Hello April,

When summer temperatures soar, we can't think of a better place to be than McCall. With an abundance of lakes, rivers, and watersports within easy striking distance, relief is never too far away.

In this month's newsletter, we share some tips on how to stay cool while staying active, how to enjoy summer's sweetest treat, and, details on a backcountry summer music festival that is truly like no other.

But first, my latest insights on the changing real estate market and some big projects that could impact our area for years to come.

Enjoy!

Shane

Market Snapshot: August 2023

Our local market is following some of the nationwide trends, but we’re seeing some anomalies when it comes to prices.

For July 2023, sales volume across our four communities is down between 24% - 31% compared to July 2022 and we’re also seeing an increase in days on the market. Last July, the average was 80 days and right now, the average days on the market is at 109.

To summarize, that means fewer homes are selling and the homes that are selling are taking longer to go under contract.

When it comes to pricing, most of our communities are holding steady, the one exception being the Donnelly area, where the median sales price is down 24% year over year. This can be attributed to a larger number of lakefront home sales in 2022 versus 2023.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? Sluggish sales mean buyers are in a much better position than they’ve been for the past four years. The average sale price in the McCall area is 3.5% under list price.

The good news for sellers is that our home values are fairly steady at this point. If inventory levels increase with significantly more homes coming on the market, we could see more downward price pressure, but so far, supply remains tight with only 6 months of inventory.

Interesting note: We had the highest dollar sale in recent years on our MLS last month. A beautiful Payette Lake waterfront estate home on four lots sold for $12.5 million - (16 times the median home price).

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High Mountain Happenings

Skipping McCall: Federal grant could boost effort to reroute Idaho 55

The City of McCall and the Idaho Transportation Dept. will get some cash to work on the design of the state highway in and around McCall. The Federal Highway Administration announced a $2.9 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant for corridor design of Highway 55, as well as Deinhard Ln.

Beat The Heat in Our Local Lakes and Rivers

Self-Guided Paddling Adventures

If you're the kind of person who likes to plan your own adventures, then you'll appreciate the Paddling Guide provided by the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce. This one-page guide has tips on how to enjoy several local paddling spots to make your next DIY adventure extra fun.

Download the Guide

Guided Services on Payette Lake & Beyond

If a DIY adventure is not your style, you're in luck. Payette Lake (and Lake Cascade) have a ton of fun guided activities for those who feel more comfortable with an expert at the helm. From Lake Cruises, to Wake Boarding sessions (including coaching) to a new offering called the "Payette Pedal Party", there are plenty of easy ways to 'keep your cool' with a guide by your side.

Whitewater Adventures to the North and South

Another favorite way to keep cool during the heat of summer is to jump in to a whitewater adventure on one of our local rivers.

Tamarack Resort offers whitewater raft trips on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River. (See video above & Learn More Here)

Less than an hour to the north, the town of Riggins touts itself as the "Whitewater Capital of the World" and there are more than a dozen outfitters offering day trips on the Salmon River. If you have time for an overnight or multi-day trip, you can also explore Hells Canyon. McCall-based Hells Canyon Raft was recently voted as one of the 10 Best Rafting Tours in the U.S.

Get Inspired! Huckleberry Season is Here

Photo Courtesy: Visit McCall Magazine

How to Make the Most of These Sweet Little Treats

Spending time in the woods is a reward unto itself, but this time of year, a foray into the forest can also become a search for tiny, tasty treasures. Check out this article from Visit McCall Magazine, it offers tips on how to find these sweet treats - and - what to do with your berry bounty: Huckleberry Fever by Visit McCall Magazine

Donnelly Huckleberry Festival

Friday, August 11 - Sunday, August 13

There's no better way to share your love of huckleberry season than by checking out the full weekend of fun events at the annual Donnelly Huckleberry Festival. Favorite events include the Huckleberry Trot 5k, where participants can run, walk or stroll to historical Roseberry and back, the Huckleberry Parade, and sweetest pancake breakfast you can imagine. Huckleberry foodstuffs are in abundance on vendor's row and the whole town is decked out in purple to celebrate everyone's favorite foraged fruit.

a Music Festival Like No Other

Yellow Pine Music and Harmonica Festival - August 3 - 5

Come for the music; leave with unforgettable memories. More than music, the festival also features a variety of activities. Delve into the history of Yellow Pine, up your harmonica game, run (or walk) through the trees, and foster a sense of community. Check the schedule for more exciting activities:

FREE live music continues through August at some of our favorite local venues.

The Ponderosa Center hosts "Tuesdays at the Terrace" right next to Legacy Park Tuesday evenings in downtown McCall.

On Fridays, you can catch free live music at Brundage Mountain's TGIF Summer Concert Series. Both of these series are free and family (and dog) friendly.

Tamarack Resort hosts live music events regularly throughout the summer, along with the Salmon River Brewery, Foresters Club, and more.

To keep tabs on all the summer's events, head to the McCall Chamber's Events Page.

FOR THE LOVE OF DIRT: MEET MCCALL

Check out this new video feature from Salsa Cycles: "McCall, Idaho is a must-ride for mountain bikers of all types. See the trails and meet local riders in this episode of our For the Love of Dirt film series."

CIMBA (Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association) sells a cool map that features the top local bike parks and some of the area's best backcountry rides:

Buy a Map & Support CIMBA

CIMBA Website

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