I wanted to share this article with you. This proves a point I tried to make some time ago. That the unemployment rate and real estate go hand in hand. Below is the article that I found very interesting.

 Idaho Unemployment Rate and Idaho Real Estate
Posted Monday, March 31, 2008

If you are in the market for a new home, you are most likely considering location to be one of your top factors. Take the location factor to the next level when you consider the state that you have chosen to live in. After all, having a number of career prospects and a growing local economy not only bodes well for you personally, it can have a significant impact on the financial value of your house. You want to live in an area that has ample job opportunity combined with a steady and solid real estate market that will provide protection and stability in a potentially shaky economy. Before you buy a new home in the area, it pays to check the unemployment rate locally.

The chances of finding a great job in Idaho are strong, but keeping your job can be even better. With a steady income and plenty of job security, Idaho residents are enjoying a steady market with secure real estate prices, avoiding the stress of the shakier markets in other states nearby. With a low unemployment rate, Idaho residents are able to enjoy less difficulty finding work and paying for their mortgage and bills on time, limiting delinquencies and other financial issues.
If you are looking for a state to find a solid real estate market and low unemployment rate combined, Idaho is worth looking into. You want to be in a state with an unemployment rate lower than the national average, which is currently at around 5 percent. Idaho, on the other hand, has an unemployment rate of 3 percent, tying it for first with South Dakota as one of the best places to live and work in the country. With top industries of trade, utilities and transportation, Idaho’s solid market provides a steady growth rate for the real estate market. The low unemployment rate provides a wall of protection for individuals selling or buying a home in the state.
From this information it is obvious that many cities in Idaho including, Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Kuna, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Idaho Falls, and many others will continue to do well in the real estate arena. With a great job market Idaho real estate will continue to flourish while the rest of the nations real estate declines.

So you see that all things being relative you can see the corrulation between unemployment and real estate. It's a great time to move here, it is also a great time to Buy!!

Well, I wanted to talk to you today about the many aspects of working this market. So, here we go. First of all let me say it has been an interesting year to say the least. I have lost a lot of deals due to the mortgage market. Hard money lenders and sub-prime lenders have disappeared overnight and over the last few months. This is just a bump in the road that will straighten itself out over time. It is already starting to stabilize somewhat. The strong will survive and the weak will perish. So the saying goes. For those people out there with good credit a decent job and income this is not a problem for you. Interest rates have come down and know is the time to strike. Prices have stabilized in the valley and will continue to improve as inventory shrinks as builders cut back on build jobs. I don't see the prices slipping. I still see appreciation, I be it small but still its there.

The For Sale by Owner market is really tough. Just a year ago they would tell you that they didn't need you and know they are looking for us. I have turned down many listings because of unrealistic sellers that haven't come to grips with the fact that we can't sell an overpriced home. Just isn't going to happen!! So Sellers are getting smarter and offering many more incentives without batting an eye. Paid buyers closing costs, free BBQ, free Plasma TV, and so much more. They realize that the time has come to creative.

Now, Investors are the smart ones here. This is when the wise and smart investor is going to get rich over the next few years. They are buying up every good deal that they can find because they know that in the end prices always come back. It might take a few years but they know. This is when the rich get richer!! If you think you can't invest you are dead wrong. There are so many creative ways for the average joe smo to make substantial sum of money over the next few years. I hope all of you out there are getting on that bus to financial freedom. If not you are missing out on a brighter future. One mans misfortune is an others fortune!! Plain and Simple!!

The overall economy in Idaho is great, it is considered one of the best if not the best economy in the country today. Record unemployment 2.3%, that means 97.7% of the people here have a job!! WOW, that is impressive. Appreciation as of the 3Q in Idaho is 8%. OH, but people listen to the media and the sky is falling. Don't buy it, All economies are 80% in your head, 20% fundamentals. So I believe.

So I am out there finding the deals that owners will carry, foreclosures, short sales, closing costs paid, Rebates and so much more. And you know what? THEY ARE OUT THERE FOR THE TAKING!!

Welcome, to my Blog. This is the first entry and I look forward to helping you all with your questions about the greater Boise and Nampa Area. First of all let me tell you alittle about myself. I was raised on a farm and ranch in Central Washington. I left the ranch when I was about 20 and went into the Air Force in the early 90's. I spent the next 3 years at Norton Air Force Base in So. Cal. It was a great experience and I met my wife there. After the Air Force I worked at different jobs to include Construction, Sales and Telecommunications. During this time I was also in the Air Force Reserves for the next 12 yrs. I was activated after 9/11 and spent the next 3 years activated in and out of Iraq and Kuwait not to mention a bunch of other places. I gave up the reserves after that for my family and went into Real Estate. I have been doing this for the last couple of years and find it very rewarding.

Know, let's talk Real Estate in the Boise and Nampa Idaho area. The market is still chugging along here at a decent pace. The appreciation last year alone in Ada County (Boise) was 17%, Canyon County (Nampa) was closer to 25%. We do have an inventory that is pretty high so there are some great deals to be had. I work with buyers, investors and sellers. My Goal is to get you the best deal. For both my buyers and sellers in this market. It is my opinion that we will continue to see an increase of people moving to this area. The unemployment is around 3% and there are alot of jobs to be had. The wages are increasing and rents are up as well.

If you are interested in Idaho or just looking for info please post your comment and I will answer them quickly.

Thanks