I recently wrote an article about Buying a Bank Owned, Short Sale, or Forclosure in Idaho.  Since then I have been asked several times if I though buying one of these properties was a good idea.  So here's my blanket answer that will fit everyone.  It Depends. It depends on many factors.  Do you have a stict time frame in which you must move?  If you do, then a foreclosure, short sale, or bank owned property is probably not for you.  These types of transactions (especially Short Sales) can take much longer than dealing with an individual homeowner.  If you have a limited amount of time, you are probably better off to buy a home from a private party.  There are still well priced homes for sale by an individual out there!  If you want to buy, and have the luxury of time on your side, then... 08/23/2008

According the the NAR a company has launched a campaign to lift the coming ban on down payment assistance.  The full article and details can be found here: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008081904?OpenDocument. Is lifting the ban a good idea?  Well I have mixed emotions about the idea.  Statistically buyers using these types of programs are more likely to default.  As this program has been used widely to replace 100% programs of sub-prime boom you to wonder if keeping it alive will only prolong the epidemic.  08/20/2008

According to Kiplinger.com Boise is: "Rocky Mountain High Tech": 08/20/2008

The City Council decided to overturn a previous decision denying a plan to turn the Shilo Inn on Main Street into a condominium development: http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/475865.html. As this area of downtown Boise has become more and more of an eye sore it's nice to see them take action to remedy the situation.  I have long thought it would be a great place for high density housing projects and the private hospital going in across the street should provide a boost in demand.  I can only hope that unlike the Boise City Lofts that they have a plan to put in a commercial infrastructure to support it. 08/19/2008

We did not over-build in 2005! In fact, we did not build enough! That is why prices skyrocketed. Demand was high but we did not have enough inventory to meet that demand and prices went up. That is simple economics. If you think real estate is overpriced then imagine 500 fewer homes built back then. Now imagine an extra 500 homes on the market during that time? How would appreciation have been affected? No doubt Boise home builders are paying for it now. Over supply is what is causing all the real esate turmoil. Remember, even though we were selling homes, it was investors and not residents. Now, we have homes that are over priced and designs and styles that no one wants. River rock and earth tones were the rage and now many of those homes still do not have tennants. Today's builders a... 08/19/2008

Treasure Valley NewSubdivision Locator The most comrehensive source for new subdivisions. Locate Boise Lots and new homes! Research Idaho Home Builders Discover home builder's credentials and qualifications including client reviews! Credible Home Builders  Local Professionals Buying or building a home takes a team of professionals including realtors, trade partners, retail suppliers and many more! Get your team together Build Idaho Meet the builders that influence design and innovation of homes across Treasure Valley. ►  What are the builder's credentials and qualifications?  ►  What separates the company from other builders?►  Why should someone buy a home from them? Watch Multi-media Builder Profiles Search the Idaho MLS Including Interactive Maps and Google Street view.Home Locator ... 08/18/2008

One of the greatest things about living in the Boise area is the amount of recreation available to it's residences.  Biking, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, boating, you name it if can be done out doors there is probably a great place here to do it.  My family and I truly enjoy the fact that we can hop in the car and within 1-2 hours in any direction you find some of the most breath taking wilderness Idaho has to offer.  Even better is the sheer volume of outdoor activities you can combine to make your weekends jam packed with fun at a very low cost.  As people's entertainment and recreation plans are being constrained it's time to remember to get out there and enjoy all this great state provides and just how close you are to the center of it all! 08/17/2008

Boise downtown businesses are struggling.  That fact is underscored by the string of restaurant closures averaging one a month pace.  As many attribute these failing businesses are the result of a troubled economy, I wonder if the explanation is really that simple.  As far back as I can remember Boise's Downtown area has always been a troubled landscape.   Rents are high and traffic is low.  That problem may be more of a result of poor city planning than a troubled economy.  While there are many great shops and copious dining choices the ease of frequenting those establishments has become increasingly difficult.    Structure like the great BODO failed to put in decent parking structures.  The parking garage they did build has is well to put it politely more than difficult to get in and... 08/17/2008

8th Street Wine Company announced it's closing it's doors effective immediately.  The economy has been taking it's toll on the BODO development and the 8th Street Wine Company is another unfortunate example: http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=316568.  As downtown restaurants continue their string of closings we are wondering what's it going to take to stem the atrophy. 08/17/2008

Sachel's a Boise restaurant opened in 2003 is closing it's doors August 23rd.  They join a long list of companies in the downtown battered downtown area to close up shop.  Sighting tough economic times as the reason some of the area's best restaurant's are vanishing at an alarming rate.  Read the full article: http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/473613.html.     08/17/2008

The YMCA has withdrawn it's application for parking on Block 75 averting a dangerous precedent in a historic overlay P&Z district, as well as soothing nerves between NENA (North End Neighborhood Association) and Y members. 08/15/2008

According to a August 2008 Realtor magazine online surveys show that with rising gas prices almost 80% of home buyers are interested in buying in an urban area. 75% of those respondents say they want to walk to work and 55% are interested in public transit. Sorry Dave! Sweet lady Traffic isn't everyone's dream date. 08/15/2008

Today, August 15, 2008 at approximately 1:15 p.m. Krisitn Armstrong, Boise, Idaho's Olympic Gold Medal Cyclist will be arriving at the Boise Airport!  Her husband John Savola has invited the community out to welcome her home!  See more info about Kristin and her win! Tomorrow, August 16th, 2008 the festivities will continue with a special group ride from the Downtown Boise YMCA to Boise City Hall.  The Ride will start at 10:00 a.m. and at City Hall, Krisitn will be given the Keys to the City of Boise by Mayor Dave Bieter in a ceremony honoring her achievement.  Watch the entire Saturday event LIVE on NewsChannel 7 and KTVB.COM.  The public is invied to join the ride. Come out to honor Kristin Armstrong, our Olympic Gold Medal Champion!      08/15/2008

Wednesday morning in Beijing, China, Boise, ID native Kristin Armstrong won the Gold Medal in the Women's Time Trial Cycling event.  The event will be aired tonight on NBC's coverage of the Olympics from 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. EST.  See interview with Kristin.  . The win was a late birthday present for Armstrong who turned 35 just 2 days before.  This was Kristin's first Olympics.  Kristin is the first Boisean to win an olympic medal, but Idaho has a rich Olympic history.  Idaho has had  many previous Olympic Medal winners.  There are also 8 other athletes in these Olympics that have ties to Idaho.    Clare Bodensteiner, basketball: The Minico High graduate is a backup for the New Zealand women. Matt Brown, baseball: The Coeur d'Alene High graduate is a third baseman for Team USA. Georgi... 08/13/2008

Vista, a proposed master plan community will have its first public hearing Wednesday, August 13th.  The community has already been recommended by the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission.  This is a great way to get details first hand on what's going in the areas surrounding your property. Those folks at the end south end of Cole should be especially interested in this project as it will proposes adding just over 3000 homes.  That's a huge traffic influx and we can only hope they require the developers to improve the two lane roads that feed it. Full details on time and location can be viewed here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/468983.html.   08/13/2008

When Trey Langford first decided to start a website focused on new construction a lot of research went into trying to understand what someone using it might want. What Trey found was that no one wanted another site with names, numbers and links to more websites. What people really want is a resource that would actually help them without trying to sell them something. Additionally, the most important thing they wanted to know is "Who is the best?" This was the overwhelming theme from every focus group. The Challenge. How do you decide who is the best? "The best, it turns out, is a relative term because there is room for everyone in the marketplace from the low cost leader to exclusive suppliers of high end products.  So how do you compare and determine the best builder or supplier? At th... 08/12/2008

Join Idaho's LargestReal Estate Forum Got a question or Comment? Think you know everything?Join the Discussion!  Industry Insights  Build Idaho Multi-media Builder Profiles Meet the builders that influence design and innovation of new homes Treasure Valley Real Estate Market and Construction Industry News & Insights Trey LangfordFounder Insightful facts and stats on everything from Boise real estate to Caldwell construction plus the most recent updates and additions to the website. Ada County New Construction Market Jim PaulsonCRS, GRIProgressive Realty 15 years real estate experience to help you understand the current local climate. Boise Condominium Updates Bryant ForresterUrban Conceptsof Homeland Realty The Boise condominium and townhome market is thirving. It is all about lifestyl... 08/12/2008

Before you move in to a Boise community with pressurized irrigation make sure you check the availability for usage and make sure it is what you were expecting. Many systems have alternating days or some sort of schedule  that you may use the "free" water.    Water is a valuable resource but even farmers are restricted to how much they can use. You should also consider landscape that is designed to do well in Boise. Remember, we are in the desert and it only rains I believe 13 inches a year. Some tips- Ask your builder if they landscape with desert friendly plants.  Ask for a professional landscape design that is desert friendly and requires less maintenance. Read More about Treasure Valley Real Estate Research Boise Home Buidlers Locate Treasure Valley's newest Communities Trey Langford... 08/10/2008

  Treasure Valley NEW Subdivision Locator The most comrehensive source for new subdivisions. Locate Boise Lots and new homes! Research Idaho Home Builders Discover home builder's credentials and qualifications including client reviews! Credible Home Builders  Local Professionals Buying or building a home takes a team of professionals including realtors, trade partners, retail suppliers and many more! Get your team together Treasure Valley Market Reports Research insightful real estate and construction facts, stats and information? Parade of Homes results, Building permit trends,Top producing buidler and more.Learn the latest trends! Treasure Valley's Most Insightful Blog Advice and analogies from the area's leading authorities on real estate, builders, going green and more. Read Boise ... 08/08/2008

Well this has got to make parents feel better.  I know as proud father of three I appreciate and applaud any improvement in the educational system.  According to State Officials over half of Idaho public schools schools have reached their academic benchmarks.  This is a big improvement over the 06-07 results where only 30% of the schools were making the cut.  Give your educators a pat on the back next time you see them! Read the full details here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/462814.html  08/07/2008