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As many of you know, my dad passed away this past November. He was cremated, and with the emotional weight that comes with saying goodbye to a loved one—as well as the logistics of spreading his ashes and creating space for family to gather—we decided to celebrate his life with friends and family this summer.

The last week of July, my brother and his family came out from Virginia, and we commenced our adventure. Dad had asked for his ashes to be spread in a few of his favorite places. Luke and my mom took the first bit of ashes to Lake Havasu in December. Then, this summer, we focused on his favorite spots in Idaho: his beloved fishing hole on the Salmon River at 7 Mile, his favorite hunting area up Arentson Gulch near Mackay, and the Blackfoot River, where he spent many days—both as a boy and as a man—fishing and enjoying the outdoors. My mom, our family, and my brother’s family were able to visit each place—sharing memories, saying a few words, and shedding a few tears to honor Dad in these places that meant so much to him.

We wrapped up the week with a celebration of his life at Meridell Park Event Center in Pocatello. It was a sweet time—gathering with family and friends to remember the man he was and the joy he brought to all of our lives.

As part of the ceremony, my brother and I shared a Life Sketch that my mom and I had put together.  Sharing his story with those gathered was truly a gift, and ended in a standing ovation for the man we all had loved. Everyone there had known my dad in their own unique way—some as family, some as lifelong friends, others through work or shared adventures. It was meaningful to weave together those pieces and offer a fuller picture of the man he was—the experiences that shaped him, the people he cherished, and the values he lived by. It reminded us how rich and layered a life can be, and how many different ways one person can touch the lives of others.  If you’d like to know more about my dad’s story, you can read the Life Sketch HERE, and view the accompanying photos HERE.

As I said in our speech, I miss my dad very much, but I am so thankful for God’s gift of him in my life. He was a good father, grandfather, husband, brother, veterinarian, and friend. He was the kind of person you could count on—for honesty, for help, for a good story, or a glass of wine.  So, here’s to a life well-lived, a man deeply loved, and memories we’ll carry with us always. Cheers, Dad.  I love you!

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

Last month, the Boise housing market saw a slight dip in prices while sales activity climbed.  A total of 899 homes sold, up 5.4% from June and 11.3% from last year. Inventory also increased, rising 3.4% month-over-month and a significant 28% year-over-year. Together, these shifts suggest a market that is becoming more favorable for buyers, with more choices and greater potential for negotiation.

Affordability, however, remains a major hurdle. In July, the median home price in Ada County was $549,900. Applying the widely accepted “30% rule”—which recommends spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing expenses such as mortgage payments, taxes, and insurance—a household would need to earn roughly $141,600 annually to keep the rule (assuming a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed interest rate of 6.58%). By comparison, the median household income in Ada County is $88,900, leaving a gap of more than $52,000 per year. For buyers, this means that while opportunities are increasing, affordability challenges continue to shape the market. 

Still, homeownership is not out of reach. Creative financing options, down payment assistance programs, and smart strategies can make buying possible—and owning a home remains one of the best long-term investments you can make. If you’re considering buying or selling, we’d love to come alongside you, explore your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for July 2025, see below.  

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

Since having kids in school, the transition into summer always stirs a bit of anxiety in me. As someone who works from home and thrives in quiet, structured spaces, the noise in our household and lack of routine summer brings can make work productivity seem impossible.  By mid-May, I begin looking ahead to the upcoming three months—which feel equally long and far too short, packed with things I need to accomplish and fewer quiet hours to accomplish them—and worry rises.  

This year, as those familiar anxieties crept in, I asked friends to pray for me as I prepared for the shift. I’m so grateful for how the Lord has been answering those prayers—especially in the peace He’s been giving me, reminding me that He’ll provide what I need.  One of the first ways that reminder came was through a sermon at our church on the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:5-15. So much in that passage is worth reflecting on, but one line in particular stood out to me: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

I realized much of my stress comes from looking at the whole summer all at once. I see everything that needs to get done—all the projects, plans, and limitations—and it seems impossible.  The truth is, it is impossible if I’m expecting to find the time and energy to tackle it all at once. But, the greater truth is that I can trust God to give me what I need for today—my daily bread. That includes time to work, yes, but also time to rest. And, rest is something summer can offer—something I often overlook, even though I deeply need it.

And, as I’ve looked to Him, God has been faithful.  He’s given our family wonderful time away in the mountains with beautiful campsites, great weather, fun adventures, and rich connection —reminding me of the sweet joys summer can bring.  In these first few weeks of adjusting to new rhythms, He’s been gently reshaping my expectations—showing me what’s most important each day and helping me let go of the rest. He’s made space for slower mornings, essential work, meaningful time with friends and family, fun with the kids, and quiet moments I didn’t expect. Day by day, He’s been giving me just what I need—my daily bread.  My prayer—for  you and for me—is that we would keep looking to Him and trusting Him to provide the same, one day at a time.

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

The Boise housing market is kicking off summer with some cautious momentum. Mortgage rates are holding steady around 7%—similar to last summer but still high compared to the historically low rates of previous years. Even so, a 12.5% jump in mortgage applications in early June suggests that buyer confidence may be on the rise.

In May, the median sales price in Ada County rose to $579,900—up 6.2% from the previous month and 3.6% year-over-year.  This increase was primarily driven by a strong resale market, which is currently fetching higher prices than most new construction. Inventory, which is split about evenly between existing and newly constructed homes, averaged 34 days on market, down 15% from last month and 10.5% from last year. Notably, houses 20 years and older sold fastest, averaging under 20 days on the market. This highlights strong buyer demand for established homes despite higher prices on these properties. On the supply side, inventory was up 12.2% from April and 30.2% from a year ago, giving buyers more options as we head into summer.

With roughly 850,000 people and a population increase of over 14% since 2020, the Treasure Valley remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The many benefits of living in our area, will likely continue to attract buyers and maintain a strong housing market. Though housing prices are increasing, there are still great opportunities in both new builds and established neighborhoods—especially in South Boise, Kuna, and Canyon and Gem Counties, where long-term investment potential looks strong. If you're thinking about buying or selling in the area, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about how current market trends, like interest rates and inventory levels, could shape your next move. We’d love to connect with you soon!

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for May 2025, see below:

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

Last month, I was studying Elijah and Elisha—prophets from the 9th century B.C. These men walked closely with God and, as a result, experienced His presence, power, and wisdom in incredible ways. As I read the history of their lives, I kept praying, “Lord, I want to know You like that. I want to understand Your heart, walk in Your ways, and reflect Your Spirit like they did.  I want your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to ooze out of me (Galatians 5:22–23). And, I want to live with constant awareness of and dependence on You—the source of truth and life.”

I know God is eager to answer that prayer. After all, as He reminds us in Luke 11:13, if we who are imperfect know how to give good gifts to our kids, how much more will He, our good and perfect Father, give the best gift (more of His Holy Spirit) to us if we ask?  Yet, I  also know that getting more of Him isn’t a passive process.  Just like I won’t get the defined abs I keep hoping for without actually doing crunches, Elijah and Elisha didn’t experience the closeness they had with God without intentional effort.  They drew near to Him day by day—through prayer, time in His Word, and seeking His guidance.  If I want to experience a similar closeness with Him, I need to do the same.

God promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). He invites us to abide in Him, and when we do, He promises that our lives will bear lasting fruit (John 15:5). As we prepare to celebrate Easter, I’m freshly reminded that my ability to draw near to Him is only because He first drew near to me.  Jesus—God in flesh—came to restore what sin had broken—our close relationship with Him. He humbled Himself for our sake, died on the cross in our place, then rose again—conquering death and sin and making a way for us to enjoy a beautiful and right relationship with Him again.   

I’m so thankful He drew near to me, saved me, and sent His Spirit to live in me. I may never get those abs I keep hoping for—but that relationship with God I’m hoping for? That’s a promise He’s already made good on. How do I know?  Because He gave His life, rose again, and gave me His Spirit to prove it!   So, I’m drawing near to Him with confidence, and I hope you will too.  There is joy beyond measure in His presence, and He’s eager to pour it out on all who draw near!  

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

The Boise housing market saw a notable jump in March, with the median sales price rising 6.6% month-over-month—the largest gain since March 2024. Closed sales climbed 11.8% from the previous month and 4.2% year-over-year, while pending sales rose 14.8% and 10.7% respectively. These gains reflect not only typical seasonal trends but also a potential resurgence in buyer confidence.

Established homes in Boise remain in strong demand, with 54% of March’s pending resale homes being over 20 years old—most selling in under 30 days. Meanwhile, new construction, primarily in Meridian, continues to dominate inventory, making up over half of the active listings. Builders have relisted many of these homes in the past 1–2 months at higher prices than they were originally listed, reflecting increased demand and growing builder confidence.

As affordable housing becomes more and more difficult to find, price remains the top driver of how quickly a home sells. Homes priced under $400K are moving fast across the Boise metro, regardless of age or location. For new construction, homes priced at $600K and under are averaging just 35 days on market, significantly outperforming higher-priced listings.

As Elizabeth Hume, President of Boise Regional REALTORS®, stated: “With sales rebounding and pricing trends shifting dramatically—especially in the new construction segment—Ada County's market demands expertise.”  Whether you're buying or selling, timing and strategy are key. With our in-depth market knowledge and commitment to putting your needs first, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the process with confidence. Reach out anytime—we’d be honored to be trusted with the opportunity to help guide you!  

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for March 2025, see below:

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

As I think back to this time last year, it feels so long ago! Several times over the past few months, someone has mentioned an event from 2024, and I’ve thought, “That happened last year?!?” It feels like ages ago. Another sign that the year felt long is how much I’ve forgotten—including my tradition of choosing a word for the year and writing this article. Thankfully, a few weeks ago a friend asked me about it, not only reminding me to choose a word but causing me to wonder about the one I picked last year—which I had also, unfortunately, forgotten.   

Looking back through my newsletters, I found it.  My word for 2024 was “communion.”  I chose that word out of a desire to deepen my connection with God through more time in His Word and prayer. Though I had forgotten the word itself, reflection on the year illuminated the many ways God did not forget and highlighted His faithfulness to meet with me. Amidst heavy things in the world, our church, and especially personally with the loss of my dad—I had the joy of communion with Christ. He was my faithful comforter, counselor, and strength. It was in reflecting on His faithfulness, despite my forgetfulness, that I was drawn to the word I hope will characterize me in 2025: Faithful.  

Throughout the Bible, history, and my own personal life, God has been steadfast in his faithfulness to His promises and to His people, despite our persistent and often flagrant unfaithfulness.  This year, I want to respond to His faithfulness by growing in my own. I long to be a more faithful follower and servant of Christ—to meet with Him daily, to listen more attentively, to obey more fully, and to live in a way that reflects His beauty and points others to Him. I want to be faithful with my time, my money, my work, and my relationships. I want to be faithful in the roles and responsibilities He has given me in the season and place He has put me.  May I learn from His example and grow in faithfulness—resting in the truth that, "The one who calls me is faithful, and He will surely do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

As I embark on this journey of faithfulness (and hopefully remember my commitment to it!), I would love to hear from you! If you were to choose a word to characterize your 2024, what would it be? And what word are you hoping will define this year for you? It is always a joy to hear your reflections.

By Katie Miller

For more blog posts by Katie Miller, click HERE

The Boise housing market has remained relatively stable as we’ve cruised into the new year.    In January, the median sales price reached $538,000—a 1.5% increase from the previous month and a 4.5% rise from January of last year. The number of homes sold, pending sales, and active listings have also increased year-over-year by 6%, 13.3%, and 22.8%, respectively. As we look ahead and consider where the market may be headed, several nationwide factors are influencing real estate trends:

• Interest Rates: After three consecutive rate cuts, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in January due to ongoing inflation concerns. Mortgage rates currently sit at 6.7% nationally, with no expected declines in the near future.

• Building Costs: President Trump temporarily suspended the 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. However, with approximately 70% of softwood lumber used in residential construction coming from Canada and the same percentage of gypsum (used in drywall) imported from Mexico, any future tariffs could drive up homebuilding costs and impact housing affordability.

• Insurance Rates: Increased risk—primarily due to the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters, along with higher recovery costs—has led insurance providers to raise premiums to maintain profitability and ensure coverage for future losses. These rising insurance costs continue to strain housing affordability.

• California Wildfires & Idaho Real Estate: The recent devastating wildfires in California may prompt more residents to relocate to safer areas, and Boise remains a top destination. While we haven’t yet seen a direct impact on our market, past trends suggest an increase in buyers over the next two months.

If you're thinking about buying or selling this year and wondering how these factors may affect your plans, we’re here to help. We’d love to get together to discuss your specific situation, review the latest market trends, and analyze relevant data so you can make your next real estate move with confidence.

For a quick snapshot of the Boise housing market for January 2025, see below.  

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

As the busyness of the holiday season ramps up, the Boise housing market remains calm. While this is typical for the season, anticipation of potential interest rate cuts in the new year may also be prompting some buyers and sellers to hit pause on their plans.

The median sales price (MSP) in Ada County last month was $525,000, nearly unchanged from a year ago. However, existing homes had an MSP of $530,000 (up 4.3% from last year), while new construction came in at $516,416 (down 10%). This means options for new homes were not only priced lower than existing ones, but they were also more affordable than a year ago. This shift reflects builders’ efforts to meet buyer budgets by offering smaller, more cost-effective options. In fact, 84% of new homes sold last month were on standard or small lots, with about 10% less square footage than existing homes.

This affordability shift is impacting inventory and sales trends as well. Of the 1,527 homes for sale in Ada County when these statistics were pulled, half were new construction and 58% of the 987 homes under contract were new builds. Additionally, sales of new construction were shown to have jumped 46.9% last month compared to the same time last year, which is not surprising considering the increasing demand for more budget-friendly housing options.

Whether you're curious about interest rates, deciding between a new or existing home, or simply wondering what the market may hold in the new year, we would love to use our real estate expertise and commitment to your best interests to help guide you. Give us a call anytime—we’d love to connect!

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

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

The Boise housing market continues to demonstrate strength and stability. In our report last October, we raised concerns that a potential dip in interest rates could trigger a rush on the market and a subsequent spike in prices, making homes less affordable. However, despite rates falling into the low 6% range last month—the lowest they’ve been in over a year and a half—both prices and sales have remained relatively stable.

Contrary to expectations that lower interest rates would cause a rush on sales and push prices higher, the median sales price last month was $534,900—4% lower than in April 2024, when rates were at 7.5%. Likewise, home sales saw only a modest 4.6% increase from April to September, while pending contracts dipped slightly by 2.25% during the same timeframe.

One key factor likely helping to keep prices in check, despite lower interest rates, is the substantial increase in inventory. From April to September 2024, the number of available homes grew by 24%. While this boost still leaves the market with just 2.7 months of supply—below the 4-6 months typically considered balanced—it has eased competition, supported affordability, and provided buyers with more options.

Today's market holds opportunities for both buyers and sellers. However, the best time to buy or sell remains unique to each individual's circumstances, needs, and goals. If you're wondering whether now is the right time for you, give us a call. We're here to help you navigate the best path forward.

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

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