Non-Toxic!Clean Cleaning

MARCH/APRIL, 2015

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February MarketReport

Get Outside!

Spring Cleaning Tipsfor Home

Homemade and EasyDIY Cleaning Products

Decorating Ideasto Bring Spring Inside

We've "sprung forward" with Daylight Saving Time, and the first day of Spring is March 20th. With Spring Break for valley schools starting March 23rd, can summer be far behind?

This month's edition focuses on spring cleaning and projects to spruce up your home. We think you'll find some helpful nuggets in these articles.

As the days get longer, we at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group and REAL Magazine wish you happy cleaning, and, as always, if you have any comments or story ideas, please email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” ~ Sitting Bull

122015 is off and running. Here's a quick look at what's happening in real estate.

February Market Stats

14A small sampling of what's availablein the Ada County home market.

Ada County Homes

18Spring is here, and there's lots to do.

Get Outside!

contents

Tips and ideasfor your spring chores.

Spring Cleaning Tips 8Fun and easy ways tobring spring indoors.

Decorating Ideas 10

4Clean cleaning forspringtime and year 'round.

Non-Toxic!

6DIY cleaning productsto make your home sparkle.

Homemade and Easy

16Priced right and available homesin Canyon County.

Canyon County Homes

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Non-Toxic! Clean Cleaning

Take a look at these tips for finding non-toxic cleaning products to keep your home spotless and your cleaning routine as natural as possible!

Part of creating a happy and comfortable home for yourself, your guests,

and your loved ones is keeping everything fresh and clean. Unfortunately, many cleaning products are packed with chemicals that are harmful to our health and to the environment.

Many consumers have made their desire for organic and non-toxic cleaning products known, and companies have started putting better products out there. Here are a few ways to keep clean up your cleaning routine:

Online and Brick-and-MortarThe website Vine Market carries a variety of products that meet certain standards, such as products that are mainly plant-based and derived from natural ingredients. Of course, you’ll still

want to evaluate these products independently to determine if you’re comfortable with the ingredients, but online resources like Vine Market are a great place to start when it comes to finding non-toxic cleaning products.

Vine has a “banned ingredients” list (which includes BPA, parabens, formaldehyde, and more), which means you won’t find these ingredients in any of the products that they carry. In addition to cleaning and household products, Vine sells organic food, too.

If you prefer shopping in person, many stores carry many “green” products for cleaning and household use.

Companies That Sell Non-Toxic Cleaning ProductsBy shopping for non-toxic cleaning

products, you’ll come across brands that you like and trust. A few companies that are striving for more “green” products include Method, Seventh Generation, and Dr. Bronner’s.

Method has a list of conventional cleaning product ingredients that they do not use in their products, as well as a “dirty fragrance” list. They use colorants that, as they explain on their website, are evaluated for safety by independent third-party companies.

Again, you must use your judgment and do your own research to determine what you’re comfortable with, but these are likely to be made of better

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ingredients than conventional cleaning products — and the company’s transparency is a positive step in the right direction.

Seventh Generation is also very transparent about the ingredients used in their products, allowing consumers to make informed choices about what cleaning products they bring into their households. They clearly spell out on their website the definitions of such terms as “plant-based,” “natural,” “synthetic,” and more, to help you evaluate the products you’re buying.

Dr. Bronner’s soaps are great products that you can feel good about using. Their soaps use ingredients that are both fair-trade and organic, and they don’t use synthetic fragrances. Their soaps are super-concentrated, environmentally friendly, and suitable for a variety of uses.

DIY: Do Your Own Research, Make Your Own ProductsWhen it comes to finding non-toxic cleaning products, it’s all about doing your research, finding companies that you trust, and figuring out what types

of ingredients you personally feel comfortable having in the products that you use in your home.

It’s important to do your own research and not just blindly believe marketing claims like the words “all-natural,” as this term is not regulated by the FDA.

In addition to finding better products, there are also a lot of ways to make your own cleaning products with ingredients like baking soda and vinegar. Read on for some ideas!

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Homemade & EasyDIY Home Cleaning Products

It's possible to keep your home sparkling with a few easy-to-make, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly products.

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Sometimes it seems there is no end to house cleaning, and while there is no clear-

cut answer for how to keep your home perfectly clean at all times, it might be surprising just how much you can do with a little baking soda and white vinegar.

Spot Cleaner for Carpet• After cleaning up any excess spill, sprinkle the carpet with baking soda or cornstarch. Let stand for 10 minutes and then vacuum.• Mix one tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon white vinegar with two cups of warm water.• Using a white cloth, blot the stain with the vinegar solution.• Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Oven Cleaner• Make a paste of baking soda and water.• Coat the oven (or just the dirty parts) with the paste and let stand overnight. Be sure to avoid the heating elements and bare metal.• Use a plastic spatula to remove the paste. (Wear rubber gloves.)• Wipe away any residue with a clean, wet sponge.

Grout Cleaners• Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white vinegar and water and generously spray the tile/grout. Let sit about five minutes.• Scrub area with a grout brush, or even a toothbrush.• Rinse with warm water.• If stains are more stubborn, mix a paste of baking soda and water and using your grout brush, work it into the grout.• Immediately follow with the vinegar spray. This should cause the baking soda paste to bubble.• Use your brush to finish cleaning.

• Rinse with warm water.• For mold or mildewed grout, hydrogen peroxide is a gem. Spray it on the stain, let sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with your grout brush. You can even mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste for a stronger clean. Apply the paste to the grout lines, wait a few minutes, scrub and then rinse with water.

Showerhead Cleaner• Carefully mix 1/3 cup baking soda with 1 cup white vinegar in a plastic bag. • Place the bag over the showerhead, submerging the head in the mixture; secure bag with rubber band or twist-tie.• Let soak for at least 3 hours.• Wipe clean.

Window Cleaner• Mix together in a spray bottle: ¼ cup vinegar, ½ tsp natural liquid soap, and 2 cups water. Shake to blend.• Spray on windows and use newspaper to rub dry & clean, avoiding the window frames (newspaper can leave dark marks on the frames).

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Get your home ready for spring with these cleaning and organizational tips and ideas.

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Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

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In addition to anticipating dining al fresco and sleeping with the windows open, spring

is also a great time to re-organize your home and simplify the clutter. Here are some tips to get you ready to ring in the spring:

De-Clutter Your ClosetWinter clothing items like thick wool sweaters and puffy down jackets take up a ton of space. These storage solutions will

ensure everything is neatly tucked away until next winter, and will free up lots of space for those breezy cotton dresses and lightweight jackets.

Say Bye-Bye to BlanketsWhile nothing beats cuddling up with a great movie on the couch on a cold winter day, you’ll likely be spending way more time

outdoors once the weather warms up. A few throw blankets can add a nice touch of style to your living room, but keeping piles of heavy blankets all over can just make the room feel messy.

Store your blankets in a stylish wicker basket - it looks decorative in your living room and allows you to keep them close by for an unseasonably cool day.

Wash Those WindowsThe winter weather can be rough on windows and glass doors. Cleaning them can make your home feel bright and airy again. Remember to wash your cloth curtains and valances, too.

Don’t Forget the Great OutdoorsSpring cleaning isn’t reserved only for the interior of your home. The exterior may even need more TLC

than the inside, since it’s been exposed to the elements for so many months.

Remove and compost any dead annual plants that stayed the winter. If you didn’t cut back your perennials in the fall, prune them once you start to see new growth at the base of the plants.

Consider hiring a service to get your yard in tip-top shape. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, look into Zamzow’s lawn program. For a relatively low price, you get all you need for a season of great-looking grass. They’ll even loan you the needed spreader. And, their products are safe for kids and pets!

Alexandra KozinskiColdwell Banker Blue Matter

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Decorating Ideas Bring Spring Inside!

You’ve done your spring cleaning, so now it’s time to bring some spring inside!

Pick Out Spring BloomsFresh-cut flowers are one of the simplest ways to banish winter and add spring cheer to your

home. Think tulips, daffodils, and irises — pick your favorite or mix and match. Arrange the flowers in a vase on your dining table, dresser, or bookcase. You can find cut flowers at pretty much any grocery store, or check out the local nurseries.

Dress Up Your Table for SpringIt’s a snap to add a splash of spring color to your dining or kitchen table. Pick a favorite hue — green, blue, yellow, or pink are particularly effective — and use it as the base for your place settings: select napkins, placemats, or a

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You don’t have to completely re-do your house to get it ready for spring. To welcome the new season, try one of these simple spring decorating ideas.

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tablecloth in the color, then use bright white tableware.

If you want to get really fancy with your spring decorating ideas, roll up cloth napkins and secure with a napkin ring, then slide a small fresh-cut flower, such as a violet, underneath the ring.

Dress Up Your DrawersNot every decoration needs to be readily visible. You can bring spring into your home by lining your dresser, cabinet, and other drawers with colorful paper. As a bonus, the paper will keep your clothing from snagging on the wood of the drawer.

One of the easiest ways to line your drawers is to use wrapping paper underneath clear contact paper. Pick out a pattern that’s right for spring, such as florals or pastel stripes or polka dots.

Cut the wrapping paper to the inner dimensions of the drawer, then place inside. Cut the contact paper so that it’s a few inches larger than the drawer bottom, then peel off the backing and carefully place on top of the wrapping paper. Smooth the sides of the contact paper onto the sides of the drawer to hold it in place. If you want to change the paper, carefully peel it off and start over again.

Once you’ve decorated the inside of your house for spring, it’s time to show off your hard work. Welcome the new season by holding a small get-together, such as a spring-themed tea or cocktail party at your house.

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The pace of sales in the first quarter of the year is often an indication of what to expect

for the balance of the year. If this turns out to be true for 2015, then we’re likely in for a very good year!

In terms of year-over-year comparisons, both Ada and Canyon counties continue to show marked improvement in home sales and prices. In fact, both counties saw increases of 20-25% in unit sales from this same month last year. Pending home sales (in escrow but not yet closed) show promise for a strong March as well.And while sales are up significantly, the inventory of homes is actually staying even or dropping at a

time of year when we typically see more sellers enter the market. This mix of static supply with increased demand will likely support increases in prices heading into the spring months.

Where we are really feeling the crunch in inventory is in the price ranges under the median sales price. For instance, right now in Ada County, the inventory between $120,000 and $200,000 is around 500 homes whereas a year ago we had 750 listings in this range. In Canyon County,

the inventory from $100,000 to $160,000 currently sits at around 350 listings, when we had around 500 listings last year at this time.

Clearly, we need more inventory to meet the demand of our market

right now. Who do you know that might be thinking of selling?

As always, real estate is most definitely local. Call or email to find out what all of this means for you in your own neighborhood.

Monthly Market Stats What’s Happening in

Treasure Valley Real Estate

We need more inventory to meet the demand of our market right now. Who do you know that might be thinking of selling?

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Ada County

Canyon County

565HOMES SOLD

FEBRUARY 2015*

$209,990MEDIAN

SALES PRICE

40AVERAGE DAYS

ON MARKET

2,107HOMES CURRENTLY

ON MARKET*

232HOMES SOLD

FEBRUARY 2015*

$136,500MEDIAN

SALES PRICE

54AVERAGE DAYS

ON MARKET

1,049HOMES CURRENTLY

ON MARKET*

* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.

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Ada County Featured Homes

2210 Winter Camp N Boise Stunning home just steps from trails in the Boise Foothills. Open kitchen with glazed cabinets, large island, full tile backsplash, & amazing pantry. The kitchen opens to the great room with wonderful gas fireplace. True mud room with floor-to-ceiling cabinets & bench. All 5 bedrooms + laundry & loft area/reading nook are upstairs. Large & open yard.

1926 S. Crimson Rose Way S BoiseTired of cookie-cutter homes? You will love this! Brand new paint inside/out, plus new carpet.. Large living room with vaulted ceilings. Wonderful large family room with gas fireplace & glass double doors. Kitchen with tons of storage & counter space. Nicely sized laundry room includes washer/dryer. Back yard is private (no back neighbors). Even a covered patio!

1959 S. Toluka Way NE BoiseAmazing views of Boise & the valley. Enjoy the best of Boise with this beautiful foothills home featuring an updated kitchen with granite counters & Brazilian cherry hardwood floors. Close access to the Greenbelt, Boise River & Table Rock trailhead just down the street. Dining room with amazing views of the city. Private yard with no back neighbor & large 3-car garage.

6090 S. Lowland View SW BoiseBeautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath with 1491 sq.ft. in great location close to schools, parks, & shopping. Vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, gas fireplace, large eating area. Big kitchen with pantry & breakfast bar. Spacious master with walk-in closet & dual sinks. Large back yard with full fencing. Covered front porch & oversized 2-car garage.

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Ada County Featured Homes

3403 S. Pasa Tiempo Pl. EagleThis lovely home sparkles! Fresh interior paint, refinished hardwood, carpets professionally cleaned, new hardware & lighting fixtures & much more! Gathering room on main floor is the perfect area for entertaining or for those cozy evenings by the fireplace OR add a bathroom to make a perfect mother-in-law suite! Incredible, in-ground pool & wonderful back yard.

4309 S. Genoard Pl. SW Meridian4 bedrooms + office/den & media/bonus room. Hardwood floors, alder cabinetry, stainless appliances, custom built-ins, extensive millwork & HUGE garage with storage. Beautiful kitchen with giant island, tons of cabinetry & mud room bench. Master boasts long soaker tub, dual vanities, beautiful tiled walk-in shower & large walk-in closet.

2120 S. Chipper Way EagleGorgeous 3 bedroom home near the golf course. East-facing back yard, front patio, large 3-car garage. 2860 sq.ft. on a lovely corner lot. Beautiful woodwork, beamed & vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplace, & lots of light. Perfect kitchen with island & breakfast bar, granite, & stainless appliances. Main-level master & upper bonus room.

345 Wrangler NE MeridianAmazing house with large, covered front porch. Wonderful kitchen with custom alder cabinets, maple floor & built-in fridge that matches the cabinets. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, & SIX walk-in closets! Large bonus room upstairs. 3-car garage with 220V, exterior holiday lighting outlets, & located across from a pocket park & just a block from Settlers' Park.

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Canyon County Featured Homes

7890 E. Bratton Dr. NE NampaBetter than new! Move-in ready & spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with upstairs bonus room plus main-level living & family rooms. Open plan, beautiful kitchen with gas range & stainless appliances. Views of the Boise Front out every rear window. Enormous 3-car garage, full sprinklers, lots of room for RV or toys. This home is super clean & neat.

510 W. Palmer Dr. S NampaYou'll love the views from the back yard! Great neighborhood, super location. 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with beautiful curb appeal & back patio & water feature. Updated master bath with separate tub & shower, large walk-in closet, & tile. Vaulted ceilings, plant shelves, tons of natural light. Split bedroom plan & freshly painted throughout.

1652 Spruce Creek Loop S NampaBeautiful 1741 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in a great neighborhood. Terrific floor plan with vaulted ceilings in living, dining, & kitchen. Sunny, open kitchen with lots of cabinets, pantry, & breakfast bar. Large dining area. Covered back patio, meticulous landscaping, 3-car garage, & nearly 1/4-acre lot.

11602 W. Freedom Dr. S NampaBeautiful 1845 sq.ft. home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, & a 3-car garage with room for your toys. Huge master suite with separate tub & shower, dual vanities & oversized closet. Cook's kitchen with baker's pantry & granite counters. Wide hallways, "Pottery Barn" coat rack, covered patio, huge front porch, lots of windows, & close to schools & shopping.

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Canyon County Featured Homes

11500 W. Graham Ave. NW NampaFabulous single level home with 4 bedrooms or 3 bedrooms with a bonus/family/office room. Beautiful corner gas fireplace with tile surround & framed with custom wood mantle. Open kitchen with breakfast bar & hardwood floors. North-facing, fully-fenced back yard with grapevines. Garage has two car deep bay on one side. RV parking behind gate on the east side.

708 Chance St. SW CaldwellFantastic home in desirable neighborhood. Vaulted ceilings in main living area, new upgraded laminate wood flooring in main living area & upgraded carpet in all bedrooms all within last 18 months. Beautiful kitchen cabinets. Master BD/Bath has 2 separate closets along with dual vanities & walk-in shower. Covered patio, fully fenced back yard.

16872 Lower Pleasant Ridge NW CaldwellFabulous horse setup! 60x48 barn/shop, 4 horse stalls, loft, shop area & more! A must-see for horse lovers! Gorgeous custom 2,632sq.ft., 4 bed, 2.5 bath with a VIEW! Home includes pellet stove, skylight, hot tub, & many beautiful upgrades. Master suite includes dual vanities, jetted tub & large walk-in closet. Great wrap-around porch with 360° views.

1133 Powder River Dr. MiddletonBeautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a large upstairs bonus room. Kitchen includes granite counters, full tile backsplash, stainless appliances & pantry. Gas fireplace in family room. Split bedroom plan. Master bath with walk-in closet, dual sinks, soaker tub & separate. shower. Fully landscaped corner lot with full vinyl fencing, auto sprinklers & covered patio.

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Things to Do

SNIP's 7th Annual "SPAY"ghetti No Balls Sunday, March 22, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Riverside Hotel Ballroom 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise snipidaho.org

Boise Garden & Flower Show March 20-22, times vary Boise Centre, 850 W. Front St., Boise gardenshowboise.com

Treefort Music Fest March 25-29 Downtown Boise See website for info on the other "forts" treefortmusicfest.com

Easter EGGstravaganza at ZooBoise Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ZooBoise, 355 Julia Davis Drive, Boise www.zooboise.org

Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor Monday, March 30, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Egyptian Theater 700 W. Main St., Boise egyptiantheatre.net

Boise Farmers’ Market Saturdays starting April 4 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 10th & Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com

Anne Frank Memorial Free Public Tour Tuesdays starting April 7 12:15-1:00 p.m. Meet at the statue, 770 S. 8th St., Boise wassmuthcenter.org

Spring Bird Walk at the Botanical Gardens Friday April 10, 7:30 a.m. Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise idahobotanicalgarden.org

Treasure Valley Kite Festival Saturday, April 18, 9:00 a.m.-noon Julius M. Kleiner Park 1900 N. Records Ave., Meridian tvkitefestival.com

Capital City Public Market Saturdays starting April 18 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m. 8th & Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com

Idaho Green Fest Saturday, April 18, all day Downtown Boise idahogreenfest.org

Nampa Farmers’ Market Saturdays starting April 25 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. 1350 Front St., Lloyd Square, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com

Get out & play!

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