My clients call me “The Closer.” I am in the serious business of helping people buy and sell houses here in the Treasure Valley. I am serious and passionate about searching the market, knowing the market, helping clients approach buying and selling properties from a very business-like, objective, and informed angle, negotiating offers, and BEST OF ALL, getting deals under contract closed!

I am a full time realtor who loves Boise, the surrounding communities and everything Idaho has to offer to its residents.

Real Estate isn’t always Black and White
Real Estate has been my passion for over 30 years. In that time period I have purchased and sold
properties in such great places as Hawaii, Colorado, California, Maryland and Idaho. I work in Real Estate
on a full time basis and enjoy helping first time home buyers as well as investors who have multiple
properties in their portfolios.

What you will find in this web site is information about my listings, how to find all homes for sale in the
Treasure Valley, lenders, title companies and more. This site is designed to support a flow
of information. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me. The
following is an insight to my life and inspirations.

I find motivation in my life from many different avenues and sources. Metaphorically I use
sports for examples of life events, using those great human performances of past and
present as examples of what one can achieve if they define their personal goals. One of   
my favorite stories comes from baseball. For 2,632 straight games Cal Ripken
Junior never, ever missed a game. Reflect on this for a moment, if the average  
season produces 162 games that means for a little over 16 years Cal Ripken Jr.    
never, ever missed a game. Cal’s record will most likely go unmatched. No
matter the day, no matter how he felt, he suited up and gave the game and his
team his very best. Not every game was his personal best but he gave his all.
His team, the Baltimore Orioles saw seasons where they played for National
Championships and others where they swept the cellar and finished dead
last. When the streak finally ended on September 20th 1998 he was awarded
a 30 minute standing ovation to a packed stadium. Whenever I feel tired, down
or unsure of what’s next I think of Cal, I suit up and give my team my best.

My personal grand slam is my three kids and my wife. Stop by, call or e-mail me and
share with me your life and your experiences. I look forward to meeting you and
becoming a member of your team and your search for personal satisfaction and
personal gain in the real estate market.

 Rick Bennett, Realtor®
office:   208-955-6448  208-955-6448
cell:   208-407-0532  208-407-0532
fax:  208-639-6202
email:  RickBennett@ID-BUY.com 
*Follow me on Facebook!*

Please view Rick’s new video with a short sale update

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Guild Mortgage – Boise Home loans – Craig Ballhagen                                    208-713-3309        

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis

Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyers definitely need to be very well acquainted with their residential credit report.

Ordering your first credit report is a great first step.  Knowing what is on your credit report way in advance, is a great way for Boise First Time Home Buyers to take control of their financial future and be proactive.

There are 3 different ways to get started.

Print out a loan application, and fax to 208-489-2809.

or scan and email. CBallhagen@GuildMortgage.net or you can email me your Full Name, Current Address, and contact information.  NEVER EMAIL YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS TO ANYONE.  I will contact you by phone and you can give that information verbally. or You can schedule an appointment and I can check your credit at that time. 

After that I will provide you with a full residential credit report, at no cost,  for your records and discuss any adverse accounts that you may have.

All residential credit reports provide a score from each of the 3 bureaus.  The mid score is number that will determine what programs and interest rates that will be available.  If the mid score is below 580, a home purchase is not a possibility at this time.  If the scores are above 740,  all financing programs would be available, assuming all other criteria is met.

Check today’s rates for Boise First Time Home Buyers or complete an E Application online.

Other posts like this one-

• The “New” Home Buyer Tax credit For Boise Idaho
• Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyers Mortgage Loan Application
• No HVCC for Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyers
• Boise First Time Home Buyers Leverage Tax Credit
• Boise Idaho Home Buyers Free Credit Report
• Private Mortgage Insurance Really Stinks!

            Check Your

                      Now!

 Guild Mortgage –  Home loans Boise – Craig Ballhagen 208-713-3309

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis

To learn more about Guild Mortgage and myself please visit my other site.

 Idaho first time home buyers need to take control of their home buying process and understand all documentation. 

  All Boise first time home buyers should have all of their documentation ready to go.  Recently, the mortgage lender requirements have become more restrictive and are also constantly changing.  Be prepared and take the time to understand the home buying process.

 Here is a list of the basic items that a first time home buyer will need to provide.  Along with a complete loan application.    You can scan/email or fax to 208-489-2809

1. 30 Days most current paystubs
2. 2 Months bank statements on all assets (checking and savings) all pagess
3. 2008 and 2009 w-2′s for all jobs
4. Home Owners Insurance information-agent and company
5. Last 2 years of federal tax returns for self employed
6. 3 years tax returns for First Time Home Buyers
7. Finally Home first time home buyer class with Idaho Housing Authority.  It can be taken online.

It is in the best interests of a first time home buyer to have all of their personal documentation upfront. If you have any questions please call my cell phone anytime 208-713-3309.

           Check Your 

Here are some other post that are related to this one

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 Check today’s rates for Idaho First Time Home Buyers and complete an online E-application 

Guild Mortgage -Boise Home Loans  – Craig Ballhagen 208-713-3309

Boise First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Home Buyer Analysis

To learn more about Guild Mortgage and myself please visit my other site.

Do you have some questions about purchasing a new Boise Idaho home.  Go ahead and give me a call anytime between the hours of 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (mountain standard time) and I will be glad to answer all of your questions.  Many Idaho first time home buyers have concerns about the Boise home loan process, but do not feel comfortable with filling out an Idaho home loan application or emailing away their personal data, just to wait for a week or have the fear of being stalked.     Boise Idaho Home buyers want their questions answered, NOW, without commitment.

My cell phone is 208-713-3309.  You will not put be on hold and I will answer your call everytime.  Please put me to the test.

Guild Mortgage – Idaho and Boise area – Craig Ballhagen 208-713-3309

 Boise Idaho Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Idaho Home Buyer Analysis

David successfully bought, sold, remodeled and held property as a landlord and homeowner for many years before he was a Realtor.  He had such a passion for investing that he decided to start sharing the lessons he’s learned with his clients.

“Real estate is a people business,” says Gray. “Yes, there are great tools available to help you in your search.  But ultimately, you need an advocate.  You need someone who has the wisdom, skills and resources to help you accomplish your goals.” 
Whether your goal is to purchase your first investment property, move to that dream home or begin your new life as a homeowner, Team Gray can help.

 Contact David at (208)850-7572 or email him at: 

 Dave@Idaho-Homes.net

You can also search for homes or view videos on his website:  www.idaho-homes.net

Guild Mortgage – Boise Home loans – Craig Ballhagen                      208-713-3309        

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis

Idaho mortgage insurance is a must when purchasing a home with less then 20% Down payment.

Mortgage Insurance is required when a home is purchased with less then 20% down payment.  There is a monthly portion for all FHA loans which is based on .55% and an upfront premium of 2.25% which is financed into the loan amount.

Conventional loan also require mortgage insurance when purchasing a home with les then 20% down.  It is actually a pretty good deal when you do the math.  Especially when a home buyer purchases a home that is well under market value.  Private mortgage insurance is usually taken off when a home has at least 20% equity.  The catch is the homeowner has to contact their lender and petition to have it removed.  A new appraisal will be required. 

Boise First Time Home Buyers can print out a sample GFE and see the exact numbers for a $100,000 purchase price scenario.

The reason for MI is cover a lender in the event of foreclosure, to offset the losses.

Check today’s rates for Boise First Time Home Buyers or complete an E Application online.

Other post like this one-

• The “New” Home Buyer Tax credit For Boise Idaho
• Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyers Mortgage Loan Application
• No HVCC for Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyers
• Boise First Time Home Buyers Leverage Tax Credit
• Boise Idaho Home Buyers Free Credit Report
• Private Mortgage Insurance Really Stinks!

Guild Mortgage – Boise Home loans – Craig Ballhagen 208-713-3309

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis

To learn more about Guild Mortgage and myself please visit my other site.

One of the downsides to this real estate market are the number of short sales on the available to the home buying public and in need of due diligence .   I have heard from many sources how long and painful these short sale transactions are.

Boise Idaho home buyers need to be well aware of how long the process REALLY takes.  That is why it is so critical for a home buyer to be working with a true short sale specialist.  I have a list of Realtors in the Boise/Treasure Valley area.  They have been referred by other industry professionals and a home buyer would be well served by giving them a call.

Short Sale Experts

• Jason Mayfield  208-272-0554  YourAgent.Jason@gmail.com  Keller Williams-Boise

• Lori Bilyeu – 208-713-1123 loribilyeu@yahoo.com        -  Remax Elite       – Boise
• Michael Hon  208-939-9033    info@IronEagleRE.com  -Iron Eagle Real Estate – Boise
• Rick Bennett  208-955-6448 RickBennett@ID-BUY.com  Keller Williams -Boise  Facebook
• Jon Gosche RE    208-870-2115   gosche@cableone.net

Bank owned property agent

•   Kemal Busuladzic-208-371-5366 kemal@viewboisehomes.com -Remax West-Boise Company      

Please take the time to know these experts when considering a short sale/ bank owned property.

List of Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyer Real Estate Experts

Boise Idaho Relocation Experts

Guild Mortgage – Boise Home loans – Craig Ballhagen 208-713-3309

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis

When will people learn?  Home buyers are still attempting NOT to use a professional Realtor and home inspector.  What are they thinking?

Using these professional services will save you much more money then trying to go it alone.  The stories about home buyers not using a home inspector are endless.  How much is a home inspection these days?  $250. – $500? 

Recently a friend of mine took the sellers word that the property was in great shape and there is not water in the crawl space.   Guess what, there was water in the crawl space and the repair cost was well over $3500.00.  So much for saving a buck.  In the real estate world, these instances are for too numerous.  

Use an Idaho Professional Realtor

Now for those home shoppers that think they can find a “great deal” on their own.  You will most likely loose every time.  When a buyer doesn’t have a Realtor in their corner, they will have no one else to blame but themselves when everything falls apart.  Not to mention the details that were over looked due to in experience.  When a buyer goes it alone, they need to ask themselves: how many transactions have I experienced in my life?  Probably none.   I would be nearly impossible not to make one mistake after another. 

  When a professional Realtor “has your back”, you can be assured that the agent and the company they work for is insured and will go to bat for you when the transaction falls apart. 

There are plenty of things a home buyer can save money on, just don’t make the mistake of saving a buck on a Realtor and home inspector.

Check today’s rates for Idaho First Time Home Buyers and complete an online E-application

Here are a few of my other posts

Boise Idaho, Your Loan is Approved! Maybe Not?

Tips For Boise First Time Home Buyers

The “New” Home Buyer Tax credit For Boise Idaho

Boise Idaho Home Buyers Free Credit Report

Boise First Time Home Buyers Leverage Tax Credit

Boise Idaho First Time Home Buyers Mortgage Loan Application

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Guild Mortgage – Boise Home loans – Craig Ballhagen                         208-713-3309           

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis

What have you been hearing about the Real Estate Market?

 Dear Past, Present and Future clients, Wow, we’ve made it through one of the toughest years in Real Estate history. While many local businesses felt the effect of the economic downturn I am blessed to say, my business held strong. But that was not without advanced effort. Yes, this meant working harder and smarter than ever before, and of course keeping true to my day to day philosophy of “Accountability through Service”. So, I say Thank You to my clients who allowed me to work closely with them and weather this tough market together. I have a lot of people asking me “So, how is the Real Estate Market now?”.In one word STABLE According to the “Normalcy” report, which is a Boise area specific, data-driven publication, our market is set for recovery. Several factors are considered in the report such as: Inventory of houses on the market, Population level, Employment, Mortgage interest rates, New home permits, Home sales and Consumer confidence among other things. All of these areas are showing stabilization with some growth projected. So, what does this mean for the Real Estate Buyer and Seller? To the seller I say, houses ARE selling! It is and always has been impacted by 3 things; Price, Presentation and Promotion, so make sure you have an agent who fully grasps how to market and advertise effectively. Here are just a few of the services I offer my seller:

• Present you with a clear, detailed marketing plan
• Professional Staging for aesthetic enhancement
• Bi-Weekly client meetings so you can SEE the effectiveness of my programs
• Social Marketing using Facebook, Twitter etc.
• Hand-to-Hand combat (ask me about this!)
• Virtual Tour by a Professional Photographer

To the Buyer I say, now is a great time to buy! Especially with the Tax Credits now being issued by the Federal Government. For instance, did you know that a first time home buyer is eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000? Most of you did. But, did you know that now Credits are being issued for buyers who don’t qualify at a ‘first time home buyer’ in amounts up to $6,500! I would love the opportunity to have a detailed discussion of the very best options available to you. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in 2010 please interview me! Allow me to show you what I do different and how I can help you make educated decisions. Please browse this site. Here I’ve set up the ability to search the MLS at your convenience. You can save searches and even request to have new listings emailed to you daily! You’ll be on the pulse of the real estate activity so you can be the first to hear when you dream home is on the market! Please see the “testimonials” tab above to see comments from my past clients. You’ll understand that my commitment isn’t just to satisfy my clients, but to blow them away!

YOU CHOOSE HOW WE GIVE!

My team and I have lofty goals of giving in 2010 and you are a big part of that. When you buy or sell a home, we will donate $75.00 to the Non-profit organization of your choice. Unsure of where to give? We have our favorite local charities from which to choose. We’ll give in your name, and you’ll know that you’ve just contributed to a well deserving organization.

Angilene Cowles -  208-703-7253  www.myidahoresource.com

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Guild Mortgage – Boise Home loans – Craig Ballhagen                         208-713-3309           

Idaho First Time Home Buyer Instant Gratification

Request for No Obligation Boise Home loan Analysis