Luxury Homes of Idaho

Discover the perfect blend of charm and comfort in this beautiful single-level Boise home! With 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 1164 sq ft of living space, this home offers ample room for your family. Hardwood floors and several updates throughout add to its appeal. The .21 acre lot features mature landscaping that keeps you cool on hot summer days, and a fully fenced yard ensures complete privacy, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The covered patio would make an ideal spot for a hot tub! The living room provides a cozy atmosphere with a real wood stove and open living space. Centrally located in west Boise, you are just 15 minutes from downtown or The Village at Meridian.

For additional information or to schedule a showing, please call or text 208-713-5415.

🏢 Prime Commercial Office Building for Sale! 🏢

Location, Location, Location!

Discover this exceptional commercial office building at the prominent corner of Westgate and King St, offering unparalleled visibility and accessibility. Centrally located with transit line close by, making it a prime spot for any business!

Property Highlights:

4,200 sq ft of versatile office space
Just under a half-acre lot with ample parking
Two separate suites with several private offices, conference rooms, bathrooms, & private entrances
Built in 1997, single-story, and ADA compliant
Fully leased with stellar tenant history for immediate income
Zoned R3 for professional, creative, or medical offices
Easy access to I-84 for commuters
This is an ideal investment with a reliable income stream in a thriving commercial area. Perfect for investors or business owners seeking flexibility and growth potential.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

📞 Contact us today to schedule a viewing or for more information! 📞

For more info, click here: https://bit.ly/7950wking

My client is putting his home up for rent if you, or someone you know is looking! Built in 2019 in a great neighborhood with a playground and pool. FANTASTIC location convenient to everything. Here is the link to check out and share:

4360 E Vacheron St, Meridian, ID 83642 | Zillow This 1200 square feet Single Family home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is located at 4360 E Vacheron St, Meridian, ID.

Your best friend in real estate?

It's your credit!

I always have my buyers get familiar with the 4 C's of building credit so they're prepared to receive the best loan terms possible.

1) Credit: This is a reflection of your financial past. Do you consistently make payments on time? If yes, lenders perceive you as less of a risk and more likely to approve your loan application.

2) Capacity: This is your ability to repay a loan based on your income and employment history. It's not just about having the funds but also about a track record of financial stability.

3) Capital: Assets or cash reserves can be used to repay your loan if your income isn’t enough. It's like a safety net that lenders look for when deciding whether to approve your loan.

4) Collateral: This is something of value that you can pledge as security against the loan. In case of default, it can be seized by the lender. In the context of real estate, the home itself often serves as collateral.

Good credit is essential because it directly impacts your mortgage approval prospects, competitive interest rates, and down payment requirements.

On the other hand, a subpar credit score can make securing the best terms challenging, but don't be discouraged if your credit isn't perfect right now.

Building a strong credit takes time and dedication. Small steps can lead to significant improvements.

If you have questions about how credit affects real estate financing or need guidance on improving your credit score, reach out to me and I can send over some resources!

Trust your Zestimate? Not so fast!

Your Zestimate might be misleading you...in a big way.

Get this:

1) Our local market is a mystery to Zillow.

One huge reason your Zestimate could be off is that it's in the dark about hyper-local market conditions. It's like navigating a new city without GPS – it finds itself going in circles. Idaho is a NON disclosure state - which means Zillow cannot see final sale prices unless the owner decides to make it public.

2) Your home is unique; Zestimate algorithms don’t recognize that.

Zestimate algorithms are oblivious to what makes your home unique. They rely heavily on publicly available data, missing out on your home’s special features and upgrades.

3) Zillow has admitted they’re not always accurate.

Zestimate has reported that Zestimates are a 'starting point' and not meant to replace a formal appraisal.

If you want to know what your home is REALLY worth, here’s what I’m going to do: DM me your Zestimate and address, and I'll send you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) tailored to your home — no strings attached.

Is this really true?!

YES. Get this - there is a provision in the CARES Act that allows first-time buyers to get a $10,000 boost. Here's how it works.

First-time home buyers can withdraw up to $10,000 from their 401k WITHOUT the 10% penalty when buying a home.

This can help cover expenses like down payments and closing costs, bringing homeownership within reach.

An interesting option but of course, consult with a financial advisor and a trusted lender to determine what’s best for your scenario.

Send this to a friend who’d find this interesting!

Me to my younger self:

Eventually, you will have a job you love AND you'll buy a house! And when you do, please keep these things in mind...

If I could, I'd be passing along these insights to the younger version of myself – the things I definitely didn't know before I purchased my first home.

Sharing now because if one person benefits from seeing this, it’s worth it!

1) Plan for maintenance expenses.

Back in the day, I didn’t anticipate any maintenance costs. It’s critical to set aside a portion of money for this.
A good rule of thumb is 1%-3% of the value of the home per year. Consider moving a fixed amount each month into a high-yield savings account so you’re prepared for surprises down the road.

2) Homeownership will provide stability for you & your loved ones.

There’s something special about having a place that’s solely yours, not someone else’s. The sense of security and comfort that comes with homeownership is a feeling you can’t put a price on!

3) Predictable monthly costs will provide peace of mind

Rent prices used to keep me up at night, wondering when the next increase would hit or if my landlord was going to put the house up for sale. With my own home, I gained peace of mind knowing that my monthly expenses were stable and wouldn’t unexpectedly skyrocket or be forced to move.

4) Your home’s value will increase.

I used to fret about the direction of property values. Spoiler alert: they’ve only gone up!

Historical data shows us this, too. Owning a home has turned out to be one of the smartest investments I’ve made. It even saved me from a pretty difficult financial position I was in at home point. Having equity in my home has literally saved me.

So, if you're considering buying your first home and have a few worries, I get it. It’s a huge step that shouldn’t be taken lightly!

If you need a guiding hand, comment “home” to grab my free Buyer Guide, it’s a compilation of all that I’ve learned along the way!

How do you know it's the right time?

The right time to move on?

Spending many hours with sellers over the years, I’ve learned the telltale signs that it’s time for a change.

Here are a few questions to help you determine where you stand...

1) Has my home started to feel either too spacious or too snug? It's like a little kid outgrowing their favorite outfit – your needs might have outgrown your home.

2) How is my home equity? If it's standing strong, selling now could open the doors to a handsome profit, providing a solid foundation for your next purchase.

3) Is home maintenance starting to resemble a never-ending marathon I didn't sign up for? If the chores outweigh the joys, it might be high time to find a home that demands less of your attention.

4) Have I recently been through a major life event? Be it diplomas, diapers, diamonds, divorce, or death, these major life shifts often call for an address change.

If these questions have put your mind in motion, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you decipher your next steps. Shoot me a message and let's chat about your options.

I said what I said...

The concept of a universally 'right time' to buy is as elusive as the perfect selfie angle. It's not about chasing market trends or waiting for some mystical signal from the heavens. Your journey in real estate is uniquely yours, deeply intertwined with your financial situation, life goals, and personal circumstances.

Rather than fixating on external factors, it's about introspection and aligning your decision with your own timeline. Are you financially prepared? Is your life situation conducive to taking this step? These are the questions that matter.

Remember, the best investment isn't just about seizing an opportune moment in the market that may or may not ever happen. It's about doing what's best for you when it's best for you. So, take your time, evaluate your readiness, and when you have the desire and the means to buy, that's your 'right time'."

My secret for getting you the most offers on your home?

List just below the market.

In my experience, pricing too high can dissuade potential buyers, but pricing just below the market value? It generates the buzz we’re looking for.

Buyers are drawn to what they see as a deal, leading to a spike in interest and oftentimes a bidding war.

But there's more...

Pricing is one key component of a larger strategy to garner interest and receive strong offers from multiple contenders.

In reality, many integral puzzle pieces come together to get your home sold for top dollar.

Looking for more details on my selling strategy?

Comment SELL to grab my free Seller's Guide. Access my playbook for turning your 'For Sale' into 'Just Sold'.

Four words: Easter brunch at home

Keep it stress-free and low-key with this foolproof plan for the perfect gathering.

SWIPE →

Homeownership feeling like a far away fantasy?

I know the feeling.

Today, I’m sharing some philosophies from the man who wrote the book on personal finance. These tips have helped me tremendously (and have brought many closer to their home-owning dreams).

Please welcome to the stage: Warren Buffett

1) Monitor your finances: Be aware of the inflows and outflows by tracking income and expenses using budgeting tools like Quickbooks or Copilot.

2) Automate savings and investments: Set up automatic transfers to prioritize savings before other expenses, where possible.

3) Monthly progress meetings: Regularly review your spending and budget to stay focused and celebrate any wins.

4) Extra cash toward your goals: Put any windfalls (tax refunds, birthday gifts, bonuses) straight into savings.

5) Open a HYSA: A high-yield savings account (free) can earn you between ~ 4-5% annually. Use any extra income to build a 6-month emergency fund, then tackle medium-term goals (hello house!).

6) Resist lifestyle inflation: Keep it simple—stick to the older paid off car and save those extra dollars.

7) Tackle debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and navigate interest rates and loan terms adeptly to reduce your overall burden.

8) Avoid unnecessary expenses: New gadget on your mind? Ask yourself if it aligns with long term goals. To be sure, sit on it for a month before purchasing.

If these tips make you eager to reach your homeownership goal, keep the momentum going by commenting below — I’ll send you my 90-Days to Homeownership Guide, no strings attached. Just a step-by-step plan to keep you making progress in 2024.

My buyers’ confidence was sky high....

Because they came to the showing with this...

A pre-approval letter!

But here’s what it meant for them as they shopped around.

1) Financial clarity - It told them their max loan amount so they could browse, tour, and make an offer on a home with confidence.

2) An upper hand & a standout offer - It made their offer stand out from other buyers who weren’t already pre-approved. (In a market where inventory is tight, having a pre-approval will set you apart).

3) A send-off for stress - It gave them peace of mind, saved time and lowered stress. When you find a home you love, you want to act as quickly as you can. Being “paperwork ready” will help you move fast without scrambling or stressing.

Don't miss out on your dream home! Take action to get pre-approved. It's your secret weapon for success.

Have questions about getting started? Shoot me a message and let's hop on a call!

'That's a write off!'

It's a phrase I commonly hear thrown around. But, not so fast... it turns out not all home improvements are treated equally from a tax perspective.

Let's break it down:

1) Home Office Deduction:

To claim a deduction, you must have a dedicated and exclusive workspace. Using your dining table unfortunately doesn’t qualify here.

2) Rental Properties:

When updating rental properties, you won’t be able to deduct the renovation costs.

But, expenses like mortgage interest, property tax, operating costs, depreciation, and repairs are usually eligible deductions to take. Keep a running tally of these expenses.

3) Residential Medical Upgrades:

Expenses related to improving medical accessibility are deductible. This includes constructing entrance or exit ramps, widening doorways, installing railings or support bars, and making bathroom modifications.

4) Energy-Efficient Improvements:

Consider energy-efficient upgrades. Things like installing solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy turbines, geothermal heat pumps, fuel cells, and biomass fuel stoves qualify for various tax benefits.

5) Home Sellers Deduction:

If you make improvements to your home before selling it, they can increase your home's basis (purchase price + improvements), reducing capital gains and, in turn, lowering the taxes you'll owe. Keep a running spreadsheet of those improvements!

Make sure to collab with a tax pro to maximize your deductions. If you need a ,local recommendation, reach out! What did I miss? Comment below!

We pack the open house when my sellers agree to this...

They follow my listing prep checklist

With many years of experience and listings sold, I’ve learned a few key ways to make your home POP on open house day.

Disclaimer: Your home might make headlines for the crowd it draws. (Kidding... kind of). Here’s a quick summary:

1) Cleaning police

Take no prisoners. Dust and wipe down every surface, corner, hidden nook, blind and fan. Invest in a steam cleaner. The before and after may shock you but, from personal experience, the satisfaction is unparalleled.

2) De-cluttering Dynamo

Bulky furniture or too many personal items can make a home appear smaller than it really is. Consider temporarily renting a storage unit for any excess belongings.

A tip I try to follow: If I haven’t used something in 6 months, I give it a second chance at life by donating.

3) Handyman Hero

That tool belt? It was made for you. Tighten the leaky faucet, fix the squeaky door hinge, and paint the spot on the ceiling.
The fewer issues a buyer can spot, the more appealing your home becomes.

4) Exterior Achiever

We shower, brush our teeth, shave, and dress nicely when meeting someone new. I want that same energy for the exterior of your home.

Crisp and clean windows, a manicured lawn, fresh mulch, and a few pops of seasonal flowers go a long way for our first impression!

5) Staging Magician

Staging has been shown to increase a home's sale price by 1-5% and decrease the time it spends on the market. (Say less!)
We’ll hire the pros for this and we’ll watch their magic unfold.

I’d love to send over my Seller Guide, it’s packed with tangible steps for getting your home listing-ready, including that checklist I mentioned! Comment 'Sell' and I'll send it your way (no strings attached)

Crypto? For a down payment??

Actually, yes! In fact, you might be surprised to know that in the fourth quarter of 2021, 11.6% of first-time homebuyers used cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to fund their down payments.

So yes, you can use Bitcoin to fund a down payment on a home.

But definitely keep in mind that cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, are known for their price volatility.

That's why you should see cryptocurrency as a bonus funding source rather than relying solely on it for your down payment.

If you're considering this route or have any other questions related to home buying, I'm happy to answer your questions - schedule a complimentary call with me.

What is the “Lock in effect”?

The lock-in effect is an unwillingness on the part of homeowners to trade in their lower-rate mortgages for higher ones.

Here’s where this trend stands today:

In Q3 2023, fewer Americans had mortgages below 6% than in 2022 due to moving. And what causes people to move regardless of interest rates? Major life events, including the 5 D's: diapers, diplomas, diamonds, divorce, & death

• Between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, more homeowners chose to move, accepting higher mortgage rates.

•The lock-in effects still contributes to inventory shortages, but listings have started to rise due to slightly lower rates (under the 8% peak of 2023).

• Homeowners with historically lower mortgage rates (between 3% and 4%) are more likely to “suffer from” the lock-in effect than those with rates between 5% and 6%.

Rather than focusing on the rate, I’m telling buyers to focus on the affordability of the monthly payment.

If you want to talk about buying this spring — and what it would take to get you in a home of your own, schedule a consult with me. The link is in my bio - I’d love to connect!

Going slow in a fast world...

It's not always possible.

But I never regret making time for these things.

What do you do to unwind? Let me know down below in the comments 👇

This is a tale about resilience.

And the protagonists of this story are millennials.

They’ve faced their fair share of challenges with higher interest rates, home prices, and the struggle to save for a down payment while renting.

The market conditions have not been the friendliest.
It was reported that 67% of millennials regret not buying a home when rates were lower. You don't want to carry that regret into 2024!

A remarkable 78% of you are still open to the idea of buying a home

Even if it means navigating higher-than-average mortgage rates and making some compromises.

Today I’m sharing a few clever ways I’ve seen millennials get started on their home buying journeys, despite the setbacks.

Getting in the game:
Buying a home just to get into the game, living in it for two years, then using the proceeds to level up to a more desirable home. The key here is to start building equity — then keep going!

House hacking:
Buying a duplex or home with a mother-in-law suite and renting it out on airbnb or to a longer term tenant to reduce costs.

Creative financing:
Looking into creative financing options - there are some incredible loan programs that offer reduced or 0% down payments. (I’d be happy to connect you with a stellar lender who can put together a few great options!)

Recasting:
I’ve seen some paying slightly over the asking price to seal the deal then recasting or refinancing their mortgage at a later date to reduce monthly payments. (Of course, it’s critical to not overextend yourself).

If you're interested in taking the first steps towards owning your own place - Grab some time on my calendar by sending me a message or giving me a call. Your path to homeownership could be closer than you think!

It's time to go *Boujie on a Budget*

In all my time real-estating, I've seen some impactful upgrades that give the homes a fresh look AND are easy on the wallet.

These are a few of my favorites:

• Replace faucets and cabinet hardware. Estimated cost: $150-$400 for a kitchen faucet and $5-$25 per cabinet pull.

• Upgrade door k***s and hardware. Estimated cost: $28 per passage door and $31 per privacy lock.

• Swap builder-grade switch plates for decorative ones. Estimated cost: $5-25 per plate, depending on style.

• Refresh rugs. Check out Rugs USA or Loloi on Amazon. Both sites partner with designers, like Rifle Paper Co and Arvin Olano for elevated looks. Estimated cost: $189 for a 5x8 rug.

I'm a huge proponent of making small changed that go a lonnnng way.

Want more tips about small projects with big impact? Reach out - I’ll share what I’m seeing local DIYers take on these days.

Relocating to the Treasure Valley and hemming and hawing between renting and buying?

Here’s a story about my relocation clients and the factors they weighed to make their decision confidently.

1) Build equity from day one.

I recently worked with a relocation couple who decided to purchase instead of rent. Their reason? They were eager to invest in something of their own right away.

They feared that if they rented, life would get busy, years would pass, and it would be strenuous to rent while saving for a down payment.

2) Online reconnaissance is easier than ever.

With tools like YouTube neighborhood walk-throughs and Google Street View, my clients were able to test-drive different areas before they ever set foot in Idaho, and I was able to facetime them as well!

3) You can get ahead of rising home prices.

The final tipping point for my clients was their sense that home prices would continue to tick upward. Buying right away meant locking in their costs and securing their footing in this amazing state.

One more thought: You can make your move even smoother by teaming up with an agent who knows the area and can be your boots on the ground.

Looking for an agent like that? I’d love to chat - reach out, and let's connect!

When it comes to an agent making an impact at a listing, the little things are actually the BIG things.

Of course, it's critical for us to nail the obvious things like killer photos & videos, staging and pricing your home right...but there's more!

Go ahead and swipe for what I believe to be small tweaks that take a listing from good to great.

And if you want a complimentary copy of my home sellers guide, drop a comment below or shoot me a message with the word SELL and I'll get it sent over.

CONFESSION

I need help!

You know the saying, 'It takes a village?'

Turns out it's true for real estate, too.

2024 comes with ambitious goals and a steadfast commitment to serving my clients. (Now, here is where I want you to come into the picture!)

You may know someone who has been contemplating buying or selling their home. Maybe they've been avidly searching for the perfect property or have meticulously prepared their own for the market. These are the very people I need your help connecting with.

The truth is: Referrals from friends and family are often the most reliable way to find a trusted real estate agent. Your recommendation could be the link to someone's dream home or a seamless sale.

If you've got someone in mind, don't hesitate to send me a message. I’d love to be a resource to them!

The time we almost left $$$ on the table...

It was a close call but...

GOTCHA!

I would never let my clients leave money on the table!
BUT it’s great to know what things are up for negotiation when you find yourself in a real estate transaction.

Besides price, here’s what else should be on the table when making your life’s biggest purchase...

Closing Costs
Buyers and sellers can play around with closing cost credits. We can negotiate credits to help cover those loan-related expenses.

Rate Buy-Downs
Looking for a lower interest rate? We can ask the seller to pay for points to 'buy down' your rate.

Home Repairs and Credits
Inspection reveal issues? We'll negotiate for the seller to make repairs or offer a credit toward your closing costs.

Contingencies
Need to sell your current home first? We'll ask for a sale contingency. Need a specific closing date? We'll put that in the offer, too.

Leasebacks
Not ready to move yet? We'll request a lease-back agreement (where the seller pays you rent while they continue to live in your new house after closing).

Warranties
We can negotiate with the seller to include a home warranty policy to cover potential repair costs during your first year as the owner (this is common in new construction homes).

Ready to find your next home and put my negotiation skills to work?

Schedule a complimentary consult call with me - Shoot me a message!

Eeks! I just launched my monthly newsletter. I am SO excited! If you received it, PLEASE share your feedback! I want to provide incredible value in ways that make sense for YOU. I want you to look forward to receiving it each month! If you haven't signed up and want to check it out, just go to https://chelsea.myflodesk.com/newsletter and keep an eye on your inbox the first week of each month.

Ready to plan the perfect Valentine's Day in Boise?

Whether you're celebrating with your special someone, your best friend, or simply treating yourself, I've got you covered with the perfect Valentine's Day stops right here in the Treasure Valley.

1) Picnic at Camel's Back Park

Start your day overlooking the city atop Camel’s Back Park. Pack a basket filled with croissants, coffee/tea/cocoa, a warm blanket, and enjoy! It's a wonderful way to start your day!

2) Stay at home and cook

Or, why not whip up a delicious homemade meal? I recommend trying my fav soup, Zuppa Toscana. Plus, cooking together can be a lot of fun. Just watch your backside for butt smacks in the kitchen ;)

3) Drinks

As the day turns into night, head over to The Lively for some tasty drinks. They have a fantastic selection that's perfect for toasting to love, friendship, or life itself. Cheers!

4) Reservations at

For those who prefer a culinary adventure, make reservations at Fork. Their menu is fresh and local, and the ambiance is perfect for a memorable evening.

5) Dessert at

No Valentine's Day is complete without something sweet. Swing by The Stil and indulge in their mouthwatering ice creams and desserts. Trust me; you won't be able to resist.

No matter how you're celebrating, I hope you make the day exactly what you want it to be.

From my home to yours, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Swipe left to reveal some of my favorite local businesses that are part of what makes the Treasure Valley such an awesome place to call home ❤️

The chilly month of love is HERE – happy February! I love love. And I love helping keep you in the loop on what's happening in the Treasure Valley.

Keep reading for all the February updates like events in our city and what's new in the local real estate market this month!

Last year, the average U.S. homeowner held roughly $199,000 in equity. Not bad, huh?

If you’re sitting in a similar spot this year, you might wonder how to access your funds.

Let's break down two popular options: the Home Equity Loan and HELOC.

Home Equity Loan
• Similar to a second mortgage.
• You receive a lump sum using your equity as collateral.
• Fixed interest rates mean predictable monthly payments.
• Ideal if you need a specific amount all at once.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
• Works like a credit card but with your home as security.
• Allows flexible borrowing up to a set limit during the draw period.
• Initially, you only pay interest on the amount you borrow.
• After the draw period, you start repaying the principal and interest.
• Comes with variable interest rates so that payments can vary.

The bottom line?
• Need a large sum immediately? Consider a Home Equity Loan.
• Prefer flexible access to funds? A HELOC might be your answer.

If you're thinking about how to tap into your home equity, feel free to DM me. I can connect you with a great lender to help you find the strategy that aligns with your financial goals.

I am working on my business and making sure I have current contact info. Occasionally I send out market updates, home value estimates, seasonal tips and more. If you’d like me to keep you in the loop, message me your address 😊