GreatBoiseHomes

A feel good story..... My tenants are buying a home!

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:22:23 -0700

In the spring of 2007 a 35 year old man got sick. When he woke up from the coma he was in complete organ failure and had some brain damage and hearing loss from the virus. The man and his wife and children were in shock. This was a 2 career family living in a nice home in Seattle. They had done everything right. They had good health insurance. They had good jobs. They were taking care of themselves and their family. When all was said in done the man was unable to work. He had medical bills over the million dollar limit on his insurance. They had a couple of hundred thousand dollars left over in medical debt. At least the man was alive but didn't even have the money to buy hearing aides...

They felt they had to leave their home in Seattle because on one income they couldn't afford their mortgage. The wife arranged a transfer to Boise.... The wife called a Craiglist ad and agreed we agreed to meet at one of my rental homes. It was a nice 4 bedroom, 2bath split entry. They loved the home. I checked them out and knew that they were a bit of a risk but I felt with a little help this family would make it. I agreed to sign a lease with them. I went in with my eyes open. As we signed the lease in my office I told them first they would get on their feet then I would sell them a house. They laughed because they had to short sale their home in Seattle.

Over the years they had a lot of struggles. The man seemed susceptible to lung ailments and other problems. The creditors kept garnishing her wages. This made the timing of the rent unpredictable. They always paid. Eventually she paid me twice a month because that was easier to budget. The man kept trying to work but just couldn't do what he used to do and the downturn didn't help.

Time went on the kids loved Boise and did great in school! After a while I counseled bankruptcy.... They hadn't done anything wrong and clearly they couldn't recover with the garnishing of her wages and the debt. With 2 of them working they might have been able to deal with it but not with one wage earner. I also counseled trying for disability since it was clear the man couldn't do his work anymore. At first they didn't want to do these things. They were proud. He wanted to recover and work. They didn't want to throw in the towel.

Three years ago their bankruptcy was complete. I noticed the rent got earlier and earlier until both halves came before the first! It took 3 tries but the disability was awarded last summer. I sent them to my loan officer. They had some work to do but they did it!

Three weeks ago they qualified. We are now pending and they will be homeowners once again in late April...

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

I just fired a real estate agent for my son.....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:06:37 -0700

I sell homes in Boise, Idaho. My son is in Troy, NY and was thinking of buying a home. I contacted an agent randomly through activerain. We talked about the market a bit and she seemed helpful. She gave me a list of loan officers and we talked about the purchase. My son qualified for the loan and I couldn't get out to NY.... I was a bit sick... My dad is very sick...And last but not least I had a lot of work to do here.

She said she set us up on a search but after a week nothing had come in. I was beginning to wonder about that when my son called about something that just popped up on Zillow. I opened up the link I had to all the mls's and it looked very promising. I then searched the area and found another home that was interesting in a good neighborhood that I would have to help him buy.

I had Jon call the agent and he left a message. I emailed the agent and I did meantion a possible referral fee. She let Jon know that she had things to discuss with me. She emailed me and said she had a busy day the next day but would call me. I wasn't too upset but I wanted Jon to see the home. I called the listing agent for some more information about the home (explaining that we were set up with an agent (nothing signed)) but that I felt loyal. The listing agent offered to get Jon into the home.

Today Jon called the other agent who said she did not have time to show Jon the property today ( I made the request on Monday evening) and I emailed her a couple of times about the property and Jon left several messages. I was willing to forgive her for being swamped yesterday. I wasn't annoyed I had been there.

She finally called me this morning and announced that she couldn't show Jon the property. Then she told me that she couldn't give a referral fee on that small of a deal ($128K). I was a bit annoyed by the referral fee but I was real annoyed that she was not there for a hot qualified buyer who happened to be my son. I felt that if she felt the deal was too small and she couldn't be bothered to show Jon a hot property in a timely manner that I did not want her as an agent.

Being an agent I am very understanding of the problems we agents face. But my son needs an agent who will take time to show him homes when they are available.....

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Looking for a real estate agent in Troy, NY

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:40:48 -0800

My son is thinking about buying a home in Troy, NY near RPI. I have to figure out how to do a referral since I am an agent in Boise, ID. I might be going in with him. I understand that all real estate is local . If you know how to do a referral let me know or if you are a great agent in Troy, NY let me know By the way we will also need a local loan officer.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

"N. Idaho HAM gets 3 years in prison"

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 07:00:39 -0800

This is from our local paper:

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/02/21/2460571/n-idaho-ham-gets-3-years-in-prison.html

is one dangerous Porker from North Idaho....I wasn't sure that you can incarcerate food. Of course some might say farming does that. I sure don't want to see that ham when it gets out..... Even hams should pay their taxes... I wonder how to get something into "The tonight show" headline segments?

OK I want to hear funny comments.... I have had a hard month....

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Sometimes I seem to put parts of my life into boxes....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:48:05 -0800

I know I did this when I ran for Congress.... I had some health concerns that popped up while I ran and I really didn't think of them until after the election. I had some medical tests to make sure I could put off my action until after the election and ran for office. I spent the next year having several operations to prevent breast and ovarian cancer. After the election it had seemed as if someone else had ran for office. Someone else had traveled all over the state. Given those speeches. Debated Congressman Mike Simpson. Raised money. Put together a great group of volunteers. It took me a long time to incorporate that strong dynamic woman who stepped out of her confort level into the person who I thought as me. Perhaps going under the surgeons knife shortly afterwards didn't help. By the way I was lucky. I had precancer cells but no cancer so I know I made the correct decisions.

Now lets fast forward 4.5 years to my life at the current time.... I am not running for high political office but I am putting parts of my life into boxes.

1) I have my brother has a recurrence of cancer box. This is real scary. I only have one brother and I love him and his family very much. I am very frightened I might lose him. I feel that he has a 10 year daughter and work is not yet complete. It is funny because he is a world class scientist but it is the raising of his daughter that concerns me. As long as I can remember he has been part of my life. I shake and don't sleep when I am in that part of my life.

I will travel in two days so I can try to be of help when he has part of his lung removed. I listen and I am supportive. I do whatever I can. I pray a lot. I am Jewish but I will take all prayers because I believe there is one God and God is not petty we are. God listens to all of us or that God wouldn't be worth worshiping.

2) I have my husband and sons. They are often self managing but they still like me. I have raised some fine young men. But I enjoy spending what time we have together. I am a little bummed that my youngest has a week off from college and I will be gone. It's OK he goes to college 1/2 hour away so I do see him. I had dinner with him on Wed.

3) Then there is the real estate... As you do I work very hard, and at all hours for my clients. I give it 110%. I think I am a good agent and I am always willing to go the extra mile. I also know when to ask for help when I am confused. I have spent a lot of time recently settling some clients into a contract before my trip. That has been good for me since the busier I am with work the less I think about problem number 1. I can do nothing more than listen right now since my brother is 2500 miles away. I love helping someone find a home. Especially someone find their first home!

4) I do property management on the side. That is related to real estate but very emotionally draining. I manage 13 units. Some of them are nice... Some of them are not. I own 5 of them. My stepmother owns 6 of them. 2 I do for pay. It is the one thing I do that I need to put my distrust had on. So many of my potential tenants have problems. Many of my current tenants (in the not so nice places) have issues. I work with them. I get the rent and try to help them. My husband is convinced I should have been a social worker not a Scientist.

5) OK there is a political hat. It is a hat where I gently try to influence what happens in my state and my community. I give of my time. I give my opinions. I give some money. I help my oldest son in his endeavor to help with politics. I try to stay in the background now but I think most people in my political party know who I am. The cool thing is former Gov. Cecil Andrus knows me and recognises me :) This election I lost 5 pounds going door to door for various local politicians.

6) I also help people on loan modifications. I think a lot of us do. Some people help at the food bank I help people stay in their homes.

Somehow I put all these different parts of my life into boxes.... I am not sure if it is healthy. It is how I manage.... Now it is time to put my real estate hat on and get my contract into my broker and the loan officer. Then I shall put the property management hat on and write a lease. I also have to write instructions for my hubby the math professor who is going to have to go to my office and collect, record and deposit the rents because I will be in Northern Virginia helping my brother and his family deal with the reoccurring cancer.

This is my life in little boxes.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Has anyone done a short sale with Greentree recently?

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:39:23 -0800

I am negotiating a short sale contract and the seller countered with a committment for a 60 day wait before the buyer can terminate the contract. This makes me very nervous since the prices are rising quickly in my area and I am afraid my buyers could be priced out of the market if we fail to settle. Has anyone worked with Greentree recently? What would be the wait time with them. I would like my buyers to have the ability to walk if I found something they could buy. I would love to hear that they are settling reasonably quickly , Thanks!

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

In the ER without insurance.... The care can be different...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 06:18:35 -0800

Medically we are definitely a country of haves and have nots.   My friend, who has no health insurance or job, slipped and fell on the ice. Some wonderful people took her to the ER. I was called because I was in the phone book and I am her friend. I went to the hospital and was at first told her bone was not broken. Then the doctor came in and he ordered more xrays. Turns out the bone was broken.
When a person with insurance has a broken bone they almost always seem to be told that they need to have an operation or their bones won't heal correctly. My friend was told she might have nerve damage and they splinted her leg and showed her some crunches.   As she attempted to use them she grew dizzy. She was given a pain shot and a pain prescription. There was only one pharmacy open at this hour and it was in the opposite direction of home. I suggested that I should get the prescription and come back to get her.
Perhaps I should point out that most of the roads in Boise were covered with ice. My driveway was covered with ice.
I watched my friend begin to use the crutches. I watched how hard it was for her to move and how much pain she seemed to be in. I realized that despite some nursing training I had no idea how I would get her into my home. I explained the problems. I asked if I could put a deposit down and borrow a wheel chair. I could not imagine the second trip on crutches would be my icy slippery driveway. They said they don't do that. They thought I could rent them at the pharmacy. You can't rent them but you can buy them for $300. (I didn't find out about the misinformation until I got to the pharmacy) I only needed to get 20 feet.
I sort of panicked. People will tell you I am good in a crisis, especially a medical crisis. I remembered that the Synagogue had a wheel chair in the basement. I had a key but I didn't want to just go in so I called Rabbi Dan. He started asking me about my brother, who is fighting his second bought of cancer. I told him I needed to talk about that but I had an emergency and needed the wheelchair.    He told me to to get it and that he would see if he could find more help in the morning. I had left the room to make the phone call. The nurse kicked me into the waiting room. I went to get the car. They followed me out with my friend. They put her in the car on this very nasty ice day and shut the door.
The staff did not ask if we could take my friend. The staff did not ask if we knew how to help her in. The staff seriously did not seem to care that she could easily fall on the ice trying to get inside with bare toes on her broken leg.
I got the wheelchair. My husband, son and I helped my friend in. She seems to be managing. We went back out to drive the 5 miles to the pharmacy where my car kept skidding. I was so mad at the treatment and about the policy that said that they could not give enough medicine (it was a cheap pain killer) to make it though that first night. The treatment my friend got seems to me to be callus. They did set her bone but.....
I am sure if I came in with the same break with my good health insurance policy I would have been admitted and I probably would be having an operation to steady my bones today.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

It's cold outside...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 05:54:48 -0800

Boise actually has a reasonably good climate. In the summer it is hot and dry but always cools off at night.

In the winter it is mild compared to the mountains that surround us. We rarely get snow in the valley. But every once in a while, about 1 or 2 times a winte, we get a real cold snap. We are in it today. When I woke up the radio announced that it was 4 degrees Farenheit. At that temperture you start worrying about pipes freezing.... Unheated, unwinterized homes sometimes have trouble.

Now I am from upstate New York and I understand what cold is. I never had to put a walking child in a snowsuit here in Boise. But today it is cold in the Treasure Valley. I can only take solace that it is even colder in Idaho Falls. I have many goals today but one of them is to try to keep warm.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Yesterday I put my mom's Collie down... RIP JOlly...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:10:17 -0800

I first met Jolly when she was 8 weeks old. My parents had taken my boys on a ride to Burley and came back with a pup. They hadn’t stopped the car an my youngest had puppy poop all over them. Jolly entered my parents and our life and brought a lot of joy. At about 10 weeks I was dog sitting and she went with us on her one and only camping trip with cub scout pack 123. She was much admired. Unfortunately someone else brought a vicious dog that bit some of the children and after that we had a no dog policy.

She was my mother’s dog. Oh she liked my father and us fine but she was always with my mother. She barked way too much and my mother thought it was cute that she begged. She was the queen of her ½ acre back yard. When she was 9 months old she was hit by a car and ever since did not like things that rolled. Children’s balls, bikes, cars… She would bark… She was a frequent visitor at my home and a family visit always included the dogs…

When my mother died she waited by the door for 3 months… She couldn’t understand that my mother was never returning… It broke my father’s and my heart… Finally he asked for advice and gave her something of my moms…

Eventually dad remarried (3 years later) and he adopted my poodle and his wife came with Micky…. Jolly was the chief barker and Micky was her assistant. In May 2011 we took over the care of Jollie. I have a housemate who is a pet whisperer. She made Jolly’s days wonderful. But 13.5 years is old for a Collie and she could barely walk. She often needed her backend lifted and she often didn’t make it outside… Finally we all agreed she couldn’t get better and she was in pain. Yesterday, my son and I took her to the final trip to the vet. They were very kind to the old girl. We were with her at the end so she would not be frightened…

Farewell old girl… We will miss you… Maybe you are with Mom...

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Is Santa Claus my client? Christmas activity....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 07:55:54 -0800

First and foremost Merry Christmas to everyone who is celbrating. I promiced myself I wouldn't write a real estate blog dealing with real estate but circumstances has changed. First remember I do not actually celbrate the holiday. I am planning on a very quiet day with my hubby and youngest son (who is recovering from the crud).

It started in late Octber. I was reccomended by a former client at Parents weekend (they let me know). The son calls me and states what his father wants. I take him to see some houses. He likes some and then the family prepares a very low bid. The one they want gets away (well we did have a backup offer at full price but it sold). After waiting for something appropriate to come on the market I raised the price criteria a bit and found the perfect place for the college student and his friends.

The day we went into escrow the client (dad) told me that he wanted to buy himself a second home and wanted the best. This sort of thing doesn't happen to me. He comes for the inspection and he loves the home and we go looking for the second home. He settles on the idea of a very upscale condo and goes back home to California. It was a fun day. He told me he was going to wait until late January.

Yesterday afternoon he calls me with some questions about the condo. He is thinking of making a bid. I tell him truthfully that you never know what they will accept unless you offer where you want to pay first. He tells me he might make the offer later in the week. Last night on Christmas eve at 8:53 PM I get a text message to write the offer. I will write the offer but I think that nothing will be done quickly being that it is Christmas.

We hope to close the other deal on January 3. Do you think my client is Santa? This Boise . Idaho Realtor is very happy!

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

As a Jew this time of the year is a quiet family time...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:35:19 -0800

My family doesn't celebrate Christmas. Oh we will go to Christmas parities and look at lights. We might help the less fortunate. We will wish people a Merry Christmas and not explain how we don't celebrate. My husband wasn't born Jewish... He converted when I we had our first child. When we married we decided we could celbrate Christmas with other people but we would not bring the holiday into our home.

For the first few years we would go to my parents for the Jewish Holidays and his parents for Christmas. Everyone seemed happy with the arrangement. As his siblings started to marry they wanted to start their own family traditions and his parents started traveling for Christmas. They called me the Chanukah elf. I sort of doubt any of my children remember goint to their grandparent's home for the holiday. Since money always seemed to be tight we would occaisonly send my husband home for the holiday (usually to one of his sisters homes). They never seem to tell him ahead of time which years they are getting together so we don't know until he makes his calls home on Christmas day. Sometimes I wonder if he misses it all.

When we lived in NY we would gather with our families, since we all had the day off. What I don't have is the hustle and bustle that leads up to December 25. I rarely need to decide on which party to go to. Here in Idaho they don't know what to make of us so they leave us alone. By New Year everything is back to normal. I do not have to do Christmas shopping for anyone but my mother in law. And I don't want to send her the package until she is home again. The grand extraviganza just doesn't happen in the Holmes household.

What will happen is that we will spend time together as a family. We eagerly await the arrival of our middle son. We will play games. My husband will call his family. My oldest son will probably spend the day with his girlfriend. It is a bit lonlier then it has been in the past as the boys grow up and live their own lives. I know we will all be together for New Years and I will make a fondue. So I enjoy the quiet gentle time that the holiday season is for us. It will be festive in its own quiet way....

I looked at the calander and apparently Chanukah starts around Thanksgiving next year. That means the holiday seasons will not overlap.... Guess I will make potato pancakes with turkey....

I hope you all have a very good Holiday season. I think I will.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

It is good to have the right equipment in the mountains.

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:42:24 -0800

Today I took a day off to take my friend and her guest (first time in Idaho) to the mountains. I drive sedans. Nothing fancy like a four wheel drive but I figured I would be careful. I took the precaution of making sure my hubby knew my route. I was thinking of going on some back roads if they were OK. We loaded the people up and the young dog into my rear real drive Lincoln Town car and went to beautiful Idaho City. Just one hour from downtown Boise. The drive up was beautiful. As we went higher the ground was covered by a few inches of pristine snow. The road was perfect. We got to Idaho City with no problems. The city road had some ice on it but the car was handling it fine. We had lunch and I talked to the waitress about my backroad idea and was warned against it.

I then drove up to a mountain development that had some beautiful vistas. The road was not great but I just lowered my gear and the car did fine. I couldn't see any beautiful vistas because the snow had started and we seemed to be in a cloud (not fog but no views). Then I went on what I thought was a loop but was really a dead end with a very steep grade on the ice. I couldn't back up safetly so went forward. I put the car into first and prayed a bit. I made it and turned my car around in a huge driveway. My wonderful car did not skid at all! I was quite pleased with my car.

We got back to Idaho City and we chose to go left towards Lowman (just for a bit). The guest seemed to be getting sleepy and the snow seemed a bit more serious so I decided I would turn around and go back to Boise. I started looking for a likely spot. I made my choice. It was a bad choice. I pulled into a driveway and got stuck. After a bit of rocking the car we looked in the trunk. The only semi useful thing I had was an old campaign sign from my Congressional run in 2008 (I didn't even own the car in 2008). The guest used my sign and shoveled out one of the wheels. I actually rocked the car out of the situation and onto Highway 21. The guest suggest I do a 3 point turn rather then continue and find another dubious parking spot.

We drove home and I am feeling very foolish.

1) I should have had a shovel and sand in the car.

2) I should not have taken a rear wheel drive car onto the snow.

I wish I had taken some pictures of the beautiful scenery but I didn't but I am glad to be home and amused that the old campaign sign got us out of a sticky situation.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

The fun of being a landlord/agent... It's time to paint...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:23:37 -0800

Most of the time I pick the right tenant. But sometimes I fail to listen to my gut.... The prospective tenant said something at the lease signing table that really annoyed me and I had the impulse to tell her I changed my mind. She said "now that I am on section 8 I can quit my second job and my boyfriend should work under the table". I went through with the lease...

The problems started as they moved in. Loud music and a total disregard for the upstairs neighbors. I had numerous calls and ended up in a he said/she said situation... I counseled that the lower tenants needed to respect the upper stairs tenants and made threatening noises about reporting them to housing. I felt sorry for her two little kids. Each called the police on the other. When the boyfriend left I was ecstatic. I figured things would settle.... Nope they got worse. Now she was partying every night with different guys... Every time I went there they would be spacey (probably stoned) people. I felt very sorry for the upstairs neighbor (who she accused of having an anger management problem). I contacted my previous tenant and they had had no problems with the upstairs tenant.

I asked housing if she could be released from her lease because I was in a he said/she said situation. They agreed (they never agree in my experience). I was pleased. She seemed to want to leave. I wanted her to leave. The upstairs tenants wanted her gone in July. She then told me she had no money for the new deposit if I could give her the money that would be perfect. I told her that I am in the habit of giving the deposit after the apartment is clean and empty. Then she told me she wanted to go to the next county but housing wouldn't transfer her.

I called the upstairs tenants and was told that she was planning to move. I called her and told her I hadn't gotten any word from housing. She said she was just going to leave Idaho so she didn't have to give them any warning. I was delighted. I am a bleeding heart liberal but I really thought another family could use this housing voucher more. She wanted her money. I reminded her of my policy. She agreed to let us paint before she was out (because of the holidays). We arrived yesterday. The place was worse then ever. They were asleep. Another friend came in. Before the day was out he was in jail. She promised to be out by Monday and I told her I would go through it and give her her check. There is some damage but not to much (I will deduct for damage and whatever cleaning I need to do).

She told me I should get January's rent would I please give her some of it. I said I would be returning January's rent to housing if I got it. She said I should stretch the truth. I told her I don't lie period about anything other then dog poop (family harmony situation that back fired).

I am so happy to be changing tenants. Jingle bells, jingle bells! Changing the locks as soon as she is out! As soon as it later I will call the carpet cleaner for Monday. Then I will know all the damage

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

The agony and the extacy.... All personal not real estate....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:09:17 -0800

Kidney cancer and runs in my family. My grandfather died of it. My dad was diagnosed in 2003 and my brother in 2012.... My dad and father were selected for a study in familial kidney cancer at the National Institute of Health. They poked and prodded both of them yesterday. For confidentiality they were kept separated when they saw the doctors. This morning we found out that my brother has a 1.5 cm mass in his lungs. An hour later we found out that my dad had 9 different small legions in his kidneys.

Needless to say we are reeling. Either pieces of news would be devastating but the fact it happened within an hour of each other.

The good news is that my brother will be treated at NIH. That is where the state of the art work is done in medicine. I am confident he will receive the best care possible. So first they need to find out if there is just one mass and whether it is cancerous. Then they need to treat it if it is.

My father they will watch and if any of the legions grow they will take those out but they are in both kidneys.

Just because the world is strange my son got a job today. He will be the senate attache for the Democrats at the Idaho Statehouse.

I really do not know if I am coming or going at the moment. It is hard to think of real estate but I have worked today.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Bogus Basin open for skiing this Friday!!!!!

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:38:28 -0800

Here in Boise, Idaho we are very civilized! We had several really wet and dreary days.... But in out mountains we have SNOW!!!!

Bogus Basin is a ski resort just 16 miles from Boise. I don't ski but most of my friends do. Bogus Basin is so named because they thought they found the mother load but it was fools gold. We also have Brundage mountain in McCall and Sun Valley resort in Ketchum. If you like winter sports Boise is the place for you! Our beautiful mountains become a winter wonderland... We also have a wonderful quality of life. My favorite is a trip up into the mountains in the spring and summer.

A wiinter activity I enjoy is going to one of our many natural hot springs...

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/dec/18/bogus-basin-open-skiing-friday/

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Client doesn't seem to want to sign the inspection contingency...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:29:38 -0800

Everything is going great…. The buyer loves the house…. The inspection shows a great home…. The seller/listing agent was at the inspection…. Everyone got along great… The future tenants like the former tenant…It looks like a friendly deal…. Then….

The relatively mild inspection report comes out. I look at it at the report and smile. This should be easy. We should as the seller to fix a few things because his daughter and friends will be living there until school ends and he is a good dad and just didn’t know these little issues. But…

My buyer is from the big city and seems to want everything done. That is a bit insulting in out small city atmosphere. Furthermore the daughter and her friends will be his tenants for 5-8 months. I write a kinder (not as kind as I originally wrote) and sent it to him on Friday. He messaged me that he doesn’t see why dad doesn’t do everything (some of things were merely suggestions). Either way he hasn’t signed or talked to me about a reasonable counter. The inspection contingency ends tomorrow (Tuesday)…

I have warned my buyer the contingency period was about to end and if he doesn’t sign soon he won’t get anything. I am almost tempted to show the report to the other agent and see what he wants to do off the list. I like the friendly atmosphere since we will be continuing a business relationship until the next school year. I do not want the hostility that could come with an aggressive counter for the inspection contingency. Any ideas?

I fear he could lose the girls as the tenants and then he would have an empty home until August. That would lose a lot more money then the extra tree work he wants done.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

HAPPY HOLIDAY GREATINGS AND HINTS...

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:10:18 -0800

Does anyone have any ideas I should add? Especially in helpful hints.

Happy Holidays….MAY THIS SEASON BRING YOU PEACE AND JOY!

A few HELPFUL HINTS:

1) HAVE YOU BLOWN OUT THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND CLEANED THE GUTTERS?

2) DISCONNECTED YOUR HOSES?

3) CHANGED YOUR FURNACE FILTERS?

Need help? Give me a call!

208-761-2551

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

The tragedy in Conneticut....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 07:15:43 -0800

My head reels at yet another tragedy that probably could have been prevented or at least been less horrific. I cannot try to get into the head of someone who would do such a thing. I can't imagine an entire Kindergarten class murdered by the teachers psychopathic son (or anyone). Beautiful children, just starting their lives....

Flashback to the summer. A bunch of people watching the latest batman movie.... A violent movie, yes but on the big screen... 12 dead....

A mall in Oregon full of holiday shoppers....

Can we do anything? Do we always have to play the victim?

First off I think most will agree that one must be mentally ill to do such a crime...I presume being a psychopath is a mental illness... Yet we have no easy access to mental health without money. You can't treat or diagnose problems if you don't look for them. Most of the time the people around them knew the shooter was troubled. Already we know Adam Lanza seemed to be an asocial youth without friends or much human contact.

Then, I ask why does anyone, especially a kindergarten teacher, need assault weapons? I understand about the second amendment but does that give me the right to own any weapon? Perhaps I could have my own small nuclear bomb (if I could build it or order it) just in case someone were to break into my home? It seems that semi-automatic weapons should be legal for military and law enforcement. Why would a kindergarten teacher (or any civilian) need one? let alone 3?

The teacher is dead, killed by her own son with her own gun... A tragedy in itself... But her deranged son put on body amour, went to his mother's school then shot the people in the office then went to his mom's classroom and killed each and everyone of those precious children in his mother's class.

I am from Idaho. Most of my fellow citizens, Democrat and Republican alike, have guns and hunt. I am not advocating for any action on hand guns or hunting rifles. I just do not believe average citizens needs or benefits from legal semi-automatic assault weapons. It allow tragedies to take place...

By the way yesterday, in China, a deranged man came into a school and knifed 22 students... Horrific but the students are still alive... With a handgun there would have been a tragedy but their would have been less victims. Perhaps he could have been stopped at the office.

These are my thoughts this morning.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

I know its political but I need a post... This is a local Idaho issue....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 07:30:07 -0700

New articles on No on 123

Halloween surprise: The laptop deal is just bad business at a $1200/ laptop lease over 4 years where damage theft and loss are not covered is just bad business. The donors are not a large group of students but a small group of investors who are heavily invested in companies and will become richer at the expense of the Idaho citzens, teachers and students.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/11/01/2330632/on-halloween-a-secretive-group.html

http://m.spokesman.com/blogs/hbo/2012/nov/01/average-joe-luna-backers-revealed/

This is not a large group of parents, teachers or citizens that Education Voters of Idaho contributors claimed to be protecting but very rich men who are heavily invested in online education companies...

While it true that education does need help in Idaho and technology is good this is not the legislation we need. Let us work together for true reform! Let us not dismantle the education of your children.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Durst for Idaho

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:09:22 -0700

Win a day trip for you and a guest to Sun Valley in a private airplane! Click below now to enter!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF STATE OF IDAHO WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Gas water heaters in manufactured homes and inspectors....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:46:56 -0700

A couple of days ago I wrote about a problem I was having with an inspector. It wasn't the one I usually use. The basic problem is that the inspector did not seem to understand about code for manufactured homes. This created quite a problem and a lot of stress on the seller, the buyer and the real estate agents. When I called him I told him it was a mobile home in a park and he indicated that would be fine. Well it just wasn't.

He carefully brought my buyer, her mom and grandparents and explained that there was no gap between the top of the water heater and the pipe. He went on to explain that this wasn't to code and was dangerous. This was very upsetting to the seller who had her inspection report from 2004. I found that confusing so I decided to investigate on Monday. First thing I found the unit for sale in a couple of places. I emailed the inspector with the link and asked him if the code could be different. He admitted that he didn't do very many of these things so I should call a plumber. Later he called a a guy from roto rooter and he basically stood his ground. The AC guy came to fix the air conditioner and looked at the water heater and said it was just fine. This is exactly the way it is supposed to be and it's to code. Because I am thorough (anal) I called Champion and they indicated this was as it should be. I also called my plumber and he came up with the same thing and gave me a lesson in water heaters for manufactured homes. This water heater is to code. To have a gas fired water heater in a manufactured home you need one that is approved for a manufactured home. If we did what the inspector wanted us to do we would have ruined the system and made the water heater dangerous.

Just in case you want to know the water heater takes the air from below and it is called a self contained system. They cost around $800 new instead of $400 new. You can convert to electric when it breaks and avoid the whole problem.

Now this puts me in a bad position because I recommended this inspector then basically had to get other opinions. I have homes inspected to make sure they are safe and sound. I am now in a position that I gave an opinion that I am not qualified to give after consulting and I have obtained written documentation from experts. Our buyer was upset.. The sellers were upset.. My partner and I were upset..

The lesson I learned was when you have a different type of home it is important to ask if they do enough of these homes to inspect them. My inspector created at least 10 extra hours for me. I also suspect some other problems he pointed out might have something to do with it being a manufactured home.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

I am on the hamster wheel and not earning any money.....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:03:58 -0700

This has been an interesting summer so far....Personally it has been going great! A trip to China! I took care of my brother after he had a kidney removed because of cancer (not great but neccesary). We are planning a famiy reunion at the end of the summer. My kids are doing well. Even the animals seem fine.

Professionnly I am in a quandry. The last house I sold by myself closed in May. The maarket has turned and it is really getting difficult for me find homes for the buyers in Boise, Idaho. The buyers cannot beleive the market turned. I put in a bid for myself and was turned down because my full price offer on a short sale just was not good enough. I knew that going to but I hoped if I slipped it in fast enough it just might go. I took on a buiness partner and that is going well. She is a stylist and I am getting a bit tired working around her schedule. We have to work nights and it is hard on me (I do work nights but I signed a buyer at 11:45 AM which is past my bedtime). I am pretty pleased on how that is going. Besides I am not doing much else real estate wise. I took on a new property to manage. That makes 12..... On Sunday one of the windows of my step-mothers 5 plex had a rock thrown through it. I had a very scared 60 year old single lady... My handiman/business partner cleaned it up and I ordered the glass that should be there on Tuesday.

My dad went away and I dog sat.... The dogs are cute but that was a bit more time shaved off the day.... I like to dabble in politics but I am afraid to give time right now until I get my real estate house in order.... I know I can be useful to my favorite local politians but they don't NEED me to MAKE money. I need to MAKE money so I can help EVERYONE else....

The trips took a lot out of me.... I was gone 4 weeks out of 6. It is hard to get excited when you are home for just 2 weeks....

I feel like I am on a hamster wheel. I keep doing things but they are not monatarily productive. I stand to earn $700 for June, July and August. I am working very hard doing it. I don't know how to give up the non productive stuff I do so I can concentrate on prospecting. I am a great agent but prospecting is the thing I like least and what I am not good at. I am great finding the home... Making sure it is the right home.... Listing a home for the right price. Negotiating the deal.... I know how to to modify loans (more non-paid work) and give give some credit counceling.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Water heater venting mistake on inspection report...Mobile Home?

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:58:03 -0700

The inspector carefully explained how the vent did not meet code on the water heater for the mobile home. I know this doesn't work for normal stick built homes but it appears that there is a draw vent on roof of the mobile home. This seems to be an acceptable practice in the mobile home. Note link...

Lhttp://http//www.bradfordwhite.com/images/shared/pdfs/specsheets/107-B.pdf

My seller was upset because the water heater passed inspection (venting and all) in 2004 and has not been changed. She showed me the old inspection report. I have emailed the inspector and hopefully he will have an answer for me later today (after church). Are there different codes and standards for mobile homes then stick built? It would make sense mobile homes have less pipe to the roof.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Selling a $12,000 trailer takes as much work as a big nice home....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:16:41 -0700

Well it happened. My business partner got a listing for a mobile home on a rented lot.... Not my favorite animal to sell... I had to do a lot of homework to find someone who would finance this place. I also needed to coordinate with the park. I found the lender by calling all my loan officers and one person knew of a lender. THe problem is that they kept disqualifying the buyers second job.... The second buyer who was turned down got her family members to finance the trailer with cash. She is one excited young lady. Of course for some reason the interest of one buyer sparked other buyers.

We actually signed the girl at 11:45 PM at night and the grandparents the next day. Now the seller wants to stay until a certain day so we need to coordinate that and closing.... The inspection was not as good as we hoped. The AC wasn't working and there were many other little things wrong. I think this will settle but it is definitely as time consuming as big houses! Money wise it is a good thing we double ended it but it did put us in an awkward spot when the inspection wasn't great.

Just some thoughts!

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website

Scary weather makes for a scary home showing....

Debbie Holmes (Gold Key Real Estate) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:55:28 -0700

I got the call on a beautiful warm day to show a home in the mountains. When I read the listing it turned out the home had multiple offers on it and the bank was going to be closing bidding tomorrow at noon. So I scheduled to meet my client up at 5:30 PM and drive to Clearcreek, Idaho.... It might not be on the map but it sort of near Idaho City.

The drive up is breathtakingly beautiful. I felt very fortunate to have an excuse to leave the city and go to the mountains. THe first problem is that the listing direction are just plain wrong and there are absolutely no signs.... That is just rude... If people are going to drive an hour each way where the cell phones don't work you should at least put in accurate directions... My buyers are Search and Rescue Volunteers (which is important later)... We drive about 5 miles out of Clearcreek and we still don't find the turn off... I backtrack back to the little cafe/bar I saw. I go inside the friendly smokey bar armed with my cowboy hat, a smile and my listing. The barmaid rolls her eyes and says "that house". She then draws me a map to get the home... Sad thing is that I do not own a 4 wheel drive so we are driving in my rear wheel Lincoln Town Car. I know to take a 4 wheel drive to the mountains but I just don't own one. I take it slow and we get to the home...Here are some pictures of the views and the brewing storm.

I take the pictures because it is beautiful.... Idaho at its best! Then things change quickly. I use the keys to enter the house and test the lights.... They work! Yeah! For 30 seconds until a big gust of wind comes up and the power goes away....We explore the house and the wind is starting to sound scary... It is really blowing hard and there are a lot of trees....After all we are at the top of a big hill in the mountains.... I suggest that we stay inside and explore the outbuildings after the wind has passed. Unfortunately for me my buyers are in a hurry... So I go armed with the keys and open the shed and the garage.... The garage roof is lifting up in the wind... And I hear an eerie crackling sound that I can't identify....It sounds like thunder but somehow I know its not... I really want to get back into the 30 year old home where I feel we will be safe.... I try real hard not to show that I am scared... Then I hear the earie noise again and watch a 100 ft tall Ponderosa pine fall down... Now I know what a tree falling in the forest sounds like.... I hope not hear that sound again in this life...

When we get back to the house I suggest that we stay there until the storm ends. I do not want to drive in the wind with trees falling down... OK I admit it I am a wimp with a capital W. My female half of the buyers looks annoyed because she has a long drive starting at 4 AM. So I get in the car... The male half of my buyers clears the debris out of the road 3 times before we are stopped by the big tree in the middle of the road that is to big to move without a chain saw... By now I am thinking about the weird hazards of being a real estate agent... Here are some pictures...

They try to move the tree but it is too big.. I suggest we get in the car and talk to the neighbors... They want to stay near the trees. They assure me they know what they are doing but I am thinking that the trees were standing on the way in. I go to find help. At the second place a lady answers the door. She says they have a chain saw but they are not going out until the storms over. I agree with her. She tells me there is another way around and I might be able to leave. I ask if she has a phone and she does if the line is still working. She says she has never seen it like this in the 15 years she has lived in Clearcreek. I go pick up my buyers (who seemed to have decided maybe I was right because they were standing further up the road (away from the trees). I pick them up. The road past the house is not made for a Town Car... It is definitely a 4 wheel drive truck or suv territory. The guy tells me I have to take it fast. I tell him I cant but he is welcome to drive since I do not know how to drive my car in these road conditions. He does a great job. On the way we see a mobile home with its shingles ripped off and a very sad looking man staring at his mobile home. There are more trees down but they are not blocking the road. I tell them we need to stop by the cafe to let them know about the tree down in the road. I do not have to... I first see the barmaid and a collection of trucks go by.... One man is leaving the bar (which now is empty) with a chain saw in his hand. Those who live in the mountains need to fend for themselves I bet they had that tree cleared within the half hour.

The last scary bit happens.. shortly past the bar there are 2 power lines down. I look at my buyers and say we need to wait. They tell me I can get around it. He shows me how to safely maneuver my car under the power lines but my thoughts are not nice. I do not know if the power lines are live.... If the people weren't rescuers I definitely would have stood my ground. I was quite pleased when I hit highway 21. On the way home we saw more downed trees (but not in the road) and an overturned porta potty.

This has been my scariest house showing ever.

Debbie Holmes

Gold Key Real Estate

(208)761-2551 Email: d5holmes@msn.com

To search Boise Homes visit my website