http://coldwellbankertwinfalls.com/blog/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ If you're considering ditching the landlord for a mortgage, here are five things that you need to know to help you figure out if you're ready to buy a home.First, your down payment may not be your biggest hurdle. Buying a home requires a substantial financial commitment.  Having a down payment of 5-7% can make a huge difference.  We also need to consider closing costs that are 3% to 6% depending on where you live.  If you don’t put down 20% there will be PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) that can be canceled but only after reaching a certain threshold.  It all adds up.  A healthy credit history is also important. Most borrowers will start to qualify for a mortgage with a minimum score of 620 -- but the most competitive interest rates will be offered to those with a score of 700 or above. So, if you haven't started practicing those good credit habits yet, it's time to start developing them.Second, you probably will have to compromise. It doesn’t take long to realize in today’s environment that getting priced out of the home is a reality.  Know what you want but be flexible and consider your budget.  Think about what your areas of compromise are and be ready to take action. Third, be mentally prepared for financial surprises.  When it comes to renting, surprises don't require as much investment. If the rent goes up, you can move. If something breaks down, the landlord will send someone over. Home ownership is a bit more hands-on. Unexpected financial impacts happen, things break, taxes rise, etc.  Of course, having the financial flexibility to cover those unexpected things is important, but don't overlook the importance of having the mental capacity to deal with them responsibly when they arise. Stress management and problem-solving skills are home ownership biggies.Fourth, a mortgage can be cheaper than rent.  Depending on the home you choose and where you live, you may pay less for your mortgage than you for rent. But even if you don't, there's still the financial advantage of building equity in your home. Fifth, your lifestyle may call for buying instead of renting.  You may find a rental can only take you so far. When you're ready to start a family, you're going to want a few extra rooms; bigger homes can get expensive with rental rates. A yard also provides a safe place for your kids to play or for a dog to scamper around. The vast majority of renters have trouble finding a place that will allow for their pets. Home ownership can end that stress for good. Buying a first home is a big change -- both from a financial and an emotional perspective. But for many, home ownership can be one of the most rewarding life choices one can make.   http://coldwellbankertwinfalls.com/blog/10460/buying-your-first-home?-5-things-to-keep-in-mind/ Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:53:53 -0700 It’s hard to believe that the end of summer is just around the corner and back to school is upon us. It can be a stressful time, especially when you see the list of supplies your child needs and the thought of preparing for that first day. Here are a few tips to lessen your stress and make it as easy as possible. Some parents prepare early, but if you are a busy parent like me, you are just getting started. The first thing I did was I went through my kids’ things and found school supplies that they didn’t even use. I mean, how many kids go through 48 pencils in one year? I doubt many. I compared what I had on hand to the list of what they needed. The list was pretty short and that was exciting!Next, I hopped on to Amazon and shopped by grades. Yes, you can shop by grades and it’s amazing! This way everything gets delivered and I don’t feel like I have to fight the crowds and the stores. Also, there is nothing worse than heading to the store and seeing all the empty shelves. Now, let’s talk about clothes. Some kids use a uniform, so that’s a time saver. I try to make it easy on my pocket book by only buying a few new outfits. Truth is, the first week is when they want to wear new clothes. After that, they don’t care. I buy some new clothes and then I buy some gently used. Let’s face it, kids go through clothes so fast. Sometimes it seems like they can grow a few feet overnight! To save time (and my sanity), I only go to one store. What I spend the most on is a really good pair of shoes. I find that making that investment upfront saves the most money from continuously buying pairs throughout the year. You have the supplies and the clothes, now comes that first day.  I find that preparing the night before works wonders. It eases the stress of running around that first morning. The night before I have my kids put their outfits out, along with their shoes and backpacks. I also let them decide what to have for lunch. We make it together and we pack it up and it’s ready to go in the morning. I also give myself an extra 15 minutes in the morning for taking pictures on the first day of school. I’m wishing you all a great school year ahead! Just take it one day at a time and remember: all our kids really need is our love and support throughout the year.   http://coldwellbankertwinfalls.com/blog/10451/easing-the-stess-of-back-to-school/ Fri, 29 Jul 2022 05:06:20 -0700 Summertime in Twin Falls offers up so many different types of activities.  Being relatively new to the Twin Falls area, some of my favorite things to do range from soaking in the mineral springs to hiking all the wondrous areas close to Twin.Miracle Hot Springs or Banberry Hot Springs are probably the most relaxing places in the area with public and private pools available.  Located just 30 minutes or so west from Twin Falls.  Holesinsky Winery won winery of the year, is a lovely place to do some wine tasting.  They also hold several events that include music, food trucks and of course wine.Continuing with the chillin’ theme, Twin Falls has several outdoor bar venues with tons of live music playing throughout town.  Check out 2nd South Market, The Yard for the biggest backyard patio in Twin.  Featuring Cornhole, a gas fireplace sitting area, and of course all the food and beer vendors inside the Market.If outdoor activity is more your style, check out AWOL Adventure Sports.  They can usually be found in Centennial Park providing scenic boat tours of the Snake River, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals, even a zipline adventure.The hikes, the many great hikes right near Twin Falls! Close to the bridge is Perrine Coulee Falls, Morgensen Trail, Snake River Canyon Rim Trail, Pillar Falls, Auger Falls Park Loop, Dierkes Lake Trail, Old Towne Rock Creek Parkway.  A little farther from town, Box Creek Canyon, Indian Springs Trail, Ritter Island, Balanced Rock and Malad Gorge West Rim to name a few.Whatever your activity pleasure might be, you are sure to find it in the wonderful area of Twin Falls, Idaho  http://coldwellbankertwinfalls.com/blog/10437/top-10-outdoor-activities-in-the-twin-falls-area/ Wed, 13 Jul 2022 02:37:38 -0700 Some say that if you work hard and patiently wait for opportunities, and you manifest what you want in life, you will get what you desire. Have you experienced that in your life or business? Well, I am here to tell you that it is true! And that it can be true for every single person in this world. Because we all have the ability and power to work, a purpose and our desires to manifest themselves. This is exactly what has happened to me in so many areas of my life. Today I want to tell you about one area in particular: the fact that CBDP - Twin Falls is moving to our new downtown location this summer.  CBDP - Twin Falls has been in the same location since 2006. Through the years we have been thankful for the location. The large 2-level area has provided both office space for agents to do their work and the opportunity for them to mingle in the conference room upstairs. As we grew, we needed to find a new location; a location that would better fit our company and the style and energy we want as a prime real estate brokerage serving the local Magic Valley community. As the years have gone by, we have entertained and considered several locations and floor plans, number of square feet and different business styles. Then one day, the door opened! Now, we are just a few months from moving to our new location in downtown Twin Falls. The new site is in the area of Twin Falls that I always wanted for our next location. We, as a company and brokerage, are so excited for this opportunity to be part of the downtown community and to have the awesome local business neighbors we will have. We are excited to collectively support the ever-growing community in the downtown area. I am thankful for the support of those who have been by our side and supported us over the years. We are ready for the growth, support, and connections we can give to our new neighbors and the downtown community. The new offices will provide added value to our agents that they can transfer to the clients, making the whole CBDP - Twin Falls team stronger! Remember this story as you are progressing with your work finding your purpose, planning, and manifesting your dreams. If it is what you truly want, it can and will happen.  http://coldwellbankertwinfalls.com/blog/10381/coming-soon:-new-office-location!/ Mon, 16 May 2022 09:24:46 -0700 WOW!  The warm weather is FINALLY showing up in the Magic Valley.  There are so many outdoor activities to choose from!  I will do my best to list as many of them as comes to mind, but I venture that there will be some activities that readers will say “You Missed This One!”.Golfing is one of our favorite outdoor activities and with the plethora of options available from public to private courses, you will find that golfers will have their personal favorites.  I have found that playing the different courses, they are all uniquely different and pose their own difficulty, because after all it is GOLF!!  Doing a quick count in my head, I came up with 13 courses within 45 minutes of Twin Falls.  That is not too shabby!Kayaking is another fun outdoor activity.  The Centennial Park access to the Snake River is probably the most popular.  From there you can paddle up to the Perrine Bridge and watch the B.A.S.E. jumpers then paddle on up to Pillar Falls to take in more beautiful views of the canyon walls and wildlife.  So, you don’t own a kayak?  No worries, there is a company that rents them down at Centennial Park.Mountain Biking in the Magic Valley has become a very popular outdoor activity. With many trails nearby you can ride as a beginner or advanced. Some trail locations to consider are the average and beginner or Sunday family bike ride which is along the canyon The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. Walkers and runners also frequent this trail, so be mindful of the other users. Auger Falls is another great location with many different trails to enjoy. Indian Springs is also a desert ride with trails and roads to enjoy miles of riding. Finding a hike in the Magic Valley is also very easy. There are so many short or long hikes around the towns here and in the canyon. Mogensen Trail and Perrine Coulee Falls on your way down to Centennial Park are both fun and short springtime trails to explore. Auger Falls is a great hiking area. The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is miles of paved path for relaxing enjoyment. There are many old roads (grades) on both sides of the canyon that people enjoy walking down into the canyon and huffing and puffing back out again. Box Canyon is a beautiful setting and a great afternoon hike. Dierkes Lake trail is a beautiful sight anyway you choose to start out. Rock Climbing, a challenging sport and yet so many more LOVE the challenge and continue to excel and improve. As you know, we have many cliffs and rocks and rock walls here in Idaho. There are so many places to practice rock climbing. Dierkes Lake Park is one close by. City of Rocks is another very popular State Park for rock climbing, hiking, running, picnicking, camping and biking. You will find other treasure spots if you just get connected with the Rock Climber in the area. I hope you enjoyed this short summary of outdoor activities here in the Magic Valley area. Now, stop reading and Get Outside!  http://coldwellbankertwinfalls.com/blog/10359/springtime-activities-in-the-magic-valley/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 11:20:10 -0700