REAL Magazine, September-October, 2014

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

Starry, Starry Night: Bruneau’s Sand Dunes September Honey-Do List Light Up Your Home with the Right Bulbs Our Favorite Apple Recipes August 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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September is dressing herself in showy dahlias and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias. October, the extravagant sister, has ordered an immense amount of the most gorgeous forest tapestry for her grand reception.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

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 467.5272

contents Starry, Starry Night A visit to Bruneau Dunes State Park holds adventure for all ages.

Honey-Do List Helpful hints to ready yourself & your home for fall.

Light Up Your Home The right light bulbs can change your home's ambience and save you money.

An Apple a Day Yummy apple recipes from our agents.

August Market Stats A brief look at what's happening in the Treasure Valley real estate market.

Ada County Homes A small sample of available homes in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Terrific and affordable homes in Canyon County.

Events & Other Fun Stuff A fast-view calendar with events throughout the Treasure Valley.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

Starry, Starry Night

at the Bruneau Sand Dunes

Bruneau Dunes State Park is open all year, with a visitor center open 9:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. (with some variation during the winter). Call 208.366.7919 for details.

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ocated just 64 miles south of Boise, Bruneau Dunes State Park is an often-overlooked, year ‘round adventure perfect for all ages. With the tallest singlestructured sand dune in North America, rising 470 feet above the desert floor, the park offers hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, camping, dune skiing/sand board sledding and star gazing at the park’s observatory.

Spend the day sliding down the dunes with a sand board rented from the visitor center, or bring your own saucer. Plastic ones work best, as anything metal gets hot in the summer.

Hike, birdwatch, plan a picnic, or fish for bluegill in the lakes at the foot of the dunes. You’ll enjoy the quiet, as vehicles aren’t allowed on the dunes, and only electric motorboats and non-motorized watercraft are approved for the lakes.

Bring your horses and explore the park’s 9-mile riding trail. There is a dedicated equestrian area with corrals and water spigots for your horses, as well as a vault toilet and small shelter with picnic tables. This area includes 15 nonreservable campsites.

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PAGE 5 Though plenty close enough for a day trip, if you visit on a Friday or Saturday from early April through mid-October, you’ll want to stick around to check out the stars.

For a fee of just $3.00 per person (children five and under are free), you can participate in a short orientation and introductory astromomy program followed by the opportunity to view the heavens through the observatory’s collection of telescopes. For presentation times, call the visitor cbboise.com

center at 208-366-7919, or check the kiosk when you arrive.

Plan to camp or stay in a cabin. In addition to the equestrian area, the park has 82 serviced sites, as well as 31 standard, five group, two ADA-certified sites and two cabins.

There are showers, flush toilets and dump stations. Campsites range from $16 to $22 per night; cabins are just $50.

For information, visit the website by clicking HERE.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Honey-Do List

"Home Work" for Fall

Transition your home from summer to fall with this month’s list of around-the-house to-do’s.

Victoria Lee, Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

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all is almost upon us and with falling leaves and more hectic schedules, it’s time to get organized at home. On your home’s September honey-do list, we’ll get you and your house ready for the cooler months ahead.

1. Enjoy the outdoors.

If you’re like most of us, you’re still in denial that summer is almost over. If you’re not ready to move inside, consider transitioning your summer patio to a cozy fall retreat.

Add a few autumnal touches, like a chiminea and garland lights to make your outdoor space work even as the nights get longer and cooler.

2. Apples, apples & more apples.

Nothing screams fall more than the blissful smell of apple pie wafting through the house. Take a trip to a local pick-your-own farm for a festive activity and cook up some fall favorites like applesauce and apple pie. We’ve shared the our agents' favorite recipes on pages 12-13, but here's another to consider. After all, an apple a day…

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3. Schedule doctor’s appointments.

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it’s still best to see him at least once a year. Schedule annual physicals, dentist appointments and eye exams around the same time each year so you’ll have an easier time remembering to check all the necessary boxes. Booking appointments around back-toschool time is usually best as some extra-curricular activities will require a check-up anyway.

4. Get into back-to-school mode.

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas for school lunches, or tips to make it out the door on time, check out this link to make back to school easy as the abovementioned apple pie.

5. Prep your yard for fall.

With fall around the corner, there is plenty to do to prep your yard for the change of seasons. Download this printable September Lawn & Garden To-Do List, which covers everything from lawn care to building a compost bin for falling leaves.

6. Fall into home improvement.

Before the weather turns too cold, plan your final outdoor home improvement projects. Roof repairs, gutter and chimney cleanup are particularly important before the winter arrives.

7. Get organized.

In the coming weeks, it will be time to put away the summer attire and break out the warmer clothing.

Take time now to make room in your coat closet, donate unworn summer items and assess what fall clothing no longer fits. Spring cleaning gets all the glory, but the fall sweep is where it’s at!

8. Start holiday prep.

We never have enough time before the holidays, so make a point of starting prep early.

Begin the Halloween costume brainstorm, collect Thanksgiving Day recipes, and start your holiday card address list. By doing a little holiday organization ahead of time, you can actually relax and enjoy the most important part— spending quality time with those you love!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

Light Up Your Home

with the Right Bulbs Charity Kountz, Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

Choosing the right light bulbs for your home can make a big difference, not only in your home’s ambiance, but also in your energy bill and safety. There are four main types of bulbs: incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent (CFL), and light-emitting diode (LED). Each has advantages and appropriate applications. Here’s a guide for your next light bulb shopping trip.

Bulb Type #1: Incandescent First put into use in the 1800s, the incandescent light bulb is the

most inefficient type of bulb. Over 90 percent of the energy goes to the heat generated to create light.

As of 2007, the US created a policy that light bulbs must become 2530 percent more efficient after 2012.

At this point, most manufacturers have moved on to creating more energy-efficient bulbs, but other bulb options exist that are even more efficient. Typically, they give off a warm, yellow light although other colors are available. You can often find incandescent

bulbs in lamps, refrigerators, and microwaves — and usually, they can be replaced with more energyefficient bulbs.

Bulb Type #2: Halogen Halogen bulbs are also a type of incandescent bulb. Unlike conventional incandescent bulbs, however, they use halogen gas to produce light, and they’re more energy-efficient. Halogen bulbs provide a bright white light, which makes them ideal for task lighting, accents, displays, and undercabinet lighting.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Choosing the right light bulbs for your home can make a big difference in your home’s ambiance, energy bill, and safety. How to choose? We’ll walk you through four main types of bulbs: incandescent, halogen, CFLs, and LEDs.

Keep in mind that they’re more expensive than incandescent and can be extremely hot.

Bulb Type #3: CFL These bulbs are extremely energyefficient and have a long life span.

While their price point is higher than that of their incandescent counterparts, the energy savings for CFLs over their life span more than makes up for the initial expense.

CFLs can last up to 10 years. They may have received some negative press due to concerns over the mercury they contain, but they’re deemed safer than the typical mercury thermometer, which contains 125 times more mercury.

Be aware that you may need to take certain special steps to handle a broken CFL safely or dispose of a used bulb. cbboise.com

Bulb Type #4: LED One of the main advantages of LED bulbs is that they’re directional, meaning they direct light in a specific direction (unlike other bulbs which emit light in all directions); this makes them effective for overhead or spot lights.

Another advantage to LEDs is that they don’t burn out or fail like other bulbs; they grow gradually dimmer until they no longer illuminate effectively. LEDs are considered “burned out” when their light output is less than 70 percent.

While these bulbs can be expensive, they arguably save money in the long run, as they’re more energy-efficient and generally have a much longer life span than other bulbs.

Choosing Bulbs for Fixtures In addition to their energyefficiency variables, light bulbs come in a wide variety of shapes and color options. When choosing a type of bulb for a particular fixture, make sure the wattage is not outside the maximum range for that appliance and that the base of the bulb is compatible.

From there, you can choose the decorative appearance of the bulb itself. For example, if you want something that looks like a traditional incandescent bulb but is more energy-efficient, you can opt for an A-shape CFL bulb.

Covered globe bulbs are popular for the bathroom, as well as ceiling fixtures and fans. When choosing light bulbs for outdoor use, be sure to read the packaging carefully to make sure those bulbs are rated to withstand the elements safely.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

An Apple a Day

Our Agents’ Favorite Recipes

From dinner to dessert, apples add the perfect flavor to a great fall meal.

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isit any farmers’ market, and you’ll see loads of crisp, juicy apples just waiting to be made into delicious pies, sauces, butters and more.

And if you’d like a great family outing, visit any of a number of “u-pick” orchards across our area to collect your own harvest. Check out pickyourown.org for a list of schedules and locations.

To celebrate autumn, we asked our agents to share their favorite apple recipes and are pleased to share a few of them with you here.

APPLE NIBBLES Core and slice a variety of apples into 1/3-inch slices.

Spread slices with peanut butter and sprinkle with cocoa Rice Krispies Cover and refrigerate. Serve chilled.

APPLE FRUIT SALAD 1 red apple 1 green apple 1 cup strawberries 1 banana 1 cup grapes 1 pkg. strawberry glaze 1 pkg Dream Whip or Cool Whip Peel, core, and cut apples into chunks. Slice strawberries. Mix all fruit into the glaze and slowly fold in the Dream Whip. Refrigerate one hour. Serve.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

1-1/2 tsp. rubbed sage 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 tsp. ground allspice 1/2 tsp. paprika 1 tbsp. flour 1 tsp. salt 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick (about 1-1/4 lbs.)

2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 red apples, thinly sliced 1/2 cup apple juice 1 Tbsp. brown sugar

Mix flour, all of the spices and salt in a small bowl.

Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with 1 Tbsp. of this mix.

Cook pork chops in hot olive oil in large skillet on medium-high heat until browned on both sides.

Remove from skillet. Add onion; cook and stir for 3 minutes or until tender. Add apples; cook and stir 2 minutes.

Stir in juice, sugar and remaining seasoning mix until well blended. Return pork chops to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until desired doneness.

DUTCH APPLE PIE Pastry 1 - 9” pie crust. Gently place the pie crust into a 9” pie pan without stretching. Turn the overhanging edges under and flute with fingers or imprint with a fork.

Apple Filling 6 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1 cup sugar or Splenda 2 Tbsp. flour ½ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. nutmeg 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Streusel Topping 1 cup flour ½ cup brown sugar or Splenda brown sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ cup butter ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) Combine dry streusel ingredients. Cut in butter with two knives or pastry blender until crumbly.

Stir in nuts. Sprinkle over apple mixture and bake at 425 degrees for 40-45 minutes, until bubbly.

Toss all together in large bowl; spoon into crust.

Cool slightly. Slice and serve with vanilla ice cream or a no-sugar-added ice cream.

APPLE CRISP 4 cups tart apples (about 4 medium) 2/3-3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup oatmeal 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/3 cup butter, softened cbboise.com

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange apples in greased, 8x8x2 baking dish.

Mix remaining ingredients and sprinkle over the apples. Bake until topping is golden brown and apples are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with cream or ice cream, if desired.

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APPLE & SAGE PORK CHOPS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

August Market Stats A

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

s the kids head back to school and the weather cools, so, too, do home sales. At least that is the adage for our market. And while sales are down from last month in both Ada and Canyon Counties, there is still much to be excited about.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of our real estate market is the stability. Our market continues to demonstrate a consistency that we haven’t seen in a long time in the Treasure Valley. The wild mood swings of the past 7-8 years are nowhere to be seen in our statistics for this year.

Total homes sales closed were slightly down in August from the previous month, and also from the

same month last year. Our year-todate total sales units remain about 3% below last year in Ada County, but are up about 6% in Canyon County. We expect to finish the year strong but likely will not close the gap on sales in Ada. Median days-on-market (the typical length of time between a home hitting the market and accepting a purchase offer) is also still competitive. In most markets, this metric is at 60-90 days or more, but we continue to see most homes moving in about a month if they’re priced competitively.

Additionally, median prices are still increasing at a healthy 8% annual rate. This trend may slow a bit heading into the winter

months, perhaps ending the year with 5-6% average growth in sales prices and values. Either way, it’s encouraging that we’re not looking at unsustainable doubledigit price increases now.

The inventory of available homes continues to rise in Ada County but has leveled off in Canyon.

Seasonally, we tend to see fewer homes for sale in the fall/winter months as new construction slows down. This will be a telling statistic as we head into 2015.

Just like the weather, real estate is most definitely local. Call to find out what all of this means for you in your own neighborhood and market.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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754

$218,745

HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2014

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

30

Ada County

2,990

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET

313

$139,000

HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2014

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

29 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

1,504 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

Ada County

Featured Homes

2668 N. Kristy Kuna This home is move-in ready! Great plan & very clean. New carpet downstairs, upgrades throughout. Open living area, separate living room, upstairs den/family room with built-in desk area. Huge master suite with walk-in closet, soaker tub & separate shower. Lots of storage & linen closets. No back neighbors; backs to community park. Possible Rural Development financing.

6039 S. Wallflower Pl. SE Boise Don't miss out on this great home in Columbia Village. Close to I-84, Micron, Lucky Peak & the Oregon Trail system. Hardwood entry, updated lighting & fans. Gourmet kitchen with large eating bar & separate dining space. Vaulted ceilings provide an open, airy feel, & large windows really brighten up each room. Inviting gas fireplace, split bedroom design with spacious master.

1010 E. Whitbeck Dr. Kuna Brand new home with stunning craftsmanstyle architecture. Main floor ceilings are 9' high. Terrific kitchen with Shaker-style cabinets with soft-close doors & drawers.

Relaxing master suite with oval soaker tub, separate shower & large walk-in closet.

Spacious living room, separate family room, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,990 sq.ft. on .14-acre lot.

4843 S. Silvermaple S Boise Absolutely sparkling clean! Custom home is designed with entertaining in mind. Spacious & open floor plan connects the family, living & dining rooms with the large & modern kitchen.

Oversized 3-car garage with ample room for storage & workshop area. Stone laid patio faces north & is ideal for evening entertaining.

Master bath with soaker tub.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Ada County

Featured Homes

4172 E. Trekker Rim SE Boise 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, craftsman-style home near Surprise Valley/Mill District area. Mainlevel master, hardwood floors, new carpet throughout. Granite tile kitchen, glass tile fireplace, river tile soaker tub. Covered porch & balcony with views of cliffs, foothills & Tablerock. Lots of open space, wildlife, hiking & biking to the Boise River.

3309 S. Como Ave. SE Meridian This single-level features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & 2,241 square feet. Wonderful master suite with patio access, spacious walk-in closet connected to the utility, dual vanities, soaker tub & all tile & glass walk-in shower. Grand great room open to a true cook's kitchen with 8' island & storage galore. Slab granite, walk-in pantry. Coffered ceilings, crown molding & more.

6103 W. Founders Eagle Gorgeous lakefront property with custom-built 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. Gorgeous lake views in either direction, sandy beach & firepit. This magnificent home boasts nearly 3,900 sq. ft., 3 master bedrooms & stunning finish work. The soaring, stacked stone fireplace in the living room anchors the bank of windows that overlook the lake & covered patio.

2267 W. Champagne Ct. Eagle Enjoy sunsets & the splendor of the Boise Front from this majestic home. Impressive great room with soaring ceilings & floor-toceiling stone fireplace. Concrete tile roof, soaring wood windows, solid core doors — all beautiful materials artfully selected to create an exceptional home. Gourmet kitchen is perfect for entertaining.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

Canyon County

Featured Homes

3339 Payette River S Nampa Brand new home! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,990 sq.ft. Spacious living room & upstairs loft area with room for everyone. Terrific kitchen with soft-close maple cabinets & crown molding.

Great master with dual sinks. All the bedrooms have walk-in closets & plenty of storage space.

Front & back covered patio, great for relaxing or entertaining.

1316 Horseshoe Canyon Middleton Stunning & less than a year old! Immaculatelymaintained 3 bed, 2 bath home with upgrades galore. Sunny kitchen with large pantry & views of both the front & back yards. Spacious master with walk-in closet, dual sinks & walk-in shower.

Open plan with vaults & plant shelves. Insulated 3-car garage, covered porch & patio. Perfectly situated on .21-acre lot.

11294 W. Radcliff NW Nampa This newer 4 bedroom home sits on a third of an acre & featured custom concrete & rock work, as well as a custom staircase with iron & wood accents. 2,031 sq.ft. with a huge master suite with coffered ceiling, dual vanities, corner Jacuzzi tub & separate tile shower. Hardwoods, gas fireplace, private covered patio, insulated garage & XXL RV pad with gate.

2616 Toma Ct. S Nampa All new carpet throughout! Quiet area, no traffic. Single level home that shows true pride in ownership on 32 acres! Abundant windows allow lots of natural light. Open great room featuring gas fireplace & expansive, island kitchen with granite slab counter tops. Spacious master with 2 large vanities, separate shower, jetted tub & private access to deck.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

11270 W. Shay Park Dr. S Nampa Golf, swim & enjoy life in Carriage Hill.

Commuinty clubhouse & resort-style living. This stunning home sits on a half acre & includes a to-die-for kitchen is open with tons of light & comes complete with dual ovens, a dual-level dishwasher & gas cooktop. Master retreat with dual sinks & large soaker tub. Tile & hardwood flooring, wonderful patio & outstanding views.

17130 Stiehl Creek Dr. NE Nampa .65 acre of absolute perfection! You will not find another house with the amenities, quality, appeal & price to match this house. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3845 square feet, 3-car garage & an open design. 2nd-level entertainment area that will blow you away! Full wet bar with granite, tile & a full theater room with stadium seating & state-of-the-art technology.

15593 Eclipse Dr. SW Caldwell Enjoy life in this wonderful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3011 square feet on .82 acre. Open living area with a gas fireplace, bayed dining & stunning kitchen with beautiful cabinetry, hardwood floors, granite counters, walk-in pantry & double ovens. Private master with trayed ceiling, double sinks, corner soaker tub, separate shower & walk-in closet.

16915 N. Denemere Loop NE Nampa Located in the desirable Vallivue School District! Super cute & clean in fabulous, friendly neighborhood close to shopping, freeway & schools. Open floor plan offering a bright kitchen with a skylight that floods the home with natural light, breakfast bar, 2 pantries, plant shelves & vaulted ceilings. Main level bonus room with cozy gas fireplace.

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Canyon County

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2014

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Events Fun for All Ages!

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Star Gaze at Bruneau Dunes Friday & Saturday evenings thru Oct. 11

Capital City Public Market Saturdays, 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. thru Dec. 19

27608 Sand Dunes Rd., Mountain Home Check website for more info

8th & Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. thru Oct.

1080 Front St., downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com

East End Market Sundays, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. thru Oct. 12

Bown Way, SE Boise

www.facebook.com/eastendmarketatbowncrossing

Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. thru Oct. 11

185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket

Kuna Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9:00a.m.-noon thru Sept. 28

Kuna City Park, Main St., Kuna www.kunafarmersmarket.com

Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. thru Oct. 25

1350 Front St., Lloyd Square, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com

Walkabout Boise Saturdays, 11:00a.m. thru Fall

Downtown Boise www.preservationidaho.org

FitOne Expo & Fun Run/Walk September 18-20

Downtown Boise www.fitoneboise.org/

Scarecrow Stroll September 29-October 31, 9:00a.m.-dusk

Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

30th Annual Harvest Classic Fun Run/Walk September 30, 8:00a.m.-noon

Lake Lowell to the Nampa Rec Center Registration & info: HERE

See Spot Walk October 4, 9:00a.m.

To benefit the Idaho Humane Society Julia Davis Park Bandshell, Boise Registration & info: SeeSpotWalk

Boo at the Zoo October 25, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

cbboise.com

355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise www.zooboise.org

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