2012 Wilderness Ranch Idaho Annual Real Estate Sales Report

                                                                     

Our Annual Review of Real Estate sales in Wilderness Ranch for 2012 and your 2013 forecast.

By: Paul Heim & The New View Team

Wow what a year!  While I had forecasted in last year’s report that we had passed the bell curve and would see an increase in market values for 2012, the market surpassed what anyone had expected or predicted.  We saw an unprecedented turn around in the Treasure Valley real estate market.  Overall values increased anywhere from 10% to 15%. These gains were primarily in homes under $350,000 but higher priced homes benefited also.

What were the causes and effects?  What we witnessed was a market correction.  It showed that homes had become undervalued.  I like to use the Circuit City analogy.  ‘Best Buy won the war’, … however I would bet Circuit City had way more customers the last four months they were open during  their  ‘Going Out of Business Sale’.  Best Buy had no way to compete with their prices those last months, but after their biggest competitor was finally gone, they knew they would see a spike in their growth and profit.

Likewise, as the banks ‘Going Out of Business Sales’ (foreclosed homes) were nearing a completion, the average seller was not able to compete with these prices.  We then entered a period of contraction.  This simply means we had more buyers than available listed properties.  Supply and demand rules ensued.

With the low inventory of listings on the market, we often dealt with multiple bids in the Valley when homes were priced competitively.  But how did Boise County and Wilderness Ranch fair in comparison? 

In 2012 East Boise County finally crossed an important barrier.  For 18 months we had no sales over $230,000 and that was causing difficulty in appraisals.  Not that the value wasn’t there in higher priced homes, just that appraisers couldn’t validate them for the lenders and the lenders need the appraisals to issue the loans.   The New View Team was able to complete two high-end sales (Boise County, but not in WR) very early spring, (cash deals) that helped remove that barrier and set precedence for every other sale and refinance that occurred moving forward in 2012.

Boise County tends to lag behind the Boise Valley (Ada County) by six to twelve months typically.   The Boise Valley saw a noticeable turn in the market starting the fourth quarter of 2011 so we anticipated it to carry over to Boise County by spring, but as summer set in it happened better than anyone had expected.  No complaints here!

Here are some graphs to illustrate key trends in the Boise Valley and East Boise County Real Estate Markets

How home sales compared in Boise County Idaho and Wilderness Ranch 2003 through 2012

2013 Forecast:

Boise is still seeing a contraction as developers try to re-group and get approval on new parcels through the hoops of planning and zoning for building.

I expect to see more homeowners (who were previously tight on the current value vs. what they owe) attempt to list in 2013, now that values have increased.  Nationally, home prices are predicted to increase 1% to 3%, but I predict Treasure Valley real estate increases to be somewhere between 3% to 5% conservatively.

In part, this projected increase will be due to a rebound in land values, which affects ‘over all’ home values.

Boise County, I believe, will see the START of a land recovery in Spring of 2013.  Whether it will do as good as housing did in 2012 is yet to be seen.  If you are looking to invest, then NOW may be a good opportunity to consider land, prior to a potential rebound.

I would suspect we will see more building and new construction homes taking place in Boise County in 2013.

There are some other exciting things happening in Boise County potentially for 2013 and we will keep you updated with them as the year progresses.  Some highlights are:

-          The opening of the Hot Springs in Idaho City which will help this end of the county economically.

-          Dr Matt Nelson’s new Family Practice office, which will be located directly across from the old Rock’s Lodge.

If you have any real estate related questions, please feel free to call or email us anytime, or visit our website!  We would love to hear from you.

Paul Heim & the New View Team

(208) 344-5700 – office

(208) 794-8175 – Paul Mobile

http://www.NewViewRE.com

What made you move to Boise?

Boise is a unique city experiencing  an influx of folks that migrate from many places.  As it grows it has developed its own unique personality.  But many of the things that make Boise so great are the foundations that were laid by others years ago, by the everyday people who created it through good times and bad.

I just wanted to share what I love about Boise and what drew me here and hoping to hear your story too.

I have resided in the Boise area for almost ten years.  My first regret was that I didn’t move here ten years earlier.  However I have had some history to Boise prior to moving here, as my sister has lived here for over 30 years.  Having visited on numerous occasions I easily fell in love with the laid back people, the easy quick access to mountains and nature, and one of the last places to feel what the ‘Wild West’ was about.  Since well over half of Idaho is available to the public, you can spend your life exploring the back country and never scratch the surface.

My best way to explain the Boise phenomena is this way;  is it the most beautiful place in the world?  No, but it does have a lot of amazing beauty.  Is it the cheapest in the world?  No, but life here is pretty reasonable and the quality of life is well worth it.  Is Boise the safest place in the world?  No, but if you lost your wallet, odds are on your side you will get it back,…with your money in it. I can attest embarrassingly to this fact twice over the years.  Is it the friendliest place?  Perhaps not, but I and most others agree, people here are down right neighborly and will help someone in need.  Lest I forget, you can actually get service at local commercial businesses from people who actually smile and if they don’t have what you need, they will tell you where to find it.  Almost like going back 50 years when it comes to manners.

There is no true utopia and you will find bad elements anywhere you go in the world.   So while Boise may not always win first place in everything, if you add up all the well-rounded benefits it offers in so many of the facets important for day-to-day living, statistically it is kind of hard to beat.  It’s the only place I have ever lived that I look forward to coming home from vacation.

Please share what you love about Boise, what drew you here and/or Idaho in general.  I want to hear.

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What is there to do in Boise ID

What’s all the fuss about Boise Idaho?  Why is it always ranked high for best places to raise a family.  Is it the most beautiful place on the planet, no but it is very mountainous and beautiful and offers a quick easy escape to nature in almost any direction.  Is it the cheapest on the planet?  No, but the quality of life dollar for dollar is significantly better compared to most states and cities with the same amenities.  Did I mention the friendliness you find everyday.  You will find a large amount of big city amenities but still have the small town friendly feel. That is why many migrate here to raise a family and many others choose to retire here. But isn’t Idaho just a lot of potatoes?   Common misconception,… I know you were thinking that.    Actually Idaho is the largest exporter of wheat, so wheat overrules potatoes.

Idaho offers more wilderness land than any other US state outside of Alaska.  If you flattened Idaho out it would be larger than the state of Texas. You could spend a lifetime exploring it.

But what does it have to offer for day to day living you may ask?   Besides the great dining, I have compiled a list of places to go and explore when you make your way here for a visit.  Maybe you already live here, so here is a bucket list to complete.

Boise Zoo , Idaho Birds Of Prey Center, Idaho State Historical Museum, Basque Block, Egyptian Theatre,  Boise Idaho Ballet ,   Julia Davis Park,  Live After Five,  Boise Philharmonic,  Discovery Center of Idaho,  Idaho Dance Theatre Inc.,   Boise State Broncos football , Idaho Shakespeare Festival,  Boise Opera,  Live Music and Concerts,  Bogus Basin Ski Resort , Lucky Peak Reservoir , Ann Morrison Nature Park,  not to mention ‘Fly Fishing’, great Bike trails, hiking the Boise foot hills, ‘White Water Rafting, comedy clubs, restaurants and pubs with a relaxing night life and much much more.  Don’t forget to check out the Boise Greenbelt a 25 mile long paved path that meanders along the scenic Boise river.

These are a few of my favorite things.  What have you discovered in Idaho.  Please share.

Boise Idaho Real Estate sees a ‘Come Back’!

The Boise area housing market has seen a significant turn around in 2012.  Homes values have seen some correction and sales/absorption rates have increased dramatically.  Boise also benefits from being an influx state where many people relocate from other states.  Why? .. For quality of life.  Idaho boasts more public lands than any US state outside of Alaska.  If you flattened Idaho out it would be larger than the state of Texas.  If you are looking for that quality of life change than we recommend you should investigate Idaho for yourself.

The Core Logic Index Rate has ranked Boise as the #1 spot for a real estate turn around in the US>   The median home price in the Greater Boise area is very affordable compared to most metropolitan areas that offer similar amenities.  There are many quality homes to be found in the Treasure Valley area of Boise between the 100k – 200k range, offering 3 bedrooms 2+ baths and often even three car garages.  You can investigate Boise area homes by clicking here.

You can learn more about the Treasure Valley area of Boise Idaho by visiting http://www.cityofboise.org/  Come experience the difference.

Forbes has Boise No. 2 on its “Best Cities For Raising A Family” list.

Many ask what makes Boise Idaho so special.  Of all the places in the world, it isnt that we are the most beautiful, or the safest there is in the world, or the cheapest economy, or the best real estate prices, best schools, etc…..  However if you want a beautiful mountainous home, safe environment, reasonable priced place to live, well priced real estate, along with good ranked education, then Boise has a great portion of so many things, that when put together ‘it’s hard to beat’.  See why for yourself!

Where Is Your Real Estate Mind Set?

I recommend anyone looking to buy a home in the near future to read this article “Mistakes homebuyers make as seller’s market looms“  as it touches on many vital points to consider.  Buying today has changed and those who are slow to change their mindset may find themselves frustrated and discouraged.    Currently the market has made a fundamental shift but it is easy to stay caught in an old mindset.  The ‘Buyers’ market in many areas has all but diminished for now.  Where the future goes time will tell.

A couple of my favorite highlights in the article are;

• Some buyers don’t realize or can’t accept that the market has changed, real estate agents and analysts say.
• “Right off the bat, buyers say, ‘I want a steal,’ and I tell them they have to wipe that word out of their vocabulary,”
• WAITING TO GET PREAPPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE BEFORE STARTING THE SEARCH: During the boom years, buyers didn’t worry about arranging their financing up front because mortgages were easy to get. Not so anymore.

Idaho Statesman reports about the recent real estate frenzy we are feeling in the Boise Treasure Valley area.

The Boise market has really been heating up.  An article written by the Statesman ”Shortage of homes for sale creates fierce competition”  describes the current conditions we also are experiencing here.  Their article  refers to the L.A. area but mirrors the same frustrations many buyers are having here in Idaho.

Recommended reading.  There are a number of factors that are contributing to this in the treasure valley;

• We are experiencing an all time low of viable home listings, so the law of supply and demand takes affect.
•  Boise is an influx city with predictions of continued growth through 2020.
• Many people are still migrating here,  a high number of which are either newly retired, about to retire in the next year or two and/or semi retired and buying now.  The upside to this is the strong capital they bring to the market as they generally either buy out right or borrow very little on a mortgage.  This in turn helps create a solid foundation in the market.
• Boise also offers a lot of amenities for families.  I have dealt with many that have relocated here specifically because the environment fosters a great atmosphere to raise their children.
• Cost of living is reasonable and very moderate compared to most other cities with a major airport.
• Boise offers a mix of values and services that appeals to everyone but still maintains that small town politeness.

Boise is the only place I ever lived where I look forward to coming home from vacation.  Please let me know how you feel about Boise life and what are your predictions.  I look forward to viewing your opinion.

How Your Mortgage Limit Is Decided

Buying a home can require a huge capital investment, financially and emotionally.  People may use all their savings and most parts of their income to land their dream home. After all, this is what everyone cherishes in life, the American dream per-say. However, a person planning to buy a house has to ask himself; “how much house can I afford?”.  The individual’s ability to afford a house is decided, not by the prospective home buyer but it is the job of the mortgage lender to decipher one’s mortgage limit and buying capabilities. There are several factors that determine home affordability. Some of them are given below.

Determining the factors of home affordability:

Qualification ratios are one of the primary factors of determining the mortgage limit. Here is how the factors break down for approving the real estate loan limit for a person.

Backend Ratio: AKA your ‘Debt-to-income ratio’.   Banks and mortgage lenders will need to determine how much of your income is being allocated to repay your other debts like existing mortgages, credit card bills, medical expenses, car payments, etc….   Banks are looking for a debt-to-income ratio that does not exceed the 36% range. So if you need to get a quick idea of your ratios then you can make use of several free online debt-to-income tools, calculators and similar widgets.  This will give you a general idea about your home affordability.

Front End Ratio: This is also known as your housing expense ratio.  This will be used by your creditors to determine the amount of money you will spend towards making the actual mortgage payments.  The amount paid will encompass what is referred to in the industry as PITI, which stands for ‘Principle, Interest, Taxes & Insurance’ and any other obligatory charges.  A suitable home expense ratio should not exceed 28% of what you earn.

Credit Rating: Banks and Mortgage lenders will review your credit report before they approve your loan. Credit history and credit score play a vital role in deciding whether or not you are eligible for a loan. Based on your credit score and history, your prospective mortgage lender can evaluate the loan limit.

Financial Duties: Besides the above factors, mortgage lenders will verify whether or not you are regular in paying your taxes and other financial obligations such as child support or alimony if applicable. You will have to provide your tax returns to verify your income and establish your source of income.

Getting a mortgage isn’t that daunting but it is not always that easy either, especially if it is a second mortgage, but that is another article. So contact your Mortgage Lender today to discover “how much home you can you afford”, this will give you a sound idea about what and where you can start looking to buy your next house.
Disclaimer; This is solely an informative guest post by Peter Harper on the ‘Idaho Real Estate Blog’ and not an endorsement of services.

Is the Real Estate Market Shaping Up? Read the Realtors® Confidence Index Report and Market Outlook

Where is the housing market now and where will it go?  Read the comprehensive market forecast report by the Realtors® Association for the remaining 2012 and upcoming 2013 year.  It covers home sales, increases and decreases, distressed property reporting and buyer and seller confidence rankings.  Then it considers the current issues at hand.  

National Real Estate trends that may be indicators of things coming.

It’s always interesting to watch regional trends as they can be indications of what will happen here in Idaho.  A colleague of mine in South Florida, Jeff Lichtenstein reports good news from the sunshine state.  Florida was the epicenter of speculation.  There still is a 3 year backlog of foreclosures and plenty of short sells still to go but the worst is past.  Jeff also can tell you a lot of the red tape of short sales since he experiences them first hand in Florida. Check out his blog to read all about it!

To learn more about what the area Jeff covers has to offer in amenities check out the Palm Beach Post

Jeff  specializes in luxury real estate in Abacoa  and  Jupiter real estate in South Florida.  His website is at www.JeffRealty.com