Today is a day of thanksgiving. As you eat a festive meal with family, watch a football game on television or work in a soup kitchen serving food to the needy, remember the many blessings in your life. We’re so fortunate to live in a country where there is so much to be grateful for. Especially the men and women who serve in our militiary AND the families they leave behind to serve and protect this wonderful nation. May you have a most blessed day.

HOMES SOLD IN BOISE IN OOCTOBER 2007

Homes Sold - 444

BY AREA:

North - 22 homes with a median price of $260,000
Northeast-8 homes with a median price of $372,000
Southeast-44 homes with a median price of $249,000
Bench-31 homes with a median price of $180,000 [Read more →]

Christmas must be coming as the Festival of Trees, hosted by the Saint Alphonsus Foundation and sponsored by area businesses and volunteers, is just around the corner. This annual event - since 1984 - has grown from a mere 14 trees to become a family seasonal tradition [Read more →]

I saw a cartoon the other day. It showed a home with a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. Hanging under that was a sign rider that said “Price Reduced”. Under that another rider that said “Must Sell”. Under that another rider that said “Best Offer” and under that another rider stating “Don’t make us beg”. In these trying real estate times, the cartoon gave me pause. I’m sure that some of my sellers are beginning to feel like they have to beg to find a buyer. So, what’s a seller to do? [Read more →]

This is my favorite time of year living in Boise. Here’s a few of the reasons:

After a hot and dry summer, the days have begun to cool down into the 50’s or 60’s and the evenings get even cooler. A little rain and everything is refreshed and clean. And the fall colors in the City of Trees - bright yellows, bronzes and reds - it’s hard to beat it. [Read more →]

I’m currently involved in a transaction where my client-buyer is purchasing a new construction home. In talking to the builder/seller’s agent, she mentioned that there was no need for a home inspection since this was a new home and the home had a one year warranty to cover any defects. [Read more →]

HOMES SOLD IN BOISE IN AUGUST 2007

Homes Sold - 352

BY AREA:
North - 40 homes with a median price of $271,500
Northeast-15 homes with a median price of $408,500
Southeast-44 homes with a median price of $258,000
Bench-39 homes with a median price of $180,500 [Read more →]

Whether it’s the carnival rides, the food, the entertainment or just a chance to get out in the open air, the 110th annual Western Idaho State Fair has something for everyone. The Fair will be held August 17th through the 26th at the fairgrounds located at the corner of Chinden and Glenwood Boulevards in Boise. This year’s theme - “Fun In The Sun“ - rings true for every member of the family. [Read more →]

So, you’ve gone to AnnualCreditReport.com and printed out your credit report. You find an error or maybe more than one. What next? Again, thanks to Kellie Allen of Countrywide Home Loans for some excellent advice on disputing the errors.

1. Ask for a Credit Dispute form from your mortgage broker.

2. Complete one form for each erroneous piece of information on your credit report. Attach any documentation you might have to support your claim. Be sure to print your name, address, phone number and social security number on the form. Sign and date the form.

3. Mail the form to the reporting repository with a return receipt requested.

4. Per the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the repository has five days to notify the specific trade line of the dispute. Within 30 days, the trade line must complete its investigation of the item and report back to the repository with its findings and the need for modification or deletion, if applicable. If there is no response from the trade line, the repository must remove the item from your credit file. If a change is to be made to the consumer’s credit file, the repository must notify the consumer in writing within five days.

5. After notification by the repository of the correction or change, a new credit report may be run to get a new score for underwriting purposes.

Or if you need to get it resolved quickly, ask your mortgage broker about the rapid dispute resolution process.

As stated in the last blog entry, improving your credit score can save you thousands on your next home loan. According to Kellie Allen of Countrywide Home Loans in Eagle here are a few steps to take to start improving your credit profile. [Read more →]