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6 Reasons Why December is a Good Month to Buy a Home

December 11, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Most people cringe at the thought of buying a home in December. Only the Grinch would want to pack up and moving during the holiday season! But hold on Cindy Lou Hoo, there are several reasons December can be a great time to buy.

1. Sellers are highly motivated. 

People who are listing their homes in December are usually on a timeline. They may be relocating for work, wanting to move over the school break, or need to sell their home before the end of the year.

2. You have less competition. 

Listings do go down in December, but many buyers also take a break during the holiday season. So while the overall number of homes available might be lower, you also have less competition looking.

3. You can get a better price.

Motivated sellers and fewer lookers means you can make a better deal. If your seller needs to make a move before the end of the year, they will be willing to work with you on all other terms besides closing date.

4. Rates are staying low.

Mortgage rates are forecast to remain low through the end of this year, and into 2021, so it’s a good time to buy.

5. Take advantage of tax benefits.

If you close on your home purchase by December 31st, you can take tax deductions for mortgage interest, loan points, and property taxes.

6. Schedules are more flexible.

You might think December is too busy a month for moving, but most people tend to have more flexible schedules in December. Children’s activities are suspended, work schedules are more lax, for both you, your sellers, as well as your lender, home inspector, and moving companies, so scheduling all the parts of your transaction and move may actually become easier.

I’d love to help you find your next home.

Let’s make your holiday wishes come true!

Filed Under: Hunting for Housing, Uncategorized Tagged With: Buyer, Buying a Home

Time to eat more hole foods!

January 16, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Even though Idaho Falls doesn’t have the commercially recognized Krispy Cremes or Dunkin’ Donuts like bigger cities do-we still have the best mom and pop donut shops that keep us craving their glaze for days! Check out this list of Idaho Falls’ best Donut Shops!

Growing up in Idaho Falls, my first job was for my friends grandparents bakery in downtown Idaho Falls. Cartstens’ Bakery has been around for over 50 years, and the twisted pretzel sign that stands above their humble shop is as iconic to Idaho Falls as the red, white, and blue water tower!

I spent afternoons, weekends and summers displaying, packaging, selling (and sampling!!) all of the tasty treats that went out the door. The owner, Willi, arrived daily before dawn to fire up the ovens and start raisin’ dough! Thankfully-you don’t have to wake up too early to snag delicious treats from these local shops.

Here are the top donut shops in Idaho Falls!

(Listed alphabetically!)

BAKERS DOZEN

LOCATION – 561 S. Woodruff

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- This may be the only exception to my previous statement, because you actually might want to get here early! They do sell out, and sometimes there’s a line out the door. But don’t let that stop you-their super friendly staff is quick and they always seem happy that you stopped in! Everything on the menu is good, and this is definitely the best place in town to get a large variety of donuts. Fan favorites are the fruit and cream cheese items, the coconut crisp donut, anything with fruit filling, but you absolutely can’t leave without snagging a blueberry cake donut!

***Thank you so much Bakers Dozen for providing all of the donuts on this post! Nothing can quite beat the eye candy they can provide!***

CARSTENS’ BAKERY

LOCATION – 243 Cliff Street

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- The glazed donut is king-raised, fried and glazed scratch every day! Whether you find yourself in the glazed donut or cake donut camp-both are unbeatable here! Although not technically donuts, don’t pass up the opportunity to try the creamhorn or the eclair!

DAYLIGHT DONUTS

LOCATION – 1225 E. 17th Street

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- This is the only shop on the list that is open Sundays! This is the place to go to get your fill right before the work week starts! Check out their marquee to see what unique recipe they’re cooking up that day-or try their fan favorite raspberry cream bear claw and the fritters!

***NOT TECHNICALLY A DONUT SHOP-BUT DEFINITELY WORTH AN HONORABLE MENTION!***

BROULIM’S

LOCATION – 2730 E. Sunnyside (*They have several locations throughout East Idaho)

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW- Although they’re not exactly a donut shop-Broulim’s has (by FAR) the best donuts of any grocery store in town. (I must admit, I have a really hard time classifying Broulim’s among other grocery stores…they’re in a class all their own!) These donuts definitely hold their own against the other bakeries on this list and therefore must be mentioned! Broulim’s offers a wide variety of donuts, from glazed to cake, rings to bars, and chocolate to maple! They are baked in their stores everyday, and do not come frozen like other grocery chains. Personally-I can’t leave without one of their custard-filled chocolate bars!

I was able to speak with Allen, the baker at the Idaho Falls location. He’s a second-generation baker for Broulim’s and he and his dad are proud to share decades of experience getting those little rings perfect! Go try them out and see if you agree!

There you have it! Whether you’re new to town or just a local looking for the best of the best-give these great shops a try and tell them I sent you!

(I can’t be held responsible for any changes in waistlines or scale readings! If you’re worried about it-check out this post on where to go burn it all off!)

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Restaurants, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bakeries, Bakery, Best of, Donuts, Idaho Falls

Where to break out in a cold sweat in Idaho Falls!

January 15, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Trying to reach your health and fitness goals, but think East Idaho has other plans? Think again! You just need to know where to go, and I’ve got you covered! Check out this list of paths in Idaho Falls you can hit this winter.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who committed to health and wellness this year! After the holidays, it can be tough to get it in gear, especially with the amount of snow that just dumped on us! If your resolution was to get outside and get moving, don’t let Idaho winters keep you from reaching your goals-it’s a new year a new opportunity to prove that you can do this! Here’s a whole post about local paths to hit for that hurts-so-good, post-holiday burn! (Paths that are maintained year round of course!)

So…who’s in?!

IDAHO FALLS GREENBELT

LOCATION – Along the Snake River

DISTANCE – 1 – 5+ miles (depending on the route you chose)

WHERE TO START: Park downtown, along Memorial Drive (if you are starting in the center)

SECRETS OUT: On almost any given day rain or shine (or snow!), visitors and residents take advantage of the beautiful scenery and the paved paths along the greenbelt. Enjoy the crown jewel of our local parks!

INSIDER TIP: A collaborative project with the Idaho Falls Arts Council, the Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Foundation, the City of Idaho Falls Division of Parks and Recreation and the City Beautification Commission is displayed along the green belt called, Art you can sit on. Various local artists created unique benches that reflect life in Southeast Idaho from all angles. Snap a photo sitting on the various benches and create an ongoing collage of this emerging art project!

Click here for a map of all of the locations of the benches, and here to see a compilation of these works of art.

COMMUNITY PARK

LOCATION – Corner of Holmes and 25th Street

DISTANCE – 0.75 mile loop

WHERE TO START: Park anywhere in the parking lot, and you’ll have quick access to the path

SECRETS OUT: The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation department has recently improved the walking path that encircles the park, widening it from 8′ to 12′ around the entire path. (Don’t worry, no trees were removed during the construction!)

INSIDER TIP: The paths are maintained well during the winter, but this park is a real treat throughout the summertime! Our family loves spending an evening walking the path while catching the local softball leagues battle it out on the four baseball diamonds in the center.

THE SUNNYSIDE PATH

LOCATION – Sunnyside Road, Idaho Falls

DISTANCE – Varies (out and back style)

WHERE TO START: Park at any public parking area along Sunnyside

SECRETS OUT: The route along Sunnyside Road is another well maintained path on the south side of Idaho Falls. The north side of the street seems to have less ice, due to the exposure to the sun during the day. (The south side is definitely more popular during the summer). For a similar route with less traffic, there is a designated bike lane that runs along 25th Street from Holmes Avenue to Hitt Road (roughly 3 miles).

INSIDER TIP: The walking path along Sunnyside Road is an integral part of the cities plan to connect several trails in Idaho Falls.  They’re working to create an intricate system of paved paths for bikers and pedestrians to get around and explore our city! 

Honestly-how lucky are we to have such amazing opportunities in our small town?! Make sure you take advantage of these groomed paths our city offers to keep up on any fitness or health goals you set for the New Year! If you’re anything like me, nothing keeps me on track like keeping things simple. Thanks to the great area we live in, working out outdoors is possible year-round!

Nothing makes you feel more empowered than running (or walking) in the snow!
(Especially when everyone else is sitting around a fire sipping cocoa + you’re out their crushing goals!)
Don’t forget to pack a playlist! What do you listen to when you workout? I rotate between upbeat music with steady tempos and engaging podcasts. Whatever it takes to keep my mind off the burn!
According to a study recently published in the journal ‘Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism’, colder temperatures may in fact help you lose weight. Prolonged exposure to cold requires our bodies to work harder to keep warm, thereby increasing our energy expenditure – i.e., our calorie burn. Who would’ve thought?

Winter comes whether we’re happy about it or not, whether we’re working towards our goals or we aren’t. Make the most of it, and STAY + WANDER and find ways to enjoy the beauty this season brings! #Idahome

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Outdoors, Uncategorized Tagged With: Activites, Best of, Greenbelt, Idaho Falls, Jogging, Outdoors, Running, Snake River, Walking, Winter, Working Out

How Marie Kondo is Fueling My Thrifting Goals!

March 8, 2019 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Whether or not you’ve bought into Marie Kondo’s wildly popular method of tidying up, there’s no denying that the current decluttering trend has had a significant impact on one industry in particular—thrift stores are bursting with donations.

For the uninitiated, Marie Kondo is a Japanese “tidying consultant” who employs a method of purging items from your home that do not “spark joy.” Between her New York Times Best Seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and her new Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, her KonMari method is in full effect, and what doesn’t spark joy for others, might spark joy for you. Here are some great items to look out for:

Books

Gently-used, vintage children’s books are common in many thrift stores. These and uniquely-colored books can be great to use in decorating.

For the flippers out there, good-condition, used box sets like the Harry Potter series can sell for around $30 to $50 on eBay. Other popular box sets include The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, and Little House on the Prairie.

Wood furniture

Thrift stores are a great place to score solid wood furnishings at bargain prices. Even if you don’t end up finding your vintage dream piece, items that look more “grandma” than Mad Men can be transformed with a little paint, varnish, and fresh fixtures.

Dishes + Glassware

Vintage dishes can be particularly valuable, so do a little research when you’re out thrifting. Glassware lovers enjoy vintage Pyrex cookware, as well as glass in different shapes and colors, so keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

Mirrors

Mirrors make your space feel bigger, so they are the ultimate accessories for your walls. New mirrors can be expensive, however, so you can save big bucks by finding one at a thrift store.

 

Vintage + Antique items

Just look for pieces that are in good condition. Bonus if you can find a collection of items, such as antique cameras, globes, or copper pots. Display them in your home on a buffet or open shelf.

Best places to shop in Southeast Idaho?

-Thrift stores

-Facebook Marketplace

-Garage sales/Estate sales

-Local “For Sale” groups on Facebook

-Consignment shops

 

Happy hunting-and don’t forget-only get items that Spark Joy! 🙂

Filed Under: Making it Home, Uncategorized

Why the Zestimate is broken

February 11, 2019 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Things I trust more than any automated valuation model:

  1. Gas Station Sushi
  2. An elevator ride with Ray Rice
  3. Bill Cosby as a bartender
  4. A seasick crocodile
  5. A prostate exam by Captain Hook
  6. 3M Strips on a freshly painted wall…

One of the greatest evolutions in real estate in the last decade has has been the power of the internet. With countless sources of information available at the click of a button, it’s no wonder more than 90 percent of home buyers begin their home search there. It’s fast, user-friendly, portable, and available 24-7!


A lot of home buyers say that they begin their search on large internet platforms like Zillow, Trulia, or Realtor.com. Many of these sites offer what is called an “automated valuation model” -AVM for short- that will offer their prediction of the current market value for many homes. Zillow has dubbed their AVM the “Zestimate” and it is seen on almost every property that is listed in the state of Idaho. Now, to their credit, they have done an amazing job creating technology, utilizing complicated prediction algorithms, and have an ever-growing brand awareness with consumers. However, there is one thing that they do fall short on: accuracy.

Now, I do want to clarify that I cannot attest to the AVM accuracy in other states, but here in The Gem State, they seem to fall short on both accuracy and consistency, and there IS a reason why.

As a real estate agent, one of the most difficult tasks I face, is pricing a home. It is not a task I take lightly when there is so much at stake, for both buyers and sellers! The market is ever-fluid, and pressure can change from week to week, or even from subdivision to subdivision. Motivation, condition of the property, available inventory are all factors that must be considered when pricing a home. Poor curb appeal, or a newly remodeled kitchen are simply not things that can be valued through automation.

The state of Idaho is what is considered a non-disclosure state. We are one of only twelve states that are considered non-disclosure, where transaction sale prices are not available to the public. Not even the county records the sales price of homes. The only place that sales prices are recorded are in a private version of the MLS that is available only to realtors and appraisers. Without having access to final sales prices of homes, even Zillow admits that the information is sketchy at best. “Since we rely on public county records as our primary data source driving our Zestimate algorithms (which take comparable sales prices into account), it poses a challenge to calculate accurate Zestimates when sale prices are not available.” (Taken directly from their webpage). Furthermore, they can rate (by state) how accurate the information they have access to is in determining a home’s value, and Idaho is ranked as the lowest level for accuracy.

 

How does an inaccurate estimate affect me?

As a seller: Whether a Zestimate, or any AVM, is off of the current market value of your home, you will be affected by it. It may seem obvious that having a zestimate listed for your home at $322,000 while it is actively being marketed at $350,000 may be detrimental to your selling success. Buyers tend to believe the estimate and assume you have overpriced your home and may even chose not to see the home in person. They don’t want to make a purchase that could cause them to overpay, or be upside down immediately upon moving into your home.  Some buyers will go into negotiations feeling confident you should take a lower price, thus beginning the emotional roller coaster of low-bid offers. However, have you considered how an over-priced estimate may affect you as a seller as well? As consumers, we go into a “bargain mentality” when we view that something is a “steal”. Homebuyers have called me and asked if I think a particular seller would take an even lower price since the estimate indicates this seller is already motivated! Think of the phrase, “It never hurts to ask…”. Other buyers, however, may wonder what is wrong with the property? Why are the sellers are giving away so much equity? There must be something wrong with it…

As a buyer: Counting on the information that is provided by the automated systems is not the most wise way to go into making one of the biggest investments of your life. Emotions can be stirred in many directions based on the information you are seeing about perceived value on a home. A home that looks under-priced may cause you to act rashly, and proceed without due consideration. Offers are written, inspections avoided, and timelines rushed so as not to miss this “amazing opportunity”. Inversely, the perception a home’s price has been inflated may also cause you to proceed emotionally. “They’ll never get that!” or “I’d never pay that, it’s clearly $28,000 high!” Either of these responses may just cost you your dream home! Bottom line: do not feel overly confident about a potential price you would offer to a seller until you have talked with an agent about the home’s value.

Only a Realtor

Don’t be fooled into thinking access to a mountains of information is the same thing as access to accurate information. Reliable sold data, active and pending inventory, and a deep insight of neighborhood trends is the only way to get an accurate reading on a homes value. Additionally, having a (real, live) person that has seen (and sometimes more importantly, smelled) the home is far superior to questionable and antiquated date being fed to and interpreted by a computer! You deserve to know that what you are paying for a home is fair. Contact a realtor (me!) to make sure you have someone in your corner, invested in your interests with access to correct information. You simply cannot beat this expertise!

Filed Under: Hunting for Housing, Real Estate, Staging + Selling, Uncategorized

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@karenliester on Instagram

Spring Break is in full swing and if you decided t Spring Break is in full swing and if you decided to stick around town this week, you are likely suffering the consequences that the groundhog predicted weeks ago! Six more weeks of winter, and likely six more inches of snow! C’est la la vie! However-have hope! The winter weather isn’t stopping local venues from hosting events that are hot, hot, hot! Check out this weeks list of local events. Have you been to any of the Laugh Like Heck events at the DEC? They’re so much fun and are guaranteed to make for a great night out, plus the venue is stunning! Get out, have fun and STAY + WANDER!
We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Pat We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Patrick’s Day! Both of these events, along with warmer weather have our weekly list of events BURSTING at the seams! Get down to the DEC tonight to catch Laugh Like Heck with Rodney Norman, or grab the last few tickets to Diabla’s Vegan Themed Dinner! The St. Patty’s events start tomorrow and go until Wednesday, the 17th. Check out all of the great events going on.  Have a great weekend and stay + wander!
Instagram post 18109645681206076 Instagram post 18109645681206076
Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is com Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is coming up this Sunday. Get your heart (and your home) ready for all the feels with some of these February home decor tips:
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• Did you know they make pink light bulbs? THEY DO! Head to your local home improvement store and grab a few to color your home just in time for Cupid’s arrow. Got little ones? They’ll love it all the more!⁣
• Swap out wall art with a message perfect for the hugs-and-kisses holiday. A good place to look? Etsy -- search for ‘printable valentine’s wall art’ and print right at home.⁣
• Not into hot pinks and reds? No problem! Think blush! A few blush-colored throw pillows or blankets will give a subtle wink to the day without going overboard.⁣
• Nothing says “I love you” like a spread of sweets, cakes, candies, and fruits that double as themed decor. Whether homemade, store-bought, or somewhere in between, gift your loved ones with a feast for the eyes (and tastebuds) this Valentine’s day. ⁣
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Tired of renting and looking for a love nest all your own? I’d love to help. Send me a message and let’s chat.⁣
STAY+WANDER 🏈 . SUPERBOWL WEEKEND! I’m sure STAY+WANDER 🏈 
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SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!  I’m sure whatever your plans are for this weekend, there will be a handful of you that will spend your Sunday afternoon rooting and screaming at your television! For those of you that are still undecided on your plans, there are (finally!) several local music events going on this weekend! Lava Hot Springs Fire + Ice Winter Festival is going on this Friday and Saturday (check this post out for a full recap we did on the event a couple of years ago). If you haven’t been persuaded yet, maybe wander down to Mac N’ Kelly’s Pub + Grill! Have you been yet? It’s definitely on our list to check it out!  Have a great weekend while you stay + wander!
The GREAT DIVIDE! . Are you ready to go this weeke The GREAT DIVIDE!
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Are you ready to go this weekend? Ours is a house divided. Tom Brady broke my heart when he left New England, but those roots run deep and it goes against my nature to root against him in the Superbowl, so I find myself on #teamtampabay, while @eliestoh will be cheering for the #chiefs.
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Who are you rooting for? ...and is there any hope for my marriage? HAHA!!!!
Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, comfy slippers, and the fastest internet money could buy. This year’s trends give us all a little bit more to look forward to. Here's what designers predict for 2021: ⁣
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1. Cleanliness is still king. Designers anticipate easy-to-clean fabrics and surfaces to remain in demand as a way to help us all stay on top of pesky germs.⁣
2. Expect interior colors to warm up as owners crave warmth, comfort, and coziness. Various shades of browns, oranges, and reds will the trick. ⁣
3. Not into warm hues? Designers think soft shades of blue that create a peaceful vibe will also be popular.⁣
4. Remodeling or building a new construction? Closed floor plans are front-and-center as demand grows for private spaces designated for remote work or at-home learning.⁣
5. Dubbed “grandmillienial” by House Beautiful, the style showing up everywhere blends grandma’s favorite florals with sleek modern staples. Not sure where to start? Just ask yourself WWGD -- what would Grandma do?⁣
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What trends are you lovin' early in 2021? Share them below!⁣
Some days-this is my office...but not often! I hav Some days-this is my office...but not often! I have been able to work from the office for most of the year, but when the kiddos moved to virtual learning last spring, I had to adapt to sharing a workspace with them at home.
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I want to know! Is this YOU? Have you been working from home for months now (with little ones, furry ones, or both scurrying underfoot)?
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If you've mastered the dining table office space, what ONE piece of advice would you share with a work-from-home newbie?
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Please! Share your wisdom in the comments below so we can make the best of what seems to be an ever-changing situation!
Is everyone done decking the halls??? . Right now Is everyone done decking the halls???
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Right now I’m resisting the urge to keep decorating knowing it will all be down in a week or so!
Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my stories today.
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https://abnb.me/VTE0JJTukcb
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Or you can search AirBNB (Idaho Falls) for "The Historic Emerson"
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