SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
Fun at The Farmstead Corn Maze, Candy Cannon, and more! Countdown to Cool Get Your Fireplace Ready for Fall Yard Maintenance Five "Must-Do" Tasks Sweet Treats Perfect Caramel Apples 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! 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
Last winter was so long and cold that it seems summer was barely here. Alas, the cold will return, so why not welcome it with a family trip to The Farmstead in Meridian, or by trying one of our favorite caramel apple recipes? Whatever you are doing to prepare for the change of seasons, we hope you'll take a few minutes to enjoy this month's issue of REAL. Have comments or suggestions for us? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
A light wind swept over the corn, and all nature laughed in the sunshine." ~ Anne Bronte
contents Fun at The Farmstead Treat yourself and your family to a fun-filled outing to welcome fall!
Countdown to Cool The cool weather isn't far off. Get your fireplace ready now.
Fall Yard Maintenance Five handy tips just in time for the change of seasons.
Sweet Treats Welcome autumn with these great caramel apple recipes.
Market Stats Still a seller's market? Take a look at the most recent statistics.
Ada County Homes Check out some of the beautiful homes listed for sale in Ada County.
Canyon County Homes Canyon County has some stunning homes for sale.
Things to Do Even as the weather changes, there's lots to do in our beautiful valley.
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Experience the Excitement!
Gather friends and family for a trip to The Farmstead in Meridian where you'll find a Pac Man-themed corn maze, hay rides, big slides, a candy cannon, and more.
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all in the Treasure Valley is marked by a few signature features: cooler weather, football fever, and The Farmstead Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival. Located in Meridian at I-84 and Eagle Road, The Farmstead spends most of the year blending into the passing landscape, camouflaged by the ordinary operations of a production farm. Then, when pumpkins are ripe and the final pathways are carved in the corn, this farm shifts gears to focus on "Farming Fun and Harvesting Memories." For owners Jim and Hillary Lowe, most of the year is spent farming grain and corn crops in Meridian and Kuna and preparing for the 6 weeks that The Farmstead is center-stage. Each member of the family is involved in brainstorming, planning, building, growing, and harvesting to make The Farmstead a success. For six short weeks each fall, area families and friends are drawn to the u-pick pumpkins, hayrides, and activities that have come
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to accompany Idaho's original corn maze. Savvy patrons plan their visits to include special events such as Dog Day or Friday Night Fireworks. Every day offers memorable experiences such as pig races, the Candy Cannon, and a venture through the innards of Rusty (the very big beast) that crouches near the freeway. Still, amidst all the fun to be had, the most awe is inspired by an aerial view of 20 acres of corn designed to explore, navigate, conquer, and admire. Featured by the TIME Magazine, USA Today, and The Tonight Show, the Farmstead Corn Maze is respected for its intricate and engaging designs. The corn maze is just a detour in this corn’s journey from the field to your dinner table. The process begins each spring by planting a solid field of corn. The Lowes take suggestions from family and friends, but ultimately the family decides the theme of the maze. After designing it to scale on a computer, Jim maps out the
pathways by measuring as he goes. Corn is cut and removed, visitors come, memories are made, and the crop is harvested as feed for area dairies which produce milk for local consumption as well as cheese and whey products for export. At 21 years running, The Farmstead is a venerable tradition. The fun is sure to be different each year with the addition of new attractions, but the root of the Farmstead experience remains unchanged from the early years: a local farm family inviting the public to share a piece of the harvest season. It is a meeting of two worlds that sparks a connection with family, friends, and the place we call home.
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Fun at The Farmstead
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
Countdown to Cool
Get Your Fireplace Ready for Fall It's going to get cold soon. Really. Make sure your fireplace is ready. Jennifer A. Digiovanni Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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ooler weather in SW Idaho brings stunning autumn foliage, college football, and the need to start thinking about fireplace preparation. In addition to scheduling an annual professional chimney cleaning and inspection, you should take a look at the overall condition of your hearth and chimney before you light the first fire. Cleaning Products for Your Wood-Burning Fireplace Use a wire brush to loosen debris inside of the fireplace. Next, sweep or scoop out the leftover ash and soot. Glass doors can be cleaned using a mild dishwashing detergent and paper towel or soft cloth. Cleansers specifically formulated for fireplace doors
are also available for purchase at home improvement stores.
repaired if necessary to prevent water infiltration.
Lighting a fireplace cleaning log before your first wood-burning fire will reduce creosote, a dark substance that builds up in a fireplace and may be flammable. Also consider adding sootreducing sticks. These can be tossed into the hearth when lighting a fire, and they will help keep excess soot from building up.
Check your chimney cap as well; the mesh screen attached to the cap should be intact in order to provide a proper barrier against animals, rainwater, and leaves falling into your chimney. A professional inspection should be conducted yearly; if the cap needs to be replaced, look for one made of stainless steel with a lifetime warranty.
Chimney Inspection Early autumn is also a good time to inspect gutters and eliminate blockages before leaves begin to drop. While you are up on a ladder, remember to check the condition of your chimney as well. Visible cracks should be evaluated and
Gas Fireplaces Gas fireplaces are generally easier to maintain than those that burn wood, but you should still check to make sure the pilot light is working properly before the cold weather season begins. If the pilot has been
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PAGE 7 extinguished, call a professional to have it relit. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, gas fireplaces may also become clogged by “birds’ nests or other debris blocking the flue,” so a periodic inspection of the chimney is recommended. Before you begin using your fireplace each season, review the owner’s manual, especially how to turn off the supply line in case of a gas leak or an emergency. Think about Fire Safety Before burning your first fire, make sure the flue is open. Also, check the batteries in your smoke detectors and test their operation. If you have small children, provide an adequate barrier between them cbboise.com
and the fireplace, and talk to them about fire safety. Fireplace preparation may not be one of your favorite household cleaning jobs, but with the proper materials and regular professional sweeping of your chimney, this chore can be relatively quick and painless, leaving you with plenty of time to curl up in front of a warm fire on chilly winter weekends.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
Fall Yard Maintenance
Five "Must-Do" Tasks
Treasure Valley weather seems to change on a dime with one day in the eighties and the next in the sixties. Start now with your fall maintenance so you can embrace the cooler weather when it arrives. Tiffany Aller Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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hen the end of summer approaches, your outside spaces may be screaming for special attention. Yard maintenance can seem like a hassle when you just want to sit and savor the backyard oasis you’ve enjoyed all summer for just a little bit longer. But to draw out your enjoyment through the fall and even into winter, the time to perform important maintenance
is now. Here are five must-do projects to tackle before summer’s just a distant memory. Pool Clean Up Whether you have a permanent pool or one that gets put up and down each year, it’s going to need some end-of-summer maintenance. Begin by checking out any of the pool’s mechanical components. If wear and tear is
evident, it’s better to address now than to wait while further issues may arise from sitting too long over the winter. Once your mechanical parts are addressed, you’ll next want to carefully clean both the outside and inside of your pool, or any pool surroundings you may have. On your pool yard maintenance must-do list is addressing
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PAGE 9 structural issues cleaning may have revealed. Finally, tear down and carefully stow non-permanent pools, or cover your permanent pool and ensure your water and filter systems are set to run below certain temperatures so your pool doesn’t experience freezing and cracking.
during the summer, movable misters, decorative tchotchkes, or actual toys and sports equipment. Cleaning them up as part of your end-of-summer yard maintenance means more than tossing them in a bin or bag until next year.
Seasonal Landscaping While your perennial plants may still be blooming or are patiently hibernating to come back up next year, your spring and summer season annuals may be fading quickly. To keep your yard looking tidy through the fall, consider some of these beautiful annuals that come out to play as the weather starts to cool. • Mums • Sage • Pansies • Blue Fescue • Ornamental Cabbage
First determine which are still in good enough condition to last until next summer — some summer fun items are really only meant for one season of use, like non-refillable tiki torches. Next, drain, clean, polish, or otherwise spruce up your equipment before it is stored — leaving things covered with grime may lead to wintertime erosion. Finally, store according to each item’s needs. Whether that includes wrapping the item carefully in paper or bubble wrap and placing it in a temperature-controlled area, or simply putting it aside safely until it’s needed again.
Store Toys Whether or not you have children, you probably have toys in your yard — special lanterns used
Pavers and Patios and Paths The bricks and concrete pieces that comprise your outside gathering and walking areas may have
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gotten tons of use this summer, leading to cracked pieces, missing pavers, and disintegrating paths. The time to fix might be now, rather than spring. If a company has installed these areas, check to see if your warranty may cover issues that are beyond normal wear and tear. If not, big box retailers may have great end-ofsummer yard maintenance sales that allow you to fix up your space to enjoy through the fall and into next summer. Get Ready for Fall Falling temps don’t have to mean your outdoor time has to end. Your last end-of-summer yard maintenance project is a fun one preparing a fire pit or fireplace to use through the cooler weather. Whether you simply install a bought fixture or roll up your sleeves and build your own, you’ll be setting up your yard for a whole other season of fun.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
While the traditional candy apple (covered with red, cinnamon-flavored candy) was invented in 1908, the caramel apple didn't come about until the 1950s when a Kraft Foods employee, Dan Walker, was experimenting with left-over caramels from Halloween. (Source: Gold Medal Products Co.)
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Yummy Caramel Apples
Welcome fall and garner lots of smiles with these terrific recipes.
DAIRY-FREE CARAMEL APPLES 3-5 med. Granny Smith apples 1 c. brown sugar, packed 1/2 c. full-fat coconut milk
4 Tbsp. coconut oil Pinch salt 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS: Wash apples to remove wax and dry thoroughly. Poke popsicle or sucker stick in top and set aside. Spread waxed or parchment paper on cookie sheet. Mix the brown sugar, coconut oil, & salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook while whisking gently for 5-7 minutes, until sauce thickens. Add vanilla & cook another minute to thicken further. Turn off heat, dip apples, swirling gently until completely coated. Let the excess drip back into pan. Place apple on paper to cool completely. OPTIONS:
Roll caramel-coated apples in M&Ms, nuts, marshmallows, or your favorite topping. Instead of dipping whole apples, let caramel sauce cool slightly, pour into jar, & refrigerate until cold. Serve with sliced apples for dipping.
PERFECT CARAMEL APPLES 8-10 large Granny Smith apples 1 c. butter 3 c. brown sugar
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. light corn syrup
DIRECTIONS: Wash & dry apples. Place a large piece of parchment paper on counter. Melt butter in med. saucepan over low heat & add sugar, corn syrup, & condensed milk. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium high heat until boiling. Scrape sides regularly. Insert candy thermometer, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium & stir constantly until mixture reaches 235-240°F, approximately 30 minutes. Remove pan from heat & stir in vanilla. Let caramel sit for about 5 minutes while you insert a popsicle or sucker stick in the top of each apple. Dip each apple, rolling to cover, then allowing excess caramel to drip back into pan. Place on parchment paper, or roll in chocolate chips, nuts, or candy before placing on paper. Allow to cool & enjoy!
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Sweet Treats
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
Monthly Market Stats
Ada County Home Prices Reach New Record in August
While home prices are still rising, the pace of growth in August steadied.
T
through December 2014, yearover-year price growth fluctuated each month at a much higher average of 13.2%. These early fluctuations were closely tied to changes in mortgage interest rates.
increase was 18.9%, compared to the average for January 2015 to August 2017 of 10.5%. The actual median sales price in Canyon County for August 2017 was not a new record, but it was up 11.0% from August 2016 to $183,000.
Rising home prices are great for sellers and our economy Yet while the actual median sales overall, but eventually, can cause price continues trending upwards, affordability concerns for buyers, the rate at which it does so has even with low mortgage interest been slowing down. Think of it rates. Slowing price increases like driving your car up a hill: as could be an early indicator of the the road gets steeper, the speed at market coming back into balance, which you drive decreases. You’re but as long as consumer demand still gaining ground, just not as outpaces the number of homes for sale, that low supply vs. high quickly. demand relationship should keep In January 2015, the Ada County actual prices moving up. real estate market began to see steadier, year-over-year price Canyon County is experiencing growth each month, at 7.9% on the same slowing price growth. average through August 2017. From January 2012 to December Looking back to January 2012 2014, the average monthly, year(when the market recovery began) over-year median sales price
Additional information about trends within each county, by price point, by existing and new construction, and by neighborhood, are now available in the August 2017 Market Report. This report includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.
hree main factors continue to drive housing demand in Ada County — increased economic development, limited housing supply, and a growing population — resulting in a record high median sales price in August 2017 of $278,000, up 9.6% from a year ago.
Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional Realtors
Get in touch if you'd like to know how all of this information affects your situation!
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$278,000
HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2017*
33
Ada County
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
1,951
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* * Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.
$183,000
476
HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2017*
32
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
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Canyon County
MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
922
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
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1,128
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
Ada County
Featured Homes
1737 Silver Crest Dr. N Boise This luxury home is defined by its stunning views, premier orientation, and sumptuous living spaces. Cherry floors lead to the great room exquisitely designed for living the indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Each room offers city and mountain views, vivid sunsets from the porch, deck, and patios. Chef's kitchen flows seamlessly into living and dining areas.
4120 S. River Basin Ave. NE Boise Gorgeous, custom River Heights home on a corner lot, with foothill views. Access trails right from your front door. Unique entry invites you into this special floor plan. Open great room with fireplace, built-ins, and picture frame windows. Spacious, modern kitchen features granite counters, island, massive pantry, and double ovens. Huge entertaining deck.
2904 E. Hero SE Meridian Welcome home! This beautiful 6 bedroom home has room for large gatherings and entertaining. The back yard has terraced garden beds and a large covered patio for summer BBQs. Inside features new carpet on the main level and stairs, generous sized bedrooms, a large family room, and much more. Close to freeway, shopping, and schools.
3026 E. Shadowwolf Eagle The builder did everything right with this floor plan. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and gorgeous upgrades. Newly finished white oak floors welcome you as you enter. Granite slab surfaces grace all bathrooms and kitchen. Main-level master suite features double sinks and walk-in closet. Back yard backs up to a common area. Must see! COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Ada County
Featured Homes
2842 W. Jayton NW Meridian Fantastic home is picture perfect, and betterthan-new! Plenty of space, with split bedroom plan that is great for privacy or entertaining guests. Vaulted ceilings enhance the open feel of the home. The kitchen is gorgeous with center island, breakfast bar, elegant cabinetry, and tile backsplashes. Features upstairs bonus room!
2730 W. Wapoot Dr. NW Meridian Beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with office on the main level. Desirable location with pathways and parks. Open kitchen with granite counters and cherry cabinets. Spacious master suite features master bath with walk-in shower, soaker tub, double vanities, and a large walk-in closet. Huge covered patio, perfect for entertaining.
1126 N. Finsbury Ave. Star Spacious, single-level home with an open, airy concept. From the kitchen opening up to the large living room, to the flex room, this home has everything you need. Watch beautiful Idaho sunrises in your east-facing back yard, with no back neighbors. This 3 bed, 2 bath, and 1.701 sq.ft. beauty is move-in ready!
684 S. Stibnite Kuna 3 bed, 2.5 bath, and 2,206 sq.ft. home with a split floor plan and vaulted ceilings lives large. Features a focal marble fireplace, textured Venetian walls, hardwood flooring, and a private office/den. The classy kitchen offers granite counters, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinetry, and a spacious pantry. Yard has mature trees and beautiful landscaping.
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
Canyon County
Featured Homes
718 Florence Ct. S Nampa Spacious townhouse, located in a cul-de-sac. Well maintained with a large entry and built-in hall tree. Open concept kitchen with plenty of cabinets, pantry, and island. Generously-sized master suite with walk-in closet and double vanities. Back yard is low maintenance, and great for entertaining. Within walking distance to NNU and dog park.
3600 S. Raintree Dr. S Nampa Beautifully-updated home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and room for everyone. 2,700 sq.ft., 3-car garage on a quarter-acre lot. Huge master retreat and 3 separate living areas to give everyone their own space. Open kitchen with tile counters and island. Corner lot with a fenced back yard, garden space, and RV parking.
439 W. Island Ct. S Nampa Top quality, custom residence nestled in the Bayhill subdivision. Located on a large, wellmanicured lot with gorgeous views of the valley and mountains. High-end finishes throughout including coffered ceiling in library, slab granite in gourmet kitchen, top-end appliances, custom cabinets, and much more. Oversized rooms throughout. This is the one!
2520 Summercrest St. SW Caldwell Fantastic 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,032 sq.ft home, located in the desirable Four Seasons subdivision. Flex layout allows for multiple uses of space. Gas fireplace in living area, opens to dining and large well-appointed kitchen. Master suite with walk-in closet, plus 2 more bedrooms and spacious bonus room. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Featured Homes
548 W. Bayhill Dr. S Nampa Amazing custom home in the beautiful Bayhill subdivision, with wrought-iron fenced yard and a large wrap-around porch. Master suite boasts a walk-in shower and jetted tub with marble tile. Plenty of space for everyone with 2,982 sq.ft. including formal dining, living, and family room with a fireplace. Upgrades throughout.
3021 S. Flatbread Place S Nampa Back yard retreat! True custom quality in this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home, located on a quiet 1/2 acre cul-de-sac lot. Attached 1,625 sq.ft. shop with 1/2 bath, and 50' RV bay. Spacious gourmet kitchen features slab granite, gorgeous cabinetry, and center island. Beautiful master suite boasts a huge walk-in closet, jetted tub, and cozy fireplace. Don't miss this gem!
15738 Eclipse Dr. SW Caldwell Stunning, custom-built home on a cul-desac lot with no detail overlooked. Separate in-law quarters. Impressive entry, great room with vaulted ceilings, and a double-sided gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling brick work. Gorgeous kitchen with Corian counters and a large center island. Sun room with fireplace and stamped concrete floor. Breathtaking views.
22613 Big Loon Way Middleton Stunning 3 bedroom, 2. 5 bath home with RV parking on 1 acre. Features a rustic, open floor plan with upgrades throughout. Kitchen has it all with custom-made cabinets, big island with farm sink, stainless steel Bosch appliances, walk-in pantry with sink, and chalkboard door. Master suite has huge tiled walk-in shower with dual heads.
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Canyon County
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2017
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday through October 28
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 10th and Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Each Saturday through December 16 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays through October 14 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket
Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays thorugh October 28
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com
Kuna Farmer's Market Saturdays starting April 29
9:00a.m.-noon Bernie Fisher Memorial Park Main & Linder, Kuna www.facebook.com/Kuna-Farmers-Market COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Things to Do So much to do! Hyde Park Street Fair September 15-17, times vary
Camel's Back Park 13th & Heron St., Boise northendboise.org
October is Adopt-A-Shelter Pet Month Visit a shelter today! Idaho Humane Society
Meridian Canine Rescue West Valley Humane Society
Boise Film Festival September 21-24, times vary
Scarecrow Stroll October 1-31, times vary
JUMP Boise; 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise tickets & information
The Farmstead Corn Maze September 22-October 28
Check times and events online 1020 S. Rackham Way, Meridian farmsteadfestival.com
Birds of Prey Fall Flights Fridays-Sundays starting September 22
See website for times and details 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise peregrinefund.org
Zoobilee at ZooBoise Saturday, September 23, 5:30 p.m.
21 years old and up 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org
Idaho Botanical Gardens 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise idahobotanicalgarden.org
See Spot Walk Saturday, October 7, 9:00 a.m.
Julia Davis Park Bandshell 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise seespotwalk.org
Freaky Friday at the Old Pen Friday, October 13, 6:00 p.m.
Old Idaho Penitentiary 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise history.idaho.gov
Meridian Trunk or Treat Thursday, October 26, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Downtown Meridian meridiancityspecialevents.org
SNIP Idaho Grape Stomp Sunday, September 24, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo Saturday, October 28, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
ZooBoise 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise www.zooboise.org
Crooked Fence Brewing Co. 3705 ID Hwy 16, Eagle snipidaho.org
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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