So, you've started looking for your perfect Idaho home! You've searched high and low and maybe even found a few possibilities, so it's time to get serious. That likely means talking to a lender to secure the finances for your new dream home; there's more to it than just asking nicely. To help you get your ducks all lined up to buy we've put together this quick list of 3 things a lender will need from you before you can buy a home:

1. Proof of income and employment. Lenders want to see that you have a steady income that can support your mortgage payments. They will typically ask for the following documents:

   • Pay stubs from your current job
   • Tax returns from the past two years
   • Employment verification letter from your employer
   • Bank statements showing your regular income deposits
   • Proof of any other income sources, such as rental income or investment income

2. A good credit score. Your credit score is a measure of your financial history and how well you manage your debt. Lenders use your credit score to assess your risk as a borrower. A good credit score will help you get a better interest rate on your mortgage.

4. A down payment. A down payment is the amount of money you put down when you buy a home. The larger your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. Most lenders require a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price of the home.

In addition to these three things, lenders may also ask for other information, such as your debt-to-income ratio, your assets, and your housing expenses. The specific requirements will vary depending on the lender and the type of loan you are applying for.

Once you have gathered all of the required documentation, you can start the mortgage application process. This process can take several weeks, so it is important to start early.

Here are some tips for getting a mortgage:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start shopping for a home. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow and will make the home buying process go more smoothly.
• Shop around for the best interest rate. There are many different lenders out there, so it is important to compare rates before you choose one.
• Be prepared to provide all of the required documentation. The lender will need to see proof of your income, employment, and credit history.
• Be patient. The mortgage application process can take several weeks, so it is important to be patient and to follow up with the lender regularly.

Buying a home in Idaho is a big decision, but it can be a very rewarding one! By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a mortgage and buying the home of your dreams. And thankfully you've got your Garden Valley Properties team here on call to help any time you have a question - so get in touch!

In some cases, you buy knowing a place is going to need some work. You look forward to making it yours, changing it into exactly what you want...other times, well, there can be surprises to your new home - even when you get it inspected! We're not trying to scare you, we want you to be prepared, especially if you don't have a good real estate agent to let you know about these things!

So we've put together some of the most common repairs new homeowners have to make:

• Water heater repairs. The water heater is another essential part of your home, and it can be a costly repair if it breaks down. Common water heater problems include mineral buildup, leaks, and electrical issues.
  
  
• Plumbing repairs. Plumbing problems can be a real headache, and they can be expensive to fix. Some common plumbing problems include clogged drains, leaky faucets, and burst pipes.
  
  
• Heating and air conditioning repairs. The HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable, so it's important to keep it in good working order. Common HVAC problems include malfunctioning thermostats, dirty filters, and refrigerant leaks.
  
  
• Siding repairs. The siding on your home protects it from the elements, so it's important to keep it in good condition. Common siding problems include cracked or peeling paint, loose or damaged siding, and water damage.
  
  
• Garbage disposal repairs. The garbage disposal is a convenient appliance, but it can be a problem if it breaks down. Common garbage disposal problems include jammed disposals, faulty switches, and leaks.
  
  

These are just some of the most common repairs new homeowners have to make! It's important to be prepared for these repairs, and to have a budget set aside for them. You should also make sure you have a good home inspector look at your home before you buy it, so you can be aware of any potential problems. By being prepared for these repairs, you can save yourself a lot of stress and money in the long run.

There's a famous saying: "Buy Land! They aren't making any more of it!", and it's a very true fact! Whether it be as an investment for the future, a business need, or to build that family spread you've been dreaming about - LAND is what's needed to make those dreams come true. Fortunately, here in Idaho we're blessed with abundant and beautiful wide open spaces to call home, but if you're still on the fence about it here are a few more reasons to think about buying land in Idaho:

• The cost of living in Idaho is relatively low. This means that you can get more for your money when you buy land in Idaho.
• Idaho is a growing state with a strong economy. The state's unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%
• Idaho is also home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, such as Albertsons, Simplot, and Micron Technology.
• Idaho is a tax-friendly state. Property taxes are relatively low; this can save you a significant amount of money on your taxes each year.
• Idaho is a safe state. The crime rate in Idaho is lower than the national average.

Here are some additional tips for buying land in Idaho:

    Do your research. Before you buy any land, it is important to do your research and learn as much as you can about the area. This includes things like the local zoning laws, the property taxes, and the climate.

    Get a good real estate agent. A good real estate agent can help you find the right piece of land for your needs and budget. They can also negotiate on your behalf and help you through the closing process.

    Be prepared to wait. It can take some time to find the right piece of land in Idaho. The state is popular with buyers, so there is often competition for good properties.

    Be patient. Buying land is a big investment. It is important to be patient and make sure that you are making the right decision.

If you've been looking for land, we're here at Garden Valley Properties to help you find just the right piece!
Take a look at our listings or get in touch today to start finding home in the mountains!

Summer time arrives and many folks don't think about selling their home, or they put previous plans on hold. It's easy to understand, the weather is warm, the kids are out of school, and everyone wants to go play rather than think about real estate - but fact of the matter is, Summer in Idaho is a great time to think about selling! If you're considering selling your home, these quick tips will help you get ready.

De-clutter and depersonalize your home.
The first step to getting your home ready to sell is to de-clutter and depersonalize it. This means getting rid of any unnecessary furniture, belongings, and personal items. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so it's important to create a blank slate for them.

Start by going through each room in your home and getting rid of anything you don't use or need. If you're not sure whether to keep something, ask yourself if it's something you would buy if you were looking at a home to purchase. If the answer is no, then it's time to get rid of it.

Once you've de-cluttered, it's time to depersonalize your home. This means taking down any personal photos, artwork, or other items that make your home feel like your home. Buyers want to be able to see themselves in your home, so it's important to create a neutral space.

If you're having trouble de-cluttering and depersonalizing your home, you may want to hire a professional organizer. A professional organizer can help you get rid of the clutter and create a space that's both stylish and inviting.

Make repairs and improvements.
Once your home is de-cluttered and depersonalized, it's time to make any necessary repairs and improvements. This includes things like fixing any broken appliances, painting any walls that are in need of a fresh coat, and repairing any damage to the flooring or countertops.

It's also a good idea to update any outdated fixtures or appliances. For example, if your kitchen has old appliances, you may want to consider replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient models.

Making repairs and improvements will help your home look its best and make it more appealing to buyers.

Stage your home.
Once your home is clean, de-cluttered, and repaired, it's time to stage it. Staging is the process of making your home look its best for potential buyers. This includes things like arranging furniture in a way that makes the space feel open and inviting, adding fresh flowers and plants, and deodorizing the home.

If you're not sure how to stage your home, you may want to hire a professional stager. A professional stager can help you create a space that's both stylish and inviting, and will help you sell your home faster.

Be patient.
Selling a home can take time, trust the process, and communicate with your chosen REALTOR. Don't expect to sell your home overnight! Be patient and keep your home on the market until you find the right buyer.

Here are some additional tips for getting your home ready to sell:

Get your home professionally cleaned.
Make sure your home is always clean and tidy when potential buyers come to see it.
Be available to show your home to potential buyers.
Be prepared to negotiate on the price.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for top dollar.

Of course, the very best tip is to work with a qualified real estate professional that knows the market and the area!
Fortunately, our team here at GVP is on call and ready to help YOU! Don't delay your plans, get your home in Idaho sold - call GVP!

Summer is well on it's way and while folks have their minds on getting out and enjoying the long sunny days, the real estate market isn't cooling off so fast! If you've been putting off starting your Idaho home search, here are 3 good reasons to buy a home before the end of Summer!


Mortgage rates are still relatively low.
Mortgage rates have been on the rise in recent months, but they are still relatively low by historical standards. This means that you can get a good deal on a mortgage if you buy a home now. The only thing for certain about rates is that they won't stay the same, so it's best to take a look at the current trend and get in before it turns.

The housing market is starting to cool off.
And this is a good thing for buyers! A cooler market often motivates sellers to be more open to negotiation. The housing market was very hot in 2021 and early 2022, but it is starting to cool off. This means that there are more homes on the market and buyers are having to compete less. This can make it easier to find a home that you love and get a good deal on it.

Homeownership has long-term financial benefits.
This is one tried and true reason that always applies! Homeownership has many long-term financial benefits. For example, homeowners can build equity in their home over time, which can be used as a source of funds for retirement or other financial goals. Homeowners also receive tax breaks on their mortgage interest and property taxes.

Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to buy a home:

Your financial situation: Can you afford the monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, and other homeownership costs?

Your lifestyle: Do you want to live in a specific neighborhood or community? Do you have a family or pets that need to be considered?

Your long-term goals: Do you plan to stay in the home for a long time? Do you want to use the home as an investment?

If you are still unsure about whether or not to buy a home, it's likely time to talk to one of our qualified Idaho real estate professionals! They can help you assess your financial situation and make a decision that is right for you.