High Rise Living: Boise's Condominium and Apartment Offerings

The Rise of Condominium and Apartment Living in Boise: In recent years, Boise has seen a notable rise in condominium and apartment living. One of the driving reasons behind this shift is the higher cost of mortgages in recent years, which has made traditional home ownership less attainable. Condominiums and apartments have lower upfront costs and typically require a smaller financial commitment, making them more financially attractive than houses. Additionally, apartment and condo living has a lock-and-leave convenience, allowing for increased flexibility for travel. The cost of maintenance is also much less for condominiums and apartments, and maintenance responsibilities are often shouldered by the property management. In downtown Boise, condo and apartment buildings seamlessly blend sophistication and simplicity of living, with the vibrancy of downtown just steps away.   High Rise Living in Boise: The Afton. Sitting in the Cultural District moments away from the heart of Downtown Boise, the Afton is truly a part of the downtown community. Amenities of this building include a private, internal parking garage and spacious outdoor garden area that sits above the city on levels 2 and 3. This beautiful outdoor space features outdoor firepits, multiple seating areas, barbeques, and pet-friendly areas. The Afton also boasts a hotel-style suite in the building that is available for visitors of Afton residents. Photo credit to Build Idaho.   Lucy. Located on 5th and Grove Street in downtown, the Lucy is within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Boise. This building focuses on one-bedroom floorplans, with a two-bedroom option also available. Apartments are created with modern finishes and smart home technology for a seamless living experience. Amenities include abundant parking, a bicycle wash and repair shop, and an included membership to the Grove Fitness and Spa. Photo credit to The Lucy Boise.   Hearth on Broad. Nestled between Julia Davis Park and downtown Boise, Hearth on Broad brings elegant, luxury living to Boise. The amenities of this building are endless, including multiple community areas, a spa area with a hot tub, a sun deck, a fitness center, barbeques, outdoor lounges, and coworking spaces. On the ground level of Hearth sits the Percy restaurant, the newest creation from the Wylder Hospitality group.   Jules on 3rd. Named after Boise’s iconic Julia Davis, Jules on 3rd is a beautiful building right next to Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise. Amenities include a rooftop pool with a spacious sundeck, a club room, outdoor barbeques, a fitness studio, a dog-washing spa, and remote working spaces. Floorplan options include a variety of studios and one beds, as well as a few two-bedroom options. Photo credit to Jules on Third.   Tower Plaza (Chase Bank Building). The iconic Tower Plaza condominiums are located on Capitol Boulevard in the Chase Bank Building. Built in 1995, Tower Plaza is one of the first high-rise condominium buildings in Boise. Floor plans range from 500-square-foot studios to 4,000-square-foot penthouses. These apartments are a stone's throw from the best dining, shopping, and entertainment that Boise has to offer. These apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the Boise skyline.   One Thirteen. (no photo available)     Travis. With only 19 residences and a location right on the cusp of downtown Boise, these condos offer an exclusive and intimate living experience. Condos feature an elegant open-concept kitchen and living space, a gas fireplace with floor-to-ceiling tile surround, and private outdoor balconies and patios. Amenities include a secure garage, fitness center, additional storage units, and commercial space on the ground floor. Photo credits to the Travis.   Martha. This stylish west downtown apartment building features sizable units with expansive windows, spacious floor plans with oversized closets, and a boutique vibe. Community amenities include a community courtyard, secure bike storage, and on-site parking. This apartment’s location is out of the hustle and bustle of downtown while still being minutes from the restaurants, shops, and entertainment.   One Nineteen. One Nineteen offers 26 urban residences, from sixth-floor penthouses to studios and two bedrooms. These homes boast 10-foot ceilings (14-foot in the penthouses) and beautifully designed interiors. Amenities include secure parking, bike storage, a bike maintenance station, and natural gas outlets on decks. Photo credit to Build Idaho.   Jefferson. This boutique condominium was built in 2009 and sits on the fringe of the East End, just blocks from the heart of downtown. These units feature quality construction, smart floorplans, and stunning interior design packages. All condos have a private outdoor deck, and amenities include secured underground parking, a lobby with a fireplace and furniture, and a low-traffic/noise location. Photo credit to Build Idaho.

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The Pros and Cons of New Construction vs. Existing Homes

When you are thinking about buying a home, a major decision is whether you want to build a brand-new home or buy an existing home. Both options bring a unique set of advantages and challenges, and it is important to think about which best fits your lifestyle and needs. Check out this guide to the benefits and downsides of both new construction and existing homes to help you decide which is suited for you!   New Construction: Benefits: Modern and customizable floor plans. When buying a new home, you may have the option to pick or even design your own floor plan, making your home perfect for your needs. Even if the home is already complete when you buy it, it will likely have a modern layout that is more open. Smart Tech and Energy Efficiency. New builds are typically built with adaptability to “smart” tech, such as speaker systems, alarms, lighting, and heating and air systems. These newer appliances are often much more energy efficient, leading to a lower utility bill and greater ease of use. Low Maintenance and Warranties: Because everything in the home (electricity, pipes, roofing, etc) is brand new, maintenance costs are likely to be very low for the first few years. Some builders also offer warranties on different parts of the home, further decreasing maintenance costs for a homeowner.                                                                                                                                                                        New Construction Communities. Recently built neighborhoods, such as Harris Ranch or Cartwright Ranch, may offer community amenities. Whether this is a neighborhood pool, pickleball court, or park, this is definitely a pro to new construction communities.  Downsides: Higher Price. New construction is usually more expensive than a comparable resale home due to current material and labor costs. Risk of Delays. In the case of building a home or buying a home during construction, there is the possibility of delays in the completion of the home. However, this is not the case when buying a new, finished home.   Existing Home: Benefits: Move-in Ready. Existing homes, as long as you are not planning a remodel, are typically ready to move into on the day of closing.  Lower Price. Existing homes tend to be less expensive than new construction homes, making them often the more affordable option.                                                                                                                                                                                      Established Neighborhoods, Landscaping, and Architectural Details. Existing homes can come in long-lived neighborhoods, featuring mature landscaping and trees in both your yard and your neighbors. Existing homes can also feature unique and antique details that cannot be replicated in a new build, giving your home history and character. Downsides: Outdated Floor Plans. Depending on the build date, existing construction is likely to have a more dated floor plan, which could include lower ceilings and closed-in kitchens.  Older Technology and Fixtures. When the home is not brand new, the lighting, sink, and bathroom fixtures may be aged and out of style. The home also will likely not include new appliances or technology integrated into it.This is not always the case, as different owners infuse more modern amenities into a home through remodeling and upgrading. Be aware that not all renovations are created equal, and that you need to do your due diligence to ensure that the ‘new’ stuff was installed properly and to code.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Not So Energy Efficient. Due to older heating and cooling systems, or poor insulation,  an existing home may not be very energy efficient.                                                                                                                                                                           Potentially More Repairs and Maintenance. Older roofs, heating and air systems, and other aged appliances may lead to unexpected repairs in an existing home.                           

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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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