Boise’s Best Realtors

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The Boise Chamber of Commerce sponsored an Economic OutlookForum this week, one of the better this year.  After attending 3 (Sterling Savings Bank, US Bank and Boise Chamber), this one takes the cake.  All 4 speakers(including keynote speaker Glen Heimstra, a Futurist) were exceptional, touching on everything from the energy crisis to transportation, real estate to unemployment, and how it affects our community. 

Glen Hiemstra challenged Boiseans to quit making excuses, roll up our sleeves, and get out from under debt the old fashioned way: working hard and not over-spending.  He used visuals to illustrate what our economy ‘really is’ and how we got here.  By showing how we our eyes have outgrown our wallets in the last 40 years, he wowed the audience and even earned a few laughs.  McDonald’s french fries, homes and cars have all tripled in size in the last half century, contributing to our economic crisis.  The middle class has coped by increasing debt and converting from a once single income household to a 2 income household.  He recommended downscaling our homes, getting out from under debt, and a work/life balance including: exercise, spending time with friends, and cutting down on commute times. 

Amongst these personal recommendations were state and national suggestions by all 4 speakers at the economic outlook forum: distribute the bailout where it will make a difference(erecting power grids all over the nation,r educing the energy crisis we are facing), establishing a public transportation system in Boise similar to the MAX in Portland, and encouraging education to our youth(statistics show that only 17% of the US nation’s young adults earn a college degree).

The overall message of the economic outlook forum was surprisingly upbeat as business owners, Realtors, lenders, and title officers across the Treasure Valley were polled and assessed that we have hit the bottom or our housing crisis and will use 2009 to climb out of the hole we dug ourselves.   Small businesses continue to move into Boise and we are better off than many communities around the nation.  It was refreshing.

The Boise Chamber sure knows how to pack a meeting with over 900 in attendance.  The speakers were impressive, and accommodations great(as always at the Boise Centre on the Grove), but the most impressive part was this:

We were challenged to remember our ancestors, that lived through the Great Depression and put on a strong face.  Remember that this is not the first or the last time we will survive an economic recession.  And use this opportunity to rebuild and position ourselves for prosperity in the future.

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When considering buying a home there are several important details to consider. Our team’s real estate experience has given usthe skills to help you locate your perfect home, while leveraging your buying power. Here are some suggestions we can offer to ensure a successful home purchase!

1. Know what you want.
a. There are select features you want out of a home and other features that you do not. Don’t waste your time looking at properties that don’t suit your needs and wants.
b. When buying a home, know the difference between things that are relatively easy or inexpensive to fix, versus those that are not. Costs for large-scale repairs can often be deducted from the cost of the home.

2. Do not make any credit card purchases until after closing.
a. The more you have in credit card debt each month, the lower amount you qualify for when applying for a loan.
b. You could lose the final approval on your mortgage due to a large credit card purchase at the last minute.

3. The listing agent should not represent you.
a. There are different laws associated with an agent that represents both the buyer and the seller. Instead of just fighting for the best price for YOU, the agent is required to work for both parties.
b. The agent has to conduct business confidentially with each client, and therefore is more apt to work for the deal rather than for you.  When buying a home, opt for single agency, so YOU are getting the best representation you can.

4. Select a professional real estate agent and lender.
a. Choose a real estate professional that you can trust. This is the most important purchase of your life so make sure it is with the right person. There are so many minute details that an inexperienced person may miss important aspects that impact you. 

5. Get Pre-approved for your mortgage.
a. A pre-approval will give you an extra push to get that home on which you’ve been bidding. This is not the same as being “pre-qualified” for a loan. Because this is not official documentation, it does not stand for much.

6. Watch what you say.
a. Be absolutely truthful with your representation. However, when bargaining, only discuss what is absolutely necessary to disclose.
b. When speaking to the Seller’s agent, do not mention the amount you qualified to borrow. The agent can use this information to push up the price.

If you’re looking to buy a home, Call Boise’s Best Realtors to see properties that fit your ‘wish list.’

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Free home buying seminar to learn the steps of purchasing, loan modifications, and credit counseling November 5th at 7:00pm.  First American Title company at 9465 Emerald Suite 260.  The class will last 1 hour.  It is free and is offered monthly.  This home buying seminar has proven to be very educational to members of the Boise community and has provided guidance to many wanting to take advantage of this buyer’s market.  The seminar is taught by a group of Realtors and a lender…Boise’s Best.   Join us for light refreshments and beverages at this free home buying semianr.

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A recent approved subdivision plat in Middleton has come available for purchase at 17580 Goodson Road.  365 acres in total, this land is surrounded by rolling terrain and features gorgeous Idaho mountain views.  Surrounded by farms and existing developed home sites, this is an ideal location for a new community.  Middleton is getting closer to the Treasure Valley daily, as more people flock to Canyon County to reside, open businesses, and attend school, thanks to the CWI(open in 2009 for enrollment).  This piece of property is in the popular Middleton School District and is fast becoming one of the most popular areas in Western Idaho because of the quality of life and affordability.  Easy freeway access makes it accessible to the city of Nampa, Meridian, and Boise.  Middleton offers country space and privacy, with all the amenities of life close by.   This Middleton land was recently approved by Canyon County P&Z for a 103 lot sub, 3-4 acres in size.  For pictures, a copy of the plat, or more information, contact Boise’s Best Realtor at 941-8458.