The old saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” is alive and well amongst social media opinionators. While browsing through some real estate websites, I came across a $45 million-dollar house for sale, and the subsequent, sundry, comments about it. The house is being sold by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi in Santa Barbara, California.

As I read through a few of the comments, I was struck by all of the criticism. Mostly, people don’t like style of the home. I wondered how many of those naysayers would be so critical if it were handed to them! But, what I really started to think about is how the Internet has changed the way we shop for homes.

Style and tastes are so unique to each of us. And, often, the style of a home can overshadow the functionality of a home. It’s hard to get a ‘feel’ for a house by only looking at pictures online. So, often we make a decision about whether we like a house, or don’t like it, within seconds of viewing a few online photos. I wondered how many of the opinionators ever took the time to learn that the house was built in the 1930s, by architect Wallace Frost, whose inspiration was that of a classical 17th-century Italian villa. Or, that the house is 10,500 square feet, has 6 bedrooms, 6 full- and 2 half baths, and 9 fireplaces. I would imagine that all of those critical of the ‘cold, stone walls’ would feel differently if they had the opportunity to walk through the home. However, none of that matters. Because, in the real world, that’s how people shop for houses – click click click.

If you are selling, staging your home becomes really critically important. As does staging for professional photography. You almost have to sell your house twice. First, you have to attract buyers online enough for them to want to tour the house in person. Then, they have to be wowed by what they see and—feel when they meet the house, face-to-face.

Understanding online marketing is one of reasons Templeton Real Estate Group is among the top realtors in Boise. Employing a full-time stager to provide complimentary staging with each signed listing, is just one of the services this team provides. Clients love it and appreciate the difference in makes in not only selling their house fast, but selling for more profit.

It’s important to recognize that staging is NOT decorating or interior design. Staging is a proven method of selling homes to the most potential buyers and allowing them to see the home you have for sale as theirs. It takes the current homeowner’s style away, and replaces it with something that appeals to everybody. When I host open houses, the first comments I hear when visitors enter are, ‘this house must be staged, it’s gorgeous!’

House shopping is so easy and, literally, at our fingertips as real estate marketing has gone online. Whether you are selling a $200 thousand-dollar house in Boise Idaho or one for $45 million in Santa Barbara, the style of your house, and how it appears online, matters. Case in point, Ellen DeGeneres’ house.

Come check out East Boise and everything that makes it a great place to live — Boise River, Boise Greenbelt, and our beautiful Boise Foothills. Whether walking, hiking, jogging, biking, or just appreciating the views, these are Boise gems and treasures of our Valley. And, a large reason why builders like Boise Hunter Homes and Brighton Corporation are developing in Harris Ranch and River Heights with new homes and commercials sites. Call Templeton Real Estate Group today @ 208.473.2203 or via our website.

by Bonnie Way Snider

Sources and Read More/See More:

http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-ellen-deg…

We know that East Boise is a great place to live. And, now that our secret is out, growth in this part of town is inevitable. Harris Ranch and the Barber Valley as a whole are currently under construction with new structures going up on every corner. We appreciate all we have at our fingertips to enjoy, including the Boise River, Boise Greenbelt, and our beautiful Boise Foothills. Whether walking, hiking, jogging, biking, or just appreciating the views, these are Boise gems and treasures of our Valley. And, a large reason why builders like Boise Hunter Homes and Brighton Corporation are developing the area with new homes and mixed use/commercials sites.

Recently though, residents have come together to oppose a proposed development slated for 3555 E Warm Springs Avenue.

The applicant, JKB Construction Management, is requesting to rezone 8.65 acres located at 3555 E Warm Springs Ave from A-1 (Open Land) to R-2D/DA (Medium Density Residential with Design Review and Development Agreement). Also included is a conditional use permit for a 125-unit multifamily residential development. The applications were originally scheduled for public hearing on May 8, 2017. On May 4th, the applicant’s representative requested deferral to June 12th. The request was to explore alternative designs and address the concerns listed in the original project report in hope of receiving a favorable recommendation from the Planning Team. On May 22nd, a revised design packet was submitted to the City. That same day, the packet was uploaded online and Parties of Record were notified via email.

The development, named Barber Hill Vistas, calls for 13 single-family houses, 11 live-work units, eight townhomes and more than 90 apartments between Warm Springs Avenue and ParkCenter Boulevard.

The major concerns, though not limited to these, pertain to the density of the design and the lack of open space preservation in a wetland area. Neighboring residents have voiced concerns over how the development will impact traffic flow and overflow to schools as well as how the plan fits with the overall development plan for the Barber Valley.

Subsequently, the Planning Team reviewed the revised application and concluded that the revised plan has not addressed several concerns from the original project report. Based on the reason statement included in the project report, the Planning Team maintains the original recommendation of denial of both applications. On June 12, the full Planning and Zoning Commission agreed with the staff recommendation, and voted unanimously to deny the developer’s request.

The full staff memo may be read here.

Next step?

The developer has appealed Planning and Zoning’s action, and a public hearing before the Boise City Council is set for August 29th.

Come Take a Look

If you are interested in East Boise, give Templeton Real Estate Group a call @ 208.473.2203 or visit our Website! Hear what our clients are saying about us We combine our years of professional experience in staging, redesign, marketing, and client care with our expert real estate knowledge of the area, resulting in the most profitable sale for our sellers and a hassle free experience for our buyers.

Brief History of the Barber Valley and Harris Ranch Area

[Excerpt from Ellie McKinnon’s November 21, 2015, Special to the Statesman, History, Serenity in eastern Boise]

In 1902, James Barber built a lumber mill by the river, and a whole town developed there that carried his last name. In its heyday, railroads converged there to pick up loads of lumber grown in Idaho forests and milled in Barber.

Half a century or so later, Dallas and Alta Harris acquired land in the area and eventually established a cattle ranch. Dallas envisioned the area as the future site of a village occupied by families committed to the same ideals he cherished — preservation and stewardship of the environment. He drafted a plan in 1976 and, decades later, dreams have evolved into a very real legacy. Harris Ranch bills itself as a 1,300-acre development that “strikes a careful balance between new development and the protection of the environment, wildlife habitat and historic values in the Barber Valley,” according to its website.

by Bonnie Way Snider

Sources and Read More:

http://pdsonline.cityofboise.org/pdsonline/Documents.aspx?id=201706051118343130

http://www.idahostatesman.com/living/article45877590.html#storylink=cpy

https://pds.cityofboise.org/media/307816/barbervalleyspecificplan_1-10.pdf

http://idahoptv.org/outdoors/shows/foothills/chuckmcdevitt.cfm

http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/boise/article157093994.html

Low Inventory + High Demand = More Cash for YOU!

Homes in Boise and all over Ada County are in high demand, as the latest market research shows. According to Boise Regional Realtors, the low inventory combined with the rate of pending sales resulted in an 11.8% year-over-year decrease in months supply of existing homes for sale in Ada County.

Inventory of existing homes is tight compared to last year (down 15.3% in Ada County compared to May 2016), and based on monthly averages going back to 2004, homes that close in June, July, and August typically fetch the highest prices.

More existing homes — especially priced under $300,000 — are needed to keep up with buyer demand.

BRR shared that while there is a shortage of inventory overall and in the lower to middle price points, there is more inventory available priced above $500,000, in both existing and new construction. For those homeowners who are able to move up in price point, they likely won’t feel the same supply constraints as buyers in other price points.

Inventory could potentially be freed up by homeowners who might sell without the need to buy locally. For instance, people moving out of state for work or other reasons; those who own single-family rentals and no longer want to be landlords; and, again, those who can move up in price point.

If you want to cash in on some profits, call your East Boise Real Estate experts, Templeton Real Estate Group—208.473.2203 or visit us via our Website!

Comparing numbers from May of this year to May of 2016, median sales prices in Southeast Boise are up 16.3% over what they were last May ($269,900 : $232,000), and for Northeast Boise, a whopping 21.2% ($472,575 : $389,900)!

Don’t take our word for it, read what our clients are saying about us. We offer high-end marketing with your listing, which includes professional staging by our full-time accredited stager.

• We will make your house shine above the rest.
• We will work hard for you.
• We will get you top dollar.

Additional information about trends within each county, by price point, by existing and new construction, and by neighborhood, are now available in the May 2017 Market Report. This report includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.

Have you been to East Boise lately? Come see what all the buzz is about and take in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife found in the Boise Foothills, the Boise River and Greenbelt. Lucky Peak Reservoir, Barber Park and Marianne Williams Park. In addition, how about the great neighborhood eateries such as (our home) Bown Crossing’s Bier 30, The Tavern, Boise’s Fry Company and Locavore, as well as Harris Ranch’s Lucky 13 and a soon-to-come coffee shop! East Boise also offers great schools and a fabulous new Library. Homes in this area are diverse and range from the well-established in the Warm Springs Mesa area, River Run, and Wood Duck Island neighborhoods to the modern and traditional options found in Harris Ranch and River Heights.

By Bonnie Way Snider

Source:

http://boirealtors.com/sellers-take-note-no-signs-…

And, learn about how one of the largest men’s health movements began.

Finally summer is upon us! And, with that comes backyard parties and celebrations! Here in Boise we love outside living and what better way to kick it all off than with a Father’s Day BBQ! Let’s show the dads and awesome men in our lives a little love with some of their favorite things – bbq’d food, beer and plain old chillin’ in the backyard.

According to a survey of 775 dads by Zagat, when the restaurant review guide asked where dads wanted to go for their holiday, it discovered to their surprise that 52 percent of dads said they just wanted to relax with their families on Father’s Day. Dads overwhelmingly like to eat out the rest of the year.

So, armed with this intel, invite your friends and family over for a day of relaxation, and make sure you get in on some of that R&R also by having an easy-to-follow plan. Don’t overcomplicate things; just a little planning and you are sure to show the dads in your life how much they mean to you. Follow these tips and enjoy your day together:

Father’s Day Tip # 1: Keep the party simple.

Don’t overdo it with decorations at a BBQ. Add some balloons in your father’s favorite color or use numbers and words to spell out #1 Dad. Also, make sure you have enough seating for everyone to relax, eat and converse. Set up your patio furniture or lay out a few picnic blankets. Don’t forget to have lights available once the sun goes down. Try stringing some lights or adding candles and lanterns to your centerpiece. Oh, and if your Dad likes to take a mid-afternoon siesta than have a place for him to put up his feet and relax, a hammock is perfect for this.

Father’s Day Tip # 2: Menu Favorites.

Pick easy, classic recipes to fill Dad’s tummy. The Zagat survey found that 56 percent of Dad’s favorite meals involves something grilled. So, grab your favorite meat and light up the grill. Create a twist on the classics like hamburgers by using new flavors to entice Dad’s palate. Finish the menu out with a few side dishes like corn on the cob, rosemary potatoes and string beans with cherry tomatoes and almonds. If you have a smoker or a pizza oven in the yard plan a menu around that.

Father’s Day Tip # 3: Drink Up.

What drink goes better at a BBQ than beer? In fact, Dad’s favorite beverage to drink is beer at 37 percent according to Zagat, followed by something non-alcoholic. Make sure to grab the beer, ice and fill the coolers. You may also include white or rose wines or wine-spritzers for a refreshing option. Make sure to have enough water on hand or brew some ice tea and make lemonade for other party-goers.

Father’s Day Tip # 4: Play “Old” Tunes.

Keep your party guests in a great mood all afternoon and evening long with an eclectic, feel-good mix of classic rock, Southern soul, 90’s hip-hop, and upbeat pop classics. As long as the music makes you smile and dance, it should do the trick.

Father’s Day Tip # 5: Yard Games.

Set up a game of croquet, horseshoes, corn hole, bocce ball, or badminton in the backyard and play a friendly game with your family. Or if you have a pool enjoy spending the day lounging with your Dad, play a game of Marco Polo or have a chicken fight in the water.

Most of all, enjoy your day together. Happy Father’s Day!

While we are celebrating the wonderful men in our lives, let’s think about men’s health. Check out how this worldwide movement, that raised $126 million for prostate cancer research last year, began through this entertaining Ted Talk (added plus, we LOVE listening to his accent?wink):

Are you in need of a new home in Boise with a great backyard? Let us help you out! Call Templeton Real Estate Group @ 208.473.2203. We will work for you! We are a small yet highly skilled real estate team with decades of area expertise, service, property pricing, and negotiating. We are passionate about providing our clients with the best real estate experience available. Our office is located in East Boise’s beautiful Bown Crossing, just steps to Boise’s Greenbelt. You can learn more about the Templeton Real Estate Group by reading what our clients say about us, on Realtor.com or contact us today to schedule your complimentary and confidential consultation. We can also sell your house faster and for more using the latest marketing and our beautiful and complimentary in-house staging expertise!

Source: http://toritoth.com/fathers-day-backyard-bbq-party/

https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_garone_healthier_men_one_moustache_at_a_time

Renting, and thinking about buying?

Here’s why that could be a great idea!

If you’ve been renting in Boise, and are hesitant about taking the plunge into home ownership, consider the financial freedom it could allow you down the road. “Owning a home is one of the most common ways households build long-term wealth, as it acts like a forced savings account,” says Ralph McLaughlin, Trulia’s Chief Economist. “Instead of paying your landlord, you can pay yourself in the long run through paying down a mortgage on house. That said, potential homeowners should go into home ownership with the expectation that wealth generation will be more akin to a marathon than a sprint.”

Monthly rental payments could compare to what you might pay in a mortgage payment in Boise. And, though you might not have the maintenance costs of owning a home, renting can’t stack up to the long-term financial benefits of buying a home. Kayla Albert, contributing writer for Trulia, offers these five reasons home ownership — and the financial security it offers — may be right for you:

1. Mortgage payments can be fixed

Average rental prices have seen significant jumps over recent decades, increasing 22.3% in the 50 biggest housing markets (for comparison, the cumulative rate of inflation for the period between 2006 and 2014 was 17.4%). As every renter knows, renewing your lease can be a nail-biting time of year if your landlord is prone to annual increases. Whether you’re at the end of your lease period with a current landlord or looking for a new rental, what you pay in rent is subject to change. But with a fixed-rate mortgage, your core payments won’t change for the entire length of your loan. “Property taxes and insurance may fluctuate, but your principal and interest are locked in,” says Eric Roberge, certified financial planner (CFP) and founder of Beyond Your Hammock.

2. Equity in your home can be a financial resource later

Paying off a mortgage during your working years allows you to remove a large expense from your plate during retirement. For retirees that see a drop in income once they start taking Social Security or pulling from their retirement accounts, this can be the difference between living a comfortable life and living paycheck to paycheck.

Additionally, Jennifer Harper, CFP at Bridge Financial Planning, suggests some homeowners could increase their level of financial security in retirement through a reverse mortgage. This allows you to live off the equity in your home while remaining in the residence. “There are a lot of complexities to consider, but it would be worthwhile to review with your financial adviser if you think your retirement savings are not quite where you’d like them to be,” she says.

3. You can build wealth without paying capital gains

Depending on the housing market and where you buy, there’s always a chance your home won’t appreciate in value. However, it’s certainly not uncommon to sell a home for more than you paid for it. If you earned that same profit selling off stocks, you could be required to pay 15% of the total earned in capital gains tax. But if you made the profit selling a primary residence you lived in for at least two years, you are exempt from paying capital gains. By preserving more of what you earn, you can build wealth faster.

4. A mortgage can act as a forced savings account

For those who haven’t made a habit of putting money away, paying a mortgage can create a savings cushion that renting cannot. “For people who do not trust that they can save money in a bank or investment account, this forced savings can benefit them down the road and actually help them grow their wealth,” explains Roberge. “Owning a home does not guarantee a higher net worth, nor does it remove the need to be financially responsible, but it does provide a structure within which one can build wealth.”

Are you already flexing your saving muscles by maximizing your tax-deferred retirement contributions? Harper suggests another way you can use your home to increase your financial security. “Consider making additional principal payments to your mortgage each month. Seeing the impact of interest on an amortization schedule is powerful!”

5. Overall, homeowners can enjoy greater wealth growth than renters

Research conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University concluded that homeowners experience a larger growth in wealth than renters, regardless of socioeconomic class. There are risks, the study acknowledges, but the financial benefits are undeniable. “Homeownership is a sound investment if a household can meet two basic requirements,” says McLaughlin. “One that they’ll stay put in the home for at least 5 years, and two, that they’re not paying an unreasonable amount of their income towards their housing payment.”

If you are thinking about home ownership in Boise, consider giving the Templeton Real Estate Group a call @ 208.473.2203. We are a small yet highly skilled real estate team with decades of area expertise, service, property pricing, and negotiating. We are passionate about providing our clients with the best real estate experience available. Our office is located in East Boise’s beautiful Bown Crossing, just steps to Boise’s Greenbelt. You can learn more about the Templeton Real Estate Group by reading what our clients say about us, on Realtor.com or contact us today to schedule your complimentary and confidential consultation. We can also sell your house faster and for more using the latest marketing and our beautiful and complimentary in-house staging expertise!

Source: https://www.trulia.com/blog/buying-your-first-home…

Selecting a mortgage lender for your home purchase is a big decision, and should be one of the first things you do when you are considering buying a house.Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. Being pre-approved means a lender has verified your information and credit rating and agreed to provide you with a specific amount of money. You are in a better position to go house hunting knowing exactly how much you can afford and that you have financing. And in Boise’s hot market, when you find your dream home you won’t miss out!

However, maybe more important is choosing the right lender. This isn’t the time to give your friend or family member business, just because of their relationship to you. Buying a house is likely the largest business deal you will ever make, and you need to treat it as such. And, keep in mind…mortgage people are salespeople. Mark Greene, contributing writer to Forbes.com says, “First and foremost, the primary goal of a mortgage originator/loan officer is to convince you to apply for your mortgage with them. Financial acumen is helpful but not required; the best salespeople are the biggest producers in the mortgage industry. Consumers looking for the most skilled financial mortgage expert often choose the best salesperson; expertise and wherewithal vary along a greatly disparate continuum.”

So, how do you know who to trust? Do it the old-fashioned way. Start by asking someone close in your universe who has recently gotten a mortgage, see if they can recommend their lender. Ask a financial adviser, an accountant, your attorney or your realtor to help you with a short list of lender referrals. These people deal with mortgage lenders regularly and can help you filter that continuum with the greatly disparate expertise and wherewithal and add real confidence to your decision.

Recently, here at Templeton Real Estate Group, we’ve seen some delays with clients deals due to the lender. Choosing the right lender is an important part of buying a house.

Here are some other tips offered by Zillow.com to help you find the right lender:

Shop Around

When it comes to choosing a mortgage lender, it pays to shop around and talk to at least three lenders to get a sense of the person, the interest rates, and the specifics of the loan they can provide you with. Your agent may have recommendations, but it’s best to do your own research, too.

Ask About Specific Experience

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Do you have less-than-stellar credit? Looking for a specific loan type, like VA, USDA or FHA? Every home purchase is unique, so ask potential lenders if they have experience with situations similar to yours.

Check out the Lender’s Reviews

Lender reviews can be an incredibly useful tool to help you choose a someone to work with because they can give you great insight into what it’s like to work with a particular lender. Zillow has the largest online lender directory with hundreds of thousands of lender reviews. You can search for your lender on our lender directory to read reviews.

Get a First Impression

You’ll be working closely with your lender, so take note of your initial impressions. Are they prompt to respond to your initial contact? Are they friendly and courteous? Do they honor their quote that you saw online or in an offline ad? Are they willing to explain things to you or educate you about different choices? Do they proactively discuss the timeline of the loan (estimated closing date, when to lock the rate)? Do they discuss when/how rates will change?

Compare Loan Estimates

Ask each potential lender for a Loan Estimate, a form required by law that can help you easily compare different loans from different lenders. Loan Estimates will show you all the details of your loan, including interest rate, fees, monthly payment, and more.

Again, do not underestimate the importance of choosing a knowledgeable mortgage lender. It could be the difference in thousands of dollars as well as you finding your perfect new home!

For more information on buying a house, check out these tips. And, contact Templeton Real Estate Group today—208.473.2203 or via our Website! As your East Boise Real Estate experts, we take special care of our clients; we listen to what you want, we walk you through each step and will find you your perfect match!

Have you been to East Boise lately? Come see the breathtaking scenery and wildlife found in the Boise Foothills, the Boise River and Greenbelt. Lucky Peak Reservoir, Barber Park and Marianne Williams Park. In addition, how about the great neighborhood eateries such as (our home) Bown Crossing’s Bier 30, The Tavern, Boise’s Fry Company and Locavore, as well as Harris Ranch’s Lucky 13 and a soon-to-come coffee shop! East Boise also offers great schools and a fabulous new Library. Homes in this area are diverse and range from the well-established in the Warm Springs Mesa area, River Run, and Wood Duck Island neighborhoods to the modern and traditional options found in Harris Ranch and River Heights.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/moneybuilder/2013/03/26/a-look-behind-the-curtain-how-to-choose-a-mortgage-lender/#67fe75e12a30

http://www.dawntempleton.com/get-started/

https://www.zillow.com/mortgage-learning/how-to-choose-a-mortgage-lender/