First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Information

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Been wanting to get information and facts on the $8,000 tax credit(now a gift…that’s right, get out there and buy a house!)?  Here is a link that is helpful, from FAQ to eligibility. http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html

Email a member of the Conklin Team with any questions.

Seven Ways to Look More Chic…in Boise

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Miss Mary Jane(Treasure Magazine) recently wrote an article with 7 tips on Ways to Look More Chic.  They are recapped below.

Tip #1: Take 10 minutes to reevaluate your overall appearance.  Instead of reaching for sweats, pull on a pair of jeans and pair it with a nice sweater or long sleeved t-shirt.  Put on some stylish shoes and accessorize it with a scarf or jacket.  Dab on some mascara and lip gloss.

Tip #2: Stand up straight, it immediately shaves pounds off your frame and decreases stress to your body. 

Tip #3: With regards to makeup, less is more.  Forgo smoky eyes and heavy liner and opt for a brighter palette.  It’s far less aging and a lot fresher.  Use a nude eyeliner to line the lower lash area.  Rather than putting concealer underneath the entire eye area, apply from the inner corner to the middle of your lashline.  Concealer all the way underneath can actually accentuate fine lines at the corner of your eye.

Tip #4: More is better when dressing your body.  What’s really sexy is showing just enough skin to leave a little something to the imagination.

Tip #5: Go through your closet and reexamine every single item of closing.  Does it fit?  Is it too tight?  Color? Age appropriate?

Tip #6: Accessorize with a great scarf, pin, brooch, or jewelry.  Be daring.

Tip #7: Smile.  Smiling makes you feel better, it’s been scientifically proven.  The power of a smile is an amazing thing, it makes you want to put your best foot forward.

By Miss Mary Jane, Treasure Magazine

My favorite places to shop in Boise?  For something trendy and seasonal, try Forever 21 that just opened in the Boise Town Square Mall, upper level near Macy’s.  Basic pieces that will last?  Banana Republic, White House Black Market, or The Loft in Bodo.  Need something BoHo Chic?  Visit Urban Outfitters, also in Bodo.  And for a great accessory like a new bag, the latest jewelry, or great scarves, shop consignment stores including Repeat Boutique(of Vista and Rose Hill), Again Consignment(in Eagle) and Plato’s Closet(Franklin in front of Cabella’s).  Some of my favorite stores…in Boise.

Perfect Valentines Date in Boise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm8biUX2ShQ

Winter Staging Tips

When selling your home in the winter, the art of staging the inside becomes more important.  Here are five simple tips that can help you sell your home shine even when the outside landscaping has faded:
  • Keep your house warm.  In the winter people tend to turn the thermostat down to save money, however a warmer house is more welcoming to a potential buyer.
  • Clear your walkways and driveways of any snow or ice.  Make it easy for buyers to get to your home.
  • Clean the windows and blinds.  Letting in the natural light can brighten up a room and cheer up the home.  This also brings attention to the windows and blinds so make sure they are clean even during winter.  Dirty windows will make the home seem as those it’s not well maintained.
  • Background music played softly can completely change the atmosphere making the home seem cozy and keep potential buyers around longer.  Stick with classical music which can appeal to anyone.
  • Leave the light on.  Before showing a home, make sure it’s well lit.  A well lit home is more inviting.  If you’re not home, consider setting up timers.
Following these simple tips can give your house that added boost in today’s competitive market. For information on selling in our local market, please feel free to call and ask for a computer analysis of our recent market activity. We would be more than happy answer any questions you might have, contact a member of the Conklin Team today.

Idaho Meth Project Raising Awareness?

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The Idaho Statesman recently published a story questioning the effectiveness of the Idaho Meth Project’s latest release of ads.  Since 2007, the IMP has set out to raise awareness among teens and adults about the dangers of Meth and it’s widespread usage in the Treasure Valley.  The Idaho Meth Project runs on support from donations and volunteers around the state of Idaho. 

The 2nd phase of the Meth Project has kicked off, launching a new line of radio/television ads, the effectiveness of which is being questioned.  When writing the content for the campaign, panels of teens were interviewed, the consensus being that they wanted the truth.  No sugar coating, no lies.  Just the truth about the dangers and side effects of Meth.  After seeing the billboards and hearing the ads, they got what they asked for.

The blunt message of the ads and the sobering portrayal of life on Meth, is a true depiction of it’s addictive content. 

As a volunteer for the Idaho Meth Project, I have seen the effect the ads have had on parents and youth in our community.  At several IMP events and fundraisers, I have had parents express to me their appreciation for bringing the dangers of Meth to their attention; One father told me he never even knew Meth was an issue and after seeing the ads, looked for an opportunity to discuss it with his 3 daughters.

I have coordinated several speaking events at high schools around the Treasure Valley and have gotten feedback from students, teachers, and administrators alike that the presentations and material struck a chord with adults and children alike. 

I don’t see how the relevance or effectiveness of this message can be questioned, even by a source as negative and pessimistic as the Idaho Statesman. It is disappointing that they would take such a positive message and cause doubt in the minds of locals, many of whom have spent time and effort spreading the Not Even One message. 

To read the latest results from the 2008 Use and Attitudes Survey, visit http://www.idahomethproject.org/About_Us/publications.php