For Sale By Owner In Kuna Country

Forsale_byownerI 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 »

Authored by Sara | Discussion: 3 Comments »

Home Prices In Kuna for February 2008

Active Listings For Residential Single Family Homes

Total = 211

Average List Price = $286,815

Median Listing Price = $199,900

Pending Sales

Total = 31

Average List Price = $185,614

Median List Price = $162,500

Sold in February 2008

Total = 24

Average List Price = $210,130

Median List Price= $184,500

Average Sold Price = $207,220

Median List Price = $182,000

% of difference between list and sold price=99%

Sold in February 2007

Total= 43

Average List Price = $198,452

Median List Price = $178,900

Average Sold Price= $197,024

Median Sold Price= $174,000

% of difference between list and sold price = 99%

Change in number of sold listings from 2007 to 2008 = down 56%

Change in Sold Price from 2007 to 2008 = up 5%

Absorption Rate for 2/2008 = 8.5 months

So what does this reveal? 

February sucked!

  • Only half as many properties sold
  • Sold price increased (because of one high price property that sold)
  • The absorption rate is increasing

Winter weather played a large part in these numbers, last year we had a unusually mild February.  You probably already noticed it is half way through March as I figure these numbers. That is because all of sudden the phone has been ringing and things are starting to move again.

Here’s to a much better March!

Authored by Sara | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Saturday Fun and Springtime In Idaho

4GbTg-vB+lGFmTi3ALcOV-jRKXQcIrHG0252Even the snowmen are tired of Winter in Northern Idaho

My wacky best friend in Coeur d’Alene sent me this picture.

 I don’t miss the snow this time of the year when you are so anxious to get outside and shake off the  winter blues.

All the cold, wet, muddy parts of winter are behind us here in southern Idaho.  The sun comes out regularly now. And the temperatures get high enough to tempt us out into our yards for the annual reconnect with our neighbors.

Last year at this time I had spinach coming up in my garden (that was unusual). It won’t be long now though, that I will catch myself at work with dirt under my nails.

This teasing weather will soon be full blown spring and it can’t come fast enough!

Authored by Sara | Discussion: Leave A Comment »

Warning: Don’t Make This Mistake.

181799257_704bcfde8c_mWhen 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 »

Authored by Sara | Discussion: 5 Comments »

Kuna’s Annual Auction: Saturday Fun

162824_countryside_auction_4Even though the weather was not the greatest, I’m sure Kuna’s auction this year will be a success. Just knowing the generosity of this small community, proceeds will surely top last year’s $44,000.

Why are smaller communities so generous? Probably because there is a real connection between people that need the help and your efforts.

Last year 13 local families, people that we know, suffered from fire or flood damage.They were helped by the proceeds from last year’s auction.

So you can actually see where your efforts have helped and know you were part of the solution.

Neighbors helping neighbors, that’s what makes rural living so wonderful.

Home with a terrible cold, I did not get to catch any of the action. But I did find some fun to share with all you.

File Attachment: Dumb_People_Shouldn_t_Have_Horses.wmv (665 KB)

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Authored by Sara | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Sneak Peek: What Is Coming To Kuna Soon

300px-Wal-Mart_in_Madison_HeightsThe City of Kuna has given the OK for a development that would include a “big box” store plus various commercial and residential buildings. I have listened to many citizens concerns and this is what I am hearing.

The Pluses:

1. Competition: This is the American way. In order for businesses in Kuna to directly compete with a Walmart-type store, they will have to offer better and different products and superb customer services. That’s not a bad thing for the consumers.

2. Convenient: This is the most verbal aspect. As a Kuna resident, I’m always planning any shopping to correspond with going into town for other reasons. It’s a 20 min trip to the nearest big grocery store. With gas prices soaring, this shopping opportunity would definitely be easier and more economical for every Kuna resident.

3. Progress: Any growth in our community seems to attract more growth. This is understood and excepted by everyone that lives here. A necessary evil when living in a community that offers so much. Build one and the others will follow.

The Minuses: Read the rest of this entry »

Authored by Sara | Discussion: 4 Comments »

What A Story To Live And Tell(and catch on tape)

386239_kayakingSaturday is for fun.

Kayaking is one outdoor activity that Idaho is famous for.Whether a lazy afternoon on a quiet lake or a heart pumping adrenaline fix on one of our many rivers, there is something for every skill level and desire.

After seeing this video, I know I’ll stick to freshwater boating. File Attachment: Kayak.mpeg (2000 KB)

Spring is in the air, the horses are frolicking in the fields and the meadowlark has return to sing it’s heart out.

Have a great weekend.

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Authored by Sara | Discussion: Leave A Comment »

Earth Sheltered Home With Acreage In Kuna

FSBo 001This blog is dedicated to featuring real estate issues and properties in the Kuna area. With the owner’s permission, I what to make you aware of unique opportunities that may not be on our MLS system for one reason or another.

This featured property is earth insulated, with solar features and is surrounded by mature vegetation and gardens. It is very unique to this area because of it’s energy savings features. Our hydro electricity has been so cheap, we don’t see enough energy efficient building being done with the future in mind. This property has been on my wish list to see for a long time

Built into the side of a hill along the creek,the north side of this house uses the earth as an insulator from the elements and the noises of the country road. You can feel quite secure and private on this 10 acre waterfront property. It even boast a small portion of earthen roof.

The owner states there is over 2400 sq ft of living space, a two car detached garage and a 19×30 ft shop on the property. According to Ada county’s tax roll, there are two parcels that make up this 10 acre lot.

Built in the 80’s during the last gas crisis, this home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and a wall of south facing windows to capture that winter sun we enjoy here in Idaho.

FSBo 003The covered patio, I can imagine is well used in the summer time, facing Indian Creek with plenty of farmland and mountain views.

I think this would be a wonderful opportunity by using the second parcel as another building lot. A great homesite with easy access to the interstate and with beautiful Idaho scenery.

Call me if you are interested in exploring this great real estate opportunity. I still haven’t got to see the inside!

Authored by Sara | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Country Living For $165,000, S Nampa/N Melba

937466_silouetteLooking 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

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Authored by Sara | Discussion: 1 Comment »

How To Be A Loser And Still Win In A Buyers Market

Most people know they could lose equity if they decide to sell their home this year. How can we expect to sell our house for less than we bought it for? Or for less than what we could’ve sold it for 2 years ago?

I think people are afraid to make that move they were planning on for fear they will lose money!

I can understand that, I have said the same thing. “Wait until the market recovers.”

But let’s think outside the box. What are we comparing our house values to? Are we letting a perceived value effect our decision?

Then I sat down and did the math.

FirebrickLet’s say the subject in mind is a house they paid $185,000 2 years ago(a example being this house for sale last year on Firebrick). Let’s say they want to move into a subdivision where the homes were priced at $350,000 last year.(example being in Meridian). They have $100,000 equity.
$355,900
-$100,000
__________
$255,900 needed!

But this year their house would only sell for 165,000!!!! That’s a lost of $20,000 of real money!! (not perceived or what we could’ve had)

Bonita CanyonThe house in Meridian on Bonita Canyon, also had to come down and is now priced at $294,900. So now lets do the math

$294,900
– $80,000
________
$214,900

Wow what a deal!!!!!

Don’t let the nay sayers talk you out of making the move your family needs. There are deals like this in every price range.If you are thinking about moving the first thing you need to do is see a lender and find out what your limits are. Then see what your money can buy and price your house to sell!!!

Authored by Sara | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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