From the remote desert of the Owyhee Mountains, to expanding vineyards and family-run farms, to bustling metropolitan areas ringed by national forest, there is no other place in Idaho – or perhaps even the Northwest – that contains the diversity of the Treasure Valley.

In addition, job opportunities are plentiful, housing prices are reasonable, and national rankings show everyone from millennials to retirees think it’s a desirable area to live. So it’s no surprise that the Treasure Valley, also called the Boise Metro Area, is currently consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing in the nation.

But all that diversity can sometimes cause confusion. For instance, what exactly do we mean when we’re speaking of the Treasure Valley? Is the

Buying a foreclosure can be an excellent opportunity to save money on a new property purchase. The key is to do your homework and go in with your eyes open.

In most parts of the country, home prices seemingly increase by the month. Despite the fact that there are fewer Boise foreclosures for sale today than there have been in the past few years, there is still very strong interest from buyers considering buying a foreclosure. With the potential to save some hard-earned money, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise.

So what exactly is a foreclosure and how do they work? When different people mention foreclosures, they are not always referring to the same type of foreclosure. Let’s review the five main types of foreclosures, how they differ, and

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

Boise is well known for its below-average crime rate when compared to cities of similar size – it’s one important reason factoring into people’s decisions to move here. In fact, the crime rate in Boise has been steadily declining for 25 years.

Yet when moving to a new neighborhood, it’s natural to worry about the unknowns, and one of those unknowns is safety. What is the crime rate in Boise? How does it compare to nearby cities, like Eagle and Meridian? Where do you even begin finding that information? And how do you know if the data is current and reliable?

Below, we’ll give you the resources to help you do your due diligence and ensure that your next neighborhood is everything you want it to be, including safe.

Ada County Crime Map

If

Joe retired from a national technology company at the age of 44. Soon after that, he spent a year traveling around the world: Europe, the Grand Caymans, Asia, and South America.

See, when Joe was 22, he bought a fourplex. He lived in one of the units and rented out the other three. As part of his job, he was frequently transferred. Each time he moved to a new city he bought another fourplex, always keeping the last one and the previous ones he had purchased. By the time Joe was 44, he was a millionaire.

Before I tell you the amazing part, you should know Joe repaired ATMs for a living. He was in no way a jet-set executive. The most he made in any one year was $55,000, including overtime. So how did this average Joe become a millionaire real

Quaint wooden signs greet visitors to this charming neighborhood known for its mature trees, modest brick homes and 1950s bungalows.

Boise's Sunset Neighborhood signs feature a family in silhouette walking their dog into a colorful sunset. They are a promise that deliver: Sunset is full of outdoorsy families eager to take advantage of the diverse activities the area has to offer.

This is a small, tight-knit neighborhood of do-ers: hikers, walkers, runners, gardeners, golfers and most predominantly, bikers.

Nestled up against the foothills, the neighborhood has direct access to mountain biking trails via the Hillside to Hollow Reserve – a 260-acre protected open space in the central foothills. Serious road cyclists also have access to the

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

One of Boise’s fastest-growing neighborhoods is Southeast Boise, a flourishing area with enviable access to the greenbelt, river, and the downtown core. One of Boise’s largest and most diverse neighborhoods, Southeast Boise is home to Boise State University and area landmarks such as Barber Park, Bown Crossing, and the Simplot Sports Complex.

The Southeast Boise vibe is one of casual comfort: close-knit neighborhoods look a bit like streets of the past with kids playing in front yards and families walking their dogs. Despite this old-fashioned community feel, the area is also experiencing a rapid renaissance with an influx of shops, restaurants, and attractions as the neighborhood grows. Trendy new brunch spots join established local haunts while

Looking for an affordable neighborhood in Boise? You are not alone.

It’s no secret that Boise is a great place to live. The City of Trees routinely tops national “best of” lists for its low cost of living, quality of life, inner-city gems like the Boise River and Greenbelt, and its close proximity to outdoor adventuring.

While Boise is ranked as “more affordable” than the average city on a number of factors, such as healthcare costs and transportation, housing costs are now higher than the national average. Housing prices are also among the fastest-rising in the U.S., which can make finding your dream home at an affordable price challenging.

Fortunately for home buyers, there are still relatively affordable neighborhoods in Boise – you just

A mixture of old and new, rural and urban, quiet days and entertaining nights, make the Collister neighborhood what it is: an uncommonly versatile community with a bright future.

The Collister Neighborhood is a quintessentially Boisean area, where urbanity and old school rural practices mesh to create a happy medium. This established and highly walkable neighborhood is known for its family-friendliness; on any given night, you’re likely to see residents walking their dog, tending their gardens, sipping iced tea on their front porches, or strolling the sidewalks with their kids.

This is an area where residents put down roots and spend weekends brunching with friends, holidays with family, and summers at the local pool with the kids.

One of