Great NEWS for Women who live in Boise, Idaho

In the recent edition of Women’s Health magazine, Boise, Idaho ranks #4 in the nation for Best Places to Live for Women’s health! It’s no wonder with the lifestyle choices here in Boise and all the out door activities, access to health services and great food choices why they ranked us #4 in the USA!

Great Job Boise, Idaho! Come see us and ask for “Idaho Dan”!

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Inventories Decline while Prices firm in Boise, Idaho

As a Real Estate professional, we generally see trends before they make the Headlines. In fact, it is our numbers and activity that generally gets reported to the press. Be it good news or bad, real estate agents have a feel on the trends in the community.

I am seeing a positive trend for Boise in the home market. Inventories have steadily fallen month after month to levels not seen since the boom in 2005. Foreclosures, while still higher than we like have fallen off. Demand is slowly coming back which puts upward pressure on prices and availability. I am seeing more ‘multiple offers’ situations, more homes selling at or above asking price, new home construction permits rise and new first time buyers back in the market. Heck, finding a home anymore priced under $100,000 in good condition in Boise is virtually gone. With interest rates so low and home values dramatically reduced, not only are buyers back but investors. Yes, buyers are back!

A recent report indicates Boise, Idaho will see a roughly a 6% INCREASE in home values the first quarter of 2012 and neatly 7.5% in the second quarter of 2012. Why?

Boise is one of the few cities bucking the national trend. With a growing population, lower than the national average in unemployment, good education and a higher quality of life, Boise, Idaho is positioned well to emerge from this long down turn in 2012 ahead of the pack!

Come check us out… Or better yet, call me: IDAHO DAN to learn more about this fabulous community.

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What a Find in Boise, Idaho – It’s nuts.

City Peanut - Boise, Idaho

City Peanut, Boise, ID

This weekend I was casually walking the farmers market in beautiful downtown Boise, Idaho! Wow, has this event grown over the years. More people, more products and more fun. As I headed back to my car, I could not help the smell of fresh cooking nuts. I love nuts, all kinds of them and walking down Bannock there it was. A store with nothing but a huge variety of NUTS! Fresh cooked nuts, peanuts, cashews, Spanish peanuts, specialty nuts, wasabi nuts, caramel corn with nuts and more! These are top grade and I was so happy to find them. To me this was just plain nuts that a store like this was in Boise.
The store is called City Peanut Shop. It is located at 803 W Bannock in the heart of downtown Boise. I highly recommend supporting our local stores and the girls inside could not be more friendly. It’s a cute shop with hard working Idahoans turning out a unique snack. Stop by and get a bag or pound of these gourmet nuts and tell them that Idaho Dan sent you!

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The view from the hills

Hello Idaho Dan followers! Today I went walking in the Boise foothills. It just reaffirms why I love it here!

After a rather cool and overcast spring, it was refreshing to see the brilliant blue sky and feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I walked. Add in the beautiful views of the Treasure Valley, the crisp fresh air and well, the hike was worth it!

We have a fantastic city here in Boise, Idaho. With miles of trails for hiking, running or biking just steps away from downtown, the green belt, the largest open forest space north of us, (Frank Church wilderness) and wonderful Boise River, well, make this is truly a wonderful place to call home.

Now is a GREAT time to invest in Boise. Buying a home here has never been better or more reasonable. The median price of a home here is surprisingly affordable.

If you want to learn more about homes, businesses or outdoor adventures here in Boise, call me. I am always happy to share!

Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

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Put a FORK in it!

Put a Fork in it!

This week Idahodan had the extreme pleasure of dining at one of Boise, Idaho’s newest Bistros, FORK!  I find downtown Boise to be a great city and a great place for eating out with limited “chain” dining options.  There I get to meet the locals, dine on fine cuisine and drink fine wines.

Fork, is one of the newest restaurants sevicing downtown Boise, Idaho.  Located in one of the oldest original bank buildings in Boise, Forks offers a fantastic atmosphere, nice wine bar and great foods farmed locally.  Cameron, the owner, tries hard to bring in as many items produced or grown locally, which supports the local economy!

The service was excellent, the atmosphere wonderful, the food and wine choices fantastic.  Here is a tip…  If you like more than a great wines by the glass, Cameron offers most any bottle on the wine list if you get two or more glasses.  WHY is this so cool?  You can try some great, no fantastic wines without buying a full bottle.  Nice touch there Cameron.

Anyway, Fork is located in downtown Boise, Idaho off 8th street.  Stop in and tell him Idahodan (Idaho Dan –  www.idahodan.com) sent you!  It ranks high on my list of new places to eat and meet the locals in our Capitol city!

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Spring is near… Will the housing market heat up?

We have all heard the daily barrage in the news of negative news in the housing market based on a National basis. Many of these national reports do not reflect true in Boise, Idaho. In fact, some markets are showing signs of improvement here in the treasure valley.

Typically, winter is one of the slowest periods for home sales in Idaho. However, as schools begin to wind down, warmer weather approaches, people begin to plan summer vacations and home owners, seller and buyers begin the thought process for buying or selling their home.

Here is why I think 2011 will be a great year here in Boise, Idaho and a few tips if you’re considering buying a home.

It is still a buyer’s market so take advantage.

  • o Interest rates are low, extremely low
     Did you know 1% increase in rates reduces buying power about $20,000?
     Did you know rates could rise to 6 – 6.5% by year’s end?
    o Home prices are at record lows.
     Average Price in Ada county is now $134,900. Incredible!
     That is possibly less than renting
    o Find a good Lender and get pre-approved
     Knowing your buying power ahead of time is helpful in negotiations.
     Get your paper work prepared such as tax returns, W-2, etc
     SAVE for a down payment. I’ll explain more in next update.
     Prepare for closing costs. More in next update.
    o Check out various WEB sites like Idahodan.com and identify what you like via the WEB.
    o Know the area not just the home.
     If you elect me as your agent, I will personally drive you around and show you the area
     Share shopping and restaurant tips
     Show you the schools, churches, parks and highlights of the area.

The bottom line is do your home work and let a licensed full time agent help you in this process. I am full time Realtor and will be happy to help you from step one all the way to giving you keys to your new home! I am here to help!

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98% of citizens LIKE their City Boise, ID

Every 2 years, The Boise City Council conducts a “Citizens Survey” to gage the pulse of the community satisfaction, lifestyle, politics and quality of life.

According to Maryann Jordan, City Council President, this year’s poll, as in past polls, was received very well. 98% of those questioned, found Boise to be a great City to raise a family, enjoyed easy access to the outdoors and liked living here. Only 2% felt Boise was not the city for them.
This follows the past trends of favorable comments in such publications as Forbes, Skywest, CNN Money, USA Today and others listing Boise, Idaho as consistently one of the top cities in America to live.

I see opportunity here in the Treasure Valley and I am proud to be a member of this community! As a fulltime professional Realtor, I too see the riches Boise has to offer. From our beautiful Boise river running through town to our green belt & paths in the city and our Ridges to River network of trails, Boise has about everything one could ask for.  But it’s biggest asset is the people.  The people here are the best!

I hope you will visit Boise and if you have question call me to learn more about Boise, Idaho!

Idahodan

www.idahodan.com

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