REAL Magazine, September-October, 2015

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2015

Walking Through History Meridian's Downtown Muy Bueno!

Ceviche from Andrade's Fall Projects For Your Home Get Smart!

Trends in Smart Home Innovation August Market Report Things To Do Meridian's Pine Street School, built in 1921

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

Leaves are turning, and we're starting to see the wide temperature swings that are so common in our area at the change of seasons. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in our valley, so layer up and get out to enjoy it!

We'd love to know what you think. Email your comments, questions and story ideas to us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

I trust in nature for the stable laws of beauty and utility. Spring shall plant and autumn garner to the end of time.� ~ Robert Browning

contents Walking Through History Take a walk through downtown Meridian.

You'll be surprised at the hidden history.

Muy Bueno!

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with ceviche from Boise's Andrade's Restaurant.

Time to Clean Up We can help with these fall clean-up tips.

Get Smart!

Manage your home from your smart phone?

Take a look at the top trends.

August Market Stats Keep up with what's happening in the Treasure Valley real estate market.

Ada County Homes Check out just a few of the great homes on the market in Ada County.

Canyon County Homes Canyon County is a great place to live.

Take a look at just a few of the homes for sale.

Things To Do Get out and enjoy the fruits of fall!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

Walking Through History

Meridian's Downtown

Grab the kids, stop by Meridian City Hall for a brochure, get a lemonade, and set out on a fun, educational trek, exploring Meridian's early businesses and homes.

I

f you've ever taken a stroll through Meridian's downtown, you've probably seen the red, blue, & yellow decals on the sidewalks. These are historic markers and are part of two selfguided Meridian Historic Walking Tours.

The City of Meridian, The Meridian Historic Society, and The Meridian Development Corporation partnered to put together these 23site tours to allow residents to take a step back in time, see some of Meridian's most historic buildings,

and learn about the people who once lived there.

The original Meridian townsite was established in 1893 on the homestead of Christian and Eliza Ann Zenger. A creamery was built in 1897, and it wasn't long before Meridian was known as the dairy center for the state, a fact that is still celebrated during Dairy Days each June.

Meridian City Hall provides you with brochures for both the north and south tours that include maps

and information about each site, as well as QR codes that allow smartphone users to scan for additional facts and photos.

Historians of all ages can soak up local history all while getting some exercise and enjoying all that downtown Meridian has to offer.

Learn more at meridiancity.org.

Thank you to the Meridian Historical Society and Rosie Nary Photography for the photos.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 5 The Bank of Meridian at 140 E. Idaho Ave. was built in 1908 and was used to house the post office. The faรงade is an example of a classic Tourtelotte and Hummel design. cbboise.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

Muy Bueno!

Ceviche from Boise's Andrade's

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day on September 16th (no, it's not May 5th) with fresh and delicious Ceviche from Andrade's Mexican Restaurant, a Boise staple since 2001. Visit the restaurant at 4903 W. Overland, or try your hand at making it yourself with the recipe Andrade's graciously shared with REAL.

INGREDIENTS 1 lb. medium-sized shrimp, cooked & chopped ½ lb. imitation crab, chopped 5 green onions, chopped ½ white onion, chopped 1 cucumber, diced 1 tomato, diced Juice from 6 limes 1 bunch cilantro, chopped Salt, garlic powder, & black pepper to taste Bring water to boil, add shrimp & cook until pink. Drain & submerge in cold water until cool, then chop. Place shrimp & crab in lime juice in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Combine all ingredients & place on platter. Garnish with avocado & radish.

Serve on tostadas.

Serves 4 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

While you are on the roof, be sure to check chronic problem areas such as sky lights, chimneys, and vent stacks.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Time to Clean Up

Fall Projects for Your Home Jenn Hawkins Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

With cooler days on the horizon, it is time to get out and start those fall home improvement projects you put off over the summer. Here are a few projects you can get in before sitting down to watch some football.

D

uring the hot summer, no one is especially eager to tackle home improvement projects. After all, spending the day at the lake or in air-conditioned comfort is far more inviting during those hot days. But with cooler weather, fall is the perfect time to tackle the projects that have languished since May. Here are three home improvement projects to get your home ready for the cold.

Pressure Washing and Painting Summers in SW Idaho are hot, and they can be dusty, so if you want to brighten your home and get rid of the dirt and grime, rent a pressure washer for the weekend.

A gasoline-powered pressure washer can make cleaning your home and flat surfaces much easier. For your home and concrete surfaces, pre-treat the area with a one-to-one ratio of bleach and water in a pump sprayer. Test

cbboise.com

an inconspicuous area of your home with the pressure washer before you begin as large pressure washers can remove the paint.

You will find that the treated area shines like a new penny when you have finished pressure washing it.

As you move around your home, pay close attention to any areas that might need paint. If the “body” of your home is in good shape, consider painting the trim if it needs it. Keeping your home in good repair, including the paint job, will go a long way to improving resale value and curb appeal. HomeLogic has a great resource for fall maintenance.

Planting Beds and Shrubs After the summer heat, weeds may have overrun your flower beds. Fall is the time to remove last spring’s mulch, to pull the weeds, and to spread fresh mulch to your planting beds. Later in the fall,

trim back your hedges to get them under control.

Roof Inspection and Repair Fall is a great time to inspect your roof to find any problem areas that may require attention. First, perform a visual inspection to note any missing or broken shingles.

Repair or replace these shingles immediately to prevent a leak from the ceiling. While you are on the roof, check chronic problem areas such as sky lights, chimneys, and vent stacks. Staying ahead of roof problems can prolong the life of your roof. Here are some more tips to make repairs — that way, you can keep small problems from ballooning up to big issues in the future.

These do-it-yourself home improvement projects are not terribly labor-intensive and can get you back to enjoying Idaho’s fall weather.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

Get Smart!

Trends in Smart Home Innovation

Coldwell Banker hosted a CNET-moderated panel on smart home innovation recently at the RealTrends Gathering of Eagles Conference in Denver, CO. The panel included leaders from LG, Lutron, Nest, Sengled, and Tesla. Throughout the conversation, some interesting trends emerged.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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t’s only a matter of time before the smart home, or the connected home, becomes a mainstay in the real estate market. And with 60 percent of real estate agents agreeing their buyers are asking for homes with smart home technology, that moment will be here sooner than you may think.

Smart homes will be the new normal.

Homeowners will have batteries in their garage for their electric cars. Home owners will demand smart lighting, temperature and appliances. Smart technology is becoming more affordable and accessible, so it’s only a matter of time before it becomes commonplace.

Smart homes will “anticipate” comfort.

Face it, smart home technology is really, really cool. Sengled makes a light bulb that streams your music. Nest knows what temperature the room should be when you walk through it.

Athena Snow Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

cbboise.com

Smart phones are your smart home remote control.

If you have a smart phone, you have a remote control for your smart home. According to a recent

survey of Realtors, 62 percent say that buyers want to control their home from their smart phone.

Brands will continue to integrate.

“Products are going to begin to talk to each other,” said Ben Bixby, General Manager of Energy Products, Nest. The past year has been a major time of growth for the smart home market. New players are entering the space every day, and the industry is working to make all the pieces fit together.

The smart home will become the connected home.

You have smart products, like the French door refrigerator with smart cooling from LG, or the Caséta Wireless by Lutron. And then you have the connected home, which you can control from your smart phone. “The key is having appliances that make your life simpler,” said John Taylor, the Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for LG.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

Monthly Market Stats S

What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate

ummer vacations are over, the kids are back in school, and the real estate market in the Treasure Valley continues to remain strong.

Home sales by month continue to exceed last year’s activity. Year-todate home sales transactions are up about 18% in Ada and 11% in Canyon over the same point last year.

are normal for this time of year (especially heading off a strong summer) and indicate a healthy easing in the market to prevent “another bubble” that some have feared.

Recent volatility in the stock market has been at the top of the news cycle for several weeks now. As investors experienced some double-digit corrections in their portfolios for sellers is literally overthis it's been in night, reminds us of the stability of real estate as an investment. Even during the worst parts of the downturn several years ago, the real estate market never corrected so suddenly and dramatically.

There are two The market indications that as good as our market is normalizing as some time. we head into cooler months.

Median sales prices were slightly off from last month, indicating fewer upperend home sales. And the median days on market ticked up slightly in Ada County last month, a trend we haven’t seen in some With the Fed’s almost-certain time. Both of these conditions increase in interest rates expected

in the coming months, there is a renewed urgency for prospective buyers to get off the fence and buy now. Additionally, with the stilllow inventory of homes for sale, the market for sellers is as good as it’s been in some time.

As we all settle back in to a post-summer routine, if you’re considering a change in neighborhoods, please let us know how we can help. Effectively preparing a home for a successful sale often takes time and before you know it we’ll be talking about the holidays – so don’t wait!

As always, real estate is hyper-local.

Don’t rely on websites and generic information to make important real estate decisions. Call or email today to get a customized analysis for your own home and situation.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

$225,000

HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

20

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

2,459 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

401

$145,000

HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2015*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

20 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com

Canyon County

1,187 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

Ada County

Featured Homes

3200 E. Birdsong Ct. NE Boise This beautiful custom home is located in highly desirable El Paseo in the Northeast hills overlooking the City & foothills. The modern, organic design blends naturally in the hillside surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows that capture it all. Chef's kitchen, butler's pantry, upper & lower laundry, entertainment/media room, & an elevated master suite with unprecedented views & private deck.

5649 S. Moonflower SE Boise Super cute Columbia Village home. Fresh paint inside & out. Almost all new windows. Very clean & well maintained. Split bedroom home with large bonus room. Big back yard with mature trees. New planter bed out front makes this home have fabulous curb appeal. Spacious master suite with dual sinks. Great front porch, vaulted ceilings, plant shelves.

12354 W. Tevoit SW Meridian Custom, like-new, one-owner home with north-facing back yard! Fun & functional great room with vaulted ceilings, gas FP, new carpet & custom paint. Open & bright kitchen with SS appliances, hardwood floors, extended breakfast bar & eating nook with bay window.

Master suite with soaker tub, walk-in closet, vaulted ceilings & private back yard access.

9478 W. Woodland Dr. W Boise Brand new 3-bedroom home in convenient west Boise location. Custom kitchen with tile backsplash, undermount SS sink, pantry, Whirlpool SS appliances, & breakfast bar.

Wonderful master suite with dual vanities, granite counters, & walk-in closet. Easy-maintenance, engineered hardwood flooring. Fully landscaped with auto sprinklers & rear patio.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Ada County

Featured Homes

3803 N. Burnstead Pl. W Boise 2600 sq.ft. of pure delight starting with a brand new, 50-year roof, exterior paint, & water heater!

Terrific kitchen with tons of cabinetry, glass tile backsplash, newer appliances, pantry, & view to the large family room with cozy fireplace. Bright & cheery with plenty of natural light. Huge master with dual walk-in closets & vanities & relaxing jetted tub. On a cul-de-sac.

8807 N. Esterbrook Pl. NW Boise Marvelous country setting with stunning views from all angles of the home & property. Natural light floods the home. Open kitchen & family room. Fabulous sunset views from the dining room. Master retreat is spacious with updated bath & tile walk in shower. Enjoy the outdoors on the covered wrap around porch or in the hot tub admiring the magnificent foothill views.

2330 E. Highmeadow Eagle Exceptional value in one of Eagle's best locations!

Fresh updates including new carpet, classy finishes & 50 year architectural roof. Warm & inviting 1/2 acre 4,120 sq.ft. with 5 beds, 3 full baths, formal living/dining, rec room, bonus room with wet bar, & office. Extensive tile & hardwood throughout. Spacious master suite with sitting area, jetted tub & giant walk-in closet.

1350 E. Green Haven St. NE Meridian Beautiful landscape views in living areas & patios. Open plan, 3 bed, 3 bath + office nook.

Tile entry, walnut floors in kitchen & dining.

10’ ceilings. Kitchen has slab granite, custom cabinets, 2 ovens (1 convection), & walk-in pantry. Master bath has heated tile floors, walkin shower, soaking tub & walk-in closet with custom organizers. Casita for office or guests.

cbboise.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

Canyon County

Featured Homes

7500 Lewis Ln. S Nampa Views galore! Private setting on 3.13 acres with views of the valley and Boise Front. Separate studio apartment with kitchen & bath on its own meter above the garage. Main home has large kitchen with baker's pantry, island, breakfast bar, beautiful custom decor. Main-level master, hardwood floors, wrap-around porch, firepit, room for animals, shop, & RV parking.

529 Pennsylvania Ct. S Nampa Fantastic, move-in ready home. This 1100+ sq.ft. home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large back yard with RV parking & is located in a cul-de-sac. All new interior & exterior paint, along with new carpet & vinyl throughout. Kitchen has new stove, Bosch dishwasher & pantry. Patio, fruit trees, auto sprinklers, shed, & no rear neighbors. Vaulted ceiling in living room.

513 Seasons Ct. S Nampa Great single level with 3 car garage & close proximity to hospital, rec center, & shopping. 4 bedrooms, 1,423 sq.ft., corner fireplace, vaults, & lots of natural light. The high efficiency, newer furnace & a/c units will cut utility costs and will help keep home temperatures ideal.

This subdivision is a nice one & you can enjoy long walks around the area.

2414 S. Morning Sun Ct. S Nampa Wonderful home in the beautiful Morning Sun subdivision. Great floor plan, 2267 sq.ft., 4 bedrooms, main-level master, 3 baths, formal dining room, upstairs bonus room along with a 3-car garage on a huge 1/3-acre lot. Nice curb appeal with arched entryway, stone faรงade & traditional dormers. Wet bar, gas fireplace, lots of storage, possible RV parking.

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Featured Homes

13635 S. Coquille St. NW Nampa Gorgeous custom-built home with 4 beds, 2.5 baths, 3-car garage. Fantastic lot in quiet, conveniently-located subdivision close to shopping & schools. Wonderful kitchen with softclose drawers, stainless appliances & large living room with gas fireplace. Huge master bedroom with vaulted ceilings. Beautiful slate tiled entrance with built-in coat bench.

11635 Stockbridge Way NW Caldwell Great home in Virginia Park! Single level, 3 bedroom, 2 bath with office or 4th bedroom.

Open plan, large sunny kitchen with all appliances, spacious great room. Tile floors in hall bath & entry, fresh paint, great landscaping oversized patio. Garage is fully insulated. Low traffic and quiet location. Cute front porch, vaulted ceilings, plant shelves.

2715 Polk St. NW Caldwell Secluded Standout! 3.42 acres, 3667 sq.ft., 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 kitchens & guest quarters. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with slab granite counter tops, Bosch SS appliances, double ovens, built-in gas cooktop, SS fridge & 2 pantries. Honey oak floors. Main-level master suite with walk or rollin tile shower. Giant walk-in closet, sitting area with door to 2 separate decks.

24410 Ranch Rd. Middleton Beautiful custom home with huge shop. Master suite, great room, formal living & laundry room all on the main level. Master bath has soaker tub, dual vanities, separate shower & walk-in closet with natural light. Fireplace with granite hearth in the spacious great room. Kitchen has all new SS appliances, granite counter tops, pantry & tile flooring. Back patio with mtn. views.

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Canyon County

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2015

COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

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Things To Do Get out and enjoy the last tastes of summer!

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Idaho Shakespeare Festival “The Fantasticks” - September 4-27

Capital City Public Market Saturdays; 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

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

Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

10th & Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com

Eagle Saturday Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

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

Kuna Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-noon

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

Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

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

Caldwell Farmers’ Market Wednesdays; 3:00-7:00 p.m.

On Arthur between Kimball & 7th, Caldwell www.caldwellidfarmersmarket.com

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See website for full schedule 5657 Warm Springs Ave., Boise www.idahoshakespeare.org

Hyde Park Street Fair September 18-20, times vary

Camel's Back Park 13th & Heron, Boise Hyde Park Street Fair info

FitOne Family 5K, 10K, Half Marathon & Expo September 24-26, times vary

Expo: Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St. Race: Downtown Boise fitoneboise.org

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Pet Month

Visit a shelter today!

Idaho Humane Society

Meridian Valley Humane Society West Valley Humane Society

See Spot Walk October 3, 9:00 a.m.

Julia Davis Park 700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise www.seespotwalk.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