REAL Magazine, September-October, 2018

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

Weekend

Field Trip And

Best Caramel Recipe Ever Home Warranties Decorating with Books Photo Credit: Flickr: BLMIdaho

With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272

The kids – and their teachers – are back to school, so everyone is just a little busier, it seems. Even though there's homework to be done, the weather is still warm enough for some outdoor adventure. This month's REAL features a relatively-unheard-of geological area called "The Little City of Rocks" that's just two hours from Boise.

Grab a picnic lunch and head out. Then, let us know about your trip!

We'd love to see your photos and hear all about it. And while you're at it, let us know if there's another story you'd like to see. Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“

With every book, you go back to school. You become a student. You become an investigative reporter. You spend a little time learning what it's like to live in someone else's shoes."

~ John Irving

CONTENTS Features

4

Weekend Field Trip

6

Best Caramel Recipe Ever

8

Is a Home Warranty Right for You?

10

Idaho's Little City of Rocks is less than two hours from Boise and a great adventure for the whole family.

In about 30 minutes, you can make this rich, delicious treat, and everyone will think you've spent hours in the kitchen!

As your home ages, so do the appliances and systems. A home warranty could help you with the costs.

Books, Books, Books!

Are you a self-proclaimed bibliophile? Get your beloved books out of the bookcase and into your home design.

In Every Issue

12 14 16 18

Market Stats Is the market slowing for fall?

Ada County Homes These Ada County homes are ready for their new owners!

Canyon County Homes Canyon County features homes for every price range.

Things to Do There's lots happening in the Treasure Valley.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018 Photo Credit: Flickr: BLMIdaho

Weekend Field Trip

Idaho's Little City of Rocks

Plan a fall adventure to one of Idaho's little-known wonders!

A

little less than two hours from Boise lies a quiet and relatively unknown geologic adventure called the Little City of Rocks. Not to be confused with the City of Rocks National Reserve, located about 110 miles to the southeast near

the town of Almo, Idaho, the Little City of Rocks is tucked between the towns of Gooding and Fairfield off State Highway 46.

volcanic ash (instead of lava) create an other-worldly atmosphere perfect for a day of hiking and exploration.

Towering hoodoos (columns of weathered rock), craggy towers, arches, and spires formed by

Plan at least two hours to see the sites, including petroglyphs carved by Native Americans many

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PAGE 5 thousands of years ago. Take time to hike the side trails and climb some of the rocks.

The main trail is a moderate twomile trek, with lesser marked spurs leading to hidden creeks, beautiful views, and wildlife (watch for snakes if you are hiking during warm weather).

Part of the Bureau of Land Management's Wilderness Study Area in Gooding County, the Little City of Rocks covers approximately 2,400 acres. To get there from Boise, take I-84 east to Bliss. Use Exit 141 to Gooding on U.S. Highway 26, turning north on State Highway 46. Travel about 12.5 miles to an

un-named road and the BLM sign to Little City of Rocks on your left. Take note that the access road is maintained by a private landowner and may be closed if weather conditions are wet or muddy.

Regardless the time of year, plan ahead by taking snacks and plenty of water. Primitive camping is allowed. Pack it in; pack it out.

Don't forget your camera!

Photo Credit: Flickr: BLMIdaho

Š2018 Google

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

PAGE 7

Best Caramel Ever

Made in the Microwave!

Short on time, but need something spectacular? This caramel recipe might just fit the bill. One thing's for sure – this is a treat that is sure to impress!

EASY MICROWAVE CARAMEL 1 c. butter (not margarine) 21/3 c. packed light brown sugar 1 c. light corn syrup

1 can (14-oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1/8 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla

DIRECTIONS: In 2 qt. microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, sugar, syrup, milk, & salt. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring once halfway through. When butter is melted, stir well. Return to microwave on high for 11-14 minutes, until mixture reaches 245 degrees (firm ball stage). Do not stir while cooking.

Remove from microwave, stir in vanilla (& nuts if desired). Allow to stand for 10 minutes, stirring several times. Do not scrape sides of bowl while stirring during this cooling period, as this will make mixture grainy. Pour into greased 13x9 pan (scraping the sides here is OK). Refrigerate until cool.

Invert the pan & carefully tap out block of candy. Cut into squares, wrap each piece in waxed paper, & store in refrigerator or freezer. cbboise.com

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

Home Warranties

Is One Right for You?

Buying a home is a huge decision with lots of unknowns. A home warranty could help ease your mind and save you some money on costly repairs down the road, but there are several factors you should consider when deciding if a warranty is right for you.

Stephen Meadows Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

B

uying a home is one of the greatest decisions you will ever make! It’s an exciting and sometimes scary process.

Home ownership is a big step, especially if this is your first time.

There are many factors to consider beyond what color to paint the living room or which child gets what bedroom. One of the things you might investigate is a home warranty that can protect you from unexpected expenses when a system or appliance breaks down in your home.

What Is a Home Warranty?

First, let’s answer that basic question. A warranty is a service contract in which a company agrees to repair and/or replace systems and appliances that stop working due to natural wear and tear. The warranty company charges an up-

front premium for the first year (sometimes funded by the seller), and then a deductible or “Service Fee” is collected if/when a claim is filed. The company contracts with local vendors at negotiated rates to evaluate and repair the malfunction. All the homeowner needs to do is place the claim.

With that said, here are some factors that you may want to consider when asking why or if you need one.

Owning vs. Renting There are countless benefits to owning a home instead of renting. However, one of those benefits does NOT include builtin maintenance. If something breaks at your rental, you just call the landlord, and they fix it.

When you own a home, the cost

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and responsibility fall to you. A warranty can help defray some of those costs and keep more money in your pocket.

There Is a Time Trade-off A home warranty can save you money, but it’s important to note that there may be a tradeoff in time and convenience. The warranty company has a certain timeline they must follow to get the repair done. However, since the local contractor is working at a negotiated (below market value) rate, warranty claims are not always their top priority.

The most common example of this situation would be the failure of a central air unit in August. We may have low humidity here, but 100 degrees is still hot! If your A/C goes out and you file a warranty claim,

PAGE 9 you could wait 24–48 hours for a are intended to complement each repair. If you call a local contractor, other. they might be able to fit you in right away.

How Handy Are You? If you are Mr. (or Ms.) Fix-it with The problem comes when you get tools and repairs, you might not the bill for the repair. A repair that need a warranty. However, to be may have cost less than $100 with safe, you will want to consider the a warranty could cost you $1,000 limits of your abilities. Many home or more without one. You must repairs are simple. Some, though, decide at what point it is worth can be dangerous and require a waiting the extra day or two. professional licensed to perform the needed task.

Your Insurance Doesn’t Cover That Many homeowners make the Be Sure It’s Protection You Need mistake of thinking that their If you are buying a home with insurance policy covers things brand new systems and appliances, like A/C and water heaters. A lot those items are likely covered by of times, that’s not the case. A the manufacturer for at least a year homeowners’ policy doesn’t cover and sometimes up to 10 years on “wear and tear” malfunctions. On certain parts. In those cases, the the flip side of that coin, a warranty warranty might save you on labor doesn’t cover “acts of God,” like costs. You also want to be sure lightning or hail. The two products certain items are covered. Does

the home have a water softener?

If you have a pool, be sure you know if you need chlorine or saltwater coverage. Talk with your Realtor or warranty vendor and ask for referrals so you can do your homework.

These are just some of the factors you should consider when pondering a home warranty. A warranty is can save you money if you have to use it. Just be sure that you understand the limitations and have reasonable expectations on how long repairs might take.

Like most insurance, you never want to use it, but you are thrilled you have it when the time comes!

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018 COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

Not Just for Reading

Decorating with books is a fun way to incorporate your love of reading into your home's interior design.

Jennifer A. Digiovanni Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

R

ather than storing boxes of previously-read books in your basement, you can use them as decorative accents. Here are some ideas on ways to place books throughout the home.

Add Style to Your Bookshelves Book fanatics love to show off their bookshelves. You may even notice photos in your Instagram feed tagged as #shelfies. Decorated shelves are a classic way to show off the beauty of your favorite books and can be used to complete the look of virtually any room in your home.

From customized built-in shelves to standard designs, choose a bookshelf that fits your personality and current home style.

Give thought to setting up your book collection in a photo-worthy arrangement.

Group books by color, size, or category. For added interest, intersperse non-book items like picture frames, small painted storage boxes, or other knickknacks. Smaller bookshelves, or even movable cabinets and tables with glass door fronts can be used to store books needed for quick access, such as cookbooks in your kitchen.

Decorating with Books Outside of the Shelves Single books and book stacks can also be used to decorate those spots in your home in need of accessories. Plain spaces will benefit from touches of color provided by books with decorative jackets. Coffee table books add an element of character in formal rooms.

Carefully placed stacks of books serve as a design element while allowing you to feature those volumes you love. Even bookrelated accessories like throw pillows, posters, and artwork capturing literary quotes can used

to enhance the atmosphere of your home.

Turn Old Books into New Things Transforming a classic book into something new adds a touch of nostalgia to your home design.

Cut out the pages of old books to create a vintage planter or a hidden storage space for small items such as remote controls. If you can’t part with the books in your current collection, spend a rainy afternoon browsing one of Boise’s used book stores.

For book lovers who already have stacks of books at their disposal, upcycling the pages into decorative items like candle holders or coasters is another fun way to express your love of words.

The right books can complement virtually any design scheme from bright and modern to traditional decor. If you’re searching for ways to accessorize a room in your home, look no further than your personal book collection. cbboise.com

PAGE 11

Books! Books! Books!

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

Monthly Market Report

New Construction Sales Drive Home Prices Higher

Local home prices are being driven by persistent low inventory of existing homes, and new homes are selling for overall higher prices.

T

he median sales price for Ada County reached a new record in August 2018, of $334,400 for existing and new homes combined. This was up 20.3% over the same month last year, and up 4.8% from July.

As we’ve shared many times through our market reports, local home prices are being driven by the persistent and historically low inventory of existing homes compared to demand, and more new homes selling at overall higher prices, primarily due to rising construction costs.

On average, the share of monthly homes sales that are new is typically between 22-23%, meaning the other 77-78% of the sales are of existing homes. When the share of new home sales goes over 24% or 25%, we will see overall home prices (looking at existing and new homes together) increase, on average, between 12-14% yearover-year. As the share of new

home sales increases, so does the $386,470 in August 2018, up 8.6% overall median sales price. over August 2017, and the most recent record high for the new This is what’s meant by “overall home segment was $393,705 in home price being driven up by June 2018. more new homes selling.”

If our market conditions of low But new home prices are just half inventory and high demand of the story. continue, there is no guarantee we’ll see prices drop significantly In August 2018, the median over the next few months. sales price of existing homes in However, those thinking about Ada County reached $309,200 selling or buying shouldn’t be — a new record — up 9.0% over concerned with ‘timing the market,’ August 2017. This number mostly because the best time to buy or reflects homes that went under sell is when it fits your needs and contract in June and July — when circumstances. we had the fastest market times on record — indicating that many If you’re thinking about making buyers offered higher prices to be a move, talk to your REALTOR® to competitive in the face of high explore your options. demand for the persistent low Breanna Vanstrom inventory. Inventory is needed Chief Executive Officer in all prices points, and that’s Boise Regional REALTORS® eventually what will help our market come back in to balance.

Get in touch if you'd like to know how In comparison, the median sales all of this information affects your price for new construction was at situation!

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$334,400

HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2018*

26

Ada County

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

1,542

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons. Statistics provided by Boise Regional REALTORS®

$220,000

490

HOMES SOLD AUGUST 2018*

27

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET*

Canyon County

MEDIAN SALES PRICE*

660

HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET* cbboise.com

PAGE 13

1124

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

Ada County

Featured Homes

2184 S. Ridgeview Way NE Boise If you lived here you could be in downtown Boise in 10 minutes! Rare single-story California Ranch-style home nestled in a beautiful garden setting in desirable Warm Springs Mesa.

Entertainment-sized, open kitchen/family room includes center island, gas range, custom tile counters, floors. Many recent upgrades, luxury master spa bath with travertine tile.

5765 E. Felly Rim Ct. SE Boise Bordering open space of the Oregon Trail Reserve, this 3,251 sq. ft. single level home sits on a .42 acre lot with east-facing back yard on a cul-de-sac with stunning unobstructed views of the Boise Foothills. Designed for entertaining with the great room flowing seamlessly to a covered patio expanding your living area to the outdoors.

6932 W. Westfield Pl. W Boise Serenity will be found from the moment you enter this immaculate home! If you are looking for luxury living on the Bench, look no further than this 1950s home completely renovated from the hardwood floors & the pinewood doors to the new window coverings, huge beautiful windows, Italian quartz counters, all new light fixtures, & more!

4768 W. Montage Ct. Eagle Large windows throughout radiate warmth & livability. The large gourmet kitchen flows into the dining space, family room & features double ovens, gas stove, & an amazing pantry.

Split bedroom plan where the luxurious master suite is tucked away on opposite side of home from the other spacious bedrooms. Situated on a cul-de-sac with no back neighbors.

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PAGE 15

Ada County

Featured Homes

1485 N. Longhorn Ave. Eagle Brand new 4 bed, 3.5 bath home with 3,028 sq.ft.

The spectacular island kitchen boasts quartz counter tops, Bosch SS appliances, & a spacious, walk-in pantry. Main-level master with a tile shower & flooring, large walk-in closet, & access to the laundry room. The upstairs bonus room features a separate bath, wet bar, & large open space. 4-car garage with 36'-deep RV bay.

1662 E. Meadowgrass NE Meridian This home greets you with an immaculate front yard & stamped driveway. Light-filled great room accented by a gas fireplace. Cozy window seats in bedrooms 2 & 3. Bedroom 3 is a flex room with double glass pocket doors to the great room. Pergola covered back patio with private side deck off the master suite.

1,333 sq.ft., 2-car garage.

7061 N. Penncross Way NW Meridian Absolutely stunning 4 bed, 4.5 bath home with over 5,500 sq.ft. all situated on just over an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds. Grand entry with marble floors, gourmet kitchen, climate-controlled master wing. Spectacular views of Spurwing's 18th fairway. Enormous deck, perfect for entertaining & outdoor living.

2951 W. Higan NW Meridian This home is light & bright with vaulted ceilings, large master with bay window. Kitchen with SS glass-top stove, breakfast bar, & lots of cabinets.

Spacious living room hosts cozy fireplace with tile surround & large windows. Beautiful back yard with shed, concrete curbing, sprinklers, large covered patio, mature landscaping, private. Nice family room. RV parking. cbboise.com

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

Canyon County

Featured Homes

7662 E. Santa Anita St. NE Nampa Amazing & immaculate custom-built 3 bed, 3 bath on .74-acre lot. The 3,011 sq.ft. home features a wonderful kitchen with alder cabinets, gas range, island, & pantry. The master suite has a travertine walk-in shower & soaking tub. There's even a guest suite with a kitchenette. Office, bonus/exercise room, 2 sun rooms, 1,900 sq.ft. garage.

18360 Buckeye Pl. NE Nampa Home Sweet Home | This home sits on a corner lot with a shade-filled back yard & west-facing driveway. Minutes to shopping, I-84, & schools.

The efficient floor plan offers 2 living spaces: a downstairs family room & a large rec room upstairs. 5 beds, 2.5 baths, 2,151 sq.ft. Open kitchen with breakfast bar, covered patio, oversized 3-car garage.

2101 Belle Aire Dr. S Nampa This charming, well-kept home includes 4 beds, 2.5 baths, & 2,280 sq.ft. Formal living & dining rooms, country kitchen, family room with gas insert fireplace. Large lot, & unbelievable 20'x22' insulated, heated, & cooled shop with pull-through doors. This home provides space for everyone & is the perfect place for gathering friends & family.

12935 Pheasant Circle S Nampa Lake views from almost every room! This beautiful horse property is set on 2.180 acres, featuring a huge updated kitchen with new cabinets. Upscale horse pasture & new 3-rail ranch-style fencing. Two living areas, both with wood stoves, 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms upstairs. Master with its own fireplace. Back yard oasis, expansive redwood deck.

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PAGE 17

Canyon County

Featured Homes

1608 Idaho Ave. Caldwell Charming 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,861 sq.ft. home with lots of updates. Located on a tree-lined street, this beauty features lots of built-ins, custom kitchen cabinets, beautiful hardwood floors, & more. Large lot with full auto sprinklers, detached garage with workshop space, carport, & storage shed. Close to downtown & easy access to I-84.

24890 Desert Pine Caldwell Gorgeous view home with 5 beds, 3 baths, & 3,409 sq.ft. on 1.077-acre property. High ceilings, shiplap in the dining room, upgraded electrical throughout. Beautiful island kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, gorgeous cabinets. Master with coved ceiling, transom windows, & bath with dual sinks, walk-in shower, walk-in closet.

23914 View Crest Middleton Come home to stunning views of the valley!

Nestled on a coveted 1.15+ acre lot, this home features 4 beds, 2 baths, & 1,624 sq.ft. Vaulted ceilings, a deck with a magnificent view, walkout daylight basement, & a warm great room where everyone can gather. The deck can be accessed from master or dining area. You will fall in love with the serenity.

287 W. Meadow Creek Way Middleton This beautiful home sits on nearly half an acre and features an open floor plan with lots of natural light. 4 beds, 2 baths, 2,237 sq.ft. Chef's kitchen with a large butler's pantry, granite counters, & plenty of storage. Covered patios in both the front & back yards. Fire pit, garden space & RV parking in the rear. Insulated 3-car garage. cbboise.com

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market

Saturdays through October

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Pet Month Get rescued today!

Idaho Humane Society Meridian Canine Rescue West Valley Humane Society YOU can make a difference!

ADOPT If you can't adopt FOSTER If you can't foster SPONSOR If you can't sponsor VOLUNTEER If you can't volunteer DONATE If you can't donate EDUCATE COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP

9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

10th and Grove, downtown Boise theboisefarmersmarket.com

Capital City Public Market

Saturdays through December 15 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.

8th and Idaho, downtown Boise

capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Eagle Saturday Market

Saturdays through October 13 9:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

185 E. State St., Eagle

cityofeagle.org/market

Nampa Farmers’ Market

Saturdays through October

9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

Front & 13th, Nampa nampafarmersmarket.com

Kuna Farmer's Market

Saturdays through September

9:00a.m.-noon Kuna City Park 201 W. Main, Kuna facebook.com/KunaFarmersMarket

PAGE 19

Things to Do Enjoy the cooler weather with some fun activities!

Star Gaze at the Observatory

Friday & Saturday evenings, 6:30 p.m.

See Spot Walk

Saturday, October 6, 9:00 a.m.

(through October 13) Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd., Mtn. Home parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

Boise Classic Movies

Dates & times vary

Egyptian Theater, 700 W. Main St., Boise boiseclassicmovies.com

The Farmstead Corn Maze

September 21-Nov 3

Check times and events online 1020 S. Rackham Way, Meridian farmsteadfestival.com

Birds of Prey Fall Flights

Fridays-Sundays starting September 21

See website for times and details 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane, Boise peregrinefund.org

Old Boise Oktoberfest 2018

Saturday, September 22, 2:00 p.m.

6th & Main, Boise information

Scarecrow Stroll

October 1-31, times vary

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

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

Spooktacular Evenings at ZooBoise

Friday, October 12, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

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

Funtober Fest

Saturday, October 20, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Nampa Rec Center 131 Constitution Way, Nampa nampaparksandrecreation.org

Meridian Trunk or Treat

Thursday, October 25, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Downtown Meridian meridiancityspecialevents.org

Frightened Felons at the Old Pen

October 26-27, times vary

Old Idaho Penitentiary 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise history.idaho.gov

Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, October 27, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

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

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DOWNTOWN BOISE 208.343.3393 | MERIDIAN 208.336.3393 | EAGLE 208.939.3363 | NAMPA 208.467.5272 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.