Archive for the 'Buying Land Advice' 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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Country Living For $165,000, S Nampa/N Melba

February 13th, 2008 categories: Buying Land Advice, Featured Properties, My Listings

Looking for a piece of Idaho land to call your own? I have been getting plenty of calls recently with just that in mind.

With the sun coming out and the snow going away, now is a great time to start the search.

This is definitely one of the best deals out there right now. I know, because I’ve been looking at the other listings in this price range. Check it out this weekend.

A Sweet Deal

Tags: country, home, Nampa, Melba

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9 Reasons To Invest In Kuna Idaho Land Right Now

January 30th, 2008 categories: Buying Land Advice, Real Estate News, Some Of My Favorite Things

1. Location: This is one of the most important aspects of investing in any type of real estate.

Kuna is a town of approximately 15,000 people with it’s roots being agricultural. Only about 30 minutes south of downtown Boise, Kuna is closer to Nampa and Meridian for shopping and medical needs. Though Kuna is swiftly adding on more and more conveniences, it is still considered a small town. South of Kuna is the Snake River and Owyhee Mountains.

Ada County Highway is studying and acquiring land for a bypass that will go south of Kuna and reconnect with the interstate system by Caldwell.(projected within the next 10–30 years) Kuna could potentially be situated between the bypass and the interstate someday.

Also in the works is a new interchange at Ten Mile (2009) and numerous arterial road widening, such as Lake Hazel projected for 2011. These projects will make an easier commute for anyone in the Kuna and surrounding area.

We don’t have the traffic problems some of the surrounding communities have and with these additions,Kuna should stay ahead of the growth and added traffic.

2. Interest Rates: Vivian Chan, a mortgage consultant from First Horizon,could not have said it better.

“ Boy, what a crazy week! The feds cut the rates and mortgage backed securities went on a crazy roller coaster ride with drops in rates we have not seen in years! We are stable now at 5.625% on 30 year mortgage rates which is just AWESOME! Boise, Idaho nationally is the 5th strongest real estate market. Be patient, be positive.”

Vivian knows what going on in the mortgage world and in the Treasure Valley. She is a wonderful resource for any kind of home loan.

Vivian Chan

First Horizon Home Loans

Eagle, Idaho 83616

(208) 938-6553 www.buildingwealthidaho.com

3.Wealth Building: Always one option to save for retirement is buying a piece of rural land. The one thing people have a hard time doing is holding on to it long enough to build equity, sometimes taking 30 years.

Opportunities to buy low and sell high the next year are hard to find but real estate is reliable product if done right.

Even a greater benefit would be to use part of this investment for your primary dwelling so you can avoid capital gains when you do sell.

4. Prices: Look for sellers that are motivated. If they don’t need to sell, they don’t have their property priced to sell. Although land prices in Kuna are not cheap anymore, we have seen a peak in prices in recent years, with a dramatic decrease in the last six months. The fear in the sellers market right now is that the prices are going to go lower. Sometimes you can capitalize on that and help a seller unload his debt. It is a buyer’s market for land too.

5. Labor and Material: With the slow down in new construction starts, you have more bargaining power with builders and suppliers. You should get more of their undivided attention.

6. Kuna Communities: Kuna is still rural and has numerous subdivisions of 3–20 homes that may have small acreage lots for sale. There are at least three newer subdivisions with one acre lots they have been building in for the last couple years. Some subdivisions are just a homeowners that was able to split off a couple of parcels for building lots, not your normal subdivision concept.

7. Agricultural community: In most areas of Kuna you can still have chickens or a family cow and not be snubbed because of them. Be sure to check with the HOA within your subdivision, or with the county before buying if this is important to you.

8. Weather: We have four seasons, with the longest being spring and fall. Low humidity,lots of sunshine and a great water source.

9. Opportunity: Good land is becoming scarcer and will get more and more dear. The best investment on Earth is Earth.

Tags: land, Kuna, building

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Every Country Girl (or Guy) Should Know About This: Water

January 11th, 2008 categories: Buying Land Advice, Real Estate News

 “Water deliv?” The answer to this simple, important question is  sometimes misunderstood even by the agents representing the buyer.

You will find this short question on a MLS listing in the same area where it gives you information about the irrigation district and water shares available.  

The long version should read,  “Is the irrigation water able to be delivered to the property without the buyer having to do anything extra”

 

1. Yes, you can always haul in water (or deliver it)… does not count!

2. No, you might not be able to get the neighbors cooperation in running a ditch across their front yard. The bigger question being the cost of getting the water to your property.

3. NO, just because they have water shares does not automatically mean it is deliverable.(or why else would they ask the question?)

Water is dear to the hearts of Idahoans who live in a high mountain desert. With no more than 20 inches of rain each year, irrigation water is vital to our standard of living and to our green lawns! 

Each property is usually within a designated irrigation district. The Irrigation district can assist in determining which land has a valid water right and can help you determine the point of delivery for the water.  

Be sure you know the answers and fully understand your rights concerning this very important issue before you sign on the dotted line.

One more thing to keep in mind when buying country property in Idaho.

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Location, Price, Privacy: Nampa Land For Sale

January 2nd, 2008 categories: Buying Land Advice, Featured Properties

Don’t miss out on one of the nicest pieces of land for sale in the Nampa/Kuna area.

Located in an area of rural residential with acreage, this three acre building lot has some of the best in country   building qualities.

Location: This parcel is on Robinson Road between Dye and Lewis Lanes.  It is in the Nampa School district and situated behind a 5 acre homestead.  The level driveway leads you back to a private, serene former pasture, just waiting for your dream estate.  Whether you want to build or move a modular home on this property, only county rules need apply.  The lot has no existing homes or buildings on three sides, just farmland and pasture.  Great solar potential!

Electricity is very close, and the whole parcel comes with water shares to keep those pastures green.

Less than 15 min to downtown Nampa, Kuna or Mercy Medical in Nampa.

Price

In Kuna and South Nampa, there are presently 65 building lots between 2 and 5 acres.  Only 14 of those are not in subdivisions and have no restrictive covenants or conditions to worry about. 

Of those 14 building lots, there is an average price of $55,000 to $100,000 per acre. 

There are numerous factors that go into pricing of land.  Driveways, access,electricity, water,(both irrigated and well), distance from jobs,views, access to interstate and neighbors, all determine the value of the land.

This prime piece of real estate priced at $60,000 per acre!  Don’t miss a chance to purchase this piece of your dream.

Privacy

This is your chance at country living without spending too much of your life in the car!  There is still a lot of land just outside of Kuna and Nampa that allows some privacy and peace without the long drive. One of Idaho’s attraction is the chance to own homes with land close to towns with jobs. No need to live in the boonies to get land of your own.

You just need to stop by this listing on Robinson, between Dye and Lewis Lane, on the west side of the road, and drive down the driveway. Take a walk on the property to get a sense of the peace and privacy available.

Give me a call, I’d love to fill you in on any details I didn’t mention.

 

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Life, Peace and the Pursuit of Happiness: Land In Kuna Idaho

December 18th, 2007 categories: Buying Land Advice, Featured Properties, Real Estate News

This is the common theme I hear from people attempting to move into this area. All they want is a little piece of land to call their own. 

A place to raise their children or animals, a piece of heaven on earth that gives them privacy, peace and freedom to fulfill their dreams.

So with the prices on residential housing coming down, what is the price of vacant land in Kuna Country doing?

The listing price for 1–3 acre parcels is about $80,000 per acre which is lower than 2006 when prices were hovering around $95,000 per acre.

The best deal right now is a parcel that came on the market recently on Kuna Road.  This is the best of two worlds in my opinion.  You have Kuna School district and Canyon county taxes. 

The price is only $55,348 per acre and the lot size is 2.15 acres for a total of $119,000.  Enough land to build and be away from the road and plenty left over to do as you please.  Kuna road is a well traveled but not scheduled for any improvements.  You do have direct roads that will take you north to the interstate and easy access to downtown Kuna for the Friday buffet at El Giro Gallo

If you want to be in a quieter area and the school district is not a factor, another great deal is a 3 acre lot on Robinson Road.  It is off the main road with no large farms or developments close by.  You have fields on three sides of your property.  The total price is $180,000 or $62,000 per acre.

None of these properties are in a subdivision, therefore no restrictions other than what the county requires.  You can move a modular home on these properties so long as you have a foundation.

Lots for sale that are in subdivisions offer some niceties like covenants, communities water systems and pressurized irrigation. There are 75 choices in the Nampa area. In Kuna, only one subdivision (Arrowrock) offers 1 acre lots. All these subs will have Home Owners Associations and fees associated with them. Something to keep in mind.

The average price in a subdivision is $90,000–$100,000 per acre

Things to consider when figuring the final costs of any piece of vacant land are:

• Availability of electricity, gas, water, and pressurized irrigation.
• Are you located in a flood zone, close to future developments or road improvements?
• Is there an existing building permit? 
• Some potentially expensive ticket items would be driveways, fencing, septic, wells and easements. 

All things to count for that final cost of your piece of paradise.

There continues to be good deals in the Kuna area for residential and land. I would love to help you reach your dream,feel free to call anytime.

 

 

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Mother In Law Problems? This May Be The Solution

October 18th, 2007 categories: Buying Land Advice, Down to Earth Information, Regulations and Red Tape

The Mother In Law Ordinance came up when talking recently with a customer. They were looking for property that they could split. Their ultimate goal was to have two residences,enabling their handicapped son to be semi-independent but still close enough to keep an eye on. There is a provision in the unincorporated part of Ada County that does allow, in certain circumstances, to move a family member on to your property in a secondary temporary dwelling. This was always explained to me as The Mother In Law Provision. Read the rest of this entry »

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Buyers Beware!!! Don’t Let This Lame Horse Ruin Your Real Estate Investment

August 15th, 2007 categories: 3 Legged Horses, Buying Land Advice, Regulations and Red Tape

How can this happen? You buy that perfect piece of Idaho paradise and a couple years later,because of circumstances beyond your control, you need to move. What happens next is a blur….your real estate agent tells you, your property is part of a illegal lot split!! and according to county rules, there is no building permit available even though you already own a house on this property?

Or you buy property,and start the building of your dream home. That is the wrong time to find out you can’t do what ever you want with the land you paid too much for.

How can that be true?

Well, unfortunately for the landowner, it happens in Ada county more that we realize. What transpired was that a farmer decided he didn’t need all his land and just parceled off what he didn’t want, leaving behind a lot that is too small according to the county. When the county does get involved, like when you apply for a building permit, they will tell you “NO”

Why the county let this happen in the first place, I have yet to get a good answer (something about before the age of computers…blah,blah,blah)

Be sure you are diligent about this issue if buying in the county!! Have your real estate agent check, or better yet, personally do a diligent search with the county to be sure the zoning is correct and what you expect. This is not difficult to do, it is just something the average person(and I might add the average real estate agent) does not realizes could be a potential problem.

So how does this story end?

Probably in a lawsuit. Someone may of known about this problem and did not disclose it. A lawsuit, though messy and time consuming, is probably the only way to get your equity back. But if the owner is dead and his secret died with him…then you just bought yourself a lame horse partner.

Tags: illegal+splits, ada+county, Kuna+Idaho

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Fires, Tigers, and Bears OH MY!

July 11th, 2007 categories: Buying Land Advice, Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

This time of the year is when the West is in the disaster headlines more than any other time.

Yes, we have other natural disasters(few and far between) like volcano eruptions, earthquakes, flooding and blizzards. But, here in Kuna, we are blessed with very little worries concerning weather.

We fight off an occasional mosquito, rattler, or badger and don’t have to be too wary in the wild.

But wild fires are burning in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. We can see the smoke and smell the fires.

This caused me to stop into our local fire department and ask the chief “How important is knowing your fire district when you consider buying a piece of land in the country?” This is one thing we don’t always take into consideration when looking at that beautiful piece of Idaho dream land, whether in the woods or the desert.

I was surprised to learn that there are parts of what we consider Kuna lands that are not in a fire district. You don’t pay taxes for that service and guess what?

you don’t get those services if you have a fire or emergency.

So if you are looking at a property outside of the city limits, please include these questions to your considerations.

1.) How long will it take for the fire department to reach my house?

2.) Is it made up of volunteers or staffed firemen?

3.) Do I also have 911 emergency services?

Tags: fires, fire+departments, kuna+land

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10 Things to Keep In Mind If You Want To Subdivide Your Property

July 4th, 2007 categories: Buying Land Advice, Down to Earth Information, Real Estate News

 So you are ready to let some of your precious land go to another landowner, or even to a group of landowners, in hopes of using that equity to take a trip you’ve always been dreaming of, or pay off your kids college, or just not have to take care of it and pay taxes on it anymore. Whatever the reason, be sure you do your homework.  These are just a few things I have learned that could save you a little stress. Good luck!

1. Talk to your Planning and Zoning authorities.  Let them know what you plan to do and listen to them.  If they recommend larger than one acre lots, don’t subdivide into one acre lots. Remember, they are thinking like the social engineers they are trained to be and talk all day to developers, engineers and occasionally a homeowner.  So they do not always think about the cost or complexity to you, a lowly individual. So ask questions and listen, they will steer you in the right direction.  Always write down who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed.

2. Start compiling a list of costs before you begin.  Permits, driveway, engineering, aerial shots, improvements and a survey all add up and vary depending on the job that you are doing. Try once again to quote people or get it in writing. Just the cost of asphalt can fluctuates depending on the time of the year. Make sure you understand anything you sign and it states specifically what you will be receiving and when.

3. Find out if there is some leg work you can do yourself to keep the expense down.  Find out from planning and zoning what you can do versus what an engineering company needs to do.  An engineering firm will charge considerably more for something as simply as sitting at a community meeting waiting for people to show up.  If it is a complex subdivision and will raise lots of questions from neighbors this may be worth the cost.

4. Hire a good engineering company: Get referrals from neighbors that have done the same. I have worked with two different companies and they were like night and day.  Please get a referral from someone that has actually used the company. Be wary of a referral because they are a local business or friends, that is no guarantee of a good business.

5. Talk to your neighbors. Find out how they feel about developments that are going in the area.  Without letting them know what your intentions are, you can get a good feel for whether they will “do anything to keep that from happening here” or whether they themselves are thinking of dividing in the future.

6. Expect the unexpected!  As in any “project” there will always be something come up that could be a obstacle.  Sometimes it just involves more time, or an unexpected expense, or even something as simple as missing a space on an application form.  If you realize this happens in almost all cases, especially to someone who has not done this before, you will take this bitter pill easier.

7. Have lots of patience.  Even when someone says, “We’ll get right on this” remember they have a different time frame than someone who only has this one task to focus on.  In the same breathe, if they say check back in a week, be sure you do.  Sometimes a gentle nudge gets more done, then waiting and getting upset when you realizing nothing has been done.

8. Don’t make any financial plans until you see the end in sight.  It is so easy to spend what you hope to make before you make it.  Remember nothing is certain in this business.  You may not get neighbor’s approval, or a building permit, or find someone who is willing to buy.  It’s a whole lot less stressful to not have bills that need to be paid off, in case this process doesn’t pan out as planned.

9. Be aware of capital gains. Talk to your accountant to see if there is some way of deferring the taxes or what the best route would be for you.  After going through all the work and frustration of this procedure, the last person you what to siphon off 30% is the government.  At least know for sure how much of your gains you will have to forfeit, it may make a huge difference.

10. Keep a journal of all conversations, date time and who you spoke to. This bears repeating again.  It will save you many sleepless nights!

 

 

Tags: lot+splits,, land+developments, Ada+county

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