Hidden Gems: Underrated Areas in Boise

Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Boise contains a diverse tapestry of neighborhoods, from the famous North End to the breathtaking Highlands and historic East End. However, many wonderful neighborhoods often go unnoticed in the shadow of these well-known areas. While Boise is known for its friendly atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, it's the lesser-explored neighborhoods that truly capture the essence of Boise's unique character. Dive into these underrated areas in Boise with us and discover Boise’s best-kept secrets!   Boise Bench: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Perched right above downtown Boise sits the Boise Bench, a historic area that has homed Boise citizens for over 100 years. The Bench has a unique, eclectic energy that is beloved by its residents. Homes in this area are a mix of mid-century modern, newly built residences, and longstanding homes with lots of character. Within these streets, you will find Spanish Mission, Colonial Revival, European Cottages, Cape Cods, and Tudor style homes, a testament to this spot's vibrant mix of cultures. Its central location is prized, sitting minutes from downtown Boise, the airport, the Boise River, the Greenbelt, and Boise State University. The culinary scene here is very active, with highlights including Wyld Child, Luciano’s Italian, Blue Bench Brunchette, and locally sourced handmade ice cream spot The Stil.   NW Boise/Sunset: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate This charming northwest Boise neighborhood is known for its mature trees, long standing homes, and tight-knit community. With prime access to the foothills through the Hillside to Hollow Reserve, this neighborhood is full of active hikers, mountain bikers, and walkers. This area also has an abundance of public parks, from Veteran’s Park to Sunset Park, a 10-acre public park with a 4.3-acre off-leash dog area. Quail Hollow Golf Course is nearby, and there are plenty of locally-owned restaurants to grab dinner at. Residents often say living in Sunset is like the North End lifestyle without the price tag, and homes do not stay on the market long in this area.    Mountain View: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Located in West Boise and centered around Mountain View Road, this area contains a charming neighborhood with incredible homesites overlooking views of the Boise Front. This area features close access to the Boise River and Greenbelt trails. It is a short 9-minute drive to downtown Boise and about 15 minutes to the airport. Mountain View Elementary is only a few minutes walk, and homes in this area are mainly prebuilt, as well as a mix of remodeled or new construction. This neighborhood is beloved by families for its proximity to elementary and secondary schools.   Garden City: Photo credit to Lysi Bishop Real Estate Garden City is a vibrant neighborhood that is quickly growing in popularity. This neighborhood sits right next to the Boise River, Quinn’s Pond, and the Boise Whitewater Park, beloved recreation spots for paddleboarders, kayakers, and surfers. The Greenbelt runs right along the river, inviting residents out for a morning jog or an evening walk. With many trendy breweries and wine-tasting rooms on nearby Chinden Blvd and the popular venue the Revolution Concert House, there is plenty to do. Homes vary from newly built subdivisions, townhome complexes right by the river, and existing homes. There is an exciting culinary scene here, with favorites including Cafe Lucios, Push and Pour coffee, Wildflour Bakery, and Dickey’s BBQ Pit.

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Real Estate and NAR in the News

You may have seen news articles related to the recent National Association of Realtors proposed settlement related to lawsuits in other states, referred to as the “Sitzer-Burnett” case, regarding agent compensation. We are writing to share some preliminary information regarding the settlement, and how it impacts the real estate industry and you, the consumer. How does this impact buyers and sellers? Real estate agents will be required to provide more comprehensive information upfront about their compensation. This change is designed to empower consumers with a clearer understanding of the costs associated with buying or selling a home. Sellers and their listing agents may continue to offer buyer agent compensation, or buyers may compensate their agent directly. The proposed changes state that offers of buyer agent compensation must now be communicated outside of the MLS. Nationally, buyers will also now be required to enter into a written agreement with an agent. This is not new to Idaho or the Lysi Bishop Real Estate team. It has always been our standard to have written agreements for both our buying and selling clients. The Idaho Realtors agreements were designed to keep our clients informed of the services they’ll receive and the costs associated with those services. Depending on agreed-upon terms, buyers may be responsible for compensating their agent during the home purchase process.   When will the proposed changes take effect? It’s anticipated the proposed changes will take effect in the mid-July timeframe. To read the original release from the NAR, click here.

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February 2024 Market Update

February typically tends to be a slower pace season in real estate. However, you’d think it was the middle of a normal spring market looking at sales activity. It could be the mild temperatures or stabilized interest rates, but whatever it is, buyers are out and about looking at homes and swooping up available inventory. Some homes that were sitting on market in the winter months of 2023 are seeing a surge of interest and offers. New-to-market listings in certain segments are generating quite a bit of showings and offer activity. This healthy market pace is exciting for sellers as heightened demand and incredibly low inventory are keeping home prices from sliding. Home values for single-family homes in Ada County increased nearly 5% since this time last year! “Positive year-over-year trends in the median sales price show a shiny outlook on homeownership. Even as some aspects of the market fluctuate, the value of owning a home remains steadfast” said Elizabeth Hume, Boise Regional REALTORS® 2024 President. Low inventory levels coupled with lower rates and increased demand are building home prices again. Buyers may see a little more competition as we continue on this path of normal spring conditions. Currently there is about 1.7 months of available supply of homes in Ada County, leaning towards a sellers market. A balanced market is 4-6 months MSI (Month’s Supply of Inventory).      

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