Kalleen Foster's Real Estate Blog | Ogden UT | Roy UT | Homes for Sale, Buying a House, Selling a House, Real Estate Market

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Kalleen Foster
REALTOR®
    Years of Experience: 6

    Weber State University, BS, Business Management
    GRI-Graduate Realtor Institute
    SFR - Short Sale Foreclosure Resource

Direct: (801) 589-2220



Company Info

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
2225 Washington Blvd #100
Ogden, UT 84401


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Great Time to Sell in Top of Utah

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Local Housing Market in the Top of Utah

Homes in Weber, Davis & Morgan counties have had declining prices and shrinking inventory.  This has been reported from the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors comparing data for April 2011 & 2010.  The drop in prices is because of bank foreclosures and sellers who are increasingly motivated to engage in short sales and are willing to negotiate with buyers in the soft housing market.  The prices may be down, but these counties have fewer homes to choose from.  In Davis County, home sales were down 19.9 percent in April and inventory was down 32.7 percent in Morgan County. Homes were also on the market 38 percent longer in Davis County and 14.4 percent longer in Weber County in April.

The availability of a federal tax break makes Northern Utah a home buyer’s market.  For example, a home owner would pay taxes on $45,000 of income, if a homeowner makes $50,000 a year and pays $5,000 in mortgage interest. The national mortgage interest rate has been lowered to 5.11 percent on a 30-year fixed mortgage also is a great benefit to buyers. Also new home construction is starting progress now that the weather is getting better.

Memories of the Home You Loved?

Monday, January 31st, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYNM6SjD_o

“Songwriter Tom Douglas caputres the meaning of home through a sweetly powerful tune that was named the Country Music Association’s song of the year last November” (REALTOR Magazine, Feb 2011, pg 40).

I hope you enjoyed this song about home…I sure did!  First-time home buyers, would you like to give your children the same memories? Contact me and together we can make your dream become a reality.

Darling and Better Than New Construction

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

 

Looking to buy a home in Ogden, UT?  Check this home out.

Built in 2007, it is better than new construction.

  • Granite countertops
  • Tile and hardwood floors
  • Fully fenced and landscaped with automatic sprinklers
  • Oversized garage
  • Basement framed and ready to finish
  • Central Vacuum

 

This home is the total package–ready to move in and enjoy the summer.

Enjoy the Virtual Tour:   http://tour.circlepix.com/videotour/JGWLYK

With interest rates at a 30 year low, this home will fit in your budget.  It’s priced at $215,000 and has 2778 Sq Ft, three bedrooms and two baths. 

Considering buying a home in Ogden, UT?  It’s located at 111 S Pingree.

Home Improvements in the Ogden Area

Friday, November 6th, 2009

How do you feel about home improvements?  I feel it is a talent.  Some of us possess the desire and knack and others don’t.

I subscribe to Pillar To Post and they send me ePostnotes from their site.  Yesterday I posted their article about furnaces.  I hope you find it is beneficial.  It was for me.

In mid October, their article was “Repairs and Upgrades: How much will they cost?” It gave the cost of a kitchen remodel, floors, decks, security systems, and doorbell systems as well as hardwired smoke detectors.  If you go to their site and can’t find the information, please let me know and I will email the article to you.  Here is their link: www.pillartopost.

While you are there, you may sign up for ePostnotes and get these helpful hints about every two weeks.

So, if you aren’t the home improvemet type, at least you may know where to go and how much it could cost!
 

Good News! Tax Credit Extended to Buy a Home in the Ogden Area

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Have you wanted to make that home purchase but you have been hesitant?  Good news!

Today the Senate settled on extending the $8000 Tax Credit for first-time homebuyers to June 30, 2010 and added a $6500 Tax Credit for existing homeowners. This is tentative until the government releases documents with all the find print.

This is exciting and good news.  The $8K which was to expire on Nov. 30th, next month, will be expanded to include contracts finalized by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.

For you homeowners who have wanted to move up or just change neighborhoods, the incentive is here with the $6500 tax credit. 

I know in my own neck of the woods, lots are availabe and new homes are being built.  Perhaps now is the time for an existing homeowner to build the home they want.

Or if you are an empty nester and want to get that one level home you have been thinking about, perhaps this is an incentive to make the move. 

Or if you have outgrown that starter home, perhaps this is the time to expand.

And if your kids are looking to buy for the first time, time has not run out yet.

And perhaps you just want to sell because you know more buyers will be interested because of the tax incentives.

Or maybe you, or someone you know, would like to relocate.  This tax credit would also benefit relocating elsewhere.

This is great news!  Whatever your motivation, just let me know.  I would love to help you:) Happy day!!!

What Steps Should You Take to Buy a Home in the Ogden Area?

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Wondering how to take advantage of low interest rates and amazing prices of homes in the area? If you want to be in by Christmas, the buying process takes about 30 to 45 days (minimum) if you are prepared and find a home today to purchase. The following will help you get started.

Check your credit report and make sure it is accurate.  Lenders use credit reports to lock in home loans and determine the lowest interest rates.

Gather your paperwork–verification of employment, copies of any assets (retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, etc.), copy of social security card, and two of the most recent of the following:  pay check stubs, bank statements, and W2 forms.  If you are self-employed, last year’s tax return will be needed. A co-applicant will need all of these too.

Do your homework and determine the most favorable mortgage rate and terms.  Select a lender and get pre-approved.  This serves two purposes.  You will know how much of a mortgage you can afford and it will determine the price range of homes you will be able to choose from.

Next, select a good agent. An agent can show you properties and when you find one you like, can negotiate the best price for you. A realtor will be able to help you step by step through the buying process and eliminate a great deal of stress. 

When you meet with a realtor, know what you want.  This might take some time. Brainstorm what you desire, eliminate one by one wants/needs and then determine what items are most important. This will be valuable information to share with the agent.

This is a synopsis of the preparation process and once you and your realtor find the home you like and an offer is made, your realtor will take it from there.

Home for Sale in Ogden

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

I just listed a nice home in Ogden with a brick decorative fence around it.  One of the nice features of this home is the fence which also has a locked gate. This fence makes going home at the end of the day a place to feel safe.

There are several reasons for a fence.  First, it adds privacy to the backyard. It is always nice to  go outside in your own yard and not be viewed by others if the fence is a non see- through kind.  Sometimes plants and trees can line see-through fences to give more privacy.

Second, it is a safety feature for kids and pets–a place where they can play and have fun in a secure environment.

And third, it’s another safety issue because burglars and thieves tend to avoid homes with fences and locked gates.   

Fences can add value and charm to a home and there are all kinds of fences for your budget and tastes.  Many fencing options are both attractive and secure. Improving your home with a fence might be somthing to consider if you would like security and safety above and beyond what you presently have. 

A photo of this home and it’s “fence” will follow in another blog.

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