As in many things in life, location is everything. For this outstanding residential home, location is one of the many highlights of this home. It is a spacious dwelling with four bedrooms and three baths … [Read More...]
Boise one of the best places to retire!
I’m so happy to see Boise, Idaho being recognized as one of the 25 Best Places to Retire! Having lived here since the late 80′s, I know Boise and the surrounding area is not just a great place to retire, but it is also a great place to raise a family. The Boise, and the greater Treasure Valley, has an abundance of restaurants, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, affordable housing and a variety of shopping choices (we do not have a Nordstroms, in case you’re wondering). I’ve attached a link to the article published by CNN.
Understanding Short Sales
Frequently, I get asked “What exactly is a Short Sale?” Up until recently Short Sales were virtually unheard of, however today it seems as though at least half of all homes are either a short sale or distressed sale! As unfortunate as it may be, it is important to know what one is. I’ve attached a link to this post with more thorough information about Short Sales.
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Own or rent a home, which is best for you?
Trying to determine whether it is the right time for you to purchase a home or continue renting can be a difficult decision.
Many people like the carefree maintenance of renting and the ease of moving without worrying about having to sell a home first. Interest rates are at an all time low and it is unknown how long they will stay that way. Buyers in the position of not having to sell a property before purchasing a new one have some great buying power in the current housing market.
Renting can be a good option for those unsure of wanting to stay in the area, considering a career change or just don’t want to deal with the hassles and upkeep of owning a home. I will be the first to admit, owning a home is very time consuming, requires a lot of upkeep and has more expenses involved then renting a home. However, I enjoy the fact that I come to a place I call home every day! I also like knowing that at any time I can change a paint color, add a deck or landscaping and customize the home to my liking. Most often renting does not allow you to do that. Tax breaks are also a great part of home ownership!
Although housing prices have had a steady decline, purchasing a home is still an investment! There are many other benefits in owning a home which should not be overlooked, but often are.
CNN Money rates Meridian as one of the top 100 cities to live!
Once again Meridian, Idaho has been recognized as a great place to live! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to see this great city being recognized again, and in less then a week. Wow!
Meridian ranks 62 in CNN Money.com as one of the best small cities to live in for 2010.
One of the great things I like about Meridian is its centralized location between Boise and Nampa. Meridian has a large inventory of homes for sale. I’ve seen some great deals out there on some beautiful homes. Unfortunately like most of the surrounding areas, Meridian has also been hit pretty hard by foreclosures and short sales. I’ve seen some homes selling for as low as $65 a sq. ft. Home prices in the area are at around 2001 prices, so it is definitely a buyers market!
If you would like more information about the Meridian area or if you or someone you know is interested in purchasing a home, feel free to contact me any time!
So proud to see Meridian listed as one of the top 10 cities in which to raise a family!
I’m so excited to see Meridian, Idaho listed as one of the top ten cities to raise a family by “Family Circle” magazine! My family and I have lived in Meridian for over ten years and we absolutely love it! Meridian has an abundance of parks, open spaces, and friendly people. Don’t forget the variety of shopping and places to dine out! I am amazed at how much growth Meridian is experiencing despite the current economic times.
Meridian is a very active community that likes to keep the citizens involved in decisions about future growth and planning.
I’ve attached two links to this post. One for the article by Family Circle Magazine and the City of Meridian’s home page for more information about this great city!
Why a home inspection should be a very important part of a home purchase!
Buying a home can be a time consuming and costly expense, which leaves many home buyers wondering if they should pay the cost of having a home inspection? Home inspections in our area cost anywhere between $150-$600. When shopping for a home inspector you should make sure they are certified, are part of the BBB (Better Business Bureau), can provide you a list of references upon request and are willing to have you present during the inspection in case you have any questions and concerns. Also, by having you present during the inspection you know the inspection is being done.
Inspections generally take 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete. I suggest my buyers have a “Home Inspection Contingency” in place when writing up an offer on a home. That way if the homes needs costly repairs and the seller isn’t willing to pay for the cost of repairs, the buyer can walk away without any recourse.
After the conclusion of a home inspection the home inspector should provide you with a written report of recommended repairs or items which require attention.
All in all, an inspection is well worth your time and money when purchasing a home and should not be overlooked. I’ve attached the following article about home inspections and potential pitfalls that can occur.
What’s the Difference Between an FHA Loan and Conventional Loan?
Do you ever wonder what the difference is between an FHA loan and a Conventional loan? Or how about Rural Housing or Jumbo Loans? There are many different loan programs available when it comes to purchasing a home. To help understand the different types of loans and to find out what loan program would work best for you visit Waterstone Mortgage Corporation and click on “loan types.”
Waterstone Mortgage Corporation in Boise is a highly reputable company that will work with you to ensure a smooth and successful mortgage transaction.
Is a Bank Owned Property Right for You?
Six out of every ten home sales in the Treasure Valley are distressed sales, many of which are Bank Owned properties, otherwise known as REO’s. When thinking about purchasing an REO there is a lot a prospective buyer should consider. To find out whether a bank owned property feels right for you, check out Real Estate ABC for more information.
There is new program available for home buyers seeking to purchase a home in the Canyon County, Idaho area called the Neighborhood Stabilization Homeownership Assistance Funds Program or NSP. NSP is a government program that provides additional funds to qualified buyers in an effort to help rehabilitate communities and neighborhoods who have been hit the hardest by foreclosures. NSP funds are only available on the purchase of a foreclosed home and you must be planning on occupying the residence. You may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 on the purchase of a qualified home with which to use for the cost of repairing the home, down payment and/or closing costs.
Visit the IHFA website for more information @ www.idamortgage.com
If there is anything else I can do to help you out, feel free to contact me!
