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The Blog: Living/Loving Idaho (June 28, 2006)
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A link to this blog can be found on
my website and it is dedicated to what is best
about Idaho: the lack of traffic, plethora of running, hiking and biking trails,
the relatively inexpensive and available real estate, access to big mountains,
clean rivers, bright blue skies and oh-so-much-more!
Use this blog to share your thoughts on what makes this such a great place to live,
your favorite outdoor recreation spots, upcoming races, charity causes, great
restaurant finds or even your frustrations as a newcomer to the area.
www.buy-in-idaho.blogspot.com
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The Custom Difference (June 14, 2006)
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"What is so special about a custom real estate website?" you ask.
Try to think of it from the perspective of an out-of-state buyer
who is looking for property "somewhere out west", but hasn't a clue
about different regional nuances let alone what makes the neighborhoods
around Tautphaus Park so special, for example.
Take a look at my newest listing in Cedar Ridge.
A potential buyer can click on a link to pull up a photo tour of neighboring
Community Park and Longfellow Elementary as
well as get a synopsis of the Cedar
Ridge subdivision. What dining does Idaho Falls offer that you won't
find elsewhere? Read our reviews. Best
place to take your kids hiking,
biking, skiing...tons of links. See the difference for yourself.
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Homebuyers Want Energy Efficiency (June 8, 2006)
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Last week we were working with a buyer, and as she described what her
“ideal” home would be like, “Energy Efficiency” was a top priority. With
energy prices continuing to climb, this is not surprising. Homebuyers are
looking beyond the cost of building or purchasing a home to the cost of
operating it for the long term. A recent survey by Lowe’s indicates that
one of the biggest trends in home building is a strong focus on
energy-efficient materials and products. If energy efficiency matters to
you, we can help. Check out the "Green Community" link on our website or
give us a call.
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Market your Property on eBay (May 31, 2006)
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Can your home or property really be marketed effectively with eBay? The
answer is a resounding ‘YES!’ One of the best things about eBay is that
your property is marketed to the entire country (over 100 million
potential buyers) – not just our local area. The exposure your property
receives over such a widespread media is every seller's dream. Does eBay
reputation and experience matter? Absolutely! Let us put our stellar
eBay reputation to work for you. With over six years of eBay experience,
Power Seller status, and 2,400+ positive feedback we are the clear choice
to market your property both locally and nationally.
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New Addition to the Team (May 25, 2006)
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Nellie and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the newest
member of the Buy-in-Idaho Real Estate Team. Her name is Hollis Henry
and her background in information technology and sales will help our
team lead the way using the latest technology and internet marketing
techniques to promote the interests of our clients. As a lifetime
resident of eastern Idaho she has seen the changes occurring in our
regional real estate markets. She is savvy at knowing how to get your
listing to pop up onto the computer screens of potential buyers all over
the country via our custom website. Give us a call today and let us put
a "sold" sign on your front lawn.
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Old Farmhouses (May 18, 2006)
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I have a fondness for those old farmhouses that occasionally come for sale that are sprinkled
throughout our region. Often they come with a few acres. Old is a relative term of course.
I grew up in Ohio in a home built in 1830 that will surely still be standing in 200 years.
We lived in New Hampshire for 11 years and our friends' home was built in 1798. Now that is old
for this part of the world!
If you too have an interest in historic properties, let me show you what is on the market.
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Run for the Pearl: fun/d raiser! (May 11, 2006)
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Your Buy-in-Idaho Real Estate Team is organizing a fun-raising event for the Pearl House
Project. The Pearl House is a shelter for youth in crisis that is set to break ground on
construction this summer at the corner of Hitt and Township Rds. The stories of the
children that qualify for this type of facility are heartbreaking. There is an immediate
need for safe shelter but no such place for these children to go in all of eastern Idaho.
So… on Saturday, July 29 at 9 a.m. we are hosting a 12ish mile trail run in the foothills
south of town. Following the run there will be a cookout and post-trail party at the
Pearl House site. That means there is plenty of time for YOU to get in shape and run,
walk or stumble your way to supporting this event! Registration forms
for this event can be found on our website's home page.
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Buying Community (May 4, 2006)
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Buying a home is more than purchasing a structure in which to live.
It is also about buying into a community. Community : a unified body of
individuals with common interests living in a particular location.
Neighborhoods, schools, parks, civic organizations and proximity to amenities
all play a part in creating a community. Figuring out this aspect of a home
purchase is particularly difficult, especially if a buyer is not local.
On my custom website I have put a lot of thought into how to convey the
sense of community and place that comes with each home in particular, and
Idaho Falls and eastern Idaho in general. Not only do I describe the home
in photo and word, but I try to give potential buyers a sense of the community.
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Small Talk about Nellie (April 23, 2006)
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I work with this builder who teases me mercilessly about two things:
my "orange mystery machine" (i.e., Honda Element) and using a photo
with my dog Nellie in my advertising. The first is understandable, the
second unconscionable. Nellie embodies many of the principles set forth
in the Realtors Code of Ethics: "competency, fairness and high integrity
resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral conduct." Using her
also adheres to the Golden Rule of Marketing: good looks sell. Besides,
unlike myself, Nellie is homegrown, bridging the gap between my out-of-state
roots and the local community.
You've gotta have a gimmick, eh? Some realtors have moving vans
with their mugs plastered on the side while others have hats. I have
Nellie….but kindly refrain from referring to me as "The Dog Lady" please.
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Idaho...A State of Mind (April 14, 2006)
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Do you know someone out-of-town or out-of-state who is considering moving
to eastern Idaho? If so, please send them a link to my website. I am not
just selling real estate. I am selling a way of life. Not only do I
feature each of my listings on my custom website in a manner that brings
out its unique character and charm but I also showcase the region
with links and information that will convince a person that this is
THE place to live.
Need to know about nearby National Parks and Monuments?
Go to my website!
Locally owned restaurant reviews, ideas of what
to do with energetic kids on the weekends, what's
showing at the local "friends of film" (indie films)
theatre, best places to climb, cycle and snowboard? You guessed it… THE WEBSITE!
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Striking a Balance (April 6, 2006) |
Is it just me or does it seem like every potato field south of town is
turning into a housing development? Well I, for one, can certainly not
begrudge a farmer for making a tidy profit on his/her land...maybe for the
first time in years. But balance is a good thing and large expanses of open
and undeveloped space help maintain a quality of life that differentiates us
from “back east”.
Many land owners would like to NOT sell but can't afford to keep their
property. Conservation easements and land trusts are two alternatives that
afford owners certain tax incentives and/or cash payments NOT to develop.
This is especially important for ecologically significant land such as the
riparian grounds that border our streams and rivers. There are actually
conservation buyers out there!!
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Money Well Spent (March 31, 2006) |
Purchasing a home is a major investment and is NOT the time to save yourself
$250-$350 on a home inspection. This critical inspection evaluates the
physical condition of the structure and mechanical systems, identifies items
that should be repaired or replaced, and estimate the remaining useful life
of major systems, equipment, structure and finishes. As well, the results
are a bargaining tool in the purchase of the home.
Be sure to get proof that your inspector is FULLY insured with
errors and omissions and a general liability policy.
In the case of a Home Inspection, a penny saved is DEFINITELY NOT a penny earned.
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Imagine!!! (March 13, 2006) |
Imagine a community designed to encourage cycling and walking as the
main mode of transportation: bike paths, tree-lined sidewalks, preserved
open space, a network of trails. Imagine a village where the houses are
designed to reflect a conscientiousness of sustainability and to minimize
impact on the local environment: community organic garden, street and lot
orientation such that each home has maximum solar gain, design requirements
such as front porches, energy efficient and environmentally responsible
building practices , minimal driveways with houses built forward and garages set back.
Sound too good to be true ? Visit my website and click on
Building a Green Community to find out more.
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| Appreciation and Location
(March 2, 2006) |
Many places in the country have experienced robust appreciation in the
past few years. I have heard people here in eastern Idaho talk about
how so-and-so's house went up in value. The fact of the matter is that
houses start depreciating after they are built unless they are maintained
and updated often. It is the land they sit on that is truly appreciating.
Have you checked out how much an acre lot is going for inside the city of
Idaho Falls…if you can find one?
Many first time home buyers can't afford what they really want, but if
they buy smart (i.e. fixer upper in a good location) they will be able
to turn it over in a few years and make a tidy sum for that next home.
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| Lower-Priced homes for First-time Home Buyers and Investors
(February 16, 2006) |
The days of finding a charming little fixer-upper in the numbered streets
for under 75K seem to be all but gone. The robust appreciation in housing
prices in Idaho Falls is a boon to all and an opportunity for
long-neglected neighborhoods to experience some revitalization.
If only I had a penny for every time a customer or real estate agent
said, "I am looking for a house under 75K but it can't be in X neighborhood".
The correlation between a housing market's appreciation and
revitalization at the lower price points is well documented.
Here in Idaho Falls both X and Y neighborhoods are ripe pickings
for first time home buyers and investors...but you best not hesitate.
They sell quickly.
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| The Advantage of a Custom Website (January 28, 2006) |
Do you own a unique piece of property that you are considering selling,
such as a farm, ranch, recreational property, undeveloped land, historic
or custom home? I am talking about the type of property that needs more
than a few snapshots to convey its one-of-a-kind nature - the type of
property that may take an out-of-state buyer to get the job done.
If so, please take a moment to look at my website. I am not just
selling your property. I am selling the idea of living in Idaho:
the access to world-class rivers, mountains, fresh winter powder,
and a retreat from the megalopolises of the east and west coast.
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| Be Protected (January 25, 2006) |
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Buying a home is probably the largest investment you will ever make.
Having a knowledgeable professional who knows the local market and will protect your interests
is crucial, especially if you are considering buying a 'For Sale By Owner'. A buyer's agent can
provide protection on issues related to value, defects, hazards, easements, title, financing,
disclosures, contracts and inspections. The majority of FSBOs welcome agents and
offer a cooperating fee that is typically half of a traditional full-service
listing commission.
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| Value Added (January 11, 2006) |
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As spring approaches home owners start to think about the improvements needed to make their home more
appealing if they are planning to put it on the marketto potential buyers. The old adage, "You've got
to spend money to make money", rings true in real estate. Neutral paint, a updatedmodern kitchen,
and updated bathrooms are the standard recommendations. With limited resources, you may need to determine
which ONE is most important. I can help you determine the best course of action to minimize your risk and
recoup your costs via a market analysis of similar properties that have sold recently.
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| Buy Local? (December 28, 2005) |
A town's culinary options are a reflection of its culture. Culture is a factor people take
into account when relocating. Visitors and newcomers to Idaho Falls often think we only
offer an abundance of fast food and franchise chains from which to choose, but this is not the case.
Idaho Falls happens to be home to a small but elite group of locally owned restaurants.
They are few but they are fantastic. They are more about quality than quantity (sorry,
no buffets make this roster). If they go away it will be sad; so please support them.
And will someone please open an Indian restaurant? If your favorite did not make the list
let me know.
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| Why are you renting? (December 1, 2005) |
By renting you are building someone else's equity and garnering no tax benefits. Paying a mortgage is like putting money in the bank. The equity you build via monthly payments on the principal is appreciating at an all time high here in the greater Idaho Falls area.
Best of all are the tax benefits you obtain. In many cases, 100% of the loan interest and property tax is deductible from your gross income when filing your tax return. When it comes time to sell, homeowners enjoy tax free profits on their primary residence, up to $500,000, if they are married, filing jointly and have occupied the home in 2 of the last 5 years.
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| Building a Green Community (November 18, 2005) |
Green or environmentally friendly homes are not the domain of fringe, uber liberal,
eco-nazis living in communes on the west coast. They make good sense where it counts,
your pocket. Although here in eastern Idaho we are not there yet, there is no time
like the present to start small.
Green building refers to a number of issues; indoor air quality, energy
performance of appliances, construction design/material and landscaping,
to name a few. The initial investment is higher than "normal" but the
long term savings are considerable. Did you know Idaho offers income tax
deductions for installation of insulation and alternative energy systems?
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| Needed: Curb Appeal (September 30, 2005) |
First impressions are everything. Most buyers won't even bother looking inside a house if they
don't like what they see from the curb. By spending time working on the property's exterior you
will increase your chances of peaking a buyer's interest.
Where to start? Ask some friends to come take a look and give an honest opinion. Then walk around
the neighborhood and see if anyone else's house looks nicer than yours and ask your self why. You
need to stop looking at your property as home and look at it as a commodity for which you want to receive top dollar.
It should not cost a fortune and many of the repairs you can do your self. Cracked windows, broken
trim or siding, dysfunctional doorbells and other such items should be repaired. Everything that is
dirty should be washed: windows, siding, doors. Landscaping is crucial to overall appeal and if your
property is lacking, embellish it with potted plants, flowers and seasonal décor.
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