HUD Waives 90-Day Re-sale Rule

In an effort to stabilize home prices and accelerate the sale of vacant homes, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced a temporary policy change which allows for quicker re-sale of foreclosed homes and expands access to FHA mortgage insurance. Read More »

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Boise Real Estate Sales – December 2009

Homes sales moved significantly lower during the month of December. Total sales for the Boise area (including all of Ada County) were 362 homes. The lower numbers were somewhat expected due to anticipated expiration of the Federal Government’s tax credit – set to expire the end of November. However, the government extended and expanded the credit through April 30, 2010. Remember, you don’t have to be a first time buyer to qualify for the $8,000. tax credit. If you haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years you qualify for the credit. And if you have owned a home in the past three years, the tax credit is $6,500. Hopefully with the extension of the tax credit, the home buyers will once again begin their search for a home.

Here’s the sales numbers broken down by area:

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Boise Real Estate Sales – November 2009

Homes sales moved slightly lower in the month of November but still remain strong. Total sales for the Boise area (including all of Ada County) were 533 homes. Of that number, 140 homes were new construction and 394 were existing homes.

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Boise’s First Snow Fall

1st snow fall 001December 7th brings us the first snow fall of the season. Only enough to cover the ground but making a Christmas wonderland just the same. Read More »

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Boise Real Estate Sales – October 2009

More good news in residential real estate in the Boise area. Home sales in the Boise area continue to trend upward with 585 homes sold in October, up 6.7% over September’s numbers. Active listings are down to 3236 in Ada County which includes the Boise area.

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Congress Extends $8000 Tax Credit

The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to extend and expand the First Time Home Buyers $8000. Tax Credit that was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate last night. The bill not only extends the $8000. tax credit to first time home buyers (those who haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years) but also provides a $6,500. tax credit to those who have owned a home before. Read More »

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Idaho AG Publishes Free Self-Help Handbooks for Homeowners/Buyers

The Idaho Attorney General’s office announced today two new free publications – one to help struggling homeowners facing foreclosure and one for home buyers. The two publications are available on the AG’s website.

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Boise’s Fall Colors

Kathryn Albertson Park pathwayThe northeast doesn’t have anything on Boise. Although the fall colors of Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine have gained national attention, the fall colors in the City of Trees are outstanding this year. And one of the best place to take a look? One of the most peaceful and beautiful parks in Boise – the Kathryn Albertson Park.

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Boise Real Estate Sales – September 2009

Home sales in the Boise area continue their upward trend with a total of 546 homes sold in September, up 6.4% over August. The affordability of homes plus historically low interest rates are the contributing factors in the increase in sales. The first time home buyers tax credit of $8000. also contributed to the strong numbers. However, the tax credit is set to expire the end of November. I think we’ll continue to see an upward trend – at least until the credit expires.

The number of active listings continues to trend downward from 3,537 in August to 3,403 in September.

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Love those first time home buyers!

Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with several first time home buyers in their search for their first home. It wasn’t always easy – credit issues, losing out to other buyers, playing the waiting game on a short sale. But when the sale comes together and closes, there is no better feeling for a Realtor.

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