Treasure Valley Blog

Keeping you updated on hot topics, special events, places to go, and the real estate market in the Boise Metropolitan Area!

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Got Idaho Real Estate News - 4805 Rose Gold St, Caldwell, ID 83605

In this video post, I break down what $30,000.00 price reduction for this home means. Are you home buyer or know somebody that is moving to IDAHO? Have a look here to see what the price comparisons are to the neighborhood of Topaz Ranch...If interested, lets talk. BTW...The music in this video was created and composed by me so I hope you enjoy it.. Wait to the end, you will hear more. Just sharing my skills.

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Got Idaho Real Estate News -1672 Sunset Dr, Emmett, ID 83617

Another awesome home I toured, lets talk Idaho Real Estate!

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Got Idaho Real Estate News -3121 E Starview Dr, Boise ID 83712

Your Going to Love this Lot!

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So I came across this helpful information and thought to share this with homeowners as you may discover your AC unit may not be getting your home cold enough or you think someone may be trying to sell you on a unit that you think is different than they are disclosing. Look at this quick chart to verify... Sizing Up Old Air Conditioners Not sure of the current size of the air conditioner? Air conditioners are sized by their capacity in terms of tons. One ton equals 12,000 Btu of cooling capacity. Look at the name plate on the outdoor condensing unit and locate the model number (not the serial number). You are looking for two digits in the model number that match the numbers below to indicate tons or Btus. 18 = 1.5 Ton (18,000 Btu/hr) 24 = 2 Ton (24,000 Btu/hr) 30 = 2.5 Ton (30,000 Btu/hr) 36 = 3 Ton (36,000 Btu/hr) 42 = 3.5 Ton (42,000 Btu/hr) 48 = 4 Ton (48,000 Btu/hr) 60 = 5 Ton (60,000 Btu/hr) For example, a model SSX240GX1 is a 2-ton (24,000 Btu) air conditioner. Best Real Estate Services providing you valualbe content. Allen Cofield, Boise Realtor

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Here are the 30 SEC snapshots of the Ada, Canyon and Gem county real estate market in Idaho for August 2019. The markets are up 6.6% compared to last year and are reaching its high recorded points in the market. If you would like to know what you can sell your home for today based on the new statistics, let's have a serious conversation on how I can get your home sold in the shortest amount of time and retain the most equity in your pockets today. Allen Cofield, 208.908.1777 www.gotidahorealestate.com

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5 Steps for Setting the Right Listing Price 1. Apples to Apples Analyzing the comps entails some detective work. Obviously, your house isn’t exactly like every other on the block. It can be far better – or far worse. Here are the factors that are considered for comparisons: Square footage: This is significant for most buyers. Some will even hunt based on square footage alone. Usually when it comes to pricing, the bigger the property the bigger the price tag to offer, however, some properties have proven this myth wrong. (REOs, Short Sales, and un-kept homes). Age and condition: Newer homes don’t necessarily command higher prices, or vice versa, but condition relative to age does factor into price. So when comparing your home to others, stay within a five-year range. Number of bedrooms and baths: How many your home has can radically change the price. Amenities: The more perks, like walk-in closets, a pool, spa, gourmet kitchen, and so on, the higher the price. Lot size: Is there room for the buyer to add on to the house or plant a sprawling rose garden in the backyard? The exact acreage of your land correlates to price. When you compare your home to others, stay within .05 acres. Condition: The condition of your house can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. That’s why you have to pay close attention to other homes’ upgrades to make a fair assessment of how they affect value. Location: This relates not only to your city and neighborhood, but also to where your house sits on the street. Does it face an eyesore or busy intersection? Does it have a view? These location nuances make a difference. 2. Don’t Look Back (Too Far) The price of your home today can’t be compared to the selling price of your neighbor’s identical home 6 months ago. This has been a year of quick price increases in most cities. If you’re looking at comps further back than 3 months, dump them. Your house could be worth more. In fact, in some of the fastest-paced cities, like New York, Miami, and San Diego, homes move so rapidly that sellers should only look at the prior 60 days of sales, if possible. 3. Check Out the Competition in Person Don’t analyze your comps on paper alone. Get moving! Ask a realtor (Allen Cofield) to recommend homes you should drive by or open houses you should attend—or schedule a time to go together. Find out up close and in person where your home stacks up against the competition. 4. List vs. Sale Prices The difference in percentage between list prices and actual sales prices for the homes in your neighborhood speaks volumes about the current real estate climate. This number is a strong indicator of which direction the market is moving, and it will suggest how much under – or over – your ideal asking price you can expect to get for your home. Anyone can throw a house on the market at a high price. But the number you want to look at closely is the sale price of the home, which is much more indicative of the actual value. 5. Know What’s Not Selling You can learn a lot by observing not only what IS selling nearby, but also what’s NOT selling. Is a home that initially looks like a comp really overpriced for what it offers? How does it compare with your house? What is it lacking that yours isn’t? Once you identify why it’s not selling at its current price, you can avoid the same mistake when determining your own home’s price tag. But remember, always work with your trusted real estate professional to determine how your local market is moving and what may be a smart price for your home. If you would like an in depth analysis with a professional, Feel free to reach out to us at www.gotidahorealestate.com, we will be glad to help you. Allen Cofield, Broker Associate (208) 908 - 1777

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Here's a quick snapshot of the Boise Idaho Real Estate Market. If you would like to see the market snapshot of other nearby cities, feel free to contact me directly for reports that cover Kuna, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Middleton, Caldwell, and Nampa. I sell residential land and homes in the Treasure Valley and you can find me at https://www.gotidahorealestate.com. Don't let a good deal pass you by in this hot market by not having a great negotiator. Let's get started. Allen Cofield

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Upcoming Events in the Treasure Valley - September 2019 4th Annual Bacon & Beer Festival Expo Idaho 5610 N Glenwood St, Garden City, Idaho 83714 Sept 7th Midnight Drags-Import Fall Jam Sept 7th 4 PM · Firebird Raceway · Eagle, Idaho Bark Party at Meridian's Community Block Party Sept 7th 10AM to 5PM Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park 1900 N Records Ave, Meridian, Idaho 83646 Big Al's Live on the Patio Sept 11th, 18th, and 25th 40th Annual Hyde Park Street Fair! Sep 13 at 4 PM – Sep 15 at 6 PM Camelsback Park Boise West Coast Swing and Two Step with USWDC World Champion Kurt Senser Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 1 PM – 5:15 PM 440 W. Pennwood Suite 140, Meridian, Idaho 83642 Eagle Rodeo Presents: Spring Valley, Idaho Country Music Stomp! Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 12 PM – 11:59 PM Avimor, Highway 55 Eagle, ID Zamzows Frisbee Fest Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11 AM – 1:30 PM Ann Morrison Park 1000 Americana Blvd, Boise, Idaho 83706

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TOP 10 FISHING SPOTS TO KNOW IN IDAHO Finding a great fishing spot in Idaho is easy to do. There are so many lakes and rivers to discover and each one has something unique to offer. I am going to share with you some of the highly treasured spots noted by local Idahoans. Idaho contains about 26,000 miles of streams and rivers and upwards of 3,000 natural lakes and has a variety of species of fish some which are unique to Idaho to offer you. Whether you like to fish in the spring or the fall seasons, you’ll find other anglers packing up their poles and fly rods and taking full advantage of the fishing opportunities offered within our state of Idaho. 1. Brownlee Reservoir – Reference: http://www.brownleereservoir.com and https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1171180446154 From Boise, this location is about 2 hours 40 minutes away and is located in Cambridge, Idaho. Brownlee Reservoir is 57 miles long and lies on the border between Oregon and Idaho. A variety of fish inhabit the reservoir including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, trout, blue gill, and more. Brownlee is considered the best warm water fishery in the state - Cast a line and catch something. 2. Big Wood River - Reference: https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1149052428631 Big Wood River is about 2 hours away Southeast of Boise and is located in Blaine, Camas, Gooding and Lincoln Counties. Big Wood River contributes to the Snake and Columbia Rivers and is about 137 miles, and is known to contain rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Its fishing season normally runs from Memorial Day through November, but certain parts of the river open year-round for catch and release. This location is gorgeous and could be your perfect fishing getaway. 3. C.J. Strike Reservoir - Reference: https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1158134429738 CJ Strike Reservoir is a about an hour south of Boise and is located in Elmore and Owyhee counties, Idaho. This reservoir is a great location spot for fishing, camping, boating, and hiking. Looking to entertain the whole family, this would be your spot. It has fairly accessible fishing and campground nearby. Fish species common here are catfish, bass, trout, perch, and crappie. 4. Fishhook Creek - Reference: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/hiking-backpacking/fishhook-creek-trail/ Fishhook Creek is 3 hours Northeast of Boise and located in Stanley Idaho. If you like solitude, this creek is for you. Get ready to hike out to get to the creek, starting at Redfish Lake Lodge. The creek is about 9 miles in length and is a tributary to Redfish Lake. Different species found here are bull trout, cutthroat trout, chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon. 5. Little Salmon River - https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingPlanner/water/1163132454168 Little Salmon River is about 3 hours north of Boise located in Adams and Idaho Counties and is tributary to the Salmon River, its about 425 miles, making it the longest flowing river in just one state in the United States! You’ll catch an incredibly scenic spot, with resident fish species including Chinook Salmon, rainbow, whitefish, cutthroat, steelhead, and bull trout. 6. Lake Lowell - Reference: https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1166642435448 Lake Lowell is 1 hour west from Boise and is one of the more underrated fishing spots in the state. It is home to a variety of spaces but is considered a bass haven. The lake is located just south of Nampa, Idaho, and is known to warm up fairly early in the year, making it a great boating spot. This lake has known to be more problematic for high algae levels and E-coli findings due to its depth levels after mid-June and has been recommended not to enter the water during these times. 7. Marten Lake - Reference: https://www.theoutbound.com/idaho/backpacking/backpack-to-marten-and-kelly-lakes Marten Lake is located in the Sawtooths about 2 hours and 40 min Northeast away from Boise, Idaho and requires about a five-mile hike to access. The scenery proves to be worth the extra effort to get to the lake. The lakes crystal clear waters are home to both rainbow and bull trout. If you like Idaho wilderness, this fishing spot is great location for you. 8. Saddleback Lakes - Reference: http://jasonbackcountry.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Saddleback_Goat2013.pdf Saddleback Lakes is located about 3 hours Northeast of Boise, Idaho near Stanley and has an abundance of fish that makes for a fantastic overnight fishing trip. You’ll hike 2000 feet in elevation to the lake but the payoff is worth it. It has turquoise waters in the middle of a forest. Something you would dream of or see in a movie. 9. Silver Creek - Reference: https://idfg.idaho.gov/IFWIS/ibt/site.aspx?id=79 Silver Creek is located in Peace Valley, just 2 hours 15 min East of Boise and is noted as a must-see place, even for non-anglers! It has amazing fly fishing, and an abundance of wildlife including fox, coyote, moose, elk, rabbits, waterfowl, and more. 10. Swan Falls Dam - Reference: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/hiking-backpacking/swan-falls-dam-park/ Swan Falls Dam is located near Kuna, Idaho, about 50 min south of Boise and the most unique aspect of this reservoir is its large quantity of sturgeon. You could catch six-foot fish (and sometimes bigger) here, but you want to make sure to follow the state's regulations on how to catch and release these type of fish. If you are looking for a change in your outdoor activity, Idaho could be the place for you to enjoy some incredible places to fish, camp, hike and ski. Stay tuned for more great information and if you are interested in the Real Estate Market in the Boise Idaho Area, I am a Real Estate agent ready to help you. Feel free to reach out. Allen Cofield, Associate Broker, GRI Boise Premier Real Estate 208.908.1777 My success is marked by the referrals from my clients.

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A SENIOR GUIDE TO HOUSE HUNTING IN BOISE CITY Posted by Allen Cofield The numbers don’t lie: Seniors are flocking to Boise for their retirement years, and it all comes down to the many financial advantages of living in Idaho. A forecasting model from the Idaho Department of Labor reports that the over-65 population is an enormous driver behind the state’s population growing at three times the national average. Currently 14.7 percent of the population, seniors will account for 34.4 percent of the population growth between now and 2025, growing to become 17.3 percent of the population. Those figures are impressive, but bring up an important question: What’s attracting seniors to this area? Read on to learn the answer. SENIOR-FRIENDLY PROPERTY TAXES The Idaho State Tax Commission reports that up to 55,000 Idahoans could be eligible for significant reductions in property tax rates, most of them seniors. Taxpayers qualify if their yearly earnings total less than $29,640 (2017 figures) and they are either over 65, a widow or widower or fully disabled. Homeowners can save up to $1,320 per year in property taxes after qualifying for the Idaho Property Tax Reduction Program. Disabled veterans may qualify to save an even greater amount. ADDITIONAL SENIOR TAX BENEFITS Seniors are also drawn to Idaho for additional tax benefits available to those over 65. In Idaho, state income tax isn’t levied on Social Security benefits or many municipal, state or federal government pensions or retirement funds. For seniors who earn other types of earned or retirement income, Idaho boasts reasonable income tax rates that range from 4 to 7 percent. Seniors on the hook for income tax can reduce their obligation through enhanced credits for items such as the Idaho Grocery Tax Credit. BOISE’S COST OF LIVING IS COMPETITIVE Cost of living, calculated as an index of values versus an average score of 100, determines how financially attractive an area might be. In Boise, the cost of living index is a competitive 106.7. Most factors in Boise’s cost of living index come in under average, including groceries, health care, utilities and transportation. Just one factor in that index is above average: housing costs, coming in at 136. Even so, median home prices remain around $255,000. Seniors can explore a variety of options to attain lower housing costs, including downsizing to smaller homes, living in condo or assisted living communities. Seniors also come to Boise for many non-financial reasons, including the beauty of the area, healthy air quality, four-season living and the ability to live in an urban city surrounded by endless miles of open land. The numbers don’t lie, however, and when they add up to significant annual savings and opportunities, it’s easy to see why seniors love retiring to Boise. When you need a realtor that cares to help you save money, feel free to reach out to Allen Cofield at 208.908.1777. Link to Idaho Property Tax Reduction Program https://tax.idaho.gov/n-feed.cfm?idd=3102 Link to Idaho State income tax https://tax.idaho.gov/i-1136.cfm#sub2 Link to cost of living index https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/idaho/boise Link to assisted living communities. https://www.seniorhomes.com/idaho/boise/ Link to forecasting model http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2017/jun/01/idaho-population-forecast-grow-three-times-national-rate-through-2025-biggest-gain-retirees/

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WATER RIGHTS AND WELLS IN IDAHO - WATER FOR A HOME OR PROPERTY IN RURAL IDAHO Many property buyers today are contemplating buying a home or land in a rural area that are not well educated on water supplies leading to those areas. In the Boise regional area, some parcels have rights and access to the irrigation water that is sent throughout the treasure valley, while others do not. Many subdivisions being developed today are including pressurized irrigation water throughout the community and are implementing HOAs to cover for the pump house cost. If you are moving from another area like Southern California, there is no such thing as irrigation water available and much of the land is covered with city provided water, not wells. The Idaho Department of Water Resources, is a great place to learn about the available water and some of the wells permitted in Idaho. Prior to 1987, Wells were not required to be permitted and thus may not be recorded or reported in the records. The Boise Regional area is covered and controlled within the Western Region. The site is helpful to learn about the depth of wells, the administrative regions, areas of drilling concerns, areas of groundwater concerns, nitrate priority areas, critical Groundwater Areas, Groundwater management areas, and groundwater districts. Check back with me if you are interested in buying a home or property in the rural areas of Idaho within 25 miles of Boise Idaho, I am a great resource to help you get started on your purchase. https://idwr.idaho.gov/

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IDAHO TAXES AMONG THE LOWEST IN 11 WESTERN STATES Why are people moving to Idaho? Recent studies show Idaho's overall taxes are the lowest in the region and is ranked 48th in the Nation, according to a recent article published in the local Idaho Statesman on November 26, 2017. This article also states the tax burden on each person is the lowest in 11 Western states. One must also consider the effective rate vs. looking only at the actual tax rate reasoning is that all taxing system at the local levels are not created equal and vary which can be misguiding. Idaho relies on three major taxes such as Income, Sales and Property Taxes. If you are looking for ways to save yourself some taxes and keep more of your money in your pocket, you might consider moving toward a state such as Idaho. I couldn't believe how much I saved moving from California to Eagle, Idaho in taxes alone. Eagle Idaho is priced a little higher than the other cities in the Treasure Valley so even the taxes I pay now are still almost half of what I paid in California. Look for the Weekly updates throughout the post and get a feel of the average cost of the area. Go to my home page at www.gotidahorealestate.com to start your home search now. I will comment that the internet and MLS does not represent all home opportunities, especially in building new and that is where I can really help you out in scouting the right area for your next home. We welcome you and look forward to assisting you on your next home purchase in Idaho.

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THE PROS AND CONS TO HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS IN THE TREASURE VALLEY

While many people may believe Homeowner Associations (HOA) are a nuisance, others may find them to be more appealing. Here in the Treasure Valley, HOA’s have become very popular in the newer developments and while they may have their drawbacks, they do have their advantages as well. When searching for a new home, it is important to know if there are HOAs. 

 If the home you love is in an HOA, you do not have a choice of joining the association as it will be mandatory. The purchase of your home becomes a contract with the HOA so it is crucial that you have read the CC&R’s (covenants, conditions and restrictions), the HOA rules, and read the minutes to the meetings. These rules could include how many cars you can park in the driveway, what structures you can or can not have on your property, the type of fence allowed around the home, what colors you can paint your house, whether you can rent the property to someone else, along with other rules pertaining to your home and community and if not followed a homeowner could face monetary citations and a request for the correction to comply with the conditions.  

HOA’s usually include association dues which should be considered when buying a home on a mortgage, whether they are monthly or annually. Dues will differ in cost depending on factors such as amenities offered by the community, any utilities like irrigation included, and whether the HOA is sufficiently planning for the future of reserve requirements. You'll find in the Boise and surrounding areas, such as Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Star, Nampa, Kuna, and Middleton the typical range is from about $50 to a couple hundred per month. The primary use of these dues are usually for the maintenance of common areas (walking paths, pools, gyms or recreation centers), some utility services and insurance premiums. The HOA Board could also decide to impose a special assessment at any time with the required votes to deal with needed improvements for common areas or for emergency repairs. 

Though the rules and regulations of HOA’s sound daunting, there are many advantages to having them. Included in various HOA’s are luxurious amenities such as pools, golf courses, playgrounds, lakes, walking paths, and/or recreation centers. These are appealing to many people due to the lack of maintenance required by the homeowners. Another advantage to HOA’s is that your property value, based on neighborhood conditions, should remain stable. Also, if all homeowners abide by the CC&R’s, you could avoid problems that some neighborhoods are inundated with, such as broken down cars being parked in the driveway for years, houses being painted bright and with unsightly colors or poor maintenance of yards and roads which all detract from the value perceived of the home. 

This article provides a brief and general introduction to the topic of HOA’s, but there is much more to cover. If you would like more information on either HOA’s or homes in the Treasure Valley, please contact me directly at 208.908.1777 for a meeting to discuss your real estate needs in the Boise Regional Area of Idaho.

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Hello, I’m Allen Cofield, real estate agent, with Boise Premier Real Estate. I started my career as a broker in 2003 for mortgages and real estate.