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April 13, 2021

Boise's Best Trails to Trek

When the comedian and host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, came to perform in Boise he asked the audience what was with everyone asking if he liked the outdoors! He was shocked by just how proud Idahoans are of the abundance of outdoor recreation options in our lovely state. Perhaps rightfully so. No shame here though! The Boise's Best Real Estate Team loves to get out and soak up the sun while floating the river, cruising the Greenbelt or hitting the foothills for a hike. Hikes have been our go-to outdoor fix lately so, we wanted to share some of our favorite trails to trek in the Boise area.

First up on our list is Adelmann Mine off HWY 21. At 4.7 miles down and back with a rather steep trek up, this trail offers quite the workout with an easier decent and great views all along the way. Upon reaching the top, hikers are welcomed by the the historic gold mine itself which happens to be quite photogenic. The opportunity to explore nature and history as well as the views is what puts this hike on our list. As with any trail there are a few pros and cons. 

Adelmann Mine pros:

  • Hikers get a workout worthy of a good sweat
  • Meeting other friendly hikers
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Down and back means you can't get lost!
  • Nature and history in one go
  • Little to no shade (pro or con here, depending on the hiker)

Adelmann Mine cons:

  • Limited parking at wildlife management area or alongside hwy 21
  • Roadkill carcass pit - this sounds a bit extreme but it is not so bad. Just better to be aware before you go and happen upon a this roadkill graveyard without knowing what is going on. I am sure you are wondering about the smell, not so bad either. If it is hot and later in the day it will be noticeable but not for much of the trail.

 

Another favorite is Table Rock, a must-hike for any adventurer in the Boise area. This hike offers multiple trails to choose from, but we are choosing to highlight the Table Rock Trail, a moderate 3.7 mile loop with an elevation gain of 895 ft.. We love to go for hike right around this time of year when the wildflowers are blooming...just don't forget the allergy medicine! Given Table Rock is kid friendly, dog friendly and not incredibly challenging, it is quite the popular area. The multiple trails keep the hike pretty light as far as traffic, but the top, which offers great photos ops with the giant cross or the beautiful views, is typically pretty congested. We recommend hitting the trail before 9 am if you are looking for more solitude. 

Table Rock Trail pros:

  • Ample parking
  • Public restrooms in parking lot
  • Cell service throughout hike
  • Dog and horse friendly

Table Rock Trail cons:

  • Little to no shade
  • Busier than other trails in the area
  • Trail signs can be confusing, best to know your route or use an app like AllTrails to help guide you

 

Our last delight to mention is the Military Reserve Park in the lower Boise Foothills. Yes we are talking about trails, but we couldn't forgo the opportunity to delve into this 734 acre facility with fun ranging from archery to trails to a bike park. So much to indulge in here! Now back to trails. Our favorite trail here is the Crestline Sidewinder Loop Trail at 9.6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,443 feet. A bit heftier of hike than our other options, we recommend making a day of this one and packing a lunch to enjoy along the way and plenty of water. This trail is rather exposed, but no trouble, just be prepared for lots of sun and lots of wind so you are still comfortable enough to enjoy the trek. 

Military Reserve pros:

  • Ample parking
  • Multiple trail options as well as other adventurous activities
  • Wide open views, great for wildflower season
  • Great Workout
  • Well marked trails

Military Reserve cons:

  • Exposure can be a lot if not prepared
  • You really have to keep an eye out for bikers here
  • Trails are quite narrow in many places

 

Now time to hit the trails and enjoy an adventure. Please remember to be courteous to other hikers along the way and to our beautiful trails. Click here to brush up on hiking etiquette and stay on mother nature's good side. Trek safely friends!

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
March 22, 2021

Hidden Gems in the Treasure Valley

Can't afford to live in Boise?? You are not alone. Leigh and Rob wanted to take the opportunity to fill you in on some nearby options that you may not have considered. In this video, they dive into the benefits of different areas just outside of Boise and give you an idea of what to expect from each city. We hope that you find this informative and if you have other questions you would like Leigh and Rob to answer, let us know in the comments!

People often want to learn about Boise, Meridian and Eagle, but we are quite a bit bigger than that. We have a lot of areas in the Treasure Valley that tend to get overlooked, and we would like to shine some light on them.

One of our personal favorites is Kuna, Idaho "where growth happens, but simple still exists". This blossoming city has so much to offer with new, high end homes going up daily and all the necessities within just a few miles. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Boise, Kuna boasts big city convenience without the traffic. The outdoor recreation is the icing top for us. Kuna is a short drive to Swan Falls where there is an abundance of hiking, fishing and biking opportunities. For adventure at your back door, you can float the Indian Creek or bike the greenbelt.

Star, Idaho is next on our list for overlooked cities of opportunity. Once known to be rural and somewhat inconvenient, Star is sprouting into a tranquil oasis with a population approaching 12,000. A number of restaurants plus a newly opened Ridley's Family Market allows Star residents to stay close to home. For you nature lovers, do not miss the Riverwalk Park where you can enjoy a nice stroll alongside the Boise River or pick a sub division with it's own private lake like The Lakes at Pristine Meadows or the under construction Heron River.

Nampa, Idaho was known to be a low cost place to live and you had to drive the 20 miles east on I-84 to work in Boise. Now, not so much. Nampa has come into its own offering a great place to live, work and play. You really can do it all here. As the largest city in Canyon County, its population is right at 100,000 and growing. Gone are the days of driving to Boise to do your shopping if you live in Nampa as it now has the Big-Box stores too. Not only are shopping and dining abundant in Nampa, but so is the fun. Lake Lowell is our team's favorite place to visit during the hot summer days. Whether we are cruising the lake in the boat or taking it easy with our paddles boards, we are always enjoying the time spent soaking up the sun at Lake Lowell. Not to mention the lake is surrounded by the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge which offers great hiking and bird watching. The fun does not stop there though; the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa is a complex of sports and entertainment venues that hosts events from car shows to concerts to Professional Bull Riding. (For the boyband fans, Backstreet Boys will be at the Ford Idaho Center Aug. 23rd.)

Drive 10 miles further west on I-84 to arrive at our next stop on the list, Caldwell, Idaho. Here the population is around 55,000 and growing as things tend to spread out from Boise. Now, to be honest, Caldwell has had a bad rap in the recent past. However, within a few years, the city managed to make a huge turnaround attributed to the revitalization of Indian Creek Plaza where you can find family fun year-round ranging from the ice skating rink to concerts and festivals to the Farm to Fork farmers market. Another exciting opportunity to take advantage of in Caldwell is the affordable older houses. In Boise's North End, you could not get the cool older home for under a half million, but in Caldwell, you can find that charmer you are looking for, fix it up and make yourself a home worth a lot of money.

Head north to find Emmett, Idaho located on the Payette River. With a population of roughly 7,000, Emmett is an agricultural town where people go to get away from people. The nearby Black Canyon Reservoir offers 12 miles of shoreline with plenty of boating and fishing opportunities, as well as, camping, swimming and picnicking. Emmett is home to the longest continually running festival in the region, "The Emmett Cherry Festival", held during the second full week of June. For four days the community gathers to celebrate the abundance of our valley with free, family activities, concerts and a parade. If you are looking to enjoy the simple life, Emmett is the place.

Whatever the feel or vibe you are looking for in your hometown, it can be found here in the Treasure Valley. So, give it some thought and know that whichever Gem you decide to settle down in, we are sure you will not be disappointed!

 

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
March 11, 2021

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Treasure Valley

After a year of cancellations, disappointments and too much solitary time on our hands, the Boise's Best Real Estate Team is ready to celebrate....well anything! We thought you might be feeling that way as well so we decided to find some fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in and around Boise.

 

Let's start with the family friendly fun!

  • Support a good cause, get your fit on and have fun with the family during the YMCA ST. Patrick's Day Virtual Run. You have 3 races to choose from: Leprechaun Mile for Adults & Youth, 5K or the 5 Mile each priced at $35. You have until March 17th to register. 
  • Calling all canine enthusiasts! Check out the St. Puptricks Celebration, a St. Patrick’s Day themed dog event at the Nampa Civic Center Saturday March 20th from 11am to 3pm.  The event does not require tickets and has a FREE ENTRY. Bring your family, friends, and don’t forget your dog (dog not required) and come out for some fun! St Puptricks Schedule of Events: 11:00AM Event Begins - 12:00PM Doggo Costume Contest - 1:30PM St Puptricks Talent Contest
  • Enjoy a St. Patrick's Day Feast at Mountain View Barn. On St. Patty's day from 11am to 7pm they will be serving a corned beef and cabbage meal with roasted carrots and potatoes, homemade dinner rolls, Guinness barley stew, and crinkle cookies. To wash it down, they will be serving green beer, and other fun drinks!
  • Take the family to Treasure Valley Skate for a DJ Party, costume contest and games. The fun starts at 6 pm and the adult (18+) session begins at 8:30 pm.
  • Enjoy green beer, food trucks, treats and a scavenger hunt at Western Collective in Garden City this Saturday the 13th. The fun begins with green coffee and donuts and rolls right into green beer and at 5 pm, the Scavenger Hunt for the Pot O Gold begins! Must be 21+ for the Scavenger Hunt but all ages are welcome to the event.

Now, if you are looking for a night out, we have you covered.

  • Head to Humpin Hannah's from 5 pm to 2 am for green beer, live music, bag pipes and Dj Lenny Len. All with NO COVER charge.
  • Bear Island Brewery is whipping up Irish Fare starting at 4 pm and going until 7:45 pm to cure your festive cravings.  Irish Themed Live music begins at 5 pm by the local McGrath-Costello Pub Band. Kids and pups are welcome on patio only.
  • Join Potter Wines in welcoming back their Paint N' Sip nights beginning Wednesday March 17th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. $40 to enjoy this St. Patrick's Day Birch Inspiration Paint N' Sip.
  • If you are closer to the Nampa/Caldwell area, we recommend getting your corned beef and cabbage on at Roots & Company where one can indulge in Irish Whiskey, green beer, giveaways and of course, a costume contest! The fun begins at 8 pm on St. Patrick's Day.
  • For you introverts still enjoying your time at home, bask in the glory of "Butte in Boise - Curbside", a St. Patrick's Day Celebration, on the go! Each dinner is $40 and serves 2; click here to order and choose your pick up time. Curbside pickup will occur at Boise Centre's Loading Dock, 250 S. 9th Street, Boise, ID 83702.

The Boise's Best Team hopes whatever you choose to do this St. Patrick's Day that you have a great time and stay safe. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter so you can tag us @boisesbestre to show off your festive good time, costumes and we better see those pup costumes if any of you partake in the St. Puptrick's Day event! We will be sharing our festive photos too. 

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Feb. 22, 2021

Relocating to Boise?

What can one expect when relocating to the Boise area?

What was once known to some as the "Arm Pit of the world" has stepped it up since the 80's. These days, Boise brings culture, arts, shopping, dining and so much more that a bigger city offers, yet we enjoy these amenities without the price or the crowd which typically accompany a good time. All this while still staying....well "Boise" in that we thrive in the comforts and safety we always have, even with the new amenities. 

Another popular feature celebrated by many Boiseans is our outdoor recreation! The fun never stops here. Year round you can find something for any activity level. For those 100 degree days the Treasure Valley offers multiple lakes to play in as well as the famous Boise River, which is a MUST FLOAT! If you are looking to bust a sweat, we have an abundance of hiking trails for all skill levels. The winter is when Boise really shines though. Take a short drive up to Bogus Basin, slip on your skis and cruise down the hill within an hour! Seriously, it is that close. 

Now, we do have relocation clients that often ask us where the best area to live is. That all depends on the individual and what is important to them. This is why we find it incredibly important to go into to great detail with our buyers on their wants and needs so that we can ensure we find the best area for them. After many years, we have learned to better help our relocation clients understand the area, we must take a tour....complete with a bit of wining and dining! We would love to give you spin on the boat too if that is your thing!

Clearly we like to have a good time here, and we certainly will if you choose to use us to relocate. Don't worry though. We understand how valuable your time and ours is. It is our priority to make sure you have a good time yes, but also to ensure you leave here knowing not just what a visit to Boise looks like, but what life in Boise looks like. 

We encourage you to reach out and ask your questions below. We are so excited to get you to Boise so we can share this amazing lifestyle with you!

 

 

 

 

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Feb. 9, 2021

What to know about New Construction

 

From limited lots to rising material costs to extended time frames, there are several factors that make new construction a challenge of its own in this real estate market. On the other hand, there is no concern with updating the home or meeting appraisal. So what is the best option? That answer is unique to each buyer and their particular wants and needs. This is why Leigh and Rob decided to have a chat about this and educate anyone that may be in dark here.

Cons

  • Time Frame - Right now we are looking at anywhere from 9 to 12 months to build a home. There are some spec homes with entry level builders, but for the most it will be more than 9 months. So this is not the typical close and in 30 days you move in. This is going to be a planned process.
  • Lack of choices - As these builders get super busy, they are offering less and less options. This happens when we see low inventory, and builders need to get houses up which is done more quickly with spec homes where the builder makes the choices.
  • Contract Price Vs. Final Price - When you go into your build job, you are looking at their base price plus the lot and perhaps plus a few items you could change that were built into the base price. However, you may decide you want an extra outlet, more can lights or an extra gas outlet for your bbq. This type of item is what we call a change order will have an effect on the final price.
  • Scarcity of lots - Obviously we are in a tight market so there are not too many lots available. So, with new construction you are tasked with finding a lot with a builder that you like, then finding out if a house that you like by that builder will fit on that lot. Now our choices are narrowed down a even farther. So you either find a lot you love and hope that you love the builder, or you can find a floor plan you love and hopefully they own a lot that you end up loving.
  • Material Cost Rising - We just had a deal where the overall cost went up $18,000 for lumber! We know it is not typical for anyone to watch lumber trade, but these are things that effect builders and in turn effect you as the consumer. So, make sure that you are asking your agent to get that information for you so that you are able to make a decision with all of the facts. It is also crucial to get under contract as quickly as possible so that your price is set.

Pros

  • No bidding war - You have heard it. People are currently buying homes for $50,000 and $60,000 and even higher over asking price. You are clear of that with a build job. It is very rare that you have another buyer interested until the home is built so it is good to get in before it is advanced in the building process.
  • Appraisal will likely not be an issue - With prices rising, by the time a house is started and finished there should be no issue with appraisal unless you have gone crazy with upgrades or are perhaps out of now and there are fewer homes to comp.
  • No remodel cost - Enjoy that sparkle unique to a new home!

 

We hope this can help buyers find the option best suited for them. If you or someone you know has questions on the Boise Area Real Estate Market, we are here to help and advice is always free!

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Jan. 30, 2021

A Look at the Real Estate Market in 2021

For those of you in the market to buy a home in the Boise area or surrounding Treasure Valley, I am sure you have the same question as most do right now. That is, "So, when do you think people are going to start listing?" 

With inventory so low, we remain thankful for the accompanying low interest rates and keep our fingers crossed that the arrival of Spring will change things up and bump up our home inventory. At the end of December, Ada County had just 333 houses on the market which is down 80% from last year!

Now, we cannot overlook the median home price which is currently up 24% to $435,000. This, for many homeowners, is a dream price for their home. The problem is, where are they going to go? This conundrum leads to homeowners sitting on their properties, thus the low inventory. The good news is that this 24% increase in home price is not sustainable year over year as we are already running into affordability issues, even with the low interest rates we currently enjoy.

In December, we saw a 4% decrease in home sales simply due to low inventory. There is no question, the buyers are there, they just cannot buy if there is no inventory. Homes listed are currently receiving upwards of 30 offers and thousands over asking price. There is no question, this process will take time but the steps remain the same: Get preapproved, get zeroed in on what you want and most important in this market, be ready to jump!

We know that many buyers are thinking they will just build a house. New construction sales make up 38% of all home sales which is down 3% year over year. Right now, new construction is taking roughly nine to twelve months to build a house. This is just fine as long as you have the time to wait that potential one year until your home is complete. One common benefit of building that many enjoy is customizations. However, in this market, do not get your hopes up, even with high end builders. We just advise that you get a builder you like as most are so busy they are only doing spec homes right now.

If you have questions, feel free to comment below and we will get you answers as soon as possible! Keep in mind, real estate advice is always free and we are here to help.

 

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Jan. 20, 2021

Buyer Questions with Boise's Best Real Estate

Whew 2020 is over and we are onto making the most of 2021! You may have heard but the current housing market is a crazy one. Our team has gotten a lot of questions lately about what buyers and sellers can expect going into the New Year. So, we are just going to jump right into it and go over some of these answers. Interest rates are always of top concern so we cover that first.

Interest rates:

  • FHA and VA rates are sitting shockingly low, right around 2.5%
  • Idaho Housing, First Time Home Buyer rates are 2.37% - 2.5%
  • Conventional products are around 2.6% - 2.75%
  • So, now is the time to buy as far as interest rates.

First Time Home Buyers

  • Don't go shopping without your wallet! Get preapproved by a lender before you dive deep.
  • Now it's about the offer. With the current Boise Real Estate market, we have to look at how to make the most desirable offer especially if going up in price is not an option. We then look at other options like Inspection Contingencies or a possible rent-back to the sellers.
  • Following the offer, we walk you through the financing process, the appraisal process and the inspection process.
  • Now, knowing 1st time home buyers will likely only remember about 10% of that, we are prepared to repeat and rewind as much as necessary :) but the first step is to get you preapproved. 

How long does it take to buy a home?

  • This goes back to that strong offer as most homes will have multiple offers within hours of hitting the market.
  • If your offer is accepted right away: from the time of acceptance to the time of closing is typically about 30 days. 
  • If we count the time to find the house, we are typically seeing 60 to 90 days.

How urgent do we need to be once we find a home we like?

  • If you can shift your schedule to look at a home that may work for you, do it.
  • Sellers will likely review offers that same night as it was listed.
  • Expect your agent to be pushing you to get in these homes as there is no time to play right now!
  • Bottom line: The sooner the better, period.

What creates a seller's market vs a buyer's market?

  • NAR or National Association of Realtors says, if you have more than 6 months inventory of homes on the market then you are in a buyer's market.
  • Meaning if no one else listed their house today and buyers continued to buy at the current rate, we would have enough homes for 6 months.
  • Now if we were to run out of houses in under 6 months or have under 6 months of inventory, we would be in a seller's market.
  • The national average for inventory right now is roughly 1 to 2 months. Here in the Boise area, our inventory is less than 2 WEEKS! - Yes, this includes new construction!

What is a stratified market?

  • Here we are talking about price point for the current real estate market.
  • We have more buyers looking under a half million-dollar price point and fewer homes than let's say a 2-million-dollar price point where there are not typically too many buyers.

How much do I pay an agent when I buy a house?

  • Typically...$0
  • Not always, as there are exceptions, however, typically the seller pays agents on both sides.

Where should my credit score be for buying a home?

  • Typically, 620 is a good credit score allowing you in the door to get an FHA loan among others.
  • Keep in mind that a higher credit score usually means lower interest rates.
  • Regardless of credit score, we must make certain there are no judgements on you or collections that must be paid off.

How much does a typical person need for a down payment on a home?

  • VA loans are 0 down but may not always be the best way to go.
  • There are Idaho Housing Loans that can get you in for .5% down.
  • Conventional Programs are down as low as 3%

Should I sell my current home before buying another one?

  • We have lots of variables here but to keep it simple, you may need to use that money from your current house to put money towards the new one.
  • If that is not the case, keep in mind we are currently at less than 1% vacancy rate for our rentals in the Boise area!

What is earnest money?

  • This is money, typically a check, that let's sellers know you are serious about this and if you just get cold feet and walk away, they will likely keep the earnest money.
  • It will be held with the brokerage or title company depending on the contract.
  • 1% is typical for the Treasure Valley.
  • However, a stronger offer has more earnest money.
  • Now, this is your money, and it will go back to your closing costs.

We hope this has been insightful and that if you have real estate questions in the future, you know you can always ask us. Keep in mind, real estate advice is always free, and we are here to help!

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Dec. 29, 2020

Tips to Get Ready To Be a Homeowner in 2021

The past year has been a real challenge for a lot of us, and now we can finally put this year behind us and look forward to a better 2021. If 2021 is the year that you decide to take the exciting leap into homeownership, then we have some great tips to get you well on your way. The path to homeownership can be a confusing and daunting one; we have put together these tips to get you in the best position possible to get the home of your dreams.


Take Control of Your Finances

It may seem a bit basic, but it cannot be overstated, you need to behave like a boss when it comes to your money. Take a look at your debts and make a plan to pay them off. Budgeting can be a lot more complicated than just telling someone to save their money. We recommend using a budgeting tool, there are tons out there that are really user friendly like Lola. Their spend management tools can help you curb wasteful spending and reach your savings goals. Taking care of your debt and saving for your down payment are critical steps to getting you into a home. Your new home is a big investment for your future, taking control of your finances now will secure your future home for 2021.

 

Get Pre-Approved

When you are ready to start shopping for a home you first need to shop around for a lender. A good lender will know all of the potential benefits you qualify for and the type of mortgage that will serve you best. Knowing the right questions to ask is important, NerdWallet has a great list of top questions to ask your potential lender to be sure that you have all the information you need. Building your financial literacy and knowledge is very important to ensuring you understand every step of the process. A home will be the biggest purchase in your life, don’t be shy about asking questions and be sure that you understand everything. Once you are preapproved you are able to shop with confidence. One step closer to homeownership!

 

Start Shopping

No matter where you are in the home buying process, just starting to save or pre-approved and ready to move, knowing what you want in a house is critical to getting you into your dream home. Looking at homes online early on will give you a good idea of what homes are going for on the current market. Knowing what you are looking for and what location you need to be in for schools and work is a big start in the process. We are experts in the local real estate market and would be happy to chat with you anytime to find the ideal Treasure Valley location. You can also search for homes on our website.

 

The excitement of buying a home can quickly turn into anxiety and even frustration as you begin to learn all of the ins and outs of becoming a homeowner. Going into the process with your finances in order, pre-approved for a loan, and a good foundational knowledge for what you want and where will make the home buying experience exponentially better. We wish you the best in 2021!

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Dec. 14, 2020

Holiday Cookie Recipes

‘Tis the season to spread holiday love and cheer to those far and near. There is no better way to do that this holiday season than baking up some sweet treats to share. In a time when being close to your loved ones may be challenging, we have some great recipes and tricks to share to remind them how sweet you are. So preheat your oven and get your measuring cups ready. These recipes are sure to brighten the season!


Chocolate Chip

Christina Tosi has been rocking the dessert world with her no frills take on classic American desserts. She is famous for creating heartwarming and nostalgic desserts unlike anything anyone has ever had, like cereal milk ice cream. Her Chocolate Chip cookies will make you the hit of the holiday pleasing all your little elves and reminding Santa just how good you have been all year. 

 

Pro Tip: GET THE REAL STUFF! – whether it is dark chocolate or vanilla extract, don’t scrimp getting imitations. There is no substitute for the real stuff, and it will make all the difference in your holiday treats. 

 

Sugar Cookie

No Christmas is complete without sugar cookies. These pillowy cookies are usually cut out in your favorite holiday designs and decorated with love and oh so many sprinkles. Cutler’s of Boston is world famous for their sugar cookies and when you make this recipe you will see why. The bakers at a Bountiful Kitchen cracked the code and are sharing this perfect take on the classic cookie with you. There are two camps in the sugar cookie world, buttercream frosting or glaze. Luckily this recipe includes both icing choices so no matter what you like on top you can get your sugar fix with this tried-and-true recipe.

 

Pro Tip: CREAM YOUR BUTTER AND SUGAR TOGETHER! - Whether mixing by hand or in a blender it is important to cream your butter and sugar together for at least two minutes. We get our butter and sugar in the blender for at least seven minutes while we get the other ingredients ready. We promise you will taste the difference.

 

Gingerbread Cookie

For the best take on this holiday classic we always go back to the queen of holiday entertaining, Martha Stewart. Her Gingerbread cookie recipe will have your home smelling of the holidays. Cut them into any shape or build them into a gorgeous cookie house, the only thing more fun than decorating these cookies is getting to eat them!

 

Cold Boise winter days are perfect for getting into the kitchen and filling your home with holiday smells and holiday cheer. Dropping off a plate of cookies to a friend or family is a great way to remind them of how much you care. In times when we cannot be as near as we would like, a bite of a homemade cookie is a thoughtful way to show you care. All of these cookies are perfect for shipping so you can share near and far.

 

We hope these recipes warm your hearts and homes as much as they do ours. 

Posted in Boise's Best Blog
Nov. 25, 2020

How To Get Curb Appeal in Winter

Preparing your home for sale at any time of the year can be a hassle, but it is especially so in the fall and winter months. Besides being colder, you have other factors like rain, snow, and slush to deal with. Oh, and the pretty leaves on your trees have fallen off so your landscaping will look bare and uninviting. No wonder the fall and winter is one of the slowest times of the year to sell your home! We’ll walk you through some great tips and hacks for making the best of this time of year so that you can get top dollar for your home, regardless of weather. 

 

 

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Selling Your Home In The Winter

Do Decorate Your Home Outside

That’s right. A few tasteful decorations on the outside of your home will help make your home look more inviting and festive. Some ideas for decorations for the fall would be: 

 

  • Pumpkins or other seasonal gourds on your walkway
  • Understated holiday lights around your home’s roof
  • Seasonal (but not too gaudy) welcome by the front door
  • Decorative holiday wreath
  • Small sign or plaque with a seasonal message
  • If you have evergreen trees, try hanging some garlands or discrete holiday bows
  • Anything else you’d like, but not too overstated or personalized or political

 

Do Clean Your Home’s Gutters And Roof

You’ll want to make the best first impression to potential buyers and that means showing your home’s roof and gutters at their best. Hop up on your roof with a leaf blower or broom and sweep off all the leaves and sticks that have accumulated there since the start of fall. You’ll also want to clean out your gutters and make sure that they are not leaking or damaged. 

 

Don’t Let Your Grass Go Brown

This can be fairly tricky, but it is very important. Make sure to keep watering and trimming your lawn as late into the year as you can. Your lawn won’t be covered by snow the entire winter, so if you let it get scorched or brown, then it will stay that way until spring! Don’t make a brown lawn the first thing buyer’s see when they pull up to your home. You can also avoid this by applying a good fertilizer or weed and seed a month or so before the cold weather hits, like in late August or early September. 

 

Don’t Forget To Provide PPE

A little forethought can go a long way to making potential buyers feel more comfortable. At the front door, either just inside or just outside, make a small PPE station for your visitors. Make sure to include things like hand sanitizer, extra masks, gloves, and shoe liners. Don’t forget to have a small trash can nearby so they can discard things like paper towels or used masks. 


There’s a lot to consider this year so don’t let your home get left behind in the market. We’re always here to help you sell your home so contact us today to get started!

Posted in Boise's Best Blog