REAL Magazine, February-March, 2016

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Split Rail Winery Q & A with Winemaker Jed Glavin Home Security Preventing a Break-In HVAC Troubles?

When to Replace or Repair Yard Sale Season is Coming Do You Know the Law? 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!

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This is the time of year when "it's colder than it looks" becomes a well-worn phrase. There are hints of spring with strong reminders that we are still in winter.

As the daffodils and crocus begin to poke their way through the earth, we hope you take the time to enjoy what the change of season brings, whether it's prepping your gardens or skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon.

And, if you have any story ideas or comments, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade."

~ Charles Dickens

contents Split Rail Winery Wine in kegs and cans?

We talk with local winemaker Jed Glavin.

Home Security New technology to prevent home burglaries.

HVAC Troubles?

Do you repair your furnace or replace it?

Some tips to help you decide.

Yard Sale Madness Yard sales are big business in the Treasure Valley.

Do you know the law?

Market Stats 2016 is off to a strong start with optimism for the year.

Ada County Homes Beautiful homes on the market in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Canyon County has some beautiful and affordable homes for sale.

Things to Do There's always something to do in our valley.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Split Rail Winery

Q & A with Winemaker Jed Glavin

The love of wine and the desire to create something new and different from local ingredients led to Garden City's Split Rail Winery.

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daho winemaking history dates back to the 1860s, but our state is still better known for its potatoes than for its awardwinning wines. It’s true, the wine industry here is small, but it’s growing – and attracting attention from wine lovers across the nation.

REAL talked with Jed Glavin who, with his wife, Laura HefnerGlavin, own and operate Split Rail Winery, a small operation located in a renovated auto body shop on Chinden Blvd. in Garden City.

REAL: In a nutshell, how would you describe Split Rail Winery?

JG: We focus on innovation and doing things a little differently. We hope to make our mark in Idaho as a producer of exciting, quirky, and eyebrow-raising wines.

REAL: Give us a little history.

JG: Both Laura and I dig wine and used to visit the Walla Walla area frequently when we were in college. We had been making wine for our own use in our garage for years, and when the industry’s growth exploded, we got the wild idea of starting our own winery.

We’d been working corporate jobs for about eight years and decided to give it a go. We stayed in our “real” jobs for a few years until it became clear that there was enough demand to dive in full time.

REAL: When was your first vintage of commercial wine?

JG: That was in 2010. We made around 200 cases. Today we produce about 3,000 cases with bottles, kegs, and cans. Still pretty small by most winery standards.

REAL: Wine in kegs and cans?

JG: Yes! As I said, we love doing things differently. Our keg and can label is called Strange Folk Wines. The kegs are awesome.

Restaurants can put wine on tap.

Every pour is fresh, and it reduces both wine and bottle waste. We have wine on tap here at Split Rail so you can swing by and fill a wine growler. This reduces your cost to get fresh, local wine. Last year we started putting wine in beer-style cans, as well. The glass bottles can be clunky for camping or other outdoor activities. Cans are just safer.

REAL: Where do you get your grapes?

JG: Laura and I both grew up in farming communities. Split Rail really emerged from our fervent belief in supporting local agriculture and creating local products. We love to see the support from all the restaurants and residents of Boise that are willing to support something made locally. From vintage to vintage, we seek out grapes from specific vineyards in the Snake River Valley that are intriguing and well-produced. We typically get our grapes from Skyline Vineyard, Sawtooth Vineyard, and Williamson Orchards and Vineyards, all of which are in SW Idaho.

REAL: Split Rail is located in Garden City in a former auto body shop.

Kind of industrial for a winery, isn’t it?

JG: We consider ourselves an urban-style winery. We love to be able to make and manage our wine close to Boise so we can be close to home. We also love being close to all the breweries and other small companies in Garden City

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PAGE 5 and Boise that are making cool, local products. The camaraderie and collaboration we get from being near everyone is huge for instilling this craft vibe that’s in Boise right now. It is industrial, but all the wine barrels are right up there in your face when you walk in. You can feel the immensity of what we are producing.

and produce small lots of new stuff. You will typically see a new wine or varietal in every one of our releases. We want to keep it exciting for our customers and for us. I would get bored if I had to produce the same wine the same way every year.

This label is kind of a REAL: Is there one thing that sets celebration of diversity, you apart? even though that sounds cheesy. This keeps our JG: Our Split Rail label was created small wine club exciting. for producing small lot, boutique- Our wine club members style Idaho wines. Our model with never know what we are this label is different from other going to release, so it wineries. We don’t produce the feels kind of “culty.“ same wine every year like you typically see.

Split Rail's concrete wine tank looks like an eggInstead, we shaped spaceship. Stop by the winery at 4338 E. find cool Chinden Blvd. in Garden City, sample some great new grapes wine, and see for yourself! every year cbboise.com

To find out more, visit Split Rail’s website, splitrailwines.com, or their Facebook page.

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Home Security

Preventing a Break-In Victoria Keichinger Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

What if your security system could actually prevent a break-in before it happened?

Meet the "Myfox" smart home security solution.

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he suite of Myfox smart security products are changing the game in home security. With modules that include the IntelliTAG, key fobs, and a security camera, MyFox is

seamless, intuitive, and just plain smart.

IntelliTAG While traditional security alerts you when a door is broken, the

Myfox smart alarm goes a step beyond. The MyFox IntelliTAG window and door sensors can tell the difference between normal bumps like a soccer ball and potential threats like a crowbar.

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PAGE 7 This early detection then signals the alarm system to have an alarm go off and send the burglar away.

In 82% of the time, the burglar left the home before completing the break-in. You’ll also be alerted immediately through instant SMS, email and push notifications.

Key Fobs Because different people have different security needs, the Myfox key fobs allow the system to be flexible enough to fit every member of your household. The key fobs recognize individual family members and automatically disarm the alarm so you don’t have to enter a code every time. You can also set different settings, so for instance when your kids come home, the key fob cbboise.com

automatically detects that its your daughter and not your husband.

This could trigger the camera to automatically turn on so you can keep an eye on her at home, but when the system recognizes a parent’s key fob entering the home, the camera could be set to turn off.

Security Camera Some are uneasy about having a camera in their home, but Myfox has thought of that, too! A unique feature of the Myfox security camera is the privacy shutter which is a physical motorized shutter that opens and closes to block the camera lens. Allowing you to physically see that the camera is closed, this feature fully ensures that no picture can be taken. This

not only protects your home, but your privacy, too.

Installation & Monitoring This wireless security system is easily installed in 10-15 minutes.

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, MyFox announced the addition of 24/7 professional monitoring with a no contract, pay-as-you-go model for $9.99 per month. Better yet, this cost may be covered by homeowners' insurance.

The MyFox alarm systems start at $279 and can be found at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. To learn more about what might be one of the smartest home security solutions out there, visit Getmyfox. com.

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

HVAC Troubles?

When to Replace or Repair

With some help from The Home Depot, Coldwell Banker Blue Matter's Lindsay Listanski helps you decide.

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f your HVAC system breaks down, you will be faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace it. Repairs can be less expensive, but there are a number of reasons to consider replacing the entire unit.

The first is the cost of the repair: If the repair will cost more than 50 percent of the price of a new system, especially if the broken unit is seven years or older, investigate getting a new system.

Here are some other reasons: An Old System. While a properly maintained system can last 15 to 20 years (depending on where you live and how hard it has to work during extreme temperature events), equipment manufactured more than 15 years ago is not as energy efficient as systems available today. With the average household spending almost half of its energy budget on heating and cooling costs, it makes sense to install an energy-efficient system, if possible. High-efficiency furnaces available today can achieve AFUE ratings of above 98 percent. That could mean drastic reductions in heating bills. The Department of Energy estimates

that replacing a furnace with an AFUE of 50 percent with one that has an AFUE of 95 percent will save more than 45 percent in energy costs.

Frequent Repairs. Even if the repairs are minor, they are a nuisance. And don’t forget: HVAC systems tend to break down when you need them the most. If you are faced with a major repair (such as a compressor for an air conditioner or a blower motor for a furnace) and you have had to pay for a similar repair recently, it is time to replace the unit.

High Energy Bills. There could be a number of reasons for this, including leaky ducts or a lack of insulation and weather sealing in the house’s walls and ceilings.

But it could also mean that the current system is not the right size for the house—a common problem when people add a new room or extension onto a house that increases the volume of the insulated air inside. A new, properly sized system would solve that problem.

Tips for Purchasing a New System HVAC systems are part of a house’s

energy package that includes not only heating and cooling equipment, but everything that affects energy usage, including insulation levels in walls, ceilings and floors, the types of windows and the habits of the people who live in the house. A professional energy audit can pinpoint areas where the house and its systems are wasting energy. That’s important information to have if you are replacing an HVAC system, because it will help you and your contractor choose the system that is best for your house.

You can find an energy auditor online or by calling your local utility company. The auditor can identify energy leaks in the house as well as leaks in the ducts.

Selecting a contractor to install a new system will be the most important decision you make.

Here are some tips for selecting a contractor: Get referrals from friends and family. Anyone you are considering working with should be licensed and carry liability and

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A new HVAC system could improve your family's health and lower your energy bills.

workers’ compensation insurance.

Ask contractors for references and follow up on them.

Gather at least three quotes for the job. It is important that the contractors are all bidding on installing the same equipment. All quotes should be in writing.

Don’t automatically take the lowest bid. Take into consideration things like experience, references and the way the contractor presents themselves—Did he show up on time?; Did she explain your options?; Does he have experience installing the system you are considering?; Does she offer a warranty on workmanship?

Finally, how long has the company been in business? Have they proven they’ll be around to warranty their work several years into the future?

Many contractors believe that homeowners are only interested cbboise.com

in getting the lowest price, and recommend equipment at the low end of the price scale.

But low-cost equipment may not be the most energy efficient, and it may not be the best choice for your home. Always ask about your options. At the very least, insist on an Energy Star product (but, as mentioned, some Energy Star products are more energy efficient than others).

Installing a new HVAC unit is a long-term investment, but replacing old energy guzzlers with high efficiency equipment can reduce your monthly energy bills and make your house more comfortable in the process. A new heating and cooling system can improve your family’s health,

reduce your impact on the planet and lower your energy bills.

Lindsay Listanski is the Senior Manager of Media Engagement for Coldwell Banker Real Estate and is a licensed real estate agent. She was born and raised in New Jersey and just bought her first home in Livingston, where she grew up.

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Yard Sale Madness

Do You Know the Law?

When it comes to yard sales, Idaho law is pretty clear. Before the season gets into full swing, make sure you are informed.

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leaning your closets and In fact, if you have one with a having a yard sale to get rid neighbor, friend, or family member, of unwanted items is a great it counts as one for each of you. way to make a little extra cash.

To qualify for an exemption from Not many people think about the collecting sales tax, your yard legality of these weekend money- sale must meet ALL of these makers, though. For instance, did requirements: you know that in Idaho, you are 1. The sale must last no more than supposed to register as a retailer and a few days. get a seller's permit to collect sales 2. If you have a business and sell a tax if you plan to hold more than particular item, you can't sell the two yard sales in a calendar year? same item at your sale.

3. You can use your yard sale to sell items you specifically bought for resale.

4. You must own the items you sell; you cannot make consignment sales.

5. You have to conduct the yard sale on your premises.

For more information, visit the Idaho State Tax Commission website.

Happy yard saling!

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Monthly Market Stats A

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

ccording to Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog in Pennsylvania, an early spring is on its way, and our market is already showing similar indications.

The year started with a significant boom in closed sales units as compared to years past. Both counties saw the highest number of closed single-family home sales for this month of the year as tracked over the last ten years.

Also, as expected, the inventory of available homes is at the lowest level of the year. We’ve been saying it for months now, but the truth

We expect inventory to grow as families come out of winter hibernation and contemplate a move. If you’re anticipating a relocation, don’t delay. Beat the More good news came for Idaho usual spring rush and get the in a year-end report from the U.S. information you need to make Bureau your plans of Labor NOW if you’re Statistics. Idaho was the #1 state in 2015 for c o n s i d e r i n g year-over-year job growth, at a rate a change of Idaho was the of 4.37%. scenery in #1 state 2016. Call, text, in 2015 for year-over-year job or email and take a look at just growth, at a rate of 4.37%. Job how good the market might be for growth – and growth in wages – is your situation. what will continue to support our healthy housing market into the future. still remains: there is a shortage of available listings on the market right now, especially with regard to resale inventory.

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$237,390

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2016*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

34

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

1,715 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

239

$147,500

HOMES SOLD JANUARY 2016*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

38 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

805 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Ada County

Featured Homes

1073 N. Camelot W Boise Beautiful views! Amazing condo with gorgeous views of the pond, fountain, & park-like grounds.

Excellent Boise Bench location. New flooring, new bath, new paint, two skylights for natural light, large closets, & plenty of storage. Covered patio with view, terrific kitchen with breakfast bar, pantry, & custom cabinets. 2 beds, 2 baths, 1399 sq.ft. Low maintenance. Community pool.

7482 Misty Cove NW Boise This custom home features 4 bedrooms plus a bonus room. Main-level master, large living area with gas fireplace. Formal dining, chef's gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances including a built-in, 65" fridge, gas cooktop with pot filler, granite counters, & tile flooring.

East-facing back yard, extended & covered patio, no back neighbors.

1010 W. Goose Lake Ct. Eagle Serenity & elegance abound in this wonderful home with premier finishes that radiates exceptional craftsmanship. Private courtyard with fireplace to relax. Rich hardwood floors span from the entry into the heart of the home.

Stunning gourmet kitchen with luxurious amenities. Spacious master-suite on the main level opens to its own patio.

535 W. Bogus View Dr. Eagle This exquisite Spanish style home boasts pueblostyle arched passageways, fantastic mosaic tile work throughout, Spanish tile flooring, subzero fridge/freezer, Thermador oven/range with grill for the chef in the family. Incredible willow wood ceiling in main bath & laundry, concrete balcony overlooking dramatic living area. High end quality windows throughout, 30' wood ceilings.

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Ada County

Featured Homes

2575 N. Equestrian Pl. Eagle 4200 sq.ft. custom home on 2.145 acres.

Extensive hardwood, formal living & dining, crown molding, Great room plus upper bonus room. 4 beds, 4 baths, 4-car garage. Spacious main-level master with 2 walk-in closets, jetted tub, & walk-in shower. Stunning grounds with saltwater pool & sandy beach.

4285 S. Tindaris Ave. SE Meridian Welcome Home! Main-floor master, upstairs 2nd master + good-sized rooms, loft, & new engineered flooring all on a 1/4 acre corner lot in fantastic location! Large kitchen boasts all the goodies: granite, stainless appliances, plenty of counter space & view to the cozy fireplace/ great room. Office/Den+5 beds. Extended back covered patio with gas BBQ stub.

971 E. Tuweep NE Meridian Beautiful 5-bedroom, 3.5 bath home with mainlevel master & main-level inlaw/guest suite! This amazing home has ample space for the whole family & includes all the upgrades of a high-end home. Fresh interior paint, brand new carpet with upgraded pad, & recently refinished hardwood floors. Open kitchen with SS appliances, great room with fireplace.

4094 W. Big Creek Dr. NW Meridian Large, beautiful home with great curb appeal in very attractive area. Lots of upgrades including fresh paint inside & new roof. Kitchen features full tile back splash & breakfast bar. Great master suite with dual vanities & soaker tub. Lots of closet space. Large fenced yard with mature landscape & large patio for entertaining. Oversized RV parking space & a 3-car garage.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

Canyon County

Featured Homes

12923 Pheasant Circle S Nampa Impressive lakeview property! Well-maintained, single-level stucco home with tile roof on 2 acres in a private setting. Features a large kitchen with island, breakfast bar, gas range & Corian counter tops. Separate living & family rooms, formal dining room plus office gives you plenty of room for entertaining. Expansive view decks all around the home!

2301 Leo Dr. NW Nampa Single-level, split bedroom home with 1592 sq.ft., formal living room, family room, & 3 bedrooms.

New carpet & dishwasher. Vaulted ceilings, plant shelves, spacious kitchen with plenty of counter space & open to dining area. Fenced yard, storage shed, great location close to shopping & schools.

1923 Lotus Ponds Ct. NW Nampa Terrific 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-story located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Main-level master, open kitchen, great study area/bonus room at the top of the stairs. 3-car garage with extra storage.

1552 sq. ft. packed with value.

3004 Bianco St. NW Caldwell Custom home on quiet cul-de-sac. Entry & dining areas have hardwood floors with inlaid tile. Great room with gas fireplace, beautiful kitchen with tile backsplash, breakfast bar, SS sinks, nice pantry. Sunny eating area, with bay window. office/flex room with French doors, spacious master with coffered ceiling & large walk-in closet. Gazebo, fire pit, & waterfall.

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Featured Homes

16117 Sunnyfield Ave. SW Caldwell You'll have plenty of room to spread out in this spacious design. Separate living room & family room with 5th bedroom or bonus/media space.

Fresh paint. Wonderful kitchen with breakfast bar & huge pantry. Master with dual vanitles & walkin closet. Large fenced yard with room for lots of outdoor fun. Vacant and ready for you now!

8161 Goldstream Ct. Middleton Elegant waterfront home! A gorgeous, sweeping staircase greets you as you enter this immaculately maintained home. The chef's kitchen upgrades include: beautiful granite, cabinets, pull out shelves, built in storage & a HUGE pantry. The kitchen, dining area, great room & master on the main level look out over the private lake. Don't miss the "Harry Potter" room!

1043 W 4th St. N Middleton This 3 bed, 3 bath home lives much larger than its 1503 sq.ft. Great open plan with tons of natural light. The open kitchen features a breakfast bar adjacent to the dining area and great room with fireplace and high ceilings. Large master with trayed ceiling & walk-in closet. 3-car garage & spacious fenced yard with room for a dog run.

Cute covered front porch adds curb appeal.

18620 Dixie River Rd. Caldwell Well maintained home with lots of updates on 5 acres! New paint & flooring. Fenced for animals.

Electric hot wire fence on 3 sides of back pasture. New roof in 2011, newer siding, energy efficient windows. Garage and utility shed have electrical. Raised planter beds. Irrigation canal runs through property. Large 30x36 barn with tack room and hay storage.

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Canyon County

FEBRUARY/MARCH, 2016

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Things to Do Learn to dance, or take in a show!

Friday Night Dinner at the Basque Market Each Friday, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Kid's Fair February 27, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

608 W. Grove St., Boise Reservations: 208-433-1208 www.thebasquemarket.com

7072 S. Eisenmann Rd., Boise www.idahoiceworld.com

Family Night at Idaho Ice World Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Learn to Social Dance Every Monday night, 7:30 p.m.

Meridian Senior Center 1920 N. Records Way, Meridian meridianseniorcenter.com

Spring into a Successful Garden Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 p.m.

Idaho Botanical Gardens 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise idahobotanicalgarden.org

Ballet Idaho's Sinatra and More Friday/Saturday, February 19/20, 8:00 p.m.

Morrison Center, BSU campus 1910 University Drive, Boise balletidaho.org

Fight for Air Stair Climb Saturday, February 27, 8:30 a.m.

US Bank Plaza, 101 S. Capitol Blvd, Boise action.lung.org

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Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood, Garden City Kid's Fair Info

Kuna Performing Arts Presents

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers March 3,4,5, 7:00 p.m.

Kuna High School, 637 E. Deer Flat Rd., Kuna Info

Nampa Parks Splash N Dash March 11, 5:45-9:45 p.m.

Kids swimming fun

131 Constitution Way, Nampa Details HERE

ZooBoise's Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 19, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Easter Bunny, egg scrambles, face painting 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

Boise Spring Home Show March 19-22, times vary

Expo Idaho, 5610 N. Glenwood, Garden City boisespringhomeshow.com

SNIP's 8th Annual "SPAY"ghetti No Balls Sunday, March 20, 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Riverside Hotel Ballroom 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise snipidaho.org

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