Straight Talk: Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource: SFR - 01/29/10 10:11 PM
Patti lined it out pretty good here with some great resource links too!
Don't just let your house go... Hire a Realtor, SFR to help you out!
Via PATTI ANN KASPER, Blaine MN & North Metro Minneapolis Real Estate Expert (EXIT Realty Nexus):
Being a SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource) Designee, I naturally get a lot of questions from people who are stressed to the max and who may be tempted to just give up on their dream of home ownership by "letting the bank take it back".  While this may seem like the quick way out of a difficult situation, it … (1 comments)

Jim Rohn - 01/29/10 09:01 PM
Jim Rohn
Long time, Caldwell Idaho resident, Jim Rohn passed away just weeks ago.
Jim was a motivational speaker who I had known for years. I knew his dad & mom; his dad pastored a small church in Caldwell, Idaho for many years.
Jim was full of thought provoking talks and encouragement. Many of you may have heard him speak at various conferences and conventions across the the world.
Tom Hopkins referred to Jim Rohn as a "modern day Will Rogers."
When in Boise Idaho a few years back, I purchased one of Jim's books: "The Treasury of Quotes."
Here are a … (3 comments)

1303 Smith Ave. Nampa, Idaho - 01/29/10 08:39 PM
1303 Smith Ave. Nampa, Idaho
How about this one-level home on a 1/4 acre lot in Central Nampa?
1400 SF with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths a large 2-car garage & room for RV parking!
This home has been renovated with new paint, new carpet & vinyl flooring, new light fixtures and counter tops!
You'll enjoy the 2-sided fireplace between the Family Room & Living Room.
Don't forget the south facing covered patio, fenced yard & large storage shed!
There's still time to take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit & get money back in your pocket! This great bargain may … (0 comments)

Inch by Inch - 01/29/10 08:19 PM
Inch by Inch
There are a lot of cliche's out there, but the Inch by Inch philosophy makes a lot of sense!
Have you ever heard, "Inch by inch, life's a cinch, yard by yard, life is hard."
As I look out over my desk with the stacks of tasks to take care of, the calls I need to make, the comparative analysis I need to conduct, I can easily get overwhelmed.
As Realtors, we often get a little antsy and try to drive things a little too fast at times.
I've heard the saying, "How do you eat an elephant?"... … (9 comments)

Treasure Valley Subdivisions - 01/29/10 07:58 PM
Treasure Valley Subdivisions
OK, here's another very cool feature on the sellidaho.com website: If you are looking for a home in a specific subdivision in the Treasure Valley, you'll love this!
This feature will take you to an alphabetical list of Treasure Valley subdivisions from Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, Boise and throughout the Treasure Valley, Idaho.
Simply click on the first letter of your desired subdivision and it will skip down the list to the ones you are looking for.  When you find the name of the subdivision you like, this direct link will show you every home currently for sale that is listed … (2 comments)

Insurance for your Nampa Idaho Homes - 01/29/10 07:30 PM

Insurance for your Nampa Idaho Homes
As I work through trying to build a database of excellent quality vendors to work with and recommend to my clients, there are a handful that are just given!
Chris Jensen with Henry Insurance Agency is one of those exceptional service providers!
Not only is Chris a "scratch golfer" but he is an awesome family man with a beautiful wife & great little girl! He attended Northwest Nazarene Universityhere in Nampa, Idaho.
Chris is community minded and is a member of our local Rotary Club.
Chris has helped so many of my RE/MAX Advantage … (0 comments)

Boise Buyer Bailed..... - 01/28/10 10:32 PM
So, it was an idle Monday afternoon when I received an e-mail from the buyer's agent on my Boise short sale listing; "...the buyers decided they are not going to buy a home at this time.."   AHHHH!
After waiting about 3 months & telling other prospective buyers that this one looked pretty solid, we were done!
Now the short sale with Met Life, seems to be nearly approved and we don't have a buyer...
So, if you know anyone looking for a fabulous buy on a Boise Idaho home for $110,000... Please send 'em my way!  This one is almost ready … (3 comments)

Nampa Idaho Brick 29 Bistro - 01/27/10 10:29 PM
Probably the best restaurant in Nampa right now, is the Brick 29 Bistro located in the recently renovated Masonic Temple in downtown Nampa, Idaho.
I met a builder friend there for dinner this evening & the service was exceptional! The food was great! The atmosphere- pleasant! The live music was fabulous!
Owner & Chef, Dustan Bristol, does an amazing job of preparation with specialty dishes and fine cuisine!
So, when you're shopping around in Nampa for Idaho real estate, take a break and dine at the Brick 29 Bistro on 11th Ave. South in Nampa, Idaho!
 
Read their story & … (0 comments)

Idaho Home Inspector - 01/27/10 01:29 AM
… (3 comments)

Boise Idaho area schools..... Find the Right Home! - 01/27/10 12:13 AM
I have made available to the public, a search tool on www.sellidaho.com which enables one to look up homes for sale in Boise within any particular school zone.
Even though this feature of my website is used, many buyers are unaware of the convenience this brings.
Keep in mind, the data rule,"Garbage in...Garbage out," meaning that this information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Search for homes in any school zone within the Treasure Valley area; Boise schools, Nampa schools, Meridian schools, etc.
I hope you find this helpful!
 
… (2 comments)

Are You a Duck or an Eagle? - 01/25/10 11:38 PM
I guess it was a Nordstrom's executive who once mentioned that you can't send a duck to eagle school.
You can't teach someone to want to serve, you can't teach a smile, you can't teach personality. If you start with these qualities, you can learn skills to best use them!
How many times have you ordered food at a restaurant & they say, "We can't do that?"  Ken Blanchard who authored, "Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service" would say "quack quack!"
However, if you are in need of quality customer service, it's usually an eagle to the rescue!
How … (13 comments)

Nampa Idaho, State of the City - 01/23/10 09:55 PM
Mayor Tom Dale of Nampa, Idaho encouraged city officials to use bonds to quickly build a new public safety building despite the poor economy during his State of the City Presentation on Wednesday. (View audio and video of speech).
Tom Dale warned that using cash for the project could delay it by four years and could also delay building of the new library out to 2020.
"We're hoping we can start this summer" to construct the new facility for police offices and fire administration, Dale said. "We have sufficient funds available to bond right now and get this project moving. And it will have absolutely … (2 comments)

Make Good Habits - 01/23/10 09:29 PM
All of the great coaches and leaders I've read about seem to share a common belief... If you make good habits, good habits will make you. This wisdom has been around since ancient times. In fact, one of the best-known quotes from Aristotle is, "Excellence is not an act...it's a habit."
Habits- good, bad or neutral, are difficult to break. Therefore, the challenge for every business person is to determine the good habits that will drive the success of your business.
Once the desired habits are identified, good training and continual reinforcement are critical in making them part of your every … (8 comments)

Idaho Based Team Heads for Haiti - 01/22/10 09:45 PM
MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) www.MAF.org has decided to fly one of it's newer planes to Haiti for the relief help it needs!
Watch MAF Haiti Multimedia Clip
MAF is sending a team, medical supplies and equipment to the devastated island nation.
The objective, says the Idaho Press-Tribune, is to support humanitarian organizations and their efforts in providing relief and supplies.The plane, a new aircraft built in Sandpoint, Idaho, will be stationed in Haiti for 2-3 months, with flight crews changing every 2-3 weeks.

The Christian organizationhas set up a Port-au-Prince airport communications center connected to a sophisticated satellite system to provide … (9 comments)

4 Bedroom Homes in Boise Idaho - 01/21/10 11:09 PM
4 Bedroom Homes in Boise Idaho
It seems these days of hard, economic times are bringing families together.  I have seen parents moving in with kids and kids moving back in with parents.
In the Boise Idaho real estate market, this is no exception.
With residents collaborating and moving in together, there are many who are looking for 4 Bedroom Homes in Boise Idaho.
There are nearly 400 4 Bedroom Homes in Boise Idaho for sale right now!
Most of these 4 bedroom homes in Boise Idaho are at excellent, low prices! A majority... under $250,000!
Now is the time to … (3 comments)

When Values Are Present, the Decisions Are Clear! - 01/21/10 10:54 PM
It seems like this is someone's famous quote, but I'm not sure or if so, who's.
I was reading recently about Bill George, who was the CEO and innovator who transformed Medtronics into the world's largest medical device manufacturer, based in Minneapolis.
He states that a missing element in a lot of businesses and leaders today is authenticity.
In George's book, "Authentic Leadership...Discovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value," he has a chapter entitled, "VALUES DON'T LIE."  In it he says that one of the greatest challenges in business today is to create a culture that is both values-centered and performance-driven.
Values … (3 comments)

Short Sale Approval! - 01/20/10 11:36 PM
Wow, I was a little scared with this one.  I have a seller with a 1st mortgage through Wells Fargo (They have been great to deal with) and a 2nd with Wells Fargo FINANCIAL.
We received approval from the 2nd lien holder, before we did the first, however, they wanted my seller to sign a note for the entire deficiency (about $110k).
While we are waiting for the 1st lien holder to approve, we were talking with the seller's attorney, CPA and her family.  It looked very grim and closing wasn't very promising.
Today, I received news, that the seller will … (9 comments)

4 Bedroom Homes in Nampa Idaho - 01/20/10 08:54 PM
4 Bedroom Homes in Nampa Idaho

… (3 comments)

Price Heals All Wounds..... - 01/18/10 11:14 PM
Price Heals All Wounds
"Why aren't we getting any showings?"
"Why didn't I see an ad in the magazine this month for our house?"
"When are you going to do an open house?"
As a listing agent, often times we get comments like these and many others. After having a listing for several months and feeling like you are getting beat up by the seller and the market, there is only one key to the situation.
PRICE IT RIGHT!
What is pricing it right? Well, we have noticed that statistically, the lower 1/3 of the properties in any given price range are … (10 comments)

Sunday Sermon... - 01/17/10 10:43 PM
For some reason, our pastor seems to think that what we think can make a difference in our lives.  hmmm...
This morning, he talked about the impact of what we think and how it can so effect our outcome in situations, relationships...life.
It's so true!
Phillipians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."  NIV
He mentioned that we shouldn't just shout at the darkness... TURN ON THE LIGHT!
As Disney puts it, "Go to your happy place." 
There … (10 comments)

Fake it 'til You Make it - 01/16/10 09:08 PM
When I started working retail years ago, there was a lot of information about the products in our store that I didn't know about.
My boss, at the time would say things like "Fake it til ya make it" and (excuse the phrase), "Bluff til ya Barf!" (Whatever that exactly means).  We would laugh about our craziness and of course would never lie to a customer, but in sales, there can be a little polish to the words we use.
Something I believe we can't fake, however, is our PASSION.
It's fueled by belief that what you are doing is important.
… (17 comments)

Which form do I use to file for my home buyer tax credit? - 01/16/10 08:39 PM
If you're thinking about applying for the new $6,500 home buyer federal tax credit or the extended $8,000 version, the Internal Revenue Service has just issued its first formal guidelines for you.
Tops on the agency's list of advice: Cool it for a couple of weeks. Even if you qualify for one of the credits, don't send in any requests to the IRS quite yet. Wait until later this month when the agency publishes its revised Form 5405 with the key instructions needed to get you a check from the government.
 

Download IRS Form 5405 in pdf 
The forthcoming … (10 comments)

184 E Striped Owl Drive......Kuna, Idaho - 01/16/10 06:59 PM
Kuna, Idaho is a hopping little town with one of the best Mexican Food Restaurants around the valley!
Kuna is home of the Kuna Cavemen & the famous Kuna Caves! It is near the Initial Point for all Geographical property descriptions for Idaho Real Estate.
There are also many great deals in Kuna!  This home at 184 E Striped Owl Drive is a Short Sale for only $122,000!
  
  
  
1775 SF... 3 Bed + Den & 2 Bath... Upstairs Master Suite, getaway!
HUGE RV Parking pad, storage shed, large patio, fenced yard, separate garden space, BEAT … (2 comments)

Still working on changing a few things for the new year? - 01/15/10 07:53 PM
A hundred years ago...
There were only 8,000 cars in the United States and 144 miles of paved road. The average US worker made between $200 and $400 a year. Only 8 percent of homes had a telephone. Alabama, Mississippi, Iowa and Tennessee were all more populated than California. Only 6 percent of Americans had graduated from high school. Change is inevitable, but growth is optional...
According to Peter Drucker, most companies find it less difficult to come up with new ideas than to let go of old ones.
To put innovation on the "front burner," Peter Drucker says to have … (10 comments)

.................FHA Fundamental Objectives - 01/15/10 07:29 PM
In October 2009, FHA announced that its capital reserve fund had fallen below the congressionally mandated level of 2 percent. The drop in capital reserves has led Congress and the Administration to call for changes to strengthen FHA.
The week of January 18, 2010, FHA will announce major changes to ensure its long‐term financial soundness. FHA is trying to balance three fundamental objectives:
1) financial soundness -ensuring that its capital ratio returns above 2 percent,
2) fulfilling its mission of serving borrowers not adequately served by the private sector and
3) facilitating the recovery of the housing industry and the over‐all … (0 comments)

Ada County, Idaho Market Snapshot.. (Boise Idaho Real Estate) - 01/14/10 11:29 PM
As a quick summary, here is what is happening in the Boise Market:
What first time home buyers- First Time Home Buyers have exited the building.  They are on winter Vacation, since the deadline was extended.  There is a lack of urgency, so why not wait just in case there is some more downward pressure on pricing. Distressed Listing %'s-  Over 52% (Resale) of the listings are distressed on the market. Distressed Solds %'s- Over 72% of all Resale sold Transactions were distressed, wow! (In foreclosure, Possible Short Sale, REO /Bank owned). Huge drop in New Construction Sales- Nov had over … (5 comments)

Consistency isn't behaving the same way all the time... - 01/14/10 11:18 PM

It actually means behaving the same way under similar circumstances.  When you praise people when they are performing well AND you praise them when they are performing poorly, you are sending an inconsistent message.
Good performance should always be treated differently than poor performance.
Many brokers and managers make the mistake of letting their mood determine how they respond to their agents and staff.
If they feel great, they wander around praising everyone. If they're feeling lousy, they wander around pointing out what everyone is doing wrong. (guilty at times).
When a broker (or parent for that matter), respond to … (7 comments)

Aim For The Heart... - 01/13/10 11:13 PM
Before Vince Lombardi died, he was speaking before a fairly large corporate audience and he said, "I'm going to share with you the key to success in any business."
It was very quiet.
"The secret word," he said, "is heartpower. Capture the heart, you've captured the person...Get people to fall in love with your company."
I believe this all starts by caring for your customers, clients, fellow agents, as human beings. If trust is a cornerstone of your business relationships, then you should build "heartpower!"
Tell the truth, do what you say!
You can also create heartpower by listening and respecting … (9 comments)

Eagle and Star? - 01/11/10 11:05 PM
Two of Idaho's great little towns with activities, close to Boise, close to recreation and a real down-home feel!
Star is the community where Idaho's Governor, Butch Otter lives.  Eagle is a growing eclectic town with quaint shops and upscale shopping.
If you're considering buying a home in Eagle, Idaho, this page will provide useful information about the community. I'm always looking out for your next move on Idaho Real Estate, especially in Eagle, Idaho!
Eagle, Idaho MLS Listings
Here are some links you might find helpful:
City of Eagle Links
Google Map of Eagle City of Eagle website Eagle History … (2 comments)

Updated Nampa Home on 1/4 Acre Lot.... $100,000 - 01/10/10 04:01 PM
1303 Smith Ave is centrally located in Nampa, with ease of access to schools, shopping and Interstate 84.
This 1400 SF home is all on one-level with new carpet, paint, light fixtures, kitchen counters and vinyl flooring.
With plenty of room for RV parking, you will find a large yard with mature trees, a fenced lawn with underground sprinklers and a storage shed just near the covered patio.
The 2-car garage is over-sized for extra storage or spacious parking.
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Separate Family Room & Living Room with 2-sided Fireplace and solid construction, all for $100,000. 
      … (3 comments)

Visit Boise - 01/09/10 11:54 PM
City of Boise Links
Google Map of Boise City of Boise website Boise History Census Bureau quick facts Boise weather Boise Chamber of Commerce Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau Boise Chamber of Commerce Idaho Shakespeare Festival Ada County Links
Ada County website Ada County includes such cities as Boise, Star, Eagle, Meridian, and Kuna. The average age of an Ada County resident is approximately 33.95 years old. The median household income in Ada County is approximately $46,140. Average commute time to work in Ada County is 19 minutes. Ada County was named after Ada Riggs, the daughter of H.C. Riggs, one … (7 comments)

Don't Be an Idiot! - 01/09/10 11:48 PM
When you think about spending thousands of dollars on a home, whether it's old or new, why would you want to risk HUGE problems by NOT getting a professional to inspect you home?
It amazes me, the people that buy houses in this market & aren't concerned about the true condition. Even if you aren't going to ask the seller to do anything about it, why wouldn't you want to know what needs attention?  Wow!
I personally recommend having a professional complete a home inspectionon every home you buy.  The professional I use on a regular basis, Jim Enzler with A … (8 comments)

Apply On-Line For Your Idaho Home Purchase......... - 01/09/10 11:03 PM
It's never been easier to apply for a loan!
You certainly don't want to lose that personal touch when working with a mortgage lender. And you certainly won't when you choose Leon Baker with First Mortgage Company in Nampa Idaho!
I have been working with Leon Baker for nearly 13 years!  He has done financing for me & my family as well as hundreds of clients!  I can personally tout his excellent customer service, his competitive fees and his integrity that is second to none!

If you are looking to qualify for purchasing a home, Leon is just a phone call … (2 comments)

No Mortgage if You Lose Your Job... - 01/08/10 09:20 PM
Now there's no need to worry about paying your mortgage if you lose your job.
Introducing "Worry Free Mortgage Protection Program" from First Mortgage Co.
In the event that you lose your job or experience an unexpected financial setback, it may give you some peace of mind while you get back on your feet.
The Worry Free Mortgage Protection Program
                             
 
Good for the first 24 months of your loan. Up to Six months of mortgage payments. Up to $1,800 paid per month, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. May also assist with other unexpected financial difficulties such … (2 comments)

Year-end Idaho Short Sales Report for 2009... - 01/07/10 11:22 PM
Boise Area Market Report:
Nampa Realtor, Don Wixom, Certified Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR), updates his Exclusive Short Sale Report as of year end, 2009.
This report shows year-end statistics for both bank owned homes and Idaho short sales as compared to traditional listings and sales.
If you or someone you know is close to losing their home to foreclosure or has recently lost a job or had a major life change not allowing them to continue their monthly mortgage payments, please download this report and contact Don Wixom, ASAP.
Download the 2009 Year-end Idaho Short Sales Report 
                     
… (0 comments)

What Form of Governement Are We? - 01/06/10 08:48 PM
Monarchy, Oligarchy, Democracy, Republic, Anarchy... Hmmm?  Where are we headed?
Are there enough statesmen & Patriots to protect what our founding fathers began or to revolt if necessary?
What can we, as American Citizens do to keep us on the right track? Is contacting our representatives enough? Do they vote on behalf of the people, anyway?
These are thoughts I have pondered & though I am proud to be an American, I am concerned as to the future for us, our kids, and generations to come.  I believe in One Nation Under God, but as Ronald Reagan stated, "When we cease … (6 comments)

Inspiration and Drive Comes from the Heart - Giving Your Best - 01/05/10 10:23 PM
Absolutely amazing, Brad!  Thanks for sharing this! Definitely worth re-blogging!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
Do you have the drive to survive, to win, to press on toward the goal? Are you one that sometimes just wants to throw in the towel and quit? It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, there will always be weight that is carried on your shoulders. Do you have what it takes to meet the challenge, and meet or exceed your goals? This video will definitely put things into perspective. Prepare to be touched and inspired! Sometimes we can be our own … (6 comments)

Conventional Rehab Loans - 01/05/10 09:52 PM
Conventional Rehabilitation Loans
                             Make over the house to fit your lifestyle...
"We really loved the house, BUT..."
You just toured a home you liked, in a great location. But it didn't have new carpet, had unattractive landscaping, or it needed new electrical wiring throughout the house. Perhaps the house's paint sorely needed updating, or the home just lacked the modern amenities you and your family look for.
 
 
 
Because you can envision the possibilities...
From exterior curb appeal to interior repairs, don't walk away from what could be the Idaho home of your dreams because of things that … (2 comments)

Boise State: Fiesta Bowl Champs.....AGAIN! - 01/04/10 11:18 PM
                        
Wow! What a game! I was scared toward the end when I thought TCU was going to score & possibly take the game into overtime, but BSU Broncos intercepts the ball & takes it to victory!
With a 14-0 record, there is no doubt they should rank BSU as #2!
Coach Pete signed another 5 year contract with Boise State University & will continue to present one of the finest teams in the nation!
The reknowned 2007 Fiesta Bowl game showed a victory for BSU over Oklahoma & Now they are one of two teams with a 14-0 … (4 comments)

Average Home Prices for the Boise Idaho area since 2001 - 01/03/10 08:38 PM
It has been interesting to watch the rise and fall of home prices in the Treasure Valley.  You will see that the chart shows the peak pricing in about the Fall of 2006.
Our current average sold prices are that of the ending of 2004.
The average sold price for Nampa Idaho Homes at the end of 2009 was $128,125.  For homes in Boise Idaho, the average sold price was $193,677.
                                
For more details Visit my recent Blog post of Boise Idaho Home Prices.
… (2 comments)

8.5 Months of Inventory for Nampa Idaho Homes - 01/02/10 11:20 PM

I've heard it said that when there is less than 6 months of inventory in any given real estate market, that it is a "Seller's Market."  If there is MORE than 6 months of inventory, it is a "Buyer's Market."
After running the data for year end, 2009, for Nampa real estate, there were 1533 homes sold in 12 months time, there is an average of 128 homes sold each month.  Seeing that we have approx. 1103 homes currently for sale, that calculates to approx. 8.5 months of inventory available. 
In order for any one of these homes to sell within the next 60 days, it must … (4 comments)

Jump into the new year........................ - 01/01/10 03:35 PM
There's nothing like taking the plunge! Is there something you're afraid to do in 2010? Like they say, "...the first step is usually the hardest!"
I encourage you to take action on what will bring you the most satisfaction this year. It might be a new marketing plan, technique, a new niche to tackle or a personal goal to reach.
No matter what your desire, get on the right path, wake up & JUMP into it! … (6 comments)

All Your New Year's Resolutions Rolled Into One Number - 01/01/10 02:06 PM
Gary always has a great perspective on life & balance. He's a great writer & comes up with the best photos! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
I always thought each year people making new year's resolutions was kind of silly. Why didn't they start making them on April 20th or October 7th? This time thing of endings and beginnings and our age on our birthdays is all man made you know. It is purely arbitrary with the calendars we design. If you are into resolutions stick with them for 21 … (2 comments)

Most Affordable Time to Buy Idaho Real Estate - 01/01/10 01:49 PM
As the economy starts to show signs of recovery, many have suggested that the major real estate markets have bottomed out, while signs may indicate an uphill battle still lies ahead. 
With a positive view, we know real estate is still relatively affordable, consumer spending is trending in the right direction, real disposable income is on the rise, consumer confidence is at a three-month high, new-home construction is low, and home sales are improving.  These are all optimistic factors that influence supply-and-demand and generally push prices up. 
However, it is more likely that foreclosures and the demise of government funding will put a … (0 comments)

 

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