Boise Idaho Real Estate Blog - Lisa Kohl

2025 Housing Forecast: Why January Could Be a Turning Point for Buyers and Sellers

Rising home inventory has fueled higher sales this year, while elevated mortgage costs have kept price growth in check.

For buyers, the unpredictability of mortgage rates has been almost as impactful as the rates themselves. Monthly payments have fluctuated by hundreds of dollars, creating challenges even for those who can technically afford the added expense.

Over the past two years, homebuyer demand has tended to rise when mortgage rates approach 6% but lose momentum when rates climb past 7%. The market surged in August and September as rates hit a two-year low, only to cool when rates spiked in October. Recently, rates dropped again, reaching a five-week low of 6.69%.

Despite the volatility, buyer activity has been busier than usual for…

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Treasure Valley Home Sales Skyrocket: Ada County Sees 47% Jump

The Treasure Valley housing market is showing renewed momentum. After reaching a nine-year low, home sales have bounced back significantly since mid-year, largely thanks to easing interest rates and improved inventory.

In October, home sales in Ada County surged by 47% compared to a year ago, with Canyon County seeing a similar rise of 39%.

During the first half of the year, demand for homes slowed as fluctuating interest rates made it difficult for buyers to commit. Coupled with rising home prices, higher rates stretched budgets, making monthly payments less affordable.

However, in May, mortgage rates began to decline, sparking renewed buyer interest. Builders also offered incentives to lower buyers’ mortgage rates, further fueling demand.

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Plunging Mortgage Rates Ignite Buyer Interest, But Market Uncertainty Lingers

In Ada County, plummeting mortgage rates are making a big difference; the average buyer is saving $500 per month compared to just a few months ago. Combined with a slight dip in home prices, lower rates are a green light for many who were previously on the fence about buying.

After reaching nearly 8% in October last year, mortgage rates have settled at just over 6%, their lowest level since early 2023. While the Federal Reserve's expected rate cut last month grabbed headlines, mortgage rates had already started dropping sharply in August, anticipating the Fed's move.

Buyers and homeowners were quick to take advantage of the lower rates. Nationwide, mortgage applications for new construction homes jumped 15% in August, and refinance originations…

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Falling Rates, Rising Supply: Boise Housing Market Opens Doors for Buyers

Following a brief summer slowdown, homebuyer demand is inching higher as mortgage rates continue to fall. After peaking at 7.22% in May, rates dropped to 6.35% last week—nearly a full percentage point lower than last year and the lowest since April 2023.

Even slight drops in mortgage rates can lead to significant savings, adding up to hundreds of dollars per month. From an affordability perspective, a 1% drop in mortgage rates is equivalent to a 10% decrease in home prices.

In August, the median home price in Ada County rose to $536,665, a 3.2% increase from last year. In Boise, home prices ended the month at $516,000, reflecting a 4.2% rise. Prices in the county saw a notable dip last August, making year-over-year comparisons appear more…

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Mortgage Rates Dip to 15-Month Low, Home Prices in Ada County Tumble

The Treasure Valley housing market increasingly favors buyers as home prices decline and mortgage rates drop to their lowest levels in over a year.

The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.47% for the week ending August 8, the lowest level since May 2023. Homebuyer demand typically shrinks when rates rise above 7% and picks up when they fall below that threshold.

Even small changes in mortgage rates can significantly impact home affordability. For instance, a buyer who put 20% down on a $500,000 home in April would have faced a monthly payment of about $2,750, excluding insurance and property taxes. Today, that payment would be closer to $2,480.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently suggested that a rate cut "could be on the table…

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Ada County Inventory Surges 37% as Home Prices Hit a New Two-Year High

Ada County home prices hit a fresh two-year high in June, reaching their highest level since July 2022.

The median price for a single-family home in Ada County increased to $569,990, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.6%. Similarly, Boise's home prices saw a 6% jump to $556,500.

This rise was primarily due to a higher number of expensive homes being sold rather than an increase in prices. On a price-per-square-foot basis, home prices in the county were slightly below April's levels.

Canyon County home prices rose to $424,945 in June, marking a 4.9% increase over the past year. As homes usually go under contract one to two months before the sale closes, June's data reflects purchase decisions made earlier in the spring.

Local home…

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Rising Supply, Tepid Demand: Treasure Valley Market Toughens for Sellers

Rising home prices, elevated interest rates, and a growing supply are contributing to slowing demand for all but the best-priced properties.

As competition intensifies, sellers have started offering more concessions to attract buyers, ranging from interest rate buydowns to assistance with closing costs.

In Ada County, the median home price is now $551,950, a 3.3% increase from last year. Boise saw a bigger jump, with prices rising 7.4% to $537,000. Canyon County's prices rose slightly to $419,900, a 1.2% increase from last June.

Falling rates at the end of last year spurred a rush of interest from homebuyers at the beginning of this year. Combined with a limited supply, this surge pushed prices to a two-year high. However, rates rose…

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Where To Watch Outdoor Movies in Boise This Summer 2024

Summer nights are almost here, promising those golden evenings with family and friends, relaxing as the temperatures cool down and the stars come out. There’s something magical about summer nights, isn’t there? This year, you can add “watch a movie under the stars” to your summer bucket list and check it off at any one of these free outdoor movie events.

Sparklight Movie Night | Meridian

With an impressive lineup of weekly classics and new family-friendly hits, the popular Meridian Sparklight Movie Night events are returning this summer. Every Friday from June through August, you can catch a movie at Settlers Park for free. Community partners and vendors join every week so you can enjoy a refreshing beverage and stroll through booths and…

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Treasure Valley Home Prices Climb Amid Robust Demand, But Rising Rates Loom

Robust demand and scarce supply have driven up home prices in the Treasure Valley this spring. However, rising mortgage rates threaten to dampen the enthusiasm.

May is typically one of the busiest months in the housing market, as families with school-aged children aim to relocate before the new school year begins.

The median price of a single-family home in Ada County rose by 7.5% year-over-year to $556,500 in April, up slightly from March. Boise home prices climbed to $525,000, a 5% increase compared to the previous year. In Canyon County, prices ended the month at $429,995, up 10.3% from April 2023, the highest since October 2022.

As prices have risen this year, bidding wars have become less frequent. However, fairly priced, move-in-ready…

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Boise Swimming Pools Guide - Best Swimming Pools in Boise, ID

Summer is definitely here, with all the warm weather ahead of us it's an excellent opportunity to soak up some fun at one of Boise's community pools. Just in Boise alone, there are seven locations each filled with neighborhood personality and different amenities. Each year all pools open on the very last day of school for the Boise School District calendar, which is May 31st at 1:00 pm. With more than just splash pads and water slides, during the summer season, Boise Parks and Recreation also holds swim classes and other aerobic sessions for all ages.

Where to swim in Boise

Natatorium Pool and Hydrotube - Northeast Boise

1811 E Warm Springs Ave | (208) 608-7680 | Map & Directions »

Just off Warm Springs Ave, the Natatorium is considered a…

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