Real Estate activity was high in 2009

I was shocked when I pulled together the numbers for real estate transactions for 2009 from our Mountain Central MLS. Our MLS includes areas of McCall, east of New Meadows and Council, south as far as Smith Ferrys and back country areas of Warren and Yellow Pine. There were 436 residential units sold for 2009 - compared to only 216 residential units sold in 2008. I would say that the housing economy rallied a little bit 2009 for our area, wouldn't you? This is good news.
However, the other part of the equation is the median sales prices. In 2009 it was $179,077 and in 2008 it was $251,625. It was down almost 29% in 2009 over 2008, which probably has a lot to do with why the sales increased. So that leads to the question, have we found bottom? Now with the number of sales increasing, and bidding wars happening on many banked owned properties and multiple offers being presented on short sales, it may indicate we have found an attractive price point and with demand growing might lead to rise in prices.
You can make your own conclusions from the information, however it all indicates a good time to buy. Interest rates are still low, selection is still good and most importantly - the lakes, trees and fresh air aren't going anywhere. Happy New Year!

The Snow is Falling!

Brush off those skis friends, the snow is finally falling. If this keeps up maybe Brundage Mountain will be able soon; they need about 12 more inches.

The lack of snow has not stopped the winter fun around here, for those that have been braving the cold weather, the ice skating on Cascade Lake and Little Payette Lake has been fantastic. Bear Basin has been grooming for cross country skiing for the past couple weeks and providing fairly good early season skiing. And for those that like to snowshoe, the blue skies have helped with some beautiful back drops.



And for those that haven't been to McCall in awhile, you will notice that there are several new restaurants open or on their way to opening. The new one in downtown with lake views is Northwest Passage for evening dining and the Little Gem for your lunch time fares. I would highly recommend the Goddess Chicken sandwich at the Little Gem, the combination of the dressing, pears, chicken breast and cheese is delicious.



Wraptor, offering wraps, rice bowls and other healthy combinations opening in Alpine Village should be serving food as early as December 20th. I toured the restaurant the other day and the owners have done a fantastic job with the design, mixing in vibrant colors with industrial-type features and a small amount of timbers. The restaurant is two stories but with the second floor just a small mezzanine area, this allows most of the space to be open to below and with the tall ceiling and big windows, the space is inviting and bright. Wraptor will serve beer and wine and open in the evenings for open mic night. It is refreshing to see the new menu items and experience a brand new restaurant and space.

Also, soon to open is Hometown's Pizzas in their new location near the airport and across from Si Buenos and McCall Sushi located in the old First American Title building off Railroad Ave. Blue Moose is also a new restaurant slated to open this spring.

The economy hasn't slowed this town down. For those that haven't been here I encourage you to come give it a try but I warn you, you might not want to leave.

Happy Holidays!

New Tax Credit Available Now for More Than Just New Homeowners

President Obama not only signed a new bill earlier this month that extended the $8,000 tax credit to new home buyers, but also passed a tax credit up to $6,500 for homeowners who are moving - up Buyers. So, that means if you purchase a new home by April 30, 2010 and are "moving up" you could get up to $6,500 in tax credit, based on income and other requirements. Ask your licensed CPA or accountant for complete details on how you could qualify.

First snow of the winter season in McCall

Welcome Winter! We woke to almost four inches of snow on our deck this morning. Is your house ready for the season? Here are few suggestions to get your home ready for the weather:

1. Check the furnace: Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. Consider getting a programmable thermostat.
2. Get Fireplace Ready: Clean the chimney & stack and split the remaining cords of needed firewood in a dry area.
3. Inspect roof and gutters: Add extra insulation in the attic, if needed, clean out gutters if you have them, check flashing, and put up heat tape if necessary.
4. Service weather-specific equipment: Buy your shovel now, before they run out and while there pick up a bag or two of ice melt.
5. Check foundation: check vents in crawl space, put up insulated covers on, if applicable. Rake away debris and edible vegetation from foundation and seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house (especially the skunk)
6. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - or check their batteries.
7. Prevent plumbing freezing: insulate exposed plumbing pipes, keep your house at least at 55 degrees if you leave. Have it checked by someone periodically if you are gone for extended days.
8. Landscape & outdoors: Blow out the sprinklers, drain garden hoses, ask your local landscaper about what bushes and scrubs to wrap for the winter. Put markers up to mark the edges of your driveway for plowing.
9. Prepare an emergency kit: Buy indoor candles and matches, buy battery back up for your computer, store extra water and non-perishable food supplies.
10. Prepare your vehicle: Put in an extra pair of boots, a hat & gloves, blanket and small shovel for emergencies.

These are just a few ideas to prepare you and your home for the upcoming season. It is one of the best times of year here and always more enjoyable if you have a warm, safe place to come back to after experiencing a fun-filled day in some outdoor adventure.

Outdoor Movie Nights At Alpine Village

It has been several years that going to watch a movie with the family has been an option in our household on a Friday evening. It has been almost ten years since a movie theatre here was open.

July 15, 2009 was a milestone in McCall, it was the first of a series of five outdoor movies filmed in the plaza at Alpine Village. The screen was an incredible 25' X 16' inflated screen that projected down the plaza. Everyone brought lawn chairs, snacks and blankets. And under the stars, the crowds enjoyed five fantastic outdoor movies from Iron Man to Bolt. It was a wonderful community event and free and with the support from future sponsors and businesses around town, this series can start back up next summer.

Thanks to Alpine Village, Salmon River Brewery for being a local vendor and Community Real Estate for being the first sponsor.

Alpine Village Opens

Alpine Village's grand opening took place over the July 4th weekend and with over 1,000 people through the homes and village, the event was a huge success. Kicking off the opening with the first of many events that are planned for the plaza was The McCall Aviation and Backcountry Expo. Three different type of planes were brought in, life flight landed in the plaza during the show and many aviation related businesses set up tables and displays.

With the village now open, furnished models and homes are ready to be moved into or rented for a short stay visit to the area. A pontoon boat is parked at the marina for homeowners and guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery around Payette Lake.

There has never been a better time to visit or own in McCall. The summer weather is upon us with gorgeous warm days and cool evenings. Legacy park has finished their remodel with more beach space and seating and with the newly constructed Alpine Village, this small town of McCall is really looking good.

Bring your lawn chair and picnic basket for the first outdoor movie night series hosted by Alpine Village on July 24th. Showing is free and refreshments will be available from local vendors on site. Movie starts at dusk.

Morel Mushroom Season is here in McCall

Morel Season is Here!



For those who enjoy a good hunt, get on your hiking shoes and grab a bag because the morel mushrooms are out in McCall.



These interesting mushrooms are not only fun to find but extremely tasty. The shape of the mushroom is very unique however they are not easy to spot right away. Often they blend in so well with its surrounding it takes a bit of a trained eye to see it. They are such treasured finds that often an avid morel mushroom hunter will not reveal the location of their finds.



Often they are found in disturbed areas such as previous logging sites. The soil should be moist but not too moist and generally it is in areas that have trees. A sign that I always look for in regards to finding the right time in spring is when the purple trilliums are in bloom.

Cleaning is important when finding the morels, many feel that a soak in salt water is necessary while others cut the mushroom in half and clean well with cold water.

Although the hunt is my favorite part, they are incredibly good sauteed with butter and fresh garlic. Enjoy!