Home Prices Decline from Last Month but Remain Higher Year-Over-Year:
The median home price in Bonneville County was $395,000 in February 2025, reflecting a 6.8% increase from February 2024 but a 5.1% decline from January 2025. This suggests a slight market correction after recent price growth.

Home Sales Increase from January but Drop Compared to Last Year:
A total of 101 homes were sold in February 2025, marking a 36.3% increase from January, indicating stronger buyer activity. However, this is still 13.8% lower than February 2024, showing a slower market compared to last year.

Inventory Continues to Grow:
The number of active residential listings rose to 353, a 50.4% increase from last year and a 4% increase from January. This suggests that more sellers are entering the market, giving buyers more options.

Homes Taking Longer to Sell:
The median days on market increased to 51 days, up 2% from last year and 14.7% from January, indicating that homes are staying on the market longer as inventory grows.

To view the Southeast Idaho homes currently for sale, click here.

Home Prices Continue to Rise:

The median sales price of homes in Bonneville County increased to $415,500, marking a 21.6% rise compared to January 2024. Additionally, home prices increased 7.2% from the previous month, showing strong price growth in the local market.

Decline in Residential Sales:

A total of 70 homes were sold in January 2025, which represents a 20.5% decrease from the same time last year, when 86 homes were sold. Additionally, this is a 29.3% drop from the prior month, indicating a slowdown in home purchases at the beginning of the year.

Homes Selling Faster than Last Year:

The median number of days a home stayed on the market before selling was 44 days, which is a 10.8% decrease from January 2024. However, this is a 22.8% increase from the previous month, suggesting that while homes are selling faster than last year, there may have been a temporary slowdown compared to December 2024.

Inventory Levels Show Significant Growth:

The total number of active residential listings in Bonneville County reached 339, representing a 45.2% increase from the previous year. This suggests that more homeowners are listing their properties for sale. However, inventory saw a slight 2.9% decrease from the previous month, indicating a marginal dip in available homes.

To view the Southeast Idaho homes currently for sale, click here.

Savvy Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

GUSTAVO GONZALEZ, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC

Whether you plan to be in your home for just a few more months or many more years, there are plenty of efficient ways to maximize your space and increase its value. This type of investment needn't require a loan, nor does it have to span any great length of time. From green living to greenery in your yard, here are a few impactful and straightforward means of boosting your home's value and appeal over the short or long term.

A Smart Move
Green is the new black. Any form of energy efficiencies and conservation in your home will inevitably be a fiscal gain. Whether you install energy-saving window treatments or solar panels, both options can reduce utility expenses for you and any future inhabitants. When it comes time to replace appliances, a prudent decision would be to select a "smart" model of said item, which can significantly lower long-term energy costs.

While on the topic of efficiency, a wise investment would be installing "smart" devices throughout your property. Think digital features such as automated blinds or shades, security cameras, door locks, security lighting and thermostats. When you're ready to sell, the smart tech will appeal to buyers with a penchant for the added value of convenience and connectivity.

Wide Open Spaces
Create visual space in rooms by keeping them clutter-free and organized, which can be solved by simply installing a stylish shelving unit to keep extraneous items out of sight. Seek the help of a professional organizer who will be bursting with innovative ideas to optimize the storage areas in your dwelling.

Another way to increase square footage without a renovation is to let the sunshine in! Avoid heavy drapes and instead, use modern window treatments that add height such as roller, Roman or cellular shades. Similarly, you can position a decorative floor-to-ceiling mirror in any room to visually double your space.

From the Bottom Up
Explore the possibility of replacing the flooring in a few key spaces. A unique, beautiful, and buzzworthy material is cork, which is also known to have antibacterial properties. If you opt for new surfaces under your feet, consider installing radiant heating simultaneously. These systems not only add optimum comfort but are also aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.

Make an impact through your lighting choices. Utilize contemporary or dramatic fixtures to complement each room. Whether you choose minimal or eye-catching designs – the right piece in the optimal locale can add intrigue and substance to your residence.

Kick It Up a Notch
Significant updates to your kitchen and bathroom are sure to boost value. Modern appliances and updated décor increase appeal to buyers, so consider a new backsplash or that roomy farmhouse-style sink you've been eyeing. Think one step further and install a water filtration system to add practicality and luxury to your dwelling. Additional elements like stylish sconces, a new vanity or a vintage mirror can elevate functionality and increase allure.

It's Only Natural
Consider your front and back yard. If there is an area that would benefit from some striking landscaping or creative plantings, explore your options, or consult with a professional landscape architect or designer. Executed well, a garden or other natural elements in your yard can become lovely extensions of your home's indoor atmosphere.

When you look around, there are many ways to enhance the comfort and appeal of your property that will serve you well as a resident – and add value one day when you're ready to sell.

Gustavo Gonzalez is the Senior Manager, Content & Multimedia at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. In his role he manages content strategy and execution across several platforms. He's held other roles within the Marketing Department ranging from Previews & Product Development to the day-to-day management of the coldwellbanker.com redesign. Besides being a marketer, Gustavo is a filmmaker, musician, and writer.

Clear the Air

Winter's cold likely means you've kept your doors and windows closed tight, creating the opportunity for stale air and not-so-fresh smells. Scented candles and air fresheners can only go so far and will likely cover the odor, rather than eliminate it – plus, depending on what you are using, you might be adding toxins, a trade not worth making.

These tips will help you clear the air.

• Eliminate the Source
  Did a piece of food slip under the fridge or fall behind the trash can under your sink? Perhaps you missed a spot your new puppy visited. Identifying the source is your first step in getting rid of an unwelcome smell.
  
  
• Clean the Dishwasher
  To clean and freshen the dishwasher, place a cup filled with white vinegar on the top rack, and run the cycle as normal without any other dishes in the dishwasher. This will eliminate many of the smells.

• Check the Drains
  Sometimes food can get stuck in the drains in your kitchen sink, where it turns rancid and starts to stink. If you have a garbage disposal, you can deodorize it by placing some slices of lemon or orange in it, turning on the water and running the disposal. If that doesn't work, send some mouthwash down it, or try some white vinegar.

If your seldom-used guest bath smells, it could be due to water not being run through the pipes for a time. Water can sit in the p-trap and get mildewy, causing a rotten odor. Run hot water in both tub and sink for 30 seconds to a minute to move the old water through. Deodorize further by sending a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain. If the odor persists, you might need to call in a professional to check the roof vents to make sure they aren't clogged.

• Clean the Carpets
  Since it's winter, you may not want to have your carpets shampooed. But, if they are the source of the smell, you'll want to deal with it. Start by sprinkling baking soda, and letting it sit in place for about an hour. Then vacuum thoroughly. The baking soda will pull out some of the odors.
  
  
• Kill Urine Smells with Vinegar
  The acidity of the vinegar will help it to kill the smell of urine, as well as bacteria. If you've had some accidents from pets on the carpet, mix one part vinegar and three parts water. Rub the mixture into the carpet with a cloth, rinse, and allow to air dry. This will help neutralize the odor without covering it with cleaning chemicals.

Now, let's talk toxins.

Most of us never think about candles as a potential toxin, but unless you are burning 100% beeswax candles, which are actually natural cleaners, you could be adding toxic chemicals to the air. The same goes for incense. Think about ditching your traditional methods for beeswax candles (with cotton wicks) and grandma's tried and true natural method of aromatherapy: simmering a stick of cinnamon and slices of orange on the stove.

For more suggestions, take a look at these tips from Seventh Generation. Oftentimes, simpler methods from the past are still the best!

Tips to Cure the Winter Blues

For a lot of people, January is the longest month. The hustle of the holidays is over. Visiting family and friends have returned home. The weather is, well, blah, especially for non-skiers/snowboarders, and it can seem dark. All. The. Time.

You can lift your spirits by employing a few little tricks:

Add a bouquet of fresh flowers to your dining table. Pick up some flowers in your favorite colors to adorn your dining room.

Light summer-scented candles. Scents such as coconut, lemon, tangerine, or light florals will boost your mood by reminding you that warmer weather will be here again soon.

Bring in some daylight. Daylight LED light bulbs mimic the natural light of the sun. With more of a blue light, these bulbs better mirror actual daylight.

Host a Hawaiian-themed party. Ask your guests to wear their brightest "Aloha" shirts and come ready to shine.

• Order your supplies or check your local party supply store:
  • Colorful sunglasses
  • Leis
  • Cocktail toothpicks & drink umbrellas
  • Paper plates, cups, & napkins
• Keep your menu simple
  • For drinks, make it easy by serving homemade lemonade, both hard and non-alcoholic. See our blog post with great recipes from last summer HERE. Garnish with a lemon slice and a strawberry or two along with a colorful umbrella.
  • Make easy fruit kebabs with green and red grapes, blueberries, tangerine sections, pineapple chunks, and kiwi slices.
  • Speaking of kebabs, one of our favorite recipes is for baked Hawaiian chicken kebabs that take only 40 minutes from start to table. And you can do them in the oven! Get the recipe HERE.
  • Add some basmati or jasmine rice and a nice green salad with a light dressing, and you're good to go.
• Music
  • Beach Boys, of course!

Fire up the BBQ. Not feeling the Hawaiian theme? Light the grill and cook up some burgers and dogs. Pair them with some potato salad and maybe some chips and salsa, and you'll be feeling the summertime vibe in no time.

Before you light your BBQ, make sure to remove all the snow and ice from around the grill and give it plenty of time to preheat. Grilling in colder weather takes longer, so keep the lid closed, and plan accordingly.

Don't let the winter blues take away your summertime joy. Recreate it until it's here again for real.

New Year's Resolution Tips for Your Home

With 2022 almost behind us, it's a good time to reflect upon the year, your wins, losses, and any lessons learned. Every new year brings with it possibilities to improve. ­

Most people vow to exercise, save money, or spend more time with family. Few people remember to set goals to get their homes in shape. Let's look at some New Year's resolutions you can set for your home and how you can go about bringing them to fruition.

• Declutter and Streamline
  Why wait for spring to declutter? Decluttering is one of the best ways to start the new year. And the best part is you get to feel instantly better about your home. Plus, a decluttered home is so much easier to look after and maintain. Decluttering an entire home is a big job. The best way to tackle the task is going room by room. Contrary to popular beliefs, you don't have to start with the hardest areas. Heading straight into the attic or garage could dissuade all your clean-up efforts. Once you're done decluttering your home, you can declutter other aspects of your life, too, like your digital life and your mind.

• Reduce Your Energy Use
  Here's a resolution that helps you reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Installing a solar water heating system isn't the only way you can go green. Small things like switching traditional light bulbs with LEDs and getting a smart thermostat could drive your electricity costs down while helping conserve the environment.
  
  ​​​​​​​Changing your energy consumption habits could also lower your utility costs. Some practices that could help you trim your energy use include:
  • Switching off your appliances when they're not in use
  • Reducing appliance and water use whenever possible
  • Utilizing natural light
  • Buying appliances with a good energy rating
  • Recycling properly

• Conduct a Safety Check
  Your house may be beautiful, but is it safe? Make a habit of regularly checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing the batteries. Repair and replace loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices and have an expert inspect your electrical system for any faults. If you have a pet, you should consider pet-proofing your home. Pets cause over 1,000 house fires each year. Pet proofing will protect your beloved furry friends as well as your home.

• Improve Ventilation
  Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory conditions and diseases. Use your HVAC system as the first line of defense, and make sure to regularly change your furnace and AC filters. Plus, ensure your kitchen has enough ventilation to get rid of smoke and cooking fumes.

• Invest in Home Improvement Projects
  Home makeover ideas don't have to involve knocking down a wall or adding square footage. DIY projects are a fun and creative way to spend time with your family and make memories, all while transforming your house into the haven you've always desired.

Really!

Believe it or not, fruitcake is a well-loved dessert known throughout the world. It is only in the United States that this cake is the butt of jokes, probably because they were, at one time, mass-produced for mail order and tended to be dry and of questionable age. Some say the ridicule can be traced to Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, but research shows "fruitcake trashing" occurred much earlier in the 20th century.

Though celebrated by some as the delicious tradition it is intended to be (National Fruitcake Day is December 27), others applaud this dense loaf laced with fruit and nuts only when it is flying through the air on National Fruitcake Toss Day, January 3 (or the 7^th, depending on which website you visit).

Historically speaking, some believe that ancient Egyptians sent fruitcake to the afterlife with their deceased loved ones. We do know that they did not become common, though, until Roman times, when pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and barley mash were mixed together.

Preserved fruit, spices, and honey were added during the Middle Ages. Sugar became a main ingredient in the 1500s in the American Colonies, and alcohol was widely used starting in the 1800s. Somewhere along the way, nuts became a staple, as well.

Today, fruitcake is served year 'round in Australia, but is generally enjoyed as a Christmas cake across Europe, India, and parts of the Caribbean.

So, will you buck the trend in the U.S. and give this recipe a try? If you don't like it, you can always save it for January 3!

No-Bake Graham Cracker Fruitcake

3/4 c. sweetened condensed milk

3 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 c. orange juice

1 box + 1 inner seal pkg graham crackers

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1 c. raisins

1 c. dates, chopped

1 c. nuts, chopped

16 oz. assorted candied fruit, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Combine milk, marshmallows, & orange juice in large bowl. Let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows soften & dissolve slightly. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs & mix with spices. Add fruits & nuts, stir. Slowly add liquid mixture and stir by hand until well combined.

Press fruitcake into non-stick, lightly greased, or waxed-paper-lined bread pan or mold, cover with plastic wrap, and then with foil. Refrigerate for 2-3 days for flavors to combine. Slice & enjoy.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

Instead of the listed fruit, experiment with craisins, dried apples, peaches, mangoes, blueberries, and/or strawberries, or get crazy and use gumdrops, gummy bears, gummy worms, and/or chocolate chips. If you use dried fruit, soak it in additional orange juice (or brandy) in a glass or ceramic bowl (not metal) a few hours or overnight to soften.

Decorate Safely This Holiday Season

Delta Media Group

Decorating for the holidays is one of the fun perks of being a homeowner, because your whole property becomes a blank canvas. Decorating is a great opportunity to get in the spirit of the season, show off your sense of style, and get your kids (even more) excited for the holidays. No matter how you choose to decorate your home this holiday season, just remember that it's also important to keep home safety in mind as you deck the halls. We've put together 5 decorating tips to help keep your home safe, without cramping your holiday decorating style.

1. Check It Twice – Holiday lights are among the most popular decorations, and for good reason! They're bright, beautiful, and can transform the look of your entire property. Before you start stringing up those lights, however, be sure to check for any signs of wear. If there are broken lights or exposed wires, it's time to purchase some new outdoor holiday lights. Remember that outdoor lights are exposed to the elements, so even minimal signs of wear can pose a risk.  Bonus Tip: If you're in the market for new lights, try LED lighting rather than incandescent bulbs. LED lights are more energy efficient, burn cooler than incandescent bulbs, and come in just about any color you can imagine.

2. Don't Overload Outlets – Overloading a single outlet is a fire risk, even if you're plugging in new, energy efficient decorations. Avoiding tangled wires is also good for holiday decorating safety, and it's easier to do when you use multiple outlets. Always plug decorations into outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, which are designed to shut down the circuit automatically if certain signs of electrical danger are detected.

3. Indoor/Outdoor – That giant, inflatable Santa Claus won't fit in your living room, so it's probably a safe bet that he can be used outside. But not every decoration makes the distinction so clear. For any decorations that rely on electricity, always check whether they're rated for outdoor use before you plug them in outside. This is a great step to take care of while you're shopping for decorations, as the necessary info should be available right on the packaging.

4. Rooftop and Ladder Safety – For many homeowners, the holiday season is one of the few times each year when we take our ladders out of long-term storage and venture onto our rooftops. Stay safe by taking your time, having a plan, and wearing sturdy boots (or sneakers) with strong treads. If you do plan on climbing on your roof or using a ladder to decorate, never do so alone. Make sure there's someone on the ground to "spot" you and aid if you run into trouble.

5. Clean Gutters – Since you're likely to be spending time up there anyway, it's a great idea to clean your gutters before stringing up any holiday lights. Dried leaves and plant matter in gutters can serve as kindling when a faulty wire leaks electricity. As a bonus, keeping your gutters clean is a great way to lower your risk of water-related roof damage throughout the year.

The biggest thing to remember for holiday decorating home safety is that electricity can be dangerous, especially if you're using older decorations. Check any decorations for signs of wear before putting them up, make sure that any decorations you wish to use outside are rated for outdoor use, and keep your gutters clean to reduce fire risk. And of course, don't forget to have fun!

BEST-EVER PUMPKIN SOUP 

'Tis the season to warm your body and soul with hearty comfort foods. Nothing says autumn more than a pot of wonderful, homemade soup simmering on the stove. Give this seasonal favorite a try. Pumpkin isn't just for lattes!  We think you're bound to love this soup. 

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 small onion, chopped
• ½ tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp. freshly ground ginger
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 pieces cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
• Roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
• Chopped green onion (optional)

In large pot, combine the first 8 ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Using a food processor or blender, puree soup in small batches. Return soup to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Pour into bowls and garnish with as many toppings as desired.

Home Renovations That Offer the Best ROI for Resale

The following is a guest post by GUSTAVO GONZALEZ, Senior Manager of Content and Multimedia at Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC

Looking to make some upgrades and wondering which will have the biggest payoff? If you guessed kitchen and bathrooms, you're spot on. Another good one is landscaping. Whether they're big or small, a few upgrades can pay big dividends when it's time to sell your home. Follow these tips to prioritize and put more money in your pocket when you're ready to sell.

Before you do anything, make sure you consider the value of your house, the neighborhood, the housing market where you live, and how soon you will sell after you make the improvements. If you live in a neighborhood where properties are selling for $300,000, doing a $150,000 renovation may not add as much to your property value as you might think.

Kitchens and Baths
One thing to keep in mind is that just because a remodel is expensive doesn't necessarily mean it will give you the best return on investment. Even minor updates can yield a big return. Consider painting, refinishing surfaces, and upgrading appliances, which can lead to a big payout.

Sticking to a budget is always important, and keep in mind that an average, medium-sized kitchen remodel can cost between $20,000 – $50,000, while the average bathroom remodel is $10,000. In most cases, homeowners see a return of 100% or more with a kitchen or bath remodel, so it's definitely worth the investment. Plus, you get to live in a beautiful new space.

A Finished Basement
If finishing your basement is something you've been putting off, now might be the perfect time. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, "The average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. Besides the financial gains, refinishing a basement will add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage, and more space for entertaining." Seems like a sure-fire win, win.

Add Curb Appeal
When buyers see that the outside of the property is taken care of, they'll be more excited to see the inside. Remember, first impressions make lasting impressions. According to Anji, "Curb appeal can increase your home value by 7%. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing outdoor living spaces and an attractive lawn has the biggest ROI at 256%. Trees can add $1,000 to $10,000 to your home value and simple landscape maintenance tasks usually pay for themselves."

Whether you're in the market to sell your home or just want to make some budget-friendly renovations that you and your family can enjoy, making the right upgrades can help enhance your quality of life and add a few more dollars to your bank account down the road.

It's Time to Get Ready for Fall

Delta Media Group

Fall is the perfect time of the year to do seasonal maintenance to keep your home running smoothly. Checking these items off your must-do list now will save you money and frustration later.

1. Seal the leaks.
   Check around windows and doors for cracks that leak air. According to the U.S. Department of Energy Research, leaks can increase your heating bill by up to 10 percent. Seal the leaks with caulk or weather stripping as needed.
   
   
2. Schedule heating equipment inspections.
   Call an HVAC professional to give your furnace an annual cleaning and tune-up. Doing this can increase the efficiency and safety of your furnace.
   
   
3. Test the generator.
   Instead of waiting for the winter's first power outage, take your emergency generator for a test run now. Make sure you have extra fuel stored away.
   
   
4. Inspect your home's exterior.
   A damaged exterior lets in water and pests. Check your siding for cracks, curling, dents, looseness, bowing, and decay. Make sure your masonry veneer isn't cracking or flaking, and your stucco is free from cracks.
   
   
5. Clean the gutters.
   Although it's among the most common home maintenance tips, this one has greater benefits than you might imagine. Blocked gutters can cause leaks on your roof and in your basement as well as damage your exterior. Scoop leaves, dirt, and other debris from the gutters then spray them clean. As you clean, check for leaks and rust. Make sure your downspouts are directed away from your home.
   
   
6. Check your roof.
   Damage to your roof puts your home at risk for leaks. Use binoculars or climb onto the roof to inspect for missing, damaged, curled, or loose shingles. Look the ridge shingles over for wind damage. The metal flashing in the roof valleys and around protrusions such as vents should be free from curling and damage.
   
   
7. Inspect your walkways.
   Damaged driveways, sidewalks, and steps worsen when exposed to freezing temperatures and pose a hazard in icy conditions. Repair cracks wider than 1/8th inch, smooth uneven areas, and tighten loose railings.
   
   
8. Prevent frozen pipes.
   Adding insulation to pipes in unheated areas is one of those simple home maintenance tips that can save you a lot of trouble and expense. Outdoors, put your garden hoses in storage and, if your outdoor faucets aren't frost-free, turn off your outdoor water supply and drain the faucets. Drain your irrigation system to prevent burst pipes and damaged sprinkler heads.
   
   
9. Measure your foundation drainage.
   The ground around your foundation should slope away from your home at an angle of 6 inches down over 10 feet. This protects your foundation from water damage.
   
   
10. Get the lawn and garden ready.
    If you spot any tree limbs that could fall or hit power lines during a windstorm, cut them back. Also, trim shrubbery and perennials as recommended for the species. Rake up leaves and either compost them or use them as mulch. Alternatively, check if your city offers a removal service.

Curb Appeal Tips for Fall

Delta Media Group

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling your house.  When a potential home buyer drives by your home, what will they see?  The outside of your home should serve as a preview for the inside of your home.

"WOW" home buyers from the curb with these tips perfect for the fall. 

1. Spruce up your lawn
   Brilliant fall foliage can automatically "sell" your home for showings, but that doesn't mean you should forget about raking the leaves and mowing.  Keep those leaves raked and give your lawn the TLC it needs to look great. Patch any brown spots, and water the lawn as long as possible to keep it green and vibrant.

2. Plant fall flowers
   Once lawn maintenance is handled, add a splash of color to your landscape by planting fall flowers.  Some of the best fall flowers include vibrant mums, yellow marigolds, sedum, or goldenrod.  You can also place fall flowers in pots near your front door along with a few pumpkins as accents.

3. Highlight the front door
   Calling attention to your front door is a good selling tactic no matter what season when you're selling your house.  Your front door is like an invitation to your home. Hang a fall wreath for added color and a festive touch.  A fresh coat of paint in a vivid color can make your entrance stand out.

4. Tidy up the exterior
   During the fall, your home becomes more exposed making its exterior appearance even more important.  Before listing your home for sale, pressure wash your siding, sidewalks, and walkways.  Clean the windows.  Apply a fresh coat of paint as needed.

5. Clear out the gutters
   Being diligent about home maintenance tells buyers you care about your home's upkeep.  Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear from leaves and debris protects your home from water damage and ups the ante for curb appeal.

6. Invest in outdoor lighting
   Days get shorter during the fall.  Exterior light adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your landscape and improves safety. Illuminate your walkways, front door, and important landscaping elements so the home shines no matter when people drive by.

7. Keep outdoor decorations simple
   A simple fall wreath on the door and seasonal flowers make your home look inviting to potential homebuyers.  However, scarecrows and spooky Halloween decorations may "scare off" homebuyers and distract them from the gorgeous exterior you've worked so hard to otherwise create.

Should You Get a Home Inspection BEFORE Selling?

Delta Media Group

Selling your home? A recent survey showed more than 85 percent of buyers who applied for financing asked for an inspection of the home they intended to buy. Today's savvy home buyers rarely leave things up to chance — they want to be assured they are getting great value.

Despite this growing trend, many sellers still wait for buyers to take the initiative on inspections. A seller might save a few hundred dollars by waiting until the buyer makes the first move, but this is rarely worthwhile. In fact, there are many benefits to taking the plunge and getting an inspection as soon as you decide you are serious about putting your property on the market.

Let's look at six benefits of pre-listing home inspections:

1. Attract More Buyers
   Savvy buyers who have purchased a property before will know about the necessity of a home inspection and will appreciate this is one less step (and expense) they need to worry about. New buyers seeking their first home may not be as savvy at first, but they will soon figure it out. All in all, an inspection will reassure and attract more would-be buyers.
   
   
2. Accelerate the Sales Process
   Sooner or later, an inspection will happen — and when it does, it's bound to turn up something. Relatively minor issues might throw a wrench into your hopes of selling your home. When you get proactive, you have the chance to resolve problems that might otherwise add months to the sales process. Plus, in many cases, you can turn those fixes into part of your sales pitch.
   
   
3. Provide a Stronger Negotiating Position
   Most home sales involve some "give and take" over the final price. Buyers will look for anything they can find as a reason to maneuver excess costs onto the seller. With a recent inspection report in hand, you can counter these moves without any sour grapes — you've gone the extra mile to ensure that everything in the home is on the up and up, after all!
   
   
4. Reduce Recurring Repair Bills
   It isn't always easy to determine the true source of a recurring problem in a home, even a newer one. For example, if your toilet drains slowly, you might simply need to snake it... or you may have a major issue with your septic system. Whatever the case, an inspection helps you get to the real root of the problem. It saves money if you don't sell and improves your price if you do.
   
   
5. Take Control of the Process
   Unless you find out something truly appalling, you don't necessarily have to take time to repair whatever an inspection turns up. Instead, you have the option of lowering your price or going "as-is." All in all, an inspection gives you the opportunity to take the steps that are right for you instead of running to catch up to a buyer whose inspection uncovers unwelcome surprises.
   
   
6. If You're Selling Your Home, Start with an Inspection
   In today's real estate market, a seller's pre-inspection of a home is a mark of quality that buyers increasingly expect. If you put your home on the market and don't find interested buyers in a relatively short time, an inspection is one precaution you'll end up taking.

With all that in mind, selling your home should almost always start with an inspection. It's an essential step, just like making basic repairs, listing your home in the right places, staging it for potential buyers, and partnering with a real estate agent you can trust.

Though some might think of Idaho Falls as "on the way" to the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park and not a destination unto itself, this little city has tons to see. Take some time to explore the sites!

• Snake River Greenbelt and Riverwalk Start your day with an early morning stroll along the river. The paved trail covers five miles on both banks. It's easily accessible and has strategically placed park benches, restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking fountains along the way. Be sure to stop at the falls and take in the views. Originally river rapids, a retaining wall was built for a hydroelectric plant turning those rapids into falls. 

• The Idaho Falls Zoo in Tautphaus Park (2740 Carnival Way, Idaho Falls) A centerpiece of this beautiful park, the Zoo features over 300 animals representing 130 species from across the world. Owned and operated by the City of Idaho Falls, the Zoo participates in over 40 species survival plans. 

• Tautphaus Park (2800 S. Boulevard) While you're at the Zoo, be sure to schedule some time to explore the rest of the park. In it you'll find Funland Amusement Park, picnic shelters, a basketball court, skateboard park, an ice arena (winter only), baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, and more. 

• The Japanese Pavilion and Friendship Garden (600 W. Broadway) Located on a small island in the Snake River, the garden sits on the site of the first bridge to span the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. Features such as a viewing platform, large Japanese lantern, and a "Dragon's Path" across a pond create a beautiful and peaceful place to stroll. 

• The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (300 S. Capital Ave.) TAM, as it's known, features innovative exhibits and focuses on educational art programs. The only art museum in eastern Idaho and convenient to the Riverwalk, this is a definite for your to-do list. Visit their website to check out some fun classes for artists of all ages!

MAINTENANCE HACKS FOR YOUR HOME

From our friends at Delta Media Group

Little fixes around the home can take time and money. Try one of our quick tips to save both! 

1. Fasten a Tennis Ball to your Mop Handles
   Never get on your hands and knees again to scrub scuff marks off your floor. Simply attach a fuzzy tennis ball to the end of your mop handle, and whenever you find a difficult scuff, flip the mop over and use the tennis ball to buff the mark from the floor.
   
   Bonus Hack: Keeping a couple of tennis balls in your swimming pool helps remove the oils, lotions, and sunscreens from the water.
   
   
2. Plunge the Clogs from the Drains
   The next time your bathtub or sink drain backs up, don't reach for a bottle of expensive chemical drain cleaner. Grab your toilet plunger instead. Fill the basin with a few inches of water, use a bit of cloth to cover the overfill hole, and use the plunger over the drain. More often than the clog loosens after just a few plunges.
   
   
3. Easy Spackle
   If your drywall cracks, make your own spackling compound by mixing a small amount of baking soda with glue.
   
   
4. Loosen Stubborn Nails
   Whenever you engage in a home improvement project, there always seems to be that one nail that refuses to come out. A homeowner's trick that frequently works involves using a hairdryer to warm the nail, causing it to expand, creating a larger hole so that after the nail cools and returns to normal size, you can easily remove it.
   
   
5. Repair Windows
   If you have a small hole or crack in your windows, fill the space with clear nail polish. It prevents the hole/crack from spreading when the temps drop below freezing.
   
   
6. Caulking Made Easy
   Caulking isn't always a favorite home maintenance chore. Many struggle to keep the tip of the caulk gun straight or they find that they get caulk everywhere but the spot they want it at. Rather than having a professional come into handle routine caulking for you, stock up on painter's tape. Simply place a strip of painter's tape above and below the area you need to be caulked. Caulk the area and peel the tape away while the caulk is still wet. All the mess goes on the tape.
   
   
7. Fix Holes in Drywall
   Don't worry if you get a small hole in your drywall. Fixing it is easy. Home improvement experts will tell you that you'll need to invest in paper tape or mesh. However, those with strong home maintenance skills know that all they really need is a small makeup brush to spackle their walls. Use the brush to fill the hole with spackle and sandpaper to sand down the spackle.
   
   
8. Take the Elbow Grease Out of Shower Cleaning
   Rather than scrub by hand, easily clean your shower by fastening a foam ball to your cordless drill attachment. It'll have your shower gleaming in no time.

Doers of Good: Eastern Idaho Dash for Down Syndrome

Coldwell Banker agents, staff, and managers are a special breed, working hard to assist our clients fulfill their real estate goals while keeping our focus on community and on making our cities and towns better places for all of us.

Because of our firm belief that we have an obligation to the people and places that keep our communities strong, we've set an ambitious goal for the next ten years: to give a minimum of $10 million to the organizations that work to help our neighbors in need. We call this our "Doers of Good."

It gives us great pleasure to introduce our August Doers of Good from Eastern Idaho:

For three years, the Realtors® and administrative staff at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Idaho Falls have had a great time serving up breakfast, smiles, and hugs at the annual Dash for Down Syndrome fun run event to raise awareness and operating capital for the East Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect organization. 

Established in 2015 by Rochelle Larsen as she was embarking on the journey of raising her daughter with Down syndrome, the 501(c)(3) has grown to serve 136 local families. With a mission of "building a positive connection" inside the community, the nonprofit is 100% volunteer based and holds events throughout the year with every dollar raised used to support people with Down syndrome, their families, and the Eastern Idaho community. They spread their messages of kindness and inclusion by visiting schools, businesses, and sports teams and by creating events such as the Dash for Down Syndrome, the organization's largest fundraiser of the year.  

Postponed for a couple of years due to the pandemic, the Dash is a day to celebrate those with Down syndrome in Eastern Idaho. 2019's race/walk saw 940 participants and raised $33,100. Hopes for the 2022 event on August 27^th at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls are high.

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson agents and staff will be on hand to provide a great pancake breakfast along with smiles, laughs, and plenty of hugs. Says Lynette Neibaur, office manager of the Idaho Falls real estate office, "We love participating in this great event! This will be our fourth year, and we wouldn't miss it."

There's still time to sign up and, certainly, to donate. Visit https://dashfordownsyndrome.itsyourrace.com/ to sign up or find out how to help. And stay tuned for a wrap-up with photos after the 27^th!

*****

Join us in celebrating our Doers of Good by getting involved in one of the programs we will spotlight over the next several months or tell us in the comments below about what lights your fire when it comes to making our communities better. 

Terrific BBQ Recipes

Fantastic recipes just in time for your late summer get-together!

Tequila Baby Back Ribs

Combine all the above and season 2 full slabs of ribs, each cut in half. Refrigerate 2-4 hours.  Put half of 1 slab in 1-gallon ziploc bag, layer with onion, cilantro, and garlic. Place other half on top, repeat with onion, cilantro, and garlic. Pour in half bottle tequila. Add juice of half lemon and 1 lime. Seal. Repeat with other slab. Marinate at least 4 hours. Grill with onion, cilantro, and garlic at 350 degrees until done.

Honey Mango-Glazed Baby Back Ribs

Remove ribs from packaging, rinse and pat dry. Remove membrane from backside of ribs. Place ribs in shallow pan, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly and set aside. In a small saucepan, add chipotle/adobo, mango and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until cooked down and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Using the slow and low method of BBQ'ing, set temperature to 225-240 degrees. If using coals, let them burn off and move over to one side of the grill. Wrap the ribs and 2/3 of the sauce mixture in aluminum foil tightly and place on grill. Close lid. After 2 hours, flip the ribs and let cook for another 2 hours. Open the aluminum and remove ribs, place them on grill and brush on remaining sauce and let cook another 30 minutes.

Home Repairs that Can't Wait

Delta Media Group

Home improvement can be costly and time-consuming, so it's no surprise that many homeowners put off making repairs as long as possible. Smaller repairs can usually be safely left until the timing is more advantageous, perhaps when you have more money in the bank or some vacation time. There are some repairs, however, that should be taken care of as soon as possible. These home repairs are so important that failing to make them could result in serious injury and increased costs.

1. Electrical System
   Some home improvement projects include work on the electrical system, such as installing a ceiling fan or changing a light switch. These are examples of repairs that can be done whenever you can fit them into your schedule. Some electrical problems require immediate action, though. These include unexplained circuit breaker failures, flickering or inconstant lighting, and switch plates and outlet covers that feel warm or hot. If you notice any of these problems, it's a good idea to enlist the help of a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
   
   
2. Roofing
   The roof is an important part of your home's defense against the elements. Leaks, missing or damaged shingles, and sagging areas need to be addressed as soon as you notice them. A sagging roof could collapse under the weight of snow or heavy wind and may indicate other problems like improper attic ventilation. In addition, small leaks and damaged areas can lead to big problems like rotted support beams, mold growth, and an overall weakened structure.
   
   
3. Foundation
   Foundation cracks are a fairly common problem, but many people choose to ignore them when they're small. This leads to their spread and growth, eventually becoming so problematic that it can cost many thousands of dollars to repair. While smaller cracks don't typically contribute to structural instability, as they grow larger, they increasingly undermine the foundation's integrity. In extreme cases, this can lead to the collapse of the entire home. Have foundation problems been addressed as soon as they arise, both to save money and ensure safety?
   
   
4. Gas Lines
   Gas leaks in your home can be extremely dangerous. Natural gas and propane are dense and have a tendency to "sink" below regular air. They pool in the low areas of your home, meaning that you're more likely to smell them (they smell like sulfur; "rotten eggs") on the first floor or in the basement if you have one. Anytime you smell gas, or even think you smell gas, get yourself and your family out of the home immediately and call the gas company from outside. Repairs to gas lines should be made before you return to your home, and only by experienced professionals.
   
   
5. Plumbing
   Water leaks and damaged pipes give mold a perfect environment to take hold in your walls, and you may not notice a leak until long after it started. Should you notice any dark spots or weakened areas in walls, or water bills that seem abnormally high, it's important to find the cause and address it before it leads to larger problems.

Managing Home Improvement Tasks

It can be tempting to leave smaller home improvement tasks until "later," but keep in mind that doing so could cost you more in the long run. Not every repair constitutes an emergency, but that doesn't mean that non-emergency repairs should be ignored. Keep on top of home maintenance and repairs by keeping a checklist of necessary tasks; focus on completing one each weekend or each month. This will help you keep your home improvement projects from piling up and becoming major problems.

Coldwell Banker Scores First in Agent Satisfaction. Again.

Confucius said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." 

The real estate professionals across the Coldwell Banker brand are passionate about their industry – and about their brand. For the third time, Coldwell Banker Real Estate ranked #1 in agent satisfaction in the annual "Agent Priorities" report conducted by Quester.

Designed to keep what's important to agents top of mind, the report zeroes in on topics such as work/life balance, brand image, support, tools, and culture. Knowing what makes an agent more likely to stay with a company is a key component in what brokerages can do to foster positive work environments and grow their agents' businesses.

On a local level, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson combines the strength of the national tools with additional services designed to help our Realtors® list, sell, and learn.

Full-time managing brokers are in place to provide immediate assistance. Offices are staffed with Agent Services Experts (ASEs) to help with marketing, paperwork, and training. A company-wide marketing team is in place to create campaigns that support current market trends, listing types, and services.

With continuing education an important aspect of any business, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson offers in-house classes, regular lunch 'n' learn trainings, continuing education at no cost, and national certifications and classes.

To read the results of the report, visit the Coldwell Banker Blue Matter blog.

Ideas for Upgrading Your Patio

Delta Media Group

Maybe you've been pondering all those cool ideas seen on TV and the web about redoing your drab slab of a concrete patio so that it's a standout feature of your indoor/outdoor entertainment area. Here's the deal. We are all in love with the idea of extending our living and entertainment area into the outdoors. And why not? There are dozens of relatively inexpensive and yet innovative hacks that will make your outdoors as inviting as the indoors, so let's start working from the ground up by renovating that boring, cracked, or scuffed-up concrete patio and see how dazzling it can be.

1. Paint it.
   For basic painting, you will need concrete binding primer; concrete paint; painter's tape, a roller tray with liners (for fast cleanup), a paint roller, nap roller covers, and paintbrushes.
   
   Pressure wash the patio and let it dry. Cover up with painter's tape everything you don't want to be painted. Apply concrete binding primer, allowing it to dry one to four hours prior to painting. Apply two coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry overnight. Wait 72 hours before you move furniture back onto the patio.
   
   
2. Stain it.
   Apply a stain over the patio, then seal it. 
   
   
3. Paint a pattern.
   Using a circular saw, score a concrete slab with a diamond pattern, then paint it with two shades of gray concrete paint. You can also use a stencil to create interesting patterns like a carpet design.  
   
   
4. Lay decking on top of the concrete.
   Not a fan of concrete? You can lay decking on top of the concrete and attach white fascia boards along the sides.
   
   
5. Create a stamped concrete patio.
   Stamped concrete is wildly popular these days. A bit cheaper than pavers, it comes in a variety of patterns and colors. Installers will try to delay cracking (be advised, it will crack someday) by installing control joints. Obviously, you will have to pour concrete and stamp the new concrete before it hardens. So if you've already got a concrete slab there, you'll have to figure out how to get rid of it. 
   
   
6. Fake a stone look.
   Another redo that involves pouring new concrete is to fake the look of brick or stone with a patterned rubber roller. You'll need a concrete roller to create indentations that look like brick or stone, and those rollers can be costly. Concrete stamping mats are a more affordable option. These flexible pieces of rubber have embossed patterns. Stamp them on wet concrete and apply pressure. Lift the mat and repeat the process. 
   
   
7. Resurface with pavers.
   How about resurfacing your patio with clay pavers? These bricks are hard-fired in a kiln, so they are extra-strong and can stand up to the harsh sun and inclement weather. Less expensive than stone, clay pavers cost more than concrete pavers. 

Although all these projects are relatively inexpensive, you can obviously spend more on some than others. So if cost is a factor, then you may want to go with simple painting or staining.

Once you're done with your new floor, it's time to think about decorating. You might start with a weather-resistant outdoor rug, perhaps in the dining area. Decorate with flower boxes or containers of flowers that can change with the season and move indoors when it's cold. Hang up strands of lights. Add a water feature, which could be a fountain with plumbing or a self-contained model that runs on electricity and recirculates the water.

Let your creativity and inner interior decorator run wild as you think up ways to jazz up that formerly dull space and make it shine.

Have you made some updates to your outdoor living space? Show us some pictures in the comments! 

Sweet-Tart: Refreshing & Lemony Recipes for Summer

Summer is here, and it's time to celebrate all things lemony! These refreshing treats are sure to please at your next get-together.

Frozen Raspberry Yogurt Lemonade Pops

• 1 can (12 oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 c. water
• 1 c. fresh raspberries
• 1/2 c. plain yogurt
• 10 ice pop molds

In a saucepan, heat lemonade concentrate & water over medium heat just until the concentrate is thawed. Remove from heat & cool. In a blender, place 3/4 c. of the cooled mixture, 1/2 c. of the raspberries, & 1/4 c. of the yogurt. Blend on medium until smooth. If you don't like the seeds, press this mixture through a small strainer to remove them. Divide the mixture among ice pop molds & freeze slightly.

Distribute the remaining raspberries in molds. Combine the remaining lemonade mixture & yogurt and spoon evenly into molds. Return to freezer until firm, about 4 hours.

Perfect Lemonade

• 1/3 c. sugar or 2/3 c. agave
• 1 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 7 c. water

Mix well. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge garnish.

Lemon-Lime Spritzer

• 1 liter lemon-lime soda
• 4 limes, cut into wedges
• frozen cherries
• fresh mint leaves

Mix ice, soda & sliced limes. Add cherries & garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.

Adult Lemonade

• 1 shot El Patron Tequila
• 1/4 shot Grand Marnier
• 4 oz. beer
• 4 oz. lemonade
• ice
• strawberries for garnish

Mix together and serve immediately

Strawberry Lemonade Icebox Pie

• 1 9" graham cracker pie crust
• 2/3 c. frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 c. heavy whipping cream
• 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1 c. strawberries
• 3 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. water

 In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries, honey, & water until pureed. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix lemonade concentrate with sweetened condensed milk until combined. Set that aside, too.

With a mixer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar & whip until it stiffens. Gently fold into lemonade mixture. (The pureed mixture is still kept separate.)

Pour half the strawberry puree on the bottom of the crust. Top with lemonade filling, smoothing evenly. Spoon on the remaining puree in evenly spaced dollops and swirl with a toothpick or knife. Freeze at least 6 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the freezer.

What's your favorite summertime recipe? Tell us in the comments! 

How to Choose a Contractor for Your Remodel Projects

Delta Media Group

Homeownership is an exciting time — one filled with many new possibilities and experiences. One possibility that has the potential to elevate your home to the next level is a remodel. Remodeling can transform your space into something more functional by better reflecting your lifestyle and adding value to your home. However, your dreams of the perfect renovation project can turn into a nightmare if you don't do your homework. To have a successful remodel, you need the right contractor.

It's understandable to want the best person for the job but finding that person often involves a number of factors like availability, cost, and areas of expertise. The best way to choose a remodeling contractor is to do your homework and take steps to ensure that you find an ideal match for your project.

Ask around or research

If you have a friend or neighbor who has a remodel you like in a room/area you're looking to work on, too, it can be helpful to ask them who they used. You can also ask around your network of people — i.e., friends, family, business partners, or your real estate agent—to get recommendations for remodeling contractors. Once you have a list created, make your own as well by researching resources like Google, Angie, the local Better Business Bureau, and other online places that give you the names of local companies. Weed out any contractors with consistently poor reviews or contractors that don't specialize or have experience in the space you want to remodel.

Look deeper into credentials and projects

Most contractors have a website. Take the time to look at what credentials they may have and if they are current. See if they have pictures of their work as well. You can begin to get a feel for which contractors are more your taste or that have the knowledge necessary for your remodeling project.

Interview possible contractors

The next step once you have fine-tuned your list to a few favorites is to call and schedule a time to meet and talk about the project. Consider both the phone and in-person meetings an interview. It's your chance to ask about experience, find out about their knowledge and skills, and see if you mesh. Like any job interview, you'll be able to get an overall sense of who you're getting. There are also some things you'll want to ask them or have them do, including:

• Itemize your bid
• Ask how long they have been in business
• Determine who their main suppliers are and who will be in charge of the site/project
• Find out if the pricing is an estimate or a fixed price.

Check references

Even if you've done all your online research and read all the reviews, nothing is as effective as talking with someone who has worked with your prospective contractor. You may find out things you didn't think to ask, and it can give extra assurance that you're making the right choice.

Put it in writing

The last thing you'll want to do when you've made your choice is to put it in writing. This is a great way to keep all parties on the same page and safeguarded. 

Homeownership means making the decisions; it's your house, and you get to choose who remodels it. For the best remodeling experience, by taking your time and the correct steps, you're more likely to find the right person for your project. Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also get you the home of your dreams.

Spam 101

From Our Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

Technology scams are running rampant right now, whether they come by email, phone call, and now text messaging. We have had several customers reach out about texts that look to be from their bank asking to "verify information." Be vigilant when dealing with any communications via phone call, email, or text that regard any exchange of money or "verifying" any account information with a link or number to call.   

Our recommendations are as follows:

You can use your cell phone carriers' built-in number blocking on your phone to stop unwanted calls or texts from specific numbers; you can also block offending email addresses in your email account. But with any sort of fraud, scammers often use hundreds of thousands of phone numbers and emails and move very quickly onto the next.  This makes permanent blocking hard.  

To really have an impact, we recommend reporting the offending communication to the FTC.  This can be done online at: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

A few rules of thumb for spam calls, texts, and emails:

1. Do not engage spammers.  When you answer or respond, you are showing the scammer, spammer, or robo-system that your phone number or email is "live". It is then put on a live numbers list that is sold over and over and the calls/texts/emails will continue infinitely.
2. Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. This one is hard for agents, but if it is important or a legitimate call, they will leave a voicemail or text you. 
3. Do not answer texts from numbers you do not recognize. 
4. Get into the habit of regularly entering and labeling known clients, colleagues, friends, family, etc. as contacts in your phone and email.
5. Do not answer unsolicited or out-of-the-ordinary texts from numbers you do recognize.  The number could be spoofed to fool you. Instead, call the number you have in your contacts (not from the text or email) for the person texting you and verify via phone call that they sent the text.
6. Do not click on links in texts or emails that you are not expecting from anyone that you do or do not recognize unless you have verified with the actual sender via phone call or in person.
7. Do not open emails, download any attachments, or click on links in emails from senders you do not recognize.
8. Do not download any attachments or click on links in unsolicited or suspicious emails or texts from senders you do recognize. Their email may have been hacked or their number spoofed.
9. TRUST YOUR INTUITION.  Slightest question of authenticity?  Feeling of distrust? Major red flag? Do not ignore these feelings.
10. COMMUNICATION IS KEY. If a text or email seems weird, out of character, just a slight bit off? We recommend that you call the person/company/bank to verify the contents of an email or text, or ask a trusted professional.

If you have any questions about a suspicious email, call, or text, feel free to contact our office via phone 208.288.4345 or email info@integrityidaho.com.

#CBTDenimDay

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It's a difficult topic, no question.

Removing the stigma surrounding sexual assault and abuse, bringing the conversation to the forefront and out of the shadows, educating, speaking out, ending victim-blaming, and supporting survivors are the best defenses. So much has been done, with so much more to do.

It's worthy of our time. Of everyone's time. Here at CBT, we decided to act on one of our mottos – BE BOLD – and do what we can to help. For our April #DoersOfGood campaign, we're taking the message to all our offices and asking our Realtors®, staff, and managers to come together to support organizations in our areas who work hard to assist women in our local communities. We've asked them to purchase a #CBTDenimDay button, donate gently used professional clothing, and wear their jeans on April 27^th, the 24^th annual National Denim Day. 100% of the funds raised in each region, along with additional funds from CBT, will be donated to the corresponding organizations listed below. Clothing donations will stay local, as well. 

Denim Day grew out of an Italian Supreme Court decision overturning a rape conviction of an 18-year-old girl because she was wearing tight jeans. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day is a visible means of protest against victim-blaming and sexual violence.

The organizations we are coming together to support are:

Idaho Falls area:

The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center, www.dvsacac.org

Boise area:

Women's and Children's Alliance, www.wcaboise.com

Spokane area:

YWCA – Our Sister's Closet, www.ywcaspokane.org

Tri-Cities area:

Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties, www.dvsbf.org

Lewiston/Moscow/Pullman:

Lewiston YWCA, ywcaidaho.org

Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, www.atvp.org

To help, the ask is simple: wear your jeans on April 27^th and speak out. To learn about more ways you can help – or if you need assistance, visit one of the sites above.

It's That Time of Year

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.
• NOTE: Do not apply vinegar to grout that has not been properly sealed.

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).

The Real Estate Market: Looking Back and Ahead

Recently, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Realtors®, managers, and staff were honored with a visit from the President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Ryan Gorman. Responsible for the operations that support our network of 94,000 real estate professionals in 3,000 offices in 43 countries across the globe, he made the trip from CB's New Jersey headquarters to speak with us about the wild ride that was 2021 and share his predictions about the state of our industry moving through 2022.

Though he foresees a continuation of a seller's market, he believes it won't be "the crazy, crazy" atmosphere we saw in 2021.  "Interest rates are ticking up which will slow things a bit," he said, but "inbound migration will continue to be strong, so it will be a long time before the market shifts."

When asked if he was surprised by the activity during the pandemic, he told us that though he did not predict the "nearly 10 years of appreciation in 18 months" in our area, Ryan said he wasn't surprised to see the market remain strong. Despite the economic downturn, "we had the most equity in homes that we had literally ever had (not on a percentage basis, but on an absolute basis), and we had tighter underwriting for almost 15 years by that point than we had almost ever had, so people had good opportunities."

Contributing to the history-making market, he noted, was that for the past five or so years our area has been named to list after list of best places to live, work, and raise a family, so as people were able to work, not only remotely, but more independently, they began to make good on the question if you could live anywhere, why not live somewhere great?  

In discussing the issue of low inventory, he is quick to point out that even buyers who have been in their homes two or three months may have equity that could propel them to look at selling to purchase something that better fits their dreams and goals and encouraged agents to inform their previous buyers what their homes are worth today. Buyers, he said, can leverage their equity to move more affordably to another neighborhood or city.

Recently named a "Real Estate Newsmaker" for 2021 and "Influencer" for 2022 by RisMedia, a highly respected real estate news and information service, Ryan says is most proud of Coldwell Banker's integrity. "Integrity is first. That's an easy answer. Coldwell Banker was founded on honesty and integrity, and that has lasted."

To learn more about Ryan's strategies for Coldwell Banker in 2022, check out his interview with Jordan Grice of RisMedia.

Search for your new home at cbidahofalls.com.

Test Your Valentine's Day Knowledge

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!  Today is the day for love and romance, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners.

What do you really know about Valentine's Day? Here are some fun trivia questions to test your knowledge.

1. When was the oldest-known Valentine's Day message written, and from where? 
2. When was February 14^th first declared as Valentine's Day? 
3. Who invented the first Valentine's Day candy box? 
4. What is the average number of marriage proposals on Valentine's Day each year? 
5. How much on average is spent on chocolate in America for Valentine's Day each year? 
6. How many roses are sold on Valentine's Day each year? 
7. How many Valentine's Day greeting cards are purchased in the U.S. each year? 
8. How many people typically purchase Valentines for their pets? 
9. If you send a snarky insult on Valentine's Day, what kind of "greeting" are you sending?
10. What year were the popular "conversation Sweethearts" not available?

Ready for the answers?

1. The oldest-known Valentine was in 1415, sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife from the Tower of London where he was imprisoned. 
2. Valentine's Day was declared an official holiday in 1537 by King Henry VIII. 
3. English entrepreneur and chocolate-maker Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates. 
4. 220,000 
5. It is estimated that over $1 billion is spent in the U.S. each year for Valentine's Day. 
6. 189 million 
7. Approximately 1 billion 
8. 9 million 
9. Insulting Valentine's messages are known as "Vinegar Valentines."
10. The ever-popular "Conversation Hearts" were unavailable in 2019 after their manufacturer Necco declared bankruptcy in 2018. Thankfully, the Spangler Candy Company purchased the rights, and the candies returned in 2020.

How'd you do? 

Whether you are celebrating with your beau, your best friends, your pets, or your neighbors, we wish you a day full of love!

Score Big with These Snack Recipes

For the vast majority of Americans, Super Bowl Sunday is a national holiday. Big gatherings, team jerseys, and food. Lots and lots of food. In fact, according to Wikipedia, roughly 28 million pounds of chips are consumed just on this day. Add to that 1.25 billion chicken wings and 8 million pounds of guacamole! 

Perhaps you're looking for some great ideas to add to the menu. Read on! 

Artichoke Dip

• 2 cans of non-marinated artichoke hearts
• 1 c. mayonnaise
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 1 can of diced green chilis
• 1 c. shredded parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients in a small baking dish and bake for 20 minutes at 400°. Serve with tortilla chips.

Dill Pickle & Ham Pinwheels

• ½ lb. thinly-sliced ham
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 4 large whole dill pickles

Pat pickles dry with a paper towel. Cover each pickle with 1 oz. of the cream cheese & wrap with ¼ of the ham. Repeat with the remaining pickles & refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Slice into 1" pieces & enjoy!

Tequila-Spiked Salsa

• 2 c. chopped, seeded tomato
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 c. peeled, chopped avocado
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp. tequila (optional!)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Combine all ingredients & toss gently. Serve with tortilla chips.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 10 oz. chicken breasts, boiled & shredded
• 2 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. ranch dressing
• 3/4 c. (or more based on taste/preferences)
• pepper sauce (e.g. Frank's Red Hot®)
• 1-1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Place shredded chicken & hot sauce in skillet & heat over medium heat until heated through. Stir in cream cheese & ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended & warm. Mix in shredded cheese & stir until melted. Transfer to the crockpot to keep warm & serve with tortilla chips.

Oreo Popcorn

• 20 Oreo cookies
• 2 bags of microwave popcorn, popped
• 2 c. white chocolate chips

Place Oreos in a large Ziploc bag and smash. Heat white chocolate chips in microwave on high for 30-second intervals up to 2-3 minutes, stirring until melted. Mix popcorn & melted chocolate in a large bowl until well-combined. Slowly add the cookies & mix. Turn out on waxed paper until cool. Break into pieces & enjoy.

After the big game, when you find yourself wishing for a media room or better entertaining space, give us a call. We will guide you to the perfect home!

Windows 11

From Your Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

(If you own a Mac, this doesn't apply, your OS is updated yearly.)

Many of us have seen the update for Microsoft's newest operating system (OS), Windows 11 come through on our laptop or desktop PC. Some of you have likely had it automatically applied.

If you have NOT seen the update, your computer may be too old to upgrade. This is not a cause for concern!

Anyone can stay safely on Windows 10 until its End of Life (EOL) date of October 14, 2025.

And even then, Microsoft may offer extended support as they have done for all other operating systems before it.

If you have seen the update, have you ignored it? You might be able to upgrade to Windows 11.  Most notably, the Windows update icon down by your clock won't go away and now has a blue dot on it (instead of an orange/yellow or red one) like this: 

So should you make the jump to upgrade your current PC to Windows 11?   What will it do? What will it change? What will it break? Will it affect you much?

 The answer is, it depends. Like people on the planet, our computer environments are all different, unique. With each individual and different environment, the answer varies. It is complicated because no 2 environments are the same. But this time, Microsoft has given us tools to check.

We recommend you take the following steps if you are prompted for the upgrade:

1. Read about the upgrade. Is it for you?
2. Check if your PC components can get the upgrade. Will it work for your computer?
3. Decide if you want the upgrade or to stay on Windows 10

(please call or email our office if you have any questions or need assistance doing any of the steps above and pictured below) 

Our findings? Most of the PCs that have upgraded from 10 to 11 are working fine without many significant issues; however, if you have older software (QuickBooks and Quicken apply) or older peripherals like printers, wireless mice, keyboards, and speakers, they may not work with Windows 11.   We are finding that we have had to reinstall some printer and copier drivers and remap network drives. 

If your computer is 2 years or newer, you have current software, you don't mind the change, and/or have the time/patience to learn Windows 11… upgrade.

If you have any hesitations or concerns, please contact us before making the jump. Advances in technology can be both great and frustrating. We are here to help.

Call our office (208-288-4345), or email us (info@integrityidaho.com) if you have any questions or need immediate assistance!

January is a good time to reflect upon the year, your wins, losses, and any lessons learned. Every new year brings with it possibilities to improve. It offers you a chance to reinvent yourself, and if you're in the market for a new home, our real estate agents can help you start the new year on a high note by helping you find your dream home.

Most people vow to exercise, save money, or spend more time with family. Few people remember to set goals to get their homes in shape. Let's look at some New Year's resolutions you can set for your home and how you can go about bringing them to fruition.

• Declutter and Streamline
  Why wait for spring to declutter? Decluttering is one of the best ways to start the new year. And the best part is you get to feel instantly better about your home. Plus, a decluttered home is so much easier to look after and maintain. Decluttering an entire home is a big job. The best way to tackle the task is going room by room. Contrary to popular beliefs, you don't have to start with the hardest areas. Heading straight into the attic or garage could dissuade all your clean-up efforts. Once you're done decluttering your home, you can declutter other aspects of your life, too, like your digital life and your mind.

• Reduce Your Energy Use
  Here's a resolution that helps you reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Installing a solar water heating system isn't the only way you can go green. Small things like switching traditional light bulbs with LEDs and getting a smart thermostat could drive your electricity costs down while helping conserve the environment.
  
  ​​​​​​​Changing your energy consumption habits could also lower your utility costs. Some practices that could help you trim your energy use include:
  • Switching off your appliances when they're not in use
  • Reducing appliance and water use whenever possible
  • Utilizing natural light
  • Buying appliances with a good energy rating
  • Recycling properly
    
    
• Conduct a Safety Check
  Your house may be beautiful, but is it safe? Make a habit of regularly checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replacing the batteries. Repair and replace loose or frayed wires on all electrical devices and have an expert inspect your electrical system for any faults. If you have a pet, you should consider pet-proofing your home. Pets cause over 1,000 house fires each year. Pet proofing will protect your beloved furry friends as well as your home.
  
  
• Improve Ventilation
  Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory conditions and diseases. Use your HVAC system as the first line of defense, and make sure to regularly change your furnace and AC filters. Plus, ensure your kitchen has enough ventilation to get rid of smoke and cooking fumes.
  
  
• Invest in Home Improvement Projects
  Home makeover ideas don't have to involve knocking down a wall or adding square footage. DIY projects are a fun and creative way to spend time with your family and make memories, all while transforming your house into the haven you've always desired.

Nothing beats the feeling of finally moving into your own home. Contact us today so we can help you find your perfect home among our Idaho Falls area homes for sale.

2022: New Tech Habits

From Your Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

A few ideas and some new, some old - tried and true… start 2022 with some new tech practices! 

1. Backup, backup, backup! Whether you rotate a flash drive or hard drive, or use an online/cloud backup service, backing up and checking that backup is critical.  Irreplaceable or important family photos/documents/files? Back up to the cloud.
2. Set a reminder every week to perform general tech maintenance: check your backup, scan for malware, apply any waiting updates (Macs, PCs, and phones), organize files into folders, clean off your desktop, physically wipe down and clean your devices, etc.
3. Turn on multi-factor (MFA) or two-factor authentication(2FA) everywhere you possibly can.
4. Set a reminder every 90 days to change passwords on important accounts that do not have MFA/2FA and to remove unused apps from your phone.
5. Stop saving passwords on important sites to your internet browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) and start writing them down.
6. Groom email inboxes daily. Mark messages as junk or spam, delete unimportant items, organize the important ones, and check your spam filter for messages that are legitimate.
7. Start a dummy email account for spammy stuff.
8. Log out of sites, close internet tabs, and save and close documents before leaving work or going to bed. Updates, power outages, and hardware failures happen.
9. Take time away from your screens. Do other office tasks, chores at home… give your eyes and body a break from the blue light, scrolling, and/or typing.
10. Silence, distance, or power off your devices when not in use to not only give yourself a break from 24/7 availability, but to prolong device lifespan and pause analytics being gathered when on or in use.
11. Be careful with "smart" devices - is having any essential home function like door locks, outlets, or thermostats connected to your Alexa or Google Assistant necessary?
12. Stop paying for PC antivirus software and uninstall any free versions; Windows has built-in antivirus and any other programs usually end up causing performance and permissions issues.  (Anti-malware software is different and recommended, even for Macs; their free versions work well.)
13. Protect your privacy on social media accounts. Review your privacy settings frequently as social media platforms are always making changes. Make friends lists private, remove your location information, tighten privacy on photos and albums, don't use Instagram or Facebook to log in to other accounts, and log out and log in correctly especially on shared devices.
14. Protect your personal information on any platform, when in doubt, OPT OUT.  From signing up for grocery loyalty rewards to online newsletters (see #7), clicking on ANY link in an email or filling out an online form. Is the hassle of 10 emails a day from a retailer AND THEN all the spam from your email being sold over and over worth that 10% savings on your first order? Is saving 40¢ once a month on a gallon of gas worth all the dead phone line or car warranty renewal phone calls?
15. Think twice about clicking things (buttons, links, pictures)!

Things to never click:

• Emails links that ask you to change any password
• Email links that ask you to verify any account credential
• Email links that ask you for money for any reason
• Email attachments you were not expecting
• Malicious pop-ups about a virus or sweepstakes winning that covers your screen

And take a pause before clicking on things like sponsored articles or ads on Facebook, Instagram, or in news stories, or links in email for a story, cool new gadget, sale, discount, sweepstakes, etc. Is the chain reaction that click is going to cause worth it?

Lastly, sometimes low tech is the best tech. Technology comes with a lot of learning, understanding, and maintenance. Sometimes, just doing things "the old-fashioned" way is the easiest and most secure.

Please call our office (208-288-4345), or email us (info@integrityidaho.com) if you have any questions or need immediate assistance!

More Email Best Practices: How should you handle junk email?

From Your Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

A spoofed profile is where a scammer copies your profile and pretends to be you. The scammers use the information that the original profile makes public.  This includes

We all are familiar with that random email from a weird sender that makes it into your inbox, that phishing attempt on your non-existent Dropbox account, a message to verify your Apple ID, or even emails you may have subscribed to that are just plain annoying… how do you get it to stop?  Unfortunately, email spam is almost more common than legitimate messages it seems. 

How you handle email messages is super important.  Email servers like Gmail, Office 365, Yahoo!, etc. and mail programs on both computers and phones like Outlook, Thunderbird, Microsoft Mail app, etc. are heuristic and learn how you handle email.  The trick is staying on top of it and being consistent. Simply deleting messages does not help.

Our best practices for messages that are spam and junk?

1. Mark junk and spam messages as such, ALWAYS.
2. Do not open junk messages if you don't have to.  If you do, do not click on any content within it once you determine it's spam/junk.
3. You can always right-click on any message for more options, and find the option to move to junk or report as spam.  You can also check the box for a single message or multiple and use the menu at the top of your email provider or email program to handle it accordingly.
4. If an email is junk (random advertising or content), move to your junk or spam folder or report it as spam.
5. If an email is phishing (asking you for personal or account information) definitely report it as spam. Reporting emails tells a mail server important information.
6. Block senders or domains if necessary.
7. Unsubscribe from email lists you know you signed up for but don't want to receive emails from (usually an unsubscribe link can be found at the bottom of the email).  Do not use the unsubscribe function on emails you do not recognize.
8. Covet your email address, especially if it is used for business or real personal use; don't use it to sign up for anything.
9. Create and use a separate email address that you use specifically for spam content like newsletters, rewards programs, and the like. 
10. If you are unsure of the validity of an email, send it to an IT professional you trust to check it out for you. We are happy to let you know if something is legitimate or not and how to handle it.  (However, if it is truly spam, it will sometimes get stuck in our spam filter; so if you do not receive a timely response, please call our office!)

If you need help with anything listed above, this can be done remotely.  Please call our office (208-288-4345), or email us (info@integrityidaho.com) if you have any questions or need immediate assistance!

The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA Home Design Trends Survey results for Q3 2021. The survey reveals the following:

• 70% of respondents want more outdoor living space
• 69% of respondents want a home office (48% wanted multiple offices)
• 46% of respondents want a multi-function room/flexible space
• 42% of respondents want an au pair/in-law suite
• 39% of respondents want an exercise room/yoga space

If you're a homeowner who wants to add any of the above, you have two options: renovate your current house or buy a home that already has the spaces you desire. The decision you make could be determined by factors like:

1. A possible desire to relocate
2. The difference in the cost of a renovation versus a purchase
3. Finding an existing home or designing a new home that has exactly what you want (versus trying to restructure the layout of your current house)

In either case, you'll need access to capital: the funds for the renovation or the down payment your next home would require. The great news is that the money you need probably already exists in your current home in the form of equity.

Home Equity Is Skyrocketing

The record-setting increases in home prices over the last two years dramatically improved homeowners' equity. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, quantifies the amount of equity homeowners gained recently:

"Remember U.S. households own nearly $35 trillion in owner-occupied real estate, just over $11 trillion in debt, and the remaining ~$24 trillion in equity. In inflation adjusted terms, homeowners in Q2 had an average of $280,000 in equity- a historic high."

As a homeowner, the money you need to purchase the perfect home or renovate your current house may be right at your fingertips. However, waiting to make your decision may increase the cost of tapping that equity.

If you decide to renovate, you'll need to refinance (or take out an equity loan) to access the equity. If you decide to move instead and use your equity as a down payment, you'll still need to mortgage the remaining difference between the down payment and the cost of your next home.

Mortgage rates are forecast to increase over the next year. Waiting to leverage your equity will probably mean you'll pay more to do so. According to the latest data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), almost 57% of current mortgage holders have a mortgage rate of 4% or below. If you're one of those homeowners, you can keep your mortgage rate under 4% by doing it now. If you're one of the 43% of homeowners with a mortgage rate over 4%, you may be able to do a cash-out refinance or buy a more expensive home without significantly increasing your monthly payment.

First Step: Determine the Amount of Equity in Your Home

If you're ready to either redesign your current house or find an existing or newly constructed home that has everything you want, the first thing you need to do is determine how much equity you have in your current home. To do that, you'll need two things:

1. The current mortgage balance on your home
2. The current value of your home

You can probably find the mortgage balance on your monthly mortgage statement. To find the current market value of your house, you can pay several hundreds of dollars for an appraisal, or you can contact a local real estate professional who will be able to present to you, at no charge, a professional equity assessment report.

Bottom Line

If the past 18 months have refocused your thoughts on what you want from your house, now may be the time to either renovate or make a move to the perfect home. Contact us today to help guide you through the process and help determine what makes the most sense for you!

Your entryway is the first space guests experience when they step into your home. And more importantly, it is the first space you experience when you get home! As such, you really want your entryway to feel warm and welcoming. Here are a few useful tips to help you make your entryway a sight to behold.

1. Include a Bench Seat
   Sometimes, entryways have a tendency to become cluttered with items like umbrellas, hats, and bags. Including a bench seat in your design takes care of this problem. You can store all of your accessories in the bench seat and also sit on the bench as you put your shoes on or otherwise prepare to go out.
   
   
2. Create Symmetry With Two Plants
   In a small space like an entryway, decorating with symmetry can help create a sense of balance. An easy way to create symmetry is with two identical potted plants. If you have a bench seat, place one plant on either side of the bench. If you have a larger piece of furniture, such as a set of cabinets, you could place two small plants on top of it — one on either side. 
   
   Plants are perfect for an entryway because greenery evokes a calm, peaceful feeling. They also help unify the outdoors with the outdoors, which is exactly what your entryway is intended for.
   
   
3. Include a Clock
   Clocks are timeless decor, and you don't see them in homes as often as you used to, now that everyone has the time on their own smartphone. But your entryway is the perfect place for a clock. People will appreciate knowing exactly what time it is as soon as they step in the door. You'll also appreciate being able to check the time without pulling your phone out as soon as you get home. A large, decorative clock mounted on the wall directly across from the door is perfect entryway decor.
   
   
4. Use Warm Colors
   When choosing paint colors for your entryway, be sure to opt for warm undertones. This will subliminally make guests and family members feel cozy when they step into the space. "Warm colors" does not have to mean brown or red, either. Your paint store professional can point you towards all sorts of different colors with warm undertones.
   
   
5. Include Large, Fuzzy Doormats
   Doormats can warm up your entryway not only visually but temperature-wise. In the winter, you'll really appreciate not having to step onto the chilly floor. Pick mats that are generously sized to fit everyone's shoes. Those with a plush or fuzzy look tend to make the space look and feel warmer.
   
   
6. Add Texture, When Possible
   As you decorate your entryway, look for ways to add texture to the space. For example, you may include a wall hanging with some burlap. Or, you might find a light fixture with some roughly hewn wood in its design. Incorporating a mixture of smooth and rough textures can make any space feel warmer and more balanced overall.
   
   
7. Install a Dimmer Switch
   If your entryway does not already have a dimmer switch, consider having one installed. This lets you set the mood for your home.

These tips can make any entryway give a warm welcome! If you're still looking for Idaho Falls-area homes for sale, please feel free to reach out. We can help you navigate the house-hunting process with ease.

Start on these tips right away to help prevent fires in your home.

• Install Smoke Alarms
  Install smoke alarms in the hallways outside sleeping areas, in all bedrooms, and on every floor. Place smoke alarms high on the wall or on the ceiling. Do not install alarms near bathrooms as steam can cause false alarms and may also damage the unit. The detector placed outside a sleeping area should be loud enough to be heard through a closed door. The best plan is to connect all smoke alarms in the home so that when one sounds, they all do. 
  
  Test smoke detectors once a month. Press and hold fire alarm buttons until the alarm sounds. If the sound is weak, replace the batteries. Replace smoke detectors every 10 years. Hardwired alarms also require monthly testing.
  
  
• Develop a Fire Escape Plan
  Develop a plan for getting out of your home quickly if an alarm sounds. Develop your plan with at least two ways to escape every room and a meeting place outside. Take into consideration getting pets to safety as well. Practice the plan at least twice a year to make sure all your family members remember the plan.
  
  
• Never Overload Your Electrical Outlets
  Overloading electrical outlets with multiple appliances can lead to overheating and fires. If you need more outlets, have an electrician install them.
  
  Call an electrician if you are consistently blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. This also goes for flickering lights, burning smells from appliances, or warm or discolored wall outlets.
  
  
• Exercise Care with Power Cords
  Throw away damaged power cords, or have them professionally repaired. Use power cords labeled "For outdoor use only" for outdoor appliances. Do not rely on extension cords for permanent power sources. Again, if you need a closer electrical outlet, have it installed. 
  
  
• Be Mindful of Heat Sources
  Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet from sources of heat. Exercise particular caution with candles, substituting whenever possible candles with a wick with flameless candles. If you burn candles, make sure they are located at least 3 feet from anything that can catch on fire. Keep hair and clothing away from the flame when you light the candle. 
  
  Keep lamps and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing, curtains, or lampshades. Also, make sure you turn off space heaters before leaving your home.
  
  
• Dryer Maintenance and Usage
  Do not leave home while a dryer is drying clothing. Always clean the lint trap of the dryer before starting the drying process. Make sure to have your dryer cleaned and free of lint to avoid fires.
  
  
• Exercise Caution While Cooking
  Be mindful that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. To help prevent this, never leave food unattended while it is cooking on or on the stove. Also, keep a fire extinguisher under your sink in case of emergency.

Our real estate agents have more good advice about home safety. Contact us today. 

What is a "spoofed" profile?

From Your Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

A spoofed profile is where a scammer copies your profile and pretends to be you. The scammers use the information that the original profile makes public.  This includes profile pictures, location(s), and biography information, so they are very convincing. Oftentimes, these spoofed profiles send out another friend request to people on copied profile's friends list.  While more and more people are becoming aware that this is an issue when they get a second friend request from someone they are already friends with, many people still don't know what is happening (no, their friend has not been "hacked" i.e someone has gained unauthorized access to the account) or what to do about the profile, and there are many people who still will add the fake profile and further perpetuate this activity. 

Besides it being annoying, what damage does this cause?

Once a spoofed profile is created, the creator will add friends listed on the original profile, send messages that ask for money… or worse, send videos and/or clickable content via messenger or page posts that contain phishing sites, adware, malware, or viruses when clicked.

How do you prevent this from happening?

Make your friends list viewable to "Friends only" or better yet, "Only me".  These settings can be accessed both on the computer and in the Facebook app on phones.  Simply view your profile, then go to Settings and Privacy, then under Audience and Visibility, "How People Find and Contact You".  Select "Who can see your friends list", and select Friends or Only me.  Setting it to "Only me" is the only sure-fire way to make it so people cannot use your friends list to create fake profiles and spam your friends, colleagues, and clients who may be friends on your page.

It's already happened to you. Now what?

Have your friends report the spoofed profile as soon as possible.  All you or they have to do is go to the scammer's duplicate Facebook page and click on the three dots.  Select "Find Support or Report Profile" and then "Pretending to Be Someone."  You will then be asked who they are pretending to be.  If it's a friend, you'll report which friend it is and then confirm your submission.  Facebook will then review your report and notify you of the outcome.  The process is pretty quick and painless.

Next, take steps to secure your public information. And it wouldn't hurt to complete Facebook's privacy checkup, and lock down your privacy settings which includes not allowing people to post anything on your page without your review.

Any of these things can be done remotely.  Please call or email our office if you have any questions or need immediate assistance!

Is your fencing old and worn out, or do you need a fence where there isn't any? The process of installing a fence isn't a quick one, our real estate agents caution. There are a number of things you need to do to ensure you don't get in trouble with the city, the HOA, your neighbor, or your home's future buyer. Here are 7 steps to ensure you're doing your due diligence when you install a new fence.

1. Ask Why
   Your purpose for the new fence will impact the type of fencing you choose. For instance, if you want to increase privacy or block noise, you'll want a tall, solid, heavy-duty fence. If you're trying to keep animals in, on the other hand, you'll want to make sure there aren't any gaps where your pet could get out.
   
   
2. Plan Your Budget
   Building a fence can be expensive, particularly certain materials or designs. The height of your fence and whether it needs to be solid will also determine the cost. Figure out what money you have to spend on your fence, and then compare your options to make sure that the fence you're planning agrees with your budget.
   
   
3. Consider the Material
   Once you have your budget figured out, start shopping around to see what materials are in your price range. Consider not only cost but also other factors such as maintenance and durability. Mixing materials may also allow you to get the fence you want on your budget.
   
   
4. Communicate
   Don't forget to be a good neighbor! If your fence will go along a property line that you share with your neighbor, be sure to let them know your plans. Most likely, if you're replacing a fence that has been deteriorating, they won't mind. In fact, they might even thank you for it! And if it's a shared property line, they might surprise you and offer to go in on the fence together.
   
   
5. Research Your Options
   Before you start building your fence, there are a bunch of things you'll need to do. You'll need to check in with your HOA or municipality guidelines to make sure that your fence plans follow all requirements for materials, style, height, and setbacks. You may need to have your property surveyed to ensure you're building the fence on your own property, and for safety's sake, you'll also need to call 811 to have the power company mark all the buried lines on your property. You'll likely also have to file for a work permit.
   
   
6. Hire a Professional
   Is this all starting to seem a little overwhelming? If so, consider hiring a professional to handle the entire job for you. They'll do everything from calling 811 and getting the building permit to going over your options with you and making sure everything is to code. Plus, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing the work is done professionally. 
   
   
7. Maximize Curb Appeal
   Once the fence plans are in place, plant shrubbery and flowers around the fencing to soften the look, especially if you'll be selling your home soon. Browse Idaho Falls homes for sale, and you'll see that the most attractive homes incorporate the fences into their landscaping for maximum curb appeal.

For more tips on getting your home ready to sell, contact us today.

When looking at Idaho Falls homes for sale, buyers often plan how they might fix up a home or make it their own. The right home improvements can go a long way towards making a home more livable and increasing its value. But as your list of home improvement projects grows, how do you decide which ones to tackle first? Here are some tips to help you prioritize your to-do list.

• Improve Function Before Looks
  Most home improvement projects can be placed into one of two categories. Either the project is aimed at improving the function of the home, or it's aimed at improving the appearance of the home. Painting your walls a different color, for example, is an appearance-based home improvement. Replacing a leaking window is a function-based improvement.
  
  Tackling functional improvements before looks-based ones will help keep your home safe, secure, and resistant to additional damage.
  
  
• Do Small Projects First
  If your long to-do list is starting to intimidate you, sometimes the best approach is to tackle the smallest, least-demanding projects first. This allows you to start crossing things off your list, which can jump-start your motivation and give you the drive to keep going. 
  
  Also, consider breaking your big projects down into smaller projects. This helps make them more approachable. For example, instead of writing down "paint all rooms," you could write down, separately, "paint the bedroom," "paint the kitchen," and "paint the bathroom."
  
  
• Consider ROI
  ROI stands for "return on investment." This is something that real estate agents think about a lot when talking about home improvements with clients. 
  
  If you are considering moving any time soon, you want to tackle the projects with the largest ROI first. This will help you earn more when you sell your home. For instance, replacing leaky windows generally comes with a great ROI, whereas adding shelves to the laundry room may not.
  
  
• Do What Fits Your Budget
  There may be some projects you would love to tackle but can't afford to right now. There are likely other improvements that are in your budget.
  
  Rather than continuing to put off projects until you've saved more money, do what you can afford to do right now. Then, as your income increases or your financial situation otherwise changes, you can move on to more expensive projects.
  
  
• Ask What Makes the Most Impact
  Another way to prioritize your home improvement projects is to ask yourself which ones have the most overall impact on your life.
  
  If you cook every day and your old kitchen is really bothering you, for example, renovating the kitchen may be a priority task. If the paint is peeling in the spare bathroom, but you only use that room once a month, that project can probably wait.
  
  
• Prioritize the Preventative
  If there are any home improvements that will prevent problems in the future, tackle those first. This will reduce your workload and costs overall.
  
  For instance, if your gutters are old and leaky, you need to replace them to prevent damage to your foundation and landscaping. This is more important than painting a bedroom.

By using one, some, or all of the strategies above, you can better prioritize your home improvement tasks. If you're thinking of moving to a new home or selling your current one. Click here to learn more about our services.

When you buy a new home, you want it to be a reflection of you and your style. As you consider various trends, you may come across a popular new one called cottagecore. But what is it, exactly, and will it work for your interior design needs? Essentially, cottagecore home decor is a nostalgic journey to a simpler time and place. If sipping tea in a garden, breathing in the delicate scent of roses and honeysuckle strikes your fancy, this could very well be the interior design style you are seeking. If the homes you are asking to be shown are reminiscent of country living, you may want to consider these key elements:

• Nostalgia
  From the garden to the living room, the house should speak of bygone days. This may look different to each person. If your cherished memories include crocheted Afghans and ruffled curtains, by all means, include them. If they lean more toward the brown leather overstuffed couch and the roll-top desk you might find in an 1890's ranch house, then go that direction. It's even possible to blend styles a bit in this very unscripted decor. If you have antiques or just books and knick-knacks that have been in the family for a long time, cottagecore provides a perfect setting to display them.

• Simplicity
  Although many of us work in the world of technology, we don't all want to live there. When incorporating cottagecore interior design trends, necessary technology will often be hidden inside wooden cabinetry or disguised in other clever ways. The lifestyle celebrates minimalism, including handcrafting, home cooking, and creativity over video games. Rather than the cold, sleek surfaces you will find in industrial decor, you will find the warmth of wood, the natural textures of organic materials, and the cozy atmosphere they bring. Shining wooden floors with simple rugs and a wooden coffee table that reflect the same color as the floor. You might find the same wood theme repeated in bathrooms and bedrooms. 

• Nature
  Embracing nature is critical to the cottagecore style. This doesn't mean that you must raise your own chickens and livestock in order to enjoy the designs. But the interior of the home should blend with the environment surrounding the exterior. This can be accomplished with muted colors, natural materials, house plants, and fresh or dried flowers. Imagine a little girl collecting wildflowers and displaying them in a milk bottle. The romantic ideal of rural living can be reflected in prints and paintings without the less pleasant realities of farm life. An indoor herb garden is just the right touch to a cozy kitchen, while the fresh herbs bring your recipes to life. 

• Vintage
  Antiques are certainly great additions to cottagecore home decor, but you can obtain the vintage feel without an extensive collection. Simple lines, wooden frames, and natural textures will help balance the design. Wooden chairs next to pristine white wainscotting in the dining room are reminiscent of homes of a hundred years ago, even if they were just purchased recently. The elegance of a colorful quilt can carry the sleeper back to Grandma's house. Overstuffed chairs reupholstered with soft, nubby fabrics or floral designs are both frugal and practical, echoing the lifestyle of the past as much as the appearance. 

• Do-it-yourself
  To truly embrace the cottagecore lifestyle, you should bring in your own creations. Have you learned to embroider? Frame an original piece and hang it on the wall. Did you grow your own fruits and vegetables? Proudly store them in wire baskets on the kitchen counter. Craftspeople know that you can't create anything worthwhile without making a little mess. You can embrace the clutter a bit without letting it take over. A basket of colorful yarn complete with knitting needles will actually enhance the decor of the den. A loom in the corner will make a fascinating conversation piece. You may even discover common interests with friends you didn't know existed. 

If you've been waiting for some of the vintage things you love to come back in style, the time has come. Our real estate professionals will be happy to help you find your new home. Contact us when you're ready to make the change. 

You're about to move into your new home! It's important to do a walk-through to make sure everything is as promised. How do you go about it, though? You've never owned a home before, and you're afraid you'll do it wrong or miss something important.

Don't worry. Our real estate agents will be there to help you through it. In the meantime, here's a checklist of what you're looking for on your final walk-through.

What to Bring

• The final contract outlining what each of you has agreed to.
• Inspection report, detailing anything broken in the house and outlining promised repairs.
• Pen and notebook.
• Phone with a camera.
• Phone charger.
• This checklist.
• Your real estate agent to guide you through it.

Your Checklist

• Final Repairs. Go through the inspection report and check that each of the necessary repairs outlined has, in fact, been performed satisfactorily.
  
  
• Bathroom and Kitchen. These are two of the most common sources of problems in a new home. Look for mold growth and leaks. The most likely places are underneath the sinks and by the dishwasher and refrigerator. Turn on the faucets, shower, etc., to make sure they work and have proper water pressure, and flush the toilets.
  
  
• Included Items. What's included with the sale of this house? Is there shelving? Appliances? It should all be outlined in the final contract. Go through to make sure everything is there that's supposed to be.
  
  
• Test Appliances. Turn on the oven and stove to make sure they get hot without smelling like gas. Turn on the furnace and A/C to make sure they blow hot and cold air, respectively. Run the dishwasher through a cycle and the washer and dryer as well. Make sure all appliances work the way they're supposed to.
  
  
• Test Outlets. Take your phone charger, and plug your phone into each outlet in the house to ensure they work properly. Turn each light switch on and off to make sure all the lights are functioning, and ring the doorbell once to see if it can be heard.
  
  
• Doors and Windows. Open and close each of the doors and windows. This will allow you to test whether they move easily if they close and latch securely and if the locks work properly. Make a note if any of them sticks or is otherwise broken.
  
  
• Examine the Grounds. Go through the yard as well. Make sure all the landscaping looks as promised. That includes the lawn, the driveway, and any plants.
  
  
• Check the Garage. Does the garage door open and close as it's supposed to? Are there any holes in the walls or other damage to the general woodwork? Any signs of bugs, rodents, or other pests?

Make notes and take pictures of everything you find. Discuss it all with your real estate agent. If there are any problems or discrepancies, you and your agent can bring them to the seller together and get them sorted out before you move in.

Whether it's your first home or your 50th, contact us to help you find the right one for you, and ensure that it meets your standards, every step of the way.

Plentiful natural light is one of the top factors that can help sell a home. Experts are quick to tout the benefits of natural light in spurring home sales: not only does natural light help you cut back on energy usage, but it also seems to provide certain health benefits. What's more, potential homebuyers appear to respond better to well-lit homes than to dark ones. If you're thinking of listing your home among Idaho Falls homes for sale, you may want to assess your home's natural light and determine if there are ways to boost the light quotient.

Here are some suggestions for augmenting natural light in your home. 

1. Add mirrors.
   Adding a mirror will indeed make a room look larger, but an even better trick is to hang a mirror opposite of a window. A mirror can reflect double the amount of light that's shining through the window. Hanging shiny objects on the walls and opposite from the window will also help. Some items in addition to decorative wall mirrors you can hang in your home that will bounce light around: furniture with glass or mirrored accents; silver photo frames; metallic finishes on the ceiling; decorative nickel cabinet pulls; and metallic light fixtures and faucets.
   
   
2. Install larger or more windows.
   This might seem like a pretty drastic step, but if your home needs new windows anyway, you might consider it -- particularly if your home is in serious need of more light. Picture, bow, or bay windows are just the thing to open up your home to more natural light.
   
   
3. Let light in with retro-looking glass blocks in an exterior wall section.
   This retro look is totally contemporary now, particularly with unique textures and shading to complement your architectural style. It's a subtle way to let light in without sacrificing security, privacy, or energy efficiency. 
   
   
4. Open up the ceiling with skylights.
   Skylights let light into your home through the ceiling. Just make sure you have a pro to do the work, so the installation doesn't cause issues for your roof. Skylights are usually ideal in single-story bathrooms and family rooms.
   
   
5. Solar tubes, anyone?
   If you don't have a single-story room that lends itself to a skylight, maybe your home is right for a solar tube. These are reflective, twisting pipes that can be as long as 30 feet from the roof to the ceiling. Available in diameters of 10-14 inches, they cause minimal interference with drywall or paint. The tubes can bring in the equivalent of three 100-watt light bulbs in the smallest size. 
   
   
6. Lighten up.
   Go light when it comes to interior paint or furnishings. Lighter colors will reflect light, while darker walls and furnishing will absorb light. Painting the ceiling lighter than the walls is another trick to make the room look bigger, as well as taller and brighter. A shiny satin or semi-gloss paint will boost the reflective properties of the walls. Select a light-colored sofa or loveseat.

Our real estate agents have valuable experience that can help you sell your home quicker. Contact us today.

It's Time to Conduct a Mid-Year Technology Review

From Your Friends at Integrity Computer Consulting and Repair

Unfortunately, accidents are all too common, we click on things we shouldn't, hardware fails… it happens to the best of us. This short, but important checklist outlines things you can do to help mitigate the damage in the case of a technology emergency:

• When was the last time you changed passwords on email and financially sensitive accounts?
• Do you have multi-factor authentication set up on your email accounts and/or accounts with credit card/ banking information stored in them?
• When was the last time you backed up?
• Have you password-protected your devices?

If you have any questions about updates, pop-ups, emails, or need a clean-up, this can be done remotely.  Please contact our office via phone at 208.288.4345 or email info@integrityidaho.com if you need immediate assistance.

Compost is so often the key to a beautiful, healthy garden; however, many people shy away from composting because they believe it's too complicated or messy. With the right combination of ingredients, composting can be easy and odorless and can make a huge difference in your garden.

If you've been thinking about composting, below are some tips to help you get started.

1. What Is Composting?
   Compost is a collection of decomposing organic materials that can be added to your garden to enrich the soil and promote plant growth. Compost is a nutrient-rich substance comprised of the right combination of food scraps and yard waste. Compost provides humic acid and microbes to your soil, which delivers nutrients to plants.
   
   
2. How To Make Good Compost
   The key to making good compost is to strike the right balance between carbon and nitrogen. For the most effective, best-smelling compost, our real estate agents usually recommend a carbon (brown materials) to nitrogen (green materials) ratio of 25 to 1. If you add too much carbon, the decomposition process will be slow. If you add too much nitrogen, your pile may be stinky, messy, and attract unwanted animals or pests. 
   
   
3. Start With A Good Container
   You don't need to go overboard with a container. It just needs to be capable of holding all of your ingredients. Wooden crates or wired cages can work. However, an actual bin is usually your best option as it's capable of retaining heat, which helps increase decomposition. Keep in mind, your compost must be turned on a regular basis to promote oxygen. As a result, some people invest in a compost tumbler, which can be easily rotated.
   
   
4. Add Carbon Materials
   Brown materials are rich in carbon and include tree branches, newspaper, napkins, cardboard, sawdust (non-treated wood), coffee filters, tea bags, leaves, hay, and straw. Carbon materials should make up the majority of your compost. Remember, aim for a 25:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio.
   
   
5. Add Green Materials
   Green materials contain nitrogen and are an essential part of your compost pile. Grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, leftover food, tea bags, and eggshells are all items rich in nitrogen. Remember, your compost pile only needs a small amount of nitrogen in relation to carbon. 
   
   
6. Items Not To Include In Compost
   There are some items that should never be included in compost. Anything that contains meat, oil, or grease, treated wood, pet feces, and dairy products should never be included in compost. These materials will not only smell bad, but they'll also attract animals and unwanted insects.
   
   
7. How Long Does It Take To Make Compost?
   The composting process can take anywhere from three months to a year. The timing ultimately depends on the items you use, the carbon/nitrogen balance, heat exposure, and oxygen exposure. One way to increase how quickly your compost decomposes is to shred your carbon items before adding them.

Compost is so important when it comes to gardening and the environment. For more landscaping tips, contact us today.

Whether you have lived in your home for several years or several decades, there may come a time when you decide to put your home up for sale. To tackle the challenge, we can guide you through the process to make sure your home makes a big impression on potential buyers looking for Southeast Idaho homes for sale.

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful event, but you can eliminate stress by knowing what to do before listing your home. Prepare you home for the busy spring market by following these tips. 

1. Make a Good First Impression
   You only have one chance to make a good impression on potential buyers. Your home may be spectacular on the inside, but buyers won't see that if they don't get through the front door. Your home's curb appeal is a key factor to get potential buyers inside. Outdoor lighting, fresh exterior paint, trimmed trees and shrubs, and colorful flower beds go a long way towards making a good first impression.
   
   
2. Take the Home Out of Your House
   Your home's interior likely reflects your personal design style and interests, but buyers may have different style and interests. When selling your home, it's important to de-personalize it so buyers can see themselves living there. Before putting your home on the market, get rid of personal items like excessive family photos, memorabilia, and keepsakes that represent your lifestyle.
   
   
3. Focus on the Kitchen
   Most buyers consider the kitchen the most important room in the house. If your kitchen needs an upgrade, do it. A remodeled kitchen with fresh paint, new flooring, new cabinets and countertops, and upgraded appliances can give you an 85% return on your remodeling costs. If you can't afford to do everything, fresh paint, new cabinet hardware, good lighting, and one high-end appliance may be enough.
   
   
4. Brighten Up Your Rooms
   Before you invite buyers into your home, light up your interior with sunshine and new lighting. If you have big windows, clean the windows, take down the draperies, and let the natural light into the room. For rooms with minimal sunlight, add new light fixtures or brighter bulbs to reflect warm, appealing spaces.
   
   
5. Show a Spotless Interior
   Before showing your home, make sure your interior is spotless. Vacuum the carpets and rugs, wax the hardwood floors, wash the walls, clean the draperies and upholstery, and eliminate unnecessary clutter. Buyers want a house that reflects proper care and attention. If you have pets, make sure food bowls and litter boxes are clean. If you're planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.
   
   
6. Empty Your Closets
   Storage is an important feature to any homebuyer. When viewing a potential new home, a buyer will open closets, drawers, cabinets, and storage areas to make sure storage is adequate for their needs. By emptying your closets and cabinets, a buyer can accurately assess storage spaces for their own stuff.
   
   
7. Price It Right
   Before listing your home, check recent sales in your area. While an overpriced home can sit on the market for months, a home that's priced at the current market value for the area can receive multiple bids from buyers, often over the asking price.

If you're interested in selling your home, get in touch to allow us to guide you through the process and make sure your home gets the attention it deserves.

1. Poor landscaping.  
   You've probably heard how important curb appeal is when you sell your home. It's important the rest of the time, too. When you let your yard go over a long period of time, it becomes difficult and expensive to reverse the long-term damage to your landscaping when it comes time to sell.
   
   
2. Poor exterior paint.
   Curb appeal is also important when considering the exterior of your home. Specific paint colors can devalue your home by making it unappealing to buyers. Cracked and crumbling paint makes your home look run down, plus it might actually be causing damage by letting moisture get to your siding and woodwork.
   
   
3. The wrong interior paint.
   The color you painted your walls might be your favorite color, but it's not everyone's, and bright colors especially can be a hard sell. This doesn't mean you shouldn't express your uniqueness in your own home, but unless you intend to repaint everything when it comes time to sell, choose colors that are warm and neutral.
   
   
4. Deferred maintenance.
   Think it doesn't matter if you don't get that repair done right away? Think again. If you have a habit of putting off maintenance and repairs, the entire house will look run down, and chances are the small problems have become big ones by the time you get to them.
   
   
5. Out-of-date or poorly updated kitchen.
   The room buyers almost universally pay the most attention to when looking at Idaho Falls homes for sale is the kitchen. Even if you don't put a lot of work into anything else, be sure to update your kitchen. Remember, the kitchen has always been thought to be the heart of the home, and buyer preferences show this to still be true.
   
   
6. Bathrooms with bad taste.
   After the kitchen, the bathrooms are the next thing a prospective buyer tends to look at, so it's important to update them over the years. A dark bathroom with cracked tile, dirty grout, and outdated fixtures stands out like a sore thumb in today's world of bright, clean, spacious bathrooms.
   
   
7. Garage conversions.
   Yes, it might seem like a great idea to turn that garage into more living space, but when it comes time to sell your home, prospective buyers aren't likely to think of it that way. Most buyers want garage space, or at least the ability to choose for themselves what the garage will be used for. If you're going to turn the garage into something, such as workout space, make sure it's not a permanent change.

Owning a home is just like any financial investment: Your decisions today can have an impact years or even decades down the road. For more information about how to maximize your home's value, contact us today.