July 2014 RSS Feed

Buying new homes is thought of as a wonderful idea by many, but others prefer buying existing homes. It is up to the buyer to decide, but they should have as much knowledge as possible on the pros and cons of buying new construction homes so they can make an informed decision that makes the most sense for them. Here are some of the main reasons why buyers would pick new construction property in Idaho:

Personalization

Probably the number one reason that home buyers purchase new homes is that they get to customize just about everything inside their new home. It feels great to have something that you picked out, rather than having just what came with the house. Builders today also feature many different floor plans and home styles to choose from so you can…

When you make the decision to purchase Idaho real estate and find a house in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, or Nampa, you’ll have lots of decisions to make, lots of options to go through, and plenty of research to do before you decide on which home is right for you. As you’re thinking about all the choices you’ll need to make, like the floor plan, the windows, the ceiling fans, and the drapes, don’t forget that the outside of the house is just as important as the inside!  You’ve got the yard, the garden, the shrubbery outside, and, last but not least, the extension of the house and the protection you’ll need for your car -- the garage.

Now, the biggest question you’ll probably have when it comes to the garage is whether you will need a two or three car garage…

1. Attention, first time homebuyers- the time to buy is now!  The real estate market has some great opportunities for first time buyers.  Everyone is telling you to buy a home.  You are financially responsible and finally ready to go for it. First, hold on and take a deep breath.  Before you sign on the bottom line, here are 3 first time buyer blunders you can avoid that will save you time, money, and tears in the long run. 

   3 Mistakes First Time Homebuyers Can Avoid: 

   1. If you are ready to start your home shopping now... You did not do your “home” work.  This is fairly common.  Folks get so excited about buying their first home that they do not prioritize needs and wants.  Most people cannot afford to get everything and there is no “perfect”…

Top 10 Reasons why Eagle may be your best move ever:Have you been thinking about buying a home in Eagle?  Eagle real estate is known for its blend of upscale yet rural feel in some of the most gorgeous neighborhoods in the Boise area.  Eagle’s home prices are now more affordable than they have been in several years and now is the time to get in when the prices are so low.  Here are 10 really good reasons why it can be the best decision you ever made.

1. Downtown Eagle.   Whether you want to browse the shops, eat a scrumptious meal in one of the fine restaurants, or take a leisurely stroll along the river, Eagle’s downtown is spectacular.  City leaders have taken a proactive role during the last few years of growth to maintain Eagle’s upscale, yet rural…

After living in that cozy house for years, its time to get some more square footage and perhaps even a new parking spot for the toys. A few strategies noted here may help you move things faster.

Strategy 1: Cleanliness First!

Buyers in Idaho and elsewhere look first for something that sends a message to them; home. Therefore to ensure that the house sells faster, scrub it clean. Don't forget the lawn and the garden- curb appeal is your critical first impression on buyers. Although most buyers know that an organized and clean home is a pretty fantasy, they know it is not going to stay that way because of the kids. However, most buyers would like to get started with a clean house. Make an effort to make your home appear inviting if you want to sell it…

The home is where the heart is - so why expose it to bad design choices? Houses all over the world suffer from misplaced furniture, unappealing patterns, and unfortunate accessories. No one ought to be viewed as any less of a person for their lack of design expertise, but people are less likely to spend time in a room that's unappealing for any reason, severely limiting your living space and comfort. Take back your home by being aware of some of the most common problems that plague interior design.

Size Does Matter 

Contrary to popular belief, a huge television is not what your living room needs. While larger pieces can draw the eye, trying to fit too large a table, couch, bed, or T.V. into a space can make a room clunky and unbearably small.…

"Short Sale" homes are everywhere in Boise and can be a great deal.  However, there are some red flags that every buyer should be aware of before taking the plunge on writing a short sale offer on Idaho real estate. 

1. There is more than one lender on the property.  If there is a different lender on the first and second mortgage or home equity line of credit (or even on a third), it complicates the approval process because all parties must agree to the terms of short sale.  Typically, the second will want to negotiate to get something and this will usually be paid by the first just to get them to agree. The lien holder may ask the seller to sign a promissory note at closing to pay the difference from the proceeds of the sale and the amount owed.  If not…

Every state is known for something - some have national landmarks, some have famous cities, but all have state symbols. These icons represent something special to the people there. Idaho is no different in this regard; there are over twenty state symbols which represent Idaho's people, culture, and heritage. Here is a snippet of some of these beloved pieces of Idaho's identity.

State Flower

Idaho’s state flower is the Syringa. This plant is a branching shrub with clusters of small white flowers. Each flower has four petals that grow out of short leafy branches. Not a small plant by any means, the Syringa bush can grow up to 10 feet tall. Known for its sweet fragrant and delicate beauty, this flower is a favorite amongst Idahoans.

Historically,…

When you are out looking for that perfect Idaho home, what are you actually looking at?  Do you focus on the cute adorable pictures on the wall... or the random locations of the throw rugs throughout the house (possibly covering floor damage)?  Within a few short minutes of viewing a home in Idaho, you can determine whether there are some red flags you need to be concerned about in regard to the condition of the home.  These are so simple!  However, even though these may be obvious, it is still very important that you have a professional home inspection during the escrow period and make sure that you retain the right to cancel the contract based on your approval/disapproval of the inspection report. 

5 Red Flags of Property Deficiencies you can find…

Designing a home can be a fun experience in exploring the many colors this world has to offer. Some people hire a designer but for those who want a new adventure, they learn about the many ways they can use color to increase the life in their home. For any level of experience, there are different elements to choosing between colors.

When deciding what color should go where in a room, consider what effect the color will have on the room. This isn't just how it will look from a design standpoint, but also how the room will feel to those who are in it. For example, colors that are light will make a room feel more expansive and brighter. On the other hand, darker colors will make a room feel smaller and more intimate.

In general, there are two…