Find your Home in Boise

Boise Realtors Invite Home Sellers to Informational Seminar

Not sure about your home value? What do people do at the title company while you are waiting anxiously to close? Inspections? Find answers to these questions, and others, in our free seminar. Columbia Village Recreation Center at 3655 E. Lake Forest, Boise, ID 83716, on March 18, 2017 10:30 am.

Ava Tong and Cristina Pescaru, Boise Realtors with Gold Key Real Estate, invite you to join them for a free seminar. Contact Ava (208) 440-5810 or Cristina (208) 284-1545 with your questions.

• Free informational community/neighborhood service we are offering to homeowners that can save them $ and headaches.
• We went to an economic seminar that focused on Idaho/Boise economy and have the latest eye opening statistics and will present some of the most important points that will affect homeowners in 2017.
• We are having a Title Company employee discuss new concepts in the Title business that are now necessary and will discuss how they affect homeowners.
• A home inspector with over 20 yrs inspecting hundreds of homes, will be sharing important insights and experiences on what are common and uncommon things to look for and things that have been found in houses in SE Boise and how a homeowner can protect themselves before, during and after the selling process.
• Question and answer session for audience interaction.
• Info for free $ saving usable home essential set.
• Refreshments and giveaways.

“Did you know that it’s a sellers’ market out there? Inventory is low, prices are up, buyers are fighting over properties…what’s not to love?

With the renewed trust in the economy, people are looking again to real estate as a sound investment, or they may feel confident that it’s time to move the family in more spacious surroundings. Don’t sit on the fence and miss the moment. Our free seminar will give you the information and the answers you are looking for.” ~ Cristina Pescaru

Contact Boise Realtor, Ava Tong, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

Contact Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Pledge to Clients:  Experience * Loyalty * Commitment * Care

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

Boise Idaho Realtor, Ava Tong, tells us how to prepare for house hunting.

We all know Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley is one of the best places to live.  So, let’s find you a home in Boise.  “Searching for a house to buy can be daunting, and most of the homes you see won’t be what you’re looking for ” according to HGTV.  They suggest being aware of some house hunting mistakes to avoid.

Ava Tong is a lifelong resident of the Treasure Valley, with over 37 years of real estate investing and assisting folks in the decision making processes of selling and buying. Ava offers a few suggestions to prepare you for house hunting in Boise, or wherever you heart leads you to find the best home for your family.

If you find the perfect home now, don’t risk losing it because you’re trying to guess where the housing market and interest rates are going. Those factors usually don’t change fast enough to make a difference in an individual home’s price.

Don’t ask for too many opinions.

It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of the people who will actually be living in the home.

Accept that no house is ever perfect.

If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go. Also, accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will most likely pass.

Don’t try to be a killer negotiator.

Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or refusing to budge may cost you the home you love.

Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself that you forget about important issues such as noise level, access to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

Plan ahead.

Don’t wait until you’ve found a home to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance, or consider a moving schedule. Being prepared will make your bid more attractive to sellers.

Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation.

A home is still considered a great investment, but its most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.

Contact Boise Realtor, Ava Tong, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

Boise Realtor, Ava Tong, provides guidance regarding the home appraisal process.

Once you are under contract, the buyer’s lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value.

Appraisals help guide mortgage terms.

The appraised value of a home is an important factor in the loan underwriting process. Although lenders may use the sale price to determine the amount of the mortgage they will offer, they generally only do so when the property is sold for less than the appraisal amount. Also, the loan-to-value ratio is based on the appraised value and helps lenders figure out how much money may be borrowed to purchase the property and under what terms. If the LTV is high, the lender is more likely to require the borrower to purchase private mortgage insurance.

Appraised value is not a concrete number.

Appraisals provide a professional opinion of value, but they aren’t an exact science. Appraisals may differ quite a bit depending on when they’re done and who’s doing them. Changes in market conditions also can dramatically alter appraised value.

Appraised value doesn’t represent the whole picture of home prices.

There are special considerations that appraised value doesn’t take into account, such as the need to sell rapidly.

Appraisers use data from the recent past.

Appraisals are often considered somewhat backward looking, because they use sold data from comparable properties (often nicknamed “comps”) to help come up with a reasonable price.

There are uses for appraised value outside of the purchase process.

For selling purposes, appraisals are usually used to determine market value or factor into the pricing equation. But other appraisals are used to determine insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes.

Contact Boise Realtor, Ava Tong, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

Boise realtor, Cristina Pescaru,  provides advice about preparing to buy a home.

Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, discusses how to best prepare to buy a home. In addition to finding a trusted real estate professional who can guide you through the home buying process, make a wish list of home style and local neighborhood locations to review and prioritize. The National Association of Realtors recommends you consider the following plan when buying your next home.

Talk to mortgage brokers.

Many first-time home buyers don’t take the time to get prequalified. They also often don’t take the time to shop around to find the best mortgage for their particular situation. It’s important to ask plenty of questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely.

Be ready to move.

This is especially true in markets with a low inventory of homes for sale. It’s very common for home buyers to miss out on the first home they wish to purchase because they don’t act quickly enough. By the time they’ve made their decision, they may find that someone else has already purchased the house.

Find a trusted partner.

It’s absolutely vital that you find a real estate professional who understands your goals and who is ready and able to guide you through the home buying process.

Make a good offer.

Remember that your offer is very unlikely to be the only one on the table. Do what you can to ensure it’s appealing to a seller.

Factor maintenance and repair costs into your buying budget.

Even brand-new homes will require some work. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

Think ahead.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your present needs, but you should also think about reselling the home before you buy. The average first-time buyer expects to stay in a home for around 10 years, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Develop your home/neighborhood wish list.

Prioritize these items from most important to least.

Select where you want to live.

Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account nearby schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, will guide you to prepare for your home purchase.

Contact Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Pledge to Clients:  Experience * Loyalty * Commitment * Care

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, Helps With Questions To Think About ~ Should I Sell My Home

Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru provides questions for you to ask yourself when you are thinking about selling your home.  Are you ready for a home that is larger or possibly considering downsizing?  Do you want a home in a more desirable location?  You may be ready to move if you answer yes to most of the following questions.

Have you built substantial equity in your current home?

Check your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out how much you’ve paid down. Usually you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest. But if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

Has your income or financial situation changed?

If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving. If your income has decreased, you may want to consider downsizing.

Have you outgrown your neighborhood?

The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same one in which you want to settle down for good. You may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.

Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?

Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?

If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy will also be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Ask your real estate professional what they see happening locally.

Are interest rates attractive?

Low rates help you buy “more” home, and also make it easier to find a buyer for your current place.

Is the effort and cost of maintaining your current home becoming difficult to manage?

Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, can help you decide whether a smaller house, condo, or rental would be appropriate.

Contact Boise Realtor, Cristina Pescaru, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Pledge to Clients:  Experience * Loyalty * Commitment * Care

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

Why Work With a Professional Realtor?

Boise Idaho Realtor – Ava Tong, Gold Key Real Estate
FindYourHomeInBoise.com

Realtors are professional members of the National Association of REALTORS®, they are not just agents. Realtors subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Home buyers appreciate the expertise provided by a knowledgeable Realtor, and clearly see the following benefits when working with a qualified Realtor:

1. An expert guide.
   Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.
2. Objective information and opinions.
   REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property. REALTORs® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need.
3. Property marketing power.
   Property doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. A large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts with previous clients, friends, and family. When a property is marketed by a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
4. Negotiation knowledge.
   There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. A REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows you the flexibility you need to take that next step.
5. Up-to-date experience.
   Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each sale. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.
6. Your rock during emotional moments.
   A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.
7. Ethical treatment.
   Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.

Large Network of Tried, Tested and True Real Estate Service in Boise Idaho Real Estate Market

Boise, Idaho Professional Realtor Ava Tong is ready to put her expertise and knowledge to work for you. When you are ready to buy a home in the Treasure Valley, get in touch with Ava.

Why are we the best agents in the Boise area? Get the answer.

Contact Boise Realtor, Ava Tong, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

The Benefits of Home Ownership

Boise Idaho Realtor – Ava Tong, Gold Key Real Estate
FindYourHomeInBoise.com

1. Tax benefits.
   The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying a home.
2. Appreciation.
   Historically, real estate has had a long-term, stable growth in value. In fact, median single-family existing-home sale prices have increased on average 5.2 percent each year from 1972 through 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.  The recent housing crisis has caused some to question the long-term value of real estate, but even in the most recent 10 years, which included quite a few very bad years for housing, values are still up 7.0 percent on a cumulative basis. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 10 to15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
3. Equity.
   Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings.
   Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability.
   Unlike rent, your fixed-rate mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will likely increase.
6. Freedom.
   The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.
7. Stability.
   Remaining in one neighborhood for several years allows you and your family time to build long-lasting relationships within the community. It also offers children the benefit of educational and social continuity.

Contact Boise Realtor, Ava Tong, to find your Boise, Idaho home.

Website:   FindYourHomeinBoise.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FindYourHomeinBoise
Twitter:    twitter.com/FindHomeinBoise

As I recently returned from a short trip to my native country, Romania, I thought I should share some things that impressed me positively there.  Maybe there are Romanians here that haven’t been back for a while, and would like to hear how things are going,  and sometimes we can all benefit from looking at how other people do things…

Romanians seem to be happily adapting to being part of the European Union. Highways are being built, and the natives are taking to them like ducks to water. Roads are improving, stores are full of beautiful things, you can’t go a few paces without stumbling over a restaurant or café, or terrace…the food, I could write a whole book about it, but others have already done it better than I could. Anyone who has visited Romania would agree that the food  is plentiful and very tasty, and by our standards, not very expensive.

A couple of things I noticed in the houses I visited: one is a little device that people can attach to their faucets and save water; especially in houses with  young children, that’s  great to have, because even if the children forget to turn off the faucet, the water won’t run…it’s of course motion activated. Similar devices exist here, of course, but I haven’t seen them widely used in residences, and that may be a good idea to implement, or to start asking builders about…

The other improvement that I noticed was the windows opening two ways, like a regular window to the side, or the same window could be tilted and opened only on top. I believe it’s a question of double hinges, but I am no expert. I am sure builders would understand how that is done. Great safety feature for children or pets, especially on higher floors, and a wonderful way of enjoying the last warm and sunny days of Indian Summer…

It was great seeing how Romania has changed, and visiting family and friends that I haven’t seen in a long while. It is even better coming back to my wonderful friends and the place I’m proud to call my home: Boise, Idaho, the United States of America.

~ Cristina Pescaru

FindYourHomeinBoise.com came across an interesting article for those interested in finding a good place to retire. Idaho is listed in the top 10 Best States For Retirement.

 

BankRate.com Article: 10 Best States For Retirement

If cost of living, safety and weather are important to you, you’ll want to consider Idaho as a good state for retirement.

It’s one of the most affordable states in the U.S. Idaho also is one of the safest. The FBI recorded 1,984 property crimes and 208 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the Gem State in 2012. That’s the lowest crime rate in the country.

And then there’s the relatively pleasant weather. Yes, you’ll still need a winter coat in Idaho. But there’s a lot more to weather than just the temperature. For example, Boise, Idaho, gets more sunshine than Atlanta. And with an average annual humidity of about 58 percent, Idaho is naturally comfortable.

 

 

 

Where To Travel In 2015: Top Countries, Cities For Travel Across The World

Boise, Idaho is listed number 4 in an International Business Times article by Cristina Silva. She suggests that this year instead of the usual tourist destinations of Paris, London and Rome you consider visiting one of more of these seven top cities and countries.

1. Vilnius, Lithuania
2. Kanazawa, Japan,
3. Edinburgh, Scotland,
4. Boise, Idaho,
5. Cartagena, Colombia
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
7. Atacama Desert, Chile

Travel guides are encouraging people to travel to off-the-beaten path locales which offer new opportunities to taste unusual foods and try out basic foreign language skills.

” Boise, Idaho. You don’t have to travel all the way to Spain to revel in the colors and gastronomic delights of the country’s Basque region. Boise’s Jaialdi 2015 is one of the largest Basque festivals in the world, and includes jai alai and dancing, according to CNN.  Idaho is also a popular skiing destination and offers various cultural attractions, including wildlife photography workshops.  “