turn on Rabbit Creek Road will take you through the old townsite.

Stay on that road to return to the town of Murphy and back to Nampa. cbboise.com

Along the way, watch the horizon for herds of wild horses, as the road takes you through the BLM's wild horse and burro management area. Most likely, if you see them, it will be at a distance.

tank is full and take plenty of water, as there are no services along the way. Furthermore, because this is desert, there is the risk of an encounter with a snake. Watch your step at all times.

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—make sure your gas

Sources: accessgenealogy.com, blm. gov, wikipedia, and google maps

Southern Idaho is full of fascinating history and geology. Get out for a day trip and explore!

MAY-JUNE, 2018

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 7

Bug Off!

Keeping Your Yard Pest Free

Don't let mosquitoes and other summer bugs keep you from enjoying your yard and garden. Plant the right things and get rid of unwanted pests.

W

ith summer's warmer weather and longer days comes increased time spent outside. And bugs that can ruin an otherwise fun or peaceful time. Is there anything we can do to keep our yards beautiful and relatively bug free without using lots of chemicals?

Don't let your dog get too much, though, or he could suffer an upset tummy.

These seven plants and herbs can help repel the pests—including mosquitoes.

Garlic Pungent garlic plants will deter mosquitoes and give you a great reason to barbecue! Roast some cloves to place atop your steak.

Be sure to grow your garlic where your pets will have no access. A member of the Allium family, garlic is poisonous to both dogs and cats.

Basil A welcome addition to any herb garden, basil will also help repel mosquitoes and flies. Set a pot on your picnic table to enjoy your outdoor meal without the unwanted guests. Basil is also safe for your four-legged family.

Lavender Drought-resistant lavender is a beautiful addition to your flower garden. The color ranges from a pale pinkish-purple to a deep violet.

Watch your placement, however.

Lavender is toxic to your four-legged family.

Catnip Your cat may like a "nip" every now and then, but mosquitoes do not.

Catnip spreads quickly, so consider planting it in a pot. Cats are not the only furry family who like to imbibe.

Marigolds Plant some marigolds around your tomatoes to repel tomato worms as well as mosquitoes. They are also safe to plant around your cats and dogs.

cbboise.com

Petunias These annuals come in a wide range of colors and are great in pots and beds. Mosquitoes and aphids are deterred by the scent. Though not maintenance-free (plants must be dead-headed regularly) petunias are safe for your pets.

Rosemary One more herb to add to your garden! Mosquitoes and flies are not fans of rosemary's strong scent.

More good news: the herb is nontoxic to both cats and dogs.

By planting wisely, you can have a beautiful, safe, and bug-free yard!

Sources: naturallivingideas.com, pestwiki.com, and aspca.org

MAY-JUNE, 2018

Party On!

Cool Ideas for Your Graduate

Graduation is around the corner. If you’re planning a party at home to celebrate the big day and all it means, it’s not too late to include some of these ideas.

G

raduation season is upon us! This time is undoubtedly beyond exciting and daunting. Graduation is a time to reflect on how hard you worked and how much fun you had along the way. This is the beginning of a brand new chapter in life. It’s only right to wrap up the whole experience with a party.

Big blowouts are fun but there’s nothing like kicking back in the back yard with all your friends and family where you’re most comfortable.

Table Toppers Wrap 2-3 hardcover books in plain brown paper, using raffia or yarn to bind them together. Place on

the table with a mason jar of freshcut flowers and a small pennant in your graduate’s school colors.

Cutlery Purchase plasticware, napkins, and ribbon in school colors and wrap each set of utensils with a napkin and tie with ribbon. Display in a basket.

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PAGE 9 Alexandra Filiaci Coldwell Banker Blue Matter A Cute and Sentimental Welcome Print 8x10 photos of your graduate from babyhood to current day, have them laminated (or print them on cardstock), mount each on a stake and place along the walkway to your front door. Guests will love seeing your honoree’s different stages of life.

Show Your Colors Make a trip to your local Zurcher’s or other candy store for M&Ms in the correct school colors. Display them in layers in clear glass bowls with a simple silver scoop for serving.

Build Memories Purchase a Jenga game and place the pieces in a large bowl. Provide cbboise.com

Sharpies and ask guests to leave a message for your graduate using the game pieces.

Floating Pictures Purchase 20 or so school-colored, helium-filled balloons and tie printed 4x6 photos of your graduate at different moments in his/her life to the balloon’s ribbon.

Place the balloons where they can rest against the ceiling with the photos dangling at eye level for guests to see. For extra punch, mount the photos on matching construction paper.

Create Your Own ‘Photo Booth’ We live in a digital age where taking pictures and uploading them to one’s various social media

accounts is a part of the daily routine. So, creating some sort of photo backdrop for your party is just about one of the coolest things you can do.

Also, if you plan to upload the selfies and group shots to social media, create a hashtag and ask all guests to use it so that all the photos taken at the party are housed in one place and easily accessible for sharing, liking, and commenting.

Graduation is a big moment.

Take the time to create precious memories as you mark this milestone.

MAY-JUNE, 2018

Summer Treats

Our Agents Share Their Favorites Summer's almost here! School is nearly out, so grab the kids and make some great treats to celebrate the warm weather.

LEMONADE ICE CREAM PIE 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream 1 can frozen lemonade

1 graham cracker crust

DIRECTIONS: Partially thaw ice cream & lemonade, then mix together thoroughly. Pour into crust & refreeze until completely frozen. Slice and enjoy!

SIMPLE RHUBARB CRISP 6 c. chopped rhubarb 1 lg. package strawberry Jello 1 box white or yellow cake mix

1 c. water 1/2 c. melted butter

DIRECTIONS: Spread chopped rhubarb in the bottom of a 9"x13" cake pan. Sprinkle Jello evenly over the top, then sprinkle the dry cake mix over that. Pour the water over everything, and then drizzle the melted butter on top. Bake at 350o for 1 hour. Serve warm with ice cream.

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PAGE 11

Purchase (or grow) your favorite berries, gently wash and pat them dry, then freeze them for a sweet-tart, healthy, and cool snack.

NO BAKE BANANA SPLIT 1 stick butter, melted 1 box graham cracker crumbs 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/4 c. butter, softened 3 c. powdered sugar 4 bananas, sliced 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 (16 oz.) container Cool Whip, thawed OR 1-1/2 c. heavy whipping cream, beat until thick 1 (4 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, stemmed 1 c. walnuts or pecans, chopped Hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed 1 Tbsp. rainbow sprinkles

DIRECTIONS: In med. bowl combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Firmly press mixture in the bottom of a 9"x13" glass cake pan & chill in freezer for 10 minutes. In another med. bowl, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 c. butter, & powdered sugar until smooth, about 5 minutes. (Mixture will blend - do not add milk or other liquid.)

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by the pineapple. Evenly spread the Cool Whip (or whipped cream), & garnish with walnuts/pecans & maraschino cherries. Drizzle with fudge & add sprinkles. Chill a minimum of 4 hours before cutting. cbboise.com

MAY-JUNE, 2018

April Market Report

More Existing Homes for Sale Help Ease Ada County Home Prices

Our extremely active real estate market continued in April, but prices in Ada County came down a bit thanks to a higher supply of homes for sale.

A

pril brought with it a significant increase in the number of existing homes for sale compared to March 2018, helping to ease the median sales price for existing homes by $15,000, landing at $275,000 in April 2018.

This is good news for buyers currently in shopping for a home, but potential sellers should not be concerned. Monthly fluctuations like this are typical during the spring and summer, and the April 2018 median price for existing homes was still 15.3% higher than the same month last year.

The introduction of more existing homes to the market, compared to the number of new homes for sale, is what we’ve needed to keep the overall median sales price in check.

The rising cost of new construction had pushed Ada County’s overall median sales price over $300,000 (for the first time ever) in March 2018, but the overall median sales price (based on existing and new

home combined) dropped below that mark to $295,000 in April 2018.

• These lower price points are not a reflection of waning buyer demand, however, as the number of existing homes under contract in April 2018 was up 16.5% from the previous month. New construction contracts were up 9.5% from March 2018.

Even with additional inventory, buyers interested in an existing home still need to make quick decisions as the number of days on market for existing homes was at 22 days in April 2018. This was even with last April but 5 days faster than in March 2018.

New construction buyers can take a bit more time shopping, as days on market for that segment was at 65 days in April 2018.

The key takeaways for the month include: • In April 2018, the overall median sales price for homes in Ada County was at $295,000, a

•

decrease of 4.5% compared to the previous month.

The change in the overall median sales price was driven by a significant increase in the number of existing homes for sale in April 2018, up 27.7% from March. This additional supply helped to bring down the median sales price in the existing home segment by 5.2% from March, to end the month at $275,000.

These lower price points are not a reflection of waning buyer demand. The number of existing homes under contract in April 2018 was up 16.5% from the previous month, and new construction contracts were up 9.5% from March 2018.

Cassie Zimmerman Director of Communications Boise Regional REALTORS®

Get in touch if you'd like to know how all of this information affects your situation!

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$295,000

HOMES SOLD APRIL 2018*

33

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,241

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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

$209,450

408

HOMES SOLD APRIL 2018*

36

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

cbboise.com

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

505

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

856

MAY-JUNE, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

1439 E. Shenandoah Dr. NE Boise Stunningly remodeled tri-level in the heart of desirable NE Boise. Tucked amidst lush landscaping & discreetly positioned above the street, your private oasis awaits. Relax or entertain in your back yard paradise - a quiet soak in your hot tub, the pleasant sound of the cascading waterfall or a dip in the pool while surrounded by mature trees, accent lights, & soft music.

2306 S. Shoshone Boise Bench Carefree & stress-free lifestyle is yours in this recently remodeled retreat. Easy-to-clean granite tile countertops & backsplashes. Newer engineered hardwood floors, carpet, light fixtures, paint, & vanities. Wealth of natural light stream in from the oversized windows.

Corner location with spacious east-facing patio. Roomy 2-car garage with extra storage.

1609 W. Victory Boise Bench Perfectly located in central Boise, minutes from BSU & downtown. No HOAs. Great sized lot, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths & beautiful landscaping.

Long driveway perfect for RV parking. Fully fenced. Back yard with firepit, chicken coop, & garden. Family room with wood stove & separate entry for a possible rental. Two separate kitchens (one on each level).

11208 W. Tioga St. S Boise Enjoy a quaint neighborhood on a .41-acre lot with RV parking, a huge north-facing back yard, & sunroom. Beautiful trees & shrubs for a park-like setting. Inside you'll find a large kitchen, plenty of pantry space, & knotty hemlock cabinetry. The den area features high ceilings/wood beams & a gas insert fireplace. Above the garage is a 572 sq. ft separate living area or artist's studio.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

392 N. Pebble Beach Way Eagle Panoramic rim views from this multi-level, custom-built home near Eagle Hills Golf Course.

Experience this former award-winning Parade of Homes property with today's amenities.

Chef’s kitchen with SS appliances, two ovens, granite counters & an expansive butcher block island with vegetable sink. Private master suite with dual vanities & jetted tub.

1460 Lago Bello Eagle Stunning luxury home with exquisite details & upgrades. 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 3,736 sq.ft.

Coffered ceilings, tray lighting, home speaker system, alarm system, beautiful granite, theater room, exercise room, private office, 2 master retreats, & unbelievable kitchen with industrial-sized refrigerator, Viking appliances, butler's pantry, & rich cabinetry.

2387 N. Sun Valley Pl. Eagle This beautiful acreage property in its perfect setting is only 5 minutes from downtown Eagle, schools, & shopping. Thoughtfully-designed home with abundant upgrades & spaces for all.

Slate, tile, & hardwood flooring. Private main-level master suite offers cozy 2-sided fireplace, sitting room, & lush bath. Gourmet kitchen. Each of the 5 bedrooms boasts its own bath. 4,705 sq.ft.

1208 W. Seldovia Dr. Kuna This beautiful home features 4 beds, 2.5 baths, & 2,736 sq.ft. Huge great room with corner fireplace. Open kitchen with SS appliances, breakfast bar, granite counters, & abundant cabinetry. Formal dining, split bedroom plan with private 4th bedroom. Master with dual closets & vanities, soaker tub, & separate shower. No rear neighbors, 3-car garage.

cbboise.com

MAY-JUNE, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

401 7th Ave. North NE Nampa A little bit of country in the city! .6 tree-lined acre with a private drive, plenty of room inside & out. This open concept, single-level home offers 3 bedrooms + 2 baths, a very large living space & kitchen. The split-bedroom plan creates additional privacy. Light & bright with new interior paint, new carpet, & newer laminate floors. Oversized 2-car garage.

1605 Gold Ct. S Nampa SHOP & RV parking! So much to love about this home! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,820 sq.ft. with separate living & family rooms. Beautiful fireplace, vaulted ceilings, & plant shelves.

Large windows for tons of natural light. New paint, new vinyl, new carpet, refaced cabinets, storage sheds, central vac, water softener, culde-sac lot, & no association fee or CC&Rs.

3606 E. Wicklow S Nampa Spacious & open 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2,106 sq.ft. Living room & great room, corner gas fireplace with custom mantle & tile surround.

Terrific kitchen with SS double ovens, pantry, & island with breakfast bar. Large master suite with big walk-in closet. North-facing back yard with firepit & patio. Convenient location close to schools, parks, & shopping.

3433 Southside Blvd.

S Nampa Private & close to town! Sprawling 3 bed home with 2,248 sq.ft. Office with French doors, formal living room with bay window, large family room with pellet stove. Just over an acre with room for animals & RV parking. Split bedroom plan, plenty of space for everyone.

Private deck. Home is nestled at the back of a long lane.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

11849 Pheasant Run Ct. NW Caldwell Spacious single-level home on a spectacular lot with no rear neighbors & views of the Owyhee Mountains. It is a rare find! Built in 2014, the open concept plan with 2,035 sq.ft. lives large with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, & a den. The stylish finishes are beyond the standard + it includes several upgrades. Fully fenced & landscaped, covered patio, & firepit.

1108 La Reata Way Middleton 4 bed, 3 bath home close to all three schools.

Easy-access gate from the neighborhood directly to Middleton Heights Elementary.

Spacious master suite upstairs with 2 walk-in closets, soaker tub, separate shower, double sinks, & lots of natural light. Main-floor 4th bedroom & full bath make a perfect guest setup or office. 2,224 sq.ft., 4-car garage.

1077 Lionheart St. Middleton Close to schools, shopping, & I-84 access. 4 beds (den has closet), 2 full baths, great room design with vaulted ceilings & plant shelves.

Kitchen is open & bright & has a big island.

Living room has a beautiful fireplace. Master has dual vanities, walk in closet, & soaker tub.

Covered front porch, RV parking, fully fenced yard with auto sprinklers.

23687 Lansing Ln. Middleton This fabulous 23+ sprawling acreage includes a recently renovated single-level home.

Gorgeous finishes that you must see to appreciate. Spacious modern kitchen. Excellent horse setup & outdoor riding arena. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from this private retreat.

Lush pasture in grass hay & fully fenced w/New Zealand fencing, safer for horses & stock.

cbboise.com

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Canyon County

MAY-JUNE, 2018

FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market

Saturdays

9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

10th and Grove, downtown 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/market

Nampa Farmers’ Market

Saturdays

9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com

Kuna Farmer's Market

Saturdays

9:00a.m.-noon Kuna City Park 201 W. Main, Kuna facebook.com/KunaFarmersMarket COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 19

Things to Do Explore Our Valley!

Star Gaze at the Observatory

Friday & Saturday evenings, 6:30 p.m.

Free Movie Night in Meridian

Every Friday in June, July, & August

Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd., Mtn. Home parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads Movies start at dusk www.meridiancityspecialevents.org

Paint the Town 2017 Kickoff Event

Saturday, May 19, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Nampa Parks & Rec SPLASHtacular

Saturday, June 2, 1:00-4:45 p.m.

Sherwin Williams Paint Store 2680 E. Fariview Ave., Meridian Open to the public - info here

Lakeview Water Park or Lincoln Pool, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org

Free International Museum Day

Sunday, May 20, noon-4:00 p.m.

Alive After Five Concert Series

Wednesdays starting June 6, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

World Center for Birds of Prey 668 W. Flying Hawk Ln., Boise Information

The Grove Plaza 827 W. Main St., Boise downtownboise.org

Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 28, 10:00 a.m.

Chalk it Up Art FUNdraiser for Pups

Thursday, June 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise veterans.idaho.gov

Silverstone Amenity Center 405 E. Overland Rd., Meridian SyringaArtStudio.com

"Alice in Wonderland" Garden Cinema

Friday, June 1, 8:00 p.m.

Galactic Day at ZooBoise

Saturday, June 9, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 N. Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise Tickets & Info

37th Annual Greek Food Festival

Friday/Saturday, June 1-2, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

2618 W. Bannock St., Boise boisegreekfestival.com

cbboise.com

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

Boise Music Festival

Saturday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood, Boise boisemusicfestival.com

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