MtnHomeJan

Pricing

Asking Price: $187,500

Property Location

2705 NE Haskett Place
Mountain Home, ID 83647

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: 3

Year Built: 2005

Subdivision: Stormy Mountain

Lot Size: 88' x 125'

Garage Size: 792

School District: Mountain Home

Square Footage: 1663

Agent Name: Jan DeGiorgio

Broker: Gisela Light

MLS #: 98364322

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Security System

Vaulted Ceilings

Breakfast Bar

Window Seat

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Covered Patio

Underground Sprinklers

Photo Gallery

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VFLYER ID: 1723382

Turning Back the Clock on the Older Home - Part II

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:24:38 -0700

It's Crunch Time - You just got orders, are buying a bigger house or just need to sell and move on. You've dealt, as much as possible, with the major items (see Part I of this post) but what final adjustments should you make to your older home just before putting it on the market? Some cost effective suggestions:

Grab Your Agent - What the heck, you're paying him anyhow so why not put her years of experience to work for you. One thing though - please don't ask for an unvarnished opinion of what needs to be done and then get mad at the agent when she provides it.

Grab a Brush - Unless the interior paint is in great shape and especially if your colors are anything but neutral - buy a box of brushes, a few gallons of paint and a keg of beer then invite your friends over to repaint. Hopefully you've been keeping the exterior paint in good shape all along because weather, costs and lack of time probably means it's too late to deal with it now.

Grab a Rake - Spend a few dollars to spiffy up at least the yard. Plant a few small shrubs, a small tree or anything that looks like your family was proud of and cared for their home.

If you're all about tact, you might even want to drag that rake over to the next door neighbors' house and suggest that "since you're really getting into the yard work thing" you'd be happy to help him give his front yard the once over. Tread lightly on this one as the neighbor's trashy yard is better than having an embittered neighbor who'll make it his business to bad mouth you and your house to every passer by.

Grab That Rake Again - Hopefully you won't need a rake to clear the clutter in your home but if you do - have at it. Buyers will understand boxes in the garage but in the house - not so much. Besides - clutter makes your rooms look smaller.

Grab Your Nose - If you have dogs, liberally apply the implement of your choice to cleaning up the yard where the "buffalo roam". Since you're dealing with repeat offenders, make sure you do a quick scan and sniff before each home showing or the prospects will be remember their visit for all the wrong reasons.

Grab Your Pocket Change - And buy a welcome mat and the more blatant the word "WELCOME" the better. Corny - yes. Cheap - yes. Effective - yes. Anything that you can do to help your prospects warm to your home and envision that same positive experience for their family will move your home towards the top of their list.

Jan DeGiorgio - Associate Broker
Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty
Mountain Home, ID
www.mtnhomejan.com

855 Quail Place Mountain Home, ID $158,500

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:18:58 -0700

Coddled Cutie in Quiet Cul d'sac

Location: Sunrise Park

This could be love at first sight. Call me quick to see this spotless 3 bedroom with family room. Dream home upgrades at a first home price - bowed windows, wood laminate floors, vaulted ceilings, plant shelves and more. Very nicely landscaped with a big back yard for family activities and there's even room for a boat.

Information

Contact Information

Jan DeGiorgio

(208) 890-6416

Pricing

Asking Price: $158,500.00

Property Location

855 Quail Place
Mountain Home, ID 83647
View Map

Links

My Blog

My Site

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: 2

Year Built: 1996

Subdivision: Sunrise Park

School District: Mountain Home

Square Footage: 1352

Agent Name: Jan DeGiorgio

Broker: CENTURY 21 Southern Idaho Realty

MLS #: 98358694

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Security System

Vaulted Ceilings

Wood Laminate Floors

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Automatic Sprinklers

Photo Gallery

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VFLYER ID: 1654365

6887 South 18th East Mountain Home, ID $220,000

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:20:21 -0700

Private, Secluded and Just Plain Gorgeous

Location: Mountain Home, ID

One of the most desirable suburban properties in the Mountain Home area. Super nice 3 bedroom on tree covered 5 acres and an open view of the Trinity Mountains. This home is ideal for active retirees or dedicated hobbyists who will probably spend too much time puttering in the 2500 square foot garage and finished workshop. The home looks barely lived in and offers lots of light, large rooms and storage everywhere. Very low property taxes and the adjoining 5 acres is also available.

Information

Contact Information

Jan DeGiorgio

(208) 890-6416

Pricing

Asking Price: $220,000.00

Property Location

6887 South 18th East
Mountain Home, ID 83647
View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

My Blog

My Site

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: 3+

Year Built: 1995

Subdivision: Beverly Hills

Lot Size: 4.88 acres

Garage Size: 2500sf

School District: Mountain Home #193

Square Footage: 2167

Agent Name: Jan DeGiorgio

Broker: Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty

MLS #: 98355894

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

China Hutch

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

15' x 40' patio

Underground sprinklers

Photo Gallery

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VFLYER ID: 1622498

Turning Back the Clock on The Older Home - Part I

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:05:56 -0700

The clock starts running on a new home when the Mountain Home, Idaho Building Department signs the building permit. Advances in building science and changing economic conditions work together to cause our homes to rapidly become something less than "state of the art" and worth less than the "next new thing". This is true of every home in the community, but 30+ year old homes need special attention to ensure that value lost by obsolescence doesn't negate value gained through other factors.

It's important to recognize that older homes, in particular, are competing not only with other homes for sale but also with the options of renting in town or living on base.

In Part I of this post we'll look at the "bigger ticket" items to consider and budget for.

My Three Recommended (Major) Upgrades to the Older Home

The Clear Winner - Energy costs aren't going anywhere but up and installing double pane windows is often a cost effective and visually appealing upgrade. Buyers using VA financing can usually include the cost of new windows and other energy efficiency items in their loans but there's a trick to buying windows so contact me first.
Leave the Gravel in the Road - Gravel roofs are messy, trouble prone and singularly unattractive. If you currently own a home with this roofing system and it's time for significant repairs, spending the extra money for shingles may be a smart choice. The current cost of replacing a gravel roof with shingles is about $3.50-4.00 a square foot but shingles require less maintenance and have far greater appeal to buyers.
Don't Be Short Circuited - Fused, 60 amp electrical systems are antiquated, possibly dangerous and usually uninsurable - fused, 100 amps systems are only slightly better. Even the smallest of homes should include minimum 125-150 amp service with circuit breakers. Although not as costly as new windows or roofing, upgrading the service may require other code updates so be sure to talk to an electrician first.

Buyers Beware - If you're buying a home with seriously obsolete components (e.g. single pane windows) BE SURE that this is reflected in what you offer. Ask to see sales information about homes with and without the upgraded items. But then again, that's what a good real agent is for.

Jan DeGiorgio - Associate Broker
Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty
Mountain Home, ID
www.mtnhomejan.com

325 East 17th North - Mountain Home, ID - $252,000

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:49 -0700

Half Acre Park for Sale (Gorgeous Home Included at No Cost)

Location: Mountain Home, ID

Located near beautiful Legacy Park this pristine property offers everything the active family could ask for with room to run and plenty of concealed parking for the RV, ATVs and even a boat or two. The home has been meticulously maintained with extensive updates throughout. The vaulted family room includes a fireplace for Winter gatherings and the large loft would make the perfect office or play room. Contact me to see this Bel Air home that's too good to be true (but is anyhow!).

Information

Contact Information

Jan DeGiorgio

(208) 890-6416

Pricing

Asking Price: $252,000

Property Location

325 East 17th North
Mountain Home, ID 83647
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: Garage & pads

Year Built: 1986

Subdivision: Bel Air #3

Lot Size: 0.48 acre

Garage Size: 3+

School District: Mountain Home #193

Square Footage: 2128

Agent Name: Gisela Light

Broker: Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty

MLS #: 98354582

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Vaulted Ceilings

Corian Countertops

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Underground Sprinklers

Patio Misters

Photo Gallery

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VFLYER ID: 1619270

1264 Mandarin - Mountain Home, ID - $182,500

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:24:15 -0700

No Need for New

Location: Mountain Home, ID

Home office or 4th bedroom in roomy and nearly new Mandarin home. Split bedroom plan with Berber carpets and tile flooring throughout. The shiny bright kitchen offers lots of work space for the family cook(s) and a gas fireplace warms the spacious living room. No need to worry about family safety -sophisticated ADT alarm system monitors for smoke, carbon monoxide and entry. No need to pay new construction prices while this home is available. Call me now to make it yours.

Information

Contact Information

Jan DeGiorgio

(208) 890-6416

Pricing

Asking Price: $182,500.00

Property Location

1264 NE Mandarin
Mountain Home, ID 83647

Links

My Site

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: 3

Year Built: 2004

Subdivision: Patriot

Lot Size: 9000sf

Garage Size: 800sf

School District: Mountain Home

Square Footage: 1637

Agent Name: Jan DeGiorgio

Broker: Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty

MLS #: 98353092

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Security System

Vaulted Ceilings

Tile Floors

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Sprinkler System

Covered Patio

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (7 Photos)

VFLYER ID: 1593132

Keeping the Wolf Away - Still Few Foreclosures to Report

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:00:15 -0700

Don't get me wrong - homes sales are clearly off from a year ago and I currently have more time to catch up on old paper work than I care to. Still, despite the media's constant wailing and gnashing of teeth, the Mountain Home, Idaho real estate market remains in pretty good shape. There are a couple of reasons for our relative good fortune.

The dominance of Mountain Home Air Force Base in the local economy is a powerful force in maintaining employment stability. The number of jobs at MHAFB, at least in the short term, isn't directly tied to changes in the economy. Although we're beginning to see some job loss in the construction sector, that lovable 800 pound gorilla eight miles east acts as a brake on wild fluctuations in total area employment.

The other stabilizing factor is that there hasn't been a large number of residential foreclosures - just over 1 per week for the last four months. As much of the country is now learning, there are few things more damaging to sales prices and marketing times than having several lender owned (and often poorly maintained) properties in your neighborhood. Fortunately, during the recent housing boom, few subprime and other high risk mortgages were made in this area and fewer risky loans mean fewer foreclosures.

As I continue to file my stack of dusty sales folders, I think I'll work on creating a new economic term to describe the current state of the Mountain Home real estate market - hmm, how about "soft stability"?

Jan DeGiorgio - Associate Broker
Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty
Mountain Home, ID
www.mtnhomejan.com

It's Only (Your) Money - Planning An Energy Efficiency Upgrade Project

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:45:51 -0800

Recently, one of my clients was preparing to replace the single pane windows on his 45 year old home and found himself looking at a bid for $8000. Sensing that this might be a bit high, he called me at home for some quick feedback. After recovering from a fit of choking, I pointed out that I'd recently managed the "re-windowing" of a similar home for a bit less than half of that using pretty much the same product (I think my windows had argon gas and the $8000 windows used red kryptonite or something).

Inspired by this save, I'm providing a few hints for your consideration before tackling a major energy efficiency project (most of which apply to major home renovations of any type)

Talk to a knowledgeable Real Estate Agent first. Ask about costs but also if you'll be able to recover those costs in a reasonable time. An experienced agent will either provide guidance or get you in touch with someone who can.

Seriously consider having an energy audit done by a qualified energy rater and I am most definitely NOT talking about the supplier or installer. A professional energy rater will charge you $200-300 but may save you thousand by providing unbiased information about the most cost effective actions to take.

Depending on the complexity of the project, try to avoid "package deals". If you need insulation and windows, call individual insulation contractors and window suppliers directly. If the project is simple, you may not need the services (and associated costs) of an "energy contractor".

No surprise here but get at least two bids one of which should be from a big box supplier such as Home Depot or Sears.

Determine if the supplier has a local presence and, even more importantly, the installers. Will you be able to get quick warranty work or have to wait two weeks for them to make it up the Interstate? Make sure the supplier's warranty also covers installation so that they, and not you, are responsible for resolving installation issues.

Fraud abounds in the world of home improvement so check with the Better Business Bureau before signing. Slick brochures and smiling salespeople do not a legitimate operation make. Watch out for the ol' "bait and switch". If the salesman scoffs at their advertised special ("why, I wouldn't put that stuff on my dog house") - show them the door.

Keep frills to a minimum. The typical home ownership period in Mountain Home, Idaho is just over 3 years and (generally) the more you spend on the project, the less likely you'll recover its cost before you leave.

Avoid vendor financing programs - contact me for information about any energy efficiency loan programs that you may qualify for. If you haven't purchased the home yet and will be using VA financing, the cost of most energy upgrades can be included in the home loan. How would you prefer to pay for your project (note: the following figures are examples only) - vendor provided financing at 14% over 5 years or VA financing at 6% over 30 years?

Jan DeGiorgio Certified EcoBroker^®
Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty
Mountain Home, ID
www.mtnhomejan.com

The End of the Ever Larger Home?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:39:03 -0800

After running my weekly analysis of what's going on in the Mountain Home, Idaho real estate market, I'm now of the suspicion (and working towards the conclusion) that new home prices may have finally reached the point where local builders are drafting new game plans. In 2007, for the first time in practically forever, the median size of a new home was smaller than in the year before. The difference was small, only about 6%, and one year does not a trend make but it is something I'm watching closely.

Apparently at least one Mountain Home builder has taken notice and is offering a line of smaller homes but built to the same quality levels as his larger homes. These "mini-mansions" eliminate all wasted space and generate maximum utility from every square foot of house. They're attractive, energy efficient and should appeal to several segments of the home buying public. Will other builders follow? If they want to remain competitive they may have to.

Unless the immutable laws of economics are repealed, it's likely that the house itself isn't the only thing that will be shrinking. Since land costs (including significant permit, impact and and other regulatory fees) make up 25-35% of the price of the typical new home, reduced lot sizes and higher densities are probably not far behind.

Although smaller homes and higher density development may be an unwelcome change for many, its not without its benefits one of which is reducing the impact of housing on the environment.

Jan DeGiorgio - Associate Broker
Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty
Mountain Home, ID
www.mtnhomejan.com

Residential Garage Fires - Serious Problem, Simple Solution

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:44:49 -0800

An Interesting Fact that's probably as true in Mountain Home Idaho as anywhere else. Did you know that nearly 1/4 of all fatal home fires begin in the garage? These fires are especially deadly because they spread quickly and are well underway before occupants are alerted to the blaze.

Gas Cans, fumes from spills and leaks plus the inevitable collection of rags and boxes provide a ready fuel supply. (Technical note: Those propane cylinders for the family bbq stored in the garage fall outside of the fuel category and into that of explosives.)

The Typical Garage also provides several ignition sources from "home brew" electrical wiring to light bulbs that are of higher wattages than the fixture is rated for.

The Substantial Costs of a garage fire become even more significant when the loss of the vehicles that went up in noisy bangs is added in.

Fortunately, preventative measures are simple and inexpensive.

Don't smoke in the garage - discarded cigarette butts and matches are a major source of these fires. Cost $0.
Mount a fire extinguisher near (and preferably inside) the passage door between the dwelling and the garage. Cost - $20
Install a garage specific smoke detector that will be certain to alert you to the fire. Cost - $20.
Oh, did I mention, unless you want to rattle windows across town, don't store propane cylinders in the garage? Cost - $0.

See, just $40 and a little bit of housekeeping and you've just reduced the possibility of serious fire in your home fire by 25%. Everything should be so easy!

If you're searching for Mountain Home Idaho Real Estate Agents please visit me at www.mtnhomejan.com.

AR's Outside Blog?

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:00:57 -0800

Does anyone know the status of the outside blog that AR was working on? Target date was the first week of January but I realize this things can slip.

Keeping Secrets from Our Clients

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:52:47 -0800

Every Day we hear about how today's home buyers are fixated on value. They're smarter, more sophisticated and have access to tools and information that makes them more informed and astute buyers. That may all be true but, after reading the engagement agreements of more than a few relocation/referral companies, I've got a few questions about the decisions some of them (and we) are making.

How Come buyers let themselves get mauled by various relocation/referral companies that promise endless "Buyer Benefits" but who deliver only a fraction of the referral fees paid to them by agents who agree to work for huge commission discounts?

How Come undoubtedly intelligent buyers think it's likely that an agent who's giving up 35-40% of their livelihood can provide the same level of care to them as to a client who didn't buy the agent at a deep discount? Agreements and our good intentions notwithstanding, this is a "touchy, feely" business and it can be difficult to warm to clients assigned to us mostly because we were the lowest bidder.

How Come so many agents don't care that, under many of the referral agreements, the client "belongs" to the referrer and that the agent is barred from even entering them in a contact database for purposes of solicitation of future business? If the agent changes offices or opts out of the referral program, those clients are gone forever.

How Come, even though most States have Agency laws that require disclosure of material facts, agents comply with the requirement not to discuss the amount of the referral fee being paid to the relocation company?

How Come, where the relocation company offers financing, agents agree to immediately contact the relocation company, without the buyers' knowledge and consent, if the buyer explores other lenders? I'll concede that the client could ultimately get a better deal as a result of all this cloak and dagger but shouldn't we be concerned about the sneaking around required of us (not to mention how warmly we'll be received in the future by the local lender who's offer we passed on)?

My purpose is not to heap scorn upon anyone who chooses to work in this environment - I realize we all gotta make a living. I guess every now and then the "business is business" mindset makes me a bit nauseous and I need to vent.

For Further Information or to learn about the Mountain Home area and real estate market, please visit me at www.mtnhomejan.com

Mountain Home, ID Real Estate Wrap Up and Forecast

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:14:44 -0800

Activity and Prices By historical standards, 2007 was a good but not record setting year for Mountain Home. Sales of both new and existing homes were off about 19% from 2006. During the same period, the median price of existing homes increased by 12% to $152,000 while new homes saw a price drop of about 5% to $192,000. Much of the decrease in new home prices is because fewer, more expensive homes on acreages were built in 2007.

Marketing Time The average marketing time (from date of listing to date of closing) is currently 59 days, an increase of 7 days for the year. However, a recent spike in the average number of days current (unsold) listings have been on the market suggests that the 59 day figure will increase significantly in the near future.

2008 Forecast Although activity has recently (and noticeably) slowed, Mountain Home continues to escape the carnage that other areas of the country are experiencing. One of several factors in Mountain Home's favor is that relatively few sub-prime loans were made so a market flooded with foreclosure properties (and the potential for a "value death spiral") seems very unlikely.

In summary, based on what I'm seeing now, it's unlikely that 2008 will look much different than 2007 - Buyers will maintain the upper hand and Sellers will need to forget the double digit appreciation rates of the past few years and price their homes according to current market conditions.

A Small Side of Facts To Go With the Steady Diet of Media Misinformation Although I feel that "shooting the messenger" might be a bit much, I sure would like to kick him in the shins. As a tonic to the daily dose of hysteria and hype we're being fed every day, I'm including a couple of facts from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight that I think will be enlightening.

The annualized, national price decline is currently 1.5% - a far cry from the numbers you've probably seen.
Price changes, up or down, are based entirely on local market conditions. Over the past four quarters, homes in Merced, CA have lost 13% of their value while those in Idaho Falls, ID have risen by nearly 12% with a 9% increase in the Mountain Home area. Opportunities

Contact Me to learn about the best values available in the Mountain Home, Idaho real estate market and for general market updates.

253 NE Cicso Court Mountain Home, ID $234,900

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:43:56 -0800

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Location: Mountain Home, ID

Located just one block from beautiful Legacy Park this nearly new 2-story was designed simply to be enjoyed. Watch the world go by from the wraparound porch or take turns chasing the dog around the huge back yard. The custom kitchen will excite even the fussiest cook with easy to clean solid surface countertops, large pantry and honey colored cabinets. Escape to the spacious master suite for a few minutes of "me time". While one of you is soaking in the deep tub, the other can tinker in the 900 square foot, finished garage that begs to be filled with motor toys. Quality construction, prestigious location but mostly a home you'll love calling your own.

Information

Contact Information

Jan DeGiorgio

(208) 890-6416

Pricing

Asking Price: $234,900.00

Property Location

253 NE Cisco Court
Mountain Home, ID 83647
View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

Visit My Web Site

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Parking: 3 Car Garage

Year Built: 2005

Subdivision: Heritage

Lot Size: 100' x 108'

Garage Size: 800+ sq ft

School District: Mountain Home

Square Footage: 2042

Agent Name: Jan DeGiorgio

Broker: Century 21 Southern Idaho Realty

MLS #: 98340514

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Vaulted Ceilings

Solid Surface Counters

Ceramic Tile Floors

Skylite

Illuminated Pantry

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Wraparound Porch

Rear Deck

Beautifully Landscaped

Underground Sprinklers

Photo Gallery

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