It was the usual hot day in the Treasure Valley yesterday; we have thunderstorms in the area and lots of lightning. The area is under a Red flag warning for the foothills and open land. A red flag warning means that conditions were eminent for fires. Sure enough in the early afternoon several fires were started in the area.
The Eagle and Star area were hit with a major fire that burned for hours. Several homes were burned or damaged and evacuations were ongoing to the Eagle High school. The hills were a tinderbox that just when up and because of the winds it was hard to manage.
There were no major injuries or death from the fire and we must give all of our thanks to the Eagle Fire Department along with fire departments from the surrounding areas. They along with the Ada County Sheriffs office and numerous other volunteers did a phenomenal job in protecting life and property. Kudos to the emergency workers and all of the volunteers that made a real bad day for some better for others.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Boise River Greenbelt
The 23-mile Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks. The Greenbelt also serves as an alternative transportation route for commuters.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Tour de Fat is Coming to Boise!
The Tour is back at Ann Morrison Park this year, August 21!
This is SWIMBA's largest annual fund raiser, and one hell of a party. We expect to see you there, in costume, on bike, and having a great time.
Be sure to stop by the SWIMBA booth to catch up, and check out all the cool stuff we've got going on.About Us
SWIMBA was formed in 1992 to promote socially responsible and environmentally correct cycling in the Boise Front and public lands throughout the region. With approximately 150 members SWIMBA works with federal, state and local agencies to maintain trails in the Boise foothills area.
Come out and support southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Burning up the lawns
You are driving though the neighborhood and looking at the beautiful greenery and carefully manicured lawns and flowers then bang a brown lawn with weeds. It just tells you that this is an abandoned property.
Why is it that the property has no power, water or gas? Well it is either a short sale in progress or the bank owns the home. Now the first choice a short sale the owners still have control of the property. It is a shame but they are cutting their losses. The second is the bank or REO owned. They could increase the value of the property by merely keeping the water on and saving the lawn. Some would say it is a waste of money and water, but when me as a realtor is out showing property the first thing the buyers figure in their head is bringing down the price in order to put in a new lawn. My personal opinion is the bank should keep the water on and make the property a better value.
Why is it that the property has no power, water or gas? Well it is either a short sale in progress or the bank owns the home. Now the first choice a short sale the owners still have control of the property. It is a shame but they are cutting their losses. The second is the bank or REO owned. They could increase the value of the property by merely keeping the water on and saving the lawn. Some would say it is a waste of money and water, but when me as a realtor is out showing property the first thing the buyers figure in their head is bringing down the price in order to put in a new lawn. My personal opinion is the bank should keep the water on and make the property a better value.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Searching for the American Dream Home
Showing property is a full time job for some realtors. In preparation for the tour that you will take, homework must be done to determine the availability of the homes that you are going to view. Calling the other agent and make sure the listing is still on the market and not under contract. If the house is a short sale the realtor needs to see how many mortgage companies the property has and what companies hold the mortgage. (This will determine in some instances how fast a transaction will take).
Even though all of these things are done you get to that one house that your client just falls in love with and call the agent one more time to find the house is under contract or pending, (all within a day). This is what the market is going through right now. You can read the headlines of the bad market condition, but, folks are still buying and they for the most part viewing all of the same properties. What does this mean for the buyer agent? Jump on the new properties show them when they come out and prepare to submit an offer that same day. You can’t wait even a couple of days to set up the showing. After all, it is the American Dream.
Even though all of these things are done you get to that one house that your client just falls in love with and call the agent one more time to find the house is under contract or pending, (all within a day). This is what the market is going through right now. You can read the headlines of the bad market condition, but, folks are still buying and they for the most part viewing all of the same properties. What does this mean for the buyer agent? Jump on the new properties show them when they come out and prepare to submit an offer that same day. You can’t wait even a couple of days to set up the showing. After all, it is the American Dream.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
What is a Real Estate “Closing”?
So the time is near you are set to close your house or the land you purchased to build your new dream home. Just what does closing mean? Closing is the term given to a process the buyers and sellers go through to exchange title deeds and property.
The process began when you first wrote the purchase and sales agreement with your Realtor. You the buyer chose the Title Company to represent you in the transfer of money to deed of purchase. The title company is the keeper of the money and documents. In the end, the title company has the obligation to research the property and make sure the fiduciary duties are taken care of and the property is free and clear for sale.
Closing means that you are ready to sign the documents to make the real estate transfer. Signing does not necessarily mean that you get to move in to your purchase or begin the building process of the dream home. It depends upon the loan or mortgage funding. If cash was paid it could fund and record the same day. When a loan is being use to secure the property, the mortgage holder will review the signed documents and make sure everything is in order. After this process the bank or lender will issue a fund order to the title company. The title officer then pays the bills and transfers the money completing the sale. Then the title officer will send documents for recording in the County the property is located. You now get your keys.
The process began when you first wrote the purchase and sales agreement with your Realtor. You the buyer chose the Title Company to represent you in the transfer of money to deed of purchase. The title company is the keeper of the money and documents. In the end, the title company has the obligation to research the property and make sure the fiduciary duties are taken care of and the property is free and clear for sale.
Closing means that you are ready to sign the documents to make the real estate transfer. Signing does not necessarily mean that you get to move in to your purchase or begin the building process of the dream home. It depends upon the loan or mortgage funding. If cash was paid it could fund and record the same day. When a loan is being use to secure the property, the mortgage holder will review the signed documents and make sure everything is in order. After this process the bank or lender will issue a fund order to the title company. The title officer then pays the bills and transfers the money completing the sale. Then the title officer will send documents for recording in the County the property is located. You now get your keys.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Speaking of Investment Real Estate...
What about buying now as an income property? The rents are lower, but, so are the prices. Single family residential income properties are abundant in the market. Do you have some cash that is burning a hole in your pocket?
Most of the long term realty investors are looking. Purchasing the good deals that include: four plex, duplex, and triplex units now will make sense for some. Some are rented and some are not. What do you do in the time of Bank and REO listings and can investors still get lender money if they need it.
Granted the best way for today’s investment buyers to make money is to pay cash out right and set up your terms for good renters. Most of the clients that I have worked along side in the past have always thought that real estate is a long term investment. With the exception of the usual rotation of assets, the money investor today will consider the purchase as a great deal even in today’s market.
Purchasing the investment properties will probably take some time to begin seeing the big money of the past, but, vision ahead will make some buyers very comfortable in the future.
Most of the long term realty investors are looking. Purchasing the good deals that include: four plex, duplex, and triplex units now will make sense for some. Some are rented and some are not. What do you do in the time of Bank and REO listings and can investors still get lender money if they need it.
Granted the best way for today’s investment buyers to make money is to pay cash out right and set up your terms for good renters. Most of the clients that I have worked along side in the past have always thought that real estate is a long term investment. With the exception of the usual rotation of assets, the money investor today will consider the purchase as a great deal even in today’s market.
Purchasing the investment properties will probably take some time to begin seeing the big money of the past, but, vision ahead will make some buyers very comfortable in the future.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Today’s Housing Prices!
Everyone has their opinion about what the housing prices will do in the next few months or even weeks. I even have given my thoughts on the matter a couple of times. The fact remains that no matter what your source, I can’t find anyone that is definitive about their guess.
The Boise housing market has been hovering in the same range of prices for the past couple of months with some dips and even some slight increases. Some have even produced bidding contests for bank owned and short sale homes. What does this say for the state of our real estate? It leads me to believe that buyers are still trying to find the great deal on single family residences while attempting to get the dream home at the same time.
With a large number of pending home sales on the books, the market is still in a flux. We may not be able to determine the market prices until the tax credit and first time buyer’s homes close. The only thing I do know for a fact is the market will continue to be a wild ride for the next couple of years.
The Boise housing market has been hovering in the same range of prices for the past couple of months with some dips and even some slight increases. Some have even produced bidding contests for bank owned and short sale homes. What does this say for the state of our real estate? It leads me to believe that buyers are still trying to find the great deal on single family residences while attempting to get the dream home at the same time.
With a large number of pending home sales on the books, the market is still in a flux. We may not be able to determine the market prices until the tax credit and first time buyer’s homes close. The only thing I do know for a fact is the market will continue to be a wild ride for the next couple of years.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July
Everyone needs to escape the bad news of the day and prepare to enjoy the weekend. Have a very happy 4th and relish family and friends. Drive safely and clear your minds of everything.
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