Stories

Over the last 9 years I was employed at a local valley automotive business and earned a good wage. So did the person next to me. Only difference was, he paid no income taxes. He is paid in cash. He entered the country illegally and has no documentation. Both he and the owner of the business profited from this income tax evasion and yet no one in our government cares. Discussing this with our District 5 representatives, Dept of Labor, State tax Commission, and IRS has produced nothing. Not a care! Why do I want to pay taxes? Seems to me we are the fools. Unemployed? Cant find work? Tell your prospective employer you are undocumented  and will work for cash! Tell the IRS to shove it!

March 23, 2012

People continue to ask . . . Have home prices finally hit bottom? Do we as Realtor's know or really have a clue?  

Sorry to say our crystal ball is a bit cloudy, but  . . . . according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch forecast released this week, they state, "Prices are bottoming now."

In the fall, the analysts had predicted home prices would drop by 8 percent from the second quarter of 2011 through the first quarter of 2013 — but now they’re revising that forecast, realizing the housing market is stabilizing faster than they originally thought. 

The analysts now predict that prices will remain flat for the next two years, as the excess foreclosure inventory is absorbed. They then expect to see a pickup in home prices by 2014. 

“Prices are bottoming now,” according to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch forecast

And in the long-term, they see a big rise in housing prices. From 2012 through 2020, analysts forecast a cumulative growth of 42 percent in home prices (at 4 percent... (more)

The photograph of you, spread by the media, shows a young man wearing a camouflage jacket, blue jeans and what is perhaps a wry grin. At your side is the body of a large gray and bloody wolf. He is Oregon 9, litter-mate to Oregon 7, or Journey, the renowned wolf who has traveled over 1,000 miles in search of a mate.

I admit to a feeling of grief while viewing this picture. Drained of the vigor of life, the body of Oregon 9 is so diminished, a mere semblance of what he was before. When you shot him, he became nothing more than an object, a vacant-eyed prize. Did you expect to bring home a wolf when you pulled the trigger? You did not. You captured skin and bones, a pool of blood, but the best of him was gone.

Besides grief, I feel anger. There was no need to shoot that wolf–we all know that. His meat will not feed your hungry children. His coat will not stave off a frigid wind. He was not shot in self-defense or to protect anyone or anything. Economically, his corpse won’t boost your... (more)

Banks, accelerating efforts to move troubled mortgages off their books, are offering as much as $35,000 or more in cash to delinquent homeowners to sell their properties for less than they owe.

Lenders have routinely delayed or blocked such transactions, known as "Short Sales" , in which they accept less from a buyer than the seller’s outstanding loan.

Now banks have decided the deals are faster and less costly than foreclosures, which have slowed in response to regulatory probes of abusive practices.

Banks are nudging potential sellers by pre-approving deals, streamlining the closing process, forgoing their right to pursue unpaid debt and in some cases providing large cash incentives, said Bill Fricke, senior credit officer for Moody’s Investors Service in New York.

Banks are offering as much as $35,000 or more in cash to delinquent homeowners to sell their properties for less than they owe

The size of the payment may have little to do with sales price.

JPMorgan gave a Phoenix homeowner $20,000 after she...

Pending sales contracts for condominiums in the greater Sun Valley area for the month of January are up 58% (19 pending units versus 12 in 2011) over the same time period in 2011.

Sales closed have increased 500% for the same time period according to the "Market Summary Report", a standardized report that uses data provided by members of the Sun Valley Board of Realtors®.

In January of 2011 a total of 2 units closed versus 12 units in January of 2012, i.e. a 500% increase.

Rising sales and lower inventory are creating more balanced market conditions

Current condominium inventory is down 20% in comparison with the same time last year.

Fairway Nine Condominiums in Sun Valley - Elkhorn Idaho
Photo © Hallmark Idaho Properties, George Martin, Jr.

Housing affordability conditions improved in most metropolitan areas from softer existing-home prices and record-low mortgage interest rates in the fourth quarter, with rising sales and lower inventory creating more balanced conditions, according to the latest... (more)

On January 3, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District received a call from a local individual about two dead horses discovered on public land in the Wilson Creek area, approximately 15 miles southeast of Marsing, Idaho. Wilson Creek is located within the Hardtrigger Wild Horse Herd Management Area. An initial investigation determined the two free-roaming Mustangs had been shot.

The BLM is offering a $ 1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the shootings.

"The BLM is serious about enforcing the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act that protects wild horses on the range," said Idaho BLM State Director Steve Ellis. "The Act clearly states that it is a federal crime for any person to maliciously cause the death of any wild horse, and we want to find whoever is responsible. We care a great deal for the welfare of these animals and want to prevent this from happing in the future. I am hopeful the public will be able to provide us information that will help... (more)

The "no" campaign and it's supporters, including four (4) of the (5) current elected officials have been using misleading, misstated and nonfactual information.  Let's set the record straight.

FICTION:  Idaho law dictates that if a city votes to change its government all elected officials are immediately removed form office                                                                                                                    

FACT:  IDAHO CODE 50-807.  EFFECTIVE DATE FOLLOWING ADOPTION OF PLAN. The effective date of the council-manager plan shall be not more than seventy-five (75) days following the election of officials, to be determined by the incumbent council.

FICTION:... (more)

FACT:  MORE ACCESS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS

 Decisions on policy and the future of the community are made by all five (5) elected officials equally, giving the  residents more opportunity to become engaged in the process.

FACT:  IN-LINE WITH THE MAJORITY OF SKI RESORT COMMUNITIES

Managing ski resort communities is complex and budgets are larger that towns of equal populations.  Aspen, Vail, Durango and many other ski resort towns have adopted the Council-Manager Form of Government.

FACT:  EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT

The day-to-day operations of the community resides with the city manager, creating continuity and freeing the elected officials to devote their time to policy making and future planning.

for more information:  see us on facebook - Ketchum Committee For Better Government                                                              ... (more)

(NB: This is the original, un-edited story):

Mayor was for policy before he was against it

A referendum on the Ketchum ballot this fall gives voters the chance to adopt a new form of government in city hall and in the process completely overhaul the town government. Among the dozen or so candidates running for city council this year, all but one of the seven challengers have lined up in favor of the change. Four of the five incumbents, on the other hand, are clinging tightly to the status quo.  

At the first of three public forums held on this latest local intrigue, City Councilman Larry Helzel looked down gravely at his chocolate chip cookie. See if you can fill in the blanks of what he said next: "I am downright scared of the _____ _____ form of government, and you should be too," Helzel said. His words hung heavy in the sunny conference room of the Wood River Community YMCA.

What could be so frightening? Was it a proposal to implement a mandatory dress code on all city council members? (No loafers with socks,... (more)

Randy Hall said that Ketchum's current system has "worked for the history of the town," and that the change would "hurt the hotel process," a reference to his administration's tireless attempts to lure five-star hotels to town. Noting that adopting a city manager would do away with all but the most ceremonial duties of the mayor, Hall added that the entire discussion is "a little awkward, because this is all about me."

What is also awkward for Hall is the fact that two years ago he was the initial and central proponent of the policy that he now staunchly opposes.

Full story in the Boise Weekly: 

http://ow.ly/7gV2J 

http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/ketchum-voters-will-decide-

FACT:  LESS POLITICAL

The hired professional manager has no guaranteed term of employment.  They must constantly respond to the citizens and be dedicated to the highest ideals of honesty, integrity and excellence in the management and delivery of public service.

FACT:  COST EFFECTIVE

There is no staff increase necessary to adopt the Council-Manager form of government.  Many local governments have found that their overall costs are actually reduced under competent management.

FACT:  THE TIME IS RIGHT

Now is an opportune time to make the change to the Council-Manager form of government.  Ketchum needs to be prepared as the economy improves with a professional, ethical, efficient government which the Council-Manager plan will provide.

For more information:  Ketchum Committee For Better Government on facebook                                                ... (more)

The Council-Manager form of government combines the strong political leadership of elected officials with the strong managerial experience of an appointed manager.  All power and authority rests with the entire elected governing body. The governing body appoints a highly trained professional manager on the basis of his/her education, experience, skills and abilities.  If the manager is not responsive to the governing body, it has the authority to terminate the manager at any time.  It de-politicizes the day–to-day operations of city government, and allows elected officials to focus on the important policy decisions and future planning. The Council/Manager form of government is efficient, professional, ethical, cost effective, encourages public participation and ensures that the entire community is equitably served.

The ballot question “Shall the City of Ketchum, Idaho adopt the council-manager plan of government as set forth in sections 50-801 through 50-812, Idaho Code?”  will be place before... (more)

New York, June 28, 2011 – Data through April 2011, released today by S&P Indices for its S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices, show a monthly increase in prices for the 10- and 20-City Composites for the first time in eight months.

The 10- and 20-City Composites were up 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively, in April versus March. Both indices are lower than a year ago; the 10-City Composite fell 3.1% and the 20-City Composite is down 4.0% from April 2010 levels. Six of the 20 MSAs showed new index lows in April – Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Miami and Tampa.

Thirteen of the cities and both composites posted positive monthly changes. With index levels of 152.51 and 138.84, respectively, both the 10- and 20-City Composites are above their March 2011 levels, which had been a new crisis low for the 20-City Composite.

The chart above depicts the annual returns of the 10-City and the 20-City Composite Home Price Indices. In April 2011, the 10-City and 20-City Composites recorded... (more)

I share today's Wells Fargo press release even though it's not currently designed for homeowners in Idaho as it still might help.

If you are in fact having problems with your mortgage I encourage you to ask for similar help as I they shouldn't be able to discriminate and people in Idaho should receive the same help and opportunities as those in Washington State.

If your not sure what to do please feel free to call me or any other local real estate professional for free advise on how best approach the every changing programs that may help during these challenging times.

Now to the article . . . 

PRESS RELEASE: June 23, 2011, 9:00 a.m. EDT

Wells Fargo to Help Washington Customers Facing Mortgage Payment Challenges

5,000+ Washington homeowners invited to free workshop in Bellevue July 7-8

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jun 23, 2011

Wells Fargo & Company announced today it is hosting a free workshop for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wells Fargo Financial, Wachovia Mortgage and Wells Fargo Home Equity customers facing financial hardships.... (more)

If you have looked at the paper lately, you have no doubt seen the increase in the Garage Sale section of the classifieds. It's time to get out of the house, sell off all the old stuff and get ready for summer.

So, why the "BEWARE!" in the title? If you have seen the news anytime within the past year, you no doubt have seen the numerous stories about the world-wide bed bug explosion. As this pest grows in numbers, the number of people affected also grows, and it's now being reported that some items that have been purchased at garage sales in some areas are infested with bed bugs.

It's only been a few weeks since a local paper carried an article on the bed bug problem in the Wood River Valley. It looks like they are a bigger problem than most of us anticipated, so when it comes to purchases of Garage Sale items, caution would seem to be a good idea. There seems to be a stigma attached to bed bugs, and people are not inclined to to discuss them much, so you probably won't know who has had a problem and who hasn't.... (more)

Idaho Falls-based steel erection company Intermountain Erectors, Inc., recently completed the American Institute of Steel Construction certification process, making it the only AISC-certified erection company in the northwestern United States.

“With the economy being slow, especially in the construction industry, we wanted to give ourselves a competitive edge,” said Mark Shell, Intermountain Erectors, Inc. president. “AISC certification allows us to bid additional jobs and tells general contractors that we are serious about quality.”

AISC Certification sets the quality standard for the steel industry and is the most recognized national quality certification program for the structural steel industry.  Companies that are AISC Certified have been through a rigorous initial evaluation and are subject to annual reviews.

Many construction jobs are open for bid only to AISC-certified companies, making the certification an additional incentive.

Intermountain Erectors, Inc. is a steel management... (more)

Ahhh, Starweather.  One of the mid valley’s gems.  Casual yet upscale.  Removed yet close in.  Open spaces yet intimate.  A beautiful array of spectacular homes.  And fishing like you read about. 

Starweather is located pretty much smack between Ketchum and Hailey with easy access to both.    It’s nicely nestled between friendly neighbors in Golden Eagle to the north and Zinc Spur to the south.  On the bike path, it’s just as easy to skate ski to Ketchum as it is to bike to Hailey. 

The neighborhood is tucked in a beautiful setting of  old growth aspens and cottonwoods along the Big Wood River.  Spring and summer offers a great mix of all day sun and natural shade.  In fall, the autumn reds, oranges and yellows from the aspens are on fire and  line the quiet streets. 

Large estate properties enjoy prime river front access and views.  A nice mix of original and newer homes in... (more)

As lawmakers reignite a 200-year-old debate on state sovereignty, many are wondering how far the states will go in their fight against the federal government's health care law. Idaho state senator Monty Pearce is prepared to fight the feds all the way. 

Politics Daily story by Michael Ames

The Idaho GOP is out in front of the states' rights movement to use an obscure legislative motion to nullify federal health care reform. Will it work? Can it work? Politics Daily for the full story: 

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/01/26/idaho-gop-pushes-bil

The College of Southern Idaho’s Community Education Center is offering the non-credit homebuyer’s education course, Finally Home. The course is specifically designed for first-time low to moderate income home buyers and addresses some of the issues that potential home owners face as the take the steps to purchasing a home.

The Finally Home Homebuyer Education program is an eight-hour program that takes participants from the can I and do I want to become a homeowner to how do I maintain this important investment? Potential homeowners learn the steps involved in making their biggest investment, including: who are the key players in the home buying process, why is good credit important, how to fix bad credit, how to apply & qualify for a loan, how to shop for a home, what happens at closing, the financial benefit of home ownership, how to avoid delinquencies, defaults & foreclosure & much more. Course graduates will receive a certificate of completion that can potentially help qualified borrowers take advantage of... (more)

Timmerman Junction is an asphalt Bermuda Triangle, a spot on the map defied by the rules of physics and a place to be extra careful, because people crash there.

How many people? Between 2000 and 2009, 26 accidents. In the last six months alone, there were three serious accidents that injured 11. After a decade or so of this kind of thing, the authorities decided to do something about it.

http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2011/01/19/shou

If you turn West off Main Street in Hailey at the big church and cruise down the hill you will run into a large bull  moose.  You will also be entering one of Hailey's coolest neighborhoods, Cedar Bend.  The moose is really a steel sculpture nestled in the tree's of "Mayor" Ted Graham's house but it  has fooled many passers by for the real thing.  It's a great welcome to the neighborhood and it also gives you a great idea of what's to come.

Cedar Bend is tucked  in the tall cottonwood and aspen forests down by the Big Wood River in West Hailey.  It's actually a pretty small area with only eight homes built, 3 or 4 of which were only built in the last few years.   I actually live in one of the eight homes.

What's cool about Cedar Bend is first and foremost the trees.  It's situated in an old growth riparian area with beautiful stands of cottonwoods and aspen that run all the way to the river.  The trees are like an umbrella of shade and... (more)

Mountain Rides Transportation Authority launched a newly designed and upgraded web site in late October paid for by the American Recovery  Reinvestment Act at www.mountainrides.org.  Mountain Rides worked with Relative Design out of Portland, Oregon who started the transformation several months ago after being awarded the bid.

 “We are excited to be able to use the American Recovery Reinvestment dollars to transform our web site and improve the ease and information we are providing to the public. We are now able to provide rich information from many sources to help users make intelligent travel decisions.” said Jason Miller, Executive Director for Mountain Rides Transportation Authority

 The new web site offers an interactive approach with better functionality and user generated content including Twitter, Facebook and video feeds.  Other new features include the Interactive map powered by Google transit maps that allows for viewing of the entire system or route by route... (more)

During the bi-annual American Institute of Architects, Idaho Chapter, Honor Awards Program held in Ketchum on October 23, local architects won 4 of the 6 awards handed out this year.

There were 41 projects submitted this year. The awards committee asked for projects built anywhere in Idaho from 2000 to 2010 and mostly received projects from 2008 to 2010.  Project areas varied from commercial structures, public institutions, residential and renovation / preservation, however, awards were not given based on any specific category. Projects were based on their own overall design and execution.

The awards are given on three levels.  Starting with the highest is the Honor Award, followed by Citation Award and Award of Merit.  This year there were a total of 6 awards given at the following levels: 1 Honor Award, 3 Citation Awards and 2 Awards of Merit.

The local architects that were awarded included: Michael Doty Associates Architects, Mark Pynn Architect, Architect Susan Desko and Williams | Partners Architects.... (more)

Architect Susan Desko hosted the Bi-Annual American Institute of Architects Design Awards for the state of Idaho in her creatively decked out Ketchum office. Desko’s Lake Creek Residence and Michael Doty’s Cornerstone Bar and Grill were two of five Sun Valley area architects’ projects to be honored with awards. The evening was filled with great food, great friends and great architecture. 
 All six awards included:

Award of Honor – Michael Doty Associates for Cornerstone Bar and Grill
Juror Comments: It was clear that the design team appreciated the historic volume and generated a wonderful project diagram that celebrated the spirit of the existing and historical building.  

Award of Citation – Susan Desko AIA, Lake Creek Residence
Juror Comments: "Contemporary western house, Strong parti, clear plan, strong space. These reflect the natural context at a micro and macro manner.  Window baffling, framing views and the outdoor space (entry and roof space).  Consistent design development,... (more)