Consumer confidence is almost as high as it was pre-recession.  Economists predict GDP growth will see a slight year-over-year increase.  And the private sector job growth has been steady for the past two years, averaging 240,000 jobs per month.  All of these factors led the National Association of Home Builders’ chief economist David Crowe to declare 2016 “a good year for housing and the economy.”

Resale Homes Data:  
Ada County – 352 units closed, up by 34 homes or 11% over January 2015.  The average price was $238,850, up by $17,903 or 8% over January 2015.  

Canyon County – 168 units closed, up by only 5 units over January 2015.  The average price was $140,087, up by $15,096 or 12% over January 2015.  

Pending new homes sales for both counties was 932 units at the end of January which is a decrease of 82 homes or 8% from last January.  

Inventories in Ada County was 779 units.  … Continue reading →

In 2015, 12,800 single family homes closed in the Boise MSA.  This is the highest number of closing since 2004.  This has only been surpassed by 2005 and 2006. Monthly absorption of homes is 1,067 units for new and resale in the Boise MSA.  

Ada County average sales price was $238,672, up by $16,450 or 7% over 2014.  
Canyon County average sales price was $141,151, up by $4,803 or 4% over 2014.  

Inventory levels for resale homes sits at historical lows – 810 units for Ada County and 387 units for Canyon County.  The… Continue reading →

The Boise Valley’s demographics are well suited for a diverse array of industries.  Click here to learn more about the Valley’s demographic makeup.  
(Source EMSI, 2015 data)

Winter is a great time to sell!  Winter is known for many things, the least of which may be that it’s the best season to sell a home.  Granted, winter isn’t the most convenient time to move, but according to a study from real estate company Redfin, homes listed between December and March sell faster than homes listed in other months, and for more money.  (That’s been the case recent years, at least — the market changes often).  Redfin says that anytime between December and May is an ideal time to list your home — and… Continue reading →

Retirement is a transition time for many 50- or 60-somethings to settle down in new surroundings. The career has waned, the nest has emptied and its time for a change. This new phase of life can be one of opportunity and adventure. Some retirees search for a sunny locale with a picturesque backdrop and recreational amenities. Others venture to affordable towns with stable economies and abundant resources. We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best cities to retire in the USA based on factors like cost of living, crime rate, cultural and recreational resources, climate and mobility.

1. Boise, Idaho… Continue reading →

How is a good time to buy a home or list your home for sale.  The national housing market trends show an increase in home sales and a decrease in home inventory.  National existing-home sales increased in September to the second-highest pace since February 2007.  Interest rates are holding steady near 4 percent, and job growth – while modest in comparison with the first half of the year – is still strong.  Rent prices have climbed to an eight-year high, making it less affordable to rent and more affordable to own a home.  National Home… Continue reading →

Americans stepped up their home-buying for a third straight month in July, as sales accelerated to the strongest pace in eight years.

The National Association of Realtors said August 20, that sales of existing homes rose 2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.59 million, the fastest rate since February 2007.  Sales have jumped 9.6 percent over the past 12 months, while the number of listings has declined 4.7 percent.

Similarly in Ada County, home sales in June and July reached levels not seen since June 2006.  Sales took a small dip from June… Continue reading →

Ada County has seen a 20.3 percent increase in home sales in July over July 2014, even with median sale prices edging up 8.4 percent to $232,500, according to the Ada County Association of Realtors market report.  The surge is driven by high prices in other places that enable people in states like California, Oregon and Washington to upgrade in Boise, said Breanna Vanstrom, ACAR’s executive director. 
“Many of our new residents seem to be professionals relocating for work, out-of-state buyers, and retirees who tend to look for or are able to purchase at higher price points,” Vanstrom… Continue reading →

Armed with a few important facts about your local real estate market, you will be prepared to make smart decisions about the sale of your house.  The phrase All real estate is local accurately describes how to think about your individual circumstances.  National trends in real estate do not necessarily reflect what is happening in your town, city, or region.  Here are five local real estate factors you need to understand so your expectations for a home sale are realistic:

1.  Know Your Market.
   It is a seller’s market when there are a lot of buyers and… Continue reading →