Vicki Johnson's (vickirjohnson) Blog

Real Estate Today Home sale prices in Ada County are at 2004 levels. December 2008 average sales price in Ada County was $216,200. Current interest rates are about 5%. Average interest rate 2000-2008 was 6.4%  Buyers are currently getting more house for less cost and lower monthly payments!!   Th...

Careful reading for first time homebuyers who are looking for a little boost for their home purchase.  However, read thoroughly to catch all of the "fine print."  The tax credit operates like a zero interest loan, it is not a gift! http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/index.htm

In the midst of our real estate slowdown and the media negativity, there are some things to remember! There are still many very credible lenders in business.  Their business parameters are changing daily and it's a challenging time for them.  Ask for referrals from your Realtor, then talk to thos...

 A bit of perspective... Ada County home sales have increased each month this year. Inventory of homes for sale is starting to level off. Buyers are still moving to the area. Buyers are still making housing changes. Real estate is not static and is cyclical. Interest rates are not double digit an...

Sunday's issue of the Boston Globe featured cities with notable parks systems.  Among them was the Boise River Greenbelt which we have enjoyed for many years. The Boston Globe commented: "Once the dumping ground for trash, industrial waste, and raw sewage, this riverfront park was reclaimed in th...

According to the report, Cybercities 2008:An Overview of the High-Technology Industry in the Nation's top 60 Cities, Boise is among 60 cybercities for high-tech employment. Boise is 17th of the 60 cities in high-tech employment concentration. Is the Treasure Valley wired?  You bet!! The bulk of t...

As Realtors, we work daily with clients who are making life changing decisions.  Where to live and why. The decision to change neighborhoods, change cities or states is one of life's major turning points for most people. Richard Florida has written a thought provoking book, "Who's Your City."  He...

  The Gene Harris Jazz Festival has been a staple in the Treasure Valley for many years.  Gene Harris, a world renowned jazz pianist, passed away in 2000. However, his legacy lives on.  Over the years, the Gene Harris Jazz festival has featured many legends of the jazz world.  But the focus is on...

I will occasionally be including informtion about the cultural as well as outdoor activities available in and about the Treasure Valley.  One of the benefits of living in our part of the country is access to the outdoors....right at our doorsteps. Boiseans have worked hard to develop a network of...

The National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest and Festival® Presented by Steve's Hometown Motors is one of the best surprises around. Since 1953 Weiser, Idaho has played host to fiddlers and friends from around the world. Dedicated to preserving and perpetuating fiddle music for generations to come, thi...