The purpose of our blog is to educate our readers on the current Boise Idaho real estate market, to inform potential buyers and sellers of the process of buying or selling a home in the Boise area, to provide pertinent home improvement ideas for current homeowners, and to present desired community information for Boise and the surrounding area.  A few of our agents also post personal blog posts from time to time  We hope you enjoy the content.  If you have questions or ideas on things you would like us to write about, let us know!

March 16, 2024

My True Rest

My True Rest

 

After taking a break for a couple of years, I was eager to again participate in The Bible Recap plan to read chronologically through the Bible in a year.  In the first few books of the Bible, God places a heavy emphasis on the importance of Sabbath rest and the weighty consequences of neglecting it.   It reminded me of two vital truths: firstly, the kindness and incredible provision of our God, who ordained rest for us, and secondly, that taking time to rest demonstrates trust in the Lord, not in yourself, to accomplish what needs to be accomplished and to provide what needs to be provided.   

This realization hit home, exposing that my sense of feeling rested stemmed not from trusting in God's provision but from the relief of accomplishing things on my checklist.  As He was beginning to reveal this, the Lord perfectly timed an incredibly restful family vacation to an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta.  There, I had the opportunity to savor true rest—no cooking, no cleaning, no work, no schedules, no alarms. It was simply a time to unwind, connect, play in the ocean, sit quietly, read, sleep, bask in the beauty around us, spend time with God, and experience a taste of the profound rest He promises we can find in Him.

Amazed and inspired by the experience, I asked God to help me integrate this newfound restfulness into my daily life upon returning home. Thus, on our first Sunday back, I chose to set my checklist aside—trusting the Lord to give me the day of rest He wanted to provide while also Him to enable me to accomplish the necessary tasks in our home and at work during the week. Although initially challenging, it felt liberating not to be enslaved by tasks for a day, and I felt much more rested and at peace than Sundays prior. 

The next morning, however, as I looked at my undone list and the mounting number of emails in my inbox, I started to second guess whether the rest on Sunday had been a good idea.  I had a Mom’s in Prayer gathering I had planned to attend but seriously considered skipping it so I could get started on the work awaiting me.  However, I felt the Lord encouraging me to go.  So, I did.  And, rather than walking away from the meeting feeling further crunched for time, I felt even more at peace about the day.  On the way home, I got a call from one of my agents, and rather than rushing through the conversation to get to those emails, I chose to spend time catching up and praying for one another.  Again, I somehow left the conversation not with greater concern over the pressures of the day but with a greater sense of peacefulness in my soul.  By the time I got up to my computer to begin the workday, it was 11:30 am, allotting only 3 ½ hours to get through everything before the kids arrived home from school.  But, somewhat miraculously, the workday unfolded smoothly and even with limited time, the Lord helped me finish all the necessary tasks. I even had a few extra minutes before the kids walked in the door.

While I understand my Mondays may not always progress so seamlessly after a Sunday of rest, this served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and encouragement to trust in Him. It felt like His little nudge saying, “See, I got you, Katie.  Trust me and don’t hesitate to enter the joy of the rest I have for you.” I pray for continued obedience to this gracious command, anticipating deeper levels of rest and peace in the coming months as I rely on Him.   If you’ve been entering the joy of Sabbath rest for some time, I’d love to hear about your experience.  And, if you’re like me and are just beginning to discover its riches, I’d love to hear how it’s going and to help encourage each other in the journey.  

“So, there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest so as not to disobey God and to fall as the people of Israel did.”  (Hebrews 4:9-11)

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Posted in Katie Miller
March 16, 2024

Boise Housing Market Update | February 2024

The median sales price for the Boise housing market in February was $522,000.  This is up 1.7% (or about $9,000) from January and up 5.7% (or $30,000) from February of last year.   Though still sitting below the February record-high median sales price of $549,900, set in 2022, there seems to be a steady trajectory back in the positive direction. 

 

While prices are recovering, the market still feels incredibly slow, with only 527 homes being sold last month.  This number is up 14.8% from January but remains 15.3% below the number of homes sold in February 2023 and 24.7% below the more normal, pre-pandemic figure in February 2020. This decrease in sales does not reflect a lack of desire for people to buy homes in the Boise area but rather a lack of affordability to do so given current prices and high interest rates.  This slowdown in home purchases is not unique to us but is something being experienced nationwide.  According to data from Bright MLS, the top three reasons people have pumped the breaks on buying are:

 

Despite these concerns, projections for the Spring market are positive.  Reports suggest buyers may see some relief on interest rates by the end of the year, and seller confidence is also warming with the Spring weather.  If you’re considering buying or selling or are just curious to know more about real estate in the area or how the current market may affect you, we would love to be your resource for the information you need.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for February 2024, see below.  

 

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE

 

Posted in Housing Market
Feb. 16, 2024

Stirring Up One Another to Love

Stirring Up One Another to Love

 

In our recent small group gathering, we looked at Hebrews 10:24-25 and shared how we had experienced the outworking of the verse in our personal lives.  The verse urges us to actively seek ways to uplift one another, to foster love and inspire goodness, and to cherish the importance of communal gatherings. It was such a joy to hear how each person in the group had been touched and motivated by the community around them. From simple acts of kindness like a friend delivering a smoothie and a hug on a hard day, to the faithful presence of someone walking alongside another in a transitional season, the impact was immeasurable. 

As I reflected on the many ways I have been stirred up by the love and care of the people around me, it not only gave me a deep thankfulness for the individuals the Lord has placed in my life but also heightened my awareness of the influence a simple encouraging gesture can have.  I pray the Lord would continue to nurture within me a heart that prioritizes the well-being of others above my own, and that He would ignite in me an ever-growing eagerness to extend compassion and encouragement in my daily interactions--even when it comes at a personal cost. I believe that as we each seek to emulate Christ's selfless love in this way, we will cultivate a community where love and goodness flourish.  What a welcome change that would be and what a beautiful thing to strive for!  

If you have a story of how someone has stirred you to acts of love and goodness, or if you've experienced moments where you've been an instrument of God's grace in someone else's life, I would love to hear about it. It brings me great joy to witness little glimpses of God's kingdom exhibiting here on earth, serving as a powerful reminder that His love triumphs.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Posted in Katie Miller
Feb. 16, 2024

Boise Housing Market Update | January 2024

As mortgage interest rates dipped in December and January, many buyers got off the fence, and the Boise housing market saw pending sales increase to their highest number since June 2023.  Unfortunately, at the beginning of this month, we began to see rates move up again. We anticipate this may cause some buyers to pull back but are curious to see just how much it will affect home sales in our area in the coming months. In looking at national statistics, Redfin’s Economic Research Lead, Chen Zhao, anticipates that increased rates, which will likely stay near 7% for now, will give the housing market a slow start this year.  But, she expects that “activity should pick up a bit in the spring, partly because it’ll be selling season and partly because people are getting more and more accustomed to elevated rates.”  

Despite the effect these elevated rates have on affordability, home prices remain stable and are up by 4.7% compared to the same month last year.   Limited inventory—which is down by 12.6% from last month and 11.5% from last year--coupled with the ongoing influx of buyers to our area, suggests that prices are likely to keep rising rather than dipping. While the potential for price increases may prompt some buyers to act now and the opportunity for competitive offers due to low inventory may entice some sellers to list, the optimal time to buy or sell ultimately depends on individual circumstances.

If you're weighing the idea of buying or selling this year and are finding it challenging to determine the best timing, we're here to assist. Let's discuss your specific situation, review the latest market predictions, and analyze relevant data to help you make informed decisions about the next step in your real estate journey.

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for January 2024, see below.  

Boise Housing Market January 2024

 

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE

Posted in Housing Market
Jan. 22, 2024

My Word for 2024: "Communion"

Communion

 

Traditionally, I like to reflect on one word to describe the past year and one for the year ahead. In 2023, I chose "awe." But, in looking back as I wrote our Christmas letter, "sure" felt more fitting. The good news of salvation through Jesus remained a solid truth and a sure anchor in every high and low we experienced. While "sure" prevailed as my 2023 word, “awe” was certainly present in the wonderful, undeserved truth that the God of the universe is mindful of me—that He cares for me, is attentive to my needs, is not burdened by me, gave Himself up for me, and loves me despite my many faults and failings.  

My desire to experience an ever-increasing connection with this incredible God is what inspired my word choice for 2024—"communion.”  I decided to once again read through the Bible in a year using the Bible Recap Plan (If you want to join me, let me know!).  My desire is that this Bible reading plan not become another checkbox on my to-do list but rather a daily, exhilarating journey to commune with God and draw closer to Him. John 17:3 reminds me that real, eternal life involves truly knowing God and Jesus on a deep level. So, I’m eager to experience the joy and life that will come from connecting with Him through His Word.    

I pray that in doing so, the word of Christ will, as it says in Colossians 3:16, “dwell in me richly” –providing wisdom, helping me love those around me, and causing my heart to sing songs of praise and thankfulness continually.  At the end of the year, I hope my time of communion with God over His word will have brought me closer to Him and will have helped me to “comprehend with all the saints what is the length, width, height, and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that I may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).

If you have time to leave a comment, I would love to hear what word would characterize your 2023 and why as well as what word you are hoping to characterize your 2024.  It’s always a joy to hear from you!

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Posted in Katie Miller
Jan. 22, 2024

Boise Housing Market Update | December 2023

Despite a slower year for real estate overall, the Boise housing market concluded 2023 in a stable position.  The median sales price in December stood at $516,745, marking the lowest for the year but still higher than the same period last year. To visualize the shift in median sales price from December 2018 to December 2023, refer to the graph below.    

While the number of homes sold in December was down 5.2% from the month prior and down 13.4% from the previous year, the number of pending sales increased by 1.6% and 13.2% respectively. This uptick indicates a rise in buyer demand, likely fueled by lower mortgage interest rates and more affordable home prices compared to earlier in the year.  While increased buyer activity is good news, limited inventory remains a notable challenge.  At the close of December, the number of homes available for sale was 1,184.  This is 13.1% fewer homes than were available last month and 19% fewer homes than were available in December 2022.       

Though constrained inventory will likely pose challenges for buyers in the coming year, there are strategic and effective ways to tackle them, and we’d love the opportunity to come alongside to coach you through.   Whether you are considering buying or selling in 2024 or want to plan so you can potentially purchase in the future, we look forward to assisting you in taking the next steps toward achieving your real estate goals. Feel free to reach out to us for a consultation—we're here to help!

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for December 2023, see below.  

Boise Housing Market December 2023

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE

Posted in Housing Market
Dec. 15, 2023

Miller Family Christmas Letter 2023

Here is my (Katie Miller's) family Christmas letter for 2023.  I hope you enjoy hearing what God's been up to in our lives this past year.  If you are willing to share, I also love to hear what God is doing in the lives of others, so it would be a joy to hear from you!  

Often, when people ask, “How’s life?” our answer is, “It’s full.”  The word “full” in this response has a dual meaning—on the one hand, it feels “full” like a cup brimming with blessing and, at the very same time, “full” like a plate on which one more thing might send it all tumbling.  Yet, in both our contentment and our chaos, we continue to find an unchanging, steady, and sure footing in Christ.   For this reason, 1 Corinthians 3:11 felt like a fitting verse for our Christmas card this year: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this season, we are encouraged again by the bedrock of our faith—that is Christ, our Savior.  Despite sin separating us from God’s holiness, His profound love drove Him to come for us!  He left His throne of endless glory to live among us in humble flesh—revealing God’s character tangibly through a life of holiness and sacrificial love.  Then, He died for us—paying the penalty His justice required for our sins, making a way for us to be right with God, and promising that anyone who trusts that His sacrifice accomplished this would indeed be saved.  Finally, He sealed this promise by rising from the grave—conquering death and darkness and inviting all who would accept the invitation to a never-ending life of joy by His side.  How incredible!  We accept!  For us, this is not just a sweet story that brings superficial cheer around the holidays. This is a real event with real, life-changing, and life-giving outcomes for us and, we hope, for you as well!  We praise God with thankfulness that whether our life this past year has felt ‘full’ of joy, chaos, family, work, contentment, sorrow, challenge, or some crazy combination of them all, Christ’s love for us, presence with us, and future with Him are secure.  He has been, is now, and always will be an unwavering and sure foundation...CONTINUE READING

 

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Posted in Katie Miller
Dec. 15, 2023

Boise Housing Market Update | November 2023

Over the past year, the Boise housing market experienced a notable and abrupt deceleration from its initial post-COVID pace.  However, a recent decline in mortgage interest rates has sparked a refreshing surge in buyer activity. This development is particularly exciting for prospective buyers who have been eager to purchase a home but unable to afford the cost-prohibitive, high-interest payments.  In addition to the possibility of more manageable mortgages, current buyers may also have a limited window to capitalize on the lower prices and greater opportunities for negotiation afforded by seller desperation from the last few months of sluggish sales.   While rate drops are good news for buyers, sellers are celebrating too—encouraged by an uptick in buyer interest, property showings, and even offers received.  Since these market changes are more recent, you won’t see them reflected in November sales figures.  But, with this newfound buyer momentum, we expect to see positive increases in both pending and closed sales come the end of December.   

Despite whatever positive movement is going on in the market, the decision on whether or not to buy or sell is always a very personal one—dependent on many more factors than just the state of mortgage interest rates.  If you have been considering whether to buy or sell in the coming months, we would love the opportunity to help you navigate the decision.  As real estate professionals who are knowledgeable about the market, familiar with the intricacies of real estate transactions, aware of potential joys and challenges that will come along the way, and committed to representing your best interest, we’re confident that we can be a valuable asset to you—one you’ll be thankful for and certainly won’t regret.   

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for November 2023, see below.   

Boise Housing Market November 2023

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE

Posted in Housing Market
Nov. 11, 2023

Thankful for My Room

Thankful for my Room

In honor of Thanksgiving, I was reflecting on the many things I am thankful for, and one that may seem silly but continued to come to mind was my bedroom.  Perhaps, it has something to do with the time change, the cold, and the early darkness, but I find myself eager to retreat to my room each night—much earlier than I should like to admit.  It is not necessarily the sleep that I look most forward to, but all the things that come with the nighttime routine.  I love washing my face, brushing my teeth, and putting on clean, comfy PJs—preparing to enter a time of rest after a full day. I love settling in to read my Bible, as I lay against stacked pillows, under warm blankets, with the soft light of the lamp by my side.  I enjoy the moments when my older kids, who aren’t ready to go to bed yet, come in with a desire to talk and share their stories from the day.  I look forward to the nights when Luke is home, and our room provides the occasional space for undistracted conversation.  Although not quite as peaceful, I cherish the nights when he is at work and a couple of the kids squeeze in next to me to sleep. I love the three signs that hang in my room.  The one to my left--an abstract picture of the mountains with the reminder from Psalm 121 that I need only look up to the Lord to find my help in time of need.    The one in front of me—quoting 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and reminding me not only of how I should love others but also of the beauty of how the Lord loves me.  And, lastly, the one to my right, which was made by a dear friend with the pages of an old hymnal.  The words “Bind My Wandering Heart to Thee” are printed along the side.  They reference the lyrics to the hymn “Come Though Fount of Every Blessing” and encourage me in the truth that my greatest joy is found in abiding in Jesus.     

Now, although I said earlier that it wasn’t necessarily the sleep that I looked forward to most, that is indeed part of it.  When I enter bed feeling poured out, tired, or just ready for a new day, I am so thankful for the Lord’s promises that he “gives rest to the weary and heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28).  Indeed, His steadfast love never ceases, His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning.  Great is His faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). 

As you reflect on the things you are thankful for this season, is there a particular space you find yourself thankful for?  If so, I’d love to hear about it.  

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Posted in Katie Miller
Nov. 11, 2023

Boise Housing Market Update | October 2023

Last month, the resale home sector of the Boise housing market is where we saw the most positive movement.  This month, however, it’s new construction that’s leading the charge.  Though still 11.1% below last year's prices, the median sales price for new construction jumped by 6.3% from last month.   Also, inventory of new homes also expanded by 6.2% this month, pending new construction sales rose 3.8%, and the number of new homes sold increased by 9.8%.   

Since we anticipate a rush on home buying if interest rates drop, it’s encouraging to see more new construction being built.  Continued increases in inventory for both new and existing homes will be important in helping to prevent a potential repeat of the last three years when the shortage of available homes led to aggressive buyer competition, hasty decisions, and rapid price increases. An increase in inventory will be an important step in helping to stabilize our market and improve affordability. 

If you are considering what your options might be for buying or selling in the next year and how future interest rates, inventory, and prices might affect your decisions, we’d love to meet to hear your wants and needs, share what we know, and hopefully help you assess when the timing might be best for you.  

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for October 2023, see below:

Boise Housing Market October 2023

For more market statistics, including those for Canyon, Elmore, & Gem Counties, check out Boise Regional REALTORS® Market Report HERE

Posted in Housing Market