March 2024 Market Snapshot: Get Ready for Listing Season

Winter is generally a slow time for real estate transactions in our area, and it may be a bit too early to identify any lasting trends, HOWEVER, the local market does seem to be trending toward more inventory and more days on market.

We have gone from a 5-month supply of inventory in 2023 to a 6.5-month supply. That means there are more homes on the market, and listed homes are generally taking longer to sell. (Please note: there is not enough data this month to include Meadows Valley statistics).

Overall, we are still trending towards a buyers’ market. March should be an even better indicator of how much inventory will hit the market this Spring/Summer as we start to gear up with new listings.

What does this mean for sellers? Pricing your home or property correctly and competitively will be CRUCIAL if you want your property sold.

TIPS FOR SELLERS:

Research comparable home prices in the area. Sellers need to have the most up-to-date pricing on comparable homes that are selling (versus list prices). Understand that at some price points it’s a buyers market, and you may need to be prepared to make some concessions.
Make sure your home is in top-notch shape.Homes need to be in great condition to compete. Well-maintained homes and attractive front yards are major features that buyers look for.
Don’t put off issues that require attention.Prepare the home by making any repairs or improvements. Removing any objections that buyers may see helps focus the buyer on the positive attributes of the home.
Work with a local real estate agent.A real estate agent or team with a strong local marketing presence can offer significant value and help you land a great deal. (And price your home competitively to begin with).

TIPS FOR BUYERS:

Know your budget.Instead of focusing on price, figure out how much you can afford as a monthly payment. Your monthly housing payment is influenced by the price of the home, your down payment, mortgage rate, loan term, home insurance and property taxes.

Be flexible about home size and location. Perhaps your budget is sufficient for a small home in your perfect neighborhood, or a larger, newer home further out. Understanding your priorities and having some flexibility can help you move quickly when a suitable home hits the market.
Keep an eye on the market where you hope to buy. Determine the area’s available inventory and price levels. Also, pay attention to how quickly homes sell. Not only will you be tuned in when something great hits the market, you can feel more confident moving forward with purchasing a well-priced home. This is where an experienced real estate agent can REALLY help.
Don’t be discouraged. Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Approaching the market confidently, armed with good information and grounded expectations will take you far. Don’t let the hustle of the market convince you to buy something that’s not in your budget, or not right for your lifestyle.

March High Mountain Happenings

Support Our Local Ski Areas This Spring

FREE Nordic Lessons from Payette Lakes Ski Club

If you like the idea of getting some cardio in the fresh mountain air but are a little intimidated to try nordic skiing, don’t miss the Bear Basin Nordic Festival this weekend!

Newbies can take a free 30 minute lesson, and experienced gliders can try out the latest in nordic gear!

Trail conditions have been stellar so this is a great opportunity to try something new.

PLSC Asks For Public Support After Tough Winter

The El Nino conditions hit Little Ski Hill HARD earlier this winter, forcing LSH to stay closed and lose all ticket and concessions revenue during most of December and January. The LSH Team worked hard to get their programs up and running so race teams and school children could stay active and healthy this winter, but the organization’s finances took a big hit. To learn more about what they’re facing and how you can help, follow this link.

Non-Stop Fun at Brundage and Tamarack

Brundage Mountain is going big this spring with tons of live music and non-stop events.

Diva Day returns this weekend in honor of International Women’s Day. The March and April calendars are packed with fun events. From the Beer and Gear Festival to the Brewlympic Games, Gaper Day and the Cardboard Classic, there will be no shortage of fun both on and off the slopes.

View All Brundage Events

At Tamarack, regular offerings like morning yoga, trivia nights, karaoke and live music are just the beginning of springtime fun. Demo days, the BoardRoom’s Grom Games, Retro Day and the Idaho State Pond Skimming Championships are scheduled to add a little extra excitement to the end of the Winter of 2023/2024.

There’s even a “Full Moon Snowshoe Walk and Wine” event on Sunday, March 24 that sounds absolutely delightful!

View All Tamarack Events

Share Your Thoughts on Winter Carnival

The McCall Chamber of Commerce is looking for feedback on the recent changes to Winter Carnival. (Having El Nino dampen the Snow Sculpture Contest was NOT part of the plan, but it’s a reminder that Mother Nature ultimately calls the shots.)

How do you feel about the new three-day format? The Chamber has created a survey and is asking residents, visitors and business owners to weigh in with observations and suggestions. Have your voice heard and help shape the future of this legacy event. TAKE THE SURVEY BY MARCH 15

February 2024 Market Snapshot: Why Our Local Market Bucks the National Trends

As a real estate broker, whenever you run into a friend around town, after they ask you how you are doing the next question is, “How’s the market?” Since January sales are usually slow, I thought it would be more interesting for me to share some analysis of how our local real estate market behaves compared to the national and even Treasure Valley markets.

February High Mountain Happenings

Valentine’s Fun for Couples, Families, Singles and…Comedy Lovers?

Payette Land Trust Sweetheart Party & Auction at Shore Lodge

Saturday, February 10

The signature Valentine event in the McCall area features a live auction, raffles, carving station, heavy hor d’oeuvres, chocolate and whiskey tasting. The event takes place on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 6-10pm at the Shore Lodge Pavilion. 100% of net proceeds from this event will benefit land conservation in West Central Idaho.

Tickets are selling fast, so if you’re interested, be sure to purchase ASAP.

Learn More

Treat Your Sweetheart to a Special Dinner at Rupert’s

Wednesday, February 14

With mouth-watering deserts and unparalleled views of Payette Lake, Rupert’s is always a romantic place to dine. This year’s special Valentine’s Day menu will make your evening one to remember!

Learn More

Jug Mountain Ranch Clubhouse Tees Up Some Romance

Wednesday, February 14

Jug Mountain Ranch is hosting a three courses of deliciousness for $110 per couple. There are three entrees to choose from on the prix fixe menu.

Learn More

Valentine’s Day Special at “Checkpoint Wine and Tapas” in Cascade’s Hotel NoBo

Wednesday, February 14

This Valentine’s Day offering includes a complimentary dessert or glass of wine for each person. Check out the Checkpoint if you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day in Cascade!

Learn More

For the Singles: Speed Dating – Ski Resort Style

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or prefer to hit the slopes midweek, romance may only be a chairlift ride away! Both of our local ski resorts are hosting Speed Dating for Singles this month. Check out the details from Brundage and Tamarack:

Brundage Centennial Speed Dating

Saturday, February 10

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

For those in search of a Valentine, Brundage Mountain’s speed dating event is a few days BEFORE the official holiday, so those with a blank space have time to fill it! (Or do Round 2 at Tamarack on the 14th).

Men and women 21 and over are invited to sign up by completing a brief questionnaire between 10 am – 11 am. Brundage staff will match you based on your answers, with the 6-minute chairlift “dates” starting at noon. Particpants can head back to the Upper Lot Pub at 3 pm to enjoy Live Music with your new friends.

Speed dating participants will receive a discount code for 50% off a future visit!

Tamarack Speed Dating Singles Line

Wednesday, February 14

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join Tamarack’s true “singles line” by grabbing a complementary Valentines Day lei and hopping in the singles line! Fellow singles will have leis and are there to meet other snow enthusiasts, whether it be a new shredding pal or your forever ski buddy.

After you meet your match (or not) head to Seven Devils for a Valentines Day themed party, complete with Valentine’s themed trivia at 5:30 and Karaoke at 8 pm!

McCall Winter Carnival

Winter Carnival Countdown is On!

We are just a couple weeks away from McCall’s Annual Winter Carnival, which spans three action-packed days from Friday, February 23 – Sunday, February 24. Visitors and locals will enjoy the classic snow sculpture tour, two parades, a lakeside fireworks show, and live music on the Main Stage, along with other favorite events like the McPaws Monster Dog Pull, Snowshoe Golf, Grand Bingo, and more!

Volunteers Needed:

The Chamber of Commerce works hard to put on this massive event every year, and it takes a lot of volunteers to make the Carnival Magic happen. Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups or clubs can contact the McCall Chamber Office at info@mccallchamber.org

ATV Raffle Tickets on Sale

Another way to support the McCall Winter Carnival is through the annual fundraising raffle. This year’s grand prize is a Polaris 450 Sportsman ATV. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance of the event at the Chamber of Commerce office at 605 N 3rd St in McCall or at the vendor court during the event.

I have a big stash of tickets on hand myself, so if you’d like to purchase directly through me, please respond to this email and we can connect when it’s convenient for you!

Ticket sales are limited to 3000 and the drawing will be held at 6:30 pm on Saturday, February 24. Ticket holders do NOT need to be present to win.

WINTER CARNIVAL 2024 INFO

January 2024 Market Snapshot

We have been keeping an eye on the 2022 – 2023 trends and knew the market was cooling down, but I wanted to zoom out a bit and take a closer look at what’s happened over the past three years to provide you with a broader perspective as we kick off the New Year.