Holding-cost categories for a vacant Ada County house

An empty Boise house still incurs costs. This page names categories. It does not publish an Ada County tax rate, an insurance premium, or a monthly total.

Categories to fill with your own figures

• Property tax — Ada County’s Assessor and Property Search are official starting points. Payment questions belong with the Treasurer.
• Insurance — whatever the carrier actually bills, including any vacancy surcharge they disclose.
• Utilities — even a low winter bill is a bill. A shutoff can be a different kind of cost later.
• Yard, snow, and basic upkeep — HOA dues if they apply; neighbor complaints if they have already arrived.
• A repair reserve — a number you choose, labeled as your reserve, not as our estimate.

If a line is unknown, leave it unknown. The checklist tool will not invent the missing figure.

Duration changes the conversation, not the math

A house empty for two weeks and a house empty for two years can share the same categories and still feel different. Longer vacancy is a reason to re-ask the insurer and to walk the building. It is not a website’s proof that you must sell.

What this company will not do with your numbers

Creative Home Partners may discuss a purchase. We will not turn your sketch into an appraisal or a tax advice letter.

When the categories are on one page, read occupy, rent, list, or sell or open the checklist.

Last reviewed: August 30, 2026