Traffic Box ArtDecorates Boise

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 2014

With 4 offices to serve you,Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE

for real estate in the Treasure Valley!

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October MarketReport

Bazaar Madness!

Cooler Weather & the Holidays:Practical Tips

Gluten Free?Off-the-Charts Pumpkin Cake

Keeping Home Safe fromHidden Toxins

Happy Autumn and all that it brings!

We're thankful to each and every one of our friends and clients, and for being part of such a vibrant, beautiful valley. We treasure each opportunity to serve, to answer your questions, and to, perhaps, play a role in making real estate dreams come true.

Thanks to you, our readers, for allowing us a moment of your time. We hope you enjoy this month's REAL Magazine. And, please, if you have ideas or suggestions for stories, we'd love to hear from you.

Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com

“I am grateful for what I am and have.My thanksgiving is perpetual...O how I laugh when I think of my vague, indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession, but enjoyment.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

12Some interesting facts about theTreasure Valley real estate market.

October Market Stats

14A very small sampling of homes for sale in Ada County.

Ada County Homes

18A quick look at the myriad holiday bazaars throughout the Treasure Valley.

Bazaar Madness!

contents

Get your home ready for the cooler weatherand the holidays.

Practical Home Tips 8Keeping your indoor air

free from hidden pollutants.

Hidden Toxins 10

4What's with the decorated traffic boxesthroughout Boise?

Traffic Box Art

6Being gluten free doesn't mean doing without.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake

16Beautiful and affordable homesin Canyon County.

Canyon County Homes

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Decorating Boise with Traffic Box Art

Certainly you've seen them. Perhaps you've paused to wonder about them. Those

fun, quirky, and beautiful boxes on corners and along roadways throughout Boise are actually traffic control containers that have been wrapped with vinyl representations of paintings, quilts, collages, and mosaics produced by local artists.

As varied as they are plentiful — over 90 boxes have been wrapped to date — the normally gray utility structures are transformed into decorative, colorful art.

Begun in 2009 as a graffiti and illegal poster abatement program, the initiative has grown into the most visible outdoor gallery in Idaho. Other Idaho cities, including Nampa and Ketchum, have joined the movement, which has proved to be an ideal way for local artists to enter the public art realm.

Artists are chosen through a competitive selection process and then commissioned to create the art for a specific location. The traffic box art project is done in cooperation with the Mayor’s

Neighborhood Reinvestment Pro-gram, Capital City Development Corporation, and Boise City, who have provided funding in partnership with Neighborhood Associations and the Downtown Boise Association. Ada County Highway District, which owns the boxes, cleans the boxes prior to wrapping and assists with maintenance.

For more information and for a walking tour map, please visit the Boise City Department of Arts and History website.

What started as a graffiti abatement program is now the most visible outdoor gallery in Idaho.

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1. Sandra Shaw, 8th & Myrtle2. Kurt Zwolfer, Hill & 36th3. Erin Cunningham, Curtis & Cassia4. Meredith Hoffman, 6th & State5. Tarmo Watia, 8th & Idaho3

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The holidays — and their accompanying sweets — can be disappointing for those with gluten intolerances. Fortunately, there are some delicious options nowadays.

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Pumpkin Spice Cake Delicious AND Gluten Free

Ingredients

3 large eggs2 c. light brown sugar, not packed1/2 c. light olive oil1 15-oz. can pumpkin pie mix2 tsp. real vanilla extract2 c. gluten-free flour/baking mix1 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. baking soda1/2 tsp. salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF

Grease (or use cooking spray) either 13x9 cake pan or bundt pan

Beat eggs in large mixing bowl until light and frothy. Add the brown sugar and beat until smooth. Add the oil, pumpkin pie mix, and vanilla; beat to combine.

Mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, and then add it a little at a time to the wet mixture and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is firm and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool. (If baking in a bundt pan, cool for a couple of minutes and turn out onto platter.)

Maple Frosting

Ingredients

8 oz. softened cream cheese3-4 Tbsp. softened butter3-4 Tbsp. maple syrup1-1/2 tsp. real vanilla extract3 c. gluten-free powdered sugarFood coloring (optional)

Directions

Combine cream cheese and butter, and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and 3 Tbsp. of the syrup, beat. Add in the powdered sugar a Tbsp. at a time, and beat until smooth. Add more syrup and powdered sugar as needed. Add food coloring if desired. When cake is cool, frost and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Don't let a gluten allergy keep you from enjoying all the treats of the season!

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Prep your home for the holidays and cooler weather with this list of home to-dos that you'll be especially thankful for.

Practical Tips for Cooler Weather

This month, we’re especially thankful for home. Home is where the family comes

together, where we’re protected from the elements, and where love abounds.

The following list will make sure your home is ready for the holidays, prepared for colder weather, and loved inside and out.

1. Winterize your home.November is the time when we can no longer deny that the colder weather has settled in. Now is the time to winterize summer tools and appliances like air conditioner units, grills and lawn mowers. Bring garden hoses indoors and check your windows and doors for drafts.

2. Make a Turkey Game Plan.No coach would head to a big game without a game plan up his sleeve. Likewise, no chef should hit the kitchen without thinking through the menu and timeline first. Determine what menu items you can make ahead, decide what responsibilities you can delegate,

Victoria LeeColdwell Banker Blue Matter

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and take an inventory of your pantry and china cabinet. Oh, and now’s the time to clean that oven, too.

3. Polish the Silver and Dust off the China. Thanksgiving is a special meal, which deserves the best of your entertaining arsenal. Because we don’t often use our special dishes year round, it’s smart to give them a good deep clean and polish before setting the table on Turkey Day.

4. Give your living room a refresh. With the holidays ahead, your living room is sure to get plenty of use. Give the space a refresh by changing out the window treatments for a new look.

5. Use some pest control.Rodents and other pests are opportunistic and seek warmer environments when the tempera-tures drop. Be sure that they don’t call your house their home by

implementing these 5 surefire tricks to pest control.

6. Clear out the gutters.Avoid drainage problems and damage to your home’s foundation by clearing out the gutters before snow and ice wreaks havoc. Here is an easy how-to guide to cleaning rain gutters on your home.

7. Be ready for snow.Before the first winter storm, it’s a good idea to make sure your snow shovels and/or snow blower are in proper working order. Ready to invest in a snow blower? Here is a buying guide from Home Depot that will help you make an educated purchase.

8. Start tackling the December to do list.The holiday to do list is notoriously the longest of the year. Get a head

start by ordering your holiday cards, updating your address book, and making a gift wish list for each of your family members NOW. You can even start stringing twinkle lights on your shrubbery before the deep chill sets in. After all, the most important part of the holidays is taking the time to enjoy our family and friends.

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Hidden Toxins Cleaning the Air in Your Home Cooler weather for many of us means more time indoors. Make sure your home's air is as clean as possible with these three helpful tips.

According to the EPA, indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

If we really do spend 90 percent of our time indoors, this alarming statistic is something to seriously consider.

Here are three household items you might have overlooked that are contributing to the toxins in your home, along with some natural ways to offset indoor home pollutants.

Candles & Incense – Most of us never think about candles as a potential toxin. Yet unless you’re purchasing beeswax candles, you’re doing more than just adding a fresh scent to the room — you’re adding toxic chemicals.

The same goes for incense. Think about trading in your conventional

candles for 100-percent beeswax candles with cotton wicks and switching over to grandma’s tried-and-true natural method of aromatherapy – simmering a stick of cinnamon and orange peels on the stove.

Home Printers – Here is another petroleum-based product like the candles creating havoc in your home. Ink cartridges emit air-polluting VOCs, or volatile organic compounds.

Switching to soy or vegetable based inks would be the solution here, but there are limitations on what’s available in the form of remanufactured cartridges. If you have a HP or Canon home printer, you’re in luck – well, sort of. There are companies out there who sell toners for certain HP and Canon models like Inkpal. Unfortunately

if you have an Epson home printer there doesn’t appear to be any company who is providing an alternative soy ink option.

Cooking Oils – This one gets a little complicated, but the key take away is that cooking with oils at a high heat produces Acrolein. According to Berkeley Lab, Acrolein is a genotoxic tissue irritant that was used as a nerve agent in World War I and is in the same family of chemicals as formaldehyde.

Some research has shown the most problematic oils to be the ones with a low smoking point: rapeseed, soybean, peanut, and lard. ChowHound recommends using grapeseed oil for everyday use, as well as olive oil and safflower oil.

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As expected this time of year, the inventory of available homes for sale in both Ada

and Canyon County continues to drop. We expect to see lower n u m b e r s of listings for sale t h r o u g h the first of the year.

However, sales activity in Ada County was stronger last month as compared to the same month in 2013. It’s not uncommon for our market to see a mini-surge in sales activity this time of year.

One of the biggest myths in real estate is that the holidays are a “bad time” to list and sell a home. In fact, the odds are actually HIGHER of achieving the sale of

your home during the months of November and December versus January and February. This is because the inventory drops, while sales units remain

constant until the first of the year.

A higher percentage of the inventory will sell during the holiday months as compared to the first quarter of the year. In real

numbers, 21% more of the market will turn over in December than in January.

This means there is no reason to “wait until after Christmas” to make a move, and, in fact, the stats show it is better to list and sell NOW rather than in a few months. Don’t fall into the same trap that other would-be home-sellers do!

Just like the changing seasonal weather, real estate is most definitely local. Call or email to find out what all of this means for you in your own neighborhood and market.

Monthly Market Stats What’s Happening in

Treasure Valley Real Estate

Stats show it is better to list and sell NOW rather than waiting until after the holidays.

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Ada County

Canyon County

672HOMES SOLD

OCTOBER 2014

$208,000MEDIAN

SALES PRICE

36AVERAGE DAYS

ON MARKET

2,570HOMES CURRENTLY

ON MARKET

310HOMES SOLD

OCTOBER 2014

$131,500MEDIAN

SALES PRICE

42AVERAGE DAYS

ON MARKET

1,382HOMES CURRENTLY

ON MARKET

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Ada County Featured Homes

3077 Old Hickory Way NE Boise Better than new, this home is stunning! Elegant entry leads into the great room, which is perfectly appointed. Cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors & gas fireplace create a sense of warmth & comfort. The large windows allow you to enjoy the views. Kitchen is a chef’s dream with a large center island, SS appliances & custom alder cabinets. Master has a separate sitting/nursery/office area.

11077 Napia St. SW BoiseMove in ready! Super clean with great outdoor space! The back yard is virtually maintenance free & includes a covered patio, an outdoor fireplace & multiple seating areas for entertaining. The kitchen has gorgeous slab granite, SS appliances, pantry & hardwood floors. The spacious master includes a walk-in tile shower, dual vanities & walk-in closet.

7948 Snow Bird SE BoiseBrand new & beautiful! Incredible kitchen with quartz stone countertops, custom cabinets, white oak trim, whirlpool appliances, gas cooktop & undermount sink. Master suite boasts walk-in tile shower & tile flooring + separate soaker. Bonus room can also be converted to another bedroom. Large windows flood home with natural light. Low maintenance yard for the busy lifestyle.

6079 Rising Sun Way SW BoiseOpen and spacious floor plan. Classy elegance and features abound in this great home. The surrounding homes & area are superb. All bedrooms are large and usable with ample storage space for all household items. This is not your typical cookie cutter home. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1786 sq.ft. Professionally cleaned & ready for you!

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Ada County Featured Homes

7985 Rafael SW BoiseThis is an amazing 6 bed, 4.5 bath home boasting so many features. Gourmet kitchen has granite counter tops, hardwood flooring, skylights, corner pantry, & island. Master features large walk-in closet, separate tub & shower, dual vanities. Huge rec room in daylight basement walks out to covered patio with gorgeous views of the Owyhee Mountains.

3336 N. Bunchberry Way W BoiseJust in time for the holiday season! Desirable Bayhill Springs neighborhood. This roomy design of approximately 3,000 sqft offers space for all. Main level owner’s suite & open great room with adjacent kitchen area. Abundance of cabinetry & counter space, ideal for cooking & baking opportunities. Casual or formal dining available. Gas fireplace for warm ambiance.

5048 N. Lawsonia W Central BoiseGorgeous home! Light & bright with high-end windows. Fresh paint inside. Fabulous park-like setting in cul-de-sac with east-facing back yard, custom shed, dog run & peaceful water feature. Remodeled kitchen with slab granite, custom cabinet lighting, double ovens. Large covered patio, perfect for entertaining. Hardwood floors. Great room with built-ins & gas fireplace.

7637 S. McIntock SW MeridianOver one acre designed for multiple uses, in-cluding an in-ground, solar-heated & self-cleaning pool. Park-like, manicured yard. 2772 sqft + 400 sqft sunroom. Fantastic floor plan with possible 2 home offices. Hand-shined hardwood floors, central vac, gas fireplace, up-graded molding. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3-car garage.

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Canyon County Featured Homes

1300 W. Georgia Ct. S NampaBeautiful 5 bedroom, 4 bath home, 3-car garage & RV parking at end of cul-de-sac. Gorgeous home has brand new carpet, vinyl, paint, smooth-top range, dishwasher & even a new kitchen sink! There are 2 master bedrooms. Living room with fireplace & separate family room. Large back yard backs to a huge common lawn & no back neighbors.

1520 W. Bird Loop S NampaThis house is cute as a bug & move in ready! Freshly painted inside & out with some new windows, patio doors & flooring too. Nice neighborhood & lot with a shady willow in the front, plus a deck & storage shed in the back. It also has full sprinklers. Appliances are included too! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1193 sq.ft., and a 2-car garage.

1020 W. Odessa Ct. S NampaBrand new carpet and beautiful hard surface floors throughout! New interior paint & dishwasher. Clean, wonderfully maintained & move-in ready. Home features vaulted ceilings, breakfast bar, two living spaces, walk-in closet, camera system, concrete patio and nice sized yard (on irrigation $180/year) on a corner lot. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1310 sq.ft.

11640 W. McGraw Dr. NW NampaWell maintained home in desirable Nampa neighborhood close to everything! Fresh exterior paint. Furnace & AC were replaced June '12. Popular split bedroom plan w/upper bonus room & over sized 2 car garage. Fully fenced yard with room for small RV on the side of the house & garden space. Neat, clean & move-in ready. All that is missing is you!

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Canyon County Featured Homes

8090 Waterside Ave. NE NampaImmaculate & well maintained single level in popular Brandts Landing. New upgrades including interior & exterior paint, concrete curbing, fencing & gas furnace. Beautiful landscaping with mature trees, abundant roses & flowers, & full sprinklers. Enjoy covered patio perfect for entertaining. Spacious private back yard.

14240 Pearl Pointe Dr. SW CaldwellWarm & inviting open spaces welcome you into this home & are accented by beautifully done, new laminate flooring on main floor & in mas-ter bedroom. The fireplace in the family room brings warmth & comfort. Kitchen has tile floor & ample space for your culinary needs. Upstairs, the master suite is sure to entice & the media room is a great place for movie night.

18045 Angelina Ct. SW CaldwellShop and mother-in-law or guest quarters! The guest quarters have 700 sq.ft. & are separate from the house & fully self-contained. The shop is 1800 sq.ft. with insulated walls & ceiling. The garage to main house is 1092 sq.ft. & fully fin-ished. Soaker tub in master bedroom suite. Mis-sion wood styling throughout. Huge covered patio, fully fenced and landscaped.

15350 Cupid Dr. SW CaldwellThis home has it all! 4229 sq.ft., 4 beds, 3 baths, hardwood floors, custom cabinets & millwork, slab granite, kitchen island, breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, formal living & dining rooms, large family room, stunning master with huge bath, walk-in shower, soaker tub, his/her walk-in & closets. Gigantic bonus room, fully fenced yard with beautiful pool & patio.

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Holiday Bazaars Creative Gifts for One and All!

All Saints Episcopal Church Bazaar Nov 21, 9-5; Nov 22, 9-4 704 S. Latah St., Boise Info: 208-724-7535

Meridian Medical Arts Charter School Nov 22, 10-3 1789 E. Heritage Park Lane, Meridian Info: 208-855-4075

Holiday Crafts & Baked Potato Lunch Nov 22, 9-4; lunch 11:30-2 ($5) Middleton United Methodist Church 104 E. Main St., Middleton Info: 208-869-5641

Risen Christ Catholic Community Bazaar Nov 22, 9-4 Risen Christ Catholic Church 11511 Lake Hazel Rd., Boise

Eagle Holiday Festival & Craft Market Nov 22, 9-5 Eagle Nazarene Church 1001 W. State, Eagle Info: 208-353-5766

Meridian Friends Church Bazaar Nov 22, 9-2 Meridian Friends Church 1021 W. Pine Ave., Meridian Info: 208-284-2784

St. Mark's CCW Noel Boutique Nov 22, 10-5; Nov 23, 8-1 7960 Northview, Boise Info: 208-371-4418

Meridian City Hall Bazaar Dec 4, 9-4 33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian Info: 208-489-0531 Star's Christmas Extravaganza Dec 5, 10-8; Dec 6, 12-6 LifeSpring Christian Center 174 N. Star Rd., Star Info: 208-908-5476

Christmas Faire & Art Festival Dec 5-7, 10-4 Five Mile Plaza 10378 W. Overland Rd., Boise Info: 208-249-1549

Hip Holiday Craft at Flying M Dec 6, 9-4 1314 2nd St. S., Nampa Info: 208-467-5533

St. Mary's Christmas Market Dec 6, 10-6:30; Dec 7, 9-1 2620 W. State St., Boise Info: 208-342-7476

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