Thinking of Moving to Idaho from California? Here are Some Tips for You!
Many people have, in recent years, found out about the beautiful state of Idaho and all it has to offer making Idaho in some what of a population boom. The housing market is scarce and buyers are finding themselves in bidding wars with other buyers. It's a wild time here in Idaho, but there are resources to help you navigate your move should you wish to make the leap to the Gem State.
According to the Idaho Department of Labor, in one calendar year Idaho received 221,372 people from the State of California alone. That is a lot of new Idahoans, especially when you consider that Californians aren't the only ones who'd like to come to our gorgeous state. So what does that mean for you if you're thinking of joining those new residents? It means, first and foremost, that you're going to need a Real Estate professional. Someone who can help you navigate this complicated market, and help you get the house of your dreams in your new state. Not every Realtor can help in every area. If you don't know of a Realtor and you're looking in an area please ask for help. You can ask me and likely any other Realtor for referrals to someone who specialized in the area you're interested in. I specialize in Pocatello and the Treasure Valley but specifically, Caldwell, Idaho.
Interviews aren't just for those seeking traditional jobs. You should definitely interview your Realtor! In such a competitive market you want someone who knows what they're doing, and can get it done for you. Moving is a stressful time, especially moving to a new state, the last thing you need is someone who's not working in your best interest, or working hard enough to get you what you need.
Some questions you should ask a potential Realtor before you hire them:
How long have you been a Realtor?
What neighborhoods do you specialize in or what locations?
What is your availability like? (Are you full time or part time? Can you be reached during off hours?)
Do you work with a team? OR Will I only be communicating with you?
Do you normally represent buyers or sellers?
How many homes did you help buyers close on last year? (There is a way they can look this up, so don't let them tell you they couldn't quantify it! They can!)
How many clients are you currently working with?
How can I contact you and how will you remain in contact with me?
Once you've interviewed and hired your Idaho Realtor you should ask them for tips on the location you are specifically looking at. Maybe they have a mover who works deals out for them. (Did you know that many moving companies are aware that lots of Californians are moving and have jacked up their rates for California?) What about tips on whether or not certain cell companies work well in the area, or if high speed internet is available. Maybe there's an area that gets a lot more snow in one part of town than another--you need that heads-up if you're not planning on getting significantly more snow than your across town friends. (Truly, this is a thing. Ask a Realtor about Northern Idaho and the snow belt!) Ask about how the area smells. I know this sounds very strange, but trust me. You don't want to move sight unseen and find out that your backyard backs up to a manure plant, or that you get direct smell from an industry plant certain times of year. These are all things those who have been in our respective communities a long time will know, that some newer residents may not. You don't want to be caught off guard.
Search social media. I know, I know, social media is for the birds. I get it. I do. However, recently there have been a lot of really great groups, hashtags and posts about Idaho and you can really gain a lot of insight from these if you know what to look for. In my area of the Treasure Valley there is a group that helps answer people's questions about Caldwell, Idaho. (Click here for that Facebook group.) There are politics specific groups for Idaho, broad Idaho groups if you're not quite sure where in this beautiful state is for you, county specific, city specific and even community specific groups; you just have to get on social media and start searching. People in Idaho for the most part are very happy to answer questions, so feel free to ask away!
With that said, know that Idaho has been on the up and coming list for quite some time. It's been every list from best place to live, best place to travel, safest capital city, best American living and so on and so forth. That means that there are pages and pages of internet information, and not all of it is accurate. Some is inaccurate due to being outdated, and some is just misinformation to dissuade newcomers. Idaho has seen a lot of change, and with change does come some growing pains. This is where doing your own research and having boots on the ground per-se with your own representation (your Realtor--me!) is crucial. Someone's overcrowded is another's quaint--it really is all perspective.
Lastly, call around. Seriously! Call that city's police department and ask for information about safety and even their own opinion on whether or not where you're looking at is a good idea. Call the Chamber of Commerce for each county and get stats if they pertain to you. Call City Councils and County offices. In Idaho people will answer your questions. Many of my clients remark about how easy it was to call the DMV and get a real live person who will answer questions pertaining to the DMV--it really is that easy here. Reach out. Help is here.
Last tip of the day for those of you who are thinking of moving to the Treasure Valley/Boise area. You have to know how to say Boise! Yes, it's not how it's said most the time in other states. Boise is said like Boy-See. Not Boy-Zee. There is no Z in Boise. Here's Jewel's Boise Song to help you out.
According to the Idaho Department of Labor, in one calendar year Idaho received 221,372 people from the State of California alone. That is a lot of new Idahoans, especially when you consider that Californians aren't the only ones who'd like to come to our gorgeous state. So what does that mean for you if you're thinking of joining those new residents? It means, first and foremost, that you're going to need a Real Estate professional. Someone who can help you navigate this complicated market, and help you get the house of your dreams in your new state. Not every Realtor can help in every area. If you don't know of a Realtor and you're looking in an area please ask for help. You can ask me and likely any other Realtor for referrals to someone who specialized in the area you're interested in. I specialize in Pocatello and the Treasure Valley but specifically, Caldwell, Idaho.
Interviews aren't just for those seeking traditional jobs. You should definitely interview your Realtor! In such a competitive market you want someone who knows what they're doing, and can get it done for you. Moving is a stressful time, especially moving to a new state, the last thing you need is someone who's not working in your best interest, or working hard enough to get you what you need.
Some questions you should ask a potential Realtor before you hire them:
How long have you been a Realtor?
What neighborhoods do you specialize in or what locations?
What is your availability like? (Are you full time or part time? Can you be reached during off hours?)
Do you work with a team? OR Will I only be communicating with you?
Do you normally represent buyers or sellers?
How many homes did you help buyers close on last year? (There is a way they can look this up, so don't let them tell you they couldn't quantify it! They can!)
How many clients are you currently working with?
How can I contact you and how will you remain in contact with me?
Once you've interviewed and hired your Idaho Realtor you should ask them for tips on the location you are specifically looking at. Maybe they have a mover who works deals out for them. (Did you know that many moving companies are aware that lots of Californians are moving and have jacked up their rates for California?) What about tips on whether or not certain cell companies work well in the area, or if high speed internet is available. Maybe there's an area that gets a lot more snow in one part of town than another--you need that heads-up if you're not planning on getting significantly more snow than your across town friends. (Truly, this is a thing. Ask a Realtor about Northern Idaho and the snow belt!) Ask about how the area smells. I know this sounds very strange, but trust me. You don't want to move sight unseen and find out that your backyard backs up to a manure plant, or that you get direct smell from an industry plant certain times of year. These are all things those who have been in our respective communities a long time will know, that some newer residents may not. You don't want to be caught off guard.
Search social media. I know, I know, social media is for the birds. I get it. I do. However, recently there have been a lot of really great groups, hashtags and posts about Idaho and you can really gain a lot of insight from these if you know what to look for. In my area of the Treasure Valley there is a group that helps answer people's questions about Caldwell, Idaho. (Click here for that Facebook group.) There are politics specific groups for Idaho, broad Idaho groups if you're not quite sure where in this beautiful state is for you, county specific, city specific and even community specific groups; you just have to get on social media and start searching. People in Idaho for the most part are very happy to answer questions, so feel free to ask away!
With that said, know that Idaho has been on the up and coming list for quite some time. It's been every list from best place to live, best place to travel, safest capital city, best American living and so on and so forth. That means that there are pages and pages of internet information, and not all of it is accurate. Some is inaccurate due to being outdated, and some is just misinformation to dissuade newcomers. Idaho has seen a lot of change, and with change does come some growing pains. This is where doing your own research and having boots on the ground per-se with your own representation (your Realtor--me!) is crucial. Someone's overcrowded is another's quaint--it really is all perspective.
Lastly, call around. Seriously! Call that city's police department and ask for information about safety and even their own opinion on whether or not where you're looking at is a good idea. Call the Chamber of Commerce for each county and get stats if they pertain to you. Call City Councils and County offices. In Idaho people will answer your questions. Many of my clients remark about how easy it was to call the DMV and get a real live person who will answer questions pertaining to the DMV--it really is that easy here. Reach out. Help is here.
Last tip of the day for those of you who are thinking of moving to the Treasure Valley/Boise area. You have to know how to say Boise! Yes, it's not how it's said most the time in other states. Boise is said like Boy-See. Not Boy-Zee. There is no Z in Boise. Here's Jewel's Boise Song to help you out.
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