Your Professional, Personalized Realtor

FOR SALE

2009-03-09T09:55:00.002-06:00

DO you own a lot of "Big" Toys? Are you running out of areas to park them at your home? Want to own a Boat and a RV? Look no further this house is for you! This Wondeful West Jordan Home has a double concrete pad behind a re inforced gate for all your toy parking needs. The best thing about it is the house is also in great condition so you are not compromising at all. This home is on .29 acres fully finished and landscaped with a trex deck off back built for your entertaining needs with a gas line already ran for your BBQ. The front has a three car garage and great curb appeal sitting on a corner lot. You also wont be disappointed when you go inside! This two-story features over 3000 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 an 1/2 bathrooms. Off of the foyer you also have an office on your main lever. Go up the stairs to your loft and 2 of the bedrooms. Go up a couple more stairs to your MASTER SUITE! Featuring vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet and seperate shower and tub. The kitchen has custom cabinets with the "open" floor plan feel going from your kitchen into your big family room where you can cozy up to the fireplace and watch a movie. This home is being offered at only 315,000.00 and is ready for you!!

Sold!

2009-03-09T09:48:00.001-06:00

This wonderful Tooele Home sold for 155K. Close to Salt Lake County, but VERY affordable!

Sold, Congratulations!!

2009-03-09T09:43:00.005-06:00

I want to throw out a Congratulations Travis and Brandi Jacobson for the purchase of their great new home! Also Congratulations to Mark and Michelle Egbert and The Gifford Family for the purchase of their previously Bank Owned homes. All of you got a great deal that will benefit you in a long term investment!

SOLD- Short Sale

2009-03-09T09:41:00.003-06:00

This short sale in Eagle Mountain, finally got approved and sold for 227K! Looking to buy a short sale, let me help weed you through the process.

Vote, Vote, Vote

2008-11-03T21:38:00.002-07:00

Everyone, please go out there and Vote!!!

FEDS Emergency Rate Cut

2008-10-09T10:27:00.001-06:00

Global Banks Unite in Unprecedented Rate Cuts
Ben Bernanke and the Fed brought financial aid to the streets, lowering the Federal Funds Rate and Discount Rate by 0.50%. In an unprecedented emergency move, central banks across the globe joined in lowering interest rates.
This move follows Washington's passing of the $700 billion Rescue Plan. From Wall Street to Main Street, a common concern has been heard by Washington. "We need money... no, let me rephrase that...we need cheap money."
Rates Could Rise From HereHome loan rates have benefited from the weakness in the financial markets. Fixed rate mortgages remain very attractive. However, the Fed lowers short term interest rates to shore up financial markets. This could cause home loan rates to rise in the coming weeks and months if confidence returns to the stock markets.
ARM Holders Take Notice! Anyone that has an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), take note. The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) has soared from uncertainty in financial companies...And six million home loans in the United States are tied to LIBOR which determines the interest rate at the time of adjustment.

Sold

2008-08-11T21:42:00.003-06:00

Wonderful Home in desirable tree lined street. New windows with UV barriers, hardwood floors under carpets, basement entrance, HUGE 12X40 garage/workshop. 2 furnaces, big closets, Room downstairs that can be a den or excercise room, has window. Bring an Offer and get in this darling home! Easy to see, call for a showing!

Seller is an inactive agent, Agent is related to the seller

Seller Down Payment Assistance Outlawed

2008-08-11T21:40:00.001-06:00

The Bush administration had pushed for risk-based pricing as part of a larger "FHA modernization" package that, in various proposals put forward by lawmakers in recent years, would also have reduced or eliminated FHA's 3 percent minimum down payment requirement.
Instead, Congress ended up raising minimum down payment requirements for FHA-backed loans to 3.5 percent. Also, beginning in October, home buyers will no longer be able to rely on nonprofits that funnel money from homebuilders into seller-funded down payment assistance programs, as HR 3221 finalizes HUD's long quest to end the practice.
HUD claimed the practice artificially inflates home prices and triples the likelihood of default. HUD's attempt to end the practice through an administrative proceeding was thwarted by legal challenges filed by nonprofits that operate assistance programs.
Now that Congress and the Bush administration have agreed to ban the practice through legislation, that battle appears to be over, and home builders expect to see the pool of eligible buyers shrink.
According to HUD, seller-funded down-payment assistance was used on more than 35 percent of all home purchase loans insured by FHA in fiscal year 2007, compared to less than 2 percent seven years earlier.
Home builder Lennar Corp. relied on down-payment assistance for one in three mortgages it originated in the second quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported. Housing research firm Zelman & Associates estimates that eliminating seller-funded down-payment assistance could reduce the homebuyer pool by 10 percent nationwide, and by up to 25 percent in lower-priced markets where they are used more often, the Journal said.

New Home Buyer Tax Credit - FAQ

2008-07-31T15:38:00.000-06:00

New Home Buyer Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009, for new home buyers in Utah and other states.
The following questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit.
Who is eligible to claim the $7,500 tax credit? First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home - new or resale - are eligible for the tax credit.
What is the definition of a first-time home buyer? The law defines "first-time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit.
What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit? Any home purchased by an eligible first-time home buyer will qualify for the credit, provided that the home will be used as a principal residence and the buyer has not owned a home in the previous three years. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses, and condominiums.

Are there income limits to determine who is eligible to take the tax credit? Yes. Home buyers who file their taxes as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the credit if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $75,000. For married taxpayers filing a joint tax return, the MAGI limit is $150,000. The limit is based on the buyer's modified adjusted gross income for the year that the house is purchased, except for certain purchases in 2009.
What is "modified adjusted gross income"? Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains. To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts such as foreign income, foreign-housing deductions, student-loan deductions, IRA-contribution deductions and deductions for higher-education costs.
If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $7,500 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits. The credit becomes totally unavailable for individual taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income of more than $95,000 and for married taxpayers filing joint returns with an AGI of more than $170,000.
Can you give an example of how the partial tax credit is determined? Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $7,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,750.Here's another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer's income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $7,500 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,625.Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
Does the credit amount differ based on tax filing status?
No. The credit is in general equal to $7,500 for a qualified home purchase, whether the home buyer files taxes as a single or married taxpayer. However, if a household files their taxes as "married filing separately" (in effect, filing two returns), then the credit of $7,500 is claimed as a $3,750 credit on each of the two returns.
Are there any circumstances for which buyers whose incomes are at or below the $75,000 limit for singles or the $150,000 limit for married taxpayers might not be able to claim the full $7,500 tax credit? In general, the tax credit is equal to 10% of the qualified home purchase price, but the credit amount is capped or limited at $7,500. For most first-time home buyers, this means the credit will equal $7,500. For home buyers purchasing a home priced less than $75,000, the credit will equal 10% of the purchase price.
I heard that the tax credit is refundable. What does that mean? The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit. For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that taxpayer qualified for the $7,500 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $6,500 ($7,500 minus the $1,000 owed).

What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction? A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $7,500 in income taxes and who receives a $7,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $7,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $7,500 deduction, the taxpayer's tax liability would be reduced by $1,125 (15 percent of $7,500), or lowered from $7,500 to $6,375.
Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program? No. The tax credit cannot be combined with the MRB home buyer program.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit? Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of "nonresident alien" in IRS Publication 519.
Does the credit have to be paid back to the government? If so, what are the payback provisions?
Yes, the tax credit must be repaid. Home buyers will be required to repay the credit to the government, without interest, over 15 years or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from the sale. For example, a home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is filed. If the home owner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven.
Why must the money be repaid? Congress's intent was to provide as large a financial resource as possible for home buyers in the year that they purchase a home. In addition to helping first-time home buyers, this will maximize the stimulus for the housing market and the economy, will help stabilize home prices, and will increase home sales. The repayment requirement reduces the effect on the Federal Treasury and assumes that home buyers will benefit from stabilized and, eventually, increasing future housing prices.
Because the money must be repaid, isn't the first-time home buyer program really a zero-interest loan rather than a traditional tax credit? Yes. Because the tax credit must be repaid, it operates like a zero-interest loan. Assuming an interest rate of 7%, that means the home owner saves up to $4,200 in interest payments over the 15-year repayment period. Compared to $7,500 financed through a 30-year mortgage with a 7% interest rate, the home buyer tax credit saves home buyers over $8,100 in interest payments. The program is called a tax credit because it operates through the tax code and is administered by the IRS. Also like a tax credit, it provides a reduction in tax liability in the year it is claimed.

If I'm qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return? Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose ("elect") to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.
For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest? Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.

CC&R's, HOA - What does this mean?

2008-07-30T13:22:00.004-06:00

I am now on my HOA board, I live in a single family residence without any common areas that we are upkeeping, so why an HOA you might ask? The city I live in requires that the developers sell the properties with CC&R's. We finally moved the HOA from the developer to the community and many people are asking why have an HOA?
There are pros and cons to having an HOA. The most common misunderstanding is that without the HOA the CC&R's will also be gone. That is not the case. CC&R's run with the land and as long as that piece of land is there, the CC&R's will be there. The HOA's duties are to make sure the community is following the CC&R's to there understanding, yes it does unfortunately go to there interpretation of the CC&R's. As we know you neighbor might interpret it differently then you or I. That is where the HOA comes in to play with an odd number on the board they can vote and see what the majority determines the meanings of any certain section is. By having an HOA board you are trying to eliminate the whole neighbor suing neighbor. Or the having one person in the neighborhood not keep his yard up (or put in in on new builds) and devaluing the community. It is important for the HOA to encourage residence to ask questions on updating there home making it nicer. A better looking house next door raises the value of your house to!

2008-07-26T18:28:00.001-06:00

SOLD!!!

Short Sale in Sandy, recieved 5 offers, approved and closed in a few months!

2008-07-26T18:24:00.003-06:00

SOLD!!!

In one week, for full market value minus repairs!!!

Builders Lender or Your Own?

2008-07-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

RISMEDIA, May 22, 2008-The home loan packages offered by builders are often touted as being very convenient. But when it comes to evaluating the true benefits the picture is often quite different, according to the home buying specialists at the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, (NAEBA). Recent difficulties in the mortgage marketplace bear this out.”Mortgage shopping can take a significant level of sophistication. In addition, negotiations with a builder’s mortgage company can sometimes be stressful and costly,” stated Barry Nystedt President of NAEBA. “Home buyers still need to compare the builder’s loan offerings to what is available on the open market. Complications arise when the buyer becomes obligated to the builder’s lender without being able to compare the rates and fees other lenders may offer months later when the home is complete.
Sometimes the builder’s lender takes advantage of a buyer by providing an overpriced loan, which the buyer accepts, not wanting to risk losing the builder’s incentives.”
Builders often offer cash or equivalent incentives to buyers for using a builder’s preferred lender. Often the builders’ lenders are related companies that are making a significant profit on this business. The builders’ incentives for the buyer can be in the form of additional landscaping options at no charge, cash credits to closing costs, or adding options to the home at a discounted price.
This is when the buyer needs his own advocate. “Ask your buyer’s agent to obtain for you all the incentives the builder is offering along with the right for you to choose your own lender when your agent negotiates your offer-to-purchase contract with the builder,” recommends Barry Nystedt of NAEBA.
“The first person you speak to normally says no, but often when you ask further up the management ladder you will get a decision maker to agree with letting you use your own lender.”
“If that is not successful, once you are close enough to completion to lock in your rate, you should compare at least 3 other Good Faith Estimates for the same loan type from three credible lenders in your market. To make an accurate comparison, you need to make sure the other Good Faith Estimates are for the same loan type, the same rate lock period, and are good for the same day. Decide objectively if the cash value of the incentives from the builder make up for the cost of any higher rates and fees the builder’s lender is charging. By law, RESPA regulations require that builders allow you to change lenders, but the builder would no longer be obligated to give you the incentives,” and, says Nystedt, “that may have been the reason you decided to purchase a home from this builder in the first place.”

Need Foreclosure Help

2008-04-13T18:16:00.003-06:00

If you are facing foreclosure or think you might be heading towards missing a mortgage payment be sure to get someone on your side who knows what they are doing. Be careful calling those foreclosure prevention companies that you might receive notices from or see on the television, they don't always have your best interest at heart and if they are asking for money? Then don't pay them a cent until you go through all of your options. Most mortgage companies at this time offer a free homeowner help line that you can call and get questions answered, they also will go through your situation and give you solid advise for FREE.
Also if you are thinking a short sale might be your only option or you've decided to sell the house before your credit gets ruined? Call a real estate agent that knows foreclosures and knows what they are doing. Even if you haven't missed a payment yet, an agent who knows your options when you are close will be able to help you decide the best course of action.
In Utah there is a lot of qualified help to those who need it. If you find yourself in a position where you need help, I will give you all your options so you can make the best decisions for you.

Tips to Spruce up your Home

2008-02-26T15:14:00.002-07:00

1. Color your world. You can change the look of
a room in a matter of hours with paint, and we’re
not just talking about the walls. Ceilings, trim,
and chair rails can be punched up, and there are
many faux finishing techniques that are perfect
for the do-it-yourselfer.

2. Update window treatments. If your windows
need a makeover, lighten them up with simple
drapery panels. Lowe’s has a collection of drapes,
blinds, shades and swags in the latest colors and
fabrics.

3. Rearrange the furniture. Create a new look
without spending a dime! Map things out on paper
before you start moving pieces around, especially
the heavy ones.

4. Do you have a living
room or extra bedroom that’s not being fully
utilized? Turn it into an office, gym, media room or
playroom for the kids.

5. Accessorize! Little details can make a big
impact. If your current accessories have lost
their luster, replace them with decorative books,
candles, and interesting pieces that reflect your
personality and hobbies.

6. Don’t forget the floors. Nothing beats the smell
of fresh carpet, to give your home that “new
house” feel. Believe it or not, shag carpeting is
making a comeback!

7. New countertops can transform a kitchen or
bath, without having to remodel the entire room.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune: affordable
laminates now come in styles that look amazingly
close to real granite, marble and quartz.

8. Think spring. Add fresh cut flowers and new
house plants to green up your living spaces, and
remind you that spring is on its way!

9. Decorative moulding can add instant
glamour to any room, and it’s easier to install
than most people think.

Lowe’s offers a free step-by-step project guide http://www.lowes.com/lowes/
lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/InstMld.html

View of Your Home

2008-01-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Your House As Seen By:

Yourself...

Your Buyer...

Your Lender...

Your Appraiser...

Your Tax Assessor...

Home of the Month- January

2008-01-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

Home of the Month - December

2008-01-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

SOLD!!!

Awesome Home in Very Desirable Area, across from Huge Community Park!

Congratulations Shane n' Nikki

Investment Duplex

2008-01-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Great Investment Property in desirable Neighborhood, 3 Bedroom 2 bath each side

Home of the Month -November

2008-01-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

SOLD!!

Congratulations Glen and Pauli!

Beautiful 3 bedroom Townhome with basement for room to grow

GORGEOUS HOME FOR SALE IN WEST JORDAN, UT

2007-10-24T17:59:00.000-06:00

SOLD

Email me at heathersrealestate@gmail.com for more information on the model like home in West Jordan. 5 bdrom 3 FULL baths, HUGE Dining room and HUGE Family Room. Mother-in-law downstairs, landscaped backyard fully fenced w/ RV pad. Has to many extras to mention, Fireplace, Jetted Tub, sep tub/shower (a TRUE masters bath) His n' Hers Closets, Custom Cabinets, 100% finished basement etc...

Home of the Month

2007-08-19T20:23:00.001-06:00

SOLD

Great Brittany Townhome with 3 bdrom and 2 1/2 bath. Also features many cabinets in the kitchen, the best views in the valley and a 2 car garage.

Credit Score Pointers

2007-05-31T16:00:00.000-06:00

Your credit score is crucial to buying a home or getting a loan for anything you want. It determines how much of a loan you can recieve and how high your payments will be. A lower interest rate means a lower payment or more home. There are ways to repair your credit, but the most important thing is to know what raises your credit score and what lowers it. Below are some pointers on how the rate your credit.
Payment History: 35%
The single most important thing you can do is the simplest: Pay your bills ontime. This is critical. The credit score is to determine the likelihood that a 30-day late will happen over the next 24 hour period. That is why so much of your credit score is weighted against your history.
How much you owe: 30%
The next biggest chunk of the score is based on how much you owe. The simple solution: Pay down your credit cards and other installement loans (Below 50% is the key). 3 trade lines open is ideal. More will not hurt if the balances are below 50% of the limit in each.
Length of credit history: 15%
This one you cannot really speed up. Lenders want to see your track record of timely payments. Even if you have had credit for a long time, a lot of newer account opened will hurt your score.
New Credit: 10%
Opening up alot of accounts at one time can also hurt your score. You may also hurt your score if you're constantly changing cards and chasing a lower rate. But this only accounts for 10% of your score.
Types of Credit: 10%
Lenders like to see how you handle all types of credit-credit cards, mortgages, car loan, student loan, etc. Finance Companies(i.e. RC Willeys, Home Depot etc.) are not recommended, due to the high finance charges, and the likelihood you will be maxed out on those accounts. Close those type of accounts

My Story

2007-05-18T14:44:00.000-06:00

One of my previous blogs told you the importance of looking at contractors previous work in order to save yourself a ton of time and hassle. Now these pictures below were done by a licensenced contractor. (FYI - did you know that an unlicensed contractor has no rights on pursuing payment from you) We unfortunately had a situation where the contractor told me he was buying a home so I paid him after it was done and planned on balancing it out by the commission I would receive by the Sellers on the home he purchased. Then getting it re done by someone I trusted. He ended up having some employees steal some of his rented equipment which caused liens to go on him and stopped any home buying process at the time. A risk I took that ended up with me not on top!!

This is our "Beautiful" stamped concrete patio that I was having put out front. It is a disaster!!

Home Equity Lines

2007-05-16T22:32:00.000-06:00

Why are home equity lines so popular? The only useful type of home equity line is when the client is doing an 80/20 loan where they don't want to pay the MIP or PMI on their mortgage. Or for investment purposes. Taking out home equities to buy boats, even something like finishing your basement. One is so much better off saving their money and then using it towards their WANTS then taking out more credit, especially on your home. I have seen quite a rise in foreclosures due to people taking out home equity lines to improve their home and then end up spending it on a RV or Boat instead. One of the best feelings of freedom one could achieve is total financial freedom. Start with the high bills, biggest interest rates and amounts and start paying that down. A budget is a huge thing to recieve financial freedom, budget then stick to it. Once you paid down that first high bill take the payment you were doing on that bill and transfer it to the other bill so you can pay it off faster. Continue until you only owe on your mortgage. Then take those and continue, one should be able to have their mortgage paid off in 15 years if they pay off all other bills and didn't buy a home above their means.

Home of the Month

2007-05-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

SOLD

Great Home in South Jordan, 3213 sq ft, .30 acres, with Bonus Room upstairs. Congratulations Jack and Rita

Homeowners Insurance

2007-05-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

Multiple hurricanes along the East and Gulf coasts over the past few years have left more than debris in their wake. One ripple effect that's slamming coastal residents is double-digit increases in their once-stable homeowner's insurance rates.
From Florida to Massachusetts, many coastal homeowners have seen their insurance rates climb by 20% or more. "Someone in Ohio who's moving to coastal South Carolina should expect to pay more for insurance than what they're paying now," says agent Wendell Sutton, of Kinghorn Insurance Services, in Hilton Head, S.C.
In many cases, insurance companies are not renewing policies. Dennis Slattery, 60, a 19-year resident of Hernando Beach, Fla., lives in a house on the beach. He recently learned that his carrier was dropping his coverage because of "catastrophic risk management" – in other words, the risk from future hurricanes. Many other Floridians, he notes, are facing rate increases that they can't afford. "People are worried, and some are thinking of moving," Slattery says.
Insurance companies are raising rates and dropping coverage in an attempt to reduce their risk exposure. "The old view was that we would have a bad hurricane every few years," says Robert Klein, director of the Center for Risk Management and Insurance Research at Georgia State University. "The tone of insurers started changing after the fourth hurricane hit in '04."
Not ready to give up the surf? There are some ways you can reduce your insurance costs.
Shop Around"You can easily pay twice as much from one company to another," says Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America. Compare rates of two or more carriers.
Most state insurance commission websites offer price information, a list of the state's leading insurers, and buyers' guides. Visit www.insureuonline.org to find links to each state commission.
If your coverage has been dropped, you can learn about "last resort" options at the commission sites. Most states have insurance pools for coastal residents who can't get coverage, but be prepared to pay higher rates than other residents who still qualify in the private market. For example, those in Louisiana's last-resort option, called Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., pay premiums that must be 10% above the average of the top ten writers in the parish they reside in. "By law it's more expensive than the private sector," says Jim Donelon, Louisiana insurance commissioner.
Keep Coverage Up to DateIf you've fixed up your house or property, tell your carrier; maintaining your home will reduce your liability. Also, don't overinsure. Madelyn Flannagan, a vice-president of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, notes that "homeowners just need to insure the cost to replace the house."
Seek DiscountsImprovements for safety, such as installing windows that can survive winds of 150 to 180 miles per hour, could cut your premium. Ask for a senior discount or for a longevity discount if you're a longtime client. Cobbling together several discounts could offset any increases in your premium. Also, you could save money if you buy your homeowner's, auto, and other coverage from the same insurer.
Adjust Out-of-Pocket Costs"Play with your deductible," says agent Kathy McKay, of McKay Stelling & Associates, which serves Charleston, S.C. Raising your deductible from $250 to $1,000 might save you 10% to 15% on your premium.
In many coastal areas, you may need a separate policy for wind and hail. And flood insurance is a must, insurance experts say. You can purchase flood insurance through the federal subsidized program, and you can buy extra coverage from private insurers.
Reprinted with permission. All contents © 2007 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc

Staging a Home

2007-04-29T22:29:00.000-06:00

Staging a home is a great way to sell a home in a slow or fast market. You can get more out of your home by following a few simple tips. Any of my listings I like to bring in an interior designer and have them go throughout the home and give my client tips on what they can do to improve the "look" and "feel" of the home. Something so simple as changing the way a couch or chair faces and gives a whole new feel for a home.
Vacant homes also greatly benefit from staged homes. By adding a little bit of color and furniture in a few places you add to the appeal of the home. Most buyers don't have the best imagination and when they walk into a vacant home they recieve a vacant feel for the home. Add a couple of decorative towels in the bathrooms, a few plants here and there and placemats or decorative dishes in the kitchen. Keep it simple, don't over do it, you want the to look at the home and see just enough that they will be able to come up with their own ideas on what they would do. It becomes a sell when the buyer starts talking about where they would place this and that!

How to Hang a Picture

2007-04-27T15:29:00.000-06:00

Article Title: How to Hang a Picture ProperlyAuthor: Gregg HallCategory: Home Improvement, AccessoriesWord Count: 736Keywords: home decorationsAuthor's Email Address: targetniches@yahoo.comArticle Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------Hanging a picture may seem like the simplest of all home improvement projects. While it is quite easy, there are factors like wall type and object weight that you need to consider before hammering away. If you're a beginner or if you've hung pictures before but always done some in a hit or miss kind of manner, these tips will come in useful. The first thing you need to do is purchase the right fasteners for your picture and your walls. The most common fasteners for hanging things are picture nails and hooks. While these are the most common type of fastener, they are not the most appropriate or effective ones to use in all cases. If you are going to hang anything on a concrete, stucco or brick wall, then you should not try to use a regular nail. A concrete screw will securely anchor your object and will prevent you from chipping the wall's surface. If you use a nail in a concrete or stucco surface, you can end up removing chunks of the wall around the nail when hammering. If your object is heavy, then you might want to insert a plastic anchor or molly bolt-for fastening into the hole to ensure that there is no damage to your wall. Make sure that you are using the right type of fastener for your wall surface. Once you've figured out the type of wall surface and the most appropriate fastener to use, you will need to decide on placement. The first thing you want to decide is how high you want to hang the object. The basic rule of thumb is to hang pictures so that the center of the picture is at eye level. Have someone hold a tape measure against the wall and then stand back and see what number is at your eye level - that's where the center of your picture should be. Once you decide on the height on the wall, you need to measure the picture itself to determine the mounting height. You will then measure from the bottom of the picture to the highest point of the hanging wire. You can then figure out the hanging height by subtracting half of the picture's height and adding the difference of the eye-height level you measured before. Your measuring isn't done yet though. You want to take that figure and measure that distance on the wall so you can make a mark where the bottom of the hook will hit. After you have that vertical mark, you want to measure horizontally to ensure that your picture is in the center of the space. Next you will mark where the vertical and horizontal lines cross. Holding the faster in place, you will nail or screw the fastener into the wall. After the nail or screw is in place, you want to carefully hang the object on the wall. Make sure you are careful not to mark or scrape the wall with the frame. Once the picture is on the hook, you should step back to see whether it is level. You can shift the picture to either the left or the right to adjust the level. If you find (after hanging) that the picture is either too low or too high, you can adjust the wire on the back of the picture rather than making a new hole. If you are planning on hanging multiple pictures and/or objects on one wall, then you want to plan out your measurements very carefully. Start by holding up your pictures or laying them on the floor in the pattern you want. Measure the wall space and measure each picture to ensure that you have enough space. You want to make the vertical and horizontal marks for each picture rather than just guessing. It is often easier to offset the pictures when you estimate. If you do want all of the pictures even, then you need to use a level and be really exact in your measurements. A laser level can be useful in these types of situations. Don't be intimidated with all of these steps if this is your first time hanging a picture. Taking your time and doing all the prep work outlined above will ensure that your picture is centered, level, and really adds character to your space.Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For elegant home décor gifts go to http://www.eleganthomedecorgifts.com

Hiring out Contractors

2007-04-26T14:35:00.000-06:00

Getting Ready for the Spring Weather? Now is a great time to start calling landscape, sod, and fencing companies to come and give you quotes. Get first on their list before the rush starts. Need a good recommendation for a company? Let me know if in Utah or be sure you check the company out before giving them money. It is also a good idea if you are paying for anything to get a few addresses of places they have currently done work for and check it out. Plus talk to the people see how easy they are to work with and the quality to get the job done.

Time Savers

2007-04-25T13:43:00.000-06:00

This will save you a ton of time!

Home Selling Tips 3 - Older Homes

2007-04-19T10:57:00.000-06:00

Is your home a little bit older? Build in early '90s or earlier. The best return on your money on those homes depend on the shape they are in. There are so many "little" things (that yes add up a little, but not as much as a full replacement) that can bring up the value of your home and also the appeal to the buyers. One thing is paint and moldings. If your moldings are the '70s style then replace them. Moldings are cheap and really easy to do it yourself. While your replacing your moldings get the paint brush out and three tone the house. (Flat or ceiling paint in white works great on the ceiling) A Satin paint in a neutral color on the walls and High Gloss on the moldings and bathrooms if you don't want it the same color as your other walls. Don't know what color to use? That is where you need to check out the model homes in your area, it will let you know what neutral color is the "in" color in your area. Utah is about the browns, any tan, light brown color works. Don't know how to cut in? You can prime your moldings with a paint sprayer in another location (if you are trying to protect your carpet) You can even high gloss them, just know that once you nail them in, you will need to putty the holes and paint those areas. I have noticed the masking tape works really good in taping off, but you MUST remove it within one day of putting it on and you must remove it carefully so it doesn't grab at your paint. Blue tape works okay, but you must go over it right before you paint and make sure it seals. There is an in between tape that is a light brown at Home Depot that I also like. Carpets is another thing. There is nothing like walking down a hall with three bedrooms coming up and all you see is a light of pink coming from one room, green from the other and then blue. If possible put something neutral down, be sure you shop around, if you are getting it for around 18 a sq foot that is pretty good. If you cannot afford new carpet, then get them cleaned. After that be sure your Realtor puts a note requesting they take their shoes off, the foot traffic will quickly dirty them up again.
Kitchen is the heart of the home. That is where after looking through the whole house, I stand with my buyers and ask them, "Do you want to buy this home?" Do you have a yellow or green countertop that screams '70s? If possible look into your options of changing that. You can have the cheapest of cabinets and a buyer might get past that, but few buyers look past avocado green countertops. Now your cabinets, you want to modernize your kitchen without dishing out some serious dough? If your cabinets are a wood color (these days any wood color usually looks pretty good) Then throw some modernized knobs on them to update 'em. Please no gold, as much as you might love the color, the majority of the buyers right now want silver, pewter, bronze etc.. Any knob store or Home Depot have all those styles. Cupboards in terrible shape? If you cannot replace them, paint them. Go online there are several suggestions. The ones my buyers have liked the most is an "antiquing" white that you can get the whole kit at Lowes or Home Depot with instructions. Now on too the floors, we talked about carpet, but what type of kitchen and bathroom floors do you have? Upgrading your bathroom to tile is a huge bonus and if you watch for the Home Depot clearance you can pick up tile for around 75 cents. Kitchen, you need to see what is popular in your area. In Utah it is pergo or hardwood flooring. Don't buy the cheap pergo if you can afford a little nicer stuff. I have pergo in my house, but all the time people are asking if it is "real" The cheap stuff looks that way, but they have really improved on the look of the nicer stuff. In other places like Arizona, tile is really popular, especially the large tiles. Again watch for clearance stuff. If you are a do it yourselfer tiling is another thing that isn't that hard to do. Also while updating that kitchen do your bathrooms to. A good return and expensive one is if you can convert a little 70's master bathroom into a bigger one, a more open shower and more counter space are huge to the buyers. Outside do the same as a newer home, remember it is the first thing they see when the pull up and the last thing they see when they leave. If you have siding on your home then get it powerwashed. If it is chipping or an ugly color and you don't want to replace it, then invest in some siding paint and paint it. Your front door is another major thing, neutralize the color if it is a bright pink, yellow, green do something a little more toned down. Paint the trim on your garage door and plant flowers if possible. If the concrete is cracked overlay it if you have the $, but otherwise just keep it swept and cleaned, that is usually one of the last complaints there are. Backyard, do what you can to make it spacious. Clear out dead trees, if you are not including the swing set with the sell of the home, then take it down. The biggest thing on older homes is make it so a buyer doesn't come in and think "work" The major things are if the home looks used (missing drawers, closet doors etc..) Wallpaper everywhere (borders are usually fine, floor to ceiling wallpaper 'causes stress) and weeds in the yard. The feel of the home is everything, I've had multiple buyers, buy just because the home "felt" good. Remember, lights on, candles lit (or any good smelling things) music in the background (mood music, not rap) and people who live there, gone (if possible) Good Luck on future selling and let me know of there are any specifics you are thinking about.
PS - Carport to Garage Conversions are always good additions, it widens the market of buyers out there looking. Be sure to talk with the city on permits and codes though.

Home Selling Tips 2 - Newer Homes

2007-04-19T10:40:00.000-06:00

What is the best return in fixing up a property when you want to sell? A lot of that depends on your area of where you live. In Utah where the majority of the homes have basements, you get an excellant return on finishing your basement. Especially since Utah has a "love affair" with Ramblers (most other places call them Ranch Style) By finishing a basement on a rambler you almost double the house size. Also where Utah is known for it's large families, whether they are children or extended, by going from 3 bdrms to 5 you open your market of buyers. Other places where basements are not as common (aka Arizona) that might not be an option. Another thing you need to look at is the home, style, year built, area etc. Lets start with a newer home. To get a great return on a newer home, or any home the best thing you can do is make it look like a model home. Not sure how to do that? Go to any new build area and tour the model homes in the area. Look at how decluttered and simple they look, how the decorations attract you to the home, not make you feel uncomfortable and "out of place" That is what you want your home to feel like for interested buyers who come and look. Then past that getting a new home ready is pretty simple. The best and probably most expensive fix (besides the basement) is finish the yard. If you don't have time and money to do the whole yard, then do the front yard, also RV pad's give a good return to the sellers. If it is a newer home and most your neighbors don't have fences, than don't worry about getting one in. It wont hurt, and most buyers hopefully have fallen in love with the inside. I've never had the fencing be a big deal on a newer home. Moving to the inside of the home, fresh coat of paint is always a plus, but if the walls look good, then just touch up your moldings, that is one of the first places where you can see "wear and tear" on a home. Then DECLUTTER, remember model home. Clean your closets and cupboards also. (yes they will look) Clean the carpets and invest in some wood blinds or plantation shutters for the windows (any age of home this is a plus) Lowes you can get "wood" blinds for super cheap and they will cut them to fit your windows. If a buyer is looking for a newer home that usually means they want something already built, but feels new to them. Make your home that new feel, by cleaning and making it look like a "model" home.

Building Slowing Down?

2007-04-18T12:32:00.000-06:00

Colorado's market is so slow, new builds are holding on to more properties than they want to, builders are pulling out and trying to get rid of the homes. Is the Utah market going to follow suite? One builder in the Salt Lake Area only sold one home last month. That is quite a difference compared to the market last year where they were selling dozens of homes during a week. Bigger homes are having a more difficult time selling right now, but the medium size homes are still going somewhat quickly. Some new builds are getting a little antsy and selling lots or not building as many specs. If you are planning on building it is a good idea to see what incentives they have. The incentives are going to go up and you might be able get a few more "x-tra's" in your home. The Utah market is still going strong, not fast like last year, but still strong. There is a lot of properties on the market and a lot of buyers out there looking for their new home.

The Search for the Perfect Home

2007-04-17T00:25:00.000-06:00

So me and my husband are looking for the "Perfect Home" Why is it when it comes to your profession and helping yourself it is the hardest job? When it comes to finding myself a home I'm very lazy about it. When it comes to one of my clients I'll work hard and never stop until they are completely happy with the outcome. I've thought of hiring another agent just so that we can actively search. My husband has fallen in love with a floor plan on a home that was for sale. We didn't buy it because I wasn't sure I wanted to live that far out West, and it sat weird on the lot. Thank goodness for the building boom in Utah, we were able to find out who built the home. They are building in an area we like and we are waiting to find out what the prices will be. I did NOT want to build another home again, I really wanted to buy an existing home where they had already labored and put in the yard and maybe even some of the basement as a bonus! But when you have found a floor plan that works so perfect for your family what can you do? So we decided that if they can build us this home in the area we want we would be foolish to not do it. If they are too high in the price or it doesn't work out, then we might wait another year before we continue our quest for that "perfect home"

Couples and the Same Page

2007-04-17T00:15:00.000-06:00

I show homes to many couples, the biggest problem comes to them being on the same page. One wants a big yard, the other a small one. One wants a small mortgage, the other wants lots of equity. One wants a fixer upper, the other want the ability to move right in and enjoy. One wants to live on the East side, the other the West side and so on. I advise couples to sit down before they go looking (I try and do it with them, as it will help me help them) and I tell them to give me both their top 3 things that they want in a house. Mine is 1) A fireplace (yes I know silly, especially since they are so easy to add now, but I have to be able to visualize where to put one) 2) Big Yard (I have boys, must be able to run around a lot) 3) Attached Garage. My husbands 3 most is 1) Front Porch (he likes to gab) 2) Neighborhood (that is one for both of us, I want a park nearby and he likes social neighborhoods) 3) Living Space (He likes big rooms for entertaining and sensible plans) . Couples will have all sorts of different things, but if in the top three they have conflicting ideas, it is good to get those out and figured out in the beginning. Not when you've been looking and they have both fallen in love with two different homes because they were on total different pages. Bringing them both on the same page will help them decide what is important and what is not.

Foreclosures

2007-04-09T22:43:00.000-06:00

Have questions to how foreclosures work? I will do several posts with many frequently asked questions on foreclosures. There is a called a judicial and non-judicial foreclosure. Some states do both, some do only one or the other, the first step is to understand what type of foreclosure is taking place on your home. This has everything to do with when you can get out of foreclosure, if you can buy your home back after auction, or when everything is final. Give me your questions, now is the time because Knowledge is Power! Utah, the most common is non-judicial, in another post I'll explain the steps taken.

Funny Video - youtube.com

2007-04-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

I tried to post this, it is funny. It is always good to laugh at your profession! Go to youtube.com and type in "The Realtor". Gotta love those Looky Loos!!

To Do or Not Do ..... An Open House

2007-04-09T21:47:00.000-06:00

Are Open Houses Still Worth It?

In this day in age, with all the technology we have, talking houses, internet. Are Open Houses still Worth it? In a Seller driven market when houses are being sold in a week to month, Open Houses are just something for the Seller to "see" their realtor working. In a Buyer driven market Open Houses can drive a buyer to your house while they are out looking at other homes. A lot of times I'll be driving with a client and they want to just "check it out" Many times if the price is just a little above their looking zone, but still in the approval zone I have seen offers being sent on those properties. For Agents Open Houses are a great way to get new clients. Most people coming through Open Houses do not have a client, but are interested in finding a house. An agent can help those families find a house without any money out of their pocket. It will save a buyer a ton of time, plus there is no reason to try and go through the biggest purchase of your life without a qualified agent by your side.

Weekly Mortgage Rate remain Stable and low

2007-04-06T14:55:00.000-06:00

Mixed economic signals kept rates low across the board and relatively unchanged this week, a nationwide mortgage survey reported Thursday. The results of Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.17 percent for the week, up slightly from last week’s average of 6.16 percent but lower than the average rate of 6.43 percent reported last year at the same time.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.87 percent, up slightly from last week when it averaged 5.86 percent. Last year, the 15-year rate averaged 6.10 percent.
Short-term rates were also up slightly, although relatively unchanged. The five-year adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 5.92 percent this week, up from last week’s average of 5.88 percent. One-year ARMs averaged 5.44 percent, up slightly from a 5.43 percent average last week.
“Mortgage rates have remained within a narrow band of 0.1 percentage points over every week in March,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, in a prepared statement. “This relative stability is due to mixed economic data releases as to how strong the economy is and whether future inflation will recede. One bright spot this week came from an unexpected increase in pending home sales for February, which suggests the housing market is still healthy.

Bankruptcy

2007-04-05T22:46:00.000-06:00

Don't just file bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure. If you want your lender to work with you, BK is not the answer. Many lenders wont work with borrowers once they have filed BK and you've lost many options that you had.

In Foreclosure?

2007-04-05T22:24:00.000-06:00

In Foreclosure? Don't just call one investor. I work with over 10 investors that want to buy your home, with them competing you will get the best price possible with a bunch of options for you!! Don't just sell to the first guy who comes knocking on your door. My guys all have different specialities and one of them will fit with what your home needs and is usually willing to pay more than the other guys. Give me a call, I can walk you through the foreclosure options and help you determine what fits your situation the best.

Short Sales

2007-04-05T16:27:00.000-06:00

Why should you try a short sale instead of foreclosure? We'll if you live in Utah first off, unless you have refinanced in the past year, you probably don't need to sell your home as a short sale. Even most of the fixer uppers you can sale for at least what you owe the lender plus realtor fees. Other situations? You are better off with a short sale on your credit than a foreclosure. The lenders look at it as that you put in the effort to sale your home and you put in the effort to pay them back. Not that you just left the home for them to deal with. Plus the 2nds can usually get something instead of nothing and it saves the 1st some money in taking it all the way to auction and dealing with it after.

Tips on Selling Your Home

2007-04-04T23:35:00.000-06:00

Need to sell your home? Want to spruce it up beforehand to get the best price possible? Below are some tips that help the look. Add some advice on what has worked and what has not for you.
- Fresh Coat of Paint - Nothing looks newer than a fresh coat of new paint, two-toning it in neutral colors is always a nice touch
- Clean Those Windows - Natural Light is a great way to show your home and it always looks more clean when you can see out the windows.
Pick Up Clutter - Anything you don't need put it way, box it up and move it to storage or in a nice corner in your garage. Declutter, declutter, declutter. Look in the kitchen and remove everything you can, the less clutter the cleaner the home looks
Carpets Cleaned- Get your carpets cleaned, then request that those looking at the home remove their shoes so they stay clean.
First Impressions are VERY important - Make sure that front yard is in tip top shape, you don't want the prespective buyer to be turned off before they even make it into the front door.
Come back for more tips later.

Furnace Filter

2007-04-04T23:27:00.000-06:00

Did you know that changing an air filter in a furnace will help eliminate problems with air conditioners and furnaces. Missing or dirty filters will cause the coils in an air conditioner to collect dust and malfunction. Furnaces are forced to work harder and will wear out prematurely with a dirty or clogged filter. Remember this when looking at a property that are not maintained properly. Filters should be changed at a bare minimum of once every three months.

2007-04-03T15:34:00.000-06:00

Spring is finally here and the buyers are coming out and searching for their homes. Now is a great time to get that home ready and on the market. Let me hear any of your funny or successful stories as you are getting it ready to go! Interest rates are still at a low, so everyone who has recieved a mortage in the last 5 years, check it out, if it's an ARM, see when it is due and get it refinanced. Have any questions in regards to mortgages? Ask away, if I don't have the answer I will find someone who does.

Welcome

2007-03-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog, a place to keep up on community information, the real estate market and get anwers to all your housing questions. I look forward to hearing from you!