REAL Magazine, January-February, 2016

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

The Making of a Snowman Super Non-Bowl Activities Make the Perfect Guacamole with this Recipe from Andrade's Beyond Wearables The 2016 Consumer Electronics Show Year-End Market Report Get Out & Have Fun! 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

2016 is underway! The shortest day is behind us, and even though January, with its grey skies and inversions, can be a long month in the Treasure Valley, there's still lots to do both inside and out. We've given you a few ideas in this month's REAL and hope you find fun ways to make the winter pass.

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

“

Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but look at what they can do when they stick together!" ~ Unknown

contents The Making of a Snowman Who knew the simple snowman enjoyed such a storied past?

Super Non-Bowl Activities Not a pro football fan?

The Boise area has some fantastic alternatives!

The Perfect Guacamole Our friends at Andrade's Mexican Restaurant share their recipe.

Beyond Wearables The 2016 Consumer Electronics Show highlighted some tech we can look forward to.

Year-End Market Stats And a look ahead to what you can expect in 2016.

Ada County Homes Ada County has some fabulous homes for sale.

Is your new dream home here?

Canyon County Homes Check out just a few of the terrific homes for sale in Canyon County.

Get Out and Have Fun! There's always something to do in our valley.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

The Making of a Snowman

A Little History

Michelangelo was a snowman-builder? Who knew the snowman had such a storied past!

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e don't get feet of snow here in the Treasure Valley, but on occasion, we'll get that perfect storm of the white stuff, with just enough moisture for snowballs, forts, and, yes, a snowman. Most times, if you want to build Frosty (or Mrs. Frosty, if you will) you need to get on it.

Snow doesn't usually last very long around here. Still, bundling up and spending some time outside with the kids, your significant other, or even your pooch and making a snowman will, at the very least, create some broad smiles and a few laughs.

Snowmen, as it turns out, have quite a past. From picture books, art museums, holiday programs, and even horror flicks, snowmen have been featured as both background scenery and the stars of the show.

Author Bob Eckstein in his book The History of the Snowman traced the origins all the way back to 1380 by

researching artistic depictions in European art galleries, museums, and libraries.

According to Eckstein, snowmen in the Middle Ages were built with great care and planning. Even Michelangelo was commissioned to construct a snowman at the mansion of the ruler of Florence, Italy, in 1494.

human hair is about 17). It was built by scientists in the UK. History and records aside, the next time it snows, get outside, get a little exercise, and create your own frosty memories!

Fast forward a few hundred years, and you'll find almost 300,000 items from snowglobes and knickknacks to books and movies on Ebay with "snowman" in the title.

The Guinness Book of World Records lists the folks from Bethel, Maine, who built a snow-woman over the course of a month that measured 122 feet, 1 inch. At the other end of the spectrum, the smallest measured just 10 micrometers across (a COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

Super Non-Bowl

Activities for the Rest of Us

For the non-football watchers among us, we offer your guide to some alternative things to do on Sunday, February 7th.

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lthough it might be considered practically unAmerican to say this out loud, we have a confession to make: not all of us love football. For those who experience wanderlust on this hallowed Sunday, there are other options and adventures to explore: Boise Art Museum: Chinese Gardens - Explore a different culture through this visual experience featuring works of art as well as original photographs of the private gardens in Suzhou, China.

12-5pm @ Boise Art Museum, 670 Julia Davis Drive, Boise. Free-$6. www.boiseartmuseum.org Boise Baroque Orchestra - Enjoy the Bach Concerto in A Minor with world class violinist, Benjamin Thacher. 2pm @ Cathedral of the Rockies, 717 N. 11th, Boise $25. www.boisebaroque.org

Boise Little Theatre Open Auditions for "The Crucible" - 10 men, 10 women (ages 25-70) and five girls (ages 10-18) are needed for the BLT production of "The Crucible". Bring the Salem Witch Trials to life! Auditions will be cold readings from the script. 2-5pm @ BLT, 100 E Fort St, Boise. www. boiselittletheatre.org/auditions Bogus Basin: Explore the great outdoors through three different adventures. www.BogusBasin.org

- Tubing Hill: 9am-5pm, reservations required. $12/person

- Nordic Skiing: 9am-6pm.

Adult full day $14/Half Day $11

- Alpine Skiing: 9am-9pm.

Adult full day $54/Half Day $47 Comedian Ed Hill @ Liquid Laughs - Voted Best Comedian in 2015 by Westender Magazine in Vancouver, B.C., and "Best Local Stand Up 2015 Runner-Up" by The

Georgia Straight. 8pm @ Liquid Laughs, 405 S Eighth St, Ste 110, Boise. $10-$12. http://liquidboise. com/liquid-laughs Idaho Ice World - Sunday is Power Play Sunday with BOGO Free Admission and skate rental! Test your skills out on the ice. 12-2pm @ Idaho Ice World, 7072 S. Eisenman Road, Boise. $6-7 plus $3 skate rental. www.IdahoIceWorld.com Ice Skating @ the Village in Meridian - Polish your skills while skating on an open rink in a unique atmosphere. 12-6pm @ The Village in Meridian. $3/Child 12 & Under, $5/Over 13 plus $2 skate rental. www.thevillageatmeridian.com McCall Winter Carnival 2016 - Where art meets ice, you'll find amazing sculptures and an invigorating downtown culture! All day, McCall http://

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PAGE 7 m c c a l l c h a m b e r. o r g / w i n t e r carnival/event-schedule/ The Springs Hot Springs Retreat - Forget the cold when you slip into the decadence of a natural hot spring. Soothe the tired mind and body. 11am-10pm @ The Springs, 3742 Hwy 21, Idaho City. $16/day for adults, $10/day for children 12 & under. www.TheSpringsId.com cbboise.com

Steamboat Gulch Sledding Hill - Spend the day reliving your childhood as you sled down the slopes! Warm up with hot chocolate over a fire. 9am-4pm @ Steamboat Gulch located 1 mile of Idaho City. $10/vehicle www.steamboatgulch.com

Watch the Puppy Bowl!

Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XII features 49 rescue dogs from 44 shelters in 25 states all looking for their forever homes. The show includes a kitty halftime show and live tweets from Meep the Bird. Watch the fun on Animal Planet at 1:00 p.m. MST on the 7th.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

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from Boise's Andrade's

Need the perfect dip for your Super Bowl guests? You can't go wrong with plenty of chips and homemade guacamole. This recipe from our friends at Boise's Andrade's Mexican Restaurant is sure to make you the MVP!

INGREDIENTS 6 avocados, peeled & pitted 2 roma tomatoes, diced 1/2 onion, diced 1/2 c. cilantro, chopped Juice from 2 limes, freshly squeezed Jalapenos, to your liking, diced (HINT: wear gloves when dicing) 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Salt to taste Mash together avocados, lime juice & garlic powder. Mix in remaining ingredients, add salt to taste. Serve with chips.

Choosing the perfect avocados: Avocados should be dark with a hint of green and no dents.

Avocados that yield to pressure when you squeeze gently are ready to eat!

Andrade's Mexican Restaurant is located at 4903 W. Overland (just east of Orchard) in Boise cbboise.com

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The Perfect Guacamole

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

Beyond Wearables

Ideas from the 2016 CES David Marine / Anna Visioli Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

The Consumer Electronics Show January 6-9 in Las Vegas showcased the hottest new tech gadgets for body, home, and office.

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earable fitness devices were certainly wellrepresented at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. They offered new features, fashionable new finishes, and targeted athletes to kids and everyone in between. However, a growing number of health and fitness products are stealthily and innovatively incorporating themselves into our homes.

Fitness tracking devices are great, but what to do when your fit bit is scolding you for your lack of activity, but job responsibilities require that you spend hours at a laptop? One relatively nontechnical solution comes from Locktek. The TV wall-mount manufacturer has expanded into the fitness space, offering stationary bikes with built-in desks, and adjustable desks that allow users to sit down, stand up, or pedal one of the company’s under-desk exercisers while tapping on their keyboards.

As health experts continue to warn us of the dangers of a sedimentary lifestyle, adding a little spin class to our home offices may provide a fun way to work out while we’re working.

Looking to add a little less work and more fun to your workout? Many fitness products incorporated elements of gaming into the exercise experience.

Wahoo Fitness’s Kikr Smart Trainers boast not only a realistic road cycling experience, but incorporate with cbboise.com

training apps (including Wahoo Fitness’ own app) for a virtual roadracing experience right from your living room.

So what do you do after a long, workout-filled day? How about settling into a customized night of sleep on Sleep Number’s IT bed? The IT bed is equipped with biometric sensors that track your heart rate, breathing and movement. The IT bed app is then able to report on sleep patterns and recommend your ideal ‘sleep number’ for a better night of ZZZs. As with many of the products at the show, the IT bed intends to incorporate with other gadgets, like fitness devices and smart thermostats, allowing “IT” to determine factors like the right amount of activity and the perfect nighttime temperature for your optimal night of sleep.

Foregoing the traditional showroom sales experience, the IT bed will be available online this summer, starting at around $1000.

For more smart home coverage from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show visit ces. coldwellbanker.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

Monthly Market Stats I

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

n terms of closed unit sales, 2015 closed much stronger than other recent Decembers on record. In both Ada and Canyon Counties, closings were up over 25% from last year at this time, and inventory in most price points continued to drop to the lowest levels we’ve seen in over 8 years. In short, the year closed with a bang!

In fact, for the whole year, our entire market area saw substantially higher sales activity year-over-year, with double-digit increases. Additionally, the total

market volume sold this year was amplified with solid increases in median sales prices for the year – well above the historical 4% that is considered “normal” for residential real estate.

2016 promises to bring more modest, but steady, increases in sales activity and prices.

The National Association of Realtors, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Fannie Mae are all indicating expectations of 4-6% increases in both sales activity as well as prices, nationally. Locally, our expectations may be even

a bit more optimistic as we still see opportunities for sellers to capitalize on higher market values.

Every year, like clockwork, the holiday decorations get put away and almost immediately many homeowners start to think about making a move. Don’t delay – beat the usual spring rush and get the information you need to make your plans NOW if you’re considering a change of scenery in 2016. Call, text, or email and take a look at just how good the market might be for your situation.

YEAR END 2015 vs. 2014:

9,566 HOMES SOLD IN 2015 (up 19%)

3,999 HOMES SOLD IN 2015 (up 14%)

$228,500 Ada County Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE IN 2015 (up 8.8%)

$142,900 MEDIAN SALES PRICE IN 2015 (up 8.3%)

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$232,500

HOMES SOLD DECEMBER 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

29

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

1,764 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

301

$149,000

HOMES SOLD DECEMBER 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

33 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

843 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

Ada County

Featured Homes

4450 N. Trail Blazer Pl. NE Meridian This elegant, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double oven, hardwood floors, granite countertops and built-in range. Huge mastersuite includes jetted tub, separate shower and large walk-in closet. Bonus room has plenty of space with wet bar, perfect for entertaining! This home is a must-see!

4638 N. Elmstone Ave NW Meridian Welcome to this beautifully maintained, singlelevel home with a large upstairs bonus room, designed to fit your needs. Enjoy the spacious great room featuring a corner fireplace. The large kitchen with plenty of cabinets and counter space also shares an eating area. Vaulted ceilings, granite counters, designer fixtures & a drinking water filtration system are just some of the upgrades.

1020 N. Strike Way Kuna Wonderful home in great location! Features a nice floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1804 sq.ft., 2 living spaces and a cozy fireplace.

Plenty of room for the whole family. Large east-facing back yard with RV parking, apple trees, pear trees, raspberry plants and a nice firepit. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

658 W. Treehouse Kuna This fabulous, single-level home has all the features to make you feel right at home. The large kitchen and open floor plan with vaulted ceilings creates a spacious living area that flows together.

The large master bedroom and bath have privacy from the other 3 spacious bedrooms. Private north-facing back yard overlooks the park.

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Ada County

Featured Homes

1010 W. Goose Lake Ct. Eagle Serenity and 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.

9279 W. Wildbranch Dr. Star Immaculately maintained beauty! This home looks brand-new and already has window coverings and a refrigerator. Master-suite features a rain head walk-in shower, split vanities and a large soaker tub. Tons of upgrades including: built-ins, trayed ceilings, mud room, Bosch appliances, 5 burner gas cooktop and much more! HERS rated 54.

1882 N. Rubine Kuna Gorgeous, well-loved home on a corner lot. Live large in this spacious and open floor plan. Kitchen features tile, custom maple cabinets, farm sink, gas range, island and breakfast bar. Coveted eastfacing back yard with oversized stamped concrete patio and vinyl fencing. Desirable subdivision offers community parks, swimming pool, walking paths and playground.

2238 W. Beige Court Kuna Fantastic 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath and 2168 sq.ft. home with a split bedroom design offers a ton of amenities! The master suite features private access to back patio, a master bath with full tile and glass walk-in shower, soaker tub, expansive dual vanities, appliance storage and access to utility room from walk-in closet. Too many upgrades to list them all!

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

Canyon County

Featured Homes

10606 Dragonfly Dr. NW Nampa Dazzling 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a country front porch and a great floor plan.

Walking distance to both elementary and middle schools. Bright kitchen features breakfast bar, large pantry and eating area.

Room on main could make a great office. You'll love the vaulted ceilings in the living room and master-suite!

732 Cedar Point Way S Nampa Incredible, remodeled home done with a contemporary taste. Huge formal dining room and family room downstairs, as well as a great loft area upstairs – plenty of room for everyone!

Spacious master bedroom features a built-in bed unit, cozy fireplace and walk-in closet. This home really has it all, RV parking, shed, covered patio & 3-car garage.

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 and Corian counter tops. Separate living and family rooms, formal dining room plus office gives you plenty of room for entertaining. Expansive view decks all around the home!

2715 Polk St. NW Caldwell Secluded standout! 3.42 acres, 3667 sq.ft., 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 kitchens and guest quarters.

Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with slab granite counter tops, Bosch SS appliances, double ovens, built-in gas cooktop, SS fridge and 2 pantries.

Honey oak floors. Main-level master suite with walk or roll-in tile shower. Giant walk-in closet, sitting area with door to 2 separate decks.

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Featured Homes

732 Cedar Point Way S Nampa Beautiful home in desirable Dallan Woods Subdivision. The open floor plan provides great space for entertaining family and friends.

Spacious kitchen overlooks the great room with cozy fireplace and lots of windows. 4 bedroom, 3 bath with master-suite on the main floor. Master bath features dual sinks, soaker tub and separate walk-in shower.

2813 S. Bayhill Ct. S Nampa Beautiful home in gated Bayhill Subdivision with great open floor plan. Kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, island/breakfast bar, custom cabinets and lots of storage. Immense, main-level master-suite with jetted tub, separate walk-in shower and dual sinks. Bonus room, hardwood floors, fireplace, drive-thru 3rd bay garage and so much more!

1041 N. Powder River Dr. Middleton This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features an immaculate open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors, Alder cabinets and granite tile counter tops in kitchen. Master-suite has a huge walk-in closet, dual sinks, soaker tub plus shower. Cozy fireplace in family room, with plenty of room for entertaining. Don't miss out!

24398 Tombstone Ridge Ct. Middleton Peaceful and quiet, east-facing acre home with amazing views across the valley to the Boise front. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty features an open floor plan with 12' ceilings, fireplace in great room, kitchen with quartz counter tops, tile and hardwood finishes throughout. The 4th bedroom is perfectly situated for an office. Oversized garage plus a shop!

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Canyon County

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2016

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Things to Do Tons to do all over the Valley!

Boise Little Theater "The Servant of Two Masters"

Riders in the Sky Concert Wednesday, February 10, 9:00 p.m.

Through January 23, days/times vary boiselittletheater.org

Egyptian Theater, 700 W. Main St., Boise www.emporiumpresents.com

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

Cupid's Undie Run To benefit the Children's Tumor Foundation

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

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

Nampa Chamber Lock-In for Kids Drop off Friday, February 12, 7:00 p.m.

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

Pick up Saturday, February 13 by 9:00 a.m.

Pizza, movies, swimming, more

131 Constitution Way, Nampa Details HERE

The District Coffee House 219 N. 10th St., Boise Info

Recycled Minds - Live Improv Comedy Saturday, January 30, 8:00 p.m.

ZooBoise's Wild at Heart Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Free admission, face painting, and more 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise zooboise.org

Organic Yard and Garden Class Saturday, February 6, 10:00 a.m.

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

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Saturday, February 13, noon Tom Grainey's, 109 S. 6th St., Boise www.cupidsundierun.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

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

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

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