Boise ‘Things to Do’ Facts

Can your tour the Capitol building?  For great information about self guided tours or organized tours try: www:legislature.idaho.gov or call 208-332-1012

How many acres of parks and open space are in the Boise area?  1.930 acres of parks and 4.300 of open space    www.cityofboise.org/parks

How many parks are in Boise: 104 – The larger parks include Ann Morrison Memorial, Julia Davis, Kathryn Albertson, Municipal and Park Center. Plus- Barber Park and Veteran Memorial Park.

What is the Greenbelt?  The Greenbelt provides nearly 25 miles of riverfront pathway for walking, cycling, skating and jogging

Does Boise have a zoo?  YES! Our wonderful Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park.

Is there a guided tour of Boise? YES!  Just call the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-635-5240.

 

 

2016 Homeowner’s Exemption

Great News for Idaho Homeowners. The 2016 homeowner’s property tax exemption has increased from $89,850 in 2015 to $94,745. The property has to be your primary residence to qualify. Vacation homes, rentals and second homes are exempt.

Since 1980, Idaho has allowed homeowners to exempt 50 percent of the assessed value of their properties, up to the maximum exemption. The highest exemption topped out at more than $104,000 in year 2009!

Going forward, the set exemption amount of $100,000 as outlined in HB431, aims to stabilize the Exemption – creating a predictable tax base.  Idaho is just one of a handful of states that provides a homeowner’s exemption. For more detailed information check this website: https://adacounty.id.gov

 

Boise Idaho Drivers Licenses

I found this to be interesting. Drivers moving into Idaho are required to trade in their old driver’s licenses when they receive their new one here for Idaho. See the map below.

In Ada County, the top states moving into the area are: California, Washington,Oregon and Utah.

In Canyon County, the top states moving into the area are: California, Washington, Oregon, Utah and Nevada.

Spacious living in Meridian!

https://postlets.com/mini/small/15207089

The Boise and Nampa Real Estate Market Update~

Not only is the weather HOT, so is the Boise and Nampa Real Estate Markets!  With the persistent  demand for homes for sale, the median sales price continues to rise. The increase is small but steady. Ada Canyon shows an increase in sales volume of 28% year to date, while Canyon County shows an increase of 21%.

Homes are Selling like 2006, says the National Association of Real Estate

Another Market Update!

We keep seeing the amount of homes pending in Boise continue to rise. Homes pending in Boise went from 733 to 820 last month. Sold homes continued its upward trend, rising from 451 sold in March to 496 sold in April. The average days on the market dropped from 54 to 43, and the average sales price dropped only slightly from $234,430 to $230,099.

March has been BUSY!

Average days on the market is very low; homes priced correctly are literally flying off the shelf. We are seeing more than the usual cash sales. These sales tend to close faster; causing the market to move very quickly.  Homes are selling quickly.

SELLING? 10 important repairs

There are a lot of things you cannot control when you put your home on the market to sell. You can’t force Buyers to come see your home or make an offer on it.
But you can make sure it is in grand condition by considering these 10 items:
1. PAINT COLORS THAT DON’T BLEND IN – The color of your home is one of the first things buyers notice; how does it compare to the neighborhood. Buyers don’t want to live in the only purple house in town. Choose neutral colors for the interior as well.
2. A FRONT DOOR THAT’S NOT INVITING – The front door is the next thing buyers will notice. If it is flimsy, dated or in need of repair, it will discourage the buyers before it is opened.
3. A BROKEN DOORBELL – Having one that works along with the inviting front door, assures the buyers the home has been maintained.
4. TATTERED WINDOW AND DOOR SCREENS – Buyers notice screens that look more like Swiss cheese than insect shields.
5. DEPRESSING LANDSCAPING – Buyers take note when driving by, trim & water the lawn, weed the flower beds, trim trees and remove dead ones.
6. AN UNPLEASANT SMELL OF…SOMETHING – Be sure there is no residual smell of anything; wet dogs, last night’s dinner or used kitty litter.
7. EERIE DRIPPING SOUNDS – When buyers hear a dripping faucet or running toilet; they will question the seller’s level of care and maintenance.
8. BAD LIGHTING – Clean light fixtures to remove dead bugs and dirt, replace burned out bulbs.
9. SQUEAKY HINGES – Doors that groan when they open are for horror movies, not homes for sale; grab a can of lubricant.
10. OUTDATED, CLUTTERED KITCHEN – You don’t need to completely renovate, just lighten the load in all the cabinets and drawers; consider a fresh coat of neutral paint and switch out old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls.
Put on some music, get moving with these ideas; it will make a big difference in the sale-ability of your home!

Interest rates are climbing a bit! (click on the chart)