Garden Valley Properties would like to introduce their newest licensed real estate agent to the team - Kraig Wees!

Native to Idaho, Kraig and his wife Katja settled in Garden Valley 3 years ago. Prior to joining the real estate industry, Kraig worked 20 years in Marketing and Sales for Micron Technology, after years as a restaurateur.

Kraig is a proud member of the Boise Regional Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and ready to serve the greater Garden Valley market.

The Wees's are empty-nesters allowing Kraig the time to focus his people skills on his new career in Real Estate. We're excited to have him joining the GVP team!

There's no denying the real estate market has changed since this time last year; as is the nature of all markets it will continue to have highs and lows. This has lead many to question whether or not it's still a good time to think about selling their home in Idaho. To help ease concerns you may be having about the current real estate market we've put together some of the top questions to consider when thinking about selling.

Should I wait to sell?
Well, no. Not really. While inventory has gone up slightly in some cases, buyers are still not finding a ton of selection - and that works in your favor because it means your home will have less competition for their attention. Particularly if you have a unique mountain property, or something a little different than everyone else is offering.

Is there still demand?
In a word, yes. Once known as the 'rent-generation' younger buyers are hitting the market every day - millennials are some 80 million strong in the buyer market right now and are set to bring more purchasing power to the market as time passes.

Can I afford to buy?
It can be a worry when you see home prices climbing. Can you afford to buy your next place after you sell your current home? Don't let it worry you - you very likely have more equity in your home than you realize, and that equals buying power on your part.

Not sure where to start? Even if the time is right?
Garden Valley Properties is here to help! We're familiar with every facet of the Idaho real estate industry and specialize in some of the most stunning mountain living in the country! Call or message us today to see how we can help.

With changes in mortgage rates you might be wondering if it's still a good time to buy a home in Idaho. In short, if you don't want to read any further, the answer is YES. YES it is! While there are any number of financial benefits to owning a home like the ability to build equity, and the increased stability against future financial market changes, there is also another big part of owning a home that people don't talk about as much: how it makes you FEEL!

Now, we realize Valentine's Day is a long way away, so we won't get too gushy about things, but it is a very true fact that being a homeowner impacts your emotions in big ways - and that's a GOOD thing!

Owning a home and the responsibilities that come with it, while they can bring their own types of stress, overall will increase your sense of achievement! Ownership of a place, the making of it YOURS, is truly hard to explain until you've experienced it. Your new home is yours. It's your place and your space to make the way YOU want it.

It doesn't just stop when the honeymoon is over! Even if you've been in your home a long time, surveys show that even simple remodels or upgrades can renew and increase your satisfaction in your living space.

All of that may seem like a small thing, but truly the opportunities it opens are amazing! Once you've settled in you'll find room to grow, room to explore, and space to connect with others that you share the space with. And that doesn't just end at your front door! Living in a new place - maybe the beautiful mountains of Idaho! - will provide you will new opportunities to be part of a fresh community and through engaging with others, perhaps even rediscover parts of your self.

At Garden Valley Properties real estate isn't just about the transaction and the paperwork! We don't do things that way here. We take time and we care about those we help guide home. So, when it's time for you to find a new place - whether you need to buy or sell - we hope you will call on us!

As a homeowner, it may seem to you that any improvements made to your home should increase its value, but as we've mentioned before not all home improvements are equal. So, should you be thinking about selling down the road it's a good idea to focus your energy and budget on improvements that will bring the most return on investment when it's time to move. We've put together some of the changes you can make to your home that are sure to improve the resale value, whether you're listing your home next week or next year!

Energy Efficient Features
Including energy saving features can not only improve your resale value but it can help you save on energy bills while you still live in your home - it's a win win all the way! Some of the easiest energy solutions include things like upgraded windows, better insulation, a whole home fan, or even solar thermal heating. Any of these will help keep you more comfortable and add some dollars to your selling price.

Update the Kitchen
It's the heart of a home! A lot of your real living takes place in the kitchen, and as such it can see a lot of wear and tear. Not to mention, home trends that seem all the rage now may not be so trending when it comes time to sell. So, consider ditching those fluorescent lights and wood grain cabinets for something more in style when selling time approaches.

Landscaping
Whether you own a sprawling estate or a modern Idaho tiny home, the front of your home is usually the first thing potential buyers will see. The curb appeal, as it's called in the real estate business. That's why it's always a good idea to spend a little budget outside, get the house soft washed, maybe repainted, or consider adding some new mulch to old flowerbeds. A little can go a long way with curb appeal!

Are you considering selling your home in Idaho?
Maybe you're ready to buy a home in the mountains instead? Either way, our team at Garden Valley Properties is ready to help you! Give a call or contact us via our site to get help right away!

In the old days of real estate, before automated underwriting, there was a catalogue of documents needed to verify the information on the loan application - just in case they were needed. These days the process has been greatly streamlined; it's more likely that your underwriter will only ask for certain documents they they know they actually need. Nonetheless, once you've found that perfect Idaho dream home it's a good time to go ahead and start getting all your paperwork together so that the move goes as smoothly as possible. To help with that we've put together this list of the most likely documents that you'll want to have on hand!

Paystubs and W2
These are almost guaranteed to be involved. Generally you will need a few of your most recent paystubs and the last two years W2's. Your paystubs are merely used to verify the income amounts stated on your application. Your paystubs should be computer generated, not handwritten.

Bank Statements
You'll want to have several of your most recent bank statements from the account associated with your down payment, closing costs, and other associated costs. Generally you will need at least two or three moths work of statements.

Credit Score
Lenders used to use the credit report to add up all the minimum required charges for all credit accounts. Today, it's mostly your credit scores themselves that are scrutinized. Most lending programs do have a minimum required score; you'll find that out from your provider.

Don't let questions about the home buying process keep you from finding your perfect place!
Garden Valley Properties is here to help! Contact us today to see how we can help.