BeccieM@gmail.com

September 2012 Newsletter

H      How do you like my new sign?  This change I started working on by taking a law class, I learned to take my time and exercise due diligence and listen carefully.

I to     A finance class - which reviewed the multi choices that buyers have in purchasing properties.  First time home b    Buyers can purchase a home for $500 out of pocket - if they have good credit and an income.

I            A  valuation class (appraisal) - Where I learned that a lot of appraisers have or are leaving the business bec      beause of  Governrnment regulations. Appraisals now have to be assigned through a middleman who now takes half    half of their earnings.   So now they have to work twice as hard to make half the money.  Plus I learned how much work it is to do do  do the work of an appraiser.

I t            A   Broker Management Couse - Were I learned a lot about The State of Idaho Lisensing and Law, trust  oun         accounts and being extremely accountable to all parties, including the State of Idaho; who will be auditing me on a regular basis.

I took a Prep course - to help prepare me for the State Board Test.

I took the State of Idaho Broker Test - Which was a grueling four hour test. 

I I had to be fingerprinted and pass an FBI check - so after that and 100 more baby steps, I am proud to announce that I am a BROKER!

Market Update

July's numbers in the Boise area have continued to remain strong. The median sales price is $135,000 and the average is $187,412 - Looking at home prices from January to now, homes have increased 25%. That is so amazing.

One number is down and this could be good or bad depending on if you are a potential Buyer or Seller. The number of homes actively marketed right now is down to only 3 months inventory. In other words, if there are not any new listings, we will have ZERO homes for sale within 3 months. These consistently lower inventory numbers have helped increase the Boise area values based on the basic principles of supply and demand.

If you are considering the idea of selling your home, this may be a great opportunity for you. I would love the opportunity to talk to you about your current real estate position.

Chicken and Dumplings - Wonderful for Fall

1Tbsp.  oil

1 lb.  boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1can  (14 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup  flour

1/2cup  (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread

1pkg.  (10 oz.) frozen peas and carrots

1cup  all-purpose baking mix

1/4 cup  BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

1/4cup  milk

2 Tbsp.  KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

2 Tbsp.  chopped fresh parsley

Make It

HEAT oil in large deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 4 min. or until no longer pink. Transfer to bowl.
ADD broth gradually to flour in small bowl, whisking constantly until blended. Add to skillet; cook and stir on medium heat 2 min. or until thickened. Add cream cheese spread; cook and stir 3 min. or until melted. Remove from heat; stir in chicken and vegetables.
STIR baking mix, sour cream and milk just until baking mix is moistened. Spoon into 6 mounds over mixture in skillet; cook on medium-high heat 2 min. Cover skillet; cook on low heat 15 min. or until chicken is done and toothpick inserted in dumplings comes out clean.
TOP with Parmesan and parsley.

IT IS FALL HERE AT THE McDONELL HOME

Perfect time to change your furnace filter. 
  We have already cleaned out the flower beds and I am looking at the nurseries for new treasures to add to the yard.   Now is the perfect time to buy, as everything is on sale.
Get your flu shot, get more sleep, sip some chamomile tea, perfect time of year for a 20-minute brisk walk and smile - all the above is perfect for fighting off the cold and flu season.

TIDY UP THE GARAGE
Reduce clutter by getting items off the floor.  Hang bicycles from hooks, and stow basketballs, bats and other sports equipment in wire ball bings.   Put up a peg board for the tooks, plus it would be nice to have a work bench for lots of different projects with shelves below the bench.  On those shelves you could organize neating by using bins (or even recycled boxes with the tops cut off).  Another peg board area for all your yard tools - keep like things together.  Doesn't just have to be a man cave us girls need room too.  What a great space for halloween and Christmas crafts.  We could set up a present wrapping station.
Once again Dear Friends I have ran out of space.  Just remember I am here to help you with all your Real Estate needs.  Call me, email me, text me!
Beccie McDonell, Broker                     850-3062