Steve Miller REALTOR

When I was just a kid, quite young in fact, nature spoke to me in the midst of the urban jungle. A small patch of dirt, some shrubbery, a little bird, a cast of players neatly framed within a concrete boundary. Despite the oddity, something mysterious happened that day, leaving its indelible mark upon my consciousness… an epiphany, I suppose… rooted in life itself. The subtle essence of that moment remains… even today.

As a young adult, I worked in a nursery… surrounded by a sea of foliage and bloom, with winged ones coming and going, hiding in the cover, dipping into flowers, splashing in the water, scratching at the dry, hot soil, or lighting upon some random perch. Yet, while the creatures and the scene were a testament to bounty and abundance, there was little there, otherwise, in that backdrop to do more than merely appeal to the eye. Few flowers even had a fragrance. Many required a rigorous effort just to maintain their visual display. There was too much fuss over breeds which wouldn’t have survived their displacement without copious intervention.

The wealthy folks living in that neighborhood brought their patronage. They were concerned largely with appearances, or the cause of the yellow leaves they had in a sealed plastic bag, or how to kill whatever pest was spoiling the show. But, it is the conventional practice… to coddle the useless, needy, and even the poisonous fodder, by selling any of a plethora of chemicals available to control every conceivable ill, or to kill any possible invasion. It is the way things are.

Full of idealism, I saw the dichotomy and I didn’t like what I saw. A conflict arose in support of more natural means. So, thirty years ago, my imagination and my reality, attempting to align, conjured up some ‘What if?’ scenarios. What if… we promoted a more wholesome approach to landscapes? What if… we incorporated more organic methods which have been around longer than any of us? Now, I’m not suggesting we turn back the clock of progress here, but, what if… we returned more to our roots, to a more practical time? Will our society even consider these idealistic musings, or are we simply too seduced by the new and the easy?

I wonder why we continue to waste our energy on the poorly suited, non-native flora which don’t give anything back, aside from appealing to our discriminating minds. What is the harm done by encouraging the use of the beneficial and the edible? And, whatever happened to the compost pile? Or, what is the harm done in picking a tomato worm off the vine and feeding it to the birds, rather than spraying some pesticide that kills everything in its wake?

Yes, I’ve been a ‘greenie’ all my life or at least since She spoke her silent words to me those many years ago. I can only hope that now, and for as long as it lasts, that the ‘It’s cool to be Green trend’ leads to something meaningful, worthwhile and lasting in the long run. So, to a more sustainable future, I ask, “Is Green Hot in Your Garden Yet?”

Who really WANTS to Live Green anyway? Read on...

Just the other day I was at our local Realtor Association taking a CE course on Green Housing. This is a subject that I would naturally gravitate toward, regardless of the need for hours. Now, I have always figured that when attending any training event IF I come away with ONE PEARL, it was worth going. And, while this ‘overview' of the subject was very informative, one blessed pearl came to light that I didn't expect.

We had a discussion about the hypothetical ‘needs and wants' as they pertain to housing of the usual generational groups... you know, the Baby boomers, Generation X and Y. This yielded the usual... location, size, efficiency etc. Then, just at the end of our class, the instructor revealed this new dynamic. The light bulb was blinking in my head regarding this sub-group I had never heard of called "Cultural Creatives". These people want the 'real thing' when it comes to Living Green, not all the trendy stuff.

Here are some typical attributes...

1.) Cultural Creatives are not typified by generational grouping.

2.) CC's are a Psychographic group based on values and behavior.

3.) Cultural Creatives are seriously concerned about the health of our planet.

4.) They tend toward holistic approaches, ie. health care, food, sustainability.

5.) These folks would prefer to buy green (not just the shade of) ie. Green homes

6.) There is a general rejection of 'overt' displays of materialism and status.

7.) They express dissatisfaction with large institutions and partisan politics.

8.) CC's are generally committed to spiritual and psychological development.

Do you tend to be an idealist? Are you someone who wants to put your values into action? Do you ever volunteer? Do you have a special appreciation for authenticity and tend toward it yourself? Are you a BIG PICTURE kind of person?

If you feel aligned with many of these attributes, you may just be a 'Cultural Creative' yourself and you're not alone. It is estimated that there are approximately 50 million adults of a like mind. Curiously, I felt like I never fit any of the generational labels nor am I inclined to ‘be' labeled. Yet, to my surprise, in this niche, I fit. What about you?

For more information, check out Cultural Creative's Website.

So, I have these clients, a cute, mature couple, who want to downsize, not so much the house, but the property. They really like this one particular neighborhood in Coeur d' Alene which is slow to turnover.

Being a good realtor as my primary intention, I sought out to talk with the folks who live there, asking if they knew of anyone who might be interested in selling. This, of course, did provoke the question, "What's my house worth?" Doing my due diligence I provided the appropriate follow up with individual CMAs for each inquiry.

Curiously, one of those houses was perfect for my clients. But, we all know that life is never that simple. The current owner is widowed, lives on her social security, has equity in the house and a small mortgage. She is in good health and the reality is that she seemed to be a perfect candidate for a reverse mortgage.

So, I spoke with a couple of people I know who could provide the necessary details. One produced an online calculator as an aid in the all important decision making process.

Basically, the lending institution pays off the existing mortgage and provides cash back to the client, either in small payments for the rest of their life or the money is put into an account that can be drawn from as needed to supplement whatever other retirement money they have coming in.

Contrary to my desire to list this ‘perfect house' for my clients, it was obvious that the best thing for this nice lady to do is to pursue the reverse mortgage option. She can stay in her home, with no mortgage payment and she will have supplemental cash available for the rest of her life.

My advice on this subject is to shop around. There are differences in cost and servicing of this financial product. In the mean time, I'll keep looking for the perfect house for my endearing clients.

Steve Miller (208)659-1476 Search for Property

First off, I'd like to say congratulations for your desire and intention to buy a home. When you own a home the pride of ownership you gain is difficult to put into words. Then, to build EQUITY, along with the other financial advantages, the interest deduction (off of your taxes) and the current $7500 tax credit, LAUNCHES your financial future into a whole new direction.

Now, purchasing a home is a BIG decision and the process can be intimidating. Hiring a Realtor has HUGE benefits for you first in terms of knowledge of the marketplace, then of course the obvious, access to property. Remember also, your realtor handles negotiations on your behalf, along with the details, dates and, last but not least, the paperwork. Really there is so much more. Finally, did you know that the fees we earn are paid for by the seller?

So, which house do you want? Well, first we have to be honest about money. What can you reasonably afford? I know several lenders, any of whom can help you answer that question. You can be 'prequalified' over the phone but, it is actually in your best interest to seek a pre-approval for an actual amount that the lender is willing to loan to you for a home. Why? When you want to make an offer on a house you will have more credibility with the seller. In addition, closing the deal could be done more quickly assuming everything else falls into place. Is that exciting? Yes!

When you have a pre-approved, then you are truly ready! That is when we get to the fun part... finding the right house! Purchasing a new home is a big deal, I do not take my part lightly.

Let me be your Realtor. I will work for you.

Steve Miller (208)659-1476 Search for property