For first-time and seasoned homeowners alike, Idaho property taxes can be confusing. For instance, what’s the difference between a home’s market value and assessed value – and which one is used to calculate property taxes? And why can two very similar houses in the same neighborhood have drastically different property taxes?

If you have a home mortgage, chances are your property tax payments are rolled into your mortgage payment each month. But it’s still helpful to know what you’re paying as a homeowner and why. Below, we break down how rates are set, how you can estimate your property tax rate, and how to appeal if you believe your property taxes are too high.

What Are Idaho Property Taxing Districts and Why Do They Matter?

Property taxes

As I write this, home prices are hitting new record highs as the Boise real estate market leads the nation in appreciation.

In the past year, Boise home prices have risen 11 percent while the supply of homes for sale has declined by 10 percent.

What will the new year bring?

By definition, a forecast is an opinion about future events. Even so, I’ve made a point to focus on the facts and current trends that are already in effect, avoiding any wild speculation. Read on for an insider take on the Treasure Valley housing market in the months to come.

Boise Home Prices Will Continue Rising

Today, one in six listings are seeing multiple offers. By spring, we expect that number to jump to one in three.

Driven by low interest rates and a

Here are We Know Boise, the heart of our business is you, our clients and partners.

That’s why we host client appreciation events throughout the year—to say thank you and express our gratitude. In July, we hosted a “Last Taste of Summer” client appreciation party at Bodovino at The Village at Meridian and the event was a success!

Our client appreciation events are the highlight of our year. Without our clients, we wouldn’t be in business and we look forward to every time we get a chance to connect. As a team, we enjoy catching up with clients we assisted years ago, as well as current and recent clients.

At last month’s event, we reconnected with some of our very first We Know Boise clients—a special treat—as well as newer faces. Held at

I may not be able to predict the future, but I can give you some hints about what you’ll see in Boise’s new home construction in the coming years. That’s because I recently attended the NW Natural Street of Dreams at Stafford Meadows in Wilsonville, Oregon, just 20 minutes outside of Portland.

Just like our highly-anticipated local Boise Parade of Homes, the 2019 Street of Dreams showcases stunning examples of modern and innovative design, construction, floor plans, landscaping, and finishing touches.

The six homes I toured were excellent examples of what we’re seeing and will continue to see in the Boise new construction market and provided ample inspiration for those looking to build.

Priced from $1.1 to $1.8

You have heard it before, "buying a home is a great investment." But just how good has owning real estate in the Boise market actually been?

As it turns out, probably better than you think.

The median home value in Boise has risen for eight years in a row. If you bought a house in that timeframe, you have most likely done very well.

While some fortunate buyers may have purchased at the market bottom, about half have purchased in the last five years, making that a better frame of reference.

Between the first half of 2014 and the first half of 2019, median home values in Boise jumped a staggering 68.4%.

So what happened if you bought a house in Boise five years ago?

If you bought in 2014, you paid the then median price of $193,000 and like the

Have you applied for your Idaho Homeowners Exemption for the 2020 tax year yet?

If you’ve recently purchased a house or moved to Idaho, you may be eligible for a property tax exemption. You’ll likely spend more money on owning a home than any other one thing in your life, so a tax break is a welcome relief.

A property tax exemption reduces the net taxable value of your home and up to one acre of your property. Instead of calculating your property tax percentage based on the full value of your home, the Idaho Homeowners Exemption subtracts $100,000 and determines your tax rate based on the resulting amount.

In 2019, the legislature set the exemption reduction at an even $100,000 (up to a maximum of 50% of the properties value), to remain in

A new construction home is an ideal opportunity to have the house you’ve been dreaming of. While every client we assist is unique, there are some “wants” and “must-haves” we see on house wishlists across the board. Here’s a quick look at what we are seeing buyers ask for in a new home.

People-Centric Floor Plans Designed for Modern Living

There was a time when it was highly fashionable to segment a home, usually to add a sense of formality and to sequester the kitchen and bedrooms away from the entertaining areas.

Today, buyers want open floor plans with lots of natural light and are ready to sacrifice formal dining rooms, parlors, and living rooms to get it.

While open concept is nothing new, the focus has moved from the living room to

There was a time not so long ago when smart home technology was cost prohibitive and unrealistic for the average homeowner or apartment dweller. But as with any technological change, smart home gadgets have become increasingly affordable and practical as they move into the mainstream.

You don’t have to dive into the deep end to start making your home more convenient and safe, either: you can dip your toe in with a few inexpensive, easy-to-install devices. Here are our tips for easing into smart home technology. Fair warning, though: once you start incorporating a few of these devices into your house, you’re likely to quickly become addicted to the fun, function, and convenience of a smart home.

Stay Cool (or Warm) Wirelessly: Smart Thermostats

I meet a lot of people in my line of work. When people hear I’m a real estate agent one of the most common questions I get, "Is Boise in a real estate Bubble?" Considering local home prices have jumped over the last six years and memories of the great recession are still in the back of everyone’s mind, it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise.

There is a difference between a real estate slowdown and a housing bubble. So what is a bubble? “A run-up in housing prices fueled by demand, speculation and exuberance."

They start with high demand and limited supply which is the case with any rising market. But then, "Speculators enter the market, further driving demand. At some point, demand decreases or stagnates at the same time supply increases,

As we cruise towards the Holiday Season here in Boise, calendars will soon be full of parties and celebrations. Many will take to the skies or the roadways to spend time with loved ones. No matter how you will be spending the holidays, we’ve put together a list of must haves and have-nots to keep you and your home from getting burned during this Holiday Season!

Protect Your Goods From Porch Pirates

Shopping online sure beats fighting crowds at the mall. More people are shopping online and having gifts and goodies delivered home more than ever before. Protect your loot from would be porch pirates by scheduling deliveries while home. In cases where that won’t work, opt to have a delivery signed for or ask a neighbor to keep an eye out once your