“I installed a skylight in my apartment … the people who lived upstairs were furious!”  

 Steven Wright

* Make sure the contractor you choose is licensed and in good standing.

* Find homeowners who have completed projects like the one you are

   planning and ask questions

   *  Was the homeowner not only satisfied but happy with the job?

   *  Were the contractor and the employees neat and orderly as they

       worked?

   *  How accurate and complete was the submitted budget?

   *  Was the contractor available, easy to deal with, and on time?

   *  Would the homeowner recommend or use the contractor again?

   *  Have there been problems since the work was completed and how

       were they resolved?

Please contact me for your real estate needs and questions.

Winter Wonderland

With the snow we’ve had an influx of skiers and snowboarders. One woman, in the check-out lane at the grocery, said her trip was 27 hours because of a delay getting out of Canada. Even after the long trip she was happy to finally arrive and anxious to get out in the snow.      

I have people from around the country ask me about the market here. The real estate market is still moving and not only with short sale properties. Right now is a good time to buy with the tax credit extended to first time buyers and current  homeowners.

First time homebuyers get until April 30 to sign for a new home and get up to an $8,000 tax credit. Repeat buyers who have owned their current home at least 5 years get $6500. Military deadline is extended with restrictions. Income limits for for full credit for individuals is $125k, joint $225k and partial credit for individuals is $145k and joint filers $245k.

Second Quarter statistics in housing prices are in for Utah and individual counties. Salt Lake County’s overall drop in median sales price is down 7.6%, which is far lower than Utah’s overall drop of 13.7%. Salt Lake County and it’s bordering counties are the place to be.

With the drop in rates late last week came a drop in temperatures here. Both are good things; one for the economic environment, and the other for a beautiful change in our local environment. The mountainsides are filling in with color right now.

Remember the tax credit will end at the end of next month, so if you’ve been thinking about buying a home it’s time to get off the fence and make the decision.

Autumn's approaching

I was driving from Highland to Draper yesterday and couldn’t resist taking this photo of the changing colors. Another change from the last blog, FHA condominium approval deadline has changed from October to November. And, for the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Grant, close of escrow must occur on or before November 30, 2009 and meet other eligibility requirements.

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FHA financing for condominiums is changing October 1, 2009. If a development is currently  FHA-approved  it will have to be approved again and will need recertification every two years after that.  If you’re thinking about buying or selling a condo with an FHA loan, act quickly or be prepared for a potentially long delay whilst the approval is in process.

Mt. Timpanogas Cave

We moved to Salt Lake City seven years ago from California. Before that we lived in Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio. If asked to choose a favorite of all the places I’ve lived, it has always been the place I’m currently in.  I’ve enjoyed exploring each city. In Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, the hiking and biking trails are great for all ages and skill levels.  The scenery is varied depending on where you are.  Northern Utah County also has Utah Lake,  Mount Timpanogas cave and biking and hiking trails.    Are you considering a move to Utah?  Feel free to post any questions or positive comments.