Archive for the 'Down to Earth Information' Category

Pain, Expense and Sweat: Things To Avoid On Your Country Property

June 30th, 2008 categories: Buying Land Advice, Down to Earth Information

This is one loathsome, useless weed of the Treasure Valley. I’ve heard it called puncture weed, puncture vine, goathead and a few other things I can’t mention here. Puncture weed is capable of putting holes in your bike tires and farm equipment, sticking in your shoes and I imagine one good reason not to go barefoot. Even the puncture weed’s scientific name, Tribulus terrestris—”earthly bed of spikes,” paints a vivid picture.

Another bad feature is the fact that the seed stays viable for years. You can chop it off or use a herbicide, but the seeds need to be raked up, burned or covered over so that it doesn’t germinate the next year.

I had one professor that claimed a weed is only something that is growing in the wrong spot and that every plant serves a purpose. Bet he didn’t know about goatheads. I can’t imagine this weed being of any good to any creature on earth. It’s right up there with wasps and monster trucks in my book.

If you see this weed, don’t dilly dally!  Kill it before it goes to seed!  And if you see seeds, get rid of them one way or another. People physically pick up goatheads, burn them or use weevils that eat the seed to solve this dilemma. Could be very time consuming and costly if you have a large infestation.

When looking for that perfect country property be aware that this is a potential problem.  I would imagine you will not find a single piece of country property that doesn’t have this weed somewhere. It is a noxious weed in Ada County and is the responsibility of the homeowner to control. So if you see fields of it, consider the cost and time invested in getting rid of this noxious weed.

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What Is Rural Residential In Ada County?

May 16th, 2008 categories: Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

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.

 

 

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2nd Thing Not On My Bucket List!

April 20th, 2008 categories: 3 Legged Horses, Down to Earth Information

 

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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

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What Is The First Thing I Need To Do To Buy A Home In Kuna Idaho?

April 15th, 2008 categories: Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

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

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Are You Thinking About Buying or Selling In Kuna Idaho?

April 9th, 2008 categories: Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

Numbers to Know If You Are Buying Or Selling In 2008

Total Active Listings as of March 31= 249 ( 257 last year, but remember the nice spring temperatures— does make a difference.)

Total Sales from the first of the year= 80 (119 last year,that’s 67% less)

Total Sales Broken Down Into Price Points

<160= 22

160–200= 33

200–250 = 18

250–300 = 4

300–500 = 2

>500 = 1

Absorption Rates= 9.3 months

Average Sales Price = $190,764 (that’s a 96% decrease from 2007)

So if you are listing your home, keep these numbers in mind so you can price your home to sell! The market value of your home will determine how competitive you will need to be.

If you are in the market to buy, consider the competition. More buyers are looking at certain prices and your better deals will be in the prices that have less buyers competing against you. You will realize more for your money this year especially if they need to sell their property.

Be sure you are connected to a realtor that understands the current market and can help you find the most for your money. I am a firm believer that driving around calling on signs and attending the open houses is a waste of gas and you will miss the best deals.

Email, text or call me and I’ll be glad to help you save some gas.

Sara@KunaCountry.com 208–697–4111

Tags: real+estate, Kuna+idaho, statistics

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7 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying New Construction In Kuna

March 19th, 2008 categories: Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

Everyone wants a home that they can call their dream home.

In the Treasure Valley, there are new homes as cheap as or cheaper than used residential. Crimson Point in Kuna is one example of a subdivision that is offering some great deals on new construction.

Even first time home buyers are able to purchase homes never lived in before. (unheard of when I bought my first home)

There is something about a clean slate that homeowners will pay for.

Of course, that means we have to wait for the trees to grow for shade and we have to put up blinds and shelving ect… Most people are ok with that in order to have a say about where the tree is going to go and where the shelves will hang.

With so many things to consider in the buying process, don’t make these mistakes when considering purchasing new construction for your next home. Read the rest of this entry »

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For Sale By Owner In Kuna Country

March 12th, 2008 categories: Down to Earth Information, For Sale By Owner, Real Estate News

I have seen lots of homes being sold by their owners this spring. Most are homes in the $400,000+ price range.

In today’s market, what motivates these sellers to try to do it themselves should have changed. It should not be to save money, but rather to make their home more competitive to increase their chance of selling.

With less buyers out there for this price range than in the past home owners will have to find a way to position themselves to entice the buyers to take a look.

There are two inherent problems they will need to be aware of. Read the rest of this entry »

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Warning: Don’t Make This Mistake.

March 4th, 2008 categories: Down to Earth Information, Some Of My Favorite Things

When buying your country property, one thing to keep in mind, is your route to work. That is one trip you have to make on a daily basis and should be a major consideration when you choose your property.

Though we do not have traffic jams here in Kuna, every year we see more traffic on our roads. Properties in the Kuna area have two challenges you should be aware of. Read the rest of this entry »

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Don’t Spend Your Saturdays Doing This.

December 12th, 2007 categories: Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

It’s our independent spirit that causes us to spend our Saturdays driving through the countryside hoping to come upon a house for sale that will fit our needs and desires. Maybe we’ll even find an open houses to visit. A great way to get to know the neighborhoods and what the market is like, right?

I think it just leads to confusion, lots of questions and great way to waste precious gas and time. More than likely the perfect house is the same one lots of people are looking for and by the time you find it, contact the agent and arrange a viewing, someone may have beat you to it.

Ask a realtor – any realtor – though ideally this realtor for help finding a home. Honestly if you’re looking, it just saves you a boat load of time circling neighborhoods like you’re in a holding pattern over Chicago O’Hare.

These are the advantages of contacting a real estate agent first

1. It is a great way to find out if this realtor is committed to doing whatever it takes to find you the ideal home.

2. This realtor will direct you only to the price range of homes that will fit your pocketbook. He/She may even suggest you visit some open houses but will keep you from wasting your time on areas that you do not want to move into.

3. When you do visit an open house you can use the phase “I’m already working with a realtor” that will let you off the listing agents’ hook.

4. If something really juicy hits the market, your agent will get you there first.

5. If you are honest with your agent, let them know you are just looking and not ready to purchase yet, they will keep in touch and get to know your likes and dislikes. By the time you are ready to buy, that agent, if they are worth their commission, will be in tune with you and directing you to the homes that best fit you.

6. You will receive many hours of professional guidance which you will NOT be responsible to pay a penny-until and unless we can accomplish your goals.

7. It doesn’t cost you anything but your commitment to work with them.

8. This realtor also includes my Risk-Free, Cancel-Any-Time Buyer Agency Guarantee. If at ANY time you feel I’m not living up to my end of this agreement (for ANY reason) you can end our relationship, walk away and you’re under no obligation what so ever!

And that’s just for starters. Once you are ready to enter into negotiations, you will know your agent well enough to know she is on your side and promoting your best interest.

No real estate transaction will happen without it’s share of stress and surprises, but having a guide,consultant and trusted advisor working for you from the first day you decide to start looking will save you a lot of Saturdays wandering around the countryside.

Some better things to do on a Saturday:Most Popular Things to Do In Boise

Tags: realtor, buyer, open+houses

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One Tool Every Realtor In Ada County Should Have

November 18th, 2007 categories: Community Events, Down to Earth Information

What is one tool that tells you all about the current issues a town is dealing with? What can give you an insight into what your real estate investment or that of your clients will do in the future? In the case of Kuna, Idaho that would be a simple subscription to the Kuna Melba News.

I will be so bold as to say that every realtor that sells and buys in the Kuna/Melba area needs to be a subscriber and reader! How else can you best represent your clients?

Not all weekly newspapers of smaller towns are the same. I am no expert on the subject, but this is the first paper that I’ve subscribed to that I don’t want to miss a single issue for fear I will not be that well-informed realtor that I am striving for.

I was not totally surprised by this recent article about the decline of readers of local news. Newspaper readership declines

You can read online and perhaps glean some good information, but you will miss out on the complete story. I was surprised that on the day of our last mayoral election, there were numerous citizens of Kuna that I talked to that did not even know what we were voting for! So obviously they are not reading it online either. Something about getting it in the mail that makes it harder to ignore.

I am guilty of not subscribing to the local news in the past. I’ve lived in larger cities and the larger the community, the more money is riding on what is decided in the chambers of the city council. That usually complicates the issues making it hard to know if you are agreeing with the right side. I think it even complicates the decision making of the politicians that are in office. So the newspaper reporting is not clear or easy to believe nor did I feel it involved me.

The same is true for the reporting done on the national elections. It is all so complicated and muddled by big business and money. I don’t believe half of what I see or hear, and have a very hard time when it comes to knowing who to put my trust in with my vote.

The Kuna Melba area has a big advantage and that is a good source of unbiased reporting. The community is small enough that the issues are not that complicated, and our votes can still make a big difference in how our community grows.

I would not be ashamed in any way to encourage citizens of this great community to spent money on this well written source of news.

This is especially true for the real estate agents that sell real estate in this community. The Kuna Melba New has reported on important issues that affect the value of people’s real estate investments such as:

• Kuna’s plan to annex an additional 5000 acres…..
• The early end to Kuna’s irrigation season….
• Development of a Big-box store…..
• Ada county Highway department plans for a Kuna Highway….

Besides all the community events, business ads, guest columnist sharing their wisdom (my favorite by far is “This is the Life” ranks right up there with Laura Wilder!) local school and sports, and of course the classifieds.

I would not hesitate to pay the minimal fee for this great source of information that Scott and Nicola McIntosh at the Kuna Melba News prints.

Tags: newspaper, Kuna+Melba+News, real+estate+agents

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