MERIDIAN, Ida. - Meridian REALTOR® John Espinosa sees foreclosure inventory of bank owned homes likely continuing to bring out bargain hunters through 2012, bringing with it exceptional prices.

Depending on what economic policies the federal government adopts, Espinosa says Idaho real estate buyers will likely see continued low interest rates through this election year as an attempt by Washington policy-makers to stimulate the economy.

"The combination of low rates and the steady drip of bank owned homes into the market means continued low prices for buyers who are ready to dip their feet in the market again."

He says some buyers have been gun-shy about re-entering the real estate market, whether it's for Meridian real estate, which maintains relatively higher demand than many other Treasure Valley cities, or Eagle real estate, where expensive estates from the boom years are going for pennies on the dollar now.

But he says buyers shouldn't rely on the headlines to tell them when to buy.

"Buying a home is a very personal decision, and families should base it on their own circumstances. Growing families still need to move into bigger homes. Empty nesters still want to downsize, no matter what the market looks like."

Espinosa also says he's seeing plenty of trading up as low prices have brought more desirable neighborhoods into reach of the average buyer.

"The key is to engage with the market and watch for those bargains. Anyone can do that for free on my website www.MeridianIDHomes.com and get access to the entire database of Idaho MLS listings.

About John Espinosa

John Espinosa is an Idaho real estate agent specializing in the Treasure Valley. Covering Boise to Parma and everything in between, John is an expert on Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Middleton, and Meridian real estate.

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com
john@espirealestate.com

MERIDIAN, Ida. - Don Wixom, broker/owner of RE/MAX Advantage in Nampa, Idaho, says that Meridian market continues to maintain the lowest vacancy rates for pre-existing homes in the Treasure Valley. He says this is a testament to Meridian's strength as a place to buy, and is due to a number of factors affecting the Idaho real estate market.

Wixom says that some of the more popular subdivisions in many price ranges are in Meridian, making Meridian more attractive to a wider set of buyers.

"Meridian subdivisions tend to be newer than those in other parts of the Treasure Valley. Schools are great, and amenities like shopping and freeway access are great as well."

He says that the benefits Meridian has going for it mean buyers will pay a little more to live there, but property values have also been much more stable in Meridian than elsewhere.

"Meridian real estate offers a level of safety for home buyers that other areas don't always have, simply because it's more in demand."

Wixom said he's helped many out-of-state buyers purchase homes in Meridian, whether it's someone who is relocating due to a job transfer in the Boise area, or someone fleeing a bigger state like California for a better quality of life.

"Meridian's proximity to Boise real estate, along with its small town feel, are two of the biggest things going for the city. It definitely attracts local and out of town buyers to the area."

"With the current market conditions, it's not hard to find good deals, including Meridian short sales, foreclosures, and traditional home sales."

Vacant Treasure Valley Pre-Existing Home Inventory

Nampa: 37%
Caldwell: 32%
Meridian: 21%
Boise: 34%
Kuna: 32%

###

About Don Wixom

Don Wixom specializes in representing his clients in the purchase and sale of Idaho real estate, including residential, commercial and investment properties, covering Boise real estate as well as Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Star, and Kuna. Since becoming licensed in 1996, he has averaged selling 70 homes each year.

Don’s clients have come to rely in his experience to get their homes sold and to give the best guidance in purchasing a home. Though Don has hundreds of hours in education in all aspects of real estate, he specializes in residential properties. Whether it is single-family homes or multi-family investment properties, this is where his expertise and negotiation skills are most often put to use.

Don Wixom
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
http://www.sellidaho.com
(208) 880-5039

Meridian, ID – As existing home inventory in Meridian, Idaho shrinks, local real estate agent John Espinosa says sellers can benefit by seizing the opportunity in the market to get a better price than they might have gotten otherwise.

Espinosa says that while the market is not a seller's market by any means, some sellers would be smart to sell now rather than later. Owners in this situation might be those who know they're going to need to sell their Idaho real estate within the next year or two anyway, or those who are having trouble making payments on their existing mortgage.

"Sellers are definitely competing hard for a limited pool of buyers right now, but the timing is everything, and with Meridian real estate inventory shrinking, there is a smaller pool of homes to choose from."

He says that with an experienced marketing plan that is designed to get his clients' homes sold in this tough market, it's possible to capitalize on the changing market conditions to his clients' benefit.

"We encourage anyone who has thought about listing their Caldwell real estate or home in Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Kuna, Star, Middleton, or Meridian to contact us. We'll share our proven strategy for selling their Idaho real estate in any market.

About John Espinosa

John Espinosa is an Idaho real estate agent specializing in the Treasure Valley. Covering Boise to Parma and everything in between, John is an expert on Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle real estate, Kuna, Star, Middleton, and Meridian.

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com
john@espirealestate.com

Nampa, ID - As many real estate agents are cutting their marketing budgets, Idaho REALTOR® Don Wixom is going the extra mile to market his clients' listings in this tough market with a fully wrapped Honda CR-Z that has already turned heads around town.

Wixom, who already stands out online for his top Google-ranking website selling Idaho real estate, www.sellidaho.com, is one of the most visible agents on the road with his brightly colored Honda CR-Z.

"This car is a load of fun to drive, but the really great thing for my clients is that it is memorable. I get all sorts of comments from people who see me on the road, and of course, the car is emblazoned with my website and the RE/MAX Brand."

Wixom has always gravitated toward unconventional marketing techniques, so this fits his personality well. And with fuel prices being what they are, having an economy car to show homes all over the Treasure Valley, whether it's Boise real estate or Caldwell real estate, just makes sense.

"This has already been an effective way to get my phone to ring and to drive extra traffic to my website to help clients sell their homes. If that means being the talk of the town as I drive around town, then so be it."

Already gaining national attention from his franchisor, Wixom says he is committed to the #1 Real Estate Firm in the World, the RE/MAX Brand, committed to the industry and committed to doing his best for his clients!

"Soon, the car will host additional marketing messages including contest information, on the back panel." Don says. "Watch for it!"

For more information on Idaho real estate:

Don Wixom
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
http://www.sellidaho.com
(208) 880-5039

Meridian, ID – For pastors, lower prices for real estate have been truly a blessing, allowing some to buy a home for the first time, according to Meridian real estate agent John Espinosa.

Espinosa, who comes from a family deeply involved in Christian ministry, says that the economic downturn has hurt a lot of charitable organizations, to be sure. But he says that ministers who have a steady income, however sparse, can often afford to buy a home now, whereas before they couldn't.

"In the past, incomes were an issue, of course; everyone knows your average pastor doesn't make a lot of money. The biggest problem in the way of home ownership, however, was high real estate prices, and now that they've come down a bit, we're seeing more pastors able to afford to buy a home."

He says that since the most active price point over the past few years has fallen to below the $100,000 mark, affordability has worked in the favor of those serving the church who want to buy a home.

"Many ministers have felt like the sense of permanency and security a family feels as a result of owning a home was unattainable. The weak economy has done a lot of harm, but the one good thing it has done is make Boise, Meridian and Eagle homes very affordable."

For more information on Idaho real estate, contact:

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com
john@espirealestate.com

Meridian, ID - Meridian, Idaho real estate agent John Espinosa says that high foreclosure inventory has brought out bargain hunters looking for good deals on primary residences and investment properties in the Boise area.

According to Espinosa, as the mortgage crisis works its way through the system, and unemployment continues to plague the economy, more Meridian foreclosures end up as bank owned property. He says that means one thing: Lower prices for buyers.

"In this economy, everyone wants to tighten up on debt and reduce their monthly bills. For those who are able to take advantage of what the market is offering, it may actually be cheaper to buy than to rent."

"Meridian real estate buyers have been handed an amazing gift right now in that bank owned inventory has made prices very reasonable. The average buyer can afford twice the house or more compared to several years ago."

He says this is due to the double-impact of lower prices and lower rates. For those who have come out of the economy unscathed by negative credit, extremely low rates and prices combined mean a bigger and better house and more economic security.

Espinosa says many potential buyers might be surprised not only to know they qualify to buy a home, but to know how much home they can afford with today's prices.

"Yes, the economy has been tough in many respects, but I'm optimistic and look at the low prices as a blessing for those who have always thought home ownership was not attainable. They shouldn't rule it out without talking to me first."

For more information, contact:

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com

Meridian, ID - Meridian, Idaho real estate agent John Espinosa today launched a local home search website that provides home buyers an easy way to find the perfect property in today's dynamic market.

Whether searching for high-end Eagle homes for sale or just browsing for really nice Meridian Idaho homes at historically inexpensive prices, Treasure Valley home buyers can use www.MeridianIDHomes.com to search real estate of all types.

"One of the great things about this site is that it's really not about me at all. I understand that when you set out to buy a home, you just want complete access to all the available real estate listings. That's what the site is about."

He says that the new site allows buyers to find the perfect home using the latest tools, such as the useful pan-and-zoom map search, or the detailed Advanced Search form that gives users access to many of the search criteria normally reserved only for licensed real estate agents.

"Buyers can use my Dream Home Finder to sign up for automatic email alerts, so that when their dream home comes on the market, they'll know about it fast."

He says there is also a nod to technology-lovers with a free iPhone app buyers can download to their mobile phones to search for Meridian homes conveniently while on the go. With no cumbersome registration forms on every page, Espinosa says the site is getting rave reviews.

"My clients are definitely liking the new website a lot. For buyers in the market for Meridian homes for sale, I encourage them to visit the site and try it out."

For more information, contact:

John Espinosa
RE/MAX Advantage
5680 E Franklin Rd, Suite 100
Nampa ID 83687
208-484-7837
http://www.meridianidhomes.com
john@espirealestate.com

Caldwell, Idaho - Caldwell REALTORS Scott and Patti Syme have launched a new website covering the state of Idaho allowing homebuyers to search for virtually all Idaho homes for sale. The site, www.IdahoHomesForSale.net, covers the Intermountain MLS, listing Idaho Real Estate for sale in most of the state's cities and towns, including rural properties and recreational land.

Scott and Patti Syme, brokers and owners of the Caldwell real estate company Syme Real Estate, say the new website is part of their online strategy to reach more buyers through search engines and social media in 2011. As a HUD listing broker, the company has a large inventory of Idaho HUD Homes, providing low priced alternatives for home buyers.

"This site is very convenient for buyers to search for any type of property they want to find, from Nampa homes to Parma ranches. Although we are located in the Treasure Valley, the site covers the whole state, so we can provide quality listing information to anyone looking for Idaho property."

Patti Syme, who sits on the 2011 Executive Board of the Nampa Board of Realtors, says she is excited to have a site that reaches such a wide cross section of the state of Idaho.

"While an online presence is absolutely essential in this day and age, I'm in this business because I love working with people. IdahoHomesForSale.net just extends my philosophy that giving people a lot of information about listings helps families be more comfortable with the biggest financial decision of their lives."

Scott Syme agrees. He says that providing personalized service to home buyers is a passion of his, whether they are local or moving in from out of town.

"Many agents are transaction-focused, and I think they have it backwards. We know we'll get more transactions by keeping our clients happy, and our new site is designed to do just that."

About Syme Real Estate

Syme Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage and official HUD listing broker located in Caldwell, Idaho. With the motto of "We Love Idaho Real Estate," Scott and Patti Syme have worked hard to build a reputation of professional conduct and friendly customer service, helping buyers and sellers with all their Treasure Valley real estate needs for years.

Patti Syme
Scott Syme
Syme Real Estate
206 South 9th Avenue
Caldwell ID 83605
(208) 455-9392
www.SymeRE.com
www.IdahoHomesForSale.net
www.NampaCaldwellHomes.com

Boise, Idaho - Experienced real estate agent and avid hunter/pilot Stacey Budell of Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is launching a new Idaho Hunting Land search service today atwww.IdahoHuntingLand.net.

Budell, who is a flight instructor and long time real estate agent in the Treasure Valley of Idaho, has an intimate knowledge of the hunting lands and wildlife populations in Idaho. In launching IdahoHuntingLand.net, she brings her passion for the outdoors to real estate clients wanting a true expert to help purchase their dream recreational property.

"Most real estate agents don't know a thing about hunting, or if they do, know very little about how to effectively list or search for Idaho recreational property. That's because there are numerous fields and categories of the MLS in which properties can be listed."

She says knowing the best ways to uncover potential Idaho hunting property is a passion, almost as much as hunting and flying.

“There are some gem trophy properties out there listed with all sorts of descriptions and categories in the MLS and on 'For Sale By Owner' sites. Knowing how to find them is an art and a science in itself.”"There are some gem trophy properties out there listed with all sorts of descriptions and categories in the MLS and on for sale by owner sites. Knowing how to find them is an art and a science in itself."

An experienced pilot and flight instructor, Budell's passion for the outdoors is carried over into her real estate career.

"I consider myself as much a real estate scout and bush pilot as I do a real estate agent. I can take clients on very informative tours of Idaho by air to get the feel of the land, and drop right into a backcountry airstrip to explore a property on the ground in some cases."

She says each client is as different as the terrain she covers in a typical year, and each requires a different game plan for their property search.

"Some of my clients want to hunt elk, others deer, bighorn sheep, or mountain lion. As a hunter myself, I can direct them to the right regions for the best wildlife populations and scenery they can imagine."

For more information, contact:

Stacey Budell
Realtor, Hunter, Pilot
www.idahohuntingland.net
homeav8r@prodigy.net
208-880-4244

Featured Listings
http://featuredlisting.org/2y
http://featuredlisting.org/2z
http://featuredlisting.org/2A
http://featuredlisting.org/2B
http://featuredlisting.org/2C

Nampa, Idaho - Circle 'H' Excavating, Inc. is announcing an expansion of its Idaho excavation services to include residential heavy equipment work for private property owners in addition to its ongoing commercial work for general contractors and commercial real estate owners.

Alan Hartrampf, owner of Circle 'H," one of the leading excavation contractors in Idaho, says that he sees a trend in more private party property owners hiring out their own excavation work to save money. Whether it's for driveways, retaining walls, ponds, or other landscaping projects that require a heavy equipment contractor, he says there are plenty of projects that owners can contract out directly.

"While I'm happy to bid larger projects, I've found that dealing directly with the individual homeowner or commercial property owner can save them some money and make their project a lot easier."

He says he's seen a marked increase in the number of private owners coming directly to Circle 'H' for their excavation contracting needs. Some of the most common projects are retaining walls and driveways, but he also gets requests for rock or topsoil delivery and placement as Spring landscaping season warms up. Other popular projects include horse arenas and clearing out irrigation channels.

"In this economy, homeowners are looking to save money, but still want to get their earthmoving working done professionally by a reputable company. We're happy to fill that need and get the job done right for them. We want to build long term relationships with property owners."

Hartrampf says that Circle 'H' Excavating, Inc. can be reached online at its new website www.IdahoExcavation.com. Residential and commercial property owners can request a quote online, or call him at 208-860-5073.