Lonni McDonough ~ Realtor® Eagle, ID Real Estate | 208-949-3845

BEAUTY ABOUNDS IN BOISE...

One of the most impressive things about our beautiful city is the vast trail that links our public parks system called the "Boise River Greenbelt." It follows both the North and South banks of the Boise River for nearly 35 miles - beginning at Lucky Peak Reservoir and heads East past the Western Idaho Fairgrounds and now down into Eagle.

People of all ages enjoy biking, walking and jogging along some of the most peaceful scenery this area has to offer. Without some wonderful visionaries in the early 1960's the greenbelt may never have come to fruition. In 1968 public interest and support started growing and the Parks Department appointed a committee that would oversee the ordinances and development for the City of Boise. The city began to slowly piece together a patchwork of land along the corridor using several methods of acquisition including purchase, exchange, leasing and receiving donations of property by individuals, civic groups and corporations.

There are some fantastic things to do and see along the greenbelt: Barber Park, Boise State University, Julia Davis, Kathryn Albertson Park, the Ann Frank Memorial, many charming bridges, restaurants and most of all serenity and a real sense of community!

I just want to say "THANK YOU" to the pioneers that worked so hard to make it happen for all of us to enjoy today and for generations to come. Check out the Boise River Greenbelt Facebook Fan page and the You Tube Video that filmed in 1970. It's pretty cool too.

I just read the Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" that the administration would "do everything we can" to stabilize the U.S. housing market.

So what does "everything we can" look like? Donovan said that the Federal Housing Administration will launch an emergency loan program to help unemployed borrowers stay in their homes and a program to help underwater borrowers refinance. This is great news and I'll be interested to see these "new" programs unfold.

However, it's my belief that the administration must do a better job of addressing the un/under-employment situation. As long as people are worried about making a living or the long term viability of the corporation they're working for, most will not have the confidence to participate in the real estate market.

What can we do here in Boise, Idaho? Actively support our local economy every chance we get! Don't allow yourself to get weighed down by the "Fear Factor" tactics used by the media. Keep in mind, bank rates, home prices and local inventory are all fantastic and people ARE still buying homes!

Focusing on the positive and keeping our consumer dollars where we live and work, will help stimulate confidence and growth! Plus, it's way more fun (and healthy) to feel hopeful rather than pessimistic and cynical!

Two Idaho cities are considered a couple of the best cities to live in, according to Money Magazine.

The magazine ranked the best 100 towns in America based on a poll conducted on their Web site.

The poll asked families what is most important to them when choosing a place to live, and the cities were ranked based on those things; safe streets, good schools, good jobs, affordable real estate, etc.

Meridian, Idaho is ranked as the 62nd best place to live out of 100 cities and towns. The magazine says Meridian made the list because it is a family-friendly place, with 18 public parks, nearby ski trails, colleges nearby and major employers like St. Luke's and Blue Cross of Idaho.

Meridian isn't the only Idaho city that made the cut. Money Magazine's 99th best place to live is Idaho Falls. On the list, Idaho Falls gets credit for their greenbelt that follows the Snake River, and because it is attracting engineering and energy firms. The lively and historic downtown also got a mention because of its boutiques and restaurants.

Wondering who ranked as American's #1 place to live? Eden Prairie, Minnesota took the honor, followed by Columbia / Ellicott City, Maryland.

(Source: KTVB.com posted on July 12th)

The Ada County real estate market had a 9.82% increase in sales in January 2010 compared to the previous year. However, median prices in and around the Boise area have fallen 7.75% from the previous year making this a great time to buy a home or investment property. Rates are low and the deadline for the extended and expanded tax credit is quickly approaching. Remember, you must be under contract by April 30, 2010 in order to qualify.

Data Source: Intermountain MLS. Information not guaranteed.

I'm sure this has been a great disappointment to you. Sometimes even the best homes don't sell leaving you to wonder "WHY".

Don't Worry...Finding solutions that get your property SOLD is what I do!

I'm a full time REALTOR® and owner of a successful Boise Home Staging company. My area of expertise is marketing homes which have not sold that I feel should have sold (like yours). You need someone who specializes in property promotion and presentation, not personal promotion.

There are over 3,500 single family homes currently on the market in Ada County. In this highly competitive Boise market, your property must stand out in the crowd. That's why I offer FREE Home Staging with professional photography as just one part of my listing service! My meticulous process, keen eye for detail and extensive market knowledge can help you sell more quickly. In fact, if for any reason you're unsatisfied with my marketing of your home within the first 30 days, I'll release you from the listing agreement. No questions asked!

Pick up the phone right now and let's get your home back on the market!

Client Testimonial:

"With the market the way it is, you have to set your house apart from all the othera out there. After working with Lonni we received our asking price in 4 days after being on the market for almost a year!"

- P. Deffenbaugh ~ Eagle, Idaho

*This is not intended as a solicitation if your property is currently listed with another broker.