A note to our readers…
New Two-Phase Market Report Release Starting June 2025
To get you timely data and meaningful insights, BRR is introducing a new two-phase approach to our monthly Market Report releases:
- Phase 1: Snapshots & Graphs — Available earlier (typically between the 8th and 12th of each month), this first release includes high-level graphs and market snapshots. They’re ready for you to share in your newsletters, social media, or client conversations as soon as they drop.
- Phase 2: Market Stat Sheets — By the 16th of each month, we’ll follow up with the full Market Stat Sheets. This is where we dig deeper into the trends, provide key takeaways, and offer a broader interpretation of the data.
This two-phase release schedule is designed to get you what you need, when you need it: a quick look early on and a full picture shortly after.
In a divided vote, Federal Reserve policymakers have decided to cut interest rates for the third time this year, with concerns about mounting job losses outweighing fears of renewed inflation.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell joined the 9-3 majority on the Federal Open Market Committee to vote for the quarter-point rate cut at Wednesday’s meeting in Washington, DC.
“In the near term, risks to inflation are tilted to the upside and risks to employment to the downside—a challenging situation,” Powell said at a press conference. “But with downside risks to employment having risen in recent months, the balance of risks has shifted.”
This decision takes the Fed’s benchmark overnight rate down to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%, marking the third consecutive cut since September. It marks the lowest federal funds rate since 2022, when the central bank began hiking aggressively to fight runaway inflation.
The Fed policy rate is now 1.75 percentage points lower than in September 2024, but mortgage rates have not experienced commensurate declines. In fact, last week’s average mortgage rate of 6.19% remains slightly higher than the two-year low reached in September 2024.
That’s because the Fed controls only short-term rates used for overnight lending between commercial banks, while longer-term rates such as mortgages are set by the free market, hinging on investor expectations about future inflation and monetary policy.
Mortgage rates have climbed slightly higher between the October and December Fed meetings, as markets assessed the outspoken and sometimes conflicting outlooks issued by FOMC members.
Despite the upward drift, mortgage rates have remained close to their lowest level in more than a year, potentially unlocking affordability for homebuyers on the edge of being able to purchase a home.
Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/fed-rate-cut-december-meeting-mortgage/
Analysis of data from the 2024 census shows that the population, currently at about 2 million residents, will hit 2.4 million by 2034.
By 2034, “our growth rate is expected to be about four times as fast as the rest of the nation,” Idaho Department of Labor Economist Sam Wolkenhauer said at a recent webinar, as reported by Boise State Public Radio.
Southwestern Idaho is expected to account for the bulk of the increase, according to Wolkenhauer, but growth is happening across the state.
“With the amount of land and development potential Idaho has, I am definitely looking forward to seeing what this could mean for the real estate market,” says Hiaring. “Overall, I think this is a wonderful time for buyers to start looking into Idaho as a potential landing spot.”
Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/utahs-population-set-to-skyrocket-by-2065/
The health care industry has established itself as the most recession-proof industry. However, with expected federal cuts to programs plus the escalating cost of insurance for employers and individuals, some Treasure Valley hospitals are no longer contracting with traveling health care professionals starting in 2026 due to the high costs.
Source:https://lmi.idaho.gov/regional-info/news/around-southwestern-idaho-economic-activity-october-2025/
The communities of Middleton and Star needed a super majority, or 66.67% approval, of a $22.225 million levy each intended to staff and train employees at its new fire station. Both communities voted to approve the fire district’s levy but not to the extent needed: Middleton supported it with 50.79% and Star with 59.49% in favor. The fire station will be empty for now.
The SPARROW Boise, a downtown Boise hotel, landed on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the top 50 best hotels in the world. It was the only Idaho hotel to rank on the 2025 list. The SPARROW aligns with the Boise vibe with local art throughout, local coffee in the lobby, food trucks on the patio, monthly brewery partners, an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and sitting area with games for the guests. The hotel has 67 guest rooms.
Source: https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/article312715916.html
Other Real Estate News
- Fortune | The ‘Great Housing Reset’ is Coming: Income Growth Will Outpace Home-Price Growth in 2026, Redfin Forecasts
- Realtor.com | 2026 Brings a Turn Toward Affordability—Even as Home Prices Keep Rising
- Realtor.com | Fed Interest Rate Meeting Begins With Policymakers Sharply Divided on Another Cut
- Bankrate | 6 Key Ways the Federal Reserve Impacts Your Money
Please note: Some news outlets may protect their content with paid subscriptions. While we try to refrain from sharing articles that may not be accessible to everyone, we may share them if important to the industry.
Additional information about trends within the Boise Region, by existing and new construction, are now available here: Ada County, Elmore County, Gem County, Four Rivers Region (coming soon), and Condos, Townhouses, and Mobile/Manufactured Homes Market Reports. Each includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.
Ada County
Canyon County
Elmore County
Gem County
Condos…
Download the latest (print quality) market snapshot graphics for Ada County, Ada County Existing/Resale, Ada County New Construction, Boise County, Elmore County, Gem County, Malheur County, Payette County, and Washington County.
Since Canyon County is not part of BRR’s jurisdiction, we don’t publicly report on Canyon County market trends. Members can access Canyon County snapshots and reports in the Market Report email, or login to our Market Statistics page. Our Owyhee County snapshot can also be accessed on our Market Statistics page.
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The data reported is based primarily on the public statistics provided by the Intermountain MLS (IMLS), a subsidiary of Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR). These statistics are based upon information secured by the agent from the owner or their representative. The accuracy of this information, while deemed reliable, has not been verified and is not guaranteed. These statistics are not intended to represent the total number of properties sold in the counties or cities during the specified time period. The IMLS, Boise Regional REALTORS®, and Idaho Policy Institute provide these statistics for purposes of general market analysis but make no representations as to past or future performance. If you have questions about this report, please contact BRR’s Director of Growth & Strategic Communications Taylor Gray at 208-947-7238. For notes on data sources, methodology, and explanation of metrics, visit boirealtors.com/notes-on-data-sources-and-methodology.
If you are a consumer, please contact a REALTOR® to get the most current and accurate information specific to your situation.
Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR), a 501(c)(6) trade association, represents real estate professionals throughout the Boise region. Established in 1920, BRR is the largest local REALTOR® association in the state of Idaho, helping members achieve real estate success through ethics, professionalism, and connections. BRR has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Intermountain MLS (IMLS) and the REALTORS® Community Foundation.
“REALTOR®” is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
