REAL Magazine, March-April, 2018

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Hot Springs Heaven Idaho's Geothermal Gems Environmentally-Friendly DIY Cleaning Products Remember These!

Five Overlooked Areas to Clean Get Ready for Easter!

Our Agents Share Some Great Recipes Monthly Market Report Spring 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

Mark Twain (in the quote below) must have been visiting SW Idaho in the spring! As parts of our area enjoy warmer weather and sunshine, other places are still covered in snow. This is the time of year when you really can ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon — and isn't that part of what makes our area so appealing?

We hope you are enjoying our little magazine. Our goal with each issue is to give you a wide variety of easy-to-read stories that don't take long to peruse. We want to give you what you'd like to see, so if you have an idea for us, shoot an email to REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."

~ Mark Twain

contents Hot Springs Heaven Idaho is a geothermal wonder.

Have you tried one of the many hot springs?

Homemade and Easy Try these environmentally-friendly ideas for your spring cleaning chores.

Spring Cleaning 101 You have your supplies; don't forget to clean these five items.

Easter Eats Our agents share yummy recipes you'll want to try.

Market Stats How does the real estate market look so far in 2018?

Ada County Homes Ada County is growing!

We have some beautiful homes for sale.

Canyon County Homes Canyon County homes are beautiful and affordable.

Fun Things to Do It's time to get outside and play!

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Hot Springs Heaven

Idaho's Geothermal Gems

No matter the time of year, Idaho has accessible hot springs everyone can enjoy.

A

fter a long day on the ski slopes, a high-energy mountain biking adventure, or an invigorating hike in Idaho's back country, is there anything more relaxing than soaking in a natural hot spring?

Fortunately, for those of us in southern Idaho, finding a pool is fairly easy to do.

Idaho (southern Idaho, primarily) is home to approximately 200 hot or warm

springs, which develop when rain and melted snow penetrate the ground and sink to be heated deep in the Earth. The water then rises as more cold water sinks.

When the hot water makes its way through fractures in the Earth's crust, a hot spring is born.

The love of soaking in a natural hot spring is not new. Native Americans gathered at some pools, as evidenced by artifacts and petroglyphs that have been discovered nearby. History tells us that settlers also enjoyed these springs starting in the mid-1800s.

In 1892, the Boise Natatorium became the nation's first commercial building to be heated by geothermal water. Today, though the pool remains in its original location on Warm Springs Blvd., the geothermal water supply was cut off in the 1930s. The City

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PAGE 5 of Boise is currently working to restore that connection.

There are 34 commercial hot springs still in business in southern Idaho. From Givens Hot Springs near Melba in Canyon County to Gold Fork near Donnelly in Valley County and The Springs near Idaho City in Boise County, those wishing for a relaxing soak can certainly find a pool to fit their desires.

For the more adventurous­—or for those who shun crowds— there are myriad natural pools that can be accessed with a little effort. Whether you are looking for a roadside campground soak or something in the back country, with a little planning, you are certain to find the perfect pool.

Click on the map to start your search, and remember to pack out whatever you bring in. Enjoy your adventure and always, leave no trace. cbboise.com

©2018 GOOGLE MAPS

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Homemade & Easy

DIY Home Cleaning Products

It's up to each of us to protect our environment, so we thought we'd revisit these great Earth-friendly & family-safe products you can make at home!

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PAGE 7

S

ometimes it seems there is no end to house cleaning, and while there is no clearcut answer for how to keep your home perfectly clean at all times, it might be surprising just how much you can do with a little baking soda and white vinegar.

Spot Cleaner for Carpet • After cleaning up any excess spill, sprinkle the carpet with baking soda or cornstarch. Let stand for 10 minutes and then vacuum.

• Mix one tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon white vinegar with two cups of warm water.

• Using a white cloth, blot the stain with the vinegar solution.

• Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Oven Cleaner • Make a paste of baking soda and water.

• Coat the oven (or just the dirty parts) with the paste and let stand overnight. Be sure to avoid the heating elements and bare metal.

• Use a plastic spatula to remove the paste. (Wear rubber gloves.)

• Wipe away any residue with a clean, wet sponge.

Grout Cleaners • Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white vinegar and water and generously spray the tile/grout. Let sit about five minutes.

• Scrub area with a grout brush, or even a toothbrush.

• Rinse with warm water.

• If stains are more stubborn, mix a paste of baking soda and water and using your grout brush, work it into the grout.

• Immediately follow with the vinegar spray. This should cause the baking soda paste to bubble.

• Use your brush to finish cleaning.

cbboise.com

• Rinse with warm water.

• For mold or mildewed grout, hydrogen peroxide is a gem.

Spray it on the stain, let sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with your grout brush. You can even mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste for a stronger clean. Apply the paste to the grout lines, wait a few minutes, scrub and then rinse with water.

Showerhead Cleaner • Carefully mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1 cup white vinegar in a plastic bag.

• Place the bag over the showerhead, submerging the head in the mixture; secure bag with rubber band or twist-tie.

• Let soak for at least 3 hours.

• Wipe clean.

Window Cleaner • Mix together in a spray bottle: ¼ cup vinegar, ½ tsp natural liquid soap, and 2 cups water. Shake to blend.

• Spray on windows and use newspaper to rub dry & clean, avoiding the window frames (newspaper can leave dark marks on the frames).

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Spring Cleaning 101

Don't Forget These Five

There's something wonderful about a sparkling clean home! When you are getting ready to tackle your spring cleaning, don't forget to cover the five items listed here.

Lindsey Chamberlain Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

M

any people take advantage of warming spring weather to deep clean their homes. It’s a great time to de-clutter, sanitize, and spruce up the interior and exterior of your house. While planning your attack, remember these five areas: Disinfect Your Mattresses While many people wash their bed linens regularly, they might overlook the need to spruce up their mattress and remove the things that contribute to allergens.

Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck away dust and other particles like dead skin flakes. After taking off all linens and blankets, vacuum the sides and top of your mattress, making sure you reach any part that is against a wall. If you don’t use a pillow top mattress, consider turning it over every few months.

After vacuuming, spray a natural disinfecting spray such as one from Seventh Generation on your mattress and leave to air dry before putting sheets back on your bed.

Wipe Out Drawers The contents of drawers tend to receive more attention than the drawer itself. When organizing shelving and drawers during your spring cleaning, be sure to wipe down the surfaces of drawers and cabinets with a damp or microfiber cloth to remove dirt and dust.

Clean Your Oven and Microwave When it comes to spring cleaning, we don’t always think about our ovens and microwaves. To clean your oven, wipe away large spills and remove any debris that you can with a sponge. Then set your oven to self-clean mode. If that’s not your style, you can make a paste from baking soda and water (approximately 3 parts soda to one part water) to coat the stains/ grease. Let sit overnight. Next, spray the oven with white vinegar (it will bubble on the baking soda) and scrub. Wipe out oven with clear water and a cloth or sponge.

For your microwave, place a glass (or other microwave-safe) bowl filled with water, lemon wedges,

and a few tablespoons of vinegar inside and cook on high 3-4 minutes, or until contents boil. The steam from the bowl’s mixture will help sanitize and deodorize your microwave. Leave the microwave closed for about 15 minutes so the mixture can cool. Once cooled, remove the bowl and wipe out the inside with a dishcloth or damp sponge.

Wash Glass Fixtures Small glass fixtures used for wall sconces, light covers, and ceiling fans are prime surfaces for collecting dust and even dead bugs. While many fixtures can be cleaned by wiping with a soft microfiber cloth, easy-to-remove glass fixtures from sconces and fans can be placed in your dishwasher for a deep, sanitizing clean. Be sure not to clean anything in your dishwasher that has wood or metal trim.

Vacuum/Sweep Behind Furniture and Appliances Surfaces beneath heavy items like sofas and refrigerators are

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PAGE 9 commonly overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Enlist a friend or family member to help you slide bulky furniture and appliances away from walls. Use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a long-handled dust mop to collect dirt and dust in hard-toreach places. Not only will this help protect your flooring, it will potentially reduce allergens in your home.

By tackling a few tasks each day or reserving a couple weekends for cleaning, you can have a spotless house in no time. For more deep cleaning tips, check out post from Coldwell Banker’s Blue Matter. cbboise.com

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Easter Eats

Our Agents Share Their Favorites It's time to get together and enjoy great company — and great food. Once again, our agents answered the call for their favorite recipes. We hope you'll enjoy giving these a try!

PRESSURE COOKER HONEY-GLAZED BABY CARROTS 1 lb. baby carrots 11/2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. honey

Zest of 1 small orange 1/2 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS: Add 1 c. water to the pressure cooker pot & add carrots. Secure the lid & turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 4 minutes.

When cooking is complete, do a quick release. Drain carrots & set aside. Select the sauté function.

Place butter, honey, zest, & salt in cooker. Warm & stir the ingredients until a smooth sauce develops.

Add carrots back in & stir to coat & reheat. Serve hot.

EMPTY TOMB ROLLS 1 12-oz. package refrigerated crescent rolls 1/4 c. sugar 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

8 large marshmallows 1/4 c. butter, melted

DIRECTIONS: Separate the rolls into 8 triangles. Combine sugar & cinnamon. Dip each marshmallow in butter, then roll in the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place on triangle, pinching dough around the marshmallow & sealing all edges. Make sure to seal well to prevent leaking.

Dip tops of dough in remaining butter & cinnamon/sugar. Place in greased muffin tin with sugar side up. Bake at 375° for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm.

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PAGE 11

COCONUT CAKE 4 eggs 11/2 c. sugar 31/2 oz. butter (at room temperature) 1.6 c. coconut milk (26 Tbsp.)

11/2 c. flour

1 c. whole milk, divided in half 1 Tbsp. baking powder 13/4 c. sweetened condensed milk 3/4 c. grated coconut for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°. Separate the egg yolks/whites & store the whites in the fridge. In a bowl, mix sugar, butter, & yolks until smooth & fluffy. Add half the coconut milk, mix. Add flour & mix well, then stir in 1/2 c. of the whole milk.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the other mixture.

Add baking powder & mix well. Grease/flour 9x13 baking pan & pour in batter. Bake for 30 minutes.

While the cake is baking, pour the condensed milk in a bowl & mix with the remaining 1/2 c. of whole milk & coconut milk. When cake is baked, remove from oven, & pierce the top with a fork several times.

Pour milk mixture over the cake & garnish with grated coconut. cbboise.com

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Monthly Market Stats

Ada County Sees Record High Prices & Record Low Inventory A record low number of homes available for purchase results in a higher median price.

Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®

B

oise being named one of the fastest growing cities has certainly brought a lot of additional attention to our region lately, but our market reports have been reflecting that growth for months, most evident through buyer demand vs. supply and its impact on home prices.

In February 2018, inventory was down 18.8% from the previous year, with a record low of 1,205 homes available for purchase, compared to 1,513 homes that were under contract, up 16.1% year-over-year. The result was a new high median sales price for Ada County of $297,500, up 16.7% over the same month last year.

The continual tightening of inventory is a concern, but we’re hearing from some local builders than more homes will be coming this year. New construction homes are more likely to be built in the southern and western parts of Ada County, with Canyon County seeing much of the new development.

In fact, there were 314 new homes for sale in Canyon County in February

2018 versus the 226 in Ada County.

This put months supply of new construction inventory in Canyon County at 5.2 months, a balanced level compared to buyer demand — including an encouraging uptick in new supply priced at or below $300,000. Ada County’s months supply of new homes wasn’t quite as abundant at 3.3 months in February.

Those looking to buy this spring should be prepared to make quick decisions and strong offers to be competitive and work with their REALTOR® to stay on top of everything that’s needed to get to the closing table.

An article from REALTOR® Magazine also provides tips for prospective buyers to discuss with their REALTOR® when writing their offers and negotiating terms: Discuss the contingencies you’re willing to waive ahead of time. If you find yourself in a multiple-offer situation, any concessions you’re willing and able to make regarding inspection results and repairs or being flexible on the closing date may

put you in a stronger position than other buyers.

Consider offering a rent-back agreement. Sellers who plan to purchase another home are also going to have a difficult a time finding a place in this tight-inventory environment. Offering sellers the option to rent back their home after closing so they can stay longer while they look for another home could make your offer stand out. This may not be an option for everyone, but if so, be sure you are totally comfortable with the arrangement and ask your REALTOR® to explain every term in the agreement to avoid any confusion.

Be financially prepared beyond the mortgage pre-approval letter. If you have any credit issues, clear them up early and be sure you have the funds necessary to close. If there is anything that could stall a transaction upfront or at closing, consider working with a credit counselor or other professional to remove all obstacles before you start looking for a home.

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

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$297,500

HOMES SOLD FEBRUARY 2018*

53

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,205

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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

$195,990

291

HOMES SOLD FEBRUARY 2018*

55

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

cbboise.com

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

558

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

PAGE 13

638

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

102 Old Quarry Way W Boise These popular Maple Hill patio homes do not come available very often. Beautiful single-level with walk-out basement & over 2800 sq.ft. New courtyard patio. Wired for sound throughout.

Updated lighting in living room, kitchen overhead & under-cabinets. 3 beds & 3 baths plus 2 additional craft/hobby/exercise rooms in the basement.

3363 N. Campton Way W Boise Pride of ownership abounds. Cherry hardwood floors just refinished. Stunning kitchen with slab granite & tile backsplash, baking island, glass-front cabinets. Decorator window treatments. Whole-house reverse osmosis water filtration system. Central vacuum. 4th bedroom or media/bonus area. Office on main level has walk-in closet for bedroom option.

5446 W. Demison Ct. Eagle Great home in The Preserve. Large great room flows into the beautiful kitchen featuring granite counters, subway tile backsplash, & stainless appliances. Main-level bedroom with full bath nearby, perfect for guests or home office. Loft/bonus area upstairs. Master suite with his/her walk-in closets, dual vanities, separate tub & shower. Covered back patio.

1902 N. Livorno Way Eagle This exquisite, former Parade home, features 2,881 sq.ft. of pure perfection. Grand circular entrance, beautiful spacious island kitchen with double ovens & granite counters. Fabulous great room, incredible master retreat with 5' copper tub. Main-level covered patio plus a second-level covered patio with amazing views of the Boise Front.

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PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

5139 N. Black Sand Ave. NW Meridian Incredibly-maintained 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2659 sq.ft. Open & versatile living spaces.

Cook's kitchen with large center island, stunning cabinetry, SS appliances, & large pantry. Great room with vaulted ceiling, lots of natural light, & gas fireplace. Main-level master with dual vanities, large walk-in shower with dual heads, & great walk-in closet.

1340 N. Redspire Way Star Beautiful custom home with incredible stonework. 3 beds, 3 baths, 3,398 sq.ft.

Bright interior with stone & wood accents.

Gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar & Viking SS appliances. Open great room with fireplace & hardwood flooring. Lovely master with huge walk-in closet. 4+ car garage, covered patio, gorgeous landscaping, & 1/3+ acre lot.

11640 W. Tustin Kuna Here is the 1-acre lot you've been waiting for! Grand floor plan with an abundance of natural light. 4 beds, 3 baths with office space, loft, & bonus room that would make a perfect home theater. North-facing back yard is an entertainer's dream with no back neighbors, a covered patio, built-in fire pit, & views of the Boise foothills.

1285 W. Wild Sheep Ln. Kuna Your perfect luxury ranch setup on a private lane.

This 10-acre retreat boasts an incredible singlelevel home with unsurpassed outbuildings, the envy of every horse enthusiast. Sip your tea on the covered porch, listen to your horses munching in the many pastures, & unwind while watching the stunning sunset views of the surrounding mountains.

cbboise.com

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

5139 Canary Ln. NE Nampa This Victorian-style home has tons of space. All on just under one acre. Easy access to Nampa, I-84, & Meridian. 4 large bedrooms, bonus room, 3 baths, & 3,226 sq.ft. The 3-car garage has 3rd bay with a 12’ door to allow for larger trucks/vehicles. RV parking. All new carpet & new paint on the entire upper floor, 2-yearnew roof, 3-year-new furnace.

34 S. Shumway Ave. NW Nampa Lovingly-maintained 4 bed, 2.5 bath home in great location. 2,645 sq.ft., large island kitchen, open floor plan. Spacious master, loft/ bonus area, convenient upstairs laundry. Eastfacing back yard with great landscaping, play structure, swing set, & garden area. Large 3-car garage with quiet opener, shelving, & door to back yard.

13315 Crescent S Nampa Come enjoy your country home with fantastic views of the mountains & close to Lake Lowell.

Pasture is fully fenced & includes shed that is ready for your animals. Home is move-in ready with granite, large 3-car garage, RV parking, lovely master with walk-in shower, & upstairs bonus room. A large back yard & deck great for entertaining.

439 W. Island Ct. S Nampa Top-quality custom residence nestled in Bayhill on large, well-manicured/landscaped lot with gorgeous views of the valley & Boise mountains.

Welcome your guests into the 20-ft. entry with curved staircase. High-end finishes throughout including coffered ceiling in library, slab granite gourmet kitchen with top-end appliances, custom cabinets, wood floors, etc.

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Featured Homes

11264 W. Victoria S Nampa Why wait to build when this very well maintained 3-year-old home is ready today?

3 beds, 2 baths, office, bonus room, & 3-car garage. Steps away from the community pool & playground. Minutes to Red Hawk Golf Course & Lake Lowell. Beautiful hardwood floors, softclose cabinets, 3 skylights that provide great natural light.

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.

23687 Lansing Ln. Middleton This fabulous 23+ acre property 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.

1009 N. Pioneer Way Parma Terrific 5 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2,034 sq.ft.

RV parking behind fully fenced yard. Extended patio overlooking large back yard. Garden space galore! Tile entry flows into kitchen & dining area. Breakfast bar runs length of kitchen. Home offers formal & family rooms with a cozy gas fireplace. Office & formal living room have floorto-ceiling built-in bookshelves.

cbboise.com

PAGE 17

Canyon County

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

FARMERS’ MARKETS COMING SOON! Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday starting April 7th

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

10th and Grove, downtown Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com

Capital City Public Market Each Saturday starting April 14th

9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

8th and Idaho, downtown Boise

capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays starting May 5th

9:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

185 E. State St., Eagle

cityofeagle.org/market

Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays starting April 28

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

Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com

Kuna Farmer's Market Saturdays starting May 5

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

PAGE 19

Spring is Here!

It's time to get out of the house and enjoy!

Treefort Music Fest & More March 21-25, times vary

Hot Hula FitnessÂŽ Luau Saturday, March 31, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Downtown Boise treefortmusicfest.com

JUMP Boise, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise jumpboise.org

Boise Flower & Garden Show March 23-25, times vary

Idaho's Largest Trash Clean-Up Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

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

Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA Swan Falls Road south of Kuna Infomation

ZooBoise's Easter EGGstravaganza Saturday, March 24, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Pickin' Boise Vintage Show & Artisan Market April 21-22, times vary

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

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

SNIP Idaho's "SPAY"ghetti Event Sunday, March 25, 5:00 p.m.

Idaho Kids Fun Fest/Family Pet Expo Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Riverside Hotel ballroom 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise snipidaho.org

Easter Spring Fling Extravaganza Saturday, March 31, 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood St., Boise Information

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, 8:00-9:30 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa namparecreation.org

cbboise.com

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

Treasure Valley Kite Festival Saturday, April 28, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

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

TEDx Boise Saturday, May 5, 1:00-9:00 p.m.

JUMP Boise, 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise tedxboise.org

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