You've probably heard that the Feds may lower interest rates.

We just received an email from a lender with some information provided by REALTOR magazine to support that claim.

The slumping housing market has some observers predicting the Federal Reserve Board will lower interest rates before the end of the year.

These economic analysts believe the slowdown of the housing market has the potential to eat into the overall growth of the economy, and they add that the substantial decline in fuel prices could also be a factor in a decision by the central bank to lower rates.

On Monday, Richard Fisher, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, described the housing market as undergoing a "serious correction."

Meanwhile, sales of existing homes for August were reported on Monday as beating the expectations of analysts.

Buyers and sellers are awash in reports that the real estate market is tanking. It's refreshing to read the truth: the real estate market is correcting itself. And the Feds are noticing.

Boise, Idaho is still a healthy market, but with the price correction, buyers are better equipped to negotiate and less likely to make emotion-driven decisions. Some builders are offering outstanding incentives, too.

Lower interest rates will only make buying more attractive.

We're pleased to be listing this spacious, livable 3 bed/2.5 bath in Delaware Park subdivision in Caldwell.

One of its best features, in our judgement, is the main-level master bed w/walk-in closet and bathroom. The rest of the bedrooms are upstairs, together with a full bath and big bonus room. (Mountain views!) The kitchen opens up into a spacious living room w/vaulted ceilings, built-in plant shelves, creating a very open feel.

This home is fully fenced with auto sprinklers in the front yard, but seller will consider a landscape allowance with an acceptable offer. Utility room and abundant storage space. 2 car garage.

Delaware Park is tucked away between cornfields, but is very close to Hwy 20-26, the I-84/Franklin Exit and not far from the new Karcher exchange. It's in the Vallivue School District, too!

Priced to sell at $154,900

Click here for photos and more information.

Boise, Idaho is seeing the real estate market correct itself. Inventory is high. Prices are high too but are leveling out. Investor purchases are down significantly from last year--even from the first quarter of 2006.

It's still a great time to sell, but as we've mentioned, expect your home to stay on the market longer and get your home ready to market, show and SELL.

In that vein, here are some recommendations for preparing your home for the listing and showing process.

1. Start by airing out the home. Most people are turned off by even the slightest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially those caused by dogs and cats and/or cigarettes. Odor is a common complaint by buyers and a real turn-off.


2. Wash all the windows in the home, inside and out.
   
3. If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned, now is the time to have them cleaned. Bare floors should also be waxed or polished.
   
4. Put bright light bulbs in every socket made for a bulb. Buyers like bright & cheery.
   
5. Clean out closets, cabinets and drawers. Closets should look like they have enough room to hold additional items. Get everything off the floor and don’t have the shelves piled to the ceiling.
   
6. Make sure rooms are not overcrowded with furniture. Select pieces that look best, and store the rest.
   
7. Keep the kitchen sparkling clean. Make sure all appliances are clean at all times. Straighten cupboards that appear cluttered and keep floors gleaming.
   
8. Bathtubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. The grout should be clean and in good condition. There should be no leaks in the faucet or traps.

Curb appeal? It matters. It really does.

Trim trees and shrubs, clean out flower beds, (perhaps invest in a few flats of seasonal flowers), paint the front door, make sure doorbell is working properly, wash the mailbox, keep the porch swept and the area free of cobwebs.

In general: Consider fresh paint, professional cleaning, lawn maintenance--whatever the particular weakness of your home, address it! We'll help you. Contact us for a full listing packet, which includes more tips and a checklist.

The market does change, but our commitment and spirit of service does not. Contact us.

Labels: Real Estate, Successful Marketing

If it's in the Boise, Idaho area it could be.

According to Idaho Statesman staff writer, Emily Simnitt,

"If your home has an unusual and mysterious past, then it might be just what the show is looking for. It’s sort of like an “Antiques Roadshow” where you don’t have to haul your junk and stand in line waiting for an appraiser to give you the good news that Great Aunt Melba’s toaster is actually a national treasure."

Though it seems unlikely that the homes of any of our team would qualify, we'll be interested to see whose does.

Our money is on homes in the Highlands, on Warm Springs Avenue or Harrison Boulevard.

Thanks to Active.com, here is an abbreviated list of upcoming fitness events for our active readers.

09/19/2006 - Celebrating Women in Business & Leadership
09/23/2006 - 2006 St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration 5K Run
09/29/2006 - The North Face Endurance 50- City of Trees Marathon
10/07/2006 - Nampa Recreation Center's 7th Annual Beginners Ind

Click Here for More Events in Boise.

Labels: Health, Idaho, News

This Labor Day weekend, our friends at Keller Williams, Eric Bracht and Caylon Travis, are hosting an Open House at 969 E Washakie in Meridian's Heritage Commons Subdivision from 11:00 to 2:00.

You will love this incredible, custom-built home that was featured in the 2004 Parade of Homes. This weekend (September 2 and 3) is your chance to tour it.

Click here for more information or here to take a virtual tour of the property.

Don't miss your chance to see home that you'll wish you grew up in!