The Front Door – The Gateway to Your Home

Painting the front door of a home does add selling appeal and invites people into the house. The first suggestion in painting a front door, would be to be considerate. How are are the homes on your street or in your neighborhood painted? Don’t paint the door in a color that will make your home look odd or appear out of place in that particular neighborhood. It is best to choose a door color which coordinates with the colors of the home’s exterior. The coloring can be lighter or darker than the exterior home color, but a coloring that might enhance the homes style, shutters or window styles.

By Andrea Brooks Interiors

Why the Front Door Matters

The traditional or mainstream color choices for homes and doorways have drastically changed and have changed for the better. A beautiful door coloring could be the invitation needed for homeowners to sell their property because people can’t wait to see what the interior will look like. The front door in selling a home, is the first thing a person sees, yet it is not on a homeowner’s to do list when sprucing up the home for sale.

Architectural color consultants for home sales, like to take a Feng Shui twist in deciding the colors to use on a homes trim, its overall color and with a special accent on the front door. The experience of home consultants has proven that bold or bright colors and certain color blends do attract a person who may just be riding by your home.

The Feng Shui energy denotes that the front door is nourishment to all who enter by its passageway. The main door or the front door is considered the “Chi mouth,” and thus it attracts great energy for all who live inside. Thus the right door color is a vital part of attracting the right buyers for a home.

by Dewson Construction Company

Colors & More Colors

Contrast coloring is often the appealing rule for selling a home. Light colors on a door, like taupe, cream tan or white, look better if the house is painted a dark color, perhaps of the same color family. A great example which works both in the fashion industry and in selling a home, is contrasting a door painted navy blue and burgundy, with a house that is painted gray or light blue.

Doors are always in constant use, yet this is a part of a house that can easily become neglected. As long as the key fits or a keypad continues to work, we don’t think about how a door looks. But when freshly painted in the right color aura, it immediately gives a home a remarkable face-lift.

Top painting manufacturers have created advanced coloring schemes that are bold, yet inviting for any door. Sellers can purchase strong colors that look environmentally friendly, such as greens, browns, red, orange, yellow, pink, or purple. Painting a door white is less appealing and gives the appearance of being just another home for sale. The only exception to this rule, would be a house that is made from red brick, a white door in this instance helps to make the house and the brick material pop with interesting appeal.

Selling Your Home

If you have any questions about selling your home or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us (click here).

You see a story — and when it’s based on photos of a house, you begin to realize the home’s story. Each property is distinct and contains its own characteristics, especially in Boise. Some neighborhoods offer cozy condominiums that are situated near Boise State University. Others provide you with a traditional setting to call home and offer features that are outfitted for a family. But the most important question that arises from each home’s story is this: Which home would you live in? When a story has the right character (house + you), then you know your experience will be an unforgettable one.

Read these home stories below and ask yourself which one you see yourself living in:

2425 Plateau, Boise, ID 83712 

1320 Warm Springs, Boise, ID 83712

Your Home Story

Discover your own home story and see what houses are waiting for the right character. You might also discover a little bit about yourself — that’s the beauty of Boise real estate. Whether you see children running around the living room or you picture yourself lounging about on the 7th floor of a luxurious loft, there’s a place to call home for you in Boise. See what the city has to offer by clicking the button below:

Click Here to View Boise Real Estate for Sale

We know that Idaho has great recreational areas, wonderful communities that are perfect to raise a family in and it is a great place to visit on your vacations!  Below are some fun facts about Idaho that might be a little lesser known:

• Idaho is the 13th Largest State in the U.S.
• Idaho’s highest point is Mt. Borah (12,622ft); Lowest Point is Lewiston (738 ft)
• Idaho’s state motto is “Esto Perpetua” which translates to “It is forever”.
• Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls, drops 212 feet, beating Niagara Falls’ drop by 52 feet.
• The Great Seal of Idaho was designed in 1890 by Mrs. Emma Edwards Green. It is the only Great Seal in the 50 states to be designed by a woman.
• Idaho has a combined total of 3,100 miles of rivers, more than any other state.
• A nearly 20 carat diamond was found in McCall, Idaho. It remains one of the largest diamonds ever found in the United States.
• Idaho is bordered by all of the following: Canada, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington.
• The statehouse, located in Boise, is heated by geothermal heat from underground hot springs.
• Sun Valley was America’s first destination ski resort.
• Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in America at 7900 feet deep, deeper than the Grand Canyon.
• Odd Idaho Law: It is against the law to give an Idahoan a box of candy weighing more than 50 lbs. (I’m not sure how strictly this law in enforced today.)

Thinking about relocating to Idaho? Click here to see homes for sale in Boise, Idaho.

It’s almost time for the 2013 Boise Idaho Parade of Homes!

The tour runs from Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, May 12^th (Monday thru Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-8pm).

This is an annual event put on by the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho. The Boise Idaho Parade of Homes showcases 40 amazing homes throughout Boise, Eagle, Star and Meridian. These homes are built by some of the leading builders that the Treasure Valley has to offer.

You definitely do not want to miss the Parade of Homes if you are in the market for a new home, or even thinking about remodeling your current home.  You will have the opportunity to meet some of builders as you tour their gorgeous homes and also see the upcoming trends in new construction.

Core Group Realty will be representing 2 builders in the parade this year; Boise Hunter Homes and Tradewinds General Contracting.

You can find Joanie Faux at Parade Home #19 in The Shores built by Tradewinds General Contracting, located at 1120 W Shearson in Eagle. Tradewinds General Contracting has a second home featured as Parade Home #23, located in River’s End.

John Chandler will be representing Boise Hunter Homes at Parade Home #12 in Henry’s Fork. The home is located at 1760 N Teton Springs Avenue in Eagle.

Click here for an interactive map of all of the 2013 Parade Homes.

This home is over 5000 square feet and sits on a two acre parcel in the River’s End subdivision.  With 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, open spacious living spaces and a tremendous amount of large windows, you get beautiful views from every corner of the house.  Views of the grasslands and river that run close by are accented by an infinity pool and patio that runs the whole length of the house and features a glass gas fire pit nearby.

With the latest trends in contemporary styles being slowly incorporated into home buildings over the last few years, it’s fun to see a home that has truly embraced the style while keeping the home warm and inviting.  Every detail was thought through on this amazing home from the heated concrete flooring to the numerous decks that allow panoramic views from every side of the home.  Don’t miss the open kitchen with accompanying bar area that opens out onto the patio for great nights of entertaining.

For a one on one consultation with Steve Martinez and see what kind of contemporary home he can build for you, contact Joanie Faux to make an appointment.

Transportation

Are you thinking about living off campus? There are many great neighborhoods near Boise State University that boast easy access to the college, but yet have distinct characteristics unique to each area. The Boise Greenbelt is a scenic bike trail that borders the Boise River and runs east/west from Lucky Peak Reservoir through downtown Boise and is paved all the way to the city of Eagle. Residents of the north end and east Boise especially enjoy the ease of use that the greenbelt offers to get to downtown Boise, Boise State University Campus and the beautiful parks located in the heart of the city. If biking to school is not your preferred method of transportation, the city bus runs through the Boise Bench, the north end and southeast Boise. Many students prefer to utilize the bus to avoid parking fees.

The North End

North Boise is highly sought after since these neighborhoods are closest to downtown Boise. The north end was the first developed area in the city and boasts beautiful mature landscaping that comes with its historical heritage. Locals enjoy viewing estates along Harrison Boulevard on the way up to Bogus Basin, the local ski resort. The north end appeals to everyone with its pockets of updated modernism and urban growth. Residents love the easy access to Camels Back Park and the eateries in Hyde Park off of 13th street. There are even two organic grocery stores within a mile of each other.

Click Here to View North Boise Real Estate

East Boise

East Boise is another area in close proximity to the college. East Boise boasts access to restaurants and shopping off of Broadway Avenue and very easy access to Anne Morrison and Julia Davis Park. Warm Springs Avenue is on the historical register, and has a unique geothermal water source that runs through the area and is used to heat some of the oldest homes. New construction is mixed in with well-established areas. Residents of this area enjoy the amenities of newly developed Bown Crossing, which offers eclectic dining options, a vintage candy shop and a variety of professional services. Single-family homes and townhomes border Bown Crossing, and these units are highly sought after. Barber Park is also located in this area, which is the main starting point for floating the length of the Boise River.

Click Here to View East Boise Real Estate

Boise Bench

Homes in the Boise Bench area also cater to individuals who want easy access to downtown Boise and BSU. Located on the rim above the city, these homes also boast mature landscaping and unique characteristics. There are no cookie-cutter homes here. Residents in this area have access to many restaurant choices including the infamous Rockies Diner, a fifties-style establishment with servers delivering food on roller skates and where Elvis visits on Friday nights.

Click Here to View Boise Bench Real Estate

All of these areas offer an amazing lifestyle experience. With easy access to bike trails, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, you will never look back after moving to Boise, Idaho.

Congratulations Brenda Kolsen!!!

To Learn more about Core Group Realty and Brenda Kolsen, Click Here!

Birding Basics

Birding is a year-round activity, but the greatest chances for finding the greatest variety of birds is during spring and fall migration. Winter has its benefits also, with leafless tree branches providing highly visible perches. Birds are most active early in the morning before the heat of day causes them to seek shelter.

You’ll need a good map to guide you to your destination, a pair of binoculars, a small notebook, and a field guide to birds of the western United States. Dress appropriately for the season, and take along plenty of water and a camera if you wish. Birding can be an economical activity with minimal up-front investment.

Boise River

Inside Boise city limits, several miles of Boise River greenbelt offer spectacular and yet convenient bird watching opportunities. Winding through the city, the river provides habitat for waterfowl such as Canada Goose, Mallard, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, and California Gull. Bald Eagles overwinter here and have been observed nesting in the area. Raptors, water birds, and songbirds are commonly seen within the city, as are woodpeckers and flickers. You might catch a glimpse of an Osprey diving for fish or an American Kestrel perched in a leafless cottonwood tree along the river.

Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area

If you want to take a short drive outside the city for birding, Fort Boise WMA, located 20 miles northwest of Caldwell, affords year-round free access to riparian and upland habitat at the confluence of the Boise, Owyhee, and Snake Rivers. Cottonwoods and cattails line the banks of constructed wetlands, where you may see the Snow Goose in March and April, along with nesting Swainson’s Hawk and Great Blue Heron.

World Center for Birds of Prey

The Peregrine Fund’s raptor breeding and research projects are based in Boise, and their 600 acre facility is worth a visit. Here you can learn about endangered birds of prey and what is being done to save them, and view live raptors such as the Harpy Eagle, California Condor, and Aplomado Falcon. While this facility does not offer conventional birding opportunities, no serious birder should miss this incredible educational experience. Tours are available for school groups.

Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

If you are willing to drive about an hour south of Boise, you’ll find a place to view many species of raptors. The Snake River Birds of Prey NCA was established in 1993 to protect valuable riparian and adjacent desert habitat critical for nesting Prairie Falcon, Golden Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, and at least 6 species of owls. The river banks also provide nesting habitat for Lazuli Bunting, Say’s Phoebe, and many other songbirds. Waterbirds, hummingbirds, California Quail, and countless other species are commonly seen here.

Viewing Birds From Your Home

Sometimes you don’t even have to leave your house to view some of Idaho’s most majestic birds. Some might even nest right outside your window. If you want to meet fellow bird watchers and participate in the community, find a home that is right for you! Search our current listings by clicking the button below:

Click Here to View Boise Homes for Sale

The three bedroom Meridian home that the Woods are moving into is the first Idaho home for the program. A second home was turned over in Shoshone later that same afternoon.

With partnerships from Chase Bank, Wells Fargo and Bank of America, Operation Homefront is able to offer an amazing program called Homes on the Homefront! This program helps the men and women who have served our country, achieve an important part of the American Dream; Homeownership.

There is a process that must be followed which is for military families and veterans. You are required to apply for a home through Homes on the Homefront; emails are sent to applicants as homes in the area become available. After following the steps as directed in the email, applications for the home will be reviewed and selection is made on a case-by case basis. When a family is selected for the available home, they essentially become tenants in the home for the first 1-2 years.  The family is not required to pay a mortgage, but is responsible for the property taxes, insurance and HOA dues. Each family has to go through financial counseling and save money to show that they can maintain the home long-term. Once they are able to show this, the home is deeded to them.

For more information about this wonderful program, visit Operation Home Front.

Click Here to Search Available Homes in Meridian Idaho

Did you know America’s first Easter Mass Sunrise Service was held in 1773 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which was organized by the Moravians? Easter is celebrated differently all over the world. Germany is known as the origin of modern day Easter symbols such as the Easter bunny and the Easter tree. German Immigrants brought the tradition of the Easter bunny hiding eggs and chocolates for children to find on Easter Sunday to America. Ethiopia celebrates Easter a week to two weeks after America celebrates. Ethiopians wear palm leaves as headbands, wear traditional white clothes which are called Yabesha libs. People all over the world are progressively more celebrating the festive aspect of Easter, Good Friday, and Easter Monday which tends to become an extension of the weekend and gives a chance for the first spring vacation to take place.

Some of the earliest Easter treats were hot cross buns. The pagans presented their god Zeus a cake baked in the form of a bull with a cross upon it to represent its horns. According to tradition, the hot cross buns were eaten every Good Friday, and it was thought to have miraculous curative powers.

Have you ever wondered where the tradition of gifting decorated Easter eggs filled with goodies originated from? The tradition of ornately decorated eggs came from Russia. The Faberge workshops and the people of Russia would intricately decorate eggs, fill each with its own surprise, and give as special gifts to the Russian Imperial court.  In American the total annual spending on all Easter-related goods is 14.6 billion dollars. Many Americans fill their children’s Easter eggs with jelly beans, confectioners make over 16 billion jelly beans during Easter season.

After Halloween, Easter is the biggest candy consuming holiday. 120 million pounds of Easter candy is purchased by Americans annually. The notorious Marshmallow Peeps of the Just Born, Inc. Company are commemorating their 60^th anniversary this year. Americans buy more than 700 million chick, bunny, and egg shaped marshmallows each year. Chances are you will have extra peeps lying around the house after Easter day passes, so try out this yummy Chocolate Mousse Dessert Recipe with those sweet lil’ bunnies. Have you ever wondered why the chocolate Easter bunnies are hollow? The traditional chocolate bunny is hollow for safety reasons, it makes it easier to eat, and also makes it more economical for the confectioner. 90 million chocolate bunnies made for Easter each year and 76% of Americans say they eat the chocolate bunny ears first.

Easter Sunday is a great time to get together with friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate this joyful time. Whatever your Easter tradition may be, we at Core Group Realty hope your day is filled with hope, happiness, and warmth.