AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
Historical Day Trip The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Solar Eclipse Fun Facts and Trivia In Honor of Back to School Revisiting Little Free Libraries Football Season is Coming! Wing It With This Terrific Recipe Monthly Market Report Things to Do With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley! D O W N T O W N B O I S E 3 4 3 .3 3 9 3 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5272
It's back-to-school time already! Are you ready? In this month's issue of REAL Magazine, we are focused on learning — well, and a little football food. We've taken you on an educational trip to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center just two hours from Boise, given you some cool trivia about solar eclipses, updated a 2015 story about Little Free Libraries, and included a favorite recipe for chicken wings just in time for football season (and even this story incorporates some history). Have a seat, put your feet up, and enjoy! Comments or suggestions? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
With every book, you go back to school. You become a student. You become an investigative reporter. You spend a little time learning what it's like to live in someone else's shoes." ~ John Irving
contents Historical Day Trip Take a day or make a weekend adventure at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
It's About to Get Dark A little trivia in advance of the August 21 solar eclipse. st
Take a Book, Leave a Book We've updated our 2015 story about Little Free Libraries. Have you visited one?
Wing It! With football season on our doorstep, isn't it time to make some wings?
Market Stats Find out what's happening in our real estate market.
Ada County Homes A small sample of the great homes available for sale in Ada County.
Canyon County Homes Affordable and beautiful in Canyon County.
Things to Do Take a break from back-to-school shopping to have some fun!
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
Historical Day Trip
To Baker City, Oregon
There's still time before the weather changes to take a day trip to Baker City and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
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ooking for a fun day trip with family or friends? The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is an easy twohour drive away from Boise along I-84 in Baker City, Oregon. Once you
arrive, be prepared to step back in time almost two hundred years! You’ll see firsthand how pioneers endured countless hardships to settle the Oregon Territory as they rolled westward through severe
weather, sickness, and encounters with Native Americans. Inside the center, you will meander through 12,000 square feet of galleries and interactive displays.
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PAGE 5 Special programs and exhibits, as well as living history dramas and other performances, will further enhance your experience. Wagon encampments with costumed pioneer “re-enactors” will make your visit come alive. Be sure to check the website when planning your trip so you schedule enough time to fully immerse yourself in the adventure. Plan to take time for a hike along the four miles of trails, including to the top of Flagstaff Hill where you’ll be able to see 13 miles of the original Oregon Trail. Most trails in the system range from easy to moderate and are designed for barrier-free access with grades of cbboise.com
5% or less. A 0.8-mile section of unpaved trail is deemed “hard” and is steeper than the rest (and certainly optional). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take along plenty of water. Current hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, but change seasonally, so check the website before going. You may also call 541-523-1843 for more information on planning your visit. If you’d like to make a weekend of it, Baker City is a wonderful place to visit. In 1978, Baker City’s downtown area was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and is the largest
commercial historic district in the State of Oregon. In addition to shops and restaurants, Baker City has a wonderful park, perfect for a rest and a picnic. Consider booking a room in the Geiser Grand Hotel, famous, in part, for its ghost hunting events. The hotel, first opened in 1889, features a stained-glass ceiling and was known as the “Queen of the Mines” during the gold rush years. Day trip or weekend adventure, Baker City is a short drive from the Treasure Valley and offers plenty to do for the entire family!
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
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It's About to Get Dark
The Solar Eclipse is August 21
st
Sound like an expert with these fun facts about solar eclipses.
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just north of Newport, Oregon, at about 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time. "Totality" in Newport will last about 10 seconds shy of two minutes.
•
•
While many people believe a total solar eclipse is rare, they actually occur somewhere in the world about once every 18 months.
"Path of totality" means the track of the moon's shadow (umbra) as it completely blocks the sun's light. Though this can be as wide as 200 miles, the width of the path for the August event is 70 miles.
solar eclipse happens when the moon passes in front of the sun and casts a shadow across the earth. In other words, it is a lineup of the sun, moon, and earth.
With that said, though, the last total solar eclipse in the United States happened 38 years ago in February of 1979. It touched just five NW states. To find one that swept across the entire U.S. like this one will do (though not along the same path), you'd have to go back 99 years! How long would it take, then, for a solar eclipse to "revisit" a specific location? On average, the answer to that is 375 years, and in some cities, the time between them could be over 1,000 years. Where will the 2017 solar eclipse begin in the United States? The answer to that is on the beach cbboise.com
This 70-mile-wide swath will pass over 14 states from Newport, Oregon, to McClellanville, South Carolina, a tiny town of around 500 people 39 miles north of Charleston. The United States is the only country that will experience totality. Other countries will experience a partial eclipse. This hasn't happened here since 1257, long before America was a country and won't happen again until the year 2,316! There are five phases in a total solar eclipse: • First Contact. The moon begins to move across the face of the sun.
•
•
Second Contact. The moon completely covers the sun and totality begins. Totality. the moon and sun are aligned. Third Contact. The edge of the sun starts to show. Fourth Contact. The moon passes and the sun reappears.
The path of totality in Idaho will pass just north of Boise. If you can't get there, the Treasure Valley will experience between 99.4% and 99.8% totality. Not total, but not bad. Check your zip code HERE. Perhaps the most important thing to remember — and to tell your kids — is that proper eyewear is a must! Even the tiniest sliver of the sun can permanently damage the retinas (and you won't be able to tell until it's too late). Be safe, plan ahead, and enjoy an event that you may not get to experience again! Additional sources: astronomy.com timeanddate.com eclipse2017.org king5.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
Take a Book, Leave a Book
at a Little Free Library
Promoting literacy and the love of reading, these free-standing, doll house-sized structures with the motto, "take a book, return a book," are bringing neighbors together.
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erhaps you've seen one in your neighborhood and wondered just what the story is, or maybe you visit one regularly, perusing the new books or leaving one or two of your favorites to share. Either way, the Little Free Library movement has become a worldwide phenomenon that's bringing neighbors together over the love of books. What began in 2009 as a simple but loving gesture to honor his school teacher mother, Todd Bol
of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a tiny schoolhouse, mounted it on a post in his front yard, and filled it with a few books in hopes others in his community would enjoy some of his favorite reads. The idea took off after Todd shared the idea with his partner, Rick Brooks, who spread the word. Now a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit, Little Free Library, Ltd. has a small staff and an army of volunteers who maintain their website, littlefreelibrary.org, and run outreach programs to bring books to communities in need. In fact, in October of 2015, Little Free Library was honored by the U.S. Library of Congress for creating communities of literacy and just this year, LFL received the Women's National Book Association's Second Century Prize. The website is packed with information on starting a Little Free Library in your
neighborhood and includes a store area where you can purchase a pre-made library box if building one isn't in your wheelhouse, or plans so you can construct your own if you are so inclined. Also on the site are outreach ideas, a blog, and other resources to ensure your library's success. For a small fee, you can take advantage of the opportunity to register your library so it can be included on the map to help others find it. Locally, there are over 65 Little Free Libraries between Boise, Meridian, and Nampa. One, located on Breneman Street near 26th in the North End, is even billed as Boise's "Biggest Little Free Library," as it is large enough for you to walk inside. Share the love of reading with your children and friends by visiting a Little Free Library in your community — or by starting one of your own. Check the map and see for yourself how great it is to "take a book; return a book."
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PAGE 9 Flickr: QuesterMark
Likened to human bird feeders, Little Free Libraries are popping up across the globe. To date, more than 50,000 of these community book exchanges in 70+ countries are registered with littlefreelibrary.org. In Boise and the surrounding area, there are over 65!
cbboise.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
Wing It!
It's Time for Football!
Once considered throwaways, chicken wings have become one of the most popular football-watching foods. Our friends from My Family Tradition (MFT) Sauce and Rub Company share their recipe for Nutmeg Honey Wings just in time for the first game!
I
t’s hard to believe that just 50 years ago, chicken wings were considered one of the least desirable parts of the bird. Oftentimes, these “throwaways” were cooked into stock for soups and sauces—or just tossed in the trash.
about how they were created. One of the most widely-accepted versions involves the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where owner Teressa Bellissimo received a misdelivery of wings instead of backs and necks for making spaghetti sauce.
Nowadays, wings have become one of the most expensive cuts. In fact, some sports bars and restaurants have built their menus around this relatively new “delicacy.” In 2012, more than 1.25 billion wings were consumed during Super Bowl weekend!
Instead of throwing away the meat, Teressa, at the behest of her husband (and co-owner), Frank, came up with the idea of deepfrying the wings and tossing them with a cayenne hot sauce. She then served the wings with a bleu cheese dipping sauce and celery.
Called Buffalo wings, hot wings, or just wings, there are several claims
Another angle has the Bellissimo’s college-aged son arriving at the
bar late one night with a group of friends. Needing something quickly, Teressa fried the wings and served them with the cayenne and bleu cheese. Still another claim is that a man named John Young served breaded and deep-fried wings coated in a special “mambo sauce.” Throughout the years, variations have surfaced. From “hot and fiery” to Asian to Caribbean and Indian, wings have become a staple at tailgate parties across the nation. Sources: Wikipedia, National Chicken Council
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Nutmeg Honey Wings • Rub wings with MFT Original & nutmeg • Grill 25-35 minutes, depending on wing size. • Toss grilled wings with honey & optional cinnamon. • Serve & enjoy!
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Ingredients: • 12 thawed chicken wings • 1/2 c. MFT Original AllPurpose Seasoning • 1 tsp. nutmeg • 1/2 c. honey • 1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
Monthly Market Stats
Ada & Canyon Inventory Down for 34 Consecutive Months
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few weeks ago, Zillow’s Chief Economist Svenja Gudell posted on Twitter: “Inventory down YoY for 25 consecutive months now. We’re just past 2-years into the #inventorycrisis.” While we never like when the term “crisis” is used to describe the housing market, the sentiment reflects the pressure that many home buyers are feeling caused by the low inventory levels, especially for existing homes. Gudell’s comments were based on nationwide trends, so what does this look like in the Boise Region? Based on monthly data, inventory of existing homes in both Ada and Canyon counties has been down year-over-year for 34 consecutive months, starting October 2014. Inventory of existing homes in Ada County was at 1,702 in October 2014 and 1,238 in July 2017, a decrease of 27.3%. In comparison, there were 628 pending sales in October 2014 versus 1,078 in July 2017, an increase of 71.7%. Pending
Metrics Inventory (Supply) Pending (Demand) Months' Supply of Inventory
sales are homes under contract that should close within 30-90 days. Looking at months supply of existing inventory — which takes the number of homes for sale divided by the average number of sales by month — there were 3.2 months in October 2014 in Ada County to 1.4 months in July 2017, a drop of 56.3%. (A balanced market—not favoring buyers or sellers—is typically between 4-6 months supply of inventory.) In Canyon County, inventory of existing homes was at 886 in October 2014 and 600 in July 2017, a decrease of 32.3%. In comparison, there were 307 pending sales in October 2014 versus 537 in July 2017, an increase of 76.6%. That put months supply of inventory at 3.3 months in October 2014 compared to 1.5 months in June 2017, a drop of 54.5%. How has the decrease in supply and increase in demand influenced
Ada Existing Homes Oct-14 Jul-17 % Chg 1,702 1,238 -27.3% 628 1,078 +71.7% 3.2 1.4 -56.3%
home prices in the Boise Region? The median sales price of existing homes in Ada County increased 34.2% between October 2014 and July 2017, and increased 42.2% in Canyon County during that same period, illustrating BRR’s familiar refrain of how home prices are being driven by demand compared to supply. Additional information about trends within each county, by price point, by existing and new construction, and by neighborhood, are now available in the July 2017 Market Report. This report includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.
Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional Realtors
Get in touch if you'd like to know how all of this information affects your situation!
Canyon Existing Homes Oct-14 Jul-17 % Chg 886 600 -32.3% 307 537 +76.6% 3.3 1.5 -54.5%
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$271,000
HOMES SOLD JULY 2017*
30
Ada County
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
1,966
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* * Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.
$185,750
426
HOMES SOLD JULY 2017*
33
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
cbboise.com
Canyon County
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
918
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
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1,055
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
Ada County
Featured Homes
522 W. Franklin N Boise As you are welcomed by the cozy front porch, you will step back in time. This wonderful 1900s home boasts quality craftsmanship & design. Original features with newer upgrades make this home unique. Larger open bedrooms, all with walk-in closets. Back yard with calming water features & a wrap-around deck.
1737 Silver Crest Dr. N Boise This luxury home is defined by its stunning views, premier orientation, & sumptuous living spaces. Cherry floors lead to the great room exquisitely designed for living the indooroutdoor lifestyle. Each room offers city & mountain views, vivid sunsets from the porch, deck, & patios. Chef's kitchen flows seamlessly into living & dining areas.
689 Valentino St. NW Meridian Stunning 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home located in Meridian's premier Paramount community. Very open & spacious with dramatic windows & main-level master suite. Two-sided fireplace opens to the great room & kitchen. Beautifully landscaped with covered patio & firepit in back yard. Upgrades throughout.
553 E. Riverchase Way Eagle Spectacular, one-of-a-kind home! This private corner property sits right by the water with a full lake view from the back patio. Travertine tile floors throughout the main level, hallway, & all baths. Granite counters, upgraded appliances, & a large center island appoint the kitchen. Oversized great room adorned with windows to take in pristine views. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Ada County
Featured Homes
4239 N. Waterford NW Boise Great home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, & 1,502 sq.ft. situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. Close to downtown Boise, foothills, & Greenbelt. Master suite features vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, dual sinks, & walk-in shower. Back yard with covered pergola patio, paver walkway, & raised garden beds.
4588 W. Miners Farm Dr. NW Boise Incredible views toward Dry Creek & the foothills. No back neighbors & north-facing back yard to enjoy the patio, views & summer BBQs! Kitchen boasts granite, dual drawer dishwasher, upgraded lighting, white oak hardwood, & is open to the great room. Clever office nook off living room. Upstairs master with tile, walk-in shower, dual vanities, & huge closet.
10170 Broadford Dr. Star Lovely, single-level home in the desirable Rockbridge community with a spacious & open plan. The oversized great room boasts a fireplace & opens up to dining & kitchen. Northfacing back yard has no neighbors & backs up to a waterway. Plenty of room for everyone in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,546 sq.ft. beauty!
6095 N. Hill Point Way Star Elegant, private retreat! 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, plus office, on 1-acre view lot, in premier Hillsdale Estates. Solid mahogany woodwork throughout. Kitchen boasts stainless steel Subzero fridge, Viking cooktop, Bosch double oven, & 2 pantries. Master suite with beautiful bath, walk-in closet, & private patio. Sweeping views from covered deck.
cbboise.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
Canyon County
Featured Homes
3608 Wilson Lane S Nampa Beautiful single-level home with no HOA in desirable Wilson Estates subdivision. Great room boasts fireplace & vaulted ceilings, opens to spacious kitchen. Master suite features French doors, fireplace, large walk-in closet, separate tub & walk-in shower. Relax in the sun room, & enjoy the beautiful back yard. This beauty is a must-see!
11377 W. Rosette Dr. S Nampa Stylish & spacious home with all the bells & whistles! Upgrades abound in this beauty on a 1/4-acre lot with mountain views & no back neighbors. Gourmet kitchen with slab granite & full tile backsplash. Separate living & family rooms, as well as an entertainment/bar area. Plenty of space with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, & 2,890 sq.ft.
2520 Summercrest St. SW Caldwell Fantastic 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,032 sq.ft home, located in the desirable Four Seasons subdivision. Flex layout allows for multiple uses of space. Gas fireplace in living area, opens to dining, & large well-appointed kitchen. Master suite with walk-in closet, plus 2 more bedrooms & spacious bonus room.
15738 Eclipse Dr. SW Caldwell Stunning, custom-built home on a cul-de-sac lot with no detail overlooked. Separate in-law quarters. Impressive entry, great room with vaulted ceilings, & a double-sided gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling brick work. Gorgeous kitchen with Corian counters & a large center island. Sun room with fireplace & stamped concrete floor. Breathtaking views. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Featured Homes
5751 Southside Blvd. S Nampa Bring your toys, horses, hobbies, & enjoy this 10+ acres with great views. Rustic log exterior & modern interior will make you feel right at home. Gorgeous rock fireplace greets you in the spacious living room. Master suite features dual sinks, separate tub, & shower. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,012 sq.ft., with big shop. Don't miss this gem!
13302 Lakeside Village Ln. S Nampa In a cul-de-sac surrounded by mature trees & landscaping, this beautifully updated home sits on 1.87 acres. Neighbors Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge & offers views of Lake Lowell. Main-level master has a large jetted tub & access to the deck. Kitchen has stainless appliances, granite counters, an island/breakfast bar, & shares a 2-sided fireplace with the great room.
1108 La Reata Way Middleton Beautiful home with upgrades throughout! Open kitchen with tiled granite counters, island & large pantry. Huge family room has access to private back yard with nice landscaping, new hot tub, & fire pit. Private hallway leading to master suite with dual sinks & walk-in closet. Mudroom with extra storage. Don't miss out!
22613 Big Loon Way Middleton Stunning 3 bedroom, 2. 5 bath home with RV parking on 1 acre. Features a rustic, open floor plan with upgrades throughout. Kitchen has it all, with custom-made cabinets, big island with farm sink, stainless steel Bosch appliances, walk-in pantry with sink, & chalkboard door. Master suite has huge tiled walk-in shower with dual heads.
cbboise.com
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Canyon County
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER, 2017
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 10th and Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Each Saturday 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays starting April 29 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket
Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays starting April 29
9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com
Kuna Farmer's Market Saturdays starting April 29
9:00a.m.-noon Bernie Fisher Memorial Park Main & Linder, Kuna www.facebook.com/Kuna-Farmers-Market COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Things to Do Get up, get out, and enjoy! Free Movie Night in Meridian Every Friday in August at dusk
Warbird Roundup 2017 August 26-27, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads www.meridiancityspecialevents.org
Alive After Five Concert Series Wednesdays through August 30
5:00-8:00 p.m., Grove Plaza 826 W. Main St., Boise downtownboise.org
Great Garden Escape Thursdays, through September 7
Check times & schedule online Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
Western Idaho Fair August 18-27, times vary
Western Idaho Fairgrounds 5610 N. Glenwood St., Boise idahofair.com
Spend Time on the Dark Side at the Old Pen Monday, August 21, 9:00 a.m.
Old Idaho Penitentiary 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise history.idaho.gov
See Spot Splash Friday, August 25; starting at 3:00 p.m.
Natatorium, 1811 E. Warm Springs, Boise idahohumanesociety.org
cbboise.com
Warhawk Air Museum 201 Municipal Dr., Nampa warhawkairmuseum.org
Pooch Party Stroll & Splash Saturday, August 26, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Lakeview Park 1304 7th St. North, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic August 30-September 3, times vary
Ann Morrison Park, Boise spiritofboise.com
Art in the Park September 8-10, times vary
Julia Davis Park 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise boiseartmuseum.org
Hyde Park Street Fair September 15-17, times vary
Camel's Back Park 13th & Heron St., Boise northendboise.org
Boise Film Festival September 21-24, times vary
JUMP Boise 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise tickets & information
D O W N T O W N B O I S E 343.3393 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5 2 7 2