Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to refresh and organize your home after the long winter months. Here are some tips on what to do for spring cleaning:

Declutter: Start by getting rid of any items you no longer need or use. Sort through your clothes, books, and other possessions and either donate, sell, or discard what you no longer need.

Deep Clean: Clean all surfaces in your home thoroughly, including countertops, floors, and furniture. Dust and wipe down all surfaces, and use a disinfectant to sanitize high-touch areas.

Organize: Spring cleaning is a great time to organize your belongings. Consider investing in storage solutions such as baskets or shelving units to keep your home clutter-free.

Clean Windows: Clean your windows inside and out to let in the maximum amount of sunlight. A mix of warm water and vinegar can be a cheap and effective cleaning solution.

Clean Carpets and Rugs: Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional to deep clean your carpets and rugs. This will help remove dirt and allergens that have accumulated over time.

Refresh Linens: Wash all bedding, towels, and curtains to give your home a fresh and clean feeling. Consider switching out heavy winter blankets for lighter ones to create a more seasonal atmosphere.

Tackle Outdoors: Don't forget to give your outdoor living spaces some attention. Sweep your porch or patio, and consider power washing your home's exterior to remove built-up dirt and grime.

Remember to take breaks and pace yourself as you work through your spring cleaning checklist. With a little bit of effort, you can create a clean, organized, and refreshed home just in time for the spring season.

Turning on your sprinkler system will depend on the type of system you have and your specific location. However, here are some general steps that you can follow to turn on your sprinkler system:

Check your local regulations: Make sure that it is allowed to water your lawn and garden, as some areas may have restrictions on watering due to drought or other water shortages.

Inspect your system: Walk around your property and inspect the sprinkler heads, pipes, valves, and other components for any damage or leaks. Replace any damaged parts before turning on the system.

Turn on the main water valve: Locate the main water valve for your sprinkler system and turn it on slowly. This will allow the pipes to fill with water gradually and reduce the risk of damage from high water pressure.

Test each zone: Turn on each sprinkler zone one at a time and check that all the heads are working properly and that there are no leaks. Adjust the spray patterns as needed.

Adjust your schedule: Adjust the sprinkler system schedule to meet the watering needs of your lawn and garden, taking into account the weather, soil type, and plant species.

Consider a smart controller: Consider installing a smart sprinkler controller that can automatically adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions and other factors.

Remember to turn off your sprinkler system during rainy periods to conserve water and avoid overwatering. Also, make sure to regularly inspect and maintain your sprinkler system to prevent leaks and other issues.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) is a self-supporting, nonprofit organization that was established in 1975 to address the need for affordable housing in Idaho. It is also the state's housing finance agency and offers a range of programs and services to help Idahoans find and finance homes.

Here are some of the services and programs offered by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association:

Home loans: IHFA offers a variety of home loan programs for first-time homebuyers, repeat buyers, and those looking to refinance their homes. These loans can include down payment assistance, and special financing options for low-income and rural borrowers.

Rental assistance: The association offers rental assistance programs that help low-income families and individuals pay for housing, including subsidized housing and vouchers that can be used to pay for rent in privately owned apartments.

Homebuyer education: IHFA offers homebuyer education courses that teach individuals about the home buying process, financing options, and how to maintain a home once they have purchased it.

Energy efficiency: The association provides resources and incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, which can save money on utilities and reduce the environmental impact of their homes.

Affordable housing development: IHFA partners with developers to create and preserve affordable housing in Idaho, including apartment complexes and single-family homes.

Overall, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association is a valuable resource for Idahoans looking to find and finance affordable housing. Its programs and services can help individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership, and support the development of affordable housing in communities across the state.

The real estate market is constantly changing, and keeping up with the latest trends and predictions is essential for anyone interested in buying or selling a property. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the current real estate market trends and make predictions for what’s to come in the near future.

Trend 1: Increasing Home Prices

One of the most significant trends in the real estate market is the increasing home prices. According to recent data, the median home price in the United States has increased by 14.6% year over year, reaching a record high of $363,300 in August 2021. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including low interest rates, a shortage of inventory, and high demand from buyers.

Prediction: The trend of increasing home prices is likely to continue in the near future, although at a slower pace than in recent years. According to a recent report by Zillow, home prices are expected to increase by 3.5% in 2022, which is still above the long-term average of 2.6%.

Trend 2: Low Inventory

Another trend in the real estate market is the shortage of inventory. This trend is partly due to the pandemic, which has caused many sellers to hold off on listing their homes, and partly due to the high demand from buyers. The low inventory has led to bidding wars and increased competition among buyers.

Prediction: The shortage of inventory is likely to continue in the near future, although it may ease somewhat as more sellers become comfortable listing their homes. However, the high demand from buyers is expected to persist, which could keep inventory levels low.

Trend 3: Urban Flight

The pandemic has led to a trend of urban flight, as many people have sought to leave crowded cities in favor of more spacious and less expensive homes in suburban and rural areas. This trend has driven up demand for homes in these areas and led to a corresponding decrease in demand for homes in urban areas.

Prediction: The trend of urban flight is likely to continue in the near future, although at a slower pace than in 2020 and early 2021. As the pandemic subsides and more people return to their offices, some may be drawn back to urban areas for the convenience and lifestyle they offer.

Trend 4: Rise of Remote Work

The pandemic has also led to a rise in remote work, as many employers have allowed their employees to work from home. This trend has led to increased demand for homes with home offices and outdoor spaces, as well as homes in areas with good internet connectivity.

Prediction: The rise of remote work is likely to continue in the near future, as many companies have announced plans to make remote work a permanent option for their employees. This trend could lead to increased demand for homes in areas outside of major cities, where home prices are lower and the lifestyle is more conducive to remote work.

Trend 5: Increase in Mortgage Rates

After reaching record lows in 2020, mortgage rates have started to increase in 2021. This trend is driven by a combination of factors, including inflation fears and a growing economy. Higher mortgage rates could make it more difficult for some buyers to afford homes and could lead to a slowdown in the market.

Prediction: Mortgage rates are expected to continue to rise in the near future, although at a slower pace than in recent months. However, even a small increase in mortgage rates could have a significant impact on affordability for some buyers.

Trend 6: Emphasis on Sustainability

Another trend in the real estate market is an emphasis on sustainability. Many buyers are looking for homes that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, and builders are increasingly incorporating sustainable features into their designs.

Prediction: The trend of sustainability is likely to continue in the near