Selling Rural Boise Blog

Kuna Land For Sale

2008-08-19T15:58:46Z

The fastest growing segment of the Treasure Valley’s population is the unincorporated area of Ada County. (Kuna Melba News Vol 26,No1) Growing a whopping 5.7%.

There is plenty of opportunity to own your piece of Idaho in the Boise area.

So now is a great time to consider a solid investment…land. Check out my favorite source of land advice Stock vs Land Investments

As the city of Kuna completes it’s new comprehensive plan, opportunities to invest in this area that is experiencing steady growth will be prime. Buy now, enjoy, and reap the financial benefits later.

One of the fastest growing rural communities in the Treasure Valley, Kuna Idaho, is boasting a 4 percent growth rate in 2007. Located South of Boise and Meridian, it has easy access to the interstate. Plus a great school system, not much traffic, low crime and a great country atmosphere.

As the Treasure Valley grows, developers and cities look to areas that have the best land deals. As the Boise area grows, there is one option and that is to come south. Boise has already approved subdivisions east as far south as Kuna.

With the proposed Kuna Mora bypass, planned for sometime in the future, the land south of the interstate will be prime for even more growth.

So don’t miss this great piece of land for sale. (the real reason for this post) Locust Grove

Here is one opportunity to buy now, wait for Kuna to complete it’s comprehensive plan, apply for a one time split, and sell off half of your investment for almost as much you bought it for. Land For Sale

You have secured an investment for little and will then hold on to it as it grows for your retirement.

How To Help Your Kids Get A House

2008-08-16T17:27:34Z

Getting a gift in the form of cold, hard cash to buy real estate is a wonderful thing. Gift funds are a common way parents help their kids buy a home, but there are certain requirements to follow to ensure the gift transfer goes smoothly.

What exactly is a cash gift? Technically, it is a transfer of funds from one party to another without any expectation of being paid back. This non-repayment factor is a key element because lenders can’t accurately calculate debt ratios if the gift is in fact a loan. How do lenders determine this? The “givers” are required to sign an affidavit stating that the funds being given are a gift with no repayment expectations.

Who can give a gift? Gifts can come from family members (parents, siblings or grandparents), non-profit agencies, local or state agencies, churches, domestic partners and trade unions.

The party that furnishes the gift must show an “ability to give”, which means they have the money available in an account they own. This is documented by providing account statements showing the funds are available. Finally, it must also be documented that the gift funds were transferred from one party to the next and the lucky recipients (and future home buyers) must provide a bank statement showing the gift was received.

While the need for documentation might sound heavy-handed, the truth is lenders need to take every precaution to make sure that the “gift” isn’t a “loan.” So if you know what the lender expects ahead of time, the gift transfer can be seamless. Just remember, financial gifts over a certain limit may have income tax implications, so be sure and consult with an accountant or tax specialist before getting the mortgage process underway.

One final note to consider. Conventional loans differ from FHA programs in their requirements for reporting gifts to be used toward the purchase of a home. Buyers using conventional financing need to prove that they have at least 5 percent of their own funds in the purchase transaction. However, that requirement is waived if the gift represents more than 20 percent of the purchase price. The FHA loan, on the other hand, merely requires the buyers have at least $500 of their own money at closing, regardless of the amount of the gift.

Written by David Reed, Texas-based mortgage banker with more than 20 years experience

and author of Mortgages 101 and Mortgage Confidential.

It's OK To Change Your Mind About Crimson Point's Pool

2008-08-08T13:42:22Z

To tell you the truth I was a little afraid of what Crimson Point’s pool would look like once it was put in. That’s the disadvantage of buying before amenities are built.

But I must say, so far I’m impressed! This pool in Crimson Point has been long in coming but looks like they are doing a great design job.

It’s hard to tell yet what the inside of the clubhouse will look like, but the pool is huge!! There is even a wading pool for babies. I can also see a fireplace in the covered patio area.

I think this amenity will be well used and help to set this subdivision apart from everything else in Kuna.

I know this took a lot of work from the Pool committee (made up of resident volunteers) and Corey Barton for generously forwarding funds from future homes, in order to make this happen.

I live in Crimson Point and know there are wonderful people making up this neighborhood. There has been some frustration with the housing market controlling some aspects of our community and understandably causing some bad feelings. But working together, I’m confident we can move forward and continue improving.

This nice addition plus the new Crimson Point Elementary school, should not only make Crimson Point a better place to live, but also keep our home values from deteriorating.

I’ll keep you posted.

Tags: crimson+point, pool, Corey+Barton

Happy Cows: They're In Idaho Too!

2008-08-01T14:27:23Z

Imagine you are about to tour a farm where cattle are being raised from birth to market on high quality home grown grass and grains.

Welcome to Vogel Farms, a family operated farm located in Kuna. Their specialty is all natural, grain fed pork, beef,eggs and coming soon, poultry.

Unlike animals raised in a feedlot, the cattle have never been confined in close quarters, implanted with hormones, treated routinely with antibiotics or fed any questionable feed ingredients.

They live a good life! Looking out at the fields, you see the cattle, heads down, slowly mowing their way across the pasture.

All of their meat is processed at Meridian Meat and Sausage and is USDA approved. The meat is fresh frozen so you only get the great taste of the pork and beef rather than a mouthful of preservatives!

The chickens are free range (with lots of protection from predators) and the eggs have a deep, natural colored yolks with a real egg taste!

I can personally attest to the great quality and value you will get at this farm. And I’m looking forward to some wonderful chicken and turkey to choose from this fall.

Vogel Farms

Tags: vogel, beef, pork, kuna

The Place To Be On Saturday Morning In Kuna Idaho: The Farmers Market

2008-07-19T16:48:57Z

The market was full and teaming with locals this morning. And as I found out today, I didn’t get there early enough!!

I wandered in about 11:00 (Opens 9–12) and they had sold out on the most popular items. Tree ripened apricots were gone and so were the first green bean crop. I should know better, with the increase in popularity of this great local market, I need to get moving faster in the morning.

There was still plenty of fresh produce left, baked goods (bless those ladies that turn on the stove in the summer), eggs, lamb, beef, pork and lots of fun crafts. Plus Vogel’s Farms are always cooking up something scrumptious and different.

Today the market featured a group of Irish dancers. Local talent always adds some ambiance to the event.

The market gets better and better every year and people are starting to discover the great produce and fun. Every week promises something different to try and enjoy.

It’s a great place to run into some neighbors and have a cup of joe at the local coffee shop, relax and enjoy the day.

Next week there will be more green beans and perhaps the first crop of Peaches! Better go early.

Kuna’s Farmers Market is found under the big flag in the Sandstone Plaza off of 4^th St. Or if you take Main into downtown, just locate the flag and follow the road to the flag.

Tags: farmers, market, kuna, produce

Couch Potatoes In Idaho? Homeowners Take Note!

2008-07-11T13:41:47Z

Summertime brings back memories roaming the fields and woods of our country neighborhood. Sun baked days with friends and siblings, using every muscle climbing trees, and playing ball.

I feel very blessed to have those memories, things are definitely different in this day and age.

But when we think about owning a home, don’t forget to consider what the kids and adults will do for fun and get them off that cushy couch!?

(Photo credits: aspheries)

I think the biggest challenges for recreation happens in the suburban subdivisions that are springing up in the country and suburbs. Unless you live close to featured recreational lands, you will need to commute to the nearest water/fishing/park/hiking ect…So I’m glad when I see developers address this issue.

The latest trend in planned developments have been to include amenities the whole family can enjoy, going beyond just building homes to creating lifestyles.

The more a subdivision has to offer in addition to quality housing, the greater the likelihood a prospective buyer will choose that neighborhood over another.

In Atlanta Georgia,subdivisions are being built around water parks… definitely a step beyond. Sounds like fun to spend the evening floating the lazy river rather than watching reruns.

Subdivisions being built around golf courses is something that’s been happening for years, but golfing is not always considered an family affair.

I just visited a new development in Meridian, Hazelwood Village. Amenities include a huge pool, clubhouse, walking and bike paths, volleyball and basketball courts, and a one acre park. The idea is that once you get home, you want to stay and enjoy the community you live in rather than get back in the car to find a place to get together and enjoy the great Idaho weather.

In Kuna, when the new developments started moving into town, land was cheap and homes started filled in the edges of town. But as land becomes more expensive, homes started getting closer and closer. So the city started requiring some open space and tot lots in the subdivisions. Kuna is small enough that it’s entire population as a whole is one community. Everyone enjoys the kids athletic programs, summer fun at the library, community events and the local outdoor activities.

But as Kuna grows, I hope the developers see a chance to be different from all the other subdivisions in Kuna and offering real amenities for the kids and adults right in their own neighborhood. ( I think tot lots are very limiting and underutilized!) There are presently three subdivisions that have swimming pools, water features and clubhouses. That’s a good start. But some people don’t like water, and what about the winters? Let’s think this through.

With gas prices increasing, it will be an important consideration when purchasing your next home. Will your evening and weekend activities involve getting back into the car to get to a place you and you kids will ultimately enjoy life, or are you living where you can relax and enjoy your free time? A place where your children will be encouraged to get out and enjoy their summers?

What amenities does your neighborhood have that you and your family enjoy? I would love to hear what’s happening in other parts of the country.

Tags: recreation, community, Idaho

Treasure Valley Fireworks: Something for everyone

2008-07-01T11:53:54Z

Melba– Very popular, large display of fireworks draws spectators from all over the valley. Starts at dusk centered around the high school. Staged in this small, country town helps the traffic to disperse quite quickly, though it’s always nice not to be in a rush. Great small town atmosphere with a big parade in the morning. They do have events through out the day, a craft fair, tractor racing and good food. Though not much shade to whittle the day away until the fireworks. I personally would not plan on staying all day but return for the evening events. Melba Fireworks

Eagle– Great chance to meet all your neighbors at Eagle’s fireworks display. Music prior to the fireworks will be a great background for your picnic in the shade of the trees at Eagle Island State Park. Eagle Fireworks

Boise– Plans to be bigger and better than last year. This fireworks display is played to music (simulcast on 107.1 K-Hits.) so bring your radio. Also part of the festival includes pancake breakfast and a parade. Centers around Ann Morrison park, starts at dusk (10:20?) More traffic to content with so plan on after fireworks activities to allow the traffic to thin. Plenty to do in downtown Boise until the fireworks. Boise Fireworks

Tags: Fireworks, Boise, Melba

How Are Gas Prices Effecting Rural Residential Living?

2008-06-25T12:47:53Z

“More and more Americans will choose to be middle-class in the country than scrape-by, oil poor in the suburbs.”

An interesting statement made by Curt Seltzer, land consultant and author of How To Be a DIRT-SMART Buyer of Country Property www.curtis-seltzer.com.

In his recent article Sooner Than Later We Will Change, he theorizes why he thinks people will choose to live in the country even when gas prices reach $8.00 a gal.

Having talked with those choosing to move out of Kuna and those that are looking to buy in Kuna, it’s all a matter of perspective and choice.

So I am taking a poll. I’m curious what people thing about gas and rural living.

Home prices are relatively thousands less than comparables in Boise. So there is the choice of paying for taxes and housing versus paying for gas. The average price for a 2000 sq ft home in Boise is $23,000 more than Kuna.

Living in Boise also could involve driving to social events, kids sports, and shopping that takes you all over the city. You would avoid the drive into town everyday but whether you would do more driving if you lived there…..?

Usually small towns mean things are centrally located and within a short drive or even close enough for a bike trip or walk.

So even though people in small rural settings don’t like the idea of their towns getting a Walmart, industry or changing too much, Kuna could benefit greatly with the addition of some shopping and jobs!!

Other options being tossed around is the need for public mass transit opportunities for those that do travel to Boise. As the Kuna Melba news reported last week, there has been a steady increase in participation of the ACHD commuteride.

There is also been talk of companies going to 4 day work weeks and telecommunicating to reduce driving. Smart!

So what do you think? Are people willing to live in a more economical town where everything is close, driving less while you are here. Choosing to working out of their home, carpooling, and combining trips to help make it affordable enough to enjoy and live in a rural community? I would love some feedback.

Picture taken by Neato Coolville See more of his pictures

Crimson Point: Potential To Be Something Different

2008-06-19T11:49:24Z

One of the nicest subdivision in Kuna, Crimson Point offers mid price homes(average price $200,000) in a community that supports a family friendly atmosphere. Since the new

elementary school is located in the middle of the subdivision, parents love the convenience of having their kids so close to home. Plus the school has attracted lots of families with children close to the same age. Talking with neighbors, they love having children for their kids to play with and a peaceful, safe family atmosphere to live in. Some amenities that may be coming ….

1. There has always talk of a swimming pool but with the turn down in the market, there have been delays in the start of this long awaited project . Recently earthmoving machinery has been seen in the subdivision with some promise of a pool this summer. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed.

2. Crimson Point borders Indian Creek and the land over the bridge was donated to the city for a park. It will be a nice addition someday when this park gets developed and there is a place to enjoy the surrounding beauty within walking distance of every home in Crimson Point.

3. If the City of Kuna is able to carry through on their plans, someday this community will be connected to a green belt and there should be wonderful biking and walking paths along the creek into town. But that all takes time and money to complete.

(Picture of Boise Green Belt taken by Madhu Muraleedharah More Pics )

Sales are still brisk in this subdivision if you are talking about new construction. The builder has been able to cut his prices substantially to continue building. Any resale homes that are being sold are also cutting their prices to compete with market prices. There are currently 18 active listings, 10 sold in the last 3 months. The absorption rate (5.4 months) which is much better than the average for Kuna (8.9 months)

Factor out the new construction and there are presently 6 homes for resale with an absorption rate of 12 months. Many homes have gone on the market and have expired without a sale because they could not compete with present prices.

Crimson Point is about halfway built and Corey Barton builds a well built home with a wide range of upgrades. The homes have good design with every house coordinated but different. Unfortunately the landscaping is very generic and contributes to a cookie cutter appearance (in my opinion).

As people get settled in and the subdivision is finished, this should turn out to be a good community in Kuna to invest in. If you are looking to purchase in Crimson Point, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you intend on staying for a while. .

For Sale By Owner In Kuna Country

2008-06-15T15:54:09Z

This home for sale by owner has one great feature that should help attract potential buyers. It has great curb appeal. Located in a wonderful Kuna neighborhood, these owners made an effort to add uniqueness and beauty to the property.

So often these things are not considered until it’s time to put the house on the market. Unfortunately, shade takes years to develop and is a treasured addition in most yards.

I love working with clients that have beautiful yards. Usually if the grass is green, weeds are pulled and some beauty has been added, it’s a good sign the rest of the house has also been maintained.

A modest home at a modest price begs to be viewed. Let me know if you would like to see the inside. I would love to show it to you and help you find the perfect home.

Home With Acreage

2008-06-12T22:05:42Z

Country Living With Acreage

Location: Meridian, Idaho

Don't miss this opportunity to own a home with one acre in the Kuna School district. Perfect for hobbies, 4-H projects, animals or storage needs. No CCR's. Well built home has had it's pre-inspection done and all necessary repairs finished. Move in condition. Has driveway for future barn, RV storage, or dream shop. Easy access to interstate or the future Ten Mile exchange (2009). At this price, in this condition, your buyers won't be disappointed!!

Information

Contact Information

Sara Brosier

208-697-4111

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Pricing

Asking Price: $219,900.00

Additional Pricing Information: Quick close possible

Property Location

4460 W Columbia
Meridian, Idaho 83642
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1.5

Year Built: 1975

Lot Size: 1 acre

Garage Size: 2

School District: Kuna

Square Footage: 1405

Agent Name: Sara Brosier

Broker: Keller Williams Realty

MLS #: 98353059

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Microwave

Trane high efficiency furnace

Trane high efficiency AC

Newer 50 gal hot water heater

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Photo Gallery

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1593066

What Does Kuna Have Plenty Of?

2008-06-06T19:41:51Z

May 2008 Kuna has 242 building lots being advertised on the Multiple Listing Service.

23 of those building lots are not in subdivisions.

Kuna is still growing and people are still choosing to drive to this community to live. How long will we have this kind of supply, even if sales picked up? I’m thinking we will have an abundance to choose from for a few years. Even if these sell, there is lots more land just waiting to be developed.

Subdivisions in Alphabetical Order

Applewood– One of the newest with a few houses built for show. It is located off Hubbard/ Ten Mile North of Kuna. Lots start at $54,900.Applewood

Arrowrock Ranch– Large almost Acre Lots South East of Kuna. Luxury Custom Built Homes. Stricter CCR’s. Only a couple lots left $104,900

Belmont Heights–Nampa address, Kuna Schools, 1 acre lots perfect for horses. Only a few lots left, some with daylight basement possibilities . Located north of victory on McDermott. $162,500

Denali Heights– One of the most exciting subdivisions in Kuna, large lots with upscale homes. Swimming pool and city park add to the nice things this community offers. Located North of Kuna on Hubbard. $75,000 Denali Heights

Iron Horse– Luxury homes and large acre lots. North of Kuna west of Ten Mile on Columbia $189,000

Mineral Springs– North part of Kuna, close to schools and conveniences. Large Lots and promises of water features and walking paths. $60,000 Mineral Springs

Placerville– 62 lots available in this new subdivison south side of Kuna off of Ten Mile. No building going on yet. $70,000

Regal View– Two lots available. 2.5 acre for 250K and 4.74 acres for 400K Small subdivision on a bluff over looking Kuna on its south side off of King Rd

SchoolHouse– Only 20 lots left and priced to sell! $37,000! South of Kuna off of School Rd,.School House

Sutter’s Mill – Just a small part of this subdivision is not built out.Advantage being you can see what this neighborhood looks like. Custom built homes. South of Kuna off of Ten Mile. $79,900

WillowGlenn – Close to Schoolhouse subdivision, South side of Kuna off of School Rd. $39,900.

What has sold this year in Kuna? 42 Lots have sold or are pending this year. One in Denali Heights, one in Willow’s Glenn, and 2 in Applewood.

The majority of lots are pending in the Schoolhouse Sub (19) and 17 lots sold to CBH homes for building in Crimson Point

New construction has slowed in Kuna. But you can be assured that we will always be growing and have need for more housing.

Tags: subdivisions, Kuna, building+lots

Google Street View Is Available In Most Of The Ada County

2008-06-02T17:32:10Z

Internet users who click on the "Street View" box on Google Maps (maps.google.com), will be able to peek at images from streets in the Boise and surrounding communities including Kuna. The views were stitched together from images taken by Google employees over the past year from cars and vans equipped with cameras.

The feature, which already captures street scenes more than 15 cities across the country, has become popular among people planning vacations, searching for shops or restaurants, or checking out landmarks such as Wrigley Field in Chicago or the Empire State Building in New York

Now it can be used to check out a neighborhood when considering a move to a new community. This is a great tool to use to see what is around the house you are looking at. Some things do not show up on the video that the real estate agent advertises with for a reason.

Of course this is just another tool, and does not take the place of actually being there. I noticed on our street it must have been on a very hot day in the middle of the summer. It did not capture the best part of the day.

There were complains about privacy issues, everything from photos of recognizable men entering adult bookstores to an image of a cat in a window has shown up on street views.

"We take privacy concerns seriously," said Stephen Chau, product manager for Google Maps. "All these images are taken on public streets. It's exactly what you could see walking down the street."

This is another good reason to keep the front of our homes in tip top shape. If I would have known they were in my neighborhood we would’ve fixed that dead spot in our front lawn! Now when we list our house, that dead spot will glare out at any inquisitive customers that use this google feature.

At least I wasn’t standing in my robe on the front porch!

The service covers only certain streets and neighborhoods in the cites where it's now available, although in some locations, such as the Treasure Valley, the majority of streets have been photographed. Google plans eventually to extend Street View to cities and towns of all sizes worldwide.

Tags: maps, Kuna

What Is Rural Residential In Ada County?

2008-05-16T11:37:40Z

I love to sell dirt! There is something about helping clients that are looking for a little land to play with that I can relate to.

I grew up on my Dad’s hobby farm. He was a farmer’s son and it was in his blood to raise his food and spend his free time tilling the soil and feeding his family. The hard, back breaking work was never discussed, it was just part of our lives.

But it does get in your blood. I love the smell of fresh turned dirt. And I’m always sneaking my husband’s truck to fill up with good rich well composted cow manure.

So it’s easy for me to connect when people call looking for a house with a little land too.

But what is rural living in this neck of the woods?

My definition of rural is defined as a community (that could include a city) of less than 20,000 where the majority of the local income is agricultural. So Kuna and Star are the only towns in Ada county that I would considered rural and they will probably outgrow that definition in 10 years.

Suzie Benkstein from Emmett Idaho, defines rural as an area with no bright lights, not a lot of traffic, quiet, where you can ride bikes and you can see the stars. I like her definition.

There are still plenty of larger acreage lots within Ada county that are not located in a defined rural community. You may have more road traffic, can’t see the stars all the time or have to put up with more noise, but they definitely meet the requirements for most people that want to raise animals, gardens, or numerous other reasons people need more land.

Rural living is completely different from urban living. You deal with different issues, it’s easy to get involved in the community, entertainment is very different, and it’s easier to give. Community Giving

Of course that’s only if you like that social interaction. You can be isolated and private in the country if that is what you need.

I think people get discouraged when they move to a rural community for the cheap land or housing, build or buy their dream home and then decide they don’t like driving all the time into the city to do the things they were use to doing with their free time or to conduct business.

My office is in Boise but I like being here in Kuna. I like dealing with people that like rural communities and know what that means. And if they are relocating, I make sure I understand what kind of community fits their needs before I start showing them homes.

This is my envision of someone that would enjoy living in a rural community. They enjoy quietness, don’t care for crowds, are OK with a slower pace, only go to the mall if necessary, they lift their heads to take in the smells of the country and they can’t wait for the weather to straighten around to venture out to do yard chores. Then rural living is probably something you would enjoy.

Looking For A Home With Acreage In The Kuna School District?

2008-05-12T20:54:35Z

So you’re searching for a home with a little bit of land for your horses, kids or for your peace of mind. And you really want to keep the kids in the Kuna Schools.

So you look in the Kuna area right?

You could be missing lots of great properties if you limit your search to a Kuna address. The Kuna School District is very large and covers property with a Nampa, Meridian and even Boise addresses.

As a matter of fact some of the nicest subdivisions with 1–4 acre lots are not in Kuna.

Map of School Boundary

Larger acre lots tend to be West of Kuna into the Nampa area. Some great equestrian subdivisions, like Aram Estates, Belmont Heights, and Lexington Meadows are in the Kuna School District but are in Canyon county with a Nampa address.

Some areas north of Columbia Rd as far as Lake Hazel and in some areas even further north, have a Meridian address but the kids attend Kuna. Danskin, Chisum Valley, Saddle Ridge and numerous small subdivisions with 1 acre or larger properties are scattered north of Kuna.

Around the Boise Ranch Golf course you will find various properties within the city of Boise but the kids attend Kuna Schools.

So if you really want to be sure you are seeing all your options, start with an agent that is familiar with this area.

When you search for your piece of Idaho, be sure you use criteria that is most important. If it is the school district, leave the city names out of the search. If you don’t want to live in a subdivision, there are ways to eliminate those in your search too. That way you will be seeing all the options that are important to you.

Tags: kuna, school, acreage

The Ten Mile Interchange: Smart Growth Award

2008-05-05T13:20:58Z

A new interchange is needed at Ten Mile Road to access the Interstate, relieve traffic congestion, improve emergency response times to the area, and provide an additional north-south arterial through western Ada County

The City of Meridian has some very exciting plans for the Ten Mile Interchange that not only involves traffic but the entire scope of the community development.

The comprehensive plan for the area surrounding the future Ten Mile Interchange has been awarded a 2007 Grow Smart Idaho award for Policy and Planning by Idaho Smart Growth. This annual competition recognizes projects that use smart growth principles to encourage vibrant communities .

Map of comprehensive plan for Ten Mile area

The City’s hope is that this plan will allow for all the intricate parts of a community, including recreation,green spaces, commercial, and residential to work together and shape the outcome of this area. Hopefully resulting in an end product that will benefit its property owners and residents, and the community as a whole.

Of course this will involve change to an area that has been able to avoid change for quite sometime. The quiet country side will now be a outlet for the increase in traffic and I’m sure the citizens are not looking to be part of that solution. With this smart growth plan there is hope that this area will increase in value and not just increase in problems.

So many times these road improvements goals are just to solve a traffic problem. I think the City of Meridian did a good job of looking at the potential for development and capturing that issue before it became a unplanned hodge podge. Requiring developers to fit into their plan instead of the city having to work around the developers plans. Smart!

Tags: Ten+Mile+Interchange, Traffic, Ada+county

Vacant Homes In Kuna

2008-05-02T16:57:24Z

There will always be a certain amount of homes for sale that are vacant, including resale and new construction.

Right now there are 285 homes for sale in Kuna, 48% of those are empty! Wow 78 new homes and 59 used residential for a total of 137 vacant homes. That is not something we are use to seeing in Kuna.

Luckily for Kuna, these homes are spread out over all of Kuna and not concentrated in one area. According to the Kuna Police Dept they are not having problems with these vacant homes. The best thing neighbors can do is watch for trouble. If you see kids congregating around a vacant house especially after curfew, just give them a call and they will check it out.

So why is this important to know?

We need to help by keeping an eye on empty homes for our neighbors and community
If you are selling, you need to price your home to sell.

There are lots of vacant homes which have owners that really motivated to sell!
Don’t make it difficult for buyers to see your home. Putting any restrictions on showings will kill your chance to sell.
Don’t have your house on the market unless you are ready to beat the competition.

If you are buying, there are lots of homes to choose from with

easy accessibility
quick closing dates and
great prices.

Tags: vacant, homes, buying, Kuna

Denali Heights Market Analysis

2008-04-28T20:08:59Z

This is the one of the few luxury subdivisions in the Kuna area and has been a very popular place to buy a new home. This subdivision is ten acre with 83 homes situated in the open country north of Kuna. The lots are larger( up to 1/2acre) and has more amenities than the norm in Kuna. Besides being close to schools, you have easy access to the interstate, a community pool and clubhouse,plus a ten acre city park across the street.

The greatest attribute is the type of homes going into this subdivision. No cookie cutters here, yet all the homes seems to harmonize with the rest. The average price is $300,000–$500,000. And the homeowners are quickly getting their yards and landscaping in with great personalization and creativity.

Even in the slowing market, the homes are still selling here. You can capitalize on the market slow down and get some great incentives with your new home. There are presently 9 homes for sale on the MLS with an average price per sq ft at $127.

Three homes sold this year with an average price being $412,000.

I just love walking this neighborhood because of the variety of landscaping and home designs. It has truly become a place of distinction in the Kuna Market.

Earlier Review

Tags: Denali+Heights, luxury, kuna

2nd Thing Not On My Bucket List!

2008-04-20T21:06:59Z

This is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa. The falls are about 416 feet high. The pool at the top of the falls is known as 'The Devil's Swimming Pool.' During September and December, people can swim in the pool as close as possible to the edge of the falls without falling over! The pool and the falls are becoming well known amongst the 'radical tourist' industry as more and more people search for the ultimate experience.

Care for a dip?

Indian Creek Adventures In Kuna

Tags: Adventures, Indian+creek, kuna

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Treasure Valley Baskets And Gift Shop, Kuna Idaho

2008-04-18T12:32:25Z

Do you need to send your Mom something special for Mother’s Day? My mother loves flowers, but they don’t last long ( of course that’s what some people like about them!). But if you are longing to send something special and unique and you need it delivered, call Treasure Valley Baskets and Gift Shop.

This great gift shop features wonderful basket ideas and products plus unique gifts ideas for the whole family. They have recently expanded and moved to 173 4^th St.(the building behind Vic’s Pharmacy)

This shop has something to fit everyone’s gift essentials including your pets. They carry baby clothes, gifts for the gardener on your list, gourmet foods and an assortment of whimsical, decorative and practical ideas. Renee is also carrying some local artisan work in her shop.

Treasure Valley Baskets will deliver to anywhere in Kuna for free! That is a big plus if you forgot your wife’s birthday, or you have family here in Kuna and can’t be there to celebrate their special day.

They will handle your gift with the same love and care that you would. They have some great inventive ways to present your wishes, from baskets to cute and crazy or just ordinary gift wrapping. Simply let Renee know what you need and she’ll come up with a great idea for you.

Visit their website at TVGiftandBaskets.com or call (208)922–4823.

Tags: Gifts, Kuna, delivers

What Do I Need To Buy A Home In Kuna Idaho?

2008-04-15T12:40:57Z

Find the Home? No

Find a good Realtor? Maybe…..

Drive around and go to open houses to see if you like anything out there?? Absolutely not. Wasted Saturdays

Look at your bank account? Yes!

Unfortunately you do need money to buy a home. How much do you need?

Here is a list of things to consider.

Earnest Money This is money that you submit with your offer to purchase. Suggested to be at least 1% of the price of the home. This could be locally $500–$2000 for a first time homeowner. This money shows the Seller you have valuable consideration in your future home. You can lose this money if they accept your offer and then you change your mind. So it’s insurance for the seller that you are a serious buyer.
Down Payment This is at least 3%-5% of the loan. Not too long ago (last month) you could get a loan that would allow you to put this cost into the loan. Those are harder to get and I find sellers are much more leery of these loans (because they are so fragile) There are lots of different options out there, but the more you put into the equation, the better chance your offer will be excepted and your loan will be approved. Some loans allow the down payment money to be gifted from a relative or even have a co-buyer. It shows everyone you are financially committed.
Home Inspection This can be anywhere from $250–$400 in this area. A necessity no matter if you are buying used or new. New Construction Warranties
Possible Survey If it is country property, there could be the added cost of a survey. (around $400)
Closing Costs As high as $3500 for a first time homeowner. There are ways to reduce these costs or roll them into the loan, but you should be aware that this is a cost to you.
Moving and Managing Your Home These are fun costs to buying a home, finally you get to move into your home, decorate and spread out. You will want to allow some fun money in your housing budget.

My suggestion is if you have money saved, have been very careful with your credit (paying your bills on time) then the next step is to talk to a realtor or a lender. They will help you position yourselves for the best possible chance to be successful in homeownership.

Tags: buying+real+estate, money, earnest

Pathetic: I Get My Best Blogging Topics In The Shower

2008-04-14T10:11:45Z

Why is it when the water is running, the doors are closed and you are surrounded by a mist of steaming water, you are so brilliant? Whether it’s singing, solving a problem or creating your next blog article, the ideas and words just seem to flow. And the best thing is that it sounds so good!

Unfortunately for me, by the time I’ve finished my morning routine, I’ve forgotten every word. I know it was great, but do you thing I can scratch up even a tidbit?

I think I’ll start carrying a pad of paper with me or better yet a tape recorder.

Tags: blogging, Kuna, real+estate

This Is What Bad Spelling Is Like

2008-04-06T19:27:04Z

Oops! Somebody will have a hard time living this one down.

We have probably all made our English teachers cringe one time or another!

There is a wonderful feature on our Multiple Listing Service that eliminates most spelling problems when a Realtor writes a description of your home for potential buyers ….hurray for spell check.

I love it when my clients call to tell me about an error in a listing. That means they are paying attention and they care that their home shows the best it possibly can.

It bothers me when I see erroneous errors in the home’s descriptions or no location on the map or pictures that do nothing to show off the features of the home. Does the Realtor care? Does the homeowner know? Do people make assumptions because of spelling errors and careless listings? Probably….

Tags: spelling, selling+your+home, realtors

Horse Property with 10 acres in Kuna Idaho

2008-04-03T22:37:22Z

This property has great potential especially if you are interested in developing in the future.

It is within the Kuna school district, has city water and sewer available and is within the Kuna impact zone. Click here for impact zone info

Or just enjoy all the features this property has to offer and be close to town and schools. So you can keep your children involved in school activities and still have room and time to raise animals and enjoy the country life.

This is a custom built home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. The property also has a gorgeous 4 stall barn with lots of room for storage and hay and of course animals.

Too many features to list with this home. Surrounded by up scale homes. Close to town with easy access to the interstate system. And look at that view!!

Please call me if you would like see this property, I’d love to show it to you.

Tags: horses, Kuna

House With One Acre In Kuna School District

2008-03-30T16:46:23Z

Don't miss this opportunity to own land in the Kuna School District. Perfect for hobbies, plenty of room for storage, 4-H projects, or animals. One acre with no CCR's. Well built home in move-in condition.Newer hot water heater and energy efficient Trane furnace and AC only 5 years old. Pre-inspection done and repairs are finished. Already has driveway for barn, RV storage or that dream shop. Easy access to the interstate or the future Ten Mile Interchange.

Great curb appeal and mature landscaping

Huge deck for quiet summer nights

Country Kitchen

Family Room and Living Room

This is the property that doesn’t come up very often in this area. Don’t wait on this one!!

Tags: land, Kuna, home+with+acreage