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Boise, Idaho - Home Buyer's Guide

Treasure Valley, Idaho, is an area that continues to go from strength to strength. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country, from Caldwell to Boise, new buyers are flocking to this increasingly popular real estate market.

We don't need to tell you that home ownership is a big step, and one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. As such, it's best to go in with a plan. So, if you're planning on stepping into the market and buying a home in Greater Boise, then there are definitely some things you'll need to know first.

Here we break down some of the things you'll need to know, or do, to get your Boise homeownership journey off on the right track.

Buying In Boise - Getting Started

Thankfully, that you're already here means you're off to a good start. An experienced, knowledgeable real estate agent that's ready and motivated to help you is one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself.

So, once you're ready to move forward, make sure to contact Home River Realty. We are experts in the Boise real estate market, and offer assistance with many of the steps and issues listed here.

Find Your Dream Home in Treasure Valley, Idaho

First - what are you actually looking for? The entire Treasure Valley / Ada County / Boise area is quite large, with many communities, and property types. To get some idea of what we mean, you can browse through our featured communities in the Greater Boise area. Click through to find specific listings and information on each one. 

Some questions you'll need to be asking include whether you'll be looking for a new-construction home or a resale, what commute times you can expect, and the quality of schools in your area of choice.

Keep in mind that Treasure Valley communities can also vary considerably in price. More expensive neighborhoods include Northeast Boise, Eagle, and North Boise, while some less expensive options are Garden City, West Boise, and Boise Bench.

Thankfully, the Greater Boise area remains below the national average, and interest rates are also quite low (for now).

The areas in and around Boise also have different features with respect to lifestyle. Are you more into the great outdoors? Or are you looking for the arts and cultural attractions associated with a more urban location?

In Treasure Valley you can find properties surrounded by lush farmland, urban centers, scenic hills, and waterfront views. A home can be remodelled, even torn down and built anew - but it's hard to opt out of the specific features of your neighborhood.

Tips For Home Buyers

Now onto the specifics. Here are some of the most important steps in the home-buying process:

Get an agent - As mentioned, an experienced agent in your corner might be the best-possible first step to take.

Pre-qualify - A relatively simple step to establish where in the market you'll be looking. Typically, you'll not want your monthly mortgage payments to exceed a third of your income. Keeping mortgage payments under 25% of your income is even better. Use our mortgage calculator to get an idea of where you stand and what you can expect financially. 

Pre-approve - This is a little more official than a pre-qualification and involves an in-depth investigation into your finances. This will give you the actual value of home you can purchase, and will also let you know what loan options you're eligible for (an important step since some options can save you considerable out-of-pocket expenses). For example, Idaho has its own first-time buyer programs that offer highly favorable terms to certain buyers. Getting pre-approval also tells sellers that you're a serious prospect, making your offers more attractive.

Decide on what's important - Now that you know what you can afford, and are in the market for real, take note of what you absolutely must have from a home. Be careful to separate want from need. Once you know what you need - don't budge on it.

Get an inspection - Once you've found a prospective home, get it inspected. This will protect you from any nasty surprises.

Get a survey - If there's any uncertainty, get the property boundaries checked so you know exactly what you're buying.

Anticipate costs - Home buying comes with many costs you may not have foreseen, from hiring movers, to closing fees, to the already-mentioned inspections. Have some money set aside for these.

First-time buyers might also want to check out this list of tips tailored to their specific needs.

More Resources For Boise Home Buyers

Get started now by filling out the form below. One of Home River Realty's agents will be in contact to help you get started on your home search: