Fall Home Staging

If you are prepping for a home sale, keep decorations minimal and simple; clean, tidy, and welcoming should be the ultimate goal.

 Here are a few more ideas for both indoor and outdoor staging and/or decorating: 

FRESHEN UP   
A clean coat of paint is always a great way to provide a face lift to an area instantly. Keep the colors neutral and make sure they look professional. Consider power washing the exterior of your home, as well as clearing downspouts and gutters.         

FOLIAGE   

 Incorporate fall foliage into decorations, such as simple vases with branches of leaves, a bowl of gourds, or apple cinnamon-fragranced candles. Outside, rake up loose leaves, pine needles, pine cones, and other foliage debris.   

WARMTH  

 Add throw pillows and comfy blankets draped over chairs or couches as an invitation to settle in. Use candles or wax warmers with a single spiced scent to add aromatics. A clean welcome mat and/or door wreath can create a warm entrance.   

LIGHT  

 Lack of light can make a space feel small; this may be cozy, but it’s not always appealing. Use lamps to create soft lighting, and if you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and burning for showings or guests. Consider adding walkway lighting outdoors to enhance your yard and curb appeal. 

Warm and cozy are the feelings that are most suited for fall decorating. Pumpkins, apple picking, hay rides, cider – they all solicit feelings of comfort. As you prepare for the fall season, consider what needs to be cleaned up for hosting guests, celebrating upcoming holidays, and being comfortable as the weather becomes cooler. 

Selling or Buying doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice, Selling or Buying your home. 
If you prefer a personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today.    


#RealEstateForSale #UtahRealEstate #Homestaging

Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers

Dog Etiquette: There are many things to take into consideration when you’re buying or selling a home, from how best to stage your home for potential buyers to making sure you get the best deal or the highest price.

However, when you have a pet, there are a few more things to think about. For sellers, you’ll want to clean and remove odors from the interior of your home, as well as ensure that the exterior is in good shape. Buyers, meanwhile, will want to make sure pets are kept safe and sound until the time is right to let them explore the new property.

One of the most important keys to maintaining good dog etiquette is to keep in mind that even fellow pet owners may not appreciate seeing one in the home they are about to buy, as many people associate animals with damage, stains, and odors.

This means you may have to consider finding a pet sitter or asking a friend to take care of your animals while the house is on the market. Keep reading for more tips on dog etiquette when you’re buying or selling a home.

Make Arrangements for Your Pet
If you’re having an open house or will be having a lot of potential buyers coming over to look at your home, it’s a good idea to make arrangements for your pet. 

This is in the best interest of you, your pet, and the buyers since it will keep everyone safe and comfortable. This is especially important if your pet becomes stressed or upset when strangers are present. You might find a dog boarder who can take him in for a short period, or hire a dog walker to come over and take him out while you stay with your visitors.

Look for Dog-Friendly Spots to Hang
After making a move, it’s a good idea to look for local dog-friendly spots around the neighborhood. 

You might want to bring your pet to a restaurant or bar, or you may want to look for a nice park where you can get some exercise with your pooch. You can try Barbacoa Mexican Grill, Wasatch Brew Pub, Em’s Restaurant, or Coffee Garden, which provide outdoor seating for you and your pet, or Mill Creek Canyon, which will give you a beautiful space to get in a workout together. If you’re unsure if a business is dog-friendly, remember to call ahead.

Leave Him at Home
While you may want to bring your pet along everywhere you go, it’s not the best idea to have him with you when checking out open houses. The current owners may have allergies or young children who are afraid of dogs, or they may have their own pets, which will create an issue. If you think you may find an open house you want to check out, leave your dog at home, or leave him with a friend if you come across one you want to look at while you’re out with your pet.

Plan for Moving Day

Moving day can be hectic and stressful, and when you have pets, it’s important to have a good plan in place for their safety and comfort. Your day will be busy, so ask someone to take care of your pet to ensure that he won’t get hurt or lost during the flurry of activity that’s happening. If possible, bring your pet to the new home before the move so he can sniff around and explore a bit; this will help prevent stress on his part after the move.

Buying or selling a home can be a long, stressful process, so it’s imperative to make sure you have a good plan in place for each part of the process. This will help you keep everyone safe and happy and will reduce the risk of stress and anxiety.

We realize the decision to Sell or Buy is a personal one that depends on your financial situation, future plans and lifestyle. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice.  CALL 801-809-9866 today. 

  

#RealEstateForSale #Mortgagerates #UtahRealEstate 



Article provided by Tamara Gilmore of Pupjobs.com

Why Fall is the Time to Buy or Sell

Good bye Summer Hello Fall There are many reasons to buy or sell a 

home in the fall and we can't help but push back on any thoughts that the season should be dismissed as subpar. 

After all, vanilla is the top-selling brand of ice cream, but does that make it better than other frozen treats? 

We think Not! Consider these reasons to buy or sell this fall.

Sell Your home in the Fall

Stand out in Lower Inventory. Spring may have higher demand, but it also comes with higher inventory.

Your home listing in the fall means less 'Competition' and better offers. Make sure you have done a great job of addressing your curb appeal, staging and cleaning to help your home really shine. 

Motivated Buyers

Buyers who are shopping for a new home in the fall or even in the winter usually have a strong reason to do so. Their motivations could include a recent transfer, a desire to have their kids in a new school prior to midyear breaks or if it's before school starts, and just wanting to celebrate the holidays in a new space.

Attract Unique Buyers.

With more families wanting and needing multi-generational living spaces the search for a home could be a longer process, pushing the process beyond spring's peak. Buy Your Home in the Fall

See Homes First.

Often, sellers will be encouraged to pull their home off the market for the winter holidays. This means inventory will and then surge again in the spring. Shopping for a home in the fall will allow you to see houses before the flood of showings after the holidays.

Motivated Sellers.

Sellers who keep their listings active in the fall usually have a motivating factor behind their decision, which can benefit you. While it isn't fully a buyer's market, because they likely have less showings, they may be more open to accepting your offer.

Get Settled

Buying a home in the fall has several time sensitive benefits. Your first mortgage payment won't likely hit until the New Year and you may celebrate the winter holidays in the new space.

Save Money In an analysis of over 30 million homes, sales spanning a 15 year, found that home buyers who purchase in October paid nearly 3% less than in other months. You can also get into your new home right in time for the end of year sales on appliances and electronic bonus!

Summer was for home repairs and vacations and you are now ready to buy or sell give me a call 801 809-9866 for a market analysis and for information to get you moving this fall.

                                                                                                                                                             

  

Every Family should always feel confident when buying or selling a home

Not quite ready to buy a home?  You may qualify for the Lease with a Right to Purchase program.  Call me and I'll give you the details on how you may qualify to get into the home you want, get settled and then purchase it when you are ready!

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate

Preparing Your Home for Winter

The winter months can be cruel on your home no matter where you live. 

Gusting winds can batter plants. A snowstormcould stress an older home’s roof.

Even a few days of heavy January rain could wreak havoc on clogged gutters and downspouts.

Whether you’re looking to sell your home or you just want to keep your house intact this winter, there are simple steps you can take to protect your home from whatever wintry forces of nature come your way.

1. Inspect Your Roof
Winter weather can hurt your home’s roof in many ways. High winds, heavy rain or snowfall can cause strain, and excess leaves or debris could clog gutters and create build-up on the roof. 
Schedule a roof inspection before the winter weather hits so a professional can thoroughly inspect your roof’s condition and make recommendations. Ask the inspector to check for missing or loose shingles, blocked gutters or potential sources of mold and decay.

2. Check for Air Leaks
Leaks in your windows, doorways or walls can drastically increase your monthly utilities bill, and if you live in a colder climate, it can make your home uncomfortable, too!

Luckily, it’s easy to perform your own home check and seal any leaks. Check all the window frames and doors in your home for cracks where cold air could come through. You should check any vents and phone lines as well – really, any potential opening from your home to the exterior.

If you find a leak, use caulk and weather stripping to seal out the cooler air, or consider installing storm windows for the winter months.

3. Clear the Gutters
Falling leaves are a hallmark of the autumn months, but they can be trouble for a home’s gutters. Clogged gutters leave rain with nowhere to go, and it can cause damage to a home’s walls, soffits and fascias, as well as siding and basements.
You can grab a ladder and clear the debris yourself, or you can hire local professionals to safely take care of the job. Clean gutters now will spare you a headache later this winter!

4. Clean the Chimney
You should have your chimney checked once a year at least, particularly if you plan to use the fireplace to stay warm this winter. A blocked or damaged chimney could heat your home unevenly and boost your utility bill, but its biggest risk is as a potential fire hazard.
You can try to clean the chimney yourself if you want to get your hands dirty. But it’s far easier and safer to hire a chimney cleaning company to inspect and clear your chimney and fireplace, so you can curl up by the fire all winter long.

5. Clear the Yard
While many flowers need the chill of a winter season in order to bloom in the spring, it’s important to prepare your full yard for cooler weather. Changing seasons will impact your garden no matter where you live.

Consider bringing your more fragile plants indoors if you live in a colder climate, and remove any annuals you have planted. Put away any outdoor furniture you have, and clear out any fallen leaves so they don’t suffocate the lawn. Finally, store all your gardening tools for the season so they don’t rust or wear down before the spring.

6. Prepare the Pipes
If you live in an area that gets very cold in the winter, you’ll have to take extra measures to prepare your home for the winter. Before the frost hits, make sure to store garden hoses and close any inside valves that supply water to outdoor faucets. Don’t use antifreeze in any of these lines – it’s not good for the environment and could be harmful to pets, wildlife and people.

Insulate indoor pipes in parts of the home that are typically unheated, like the attic, garage or crawl spaces. The Red Cross recommends keeping the thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and night so the pipes aren’t subject to drastic temperature changes, and check all the faucets regularly throughout the winter season.

Getting a home ready for Winter details really matter. If your ready to Sell, it doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking we realize the decision to Sell or Buy is a personal one that depends on your financial situation, future plans and lifestyle.

When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice you need to sell or buy your home. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today.

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate

It Pays to Be a Homeowner:

Here's How Much Home Equity Shot Up in Just One Year, Nationally, 4.3% of homes, or about 2.2 million properties, were underwater in the second quarter of this year.

That percentage is down 20.1% year over year.

 It pays to be a homeowner—quite a bit, actually. In certain parts of the country, it's even wildly profitable. Cha-ching!
Nationally, the average homeowner with a mortgage saw their equity shoot up by nearly $16,200 in the past year alone. (The real estate data firm compared the second quarter of this year to the second quarter of the previous year.) That's a 12.3% annual increase, thanks to fast-rising home prices across the country.


Negative Equity Falls Across 

'It's good news if you're an existing homeowner. ... You can certainly use that additional wealth as collateral you could borrow against if you're looking to make some home improvements.'  'But it's probably not good news if you're in the market looking to buy.'

Homeowners on the West Coast accrued even more equity. In just one year, those who own homes in California gained an average $48,800 in home equity. That was the most in the country—and more than many folks earn in a year.

'The first half of 2018 was probably the most ferocious market since the year 2000 in terms of buyer demand, competition between buyers, and overbidding.'  'In the [San Francisco] Bay Area, we saw some huge jumps in median sale prices. It’s crazy.”

But the huge equity gains could slow down at least a little in California. More homes are expected to go on the market there this fall, and that could check prices somewhat. If buyers have more to choose from, prices are less likely to be driven up by bidding wars.
'There does come a limit on what people can afford to pay for a home,' Carlisle says.

The Golden State was followed by Washington, where average home equity was up $41,100; Nevada, at $32,193; Hawaii, at $29,565; and Massachusetts, at $23,527.

But in three states, equity actually fell—by $1,078 in Louisiana, $910 in Connecticut, and $773 in North Dakota. The other bottom states were Oklahoma, where equity rose an average of just $2,226, and Iowa, at $4,386.

Selling or Buying doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today.  

Not quite ready to buy a home?  You may qualify for the Lease with a Right to Purchase program. 

 

Call me and I'll give you the details on how you may qualify to get into the home you want, get settled and then purchase it when you are ready! 

Read: The Single Best Way to Sell Your Home This Fall, Revealed 

 #RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate

Say Hello to Utah Beautiful Fall colors

Welcome to the end of a great summer and the beginning of 

our beautiful fall colors here in Utah!  

As we are fast approaching a great economic year for 2018, I would like to invite all of you to visit PrecisionReal-T.com  we offer you a wealth of information and 18 years of experience to help you get started on Selling or Buying your home.

 

Not quite ready to buy a home?  You may qualify for the Lease with a Right to Purchase program. 

 

Call me and I'll give you the details on how you may qualify to get into the home you want, get settled and then purchase it when you are ready! 

                                                                                         

Following is a link to the Housing Trends that may have an impact on your

personal homes and what the near future may bring. (click on $ picture) 

I hope you find this valuable and of interest. 

 

As always, if you or anyone you know has questions or is in need of my real estate services, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 801 809-9866.  

I am honored to assist in any way I can. 

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate 

30 Years of Certainty

Thirty years can sound like a lifetime when you're talking with your 

lender about getting a 30–year fixed–rate mortgage.

There are so many uncertainties in life and who knows where you'll be in 30 years. Will you switch careers? Will you move cities? Will you have children?

 Your monthly mortgage payment and interest rate will remain the same as the day you locked in your loan -- guaranteed. 

It may be a long period of time with many unknowns, but a 30–year mortgage provides you with many certainties:

• Lower monthly payments. Because your loan is stretched out over a 30–year term, you have more time to repay your loan, making your monthly payments more affordable and sustainable.
• Inflation protection.  In 30 years, virtually everything around you will cost twice as much as it does today, assuming a 2% inflation rate. Yet, your monthly mortgage payment (minus taxes and insurance) and interest rate will remain the same as the day you locked in your loan — guaranteed. This provides your family with a level of security and predictability that's hard to find in today's world.
• Flexibility. You can choose to pay–off your loan faster by adding to your monthly payments — without penalty in most cases.
• Easier to Qualify. With the more affordable monthly payments that come with the longer term, you may qualify more easily than loans with smaller terms.

For the fourth consecutive week, mortgage rates continued to climb as home buyers face higher borrowing costs.

“Mortgage rates are drifting upwards again and represent continued affordability challenges for prospective buyers—especially first-time buyers,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

30-Year Mortgage Rates Reach Highest Level Since May

With all the benefits that come with a 30–year fixed–rate mortgage, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

• You'll likely have a higher interest rate as the bank is taking a risk by locking you in at today's rates for three decades.
• Because of the longer term and higher rate, it will take you longer to build up equity and you'll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.  
• Your interest rate won't change if rates go down. Your rate is locked in and will remain the same for the duration of your term.

To ensure that you obtain the mortgage that's right for you, it's important that you talk with your lender. 

We realize the decision to Sell or Buy is a personal one that depends on your financial situation, future plans and lifestyle. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice.  CALL 801-809-9866 today. 

   

#RealEstateForSale #Mortgagerates #UtahRealEstate 

Negative Equity Falls Across the U.S.

As home prices continue to rise, homeowners are finding they’re 

sitting on record amounts of home equity. People have mostly been shy about tapping into that wealth—but a new survey Bankrate.com survey of 1,000 consumers shows they have plenty of reasons they may want to take out a loan to unlock it. 

Consumers’ “growing penchant toward debt might make it tempting to tap into their home’s value,” says Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst.

Nearly three quarters of homeowners recently surveyed say that home improvements or repairs are an acceptable reason to access the equity they have in their homes. In fact, more than half of those surveyed say that is the best reason to apply for a cash-out refinance loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Homeowner property values continued to increase in value this quarter with homeowners gaining an average of $16,200 in home equity wealth,” said Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic. “When aggregated across all homeowners, that totals almost $1 trillion in gains in home equity wealth.

This wealth gain will support additional consumption spending and home improvement expenditures in coming years.”

Survey respondents also cited other reasons they’d be tempted to use their home equity, including to consolidate debt (44 percent); pay for tuition or other educational expenses (31 percent); keep up with regular household bills (15 percent); and make other investments (12 percent). Nine percent of homeowners say they believe it would be a good idea to use home equity to purchase big-ticket items, such as appliances and furniture.

People with lower incomes were more likely than those who earn more to say it’s OK to tap into home equity to meet ordinary expenses, the survey found. Meanwhile, millennials seem more willing to tap into home equity than older generations, the survey found. Twenty-two percent of millennial respondents say that borrowing from home equity to pay day-to-day bills is a viable option, compared with 12 percent of members of older generations.

Many households may be overstretched financially, which could heighten the temptation to borrow. Forty-four percent of Americans say they could not cover a $400 emergency expense out of pocket, according to a recent Federal Reserve report.

“With the sorry state of emergency savings and increasing levels of consumer debt in a rising interest rate environment, it’s a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ more homeowners turn to home equity to fund home improvements and repairs, or consolidate debt,” McBride noted in the survey’s report.

Using equity to pay for home improvements that increase the value of your home can help rebuild any of the equity taken out, McBride says. The new tax law, that went into effect this year also allows homeowners to deduct the interest they pay on home equity loans and HELOCs if the proceeds are used to finance improvements that add significant home value.

Still, financial experts recommend caution for homeowners who are thinking of borrowing against their home equity, especially because using your home as collateral for a loan means you could lose it if you are unable to repay the lender.

“For a disciplined homeowner, using home equity to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate can be a savvy way to cut interest costs and accelerate debt repayment,” McBride says. “But for undisciplined homeowners, it ties up an asset that is put at further risk of foreclosure while the temptation to run up high-cost debt all over again proves difficult to resist.”

We realize the decision to Sell or Buy is a personal one that depends on your financial situation, future plans and lifestyle. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 

   

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate 

Housing Inventory and Increasing Construction

Most of these markets are in the West and Southwest, with the gains above mid-

2000s bubble, but plenty of other markets are still struggling to recover lost value.

In most of the nation’s largest markets, home values have more than recovered from the collapse of the housing market.

Housing starts were up in August, according to the latest Housing Starts Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the Survey, privately-owned housing starts in August were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,282,000, 9.2 percent above the revised July estimate of 1,174,000 and 9.4 percent above the August 2017 rate of 1,172,000.

The Census Bureau found that despite the increase in construction starts in August, now privately-owned building permits fell,  5.7 percent month over month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,229,000, and down 5.5 percent year over year from 1,300,000 in August 2017.

Despite this, First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming stated that the increase in starts is enough to indicate a strong market.

“The growth in housing starts is welcome news after two consecutive monthly declines,” .
“The continued year-over-year growth in completions means more homes on the market in the short-term, offering some immediate relief in alleviating housing supply shortages.”

What worries Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale is the increase in multifamily construction, leaving single-family construction behind.
“Although the jump in starts is good news for the overall economy because multi-family construction will boost GDP and provide jobs and incomes to the builders, the overwhelming majority of multi-family construction is built for rent.” 

“It will offer no relief to the inventory-starved home buying market and could exacerbate the trend of renting becoming more affordable than owning. Without entry-level single-family home construction, millennials will continue to lag behind other generations in their ownership rate and experience a delay in the wealth building that comes from homeownership.”

Selling or Buying doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 
  

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate 

Forget Price Per Square Foot:

The More Accurate Ways to Determine Your Home's Value, A home's 

price per square foot is a common way to quantify its value. Most real estate websites and flyers will include the price per square foot value in a listing.

Many home shoppers even use it as a determinant for whether or not they'll even consider touring a home.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the most accurate, end-all and be-all way to gauge a home’s value and compare it with other houses. Why? Because all homes are different. “Most of the time, when valuing property, there can be small to significant differences.”

“Price per square foot only accounts for one variable: size. There are so many other variables that can affect home value. What are those other variables? Let's discuss.

Why price per square foot isn’t a good gauge of value

Homes come in different styles, are built with different materials, come with different amenities, and exist in different locations. Each of these factors has a profound effect on a home's value and has nothing to do with size.

Price per square foot also doesn't take renovations into account. A completely refurbished kitchen will add value to a home without changing the overall square footage of the property. Therefore, two homes may be the exact same size, but can look completely different inside.

Better ways to determine a home’s value

Now that we've cleared up why price per square foot isn’t an accurate gauge of value, let’s go over three ways you can get a better idea of what your home is worth.

1. Comps in your area: “The best method to determine a home’s value is using the comparison approach. This is what real estate agents do when they’re figuring out pricing for a listing.”

Looking at comparables, or comps,in your area will give you the greatest read on a home's true value in that market.

When gauging your home’s value, first look for similar property styles in an area (for example, one-story ranch homes).

Once you have all the same property styles, look at the home’s specs. Figure out the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and garage spaces. Then, take into account upgrades and amenities.

“If the subject property is fully updated with a gourmet kitchen, all new windows, and new HVAC systems, then [price] adjustments must be made.” 

2. A comparable market analysis, or CMA: You can do the comps research yourself by looking up old listings or going to your city's public records office, but your best bet for getting accurate comps will be to seek out a professional’s help.

Gassett advises speaking with at least three real estate professionals to get a comparable market analysis, or CMA. A CMA is a real estate professional's analysis of recently sold homes in an area within a six- or 12-month period.

Gassett says a CMA chooses the most similar homes that take into account the following variables:

• Location
• Size
• Bedroom and bath counts
• Condition
• Amenities
• Lot

3. A home appraisal: An appraisal is another way to figure out your home’s true value.

Hiring an independent qualified appraiser gives you an unbiased opinion of market value.

“An appraiser that is designated from a highly regarded professional association such as the American Society of Appraisers is a good place to start.'  'ASA appraisers have gone through rigorous testing and requirements to become designated.'

An appraiser uses either a cost or comparison approach. The cost approach figures out the cost to replace or reproduce improvements made in a home, which will reverse a property’s deterioration. The appraiser collects that information and adds it to the value of the property. A comparison approach, meanwhile, is similar to a CMA. The difference is that it’s done by an appraiser rather than a real estate professional.

Selling or Buying doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 
   

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate 

Beautiful Traverse Mountain Home

Schedule your showing Today, This custom Traverse Mountain 

this home is unique find. Premium Mountain, Lake and Valley Views! Close to Parks, Tennis Courts, Community Swimming Pool, Shopping, Jogging Trails and new Soccer Field.

Large open floor plan includes: Hand Stained Brazilian Wood Floors, 2 Jetted Tubs, 2 Water Heaters, New Low E Double Pane Windows throughout, Granite Counter. Tops in Upstairs Kitchen, Main Floor Laundry plumbed for gas or or electric dryer. 

Stackable W/D in basement that is included, 9' Ceilings in bright open basement, and 2nd kitchen in basement that is plumbed for a stove, microwave & dishwasher.
Very Large Cold Storage Room in the basement that has built-in shelves. Master bath has jetted tub and very large separate shower.

Master Walk-In Closet has doorway to main floor laundry, window in upstairs family room is framed for a full door should you want to put a deck to the backyard.
Several features, too many to mention. This home has been used as Airbnb and is very accommodating. Bring your fussiest buyers! 

$419,900     Estimate Mortgage          4 Beds  3 Baths         3430Sq. Ft

Property: Active MLS#1545756  Type Single Family Style Rambler/Ranch Year Built 2004

 

  

 

Presented By Carriene Porter at Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice you need to Sell or Buy your home. If you prefer a more personal touch or to schedule your visit to this home or any other home, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 

Best Place to Live 2018

Housing Review of MONEY’s 2018 Best Places to Live

This year, realtor.com® continued its collaboration with MONEY Magazine to unearth America’s Best Places to Live.

The top 10 cities in the 2018 list again make for a relatively well-balanced set of markets with above average projected housing growth and relative affordability when compared to the national context.  

Here we review the housing markets in MONEY’s 2018 Top 10 Best Places to Live, diving deep into the top 10 and providing our take on their housing outlook.

We overlay realtor.com® housing insights to get a comprehensive view of current and future market conditions in these cities and their surrounding areas.

MONEY’s Top 10 Best Places to Live in the two key streams of housing growth and housing affordability, using proprietary housing indices. Here are the key highlights on the places combined:

• Strong economies and sustained home-buying demand point to a bright outlook and housing potential, and these markets should continue to attract new buyers and retain existing residents.
• And while shrinking affordability will be a recurring theme for homebuyers, they should still have opportunities to invest in these very livable communities.

Orem, Utah, dubs itself “Family City U.S.A.” Corny, perhaps — but valid. Located 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, the town features quality schools and day hikes easy enough for the little ones.

A modest cost of living enables residents to stash money away for the college fund.

Speaking of which, parents can keep their kids close at a couple of universities nearby: Utah Valley University or Brigham Young University, a private school affiliated with the Mormon Church.

Throw No Stones at This Famous Utah Glass House, on the Market for $950K

                   

   Glass house in the mountains               Great room and kitchen                  

Getting ready to Sell or Buy doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice you need to Sell or Buy your home. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 

 #RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate

 

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Myth vs. Fact: Manufactured Homes

When you think of manufactured housing, the words 'modern', 

'sustainable', and 'energy–efficient' probably don't come to mind. 

However, today's manufactured homes often feature modern, high–quality design options and custom home features comparable to site–built homes.

Floor plans range from basic to elaborate, with vaulted or tray ceilings, fully–equipped, state of–the–art kitchens, and walk–in closets.

In fact, it's getting harder to tell the difference between a factory–built and a site–built home.

Except that the average price of a new manufactured home is $71,600 versus $372,900 for a new site–built home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Here are five prevalent manufactured housing myths and the facts that debunk them.

Myth: They're less expensive because they're made with cheap materials.

Fact: Manufactured homes are made with the same standard building materials as site–built homes. These homes are more affordable because of efficiencies in the factory–building process and not because of inferior materials.

Myth: They're trailers.

Fact: Manufactured homes are not trailers. They're built in a factory and must meet or exceed the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (HUD Code.) They're secured on a permanent, nonremovable steel frame (chassis) and can be titled as real or personal property, whereas 'trailers' or 'mobile homes' are built on wheels that can be pulled by a vehicle.

Myth: They're unsafe.

Fact: Manufactured homes are built entirely in a factory under controlled conditions and inspected per HUD's safety standards for design and construction, strength and durability, transportability, fire resistance, heating, plumbing, air–conditioning, thermal and electrical systems and overall home quality.

Myth: They're more vulnerable to storm, hurricane and tornado damage.

Fact: Having the HUD code seal of approval ensures that a manufactured home meets regional standards for roof load, wind resistance, thermal efficiency, safety and durability.

Myth: You're confined to living in a trailer park.

Fact: Actually, you can install your manufactured home on vacant land that you own or lease land or in a manufactured housing community (MHC). Many MHCs offer security, amenities, neighbors and a sense of community.

Through the Duty to Serve initiative, we're working with borrowers, lenders, nonprofit housing organizations and other industry stakeholders to change these old perceptions about manufactured housing by evolving it. When done responsibly, manufactured housing serves a critical need in this country for affordable housing.

We’re expanding financing for manufactured homes: Our SmartMH program with Freddie Mac is bringing together leaders in the manufactured housing industry, lenders and housing counselors to foster better educated, mortgage-ready homebuyers.

Selling or Buying doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice you need to Sell or Buy your home. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 
   

#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate 

Buyers Seek Financing Before Showings

As Mortgage Rates Continue Steady Climb, The first step buyers 

most often take in their home shopping pursuit is to check up on financing and to make sure they can even afford a home, according to a new survey of 1,000 recent buyers.

The majority of these customers—nearly 74 percent—sought financing first in their home buying journey before looking at homes. For first-time buyers, that percentage jumps to 85 percent.

Home buyers reported more anxiety about the housing market and the tight inventories of homes for sale. Nearly 67 percent reported that finding the right home was not easy, followed by stresses over coordinating paperwork and the overall home loan experience.

Buyers described the home buying process most commonly as “time consuming” and “challenging.” Further, the time it takes to secure a mortgage was listed as a top stressor among the majority of buyers surveyed.

Mortgage Rates Hit 6-Week High With Housing Market at a Crossroad, Mortgage rates have risen for the third week in a row, according to the Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac. 

According to the Survey, mortgage rates hit a high “not seen in over a month” last week.

According to Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater, these high mortgage rates, the highest since August 2, are due to a “one-two punch” from strong job and consumer credit growth.

“Mortgage rates are currently 0.82 percent higher than a year ago, which is the biggest year-over-year increase since May 2014.

However, mortgage rates will likely also move up, as the Federal Reserve considers short-term rate hikes this month and at future meetings.”

According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for Realtor.com, commented on Freddie mac’s data, noting that increasing rates may impact price growth.

“Looking forward, increasing mortgage rates will continue to erode home buying power and will undoubtedly contribute to a further slowdown in price growth,” said Hale.

“We have already seen a tapering in August which saw a 7 percent increase in median listing prices, down from 10 percent a year ago.”

Ok, so how do I get my dream home?

•  See how much home I can afford
•  Get pre-approval by a lender
•  View current mortgage rates

Getting a ready to sell or buy, doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. We realize the decision to Sell or Buy is a personal one that depends on your financial situation, future plans and lifestyle. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice you need to sell or buy your home. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today. 

#Homeownership #Mortgage #SaltLakeCityRealEstate

The New Mortgage Kings

More buyers are bypassing big, established banks and turning to a 

growing subset of specialized lenders to obtain amortgage. 

Last year, a “nonbank” called Freedom Mortgage originated $51.1 billion in home loans, more than Citigroup Inc. and Bank of America Corp., according to research from business news publication Inside Mortgage Finance.

Freedom has risen from being the 78th largest mortgage lender in the U.S. in 2012 to the 11th largest today.

Nonbanks have re-emerged since the last housing crisis and are taking more business from traditional banks, now accounting for 52 percent of U.S. mortgage originations—up from 9 percent in 2009—according to Inside Mortgage Finance.

Six of the 10 largest U.S. mortgage lenders today are nonbanks.

Larger banks have been pulling away from the general mortgage market and have placed a greater focus on consumers with more financial stability. Nonbanks tend to focus on serving first-time buyers and moderate-income families.

Nonbanks also tend to take short-term loans from other banks to fund their lending, and some industry analysts are concerned that these entities could overextend themselves—as many did a few years ago. “As long as the good times roll on, it’s fine,” Ed Pinto, co-director of the Center on Housing Markets and Finance at the American Enterprise Institute, told The Wall Street Journal.

“But all I can say is, we’re in a boom, and you cannot keep going up like this forever.”

Quicken Loans has emerged as the largest nonbank. The top mortgage lenders, by originations, for the first half of 2018 are:


Since the crisis, banks have pulled away from mass-market mortgages to focus on wealthier consumers.

Today, nonbanks like Freedomoften represent the only route for first-time buyers and moderate-income families to get a mortgage.

Post crisis regulations curb bank and nonbank lenders alike from making the “liar loans” that wiped out many lenders and forced a wave of foreclosures during the crisis.

What worries some industry participants is that little has changed about nonbank lenders’ structure.
While consumer advocates have voiced criticism of Freedom, some also say the company plays an important role in offering loans to minorities and moderate-income borrowers.

“They work directly with the clients to make sure that what they’re offering matches the clients’ needs,” said Andrea Haughton, director of homeownership at the nonprofit Community Housing Innovations, “while a lot of mortgage lenders just offer a product.” 

Selling or Buying doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, but it’s one where details really matter. When you’re working with real estate professional Carriene Porter of Precision Realty & Associates, you’re guaranteed to get the expertise and advice you need to Sell or Buy your home. If you prefer a more personal touch, CALL 801-809-9866 today.  


#RealEstateForSale #Homeownership #UtahRealEstate #Mortgages

Source: Realtor.com