Boise Farmers Market

The Boise Farmers Market

Growing Food   -   Growing Farmers   -   Growing Ideas   –   Growing Community

The Boise Farmers Market will establish a new standard for farmers markets in the Treasure Valley.  Its focus:

• Locally grown foods sold by the farmer.  A wide assortment of foods and agricultural products will be offered.
• Value added products with a local emphasis.  Customers can expect on-site food, specialty foods, and other value added items to contain as much locally grown products as possible.
• Accountability to the customer.  All goods sold at the Boise Farmers Market will be grown or made by the producer.
• Information about local food and farming issues.  The Boise Farmers Market will be a place where the public can learn about relationship of local food and farms to our health, our economy, and our culture.
• Growing new farmers.   Through an innovative partnership between established farmers and those exploring the occupation, The Boise Farmers Market will help ensure our local food supply.
• Sustainability and community resilience.   The Boise Farmers Market will focus on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same through its operation and community partnerships.

An Incubator of New Ideas!
Farmers markets have a long history of being more than merely a place to exchange goods.  The Boise Farmers Market is committed to playing an important role in fostering new ideas in Boise and the regional food system.


Vision:    The Boise Farmers Market is a community marketplace where local food and agricultural products are available year round and where the community can learn about and become engaged in food system issues.  The Market is a catalyst and incubator for local food-related activities in the region, and helps to build personal and community self-reliance.
 

Mission: The Boise Farmers Market supports a regenerative, healthy food and agricultural system by operating a vibrant marketplace featuring locally grown and crafted products

Why Buy Local? 

Because! 10 Reasons to Buy  & Eat Local!
* Buying & eating local means more for the local economy - According to a study by the New Economics Foundation in London, a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy.  When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves the community at every transaction.
* Locally grown produce is fresher.  While produce that is purchased in the supermarket or at a big-box store has been in transit or cold-stored for days or weeks, produce purchased at your local farmers market has often been picked within 24 hours  of your purchase.  This freshness not only affects the taste of your food, it also affects the nutritional value which declines with time.
* Locally grown food just plain tastes better.  Ever tried a tomato that was picked with 24 hours?  Need we say more?
* Locally grown fruits and vegetables have longer to ripen.  Because the produce will be handled less, locally grown fruit doesn’t  have to be “rugged” or  stand up to the rigors of shipping. This means that you are going to be getting peaches so ripe that they fall apart as you eat them.  Melons allowed to ripen until the last possible minute on the vine  tastes much better than those filled with gas for transporting.
* Buying local food is better for air quality an pollution than eating organic.  In a March 2005 study by the journal Food Policy, it was found that the   miles that organic food often travels to our plate create environmental damage that outweighs the benefit of buying organic.
* Buying and eating locally grown food keeps us in touch with the seasons.  By purchasing and eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive.
* Buying locally grown food makes for a great story.  Whether it’s the farmer who brings apples to the market or the baker who makes bread, knowing part of the story about your food is a powerful part of enjoying a meal.
* Buying & eating local helps protect us from bioterrorism.  Food with less distance to travel from farm to plate is less susceptible to harmful contamination.
* Local food translates to more variety.  When a farmer is producing food that will not travel a long distance, will have a shorter shelf life, and does not have a high- yield demand, the farmer is free to try small crops of various fruits and vegetables that would probably never make it to a large supermarket.
* Supporting local providers supports responsible land development.  When you buy local, you give those with local open space – farms and pastures – an economic reason to stay open and undeveloped.

Pros and Cons of Having a Timeshare

PROS:

Exchange Programs
Many people buy timeshares for the opportunity to exchange or trade units with other owners, allowing each one to experience a different place in the world every couple of years. Some companies have locations all over the world including South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia, as well as dozens of locations around the United States.
Only Pay for What You Use
Unlike a vacation home, which you pay for throughout the year but only use for a few weeks, you only pay for a timeshare during the time that you are using it. Because you are sharing the cost with others, there is much less financial strain throughout the year.
You can also rent out your timeshare if you do not plan on using it that year and save the money for other things. Having control of your timeshare allows you to decide who rents from you and it also allows family members or friends to take advantage of your timeshare.
Maintenance Free
A timeshare takes care of itself. Annual maintenance fees insure your timeshare and resort upkeep and any repairs that it may need. Your fees also pay for on-sight management and insurance so there is always someone looking after the property, which cannot be said for vacation homes or condos that may sit vacant for months at a time.
Guaranteed Vacations
A timeshare is a guaranteed vacation. If you are bad at organizing your vacation days, then a timeshare is a vacation destination that is guaranteed to be there one week a year. This can make it easier for you to save for and make plans for your annual vacation. Your contract usually requires that the property be occupied by you once a year. If you enjoy visiting the same place every year, this is a good way of securing your vacation.
Cheaper, Roomier Alternative to Hotels
Hotels are great for some, but anyone who has traveled with a large group of people or children can tell you that the accommodations are not ideal. Staying in a nice hotel is expensive and adding extra rooms compounds the cost so that a week in a hotel for a family of four can quickly climb into the thousands of dollars. Timeshares are most often modeled after two bedroom, two bathroom condos and include a living room, laundry and fully stocked kitchen which can cut out costly restaurant dinners every night.

CONS:

Limited in Vacation Schedule Possibility
Rescheduling your vacations may be hard to do; usually, owners keep their weeks, and it may be hard to swap. If you want a holiday week, you may not be able to trade your timeshare for it because there are many timeshare owners hoping for the same week. You also may not be able to decide last minute that you want to use your timeshare in a certain location because spots may already be filled. This requires you to plan ahead, months in advance, and often takes the spontaneity out of planning a trip.
Your Money is Tied Up
The whole concept of timesharing is based on prepayment of your vacation. For some, this is convenient.  For others, it is hard to give up money for something immediate, for a vacation you won't experience 'till months later. Timesharing is a big commitment financially; you are contractually obligated to pay maintenance fees for as long as you own it, and there is no easy way to extricate yourself from your timeshare.
Maintenance Fees
Maintenance fees cover the grounds and housekeeping services, utilities, insurance, on-site management, keeping facilities and appliances up and running etc. They are assessed and paid annually, but it is often difficult to factor them in since they are not a constant. Because the cost of goods and services goes up every year, maintenance fees have been known to increase up to 4 percent in a single year. Keep in mind that a nice, upscale resort needs to spend someone's money to keep it looking that way.
Associated With Scams and Unethical Dealers
Always check if the condominium belongs to an Owner's Club or Association - if not, you may be dealing in risky business. Research the resort and management company to be aware of any outstanding complaints. Make sure you pay attention; any special contract clauses or other suspicious circumstances should send up red flags. You can make sure your timeshare company is reputable by checking them out with the Better Business Bureau and through online reviews.
You can search the various locations and deals from a developer, management company or travel agent, as well as from the owners themselves. It is a good sign if the provider offers a grace period in which you can cancel without charge and he guarantees the financial stability of the unit.
Hard to Resell
Some developers include clauses into timeshare purchase contracts that may restrict your ability to sell on your own. They may require rights of first refusal, commissions on your sales price and so on. Before purchasing a timeshare, be sure to ask about their resale policies. Keep in mind that, because timeshares often depreciate in value after you buy them, you may end up losing money in the resale.

Top 10 Things to Know About Buying a Second or Vacation Home

                  

One out of three homes sold in 2007 was a vacation home or investment property, showing that demand for second homes remains healthy despite a slow housing market. With homebuyers enjoying an advantage in many markets, now may be the time to buy that second home. Whether you're dreaming of paradise or profit, master these 10 tips for a smart investment.

1. Resist the urge to impulse buy.
   Don’t come back from vacation with the keys to a new house without having thoroughly researched your purchase first. If you buy on a whim, you may end up with a second home you can’t afford or that doesn’t fit your needs.
   
   
2. Evaluate your needs and long-term goals.
   Be realistic about what type of second home suits your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, staying within a day’s drive of your primary home could be a good move. If you’d like your second home to someday serve as a retirement spot, assess the home’s accessibility and check out health care services in the area.
   
   
3. Get to know the area before buying.
   Even if you’ve been visiting the same vacation spot for years, you need to get to know the area from a nontourist perspective if you plan to buy there. Visit the place off-season, and talk to locals to get their take on the area.
   
   
4. Hire a local real estate agent.
   Buying a vacation home outside your area can be tricky, as residential real estate is extremely localized. A local agent can help you get to know the market.
   
   
5. Decide what type of home is right for you.
   Think about how much time you’re willing to devote to maintenance when deciding between a condo and a single-family home. Condos are a good choice for buyers who only plan to use their homes occasionally and don’t want to deal with year-round maintenance. But if you don’t want to sacrifice privacy, stick with a single-family home.
   
   
6. Shop around for a mortgage.
   The market changes constantly, so resist the temptation to take whatever terms your lender on your first home offers you. See what else is out there to get the best deal possible.
   
   
7. Calculate additional expenses.
   Don’t forget about insurance and maintenance when adding up the costs of your second home. Some of the most desirable areas are at a higher risk for hurricanes, floods or forest fires, so insurance for these areas can be pricey. Get several insurance quotes before making an offer. For maintenance, a good rule of thumb is to set aside 2 percent of the home’s value per year for upkeep and repairs.
   
   
8. Consider fractional ownership to cut down on costs.
   If you buy a second home on your own, you may find yourself shelling out a lot of money for the amount of time you actually spend there. By pooling your resources with friends or relatives, many people can enjoy a vacation getaway for a fraction of the cost.
   
   
9. Look into tax benefits.
   You don’t have to pay taxes on rental income if you rent out your home for fewer than 15 days a year, but you can’t deduct any rental expenses. If you rent out your home for more than 15 days a year, you have to report the income, but you can deduct expenses like maintenance and cleaning.
   
   
10. Rent your home out for extra income.
    If you need extra cash to supplement your monthly mortgage payment, renting out your second home could be a good option. Being a landlord comes with more responsibilities than many people realize, so familiarize yourself with landlord/tenant laws and the Fair Housing Act before renting out your home.

July 2014 Market Update

Why Buy A Home in Boise Idaho?

There are several factors that go into deciding where to buy your next home. One factor that consistently scores big with buyers when it comes to such a big decision is how near recreational amenities you are.
Boise, Idaho offers countless places that are conveniently accessible to recreational opportunities in every direction. Most of these, you've likely never heard of.
The Snake is the largest tributary jutting from the Columbia River, and extends 1,078 miles. The Snake passes within 30 miles of Boise, and proceeds to roughly divide the Oregon and Idaho state borders. The Snake leads into Hells Canyon, a steep and spectacular gorge that in conjunction with the Snake, create two very powerful sources of recreation in Southwest Idaho. Hells Canyon is your jumping off point to jet boat or take on the rapids. One of the most effective ways to experience this beautiful landscape is by following the Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway, a powerful tapestry of scenic areas. You'll come across a 53 mile stretch just outside of Boise where you can share the same visual experience our early pioneers had, and be home in time for dinner. Easily turn it into a weekend or week long adventure with sportsman's accesses along the Snake and designated camping areas.
Idaho is home to the spectacular rugged Sawtooth Mountain Range, one of the most aesthetic and awe inspiring natural beauties in the country. The Sawtooths are a jagged series of mountains that is home to a number of recreational opportunities from hiking, fishing, paddling white water and animal gazing for elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. With just a short, scenic drive outside Boise, you can easily make this a yearly or even monthly destination to take advantage of Idaho's great outdoors.
Mountain Home Idaho is about a 45 minute drive outside Boise, and just south is the tallest sand dune of Bruneau Dunes State park, which rises 470 feet above the small lakes below. Within the park you'll find desert, lake and marsh habitat, prairie and any number of local species. Idaho residents come from every direction to fish, birdwatch, camp, hike, swim and stargaze at the public observatory. There's also horse facilities available with a 9 mile riding trail.


Adventures, great times and endless possibilities are rife outside your backdoor with a home in Idaho. You don't even have to be an avid fisherman, boater, hiker or climber to enjoy what Idaho has to offer. Though you may have to love nature, as Idaho is one of the only areas left in the country that still retains much of its unspoiled territory and beauty. Idaho is also the headquarters for the photographer, the artist, the writer and yes, even the modern day businessman. Idaho is the whole package, an underrated bargain, a treasure. If you'd like to claim your own piece of Idaho, contact one of our agents today. We know it's great, that's why we're in the business.

What You Need To Know About Buying Forclosures

What is a Foreclosed Property?

A foreclosed property – also known as Real Estate Owned (REO) – is a home that was once customer-owned but has been turned back to the mortgage holder as the result of a foreclosure action or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

A foreclosure can occur when mortgage payments are not made over a period of time and efforts to resolve the default are unsuccessful. While we make every effort to help customers remain in their homes, sometimes foreclosure becomes the only option.

Revitalizing neighborhoods and communities is our goal, which is accomplished when REO properties are purchased by buyers who will occupy them as their primary residence.

Are Properties Sold at a Discount?

 

Properties are listed at fair market value. Banks work with local real estate agents to review similar listings for price comparisons, assess the property condition, and set an accurate price.

Making properties attractive to buyers is important to the bank, so they will make every effort to maintain and prepare homes for sale, making repairs as needed.

Do Home buyers Have To Compete with Real Estate Investors?

If you plan to live in a property as your main home, you can make an offer during a special time frame reserved for buyers who will occupy the property as their primary residence. This time period helps buyers planning to live in a home get their offers considered before buyers

Do I Need Cash To Buy A REO Property?

You can finance many REO properties through a lender of your choice. Home inspections on foreclosed properties may be required for certain types of financing; speak with a home mortgage consultant for additional information. If you have sufficient cash to buy a home, be sure to determine whether your needs are better met by using financing or buying with cash. A home mortgage consultants can help you to understand your financing options. What Conditions Are the Homes In?

Not all properties need the same level of preparation for sale. However, banks often paint, replace carpeting, and – in some cases – install appliances.

If you’re considering a property that needs renovation, find out about a loan that combines mortgage and renovation financing.

Moving Tips

Pack Early, Pack Smart

Pack boxes of off season or rarely used items far ahead of time to reduce the amount of work just before your move.  I find it helpful to create a staging area in my home to keep packed boxes so the entire house doesn’t look cluttered for weeks (in the case of our current move, that is my office.)  Also pack by zones-don’t throw your blender in with your hair dryer-keep items stored in the same room/area grouped together in boxes for easier unpacking.

Be sure to label boxes not only with their contents but also what room they belong in so that you can easily unload them at your new home and place the label on the SIDE of the box, not the top so you can see the contents when boxes are stacked. I actually use two labels per box on opposite sides so I don’t have to play ring around the boxes to find the label when unloading.

Think Ahead

Take down pictures and other wall decor about a month before the move to allow ample time for patching holes and touch up painting.

In addition to those tasks think about scheduling your carpets to be cleaned after your belongings are loaded in your moving truck as well as general home cleaning, yard maintenance, and any other tasks that may be necessary.  The days before and after your move will be hectic so planning ahead for tasks like these takes some of the pressure off the final preparations!

Eat The Fridge and Other Random Moving Tips

Minimizing waste during your move can help offset the added expense moving normally brings.  Here are a few more helpful tips

• 
  About a month before your move start “eating the freezer.” Plan meals using things you have in your freezer and won’t be able to take with you to your new home, this helps reduce the amount of food that gets wasted one you move.
• Pack your pantry items using gallon storage bags to store items that may leaks (like opened baking mixes) or smaller items like spices.
• When packing liquids like cleaners or toiletries take the top off, cover with cling wrap, then replace the top-this helps reduce the chance of spills.
• Wrap plastic drawers with cling wrap to save tape and time.
• Don’t pack boxes too heavy! While it’s tempting to fill large boxes to the max it’s often better to pack smaller boxes so they are easier to lift and carry during the move.
• Overestimate how many boxes you need-they are used very quickly.  Many large moving supply companies have box “buy back” policies where unused boxes can be returned for a refund.
• To reduce the need for bubble wrap, I use linens to wrap fragile items-I always wash and refold them once I get to my new home so why not have them pull double duty?