DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
'Tis the Season Inside
Yummy Gingerbread Cookies Holiday Fire Safety Resolutions for Your Home "Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus" With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley! DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272
Seasons Greetings to you and yours! Where did the year go? It seems we were just celebrating summer vacation. Whether you are staying at home for the holidays, or traveling to see friends and family, we at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group and REAL Magazine wish you all the blessings of the season and a New Year full of promise, hope, and love. Would you like to suggest a story? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!" ~ Dr. Seuss
CONTENTS Features
4
Gingerbread!
6
Stay Safe this Winter
8
Home Resolutions
10
A little history, a lot of goodness. Is it time to give homemade gingerbread cookies a try?
Every winter, residential fires are started by faulty extension cords and dry Christmas trees. Here are some tips to stay safe.
The New Year is a time to start fresh, make plans, and set goals. Don't leave home improvements off your list.
Yes, Virginia The most reprinted newspaper article in history is worth another look this season.
In Every Issue
12 14 16 18
Market Stats Have home prices steadied?
Ada County Homes A small sampling of homes for sale in Ada County.
Canyon County Homes Looking for a home in Canyon County?
Things to Do Even in winter, our valley has lots to keep you busy.
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
Gingerbread!
Get Ready for Yummy Fun!
Sugar cookies are great, but there's nothing quite like homemade gingerbread!
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his time of year, one trip to any number of stores can net premade gingerbread house kits with themes from "My Little Pony" to "A Christmas Story" and "Candy Land." You can even purchase
a "Jurassic World" gingerbread volcano or a chocolate cookie house from Hershey. Although it's tempting in our uberbusy world to succumb to the
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temptation of a boxed kit, perhaps this year, gathering the family for some old-fashioned cookie baking might be just the ticket to enhance your holiday experience!
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GINGERBREAD COOKIES 1/2 c. real butter, softened 3/4 c. dark brown sugar, packed 1/3 c. molasses 1 large egg 2 Tbsp. water 22/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground allspice 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS: In large bowl, cream butter & brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, & water, beat well. In separate bowl, combine dry ingredients & mix well. Gradually add dry mix to wet & beat. Divide dough in half, shape into logs, wrap with waxed paper, & chill in refrigerator at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350o. On lightly floured surface, roll each dough log to 1/8-inch thickness. Lightly dip cookie cutters in flour & cut shapes in dough. Carefully lift cookies & place on greased cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes, just until edges are firm. Remove from cookie sheet, cool completely, & decorate. cbboise.com
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Stay Safe this Winter
Tips You Need to Know
There is nothing like decorating your home for the holidays with fragrant candles, colorful lights, and festive bows and ribbons. But take steps to protect your family with some holiday fire safety. Debbie Webb Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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his holiday season, when you are gathered around the fireplace with family and friends enjoying the smell of pine needles from your freshly cut tree, a little holiday fire safety can give you peace of mind.
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Holiday Candles Fragrant candles can add a festive flare to a room but take precautions to avert a fire by making sure that your candle is placed on a heat resistant base, and never leave your candle burning when you are not in the room. Keep your candles our of children’s reach, and do not, under any circumstances, leave your home without extinguishing your candles.
•
Holiday Lighting Holiday lights and lighted trees add a celebratory cheer to your home. Use these fire prevention tips to keep your family and your home safe. Check all electrical outlets and extension cords. • Make certain the outlets have a place for a ground wire.
• • •
Check your extension cords for cracks or splits. Never run extension cords under a rug. Do not overload extension cords. Equip your home with a fire extinguisher and have it tested. If you plan to use lights outdoors, make sure the ones you choose are rated for that purpose.
Fireplaces Gathering with friends and family around the fireplace can keep you cozy and warm your heart. Be sure to have your fireplace cleaned and inspected every year to avoid problems and to keep your family safe. Do not dispose of Christmas wrapping by burning it in your fireplace as the ink on the colored paper could give off toxic fumes when it burns.
important if your tree is located close to the fireplace or wood stove. As beautiful as your tree may be, remember pine needles are extremely flammable. Hot Stoves and Ovens Christmas cookies and other holiday treats are great this time of year. Who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie? Take care around a hot stove, though, and keep all plastic away from the oven heat, too, as burning plastic is toxic. Count Your Blessings By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the holidays and celebrate with family and friends worry free and concentrate on what this time of year is all about, counting your blessings.
If you have a live tree, water it often to preserve the pine needles—this is especially cbboise.com
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
Home Resolutions
Easy Ideas to Get You Started
As you plan your 2019 resolutions, don't forget to include a few for your home! Ginnie Leeming Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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he New Year brings with it resolutions made with honest and good intentions. Maybe you’re planning to take hike the foothills or seek out hidden spots in the city. While you are planning, why not make a few resolutions for your home, too? Fix Nagging Problems We all have those nagging home repairs that we never get to. Resolve to change that in 2019. Take a tour of your home and make a list of everything that needs to be fixed—from squeaky
doors to broken hinges to chipped tiles. Tackle at least one project a month. Once you’ve completed your list, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to start! Repair and Repaint Your Walls Do your walls have a few dings? Is the paint color in your entry dated? New paint has a way of making a home feel completely refreshed. Brighten up your living room by painting the walls white or add excitement to your kitchen with a splash of tangerine. Wondering what the hot colors are for 2019?
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Most every paint brand has an idea. A quick Google search might help you decide! Get Your Closets in Order When it comes to home improvement ideas, organizing your closets is one that will make a big difference in your life. Try tackling one closet at a time. Start by going through everything in the closet and get rid of anything you don’t need or use. Then, figure out what your storage issues are. Depending
PAGE 9 on your budget, you can install ready-made closet organization solutions yourself, or you could hire a professional designer to create custom closets. Either way, there is nothing like opening a closet that’s perfectly organized!
Start by updating all of your light fixtures with LED light bulbs. These bulbs are manufactured without hazardous mercury, are extremely efficient, and last much longer than traditional bulbs. Make the switch now.
Address Heating and Cooling Issues The New Year is a great time to call in a professional to look at your systems and diagnose any issues, or if you feel qualified, check them out yourself. Don’t wait until an emergency to address potential problems.
Next, replace your cleaning products with earth friendly options. These products can be found in most stores these days, or you could even make your own green cleaners. Are you planning to replace any appliances this year? Make sure to choose the most energy efficient option.
you’ll be able to schedule, automate, and control lighting, thermostats, home security, and more. Save Up for a Big Project Is there a home repair you’ve been thinking about for a long time? Maybe it’s remodeling an outdated kitchen or refinishing worn floors. Create a budget, determine a project start date, and then figure out how much you’ll need to save from each paycheck. You’ll be surprised how quickly the savings add up!
Go Green Have you been wanting to go green? There are plenty of home Another way to go green is repair ideas to make this happen by embracing smart house in 2019! technology. With these products,
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DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
Believe. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Yes, Virginia
There is a Santa Claus
Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the resulting response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. Veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church crafted the piece that has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial. Today, perhaps more than ever, Mr. Church's answer to Virginia's question is one to share again and again.
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EAR EDITOR: I am 8 years capable of grasping the whole of old. Some of my little truth and knowledge. friends say there is no Santa Claus. Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN and generosity and devotion exist, it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is and you know that they abound there a Santa Claus? and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary VIRGINIA O’HANLON would be the world if there were 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET no Santa Claus. VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence
lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the Not believe in Santa Claus! You strongest men that ever lived, might as well not believe in fairies! could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, You might get your papa to hire poetry, love, romance, can push men to watch in all the chimneys aside that curtain and view and on Christmas Eve to catch Santa picture the supernal beauty and Claus, but even if they did not see glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Santa Claus coming down, what VIRGINIA, in all this world there is would that prove? nothing else real and abiding. Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. cbboise.com
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
Monthly Market Report
Ada County Prices Up in November
More new construction sales and fewer existing homes on the market kept Ada County home prices up in the month of November. Breanna Vanstrom Chief Executive Officer Boise Regional REALTORS®
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he median sales price for Ada County in November 2018 was $324,250 for existing and new homes combined. This was up 20.1% over the same month last year, but nearly even with October 2018. As we’ve shared many times through our market reports, local home prices are being driven by the persistent and historically low inventory of existing homes compared to demand, and more new homes selling at overall higher prices, primarily due to rising construction costs. On average, the share of monthly homes sales that are new is typically between 22-23%, meaning the other 77-78% of the sales are of existing homes. When the share of new home sales goes over 24% or 25%, we will see overall home prices (looking at existing and new homes together) increase, on average, between 1214% year over year. As the share of new home sales increases, so does
the overall median sales price In comparison, the median sales and the related year-over-year price for new construction was at increase. $390,000 in November 2018, up 13.9% over November 2017, and This is what’s meant when we say just below the most recent record the “overall home price is being high for this segment, which was driven up by more new homes $393,705 in June 2018. selling.” However, new home prices are just part of the story. If our market conditions of low inventory and high demand In November 2018, the median continue, there is no guarantee sales price of existing homes in Ada we’ll see prices drop significantly County reached was $295,000, up over the next few months, as we 18.0% over November 2017. In might normally expect as we move this segment of the market, price into the winter months. increases are being driven by very low inventory compared to buyer However, those thinking about demand. selling or buying shouldn’t be concerned with ‘timing the market,’ There were just 661 existing because the best time to buy or homes available for sale at the sell is when it fits your needs and end of November 2018, down circumstances. If you’re thinking 24.0% from October — a drop about making a move, talk to your of 209 properties — and down REALTOR® to explore your options. 12.1% from last year. More existing inventory is needed at all prices points to meet the demand from home buyers, which is what will Get in touch if you'd like to know contribute to our market eventually how all of this information affects coming back in to balance. your situation!
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By the Numbers 828
HOMES SOLD NOVEMBER 2018*
33
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Ada County
$324,250 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
1,647
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons. Statistics provided by Boise Regional REALTORS® Single arrow denotes change of less than 10%; double arrows denote 10%+.
379
HOMES SOLD NOVEMBER 2018*
29
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*
Canyon County
$221,000 MEDIAN SALES PRICE*
674
HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* cbboise.com
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
Ada County
Featured Homes
1605 N. 12th St. N Boise This North End charmer is next to Hyde Park & all it has to offer. This historic home has been completely restored & includes a new detached 2-car garage (a rare find in the North End!), wiring, HVAC, kitchen, bathrooms, & roof. Living spaces on the main level & down create perfect spaces for all. Close to Camel's Back Park, hiking, & mountain biking.
1439 E. Shenandoah Dr. NE Boise Stunningly remodeled 2-story entertainers' delight! Spacious kitchen with massive concrete island, fiber-optic lighting, Sun Valley-style custom cabinetry, & a pearl ice maker. Posh master ensuite with soaring vaulted ceilings, balcony, office/workout room with a rooftop garden. Savant music system throughout. Cozy wine cellar. Lush landscaping, pool, hot tub.
5790 E. Clear Ridge St. SE Boise Beautifully cared for 4 bed, 3.5 bath home features a spacious open plan with a large kitchen that includes quartz counters, a center island, & plenty of cabinet space. Great room with gas fireplace. Upstairs master retreat with dual sinks, soaker tub, & separate shower. Fully fenced yard & extended patio.
342 W. Bloomington Dr. SW Meridian Welcome home! 1,549 sq.ft. home on .3-acre lot. 3 beds, 2.5 baths, wonderful kitchen with Corian counters, double ovens, breakfast bar, & pantry. Living room with cozy gas fireplace & French doors to wrap-around deck. Family room with view to back yard. Master with dual sinks, jetted tub, walk-in shower, & walk-in closet. Northfacing back yard.
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Ada County
Featured Homes
5805 N. Morpheus Way NE Meridian Stunning custom home with 4 beds, 2.5 baths, & office! 1,248 sq.ft. 6-car garage. Beautiful & unique open layout with tons of windows for natural light. Kitchen features slab granite, SS appliances, island, pantry, & huge dining area. Spacious master with dual vanities, shower, separate tub, & walk-in closet. 4th bedroom with secret "kid cave."
7061 N. Penncross Way NW Meridian Exquisite home with spectacular views of Spurwing's 18th fairway. Grand entry with marble floors, gourmet kitchen, walk-out daylight basement, & mature landscaping. 4 beds, 4.5 baths, 5,505 sq.ft., & a 4-car garage. Large windows throughout create light-filled & elegant rooms. Luxurious master retreat with fireplace & spa-like bath.
838 E. Andes Dr. Kuna Brand new 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with 2,857 sq.ft. & a main-level master featuring a double vanity, soaker tub, tile walk-in shower, & tile floor. The master closet has a private door to the laundry room. The stunning kitchen boasts double ovens, quartz counters, & island. The upper floor includes 2 spacious bedrooms & a large bonus room (or 4th bedroom).
10620 W. Wild Iris St. Star Better-than-new 4 bed, 2 bath home with 2,221 sq.ft. & a 4-car garage that includes RV storage, a shop, & epoxy floors! Open island kitchen with stainless appliances, tons of storage, & double ovens. Great room with huge windows for tons of natural light & a cozy, stacked stone fireplace flanked by beautiful built-ins. Large covered patio, no rear neighbors. cbboise.com
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019
Canyon County
Featured Homes
10374 Ryan Peak Dr. NE Nampa Brand new 4 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,370 sq.ft. home in a great location. Spacious floor plan with a lovely open kitchen featuring breakfast bar/ island, gas range, & plenty of cabinetry. Great room with stone fireplace & large windows. Incredible master suite with dual sinks, deep soaker tub, walk-in shower, & roomy walk-in closet.
1604 W. Lava Ave. NW Nampa You'll have plenty of room to roam in this 4,547 sq.ft. home with 5 beds, 3.5 baths, & a 3-car garage. High-efficiency heating & cooling, tons of storage, RV hookup, & more. Big kitchen with tons of counter space, breakfast bar, & giant pantry. Formal living room & separate family room with fireplace. Master bath with separate vanities, soaker tub, & separate shower.
48 N. Zion Park Dr. NW Nampa Adorable 3 bed, 2 bath home with 1,613 sq.ft. in a great Nampa neighborhood with pathways, tot lot, & beautiful landscaping. Open kitchen with breakfast bar & loads of storage. Vaulted ceiling in kitchen, dining & great room. Large fenced back yard with storage shed and patio for your BBQ.
11471 Hwy 20-26 NW Caldwell Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath on 1.80 acres. 1,899 sq.ft., enclosed sun porch, & large craft room/ office space with built-in shelves & a sink. Lovely grounds with 40'x30' shop & second outbuilding. Plenty of space for your toys, your RV, & a large garden. Property is connected to city water & sewer & also has a private well.
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Canyon County
Featured Homes
4518 Kadie Ct. SW Caldwell Newly constructed 3 bed, 2.5 bath home on .25-acre fenced & landscaped lot located at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood. 1,708 sq.ft., beautiful finished, walk-in closets in every bedroom, & incredible attention to detail. Spectacular master retreat with dual sinks & TWO walk-in closets! Great room with fireplace.
3101 Turning Leaf SW Caldwell Fabulous home! Like new! Super clean & ready for new owners. Beautiful, all new carpet & interior paint throughout. New HVAC in 2017. New dishwasher 2015. Huge pantry & tons of storage. FIVE spacious bedrooms & ALL with walk-in closets. Fenced backyard with patio. Close to downtown, shopping, easy freeway access, & the new Indian Creek Plaza.
13394 Riverside Dr. SW Caldwell Gorgeous like new home on 1.88 acres surrounded by orchards on a corner lot. Open concept plan with 4 spacious bedrooms & 3 full baths, a large bonus room & office. Fabulous kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, & beautiful cabinets. Wood floors, granite counters, & tile throughout. An extralarge covered patio, no back neighbors.
14945 Pistol Creek Way Middleton This brand new home offers all you could want & more! 2,001 sq.ft. packed with beautiful custom finishes, custom cabinets, designer lighting, Bosch appliances, custom tile, & plumbing for a water softener & central vac. The stunning kitchen features quartz counters, under-counter lighting, a farm sink, breakfast bar, & large pantry. cbboise.com
DECEMBER 2018-JANUARY 2019 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Let's Have Some Fun! Boise Indoor Winter Market Saturdays through December 22
Nampa Rec Center Splash 'n' Dash Friday, December 21, 5:45-9:45 p.m.
9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. 8th & Fulton, downtown Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com
Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org
Winter Garden Aglow Through January 1, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
New Year's Idaho Potato Drop Monday, December 31, starting at 3:00 p.m.
Idaho Botanical Gardens 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise idahobotanicalgarden.org
Music, Food Vendors, Fun Downtown Boise idahopotatodrop.com
Boise Christmas Light Tours Through December, dates & times vary
New Year's Eve Lock In for Kids Monday, December 31, 7:00 p.m.
Boise Township Tours Corner of Yale & Lois, Boise boisetownshiptours.com
Downtown Boise Light & Sound Show Nightly through December 21
4:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Front & 8th Streets, Boise boisecentre.com
Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org
The Great Polar Bear Challenge To benefit Make-A-Wish Tuesday, January 1, 10:00 a.m.
Spring Shores Marina, Lucky Peak Info
"Love Actually" Thursday, December 20, 7:00 p.m.
The Buddy Holly Story Friday, January 18, 7:30 p.m.
Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main, Boise boiseclassicmovies.com
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Friday, December 21, 2:00 p.m.
Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St., Nampa nampaciviccenter.com Saturday, January 19, 7:30 p.m. The Sapphire Room, 2900 Chinden, Boise eventbrite.com
Albertsons Stadium BYU vs. Western Michigan Tickets & Info cbboise.com
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Celebrate the Season
Wishing you much joy in 2019!
TOMLINSON GROUP DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.