Idaho's Most Unique Airbnbs

Idaho boasts stunning landscapes and a treasure trove of unique and charming Airbnbs. From oversized flower pots and potatoes to sleek modern cabins, there is something for every adventurer. Check out this list of Idaho’s most unique Airbnbs and plan your next trip!   Flowerpot in Burley: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  Plant your roots in this oversized flower pot! With a fire pit, rain shower, and meticulously decorated interior, this stunning home is sure to let you bloom. This Airbnb is 40 minutes from skiing and snowboarding at Pomerelle Mountain Resort and 50 minutes from the City of Rocks Natural Reserve with rock climbing, hiking, and sightseeing. Settle in, and enjoy a peaceful vacation in this novel home! Nearest town: Burley Sleeps: 4 Rates from: $207 per night Book here   Lookout in Fairwood: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  This unique Airbnb is a treehouse among the Crystal Peak forest, making guests feel fully immersed in nature. Featuring a wood-fired stove to keep warm at night and a wood-fired sauna to decompress after hikes and adventures, this place truly has it all. Guests receive the authentic experience of the outdoors, surrounded by 13 acres of forests full of wildlife and native plants including huckleberries in the summer! Winter access requires a snowmobile or Polaris Razor ride, adding to the adventure. Keep in mind that the only restroom is an outhouse by the sauna… adding to the rustic experience!  Nearest town: Fernwood Sleeps: 2 Rates from: $200 per night Book here                          Modern Cabin in Teton Valley: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  Escape to this modern and stylish haven in the heart of Teton Valley. This stunning cabin offers unobstructed views of the majestic Teton Range through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Located on 8 private acres flush with native plants, the cabin provides a serene getaway while also being just an 8-minute drive from downtown Driggs. With Grand Targhee Ski Resort just 22 minutes away, and Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park a little over an hour away, this is the perfect home base for an adventure. Nearest town: Driggs Sleeps: 4 Rates from: $300 per night Book here                          Silo House in Lava Springs: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  This beautiful custom-built home has the unique shape of a silo. With a cozy interior and amazing views of the valley, this Airbnb is the perfect place to unplug and recharge. This home is two miles from the nationally renowned Lava Hot Springs, a natural hot spring with plenty of hot pools to unwind in. Nearest town: Lava Hot Springs Sleeps: 4 Rates from: $158 per night Book here   Giant Potato in Boise: Photo credit: Silly America   Why you should stay:  Perhaps the most famous of Idaho Airbnbs is this house-sized potato. With a beautifully done modern interior, this is the perfect getaway for two. The restroom is located in a silo near the potato for easy access. To add to the fun, an adorable fluffy cow named Dolly lives right next to the potato and will be your pet for the stay! This Airbnb is sure to be a memorable and unique experience you will never forget. Nearest town: Boise Sleeps: 2 Rates from: $123 per night Book here   Boathouse in Bayview: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  Located ON the end of a dock on Lake Pend Oreille, this floating home boasts stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. With kayaks provided and easy access to Farragut State Park, Stoneridge PGA golf course, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Coeur d'Alene, and Priest Lake, there are no limits to the adventures guests can have. The interior features a bohemian lake house feel that is sure to make you feel relaxed and at peace. Nearest town: Bayview Sleeps: 4 Rates from: $109 per night Book here   Old Time Saloon in Tetonia: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  Experience the charm of a picturesque Western saloon set on a 10-acre property in Teton Valley. The roomy one-bedroom saloon features a snug fireplace and a pool table. Unwind in the saltwater hot tub, take in a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, or gather around a fire under the stars in this distinctive mountain retreat. The property sits alongside a meandering creek, with multiple outdoor sitting areas that invite you to embrace the natural surroundings and relax. Nearest town: Driggs Sleeps: 4 Rates from: $400 per night Book here   A-Frame in Garden Valley: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  The Röra Haus is a stunning modern A-frame cabin located in the forest of Garden Valley. There are plenty of activities with proximity to Crouch, Terrace Lakes Golf Course, Starlight Mountain Theater, eateries, hiking & biking trails, and the Payette River. The interior is beautifully decorated with a modern kitchen, natural wood, and a massive wall of windows. Outside areas feature two patios and a fire pit, perfect for watching wildlife and roasting marshmallows. Nearest town: Crouch Sleeps: 6 Rates from: $195 per night Book here   Train Carriage in Dreary: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  This 1909 restored train carriage under a depot roof set amidst a forest and wheat fields is a magical getaway. Located in an outdoor wonderland, this spot offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, four-wheeling, and fishing at two nearby ponds. This peaceful, private Airbnb is the perfect weekend getaway with a unique vintage twist! Nearest town: Dreary Sleeps: 2 Rates from: $351 per night Book here   Luxury Modern Boho in Boise: Photo credit: Airbnb   Why you should stay:  Located in the heart of Boise near Boise State University, this stunning renovated home has equal parts style, space, and location to enjoy all of Boise. The light and bright interior is beautifully decorated with a boho flair and features a large living room with two story ceilings. Organic products are offered here enhancing the natural elegance of this one-of-a-kind residence. Nearest town: Boise Sleeps: 10 Rates from: $192 per night Book here    

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New Year, New Home: Resolutions for Homebuyers and Sellers

Photo Credit: Unsplash As many of us are reflecting on the previous year and looking forward to the next with our goals and ambitions in full focus, the new year seems like the perfect time to turn a new leaf. Life brings about change in many ways and a new calendar year marks the beginning of what could be. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to combine households, and everything in between, join us as we delve into the resolutions that will pave the way for a successful and fulfilling real estate journey in the coming year.   Homebuyer’s Resolutions: Create your budget. Begin your homebuying journey by taking a close look at your financial situation. Evaluate your monthly income and expenses, and give yourself a general budget for your future home. Begin saving for a down payment. Establish a clear savings goal for your future down payment. Try making a dedicated savings account and calculating what amount works for you to put aside each month. Look for opportunities to increase your savings through additional income or strategic budgeting. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Navigate the mortgage process with confidence by researching different lenders and gathering necessary financial documents. Then, go to your chosen lender and obtain a pre-approval, giving you a clearer picture of your budget. Create a must-haves and a nice-to-have list. Imagine your dream home and write down what features are must-haves, and which would be nice to have as added amenities. Make sure to take into account your future needs, whether it’s more space for new additions to the family or a neighborhood with a good school district.  Hire a real estate agent. Research and interview potential agents, and make sure they understand your budget, preferences, and timeline for a seamless homebuying experience. When choosing a real estate agent, it is helpful to look at previous client's testimonials to ensure you will have a positive experience.    Sellers Resolutions: Begin preparing your home for sale. Set aside time in the new year to begin enhancing your home's curb appeal and overall presentation. Consider taking on repairing minor issues, repainting, and decluttering to make your property more attractive to potential buyers. Set realistic goals and timelines. Define clear and achievable goals for selling your home, and write down action items you can do to ensure that you reach these goals. Set a general timeline for selling your home, and make sure to leave a little room for unexpected challenges.  Choose your real estate agent. When choosing your agent, start by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights. Use online platforms and reviews to research agents in your desired area. Make sure the agent you choose has extensive local market knowledge and experience.  Declutter and stage your home. With the previous steps completed, you can get your home ready for photos and open houses by beginning to declutter, remove personal touches, and stage the home if needed. 

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The Future of Real Estate: Emerging Trends to Watch

Photo Credit: Doug Petersen As the new year begins, real estate continues to change and evolve to fit with technological advancements and shifting societal norms. From sustainable living to virtual tours, several trends are shaping the future of housing. Let's explore these emerging trends that are expected to leave a lasting impact on how we buy, sell, and live in our homes.   Home Efficiency: Photo Credit: David FishEnvironmentally friendly living is taking center stage in the real estate landscape. As sustainability becomes sought after by buyers, “green homes” are gaining popularity. These houses incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and energy-efficient windows. These homes not only positively impact the environment, but also can lead to lower energy bills for the homeowners.    Smart Features: Photo Credit: David Fish The integration of smart technologies is revolutionizing the way we interact with our living spaces. Smart homes with connected devices and automation systems offer enhanced security, energy efficiency, and convenience. These high-tech devices include thermostats that can be set on your phone, security systems that can be controlled remotely, and smart lighting throughout the house. These devices add convenience to our homes and buyers are prioritizing homes with tech built in. The future holds the promise of even more sophisticated and interconnected smart home solutions, making our living spaces comfortable and intelligent.   Home Office Space: Photo Credit: Doug Petersen The rise of remote work has changed what homebuyers are looking for in their ideal homes. With an increasing number of people working from home, homebuyers now prioritize dedicated office space. The real estate industry is adapting to this shift, with builders and developers incorporating flexible and multifunctional spaces to accommodate these needs. The home is transforming from a living space to a versatile place that supports both life and work, a lingering change from the pandemic.   Smaller Single Family Homes, More Townhomes, Larger Condos: Photo Credit: Tony Moody Higher mortgage interest rates and a shift in lifestyle have placed emphasis on smaller single family homes with less bedrooms. The National Association of Home builders says that the median square footage of new single family homes is 2,261, a little more than 200sf smaller than in 2015.. At the same time, renters are seeking more space to accommodate changes in remote work and more luxury amenities. Demand for luxury apartments remains intact heading into 2024, especially in retirement areas like Florida and Arizona.    Natural and Native Landscaping: Photo Credit: Doug Petersen Concerns over climate change and resource availability is forcing homeowners to reconsider whether the grass is greener on the other side. Yards consisting of native/drought-tolerant plants, rock, and other hardscape are being prioritized over lush, water hungry lawns. In desert climates like Idaho, Arizona, and California, xeriscaping has been popularized and is becoming more accepted by HOAs. Rising Home Prices and Less Inventory: As demand for housing continues to surge, the real estate market is grappling with rising home prices and dwindling inventory. The National Association of Real Estate predicts home prices to rise by 2.6% in 2024. The competitive market will force buyers to act swiftly, while sellers enjoy the benefits of increased property values.

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