The Idaho Home Specialist Blog

I love a Parade… (Can’t get the song out of my head now- UGH!)

It’s always fun to look at new homes, isn’t it?! My business affords me the opportunity to see beautiful homes all the time, and now’s your chance to view over 30 beautiful brand new homes as well!

The 2008 Parade of Homes by the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho begins today, and will run through May 11th.

Tickets are $10.00 each (3 yrs. and under are FREE), and your ticket is good for all of the homes, for all of the Parade Dates. Tickets can be purchased through Idahotickets.com, or at any Select-A-Seat Location.

The Parade Homes are open daily from 5pm until 8pm Mondays-Thursdays, 3pm- 8pm on Fridays, and from Noon until 8pm on the weekends.

This years Parade offers wonderful floor plans in great locations. Homes are represented in Boise, Star, Eagle, Meridian, Hidden Springs and Kuna.

To view a list of the Parade Builders and see the map of home locations, visit the Business Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho website.

Have a great time, get lots of ideas and inspirations, and Contact Us if you have any questions about the Parade!

Talk soon,

Looking for something to do this weekend?

How about visiting the Spring Idaho Sampler Show at Expo Idaho (the Idaho Fairground).

Admission is FREE, will take place this Saturday from 10a-5p and Sunday from 10a-4p. The Show will be held in the South Expo.

The Sampler Show will feature an abundance of some of the best products and services available to Treasure Valley Residents.

If you make it out this Sunday, make sure to stop by our booth (#319) and say hello!

Talk soon!

Wednesday’s here again… Guess what the picture is and where it’s at to WIN!

The photo has been taken somewhere in the Treasure Valley, and has been edited a bit just to add a little more fun to the mix!

This weeks prize is a $5 gift card to Toys R Us or Babies R Us!!!

Click on Comment to answer this weeks What and Where is it picture.  The first correct answer wins- it’s that easy!

Good Luck!

Talk soon,

Well, well, well.

We’ve got some new information to mull over, don’t we?

Realtytrac, a California based home research company, provided us with some interesting facts/figures on Tuesday that have the local media abuzz.

Seems as if foreclosure rates are down from February 2008. Down by 15%. Finally.

But as it seems the media is directed to do, they end the uplifting reports on a downer. Foreclosures are still up 85% from March 2007.

So how do we process all this info? Is it good, or bad?

Do the numbers speak for themselves, or do they lie?

I’ll tell you what I see. No, the numbers themselves don’t exactly lie- but, I think that they’re presented to us in such a way, um shall I say, to somewhat distort them.

THE FACTS:

• Foreclosure Rates are DOWN 15% from 2/08
• Foreclosure Rates are UP 85% from 3/07
• LESS then 1% of all homes in Idaho are in foreclosure
• OVER 99% of all homes in Idaho are NOT in foreclosure
• LESS then 1 in 1,000 homes in Idaho are in foreclosure

How do we make sense of it all?

First we need to have an understanding of what everyone is referring to as “FORECLOSURE”.

What do you think that they mean when they say foreclosure?

Well, I talk Real Estate all day long, and those I speak with are pretty much all under the same assumption that when the news reports on the “Foreclosure Rates” it means that homeowners have already lost their home. The banks have put locks on the doors. The End.

Not exactly true.

Typically, when we hear about foreclosure rates in the news, they’re telling us about housing figures that are in SOME FORM of FORECLOSURE.

30 days late on a mortgage payment usually = some form.

Will everyone that’s 30 days late on a payment lose their home? I think not.

Taking that into consideration changes the feel of the facts, doesn’t it?

So we go back to the information we’ve heard. Each newscast and article I’ve read regarding Realtytrac’s findings is insinuating (or outright saying…) that we’re about to hit the bottom.

Um, Hooray!?

So does that mean Gary and I should run out and by a home before all the great deals are gone? Is Sunday, May 4th the last day of the sale?

WOW! These guys are good! They must have bought their crystal ball from a different fortune teller than I did…

It’s like I’ve been saying for months now.

It just isn’t so bad. Yes, I do think that the worst of it is behind us- good riddance! But will there still be tremendous value on homes this summer?

Sure there will. With the “traditional spring seller” listing his/her property beginning, say, NOW- we’re going to still see some inventory rates increasing. So yes, price is going to continue to be the driving force.

Correct Price. Not Under Price.

I’m always trying to think of fun ideas for the blog.

I came up with this idea and decided to make it a bit more interesting by  offering a prize to the first person who correctly answers it.

Welcome to What & Where is it Wednesday…

Each Wednesday I’ll present a picture taken somewhere around the Valley. The first person who comments on what the picture is of, and where it’s located wins!

Pretty simple, eh? Only one catch. The pictures going to be a bit distorted, out of proportion- whatever my whim of the day may be… I’ll make this weeks an easy one.

Make sure to post your answer in the comments. GOOD LUCK!

Oh, you might want to know this weeks prize, right? A $5 GIFT CARD TO BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO. FREE- Just for guessing correctly!

Here ya go:

Talk soon,

Spring is here (well it was here this past weekend anyway…).

With Spring comes the blooming flowers, fresh air, and chirping baby birds. Spring also brings Sellers out of the winter woodwork.

We know that there will be an influx of homes listed over the next several months. Regardless of the type of Real Estate Market, this is the time we see increases in homes available.

So… if you are planning on selling your house, now’s the time to start getting it ready to be the shining star.

Along with the typical “Spring Sprucing”, you just might want to think about your homes curb appeal.

Cost-effective, well chosen exterior improvements will draw your Prospective Buyer into your house and add value. The outside of your house should say: “This house is loved”.

Here’s a few Expert Tips on Enhancing your house’s Curb Appeal:

• Touch up painted surfaces. Remove peeling paint and repaint the affected areas. Do a good deed for the planet: Try and use environmentally friendly paint. Look for No-VOC or Low-VOC labels.

• Perk up a front porch. If you have a porch, showcase it’s “Outdoor Living” possibilities. Add large seasonal flowers in big pots, planted window boxes, a new welcome mat, and some comfy furniture. If you already have seating, make sure you make sure it’s dusted and fresh. Re-paint or stain worn wooden floorboards in a color that complements the facade and door.

• Make those windows sparkle. Use a garden hose to wet outside windows before washing; it helps loosen dirt. Second- story windows may necessitate professional help.

• Clean dirty masonry. Atmospheric pollution and Mother Nature can take their toll on all types of exterior materials, such as brick and stucco. Use a nylon rather than a steel-bristle brush, and avoid cleansers that damage color and finish.
  

• Paint gutters and down spouts to match the homes trim.

• Brighten up the place. Too many lights in a straight row make a walk look like an airport runway. But a home should look safe and attractive. Add a few lights in trees for a special glow. If a Potential Buyer looks at and likes the home, they’ll probably do several “drive-by’s”. Make the house look great at night too!

• Spruce up the landscaping. Remove dead trees and leaves, prune overgrown shrubs, edge beds, and plant seasonal flowers. To keep a tip-top lawn, nows the time to plant, fertilize, and water.

• Remember the final touches. A front door should be clearly visible since it’s the entry and focal point for prospects. It is the place Potential Buyers will spend the most amount of time ’staring at’. A Fresh coat of paint, a clean welcome mat, and maybe some pots filled with color always add a great touch!
  

Remember, your yard and front of the house is the first thing your Prospective Buyer is going to see when he/she pulls up. Make sure you Impress ‘em!

When your ready to sell your home, Contact Us!

Talk soon,

I almost hate doing these gas posts anymore, “cheap” is relative right?

I’m glad the weather’s getting nice. With these prices it’s about time to start thinking about other sources of transportation, isn’t it???

We are always in search of the best value (can we really call it a value now???) to fill up.

Remember to get your savings cards. Mavrik offers .02 off, and Albertson’s also has a card. I’ve been told Sam’s Club is offering gas, and was told it was less expensive, but I’ve yet to check it out.

If anyone knows of a lesser costly station, please Let Us Know!

With that being said, here is today’s gas price update.!

1. MAVERIK- (Overland Rd & Locust Grove ) $3.20
2. SHELL- (Eagle Rd. & Goldstone) $3.26
3. CHEVERON- (Ustick & Venable) $3.35 …OUCH!
   

Please note, gas pricing can change. I sure hope the change is, in fact, for the better!

Time to go for a walk now!!!

Talk soon,

Well, did you make it out?

If you didn’t, you missed a great time.

For it being the 1st annual festival, the folks out at Avimor did a fabulous job organizing and hosting the event. Parking was a snap, everything looked great, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day to be outdoors!

Avimor’s location is divine. Rolling foothills and breath-taking natural surroundings provide this new community with an element unlike most in our area.

I didn’t make it out early enough to see the hot air balloons take off, but we got there at 9ish and they were offering tethered Balloon rides.

As I expected, my favorite activity was the sheep herding demonstrations. The border collies are amazing dogs. I wish I could have the focus these pooches posses. Amazing! Even with such a large audience tempting their concentration, they appeared not to even notice we were there. All that mattered were the sheep.

We also took the time to check out the model homes. Designs are unique, and well appointed.

If you would like to schedule a personal showing of the new Avimor Community, Contact Us.

The weather should be absolutely perfect this weekend- we’re expecting temperatures in the mid 70’s in the Boise area!

How about heading north a short distance on hwy. 55 to the new Suncor Avimor Community for the 2008 Foothill’s Heritage Festival?

Sounds like it’s going to be a fabulous time for the entire family.

The event kicks off early- 7am- with a ribbon cutting ceremony and then there will be hot air balloon rides from 8 am until 10 am.

Various events for the entire family will be held throughout the day. Face painting and a bouncy house for the kiddies, along with guided wildlife/bird tours for everyone will be available.

The activity I’m most looking forward to begins at 10 am, and then starts every hour following. The sheep dog herding competition! How fun does that sound?! The competition is going to be held at the field north of the Village Center.

Like live music and dancing? , a great local group with a bluesy, slightly country flair will be playing from 11 am until 1 pm, and then you see the Oinkari Basque Dancers. They’ll be performing in honor of the long history and tradition of Spring Valley Ranch at 1 pm.

There will be a Trek mountain bike demonstration clinic from 10 until 3pm that will have the latest bike models available. Are you a mountain bike enthusiast? Bring your ride up and experience the new 10 mile trail route- either on your own, or with Professional Davey Moore, who will lead two seperate rides at 10:30 am and 1 pm.

Enjoy browsing local crafts and vendors? A craft fair and farmers’ market showcasing 30 different arts and crafts vendors will begin at 9 am.

If it doesn’t sound like this could possibly get any better, it can! FREE BBQ Lunch will be provided starting at 11 am until 2 pm! YUMMMM!

Avimor’s Model Homes will also be available for viewing. They’re offering 19 different floor plans, and have six fully furnished models to see.

Directions to the Festival: State Street to Highway 55. North to the Avimor Development- one mile north of the Shadow Valley Golf Course. Enter on the right at Avimor’s main entrance.

Hope to see you there!

Talk soon,