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Jennifer Louis
Residential Real Estate Expert
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Bolder Buyers in 2023 Market

Bolder Buyers in 2023 Market

Bolder Buyers in 2023

During the home-buying frenzy during and post-COVID, many homebuyers were opting not to have a traditional home inspection, buying the home in as-is condition to make their offer more appealing in a multiple-offer situation.  Now, as the market has shifted, home buyers have become bolder and are asking for more repairs in 2023.  If you are considering selling your home, be prepared for a list of repair requests or a credit request towards repairs and plan how to respond accordingly.  Here are some things you might see on an inspection contingency response form from the buyer asking for more repairs when selling your home and what you can do to prepare now:

Safety/High-Price Items

Buyers ask for more repairs in 2023These are items that could potentially cause a safety issue to the home such as faulty wiring, gas leak, roof issues, sick/dying trees close to homes or repairs that could potentially cost over $1000 to repair such as HVAC, roof, plumbing, mold remediation, electrical, foundation issues and sewer line pipe cracks, etc.  Most homeowners if aware of these issues would most likely take care of any of the above issues if it was brought to their attention so it is reasonable for buyers to want these items repaired as well.  The only exception would be if a homeowner was aware of a high price item before listing and discloses it to the potential buyer and prices the home accordingly.

Honey-Do List

Home inspectors typically have a 2000+ checklist of items to inspect during a home inspection.  Even if you maintain your home a home inspector WILL find things that need to be repaired.  If the repairable items don’t belong in the safety/high-price item category, then they fall in the smaller repair or “honey do” list. This could range from cosmetic issues such as a window missing a screen, electrical outlets are not grounded (for older homes), paint chips, loose door handles, small leaks in showers, clogged gutters, and the list goes on.

In today’s market, most sellers are willing to negotiate with buyers for the requested repairs rather than risk having to put the home back on the market.  We are starting to see more multiple-offer situations in the Bench area, however, if an issue comes up on one inspection report and the seller and buyer can’t come to an agreement regarding repairs, most likely the same issue will come up with a different buyer.  In many cases, if the repairs are reasonable the seller may opt to either repair or give a credit and move on.

Pre-Inspect Before Selling

Buyers asking for repairs

If you’re considering selling and think there could be some potential safety or high-price items, you may want to have the home pre-inspected by a home inspector.  This gives you time to get those items repaired before going on the market, However, you should be aware that once you know the issues, they will need to be either repaired or disclosed to potential buyers.

If you opt not to get a pre-inspection it’s still recommended for anyone selling their home to get their HVAC serviced and make sure the licensed HVAC company puts a dated sticker on the unit showing it’s been serviced.  Almost 90% of the time HVAC units older than 5 years will be called out by the inspector, whether they are functioning properly or not to be checked out and serviced by a HVAC specialist.  If you do it before listing the home you can avoid the buyer asking for that repair or service. Additional things you can do yourself for example are: clean your gutters, trim branches near home, remove debris from the crawl space, and fix any minor leaks or loose fixtures, and faucets.

I typically give my clients a checklist of items to look over before listing so that there aren’t too many surprises going forward.  Going through your home with a checklist of items to repair & take care of them before selling will save you time and money during the buyer’s inspection window.

Another important factor to consider is if your buyers are using financing to purchase the home.  Certain loan types have stricter guidelines and require certain items to be repaired before the loan can go forward.  For example, FHA Loans in 2023 require the following items are all functioning properties:

  • Sanitary facilities which include functional sewage systems.
  • Proper heating and ventilation.
  • Temperature-controlled heating system.
  • Hot water.
  • Properly working electrical and plumbing and safe drinking water.
  • No paint chipping on the exterior and interior.

The same goes for VA Loans and appraisers for Conventional loans can at times be picky about certain high-price items like roofs or HVACS.  If you feel you have some issues in those areas repair them ahead of time, or look for cash or conventional loan buyers only.

Factor In a Credit in Your Sales Price

Buyers Ask for more repairs in 2023In today’s market, it is almost inevitable that the buyer will ask for a repair, service, or credit during their inspection window.  As mentioned previously taking care of some of the items that may come up beforehand could save you time, money, and the headache of negotiating with a buyer in a short time window, however, expect there to be some unknowns that pop up on the inspection report, or that the buyer may ask you to cough up some dough towards closing costs.  Your agent will tell you during the listing appointment what to expect for your area and the potential costs that an inspection may bring.

If you know there could be some cost up front you may want to factor that into the sales price.  If there is the potential for many repairs then price the home lower to account for those repairs and let potential buyers know this.  Additionally, most savvy agents will know the home is priced competitively and will encourage their buyers to be more reasonable in their requests accordingly.  If you have had the home pre-inspected and took care of needed repairs up front then you can feel more assured that the inspection won’t be an issue and the costs or repairs requested should be minimal.

The key is to keep your cool during the inspection window and lean on your agent to give you good guidance on how to respond to buyer requests for repairs or credits.  Once you are past the inspection window you can take a deep breath and know the main hurdle to a real estate transaction closing is finished.  The next step will be the appraisal and financing contingency if the buyer is using a conventional loan or if it’s cash, you can start packing and counting down the days to closing.

Find An Agent With Negotiating Skills

As mentioned the inspection window is one of the most crucial pieces to getting your home sold.  During the buyer’s inspection window emotions can run high if sellers feel buyers are asking for unreasonable repairs or credit requests.  Buyers may feel scared by the findings on the inspection report and in some cases opt to walk away rather than negotiate repairs with the seller.  It’s IMPERATIVE to hire a real estate agent that knows how to guide you as a seller (and a buyer) through this process and get you to the closing table.

I have helped numerous sellers to get their homes prepared for the market and take care of items before they come up on the inspection.  I also prepare my clients for the items that will come up and help them to see which ones are reasonable, unreasonable, and negotiable.  Additionally, if some repairs are needed I have a network of very reliable, affordable, and qualified contractors to get the repairs done in a timely fashion.  Not all agents have this network so it’s important to find one who does.

Here’s an actual example of what a skilled agent can provide you with if a major repair request comes up.  A couple of years ago I helped a lovely, elderly couple sell their home of 35 years.  We went through the home thoroughly, but they did not have it pre-inspected.  During the inspection, the buyer’s home inspector found that a vent from the bathroom wasn’t vented properly and was sending steam into the attic for some time which led to extensive mold in the attic.  The inspector also called out that the electrical system wasn’t grounded and had two prong outlets (which is still to code for homes built during this period).  The Buyer’s Agent brought in a mold specialist and they quoted over $13,000 for the mold remediation.  The buyer also wanted the electrical system upgraded throughout the 1600sqft house which would have entailed tearing out drywall, patching, painting, and the works, the estimated cost would be $22,000.

I brought in my own mold specialist who is a licensed and certified mold remediation specialist, but doesn’t charge for services not needed.  Additionally, he offers a guarantee and he quoted $7000 for the same remediation job.  I went back to one of my previous offers and signed them as a backup offer.  The current buyer wouldn’t budge on the electrical because his agent didn’t explain that for a mid-century home, it was acceptable to have two-prong outlets.  The buyer backed out, the new buyer immediately went under contract.  My clients remediated the mold, provided the guarantee to the new buyer and we closed even earlier than planned with buyer 1.  I saved my clients $6,000 and the potential issue with the electrical and got their home sold.  They had to remediate the mold either way because that is considered a safety issue, but the electrical wasn’t an actual issue, just a nice upgrade the buyer was after.  The new buyer and his agent understood this and everyone arrived at the closing table happy.

Boise Real Estate ProfessionalIf you are considering buying or selling a home  I offer a free, no-obligation consultation and will help you know the best way to prepare your home for the market.  In the meantime, make sure to follow me,  Jennifer Louis, Boise Metro Real Estate Expert, and local relocation guide on Instagram, Facebook, or my blog for fun facts about Boise and of course a few things real estate.  (208) 509-9122 or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com.

Real Estate is Just Weird in 2023

Real Estate is Just Weird in 2023

The Weirdest Year in Real Estate

In all the years I’ve been in real estate in Idaho this has to be one of the most strange.  It doesn’t help that Winter can’t figure out that it’s Spring’s time to shine and just keeps dropping snow and breaking records all over the place, but weather aside if you are in the business of real estate, selling or buying a home or just a real estate junkie in general than you probably noticed that this industry is as wacky as the weather this year.  I’m not talking about higher interest rates, buyers’ fear of paying more, affordability, and a decrease in pricing.  No, those things aren’t what we would say is “weird” in this industry, what I’m talking about is behavior.  Yes, 2023 real estate is definitely just plain weird.

An Overview

Last Spring there was a mixed sense of hope in the air as COVID fears started to subside and the world seemed to open back up.  Real Estate seemed to be back in business with homeowners getting their homes prepped for the market, buyers filing their taxes, and getting pre-qualified for financing.  It seemed like business as usual, but then we all know about May and things shifted fast.  Homes that typically sold in less than 30 days were sitting months on the market with zero to no offers and price drops became expected.  Pricing a home seemed impossible and many buyers watched their rates go up before they could even put an offer on a home crushing the dreams of homeownership for some.

Sellers began to cancel their listings and hope for a more stable market.  Investors and home flippers quickly sold and pulled out of looking for more properties for their portfolio.  First-time home buyers didn’t know what to think and many just accepted that it was bad timing to purchase a home.  As the market continued to shift along with the rise and fall of interest rates buyers and sellers continued to wait on the sidelines unless they HAD to buy or NEEDED to sell.  By the end of the year, it felt like real estate came to a complete halt and fewer existing homes went on the market.  The builders wanting to offload their growing inventory started offering insane incentives.  Buyers still brave enough to enter the market snapped up deals left and right from builders and negotiated with homeowners getting deals that were unheard of in the Valley for the past several years.

2022 was a year of change, shifts, and a bit of a rollercoaster, but it didn’t feel weird.  Then 2023 appeared.

The Year Began Slow

January is typically a slow month in real estate in general.  The holidays are just finishing, kids and families are getting back to routines, and buying or selling a home is put off until the holiday decor starts to come down.  This year was no different, but there were mixed emotions out there.  Buyers who had waited out 2022 were ready to embrace 2023 and enter the market no matter what.  Sellers who had planned to sell the previous year, but had canceled their listing hoping for more stability started prepping their homes to sell.  Sounds normal, but there was a lot of hesitation behind those buyers and sellers it seemed, more than in the past.  The desire was there, but fear was stronger and it seemed to impact overall market behavior.  SO.MUCH.UNCERTAINTY.  This is why as we enter Spring we are seeing far fewer homes go on the market than in past years, as Sellers get cold feet.

Misinformation

Boise's Weird Real Estate MarketOne of the main contributors to all the “weirdness” can be attributed to the media.  The news articles coming out seem completely out of line with reality and are creating fear of real estate.  Take a few examples of recent headlines to understand what I mean:

On February 11, 2023, the Idaho Statesman wrote the following article: Boise home prices drop, and options expand as the market cools  This type of headline pushes Buyers into thinking home prices will still drop, and maybe they should wait.  At the same time, this headline came out the same time  I wrote my Market Facts Trends for March and the data was showing that home pricing was actually starting to show signs of stabilizing, not dropping.

Then on March 15, 2023, The Idaho Statesman wrote an article with the headline:  Homes in Boise stay on the market longer; prices steady.  Here one month later this article gave Sellers hope that the declining prices have possibly come to an end and that we are entering a more stable market.

Then BAM, 7 days later the Statesman published this article:  House prices declining in Boise, but still above the U.S. median.   This is just wrong.  Home prices actually did not go down compared to the month prior and you can see this in my April report showing what transpired in March in Ada and Canyon County Real Estate.

So, which is it?  Are prices dropping?  Are home prices stabilizing? Or are we heading for a crash?  Buyers and Sellers reading these headlines are confused because the media is confusing them.  So many articles have been printed since the start of the year stating the real estate market is crashing, then the same day another reputable source is saying home prices are stabilizing.  No wonder people are confused, getting cold feet, and displaying unusual behavior while dabbling in real estate.

Everyone Is a Real Estate Expert

Finally, we are seeing more and more buyers and sellers emerge, armed with media headlines, hours spent searching Zillow, and the advice of everyone they know, I call them the “Zillowites”.  The Zillowites, believing they are experts in real estate tend to lack trust in real estate professionals in general.

Knowledge when dealing with real estate is important, but as we just discussed there is a lot of information out there and not all of it is correct.  In many cases, the self-declared real estate professionals, Zillowites are harming themselves and potentially making decisions that may be quite costly.  For example, there are more first-time home buyers turning to online lenders to get pre-approvals rather than working with a trusted local lender, enticed by what sounds like lower rates. With higher interest rates it’s normal to shop around, but online lenders often have hidden fees and costs that buyers may only find out about at the closing table and in the end may be paying more for their loan than originally understood.

Take for example two well-known digital mortgage lenders, Quicken and Rocket Mortgage (owned by the same company).  It seems quick and easy, however, you might pay a bit more for that convenience when compared to other lenders. Quicken and Rocket’s interest rates tend to be higher than the industry average.  Additionally, if a borrower has dings on their credit, or is self-employed, you may easily get a pre-qualification letter from one of these lenders, but when it comes time to fund the loan borrowers may find themselves unable to get financing and lose the house they were planning to purchase.

Another trend among first-time home buyers is to shop alone.  With so many real estate reality shows, along with the ability to tour homes online and open houses, inexperienced buyers may feel they can choose their home and just get an Agent to write the contract.  For example, I recently had a Buyer tell me they prefer not to have a real estate professional with them when they view homes because they don’t want to be influenced by them.  While it is true a lot of the leg work can be done now online there is still a lot that goes into a real estate transaction that a buyer is most likely not aware of.  For example, a Buyer may like the home online, but they may not realize the home is overpriced, will most likely not pass an appraisal or their loan type won’t qualify for this property.  A buyer also isn’t privy to what comparable homes in the area are selling for, what is going on behind the walls that may be disclosed in the Agent Notes on the MLS, or the Seller’s motivation to sell.  These key facts can greatly affect the price a Seller is willing to take or what a Buyer should offer.

I’ve been witnessing buyer after buyer waiting out the market or looking for that unicorn property that is selling for far less than market value believing they are the next Chip and Joanna and will flip their own house.  The reality is, the market is stabilizing as far as price.  Boise and the surrounding area are still considered desirable and affordable for those moving here from neighboring states.  There is only a 1.5-month supply of inventory which is very low and as more buyers enter the market, looking for the most “affordable” homes or homes priced under the median price we will see more and more bidding wars and multiple offer situations.

I just wrote an offer for a client on a home in Nampa this past weekend and it was priced about $15K under the median price of that neighborhood.  They received 11 offers substantially over the median price.  Yes, bidding wars are still happening, homes under $400K are typically all getting multiple offers, and buyers who wait, believing headlines that pricing will go down will soon be priced out of the market.

There are the Sellers who have already priced their homes based on Zestimates and what their neighbor’s home down the street sold for, not realizing that many of those homes sold prices are not disclosed in Idaho and don’t account for concessions offered to buyers.   I recently took over a listing that was a For Sale By Owner.  They had it on the market for 38 days with no showings.  They priced their home based on a Zestimate and what they saw as comparable homes in their city.  As I started my research on the home I realized that they had the wrong square footage of the home noted and were off by nearly 400 sqft.  They noted certain items as working when in fact they were inoperable or didn’t exist and their price was about $100K over market value for their neighborhood.  I listed it with the correct information and a much-improved price and we had over 50 showings the first week on the market.

A Reliable Source

As a real estate expert, I have had my work cut out for me so far this year as I strive to assist buyers and sellers alike to look at real data and actual market facts/trends rather than what they believe they know.  Unlike most buyers or sellers that may be involved in one real estate transaction every 5-10 years  I do multiple transactions every month.  Real estate is my full-time job and I love it which is why I pour over the actual data and trends weekly to really understand what is happening in our market.  Even though real estate in 2023 is weird  I still love it and embrace the opportunity to learn new ways to help buyers and sellers reach their goal of either selling a home and moving on or embarking on becoming homeowners.

I recently helped two first-time home buyers get incredible deals on new construction while the incentives were still being offered.  They got the incentives and actually quite a bit more off the sales price.  Then I just helped a lovely family who had been dreaming of owning a home for years find a home within their budget.  When I met them they told me they were going to wait another year until interest rates came down, but after a little convincing, they went and saw a trusted local lender and got pre-approved for an IHFA loan and an FHA loan.  They got an incredible rate in the 5% range, plus the seller (who was quite motivated to sell) gave them money to buy down their rate and towards their closing costs.  Since their closing in February, I have not seen another home go on the market that they could afford.  They purchased a home before they were priced out of the market.

My last listing sold over the asking price in less than a week with multiple offers to choose from.  The owner had a different idea on price originally, but he trusted the data I showed him and let me stage his home which meant packing up most of his personal items and storing them in the garage.  We had over 25 people through the first day on the market and ended up with the price he originally wanted.  Not bad for a market that tended to be more in favor of buyers at that time.

Boise Real Estate ProfessionalIf you are considering buying or selling a home  I offer a free, no-obligation consultation and will leave you with the market trends for your area. In the meantime, make sure to follow me,  Jennifer Louis, Boise Metro Real Estate Expert, and local relocation guide on Instagram, Facebook, or my blog for fun facts about Boise and of course a few things real estate.  (208) 509-9122 or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com.

Top Boise Spring events and activities

Top Boise Spring events and activities

Welcome to Boise and Beyond’s blog series focusing on living like a local in Idaho.  If you are one of the many who have recently relocated to Boise and the Treasure Valley here are some of the best ways to fit in and acclimate to your new home.

Enjoying Spring in Boise Like a Local

Springtime in the Boise area is a magical time of year.  This is the time of year locals get outside and enjoy warmer temperatures while still marveling at the snowcapped surrounding mountains.  There are literally activities for everyone this time of year and their is a buzz in the air as everyone heads outside to enjoy one of Boise’s best attributes:  the great outdoors.  Here are some of the top Boise Spring events and activities that the locals love:

First Thursday

Boise Spring Events 2023

Photo Courtesy of the Downtown Boise Association

Every first Thursday of the month head downtown where window shopping takes on a whole new meaning.  Enjoy events that include art, shopping, music, dining, and tasting by local stores, restaurants, retailers, and services.

Local businesses put together one-of-a-kind engaging in-store events including food and beverage tastings, local art exhibits, retail trunk shows, live music, family activities, and entertainment in a special and unique way you’ll only find in Downtown Boise. It’s a great way to try out a new place and enjoy a fun evening with friends all while supporting local businesses.

What kind of businesses participate?  Such a variety that it may blow your mind.  You can go dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studios on Main Street, then head to the Capital Contemporary Gallery or the Art Source Gallery on Grove St to check out local artists being featured, then take a tour of the super cool, trendy Crazy Neighbor on Grove St, before heading to Bardenay Distillery and Restaurant on Grove st for some food and drinks.  If you’re curious about our city and the upcoming programs make sure to stop by City Hall Plaza on Capital Blvd, and enjoy free snacks while you learn.

So when is this event?  You guessed it, the First Thursday of every month and it starts April 6, 2023, from 5-9 PM, but some businesses may have longer or alternative hours so make sure to check out all the events by clicking here.

 

Boise Farmers Market & Capital City Public Market

Boise Spring Events 2023Two incredible outdoor farmers markets take place starting in Spring.  The Boise Farmers Market in Downtown Boise and the Capital City Public Market in Downtown Boise.

The Boise Farmers Market is a food-centric and agriculturally based market. Within our guidelines, the majority of the members must be agricultural. 95% of the vendors are food and agricultural products with 5% dedicated to non-food items.  You can find it every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM from April through December at 1500 Shoreline Drive.  But if you’re looking for a mix of food-centric and local artisans then you definitely want to check out the Capital City Public Market in Downtown Boise from April 15th-December from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM in the Grove Plaza

If you still want more make sure to check out the Nampa Farmers Market which runs from April through October and the Eagle Saturday Market in Heritage Park in Eagle, ID from May through October.

Patio Dining

Boise Spring Events 2023With warm weather, the beautiful outdoors so many great places to eat in and around Boise there is literally something for everyone.  Here are a few places you may or may not have heard of with great food and drinks and some of the best patios around.

Sandbar Patio & Bar & Grill serves local pub fare and looks right over the Boise Greenbelt and River.  The outdoor patio is almost always packed on the weekends when they have live music.  It’s located in the Riverside Hotel, near Downtown Boise at 2900 W Chinden Blvd.

Wyld Child is part of a collaboration of outdoor dining, coffee, drinks, and ice cream.  Wyld Child is the sister restaurant of The popular Wylder located in Downtown Boise.  In their offshoot, you can find delicious burgers, fries, and salads, grab a beer at Push & Pour and finish it off with ice cream at The Stil all-in-one spot with an incredible outdoor eating area with firepits and other activities throughout.  Dogs are welcome.  Its located in the Bench area in Central Boise at 13 S Latah St.,

One of my favorites for breakfast, lunch, or coffee is Rembrandts in Eagle, ID.  This converted historic church from the late 1800s became a coffee shop and eventually the popular restaurant it is today.  It has a fantastic patio and some of the best coffee and fare in Eagle for breakfast or lunch.  It’s located at 93 S Eagle, Rd, Eagle.

A patio we can’t leave out is Barbacoa in East Boise off Parkcenter Blvd.  It’s considered fine dining with exotic fare and they have a fantastic happy hour.  Its outdoor patio is highly popular during Spring and Summer due to its view of the Parkcenter Park Pond.  It’s located at 276 Bob White Court, Boise.

Edwards Greenhouse Gardening Classes

organic nursery in BoiseEdward’s Greenhouse is a beloved garden center, greenhouse, and flower shop in NorthWest Boise.  Its historical greenhouses are almost all powered by geothermal waters and even in the colder weeks of Spring, it’s a great place to warm up and check out the greenery.  But Edwards is much more than just a garden center, they are known for its incredible gardening classes, and Summer outdoor events.

If you have a green thumb or would like to have one click here to find some of the amazing classes you can find at Edwards this Spring.  If you’d like to discover the history of this amazing place you can watch our YouTube Video all about Edwards here or read the full article here.

They are located at 4106 Sand Creek St., Boise 83703

 

The Boise Greenbelt and Bike Tours

Boise Spring Activities 2023One of the best ways to discover Boise is via the Boise Greenbelt along the Boise River. The Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise’s most beloved parks. The 25-mile tree-lined pathway follows the north and south sides of the Boise River through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat, and pedestrian access to many of Boise’s popular riverside parks. The “Ribbon of Jewels” is a series of parks located along the Greenbelt.

A great way to discover multiple places around the Greenbelt is to bike it.  Pedego Bikes offers rentals and tours of great electric bikes right off the Greenbelt.  Or you can sign up with Boise Bike Tours and get a great view of the Greenbelt and other areas in/around town.

While on the Greenbelt you can stop off and enjoy food and dining at some great spots, or check out the giraffes having their breakfast/lunch at the Boise Zoo in Julia Davis Park.

 

 

Looking to discover more about Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley?  Follow Jennifer Louis, Boise Metro Real Estate Expert, and local relocation guide.  (208) 509-9122 or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com

Boise Real Estate Professional

Paint Colors Trends in Idaho to Increase Value

Paint Colors Trends in Idaho to Increase Value

Does Paint Color Matter When Selling a Home?

If you’ve ever listed a home with me you know I most likely will bring up paint color.  It could be because growing up paint color was a regular topic around my dinner table.  My mom was/is a color consultant and interior designer and my father was a painting contractor for luxury subdivisions and custom homes.  So, yeah, paint has been ingrained into me since I was little.  But, in my years in real estate working with buyers I have observed which homes tend to attract more attention from my clients, and which homes, even great ones they turn their nose up to, and often it comes down to paint color.  If you are selling a home here are the paint color trends in Idaho you should know about:

Exterior Color

Exterior Paint Color Trends in IdahoIt may not be everyone’s favorite, but overall buyers are attracted to neutrals.  According to a recent article by Better Homes and Gardens classic white exterior continues to have the highest resale value.  I spoke with Janice Trudeau, a color consultant for Sherwin Williams, (and my mom) and she said here in Idaho the trend with builders and homeowners has been the white farmhouse look.  This is typically painting the exterior in a shade of white or off-white and then using gray or a dark trim.  Another popular look is the Greige exteriors.  Greige is a mix of Gray and Beige paint colors, finished off with white or dark trim.  According to Trudeau, the farmhouse look may be a trend that will slowly go away, but greiges and tans for exteriors are here to stay.  Here are a few other key things to keep in mind when painting your exterior.

  • Choose Wisely.  When choosing a new exterior color for your home, consider what you have going on around your home that could impact the way your exterior color looks — items like the roof, stonework, windows, and landscaping. For example, if your home has a brick façade what color are the undertones?  If you have a light roof, a light exterior might not be the right way to go.
  • The Sheen Matters.  In Idaho, we have a lot of different weather and unless you want to power wash and repaint your house every couple of years, picking the right sheen is imperative.  The key to keep in mind is the glossier the paint, the more it will magnify imperfections.  Stick with an eggshell or a satin finish.  These tend to hold up with Idaho’s changing temperatures and are easier to clean.
  • Don’t Forget the Front Door.  Your choice of color for your front door can also greatly affect your home’s value.  According to several studies, including one by Zillow in 2022, Black or Slate Blue colored doors tend to sell for more, up to $6,400 more to be precise.

 

Interior Color

Interior paint color trends in IdahoInterior paint choice is where it gets tricky because paint color can be very personal.  I’ve had many clients over the year that just can’t understand why anyone would not love the red, yellow, blue, or violet wall color they chose, and the truth is color IS personal.  One person may view a color as warm, and cozy and another finds it glaring and loud.  One person may view a color as soft and soothing and another finds it cold and sterile.  The goal to remember when selling your house is for the buyer to fall in love with your house and offer the best price, not feel the same way you do about color choices.  In order to do this, we need to neutralize the house, this means taking out anything that could cause a buyer to feel they are in YOUR  house and not THEIR future home.  Trudeau recommends brightening the home by painting mainly in off-white.  A very popular color by Sherwin William is City Loft, it’s off-white, and paired with a bright white trim it really pops.  I know, because I did my whole house this color.  I have a mid-century modern home with typical 8′ ceilings, so using this color brightened the home tremendously.

Zillow did a study on interior colors and found which interior colors impacted home value.  To get the highest price, they highly recommend avoiding dramatic or bright colors.  Bold and creative color choices are not necessarily appreciated by buyers, it’s better to keep those for the home you will live in and enjoy.  A few other colors such as bright pink, bright green, and bright purple are not good choices when selling a home. In a recent Zillow survey of real estate agents, they unanimously recommended sellers repaint primary rooms in their houses that are one of those shades. Here are the colors that sell, and the colors that don’t:

  • Red.  It’s bold, it’s beautiful, but don’t paint it in your house.  Zillow found that on average homes sold for $1500 less just for having a red accent wall or room.
  • Yellow.  It’s right up there with red.  It’s bright and bold and unfortunately turns many buyers off, according to the Zillow Survey.  Buyers tend to comment that it’s glaring, or unattractive and it can negatively impact the price a buyer will pay for a home.
  • Blue Bathrooms.  If you have painted your bathroom blue, keep it!  According to the Zillow Survey, the buyers surveyed said they would pay about $5000 more for a home (at about $290,000 value) with a light blue bathroom.
  • Teal/Turquoise.  According to Trudeau, this color is becoming trendy and can look great as an accent wall.  One of Sherwin William’s popular colors in this hue is Sea Salt.  If painting an accent wall it’s recommended to paint two walls that connect in one color and the other in a more neutral color.

Details Matter

Paint color trends in IdahoAnother often overlooked area of a home is the trim, baseboards, doors &  ceilings.  The baseboards and trim are some of the most banged up, marked up, and soiled parts of the house.  If you have kids you understand.  I cringe as I watch my five-year-old son roll his trucks across the floor and inevitably smash into the baseboards leaving a nice scuff mark.  Kids, pets, dust, grime, and furniture all contribute to the worn look of baseboards and trim, so having these freshened up can really make a home look updated, even if the paint color stays the same.  The general rule on trim or baseboards is to get something with a higher sheen than the walls.  Semi or high gloss is ideal and usually a very bright white looks great.  Ceilings should be light and bright, and it’s best to avoid dark colors, otherwise the rooms tend to look smaller.  You can use the same color on the ceilings as your trim and it will look great.  While you’re at it touch up and scuff marks on door jams and frames around the house.

The front door color mentioned above tends to really give a home that WOW factor, but another trend is cabinets.  Blue, Green, and even Gray cabinets or kitchen islands have also been quite the paint color trend in Idaho.  Some of the higher-end builders regularly add color to their new builds and were starting to see this pop up in DIY cabinet stores as well.  Traditional wood grain or white still looks good if paired with the right counters or backsplash, but a touch of color can really make a kitchen stand out.

The cost to repaint a home’s interior is roughly $1,500-$5,000, depending on the size.  In a shifting market, where first appearances count, this small investment can make all the difference.  Attracting buyers, and lots of them is what affects value.  The more buyers can see themselves in your house, the more they are willing to pay, especially if they think they may have competition.  Neutrals, light blues, and teals may not be your personal palette of choice, but once you’ve made the decision to sell, it’s all about presentation and getting the home sold so you can move on to your next home and if red or yellow is your thing, go for it then.

Boise Real Estate ProfessionalIf you’d like to see if it makes sense to paint before selling give me a call.  I offer a free, no-obligation home consultation and will leave you with the market trends for your area and recommendations to get your home sold for top value.  In the meantime, make sure to follow me,  Jennifer Louis, Boise Metro Real Estate Expert, and local relocation guide on Instagram, Facebook, or my blog for fun facts about Boise and of course a few things real estate.  (208) 509-9122 or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com.

Drive Like You’re From Boise

Drive Like You’re From Boise

Welcome to Boise and Beyond’s blog series focusing on living like a local in Idaho.  If you are one of the many who have recently relocated to Boise and the Treasure Valley here are some of the best ways to fit in and acclimate to your new home.

Drive Like a Local in Boise

One of the first things newcomers notice when visiting or moving to Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley is the ease of getting around town in a vehicle.  Boise, compared to most neighboring capital cities has relatively little traffic, and the locals pride themselves on being courteous drivers in general.  However, there are a few things that those new to the area should keep in mind before getting behind the wheel in Boise or any of the neighboring cities around Idaho.  Here are the top 5 ways to drive like you’re from Boise:

Be Courteous

Driving Courteous in BoiseThis is one of the first things I noticed when moving here from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities.  We moved here from Paris, France in overcrowded road conditions, where horn honking, shouting, and waving angrily at other drivers and aggressive, fast, weaving driving is the only way to survive.  I spent years driving in Southern California and Dallas, TX where getting flipped off, honked at, and risking your life every time you merge onto the freeway is part of the daily commute.  My blood pressure immediately dropped when I started driving in Boise.  In Idaho, and even more specifically Boise locals pride themselves on following the rules of the road and looking out for fellow drivers.  You can almost always recognize someone who grew up in Idaho versus someone who just arrived by how they drive and here’s how:

  • Allow Merging.  A local custom in Idaho is to slow down to allow other drivers to merge into their lane if requested with a turn signal. And speaking of turn signals, locals will almost always use their turn signals to alert another driver of their intentions on the road.
  • Leave a Gap. A local will almost always leave a gap so that drivers entering the roadway from a parking lot or shopping center can easily merge into traffic.
  • Don’t Honk. Have you ever been distracted at a red traffic light and missed it turning green?  If the car behind you didn’t honk, it’s most likely because they are from here, and realize we all get distracted from time to time.
  • Drive the Speed Limit.  This is tough because when you’re in a hurry and come from a city where fast driving is the norm, driving the speed limit can take some getting used to.  Locals tend to drive the speed limit, and occasionally a few MPH under, but only a couple of years ago Boise was listed as having the safest drivers by  Allstate Insurance City Rankings.  In reality, driving 10 MPH faster than the speed limit in/around Boise over 20 miles saves the driver about 7 seconds.

 

The Stop Law

A few things in Idaho regarding traffic laws for stopping are a bit unusual compared to neighboring states.  Miscommunication and potential accidents can occur if all drivers aren’t aware of the standards that the locals tend to know.  Here are a few to be aware of when making a stop in Idaho:

  • Turning Left On Red.  Yes, you can turn left on a red light in certain situations, here is the actual driving rule regarding left on a red light:  “Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, a driver after stopping, facing a steady circular red signal, may turn right, or turn left from a highway onto a one-way highway after stopping.”
  • Cyclists Have Different Stopping Rules.  Bicyclists are permitted to regard stop signs as yield signs and a red light is equivalent to a stop sign.  So, if you see a cyclist cruising through an intersection with a stop sign, they are allowed, as long as the intersection is clear and they clear the intersection prior to passing any other vehicles, etc.  When it comes to red lights, however, they can pass when it’s clear to do so.
  • School Bus Stops.  Common sense and the law are one when it comes to passing a school bus when its stop sign is activated, DONT!  However, Idaho law does not require a driver to stop for a school bus if they are on the opposite side of the road with four or more lanes.  Stopping applies to motorists traveling in the same direction as the school bus, regardless of the number of lanes.
  • Yellow Stop Lights.  In Idaho, they have a law called the Permissive Yellow Light.  This allows motorists to pass through an intersection when it is yellow, but the catch is they must be more than halfway through the intersection before the light turns red, otherwise, a citation could be issued.  Most locals tend to avoid the risk, and will almost always stop at a yellow light or arrow, even if the law allows them to pass through.

 

 

Winter Driving

Driving in snowy and icy conditions is not a daily occurrence in the Treasure Valley during the winter, but over the years Boise has been getting more and more of these storms which can impact driving in this area.  Most of the locals grew up in The Treasure Valley or in another city in Idaho and are familiar with winter driving conditions.  If you arrived from a warmer state, then here are a few things you can do to drive safely and confidently just like a local in Boise in winter:

  • Defrost Those Windows.  That may seem pretty obvious, but if you’ve never driven when it’s below freezing you may be surprised how quickly the windshield and windows can fog up.  Once out on the road is not the time to start defrosting. Don’t start driving until the windows are defrosted and clean – even if you’re not going that far. It’s a good idea to keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with a non-freezing solution all winter, and if you park outside make sure to scrape off any snow or ice that may have built up overnight and then start the defrost setting before heading out.
  • Slow Down. After fresh snow or due to icy roads can be slippery.  As long as you drive slowly and slow down your car at least three times sooner than you normally do when turning or stopping you should avoid slipping and sliding.  When stopping, avoid making sudden movements with the steering wheel, and gently pump the brake as you come to a stop.
  • Watch for Ice.  Take extra precautions in areas that could potentially be icy, such as bridges and overpasses.  Ice may remain in those spots longer since they are exposed underneath and don’t have ground warmth.
  • Be Aware of Snowplow Trucks.  Use extra caution when encountering snow removal equipment; snowplow blades force snow up and off the road, potentially causing blizzard-like conditions and reduced visibility for drivers following too closely.  It’s recommended to remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle, so don’t pass one of these vehicles unless absolutely necessary.

 

Now that you have your “Famous Potatoe” plates and your Idaho Driver’s License take a deep breath, relax and enjoy driving like you’re from Boise in one of the US’s most enjoyable places to drive.  Want to discover more about Boise and the Treasure Valley?  Download the Boise Relocation Guide and discover Boise from the local’s point of view.

Boise Real Estate ProfessionalMake sure to follow me,  Jennifer Louis, Boise Metro Real Estate Expert, and local relocation guide on Instagram, Facebook, or my blog for fun facts about Boise and of course a few things real estate.  (208) 509-9122 or jennlouis@welcometoboiseandbeyond.com.