Plant a Garden for Your Grandchild

No matter how young your grandchildren are, it’s never too early to work with them to plant a garden and to give them a plant that belongs to them.  What a wonderful way to get them outside and loving their own special plant.  Whether it’s flowers or vegetables – you can create memories with them that will last a lifetime.

I have a garden every year and my granddaughter loves to go out there with me.

Do you have a home with a some garden space?  If you don’t but you want one – give me a call!  I would love to help you find that place to make memories.

In the meantime, check out the link below to find some tips on creating a special “Grandchild Garden.”

http://www.saferbrand.com/articles/child-friendly-gardens

Call me to help you find that dream garden that goes with the dream home you want – Connie – 208.880.0828

A Thought For the Day

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is just to laugh, to stare at clouds, to listen to children laughing and the wind blowing, or sit by the sea and absorb what is there.  Happiness is much quieter than anger.  Learn to listen to the sounds happiness and follow them.

 

Sold & Active Home Report for February 2017

Here are the stats on homes sold in February and Currently Listed for several areas around the Treasure Valley.

Please note – To Be Built Homes are non-existent. Homes Under Construction are in various stages of readiness for occupancy. Both of these things will effect your timeline in occupying a home so please be aware.

Market supply is low.  It is definitely a Seller’s market right now so if you are thinking about selling – now is definitely the time to get that house listed!

If you have questions or would like to see a home – please give me a call – Connie Downs 208.880.0828.

For you buyers – mortgage rates are still low but the prediction is that they will rise this year.  The Feds are still waiting to see what happens in Washington DC but our economy is strong.  If you’re thinking about buying – do it while the mortgage interest rates are still low!

Emmett, Idaho Statistics for Solds February 2017 and Currently Listed Single Family Homes & Single Family Home w/Acreage

SOLD
Number of Homes Sold:       20
Average Days on Market:     149
Average Listing Price:           $193,985
Average Sold Price:               $189,125
Average home 3 bedrooms, 2. baths

ACTIVE LISTINGS.
Current Listings:                   50
Average Price:                       $276,762
Average Days on Market:     77
Average home 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

Meridian, Idaho statistics for Solds in February, 2017 and currently Listed Single Family Homes

SOLD
Number of Homes Sold:       215
Average Days on Market:     54
Average Listing Price:           $281,019
Average Sold Price:               $280,747
Average home 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

ACTIVE LISTINGS.
Current Listings:                   604
Average Price:                       $308,011
Average Days on Market:     77
Average home 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

Boise, Idaho statistics for Solds in February, 2017 and Currently Listed Single Family Homes

SOLD
Number of Homes Sold:       262
Average Days on Market:     43
Average Listing Price:           $291,040
Average Sold Price:               $287,040
Average home 3-4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

ACTIVE LISTINGS.
Current Listings:                   513
Average Price:                       $405,381
Average Days on Market:     59
Average home 4 bedrooms, 2.5-3 baths

Data pertains to the city or County as stated for single-family homes or single family homes on an acreage as stated.
No Condos or townhome properties are included in this data.
All Data obtained from Intermountain MLS on 3/24/17.

Communicating With Your Real Estate Agent?

All of us are in the people business because we have jobs that require interaction with others. Having worked with the public in many different settings, I know that there are certain things that are important to most people. For one thing, they want to be “heard.” Just looking into your eyes with great sincerity is not enough. Neither is just listening enough to begin formulating an answer. You want to be fully listened to.

In the Real Estate business it’s extremely important to have an agent who hears all that you have to say. Yes, you may say the same thing over and over or stating things that are incorrect. Regardless of that, an agent needs to listen with an ear to what you are and are not saying! It may take you time to figure out what you’re trying to say regarding needs, concerns, or questions because you don’t know exactly how to explain it. Or, just because something was explained to you once, you may need further clarification because the process and the terms are new to you.

Second, it’s important that the person listening to you places importance on what you’re saying. If you’re mistaken and don’t realize it, you still need to be affirmed and then given the correct information. Most agents have had the experience of having a client come in and telling them what their Uncle said about how to buy or sell a home. While the Uncle has great intentions, it often turns out there are things there that are not correct. However, it’s important to you to be affirmed and then turned in the right direction. You’re searching for information that is correct and relevant to your situation as well as new information you didn’t know about.

That’s what communication is all about. Businessdirectory.com defines communication this way – Two way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange (encode-decode) information, news, ideas and feelings but also create and share meaning. In general, communication is a way of connecting people or places. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/communication.html

The key words here are “mutual understanding” along with “create and share meaning.” When you find an agent who understands this, you have found a good thing. And, their ability to truly communicate will hopefully also be accompanied by integrity and knowledge!

Give me a call and I will really listen to you!!! Connie – 208.880.0828

 

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

HOPE YOUR DAY IS GREAT!!!!!

I Want To Sell My House – I Think!!!!???

When you’re thinking of selling it can be overwhelming.

• Where do I start?
• I’ve heard that I will have to make all kinds of expensive improvements first and I can’t.
• Where can I get help?
• My house is great just like it is – I’m not doing anything.  But – am I wrong?

That’s just a few of the questions you may have.  I’m here to answer your questions and eliminate some misconceptions you may have.  Actually, it is the job of every Realtor®.  When I work for a seller, I don’t just list your house and then sit back and wait for the money to roll it!!!!

Nope – I work hard from the very beginning. I start by coming to look at your house and give you a Current Market Analysis.  I also explain the first few steps to you and find out what it is that you need in order to make this successful for you.  That’s my job as your agent.

I will also make suggestions to you about “staging” your home. Things like:

• De-cluttering
• Possibly rearranging furniture, eliminating a piece or two, adding a piece
• Painting and touch up
• Securing valuable personal items and safeguarding your private documents
• Putting away pictures that show your child and where they go to school
• What to do when a realtor calls about showing your home

There is much, much more that we will discuss.  My main point is to let you know that I am here to work for you and accomplish your goals in this important decision.  Your may love your home and it is hard for you to sell it but, you need to.  You may not like your home anymore and so it’s an easy decision.  However, for most people, there are mixed feelings about selling this place that holds so many memories.  I want to give you all the information you need to feel good about the transaction and to accomplish the goal that has motivated you to sell your home.

All you need to do is give me a call today! Connie Down – 208.880.0828

 

Current Market Statistics

Single Family Homes only. No Townhouses, Condos or acreages.

Emmett:

• Active Listings                              22
• Average Price                     $142,350
• Average Days on Market          114
• Sold in January                              14
• Median Sold Price            $133,200

Meridian

• Active Listings                           454
• Average Price                   $307,686
• Average Days on Market           91
• Sold In January                           136
• Median Sold Price           $250,739

Statistics gathered from Intermountain Multiple Listing Service on Feb. 13, 2017 for Gem County and 5 areas of Meridian Idaho (Ada County) only for single family homes on a lot or less than 1 acre.

 

Good News for The 2017 Housing Market

Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, for Windermere Real Estate Professionals.  Is predicting some good new for the housing market in Idaho this year.  Check it out here.

Some of his predictions include that fact that, while the market may remain a “Sellers” market, prices should stabilize.  In fact, overall, he sees a stable market here in our area for 2017 and THAT is good news for all of us!

Give me a call today to get started finding your home – Connie 208.880.0828

Thinking About Buying a Home this Year? What Will The Challenges Be?

Inventory Levels – according to the National Association of Realtors, 2017 started out with the lowest level of inventory since the recession. Of course, here in the Treasure Valley, inventory is always low this time of year but our level of inventory for existing homes in 2016 was normal. Inventory for new construction changes but local builders have been on a building spree and the inventory for new homes should be good. Once the snow melts – there will be plenty of homes for sale so get out there and start looking!

Rising Home Prices – A house is worth what the Appraiser says it is worth – not what a buyer may be willing to pay for it unless the buyer has cash. A cash buyer can pay as much as they want to for a home because it will not be appraised. But, since most buyers are obtaining loans, this means that the price cannot go higher than the value the Appraiser places on the home. So, even if there are multiple offers on the home you have made an offer on, don’t be intimidated. Make an offer that fits your budget and one that reflects the actual value of the home.  Your Realtor can help you with that process.

Yes, prices have gone up as the economy has improved. That reflects a normal, healthy housing market. Prices that remain the same or that are dropping reflect a housing market that is headed for problems. A healthy market will have home prices that are gradually rising and will mean that the value of your new home should continue to rise after you purchase it.

Changing Mortgage Rates – it is true that mortgage rates have risen slightly. At the end of 2016 rates were up to 4.2% after being as low as 3.5%. The rates have been historically low levels for several years now and everyone knew that once the economy stabilized, rates would rise. To keep things in perspective, remind yourself that a rate of 8% was once considered low! Of course, you want the lowest rate you can get but don’t let a slight rise in rates keep you from owning a home. Rent is usually higher than a house payment so make the investment now before rates go higher!

What does all this mean? It just means that you need a good realtor who can guide you through the process of finding your dream home and making a good offer on it! There are always challenges when purchasing a home but a hard-working Realtor can guide you through the process and make it a great experience .

With that in mine – give me a call – I’m a really good Realtor!
Connie ~ 208.880.0828

Where Are You Going?

“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.”– Oliver Wendell Holmes

Read more: http://www.keepinspiring.me/positive-inspirational-life-quotes/#ixzz4VwxXP3uQ