Boise Real Estate
Boise has been dubbed “The City of Trees, ” and this moniker certainly fits. A crystal-clear river meanders through Boise, providing 25 miles of riverfront covered with sprawling parks and unique museums. The Boise Foothills offer a fabulous scenic contrast to the river. There are over 100 miles of public trails for biking and hiking among wildlife and beautiful wildflowers. Nestled in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, this cosmopolitan city still has all of the natural beauty that it possessed during the gold rush days of 1862. Today, the gold is all but gone; today the city attracts newcomers with commerce, culture, and its great outdoors. They are especially drawn by the Boise real estate market for its selection and value. Your dollar will go far when you purchase a Boise, Idaho home. A quick glance at the Boise MLS system shows that the housing inventory is eclectic and affordable. You probably won’t find any more gold in the Boise Basin, but you will discover that a Boise home purchase is the one of the best long term investments you can make.
Boise Homes
We all know that the housing market is sharply slanted towards home buyers; the slump has affected almost every major city in the nation. Our city has experienced the effects of this; Boise bank-owned homes and short sale homes are prevalent, and the prices might make you pinch yourself to see if you are dreaming.
It’s a poorly kept secret that Boise foreclosure inventory is up, as it is almost everywhere else. We empathize with those who have experienced foreclosure. However, many of these people lost their homes because they were given high-risk loans. Some occurred because short-sighted investors purchased these homes to “flip” quickly for a fast buck. It is important to realize that the majority of Boise home owners who have stayed in their homes for awhile and did not refinance recently are doing just fine. They all know that Boise real estate gains in value over the long term. The low property tax rate of around 1% with homeowners exemption gives them even more reasons to stay.
Investors are also acutely aware of market conditions here. Boise bank-owned homes and short sale homes are being scooped up by astute investors who are looking for cash flow and future value. First-time home buyers are using the $8,000 tax credit to take advantage of the market. Rates are low and Boise home prices are good right now. If you want to take advantage of one of the best buyer markets you may ever see, don’t sit on your hands. Don’t make the classic investor’s mistake of waiting until prices go up. A bell will NOT ring when prices hit bottom! Many Boise real estate agents and investors believe we might already be there.
Single family homes under $250K are getting the most attention from buyers. There are many single levels and two stories available in this price range. The Boise MLS is carrying about 2700 listings, and most of them fall into this range. Even brand new Boise homes can be found at these prices. Affordable homes are being constructed by quality builders; among them are such notables as CBH Homes, Blackstead Building Co., Borup Homes, Shiloh Developement, Ted Mason homes, Tradewinds Building Company, Mellen Homes, Stacey Homes, Tahoe Homes, Zack Evans Construction, Nemec Construction Company and Hallmark Homes. If you check out neighborhoods like Tuscany in Messina Hills, you will find a mixture of new and newer homes, and even some nice lots for sale. If you are looking for something older, Boise Bench, North, Northwest, and Northeast Boise neighborhoods contain some treasures like stately victorians and other classic, vintage styles. There are about 500 Boise townhomes and condos offered for sale at incredible prices. Townhome units under $150K are a big item right now, and quality Boise condominiums can be purchased for $150K or less.
Luxury Property
Do you like golf? Small acreage estates that border Spurwing Golf Course are available at prices ranging from $800 K to $2M. Boise golf course homes offer fabulous views and a style to satisfy every taste. Boise Ranch Golf Course is public and has beautiful homes built close to the fairways and tees that range in price from $200 K to $ 500 K.
Waterfront properties are available at jaw-dropping prices. Boise riverfront and lake homes can be picked up for prices that run from $400K to $2M. It is almost impossible to purchase waterfront in any other major city for only $400K!
More About Boise
Boise is the capital of Idaho with a population of just over 205,000 residents, and serves as the state’s primary center of government, economic, and cultural activities. It enjoys the strategic advantage of being the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Portland Oregon. Some of the well known sites are the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights memorial and the World Center for Birds of Prey. The Morrison Center of the Performing Arts is where residents can enjoy the music of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. Boise offers several annual events such as the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Alive After Five, and the Gene Harris Jazz Festival. The first Thursday of every month is reserved for the First Thursday monthly event which offers street entertainment, a stroll of the local art galleries and other monthly promotions. Own a Boise home, and you will enjoy an endless variety of entertainment and cultural venues.
Downtown Boise offers excitement yet a small town feel. There are more than 250 shops, restaurants, and salons in the four major shopping areas of Central Downtown, Old Boise, the Westside and BoDo. Located on the west side of the city is the Boise Towne Square mall, which is the largest retail center with over 200 shops and restaurants. There are also the Boise Factory Outlets, and for the specialty and antique shops go to “The Market Place” and the Hyde Park Historic District.
Idaho’s four seasons offer a variety of year round recreation for the entire family. Families can enjoy rafting through town on the river, watch jet boat racing or try their skills on water skis. In the winter there are ice skating rinks, snowmobile trails, downhill and cross country skiing available. The many parks offer softball, tennis, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer. And not far from Boise you can enjoy mountains, desert sand dunes, canyons, and several rivers for whitewater rafting. Recreation opportunities make Boise real estate a top pick for outdoors enthusiasts.
Education is a priority for the city of Boise and its residents. The Boise Independent School District (BISD) has been ranked as one of the most successful and highest achieving school districts in the country. The school district has over 25,000 students attending 34 elementary schools, eight junior high schools, five high schools, one alternative middle school and one alternative high school. Boise and Meridian school districts offer a joint program, The Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center (TVMSC) which offers high achieving students an innovative and integrated math and science program. The program is available to public, private and home-school students. The two districts also support the Dehryl A. Dennis Professional-Technical Education Center (PTEC) which provides workforce skill development for a seamless transition to economic and community working environments. There are also several Montessori schools and a selection of private K-12 schools, including the Bishop Kelly High School which is Idaho’s only Catholic high school. If you are looking for an area with quality school systems, consider a home in Boise.
Your Boise Real Estate Agents
If you are relocating to this area, give us a call. we will spare no effort to make your move to our city as easy as possible. We know the Boise housing market, the neighborhoods, the schools, and even the best places to eat. As your Realtors, ® we will vigorously represent your interests, and provide you with the best possible resale data so you can make the best possible decision. We want you to be as happy about living in Boise as we are.
Thinking of selling your Boise home? Ask us for a free comparative market analysis and no-nonsense advice on pricing and the best ways to prepare your property for the market. Benefit from our extensive contacts, referral database, and the best marketing tools available. Our goal is to get your home sold for top dollar, and with the least amount of imposition on your time. Expect due-diligence, prompt communication, and a smooth transaction.
Thanks for stopping by to visit the site. If we can serve you in any way, please let us know.
Very Truly Yours,
Randy Gridley
Gina Gridley
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