Boise Idaho Real Estate Blog - Lisa Kohl

Do You Need a Realtor to Buy a New Construction Home?

I’m not going to tell you the Top 10 Reasons you need a realtor to buy a new home.

What I will do is explain how the sales process works from the builders perspective.

First an important distinction. Buying a new construction home bears little resemblance to purchasing an existing home beyond the fact there’s real estate involved. Not understanding the difference can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Who Does Your Realtor Really Represent?

When buying a new construction home in Idaho, the builder will be represented by a real estate agent 100% time (interesting isn’t). The Realtor has a fiduciary, moral and legal duty to represent their client. In this case the builder. That means getting the builder the best possible sales price and…

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Real Estate Market Update in Boise Idaho March 2016

The current trend in the Boise real estate market – higher home prices, low inventory of homes and extremely high demand. Boise Idaho real estate is more popular than ever. March housing market summary:

• The median list price increased to $220,000 (up 1.90% from last year)
• The median home price increased to $219,950 (up 2.38% from last year)
• Total home sales increased to 434 (up 8.77% from last year)
• Median days on market decreased to 15 days (down 42% from last year)
• Available homes for sale increased slightly to a 1.97 months supply (down 55% from last year)
• Mortgage rates increased to 3.71 percent ( up .01% from last year)

*Refers to March 2015.

Beginning this month we are we are combing new and existing home statistics…

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6 Real Estate Contract Killers You Need to Know About

Even after a real estate contract is signed, sealed and delivered the deal is far from over.

When buying a home or selling a home- there’s no such thing as a done deal until the transaction is funded and recorded with the county. As real estate agents, we’d love nothing more than to see clients dance their way to the closing table. The reality is that many real estate transactions hit the fan before close. Many times for reasons you might not have thought about.

Idaho is a single contract state. Unlike in some areas, the initial Purchase and Sale Agreement is the only contract that spells out the entire agreement. As a buyer, you are committing yourself before the seller has even seen your offer. As a seller, you can agree to the purchase price…

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Real Estate Market Update | February 2016

The Boise real estate summary for February:

• The median list price increased to $209,000 (up 10.88% from last year)
• The median home price increased to $207,000 (up 11.89% from last year)
• Median days on market decreased to 24 days (down 33% from last year)
• Available homes for sale increased slightly to a 1.60 months supply (down 58% from last year)
• Mortgage rates decreased to 3.64 percent

Current Home Prices

February’s Boise median home price was $207,000 that’s an increase from $194,000 last month. That is a 3.5 percent increase from last year.

Existing Home Sales

In the Boise, Idaho we saw a total of 263 homes sell. Last month there were 209 homes that were sold. For the same month last year, 244 homes were sold.

…

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Real Estate Market Update January 2016

In January 2016 the Boise Real Estate Market saw lower mortgage rates and very few homes for sale. Keep in mind, home sales in January’s are around half what we typically see in an average month. The numbers are always going to be exaggerated. Let’s take a look at the real estate market numbers for Boise, Idaho:

• The median list price decreased to $195,000
• The median home price decreased to $194,000
• Median days on market increased to 33 days
• Available homes for sale increased to a 1.45 months supply
• Mortgage rates decreased to 3.79 percent

Boise Home Prices

The Boise median home price in December came in at $194,000. That is a decline from the $200,000 we saw last month. At this time last year, the median was $185,000.

…

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Most Expensive Homes Sold in Boise Idaho 2015

In real estate here in the Boise area, 2015 brought about many great things for both buyers and sellers. There were some stunning Boise luxury homes that quietly made their way off the open market and into the arms of new homeowners who are sure to enjoy some of the best pieces of real estate the Boise area has to offer. Offering square footage, stately lots and stunning views that would make any home buyer swoon. Join us as we revisit Ada Counties most expensive properties sold in 2015.

1) $4,900,000

With over 700 feet of riverfront in your backyard, in-ground pool and extensive square footage. This home sits on over 4 acres, providing seclusion and space for any luxury homeowner. Soaring ceilings and windows complete the main living areas…

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Living in Boise Idaho, Love Where You Live

I’ve grown up here. Having spent the majority of my life living in Boise, I’ve been witness to all the great things that have made Boise the standout city it is today.

A decade ago, Boise, Idaho could have been seen as small potatoes- yes, I know. Since then we’ve seen our area evolve into a place that’s not only livable but has become desirable and for good reason.

Time and time again, Boise tops numerous “Best of” lists. From one of the most livable cities, best places to move, and one of the best places to retire.

Boise is still so young and new—changing almost every day—and I don’t think it’s overstatement to suggest that our town represents everything that remains great about America: potential, youth, natural beauty, quality of life.…

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Real Estate Market Update December 2015

In December the Boise Real Estate Market saw an active holiday season, higher mortgage rates and fewer homes for sale. Major takeaways:

• The median list price deceased to $204,950
• The median home price decreased to $200,000
• Median days on market increased to 31 days
• Available homes for sale decreased to a 1.39 months supply
• Mortgage rates increased to 4.01 percent

Home Prices

The Boise median home price in December came in at $200,000. That’s a slight decline from the $202,450 we saw last month. Overall Boise real estate price trends remain strong. Overall At this time last year the median was $190,000.

Existing Home Sales

In the Boise, Idaho we saw a total of 345 homes sell. Last month there were 288 homes that were…

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Real Estate Market Update November 2015

As expected November brought higher home prices to the Boise Real Estate Market. Major takeaways:

• The median list price increased to $204,950
• The median home price increased to $202,450
• Median Days on market decreased to 17 days
• Available homes for sale are at decade lows
• Mortgage rates remain at historic lows

Note: We believe existing homes for sale are the best way to gauge current home prices and real estate market trends. New construction home prices are much more volatile and tend to exaggerate the numbers, particularly on a month to month basis.

Boise Home Prices

The Boise median home price in November came in at $202,450. This is an increase from the YTD median home price of $199,565 and October’s median price of…

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Homeowners’ Associations – Friend or Foe?

Common now more than ever are homeowner associations. Just in Idaho there are more than 3,000 homeowners’ associations. If you’ve ever found yourself touring adjoining neighborhoods, but one maybe looks more spruced up and well cared for versus the other? Chances are there might be a homeowner association involved.

Ever wonder why in some communities most of the houses are similar colors? Most likely a homeowner association. When looking at home for sale- an HOA can make or break the deal. It’s important to know how these associations work and understand what you’re signing up for when you buy that new home.

What is a Homeowners Association

A homeowners association is just that. When a developer begins building a new community, they usually…

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