Prudential Utah News

When Snow Removal from Your Roof is Necessary, Plus Safety Tips

2012-01-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

When Snow Removal from Your Roof is Necessary, Plus Safety Tips
Snow removal from roofs is rarely necessary, but when it is, it’s a dangerous job. Tips and advice about what to do when your roof is loaded with snow. Read

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Create a Home Inventory for Insurance

2012-01-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Create a Home Inventory for Insurance
Create a home inventory before disaster strikes to make filing an insurance claim a smoother process. Read

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Burned Out on CFLs? We Address the Real Issues and Solutions

2012-01-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Burned Out on CFLs? We Address the Real Issues and Solutions
If you’re having trouble with CFLs, you’re not alone by a long shot. We chatted with an expert about the issues, how you can use CFLs successfully, and your alternatives. Read

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Hot Trends for Bathroom Remodeling in 2012

2012-01-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hot Trends for Bathroom Remodeling in 2012
From toilets that double as sound systems to water-conserving spa experiences, here’s what’s trendy for bathroom improvements for 2012. Read

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Tax Rules Encourage Short Sales Sooner, Rather than Later

2012-01-18T08:15:00.001-08:00

Tax Rules Encourage Short Sales Sooner, Rather than Later
Tax rules that let you escape paying federal income tax after a short sale expire this year. Read

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Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat?

2012-01-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Is Your Kitchen Making You Fat?
When it comes to weight gain, we blame our genes, our metabolism, and wrong foods that taste so right. But maybe our kitchens are to blame. Here’s why. Read

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On the 12th Day of Christmas ... A Helping Hand

2011-12-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

On the 12th Day of Christmas ... A Helping Hand
This Christmas, make more joyful noise than twelve drummers drumming when you lend a helping hand to someone you care about. Read

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On the 11th Day of Christmas ... Cleaning Out Behind the Fridge

2011-12-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

On the 11th Day of Christmas ... Cleaning Out Behind the Fridge
This Christmas, the best gift doesn’t cost much at all: Helping out a neighbor or family member with a much-needed home maintenance task is better than eleven pipers piping! Read

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On the 10th Day of Christmas ... Water Heater Maintenance

2011-12-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

On the 10th Day of Christmas ... Water Heater Maintenance
This Christmas, help out a neighbor or family member with a much-needed maintenance task. It won’t cost much, and it beats trying to come up with ten lords-a-leaping! Read

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On the 9th Day of Christmas ... Repair and Replace Worn Trim and Molding

2011-12-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

On the 9th Day of Christmas ... Repair and Replace Worn Trim and Molding
Fixing up the house of a special friend or neighbor who needs a helping hand is a Christmas gift that shows you care. It doesn’t cost much, and it’s easier than giving nine ladies dancing. Read

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The 12 Days of Christmas - Home Repair and Maintenance Version

2011-12-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

On the First Day of Christmas ... New Filters for Their HVAC
On the 2nd Day of Christmas ... Repair Countertop Scratches
On the 3rd Day of Christmas ... New Low-Flow Shower Heads
On the 4th Day of Christmas ... Fix Interior Doors
On the 5th Day of Christmas ... Repair Drywall
On the 6th Day of Christmas ... Repair Sagging Rain Gutters
On the 7th Day of Christmas ... Seal Air Leaks at Windows and Doors
On the 8th Day of Christmas ... Shiny New Cabinet Hardware

On the 9th Day of Christmas ... Repair and Replace Worn Trim and Molding

On the 10th Day of Christmas ... Water Heater Maintenance

On the 11th Day of Christmas ... Cleaning Out Behind the Fridge

On the 12th Day of Christmas ... A Helping Hand

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On the 8th Day of Christmas ... Shiny New Cabinet Hardware

2011-12-21T08:37:00.001-08:00

On the 8th Day of Christmas ... Shiny New Cabinet Hardware
Looking for a meaningful Christmas present for a special friend or family member? Fixing up the house of someone who needs a helping hand makes a terrific gift. It doesn’t cost much, but your generosity will have a lasting impact. Read

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On the 7th Day of Christmas ... Seal Air Leaks at Windows and Doors

2011-12-21T08:35:00.000-08:00

On the 7th Day of Christmas ... Seal Air Leaks at Windows and Doors
When you help repair the house of a family member, friend, or neighbor in need of a helping hand, you’re truly giving in the spirit of Christmas. Simple fix-ups don’t have a lot of out-of-pocket expense, and the good will lasts forever. Read

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On the 6th Day of Christmas ... Repair Sagging Rain Gutters

2011-12-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

On the 6th Day of Christmas ... Repair Sagging Rain Gutters
If you’d like to play Santa this Christmas but are keeping an eye on your budget, save your cash. Instead, spend some time and energy repairing the house of a family member, friend, or neighbor in need of a helping hand. It’s the true spirit of the holiday! Read

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On the 5th Day of Christmas ... Repair Drywall

2011-12-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

On the 5th Day of Christmas ... Repair Drywall
Devote a little time and energy to fixing up the house of a friend or family member, and you’ll be giving the true spirit of Christmas. It doesn’t cost much to offer a helping hand (even if you’re all thumbs), and you’ll brighten everyone’s holiday — especially your own. Read

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On the 4th Day of Christmas ... Fix Interior Doors

2011-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

On the 4th Day of Christmas ... Fix Interior Doors
Give a great gift this Christmas by devoting some time and energy to fixing up the house of a friend or family member who could use your helping hand. It won’t cost much — in fact, it’s way cheaper than five golden rings. Read

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On the 3rd Day of Christmas ... New Low-Flow Shower Heads

2011-12-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

On the 3rd Day of Christmas ... New Low-Flow Shower Heads
This Christmas, give someone you care about a little bit of your time — a helping hand with a home improvement or maintenance task is truly the spirit of the season. It won’t cost much, and it beats eleven pipers piping. Read

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On the 2nd Day of Christmas ... Repair Countertop Scratches

2011-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

On the 2nd Day of Christmas ... Repair Countertop Scratches
A home improvement or maintenance helping hand is a meaningful gift that really shows you care. It doesn’t cost much, and it’s so much easier to give than 10 lords a-leaping. Read

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On the First Day of Christmas ... New Filters for Their HVAC

2011-12-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

On the First Day of Christmas ... New Filters for Their HVAC
If you can’t conjure up maids a-milking or swans a-swimming as Christmas presents for those near and dear, give an inexpensive gift they’re sure to love — yourself, and a home improvement or maintenance helping hand. Read

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How to Make Your Gingerbread House As Solid as a Real House

2011-12-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

How to Make Your Gingerbread House As Solid as a Real House
Holiday gingerbread houses need maintenance and improvement, too. We’ve collected some fix-up tips from chefs who bake fantastic gingerbread houses for a living. Read

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October 2011 Utah County Housing Statistics

2011-12-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

For the fifth straight month closed home sales have posted at double digit gain over the prior year. October put us at 16.8% over 2010 closed sales, pushing our year to date at 366 more sales than last year, an 8.8% increase. This trend should continue as pending sales posted a sixth straight month of double digit increase, sitting at 19.1% this October compared to last and YTD we are up 12.6%.

Inventory and new listings continue to decline. October new listings were down 15.3% and YTD we are down 14.5%. This has pushed our total inventory down 18.8% and our months supply of inventory is also down substantially to 8.0 months, a 24.0% decrease from last year at this same time.

Bruce Tucker Shaves His Head!

2011-12-06T12:56:00.001-08:00

What happens when Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate's principal broker/owner challenges his agents to increase their 4th Quarter production over 2010's numbers?
They rise to the challenge and exceed his expectation of a 10% increase by beating 2010 listings by 43% and under contracts by 38%.
This is especially exciting when you consider that listings in Utah County are down 14.5%!
Huge congratulations to all of the Prudential agents who made this happen!

True to his word, Bruce Tucker had his head shaved in sales meeting today!

How to Mulch Leaves: Cheap Mulch for Your Landscaping

2011-12-01T07:43:00.001-08:00

How to Mulch Leaves: Cheap Mulch for Your Landscaping
Don’t toss out those fallen leaves you’ve spent weekends raking and blowing. Autumn leaves make low-cost mulch and fertilizer to protect and feed your landscaping all winter. Read

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Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety

2011-11-28T07:42:00.001-08:00

Chimney Maintenance for Warmth and Safety
Chimney maintenance and a fireplace inspection can make the difference between warm safety and drafty danger. Read

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Why Lose Time Waiting for the Cable Guy? 5 Ways to Take Back That Time

2011-11-21T09:39:00.001-08:00

Why Lose Time Waiting for the Cable Guy? 5 Ways to Take Back That Time
Americans waste almost five hours a year waiting for service people to show up. Use that time wisely by tackling these home maintenance tasks. Read

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LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips

2011-11-18T08:55:00.001-08:00

LED Holiday Lights: 6 Need-to-Know Tips
LED holiday lights vs. old-fashioned bulbs: 6 tips to help you decide which is right for you. Read

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Tips on How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

2011-11-18T08:50:00.001-08:00

Tips on How To Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests
Is your home ready for holiday visits from friends and family? Here’s how to prepare for the invasion. Read

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2011 NAR Strategic Planning Committee Focus Group Reports

2011-11-17T15:08:00.001-08:00

To help with the 2011 NAR Strategic Plan, focus groups were conducted with both REALTORS® and with consumers. The focus groups were conducted in Jacksonville, FL; Chicago, IL; Salt Lake City, UT; Memphis, TN; and Pittsburgh, PA. The groups were led by a professional facilitator with an observer from NAR behind the one-way mirror. Here are the reports:

2011 NAR Strategic Planning Committee Focus Group Reports

Radically Practical Meets Practically Radical

2011-11-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

Some of the most enjoyable sessions I attend at NAR Annual Conference are the EES or Entrepreneurial Excellence Sessions. This year has been no exception as we had the opportunity to listen to William Taylor, the co-founder of the cutting edge magazine Fast Company.

William started off his presentation with an example of an industry that, like real estate, has been struggling for the last several years – the airline industry. In the last decade this industry’s combined losses have totaled more than $60 Million! Yet despite this difficult environment, one airline has risen above the rest to be profitable and successful while others have failed. That airline is Southwest. Everything Southwest does is different and unique in a field where most are indistinguishable from one another.

Taylor’s message was simple, you have to differentiate yourself, much like Southwest Airlines has, to be successful in both good and bad economies. Here are just a few of his top quotes from the session:

“Being able to clearly and succinctly verbalize your value proposition will make all the difference in your business.”

“Being in the middle of the road means you are on the road to nowhere.”

“STOP asking what keeps you up at night and start asking what gets you up in the morning.”

“Think differently! Your brand is your culture, your culture is your brand.”

“Business today isn’t about price, commission, etc It’s about making everything more memorable for your customers.”

“Brand of the future will offer something that is hard to come by, be committed to a big idea, & intensely human.”

“The job of leadership is to help your organization see the opportunities to do things differently.”

“You can’t let what you know limit what you can imagine.”

“Tap into the hidden and collective genius of your customers and colleagues.”

It was a great session and really got me thinking about how important it is to be different than my competitors. Would love to hear some of your thoughts on doing thing differently and incorporating some of William Taylor’s ideas into your business.

Utah's Housing Affordability Index Reaches Record High

2011-11-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

While some would have you believe that the sky is falling when it comes to real estate, Chicken Little is actually craning his neck because the housing affordability index is so high!

Since 1970 the National Association of REALTORS has been tracking this index. Earlier this year we reached the all time record high for this index! As of September, 2011, Utah’s index is at 168!

The index is designed to show the relationship between the median income and the median home price, it also takes into consideration the current interest rate. To put it more simply the index represents the percentage of the median income needed to purchase a median price home. In other words, in Utah right now, a family earning a median income makes 168% of what is required to purchase a median priced home.

Why is this important? Well first off it’s good news in the sense that more people can afford to be homeowners. This is especially important when you consider that current studies are showing that it’s more expensive to rent than to own! Secondly, if a median income family wants to buy a median priced home they will be spending less per month on that home than they would have just a few short years ago!

With decreasing inventories, home prices stabilizing, and interest rates at historic lows, coupled with this record high Housing Affordability Index; it really is a great time to buy a home!

Why Renters are the Next Mortgage Crisis

2011-10-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

Why Renters are the Next Mortgage Crisis
If you’ve been wondering if you should be renting rather than owning, consider this expert’s view. Read

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September 2011 Utah County Housing Statistics

2011-10-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

For the fourth straight month closed home sales have posted at double digit gain over the prior year. September put us at 19.0% over 2010 closed sales, pushing our year to date at 288 more sales than last year, a 7.6% increase. This trend should continue as pending sales posted a fifth straight month of double digit increase, sitting at 35.6% this September compared to last and YTD we are up 12.7%.

Inventory and new listings continue to decline. September new listings were down 7.5% and YTD we are down 14.5%. This has pushed our total inventory down 19.8% and our months supply of inventory is also down substantially to 8.3 months, a 21.6% decrease from last year at this same time.

Home Affordable Refinance Program Offers Hope, But More Must Be Done for Home Owners

2011-10-28T08:45:00.001-07:00

Obama’s Plan Offers Hope, But More Must Be Done for Home Owners
Obama’s proposal to help home owners with mortgages underwater gives hope. But more needs to be done to turn housing — and the economy — around. Read

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Mortgage Refinance: You Have to Think Long-Term

2011-10-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mortgage Refinance: You Have to Think Long-Term
When it comes to a mortgage refinance, it’s less about how much you’ll spend and more about how long you’ll stay. Read

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8 Solutions to Common Wet Basement Problems

2011-10-24T10:38:00.000-07:00

8 Solutions to Common Wet-Basement Problems
Solving wet-basement problems is one of the most important things you can do to protect the value of your home and health of your family. Read

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Fall Lawn Care: 4 Ways to Say G'Night for the Winter

2011-10-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

Fall Lawn Care: 4 Ways to Say G’Night For The Winter

Labor Day through Halloween is your window for preparing lawns for a lush spring. Read

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Free Tool to Create Listing Presentations on Your iPad

2011-10-10T12:33:00.001-07:00

As a REALTOR® it’s really cool when you can whip out your iPad and give a listing presentation to a client. Up until now you had to create these in a Power Point or Keynote format, and to make them look cool you had to have some serious skills in either of these programs. Well, over the weekend I stumbled across this cool new app for the iPad calledClefit.

Clefit [clef - it] is the first simple and straightforward app to ever make building and sharing professional quality interactive media easy from your tablet device. It’s easy to use with simple drag and drop features. Heck, it’s on the iPad so they had to make it easy to create cool presentations with just your fingers! Check out their promo video:

It is available in the App Store and is currently FREE – hurry and snag it before they realize they should be charging for this thing!

9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

Here are a few surprising and simple ways to cut your energy bill this season. Read

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Four Leaf Removal Tools to Clean Up Fall Debris

2011-10-04T11:01:00.001-07:00

4 Leaf Removal Tools that Clear Yards of Fall Debris

Just for fun, take an inventory of all the leaf removal tools cluttering your garage. Read

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How To Conduct Your Own Energy Audit

2011-10-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Conduct Your Own Energy Audit

A do-it-yourself energy audit can teach you how to be more energy efficient and make you a more-educated consumer should you decide to hire an expert. Read

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August 2011 Utah County Housing Statistics

2011-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

For the third straight month closed home sales have posted at double digit gain over the prior year. August put us at 27.0% over 2010 closed sales, pushing our year to date at 199 more sales than last year, a 5.8% increase. This trend should continue as pending sales posted a fourth straight month of double digit increase, sitting at 34.1% this August compared to last and YTD we are up 11.5%.

Inventory and new listings continue to decline. August listings were down 16.4% and YTD we are down 15.3%. This has pushed our total inventory down 20.1% and our months supply of inventory is also down substantially to 8.7 months, a 18.9% decrease from last year at this same time.

Understanding Credit Scores

2011-09-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it can feel like buying a home is just out of reach. One of the biggest factors that prevent home ownership is your credit score.

That 3 digit number can either help you get the best rate possible or completely push home ownership out of the picture.

But the mystery is how does your credit score actually work?

Well, the fine folks at SpendOnLife.com have put together this great chart to help you understand the mystery that is the credit score!

Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate Home Tour

2011-09-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Each week the amazing agents at Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate go out and tour the newest listings to hit the market. So we tagged along to find out why home tour is important for buyers, sellers and for the agents!

More Great Utah Housing Market News!

2011-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

The first piece of good news comes from Fiserv, the creator of the Case-Shiller Indexes. The company recently said housing prices are projected to rise in all Utah metro areas by the beginning of 2013. The analysis is part of a forecast for more than three hundred eighty metro areas.

By the first quarter of 2013, Fiserv says home prices should be up eight-and-a-half percent in Ogden-Clearfield, more than five percent in Salt Lake, more than five percent in St. George, nearly five percent in Logan and around one percent in Provo-Orem.

Fiserv says prices will dip further in 2011 with modest appreciation in 2012. Between 2012 and 2013, more than ninety-five percent of all U.S. metro areas will have seen prices rise.

The forecast is based on the Fiserv Case-Shiller Indexes, with data supplemented from the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Fiserv and Moody’s Analytics created the forecasts, which were published in early August.

The second highlight comes from CNN Money’s “Best Places to Live” list. Five Utah cities were on the list that evaluated “America’s best small towns.” The top Utah town was Farmington, coming in at number twelve. The Davis County town got top marks for affordable homes, low taxes, job opportunities, a small-town atmosphere and financial soundness.

Other Utah cities that did well were number twenty-three North Salt Lake, number sixty-three North Logan, number eighty-one Lindon and number eighty-five Draper.

With five cities on the list, Utah had the highest number of best places, along with twelve other states. No state had more than five cities on the list, and many states did not have any towns featured.

The final highlight is Salt Lake City’s recognition by Inman News as one of the top markets for real estate agents. Utah’s capital recently ranked number four on the group’s list of metros where real estate professionals are doing comparatively well. The report looked at sales, median prices, real estate licensee data and Realtor membership counts for its analysis.

More great news… check out utahREpro aka Chris Nichols on ABC 4 News this week:

And don’t forget the latest in statistics for Utah County and Utah State!

Staging Your Home for a Quick Sale

2011-09-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we were out with a buyer looking at homes, when we stumbled across what can only be described as a “perfectly staged” home. This home stood out so incredibly well, we were almost embarrassed for all of the other homes we saw that day. And you know what? The buyer took notice!

The days of throwing a sign up and having competing offers come flying in on the first day a home is listed are gone. It’s competitive out there, and to win, you HAVE to stand out amongst all the other homes that buyers are visiting. It’s kind of like a first date, you wouldn’t throw on some sweats and run out the door… would you?

So here are some great, quick and easy tips to make your home shine to potential buyers:

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.
Remove all appliances and containers kept on your counters. Clear counters make the kitchen appear cleaner and larger.
Clean the burners and oven. Clean the ventilating hood and replace the filter.
Put up bright, new window treatments. Repair or replace worn flooring and loose tiles.

Appliances

To rid yellowing, mix together 1/2 cup bleach, 1/2 cup baking soda and 4 cups warm water. Apply with a sponge and let set 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Instead of commercial waxes, shine with rubbing alcohol.
Use club soda for quick cleanups. It cleans and polishes at the same time.

Oven

An inexpensive overnight oven cleaner: Set oven on “warm” for 20 minutes; then turn off. Put a small dish of ammonia on the top shelf, a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf, and close the oven. Next morning, air out the oven and wash off even hard, baked-on grease with ease.

Grease-Clogged Drains

Pour in a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda, followed by a kettle of boiling water.
Coffee grounds are a no-no! Put them in the trash.

Refrigerator

A box of baking soda absorbs odors.
A little vanilla on a paper towel or cotton ball to import a clean, sweet smell.

Sinks

To really whiten a porcelain sink, spread paper towels in the bottom and saturate with bleach for an hour or so.
Remove water spots from stainless steel with rubbing alcohol or with vinegar on a sponge.
Club soda will shine up stainless steel in a jiffy (bartenders trick).

Bathrooms

Bathrooms help sell homes. Make sure this room looks and smells sanitized. The sink, handles, and toilet bowl should sparkle. Remove all stains using commercial cleaners. If you cannot get rid of the stains buy a new toilet or sink.
Repair dripping faucets and running toilets. If the sink or tub drains slowly, unclog it.
Hang clean and matching towels. Inexpensive bath room sets, which include rugs and a tank set, add charm and appeal.
Scrub the shower curtain. Replace it if torn or stained.
Put shower curtain in the washing machine in warm water with 1/2 cup each of detergent and baking soda, and toss in two large bath towels. Add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle only, and hang the shower curtain immediately without spinning dry or washing out the vinegar.
Open the shower curtain to enlarge the room.
Replace a worn or broken toilet seat.
Remove wet towels and washcloths.
Check and repair caulking in the bathtubs and shower.
Glass shower doors shine up in a hurry with white vinegar on a sponge.
Polish metal fixtures with plain kerosene on a rag. Smell disappears quickly; shine stays on.
Clogged metal shower head? Try boiling it in 1/2 cup vinegar and 1 quart water for 15 minutes. For plastic shower heads, soak in equal parts hot vinegar and hot water.

Closets and Garage

Straighten up the closets. Get rid of or store excess items. A nearly empty closet will appear much larger.
Box and store seasonal clothing.
Adjust and lubricate doors and hinges with paraffin or candle wax.
Use air freshener to eliminate musty odors.
Clean out the garage and dispose of everything you are not going to take with you. Package everything you won’t need until you move. Buyers often visualize the garage as the only storage area and want to see lots of room.

Lights and Windows

Turn on all the lamps and light fixtures, even the ones in the closets and basement.
Pull open all curtains and raise all blinds. This makes the home appear larger and more inviting.
At night, turn on the porch light and any other exterior lighting that’s available.
Illumination is like a welcome sign. Keep high-watt bulbs in all fixtures.
Keep windows sparkling. Clean windows make a house feel light and airy.
Replace broken or cracked glass and thermoseals. Mend torn screens.
Clean all light fixtures and light bulbs. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
Brighten any dark rooms with white or off-white paint.
Drapes and curtains should be clean. Pull up shades and open all curtains to allow in more light.

Easy Cleanup for Furniture and Upholstery

Shaving cream is a good upholstery cleaner for fresh stains and “ordinary dirt.”
Don’t use oil on vinyls to make them shine; it can make the vinyl permanently hard. (Body oil, by the way, has the same effect.) Use a commercial vinyl cleaner or vinegar on a coarse, damp cloth.
Sagging cane seats tighten up when given a hot water bath and placed in the sun to shrink-dry.
Vaseline will remove many minor scratches from wood. Apply a generous amount and let it set awhile.
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and 3 tablespoons of salt. Spray on discolored copper, let stand, rinse off.

Slick Trickery for Floors and Carpets

Heel marks surrender quickly to kerosene or turpentine on a rag. Or try an ordinary pencil eraser.
For carpet stains, blot up as much as you can FAST. (Don’t rub; this will spread the stain.)
For fresh stains, plain club soda is amazing. Shaving cream is also good; rinse it with club soda.

The Quick Pick-Up

Have an empty laundry basket available that you can use to quickly gather up any clutter before a showing.
If you don’t have time to wash all the dirty dishes, put them in the dishwasher or even under the kitchen sink.
Empty all trash cans, especially the one in the kitchen.

Pets and People

Buyers can feel like an intruder when the owners are present during a showing. If at all possible, run an errand or go for a walk.
Put all pets outside. Better yet, take them with you on your walk or drive.
Leave the showing to the professional agent and don’t tag along. Answer questions candidly and truthfully, but don’t offer answers to unasked questions.
Never try to sell furniture or other personal property to a prospect before a sale is complete. It can kill the sale.

Make Showing Easy

Please cooperate with agents when they call for an appointment. Sometimes it may be inconvenient for you to have the house shown, but you may never get a showing opportunity with that buyer again.
Many times buyers are on tight schedules and can only view properties during set times. Allow your agent to place a Key box on your property to make sure your home gets shown to every available buyer.
We apologize in advance, but occasionally an agent will stop by unannounced and ask to show the property. This often is your only chance with these buyers. If possible, you should accommodate them. Ask for a few minutes to straighten up and let them in.

The Little Details All Around the House

If at all possible, send cats, dogs, and other pets to a friend or relative from the day the house goes on the market until the day it’s sold. Remove all odors. Many buyers are either allergic to, afraid of, or simply dislike animals.
Remove all ashes from the fireplace. Lay some logs to make it look inviting.
Water all plants and dust the leaves. Get rid of any dying plants.
Shampoo the carpets. If carpets are worn or torn, spend whatever you can on soft, neutral replacement carpeting. Many buyers do not have the funds to update after closing.
Put a fresh coat of paint in living areas. Stick to white or off-white. Change the furnace filter and clean vents.
Remove excess furniture, personal knickknacks, posters and any item attached to the ceiling or walls you plan on taking with you. Buyers will not purchase a home unless they can visualize their possessions in the house.
Never apologize for appearance. It only accents or distracts.
Throw a loaf of frozen bread dough in the oven (on low heat) a few minutes before a showing.
Grind a lemon in the garbage disposal.
Turn off the TV.
Tune the radio to a light jazz or classical station and leave on low volume.
Remove any excess furniture to make the rooms appear larger. Clear refrigerator magnets, fronts of messages, pictures, etc.
Make the beds, straighten the towels, and do the dishes.
Check the front yard and remove all bikes, wagons, or other toys. Coil any hoses.
Remove musty odors from a trunk or from drawers by placing an open coffee can filled with kitty litter inside overnight.
Try “dry cleaning” your dog with baking soda. Rub well into the coat; then brush out. Goodbye, doggy odor.

Landscaping

Landscape to enhance the features of your home, not hide them. Cut back shrubs and bushes to the height of the bottom of the windows. Trim any that look scraggly.
Prune low hanging tree branches high enough to walk under.
Rake and bag leaves as frequently as needed.
Water and fertilize the lawn. Repair broken sprinkler heads. Hand water dry spots.
Mow the lawn twice per week during the summer months. Edge the walks and trim the hedges at least once per month. If you do not have the proper equipment, rent it or pay to have it done.

Exterior Details

Remove disabled autos, lawn furniture in disrepair, toys, bikes, and other items from view. You will be moving soon, so discard or store now, if possible.
Hoses should be coiled or placed inconspicuously when not being used. Store lawn equipment out of sight.
Clean and deodorize trash cans. Keep out of sight.
Repair, paint, or remove any fencing that is in disrepair.
Paint the trim or even the entire house if needed. This will probably do more for curb appeal than anything else.
If the roof leaks, fix it. Remove any and all evidence of leakage by whatever means possible. (Be sure to save the receipts.)

The Front Door

The front door gives a vital impression while the agent and buyer wait for you to answer the bell. Scrub and clean the door or repair it, if necessary.
Thoroughly clean the door bell. Use a toothpick, if necessary, or even consider replacing the button. Repair the bell if not working.
Cleanly sweep the front porch and steps and add plants or pots of seasonal flowers.
Remove any decorative items that you plan to take with you.
Keep cars in the garage.
Remove grease spots from the garage floor and driveway with a commercial cleaner.

Getting the Most Bang for your Buck on Home Remodeling Projects

2011-09-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when people begin looking at potential home improvement projects. Oftentimes these projects are approached strictly from a need perspective, and rightfully so if repairs are in order. But sometimes it's important to look at these projects from a return on investment approach.

What projects have the best rate of return on the hard earned dollars you'll spend? Well, Remodel Magazine has the answers you seek in their in their annual Cost vs. Value Report.

The report takes a look at many of the most popular home improvement projects ranging from basement remodel (72.2% cost recouped) to roofing replacement (59.5%). It also takes a look at national, regional as well as major cities and rates each project accordingly based on the averages found in each. Nationally, the project with the highest cost recouped rate is entry door replacement (102.1%) and the lowest home office remodel (45.8%).

The report is free and is easy to access via a simple registration process. So before you start that project, take a quick look and make sure you'll recoup some of those dollars!

Social Media Tips

2011-08-25T08:35:00.001-07:00

5 Steps to Social Media Success

Social media can do a great deal for your business. Just be sure not to waste your time or efforts.

AUGUST 2010 | BY JOHN D. MAYFIELD

Consumers are piling on to online social networks in droves. According to Arbitron/Edison Research, 48 percent of Americans have a profile on a social networking site today, a figure that has doubled since 2008. Social networking has developed a strong presence in many people’s everyday lives and will not be going away in the near future.

The number of real estate pros active on social media sites corresponds with that of the general population. According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® 2010 Member Profile, 51 percent of all REALTORS^® actively use social or professional Web sites. When the responses are limited to members 29 years of age and younger, that figure jumps to 79 percent.

However, when REALTORS^® who aren’t using these tools now were asked if they would use them in the future, only 12 percent indicated they would. Given the rate that potential customers and clients are signing up and logging on, that number seems low.

If you’re just getting started in social networking, are still considering whether or not to jump in, or are skeptical of its value, here are five tips to keep in mind that can help you get business from these technologies without sacrificing a great deal of time and energy.

1. Have a Game Plan

Determine how many times you will post items on your status and what meaningful information you will post. Determine if you plan to host a blog and how often you'll add new posts to your blog, or if you’ll add videos and other important information.

Initiating a game plan on how you approach social media will help keep you on the tasks involved while keeping in mind why you are ultimately using it — to constantly remind your sphere of influence that you’re an experienced real estate professional.

2. Remember: A Touch Is a Touch

One of the best prospecting techniques you have is working your sphere. When it comes to social media, you should search for people in your sphere and invite them to become part of your network. It’s also worthwhile to create a group or list labeled “Sphere” or something similar for people in this group.

Once you have finished this, send a private message with a note of friendship to the people on this list. Occasionally, you may want to send them an important real estate news item, but you may want to limit these kinds of correspondences depending on the social network you’re using. This entire process should only take five minutes or less, and it will pay big dividends over the long run.

3. Be Creative and Showcase Your Knowledge

A lot of real estate professionals believe that social media is strictly about promoting your listings and yourself, when in reality it should be about what you know and where you work. One good way to position yourself as an expert in your market is to write blogs or produce videos on interesting information about your hometown or area. Share your knowledge with people in your network, especially in your marketplace.

Also, don’t be afraid to share your passions outside of real estate. If you’re good at making quilts, let people know. Do you like to ballroom dance? Write a blog or produce a video to help others in this specialty area. People like to do business with those they share an interest with, and when you can interweave your passion with your knowledge of the real estate market, you will find new clients in your market area that you can bond with for many years to come.

4. Pre-Post All Your Updates Once a Week

There are several software applications that will allow you to post your “tweets” or status updates to be broadcast at a later date and time. By using this type of service, you can go online just once or twice a week and add all your updates about real estate trends, statistics, and more in a short five- or 10-minute time span. This will show your network of friends that you have an interest in providing good quality information, but it won’t take away important time during the day.

Instead, use your day tending to your clients and customers and not sitting in front of your monitor lost in a mass of information. I regularly plug in my social media updates for the week at www.Twaitter.com, so I don’t have to worry about that while I’m busy working on other areas of my business.

5. Access Your Entire Social Network in One Click

Rather than logging into each social network and posting several versions of the same update, you can go to one site and make one post, and multiple social networks will be updated at once. Two of these services are www.Ping.FM and www.HellotTxT.com. Both of these Web sites allow you to set up all your social media accounts, post videos or status updates at one location, and push your information out to the other social networks you’re on. You can also upload a single video to numerous portals you subscribe to at www.TubeMogul.com.

Remember: Social media can do a lot for you, but you should avoid spending countless hours using it in ways that will not profit your business. Have a plan, touch your sphere, show your expertise, and organize and pre-post your ideas. If you can do this, you’ll find social media is a cost-effective, efficient, and even fun way to connect with consumers.

Realtor.com Article

2011-08-10T10:02:00.001-07:00

Why Use a REALTOR^®?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Awesome article on Short Sales!

2011-08-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

The basics you need to know about a short sale. Top 10 questions.

Great article from: http://www.shortsales101.com/basics.htm

Top 10 Frequently Asked Short Sale Questions

1. What is a real estate short sale

A real estate short sale is a form of agreement between the seller of a home in the beginning stages of foreclosure and their lender, allowing the home to be sold for less than the existing loan balance outstanding. The mortgagee would accept less than the loan amount in order to avoid a foreclosure proceeding. This short sale would result in a substantially discounted purchase price for the buyer of the home. The buyer would then proceed with the purchase of the home much the same as in any conventional realty transaction.

2. How late in the pre-foreclosure process can you start a short sale?

Depending on individual state law and regulations, a foreclosure can proceed as quickly as 35 days from the date the notice to the borrower is filed. For that reason, time is of the essence and you should allow a window of no more than 60 days to effectuate a lender approved short sale.

3. Will a lender allow a real estate short sale when the seller has some a good amount of equity?

If the home has some considerable amount of equity, the lender may choose to continue with a traditional foreclosure proceeding to regain title to the property and dispose of it at a market price. Given the current state of affairs with the real estate market, the home will most likely be over encumbered, hence the reason for the short sale in the first place. A glut of homes for sale in the market area of the home may make the lender think twice about taking title to the property.

4. What documents are necessary to proceed with a short sale?

The individual documents necessary to proceed with the short sale will depend on the lender. Typically the lender will require hardship letter detailing the circumstances behind the short sale. A signed, valid purchase and sales contract, preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement and a preliminary estimate of proceeds to the lender. There may be additional requests for more detailed information on the financial condition of the seller, ie; pay check stubs, bank statements, a personal financial statement and monthly budget assessment, amongst other things.

5. Will the seller’s credit rating be affected if they allow a short sale on their property to occur?

While it is up to the individual lender to decide what to report, what often happens is the loan will report as "paid" on their credit report. While that good news the bad news is that there will likely be a reference that says "settled for less than originally owed" or something similar. It is certainly more advantageous to have the short sale referenced than to have a foreclosure on their credit report.

6. Will a lender allow the seller to make a profit on a short sale?

By the nature of the transaction, the seller is not going to make a profit on the short sale. They may have extracted equity from a previous refinance of the home, but their current loan balance will be higher than the selling price of the home.

7. If a seller is in bankruptcy, will that affect the short sale of the property?

Absolutely, as most lender would not consider a short sale if the homeowner is in the middle of a bankruptcy proceeding. Negotiating a short sale between the parties is considered a collection activity and such a negotiation is prohibited in bankruptcy.

8. Will the bank or lender require an appraisal on the home in a short sale?

Most lenders will require that a full appraisal be submitted in the short sale package. Some may only require a BPO or brokers price opinion. The lender will need some formal assessment of the value of the home in order to make a decision as to accept or reject the short sale offer.

9. Are there tax implications in the short of real estate.

Much like the issue of credit reporting, the circumstances are individual to the lender. As a short sale represents a loss for the lender, they can report the amount lost a debt forgiveness to the seller. If a formal tax form 1099 is filed, the seller may be responsible for paying taxes on the amount of debt forgiveness.

10.Why would a lender allow a short sale to occur.

Quite simply, it may benefit all the parties involved in the transaction. The seller is relieved of the home they cannot afford. A costly foreclosure proceeding by the lender is avoided and the buyer purchases the home at an attractive price.
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Our Links...

2011-07-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are several ways to connect with us? Check us out on all of our social media sites!

YouTube
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter

If you have a profile on any of these pages, add us! We would love to be able to keep you posted on the happenings of Real Estate and also get to know you better. Social media is the latest in spreading the word in Real Estate. We are on top of all the cutting edge technology and our agents are ready to help you find or sell your home!

UtahDave®: Local Real Estate Guru: Salt Lake City one of 10 BEST Cities for Investors...

2011-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

UtahDave®: Local Real Estate Guru: Salt Lake City one of 10 BEST Cities for Investors...: "A recently completed study has identified the top 10 real estate markets in the nation for investors. Based on national statistics Salt Lak..."

8 Quick Fixes to Increase Value

2011-07-12T11:01:00.001-07:00

With buyers scarcer, sellers must up the ante to convince them that their property offers what many want most — top value for dollar expended. Here are eight fast fixes:

1. Buff up curb appeal. You’ve heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special—such as big flower pots or an antique bench — to help viewers remember house A from B.

2. Enrich with color. Paint’s cheap, but forget the adage that it must be white or neutral. Just don’t let sellers get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Recommend soft colors that say “welcome,” lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint ceilings a lighter shade.

3. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom. These make-or-break rooms can spur a sale. But besides making each squeaky clean and clutter-free, update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In a kitchen, add one cool appliance, such as an espresso maker. In the bathroom, hang a flat-screen TV to mimic a hotel. Room service, anyone?

4. Add old-world patina. Make Andrea Palladio proud. Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.

5. Screen hardwood floors. Buyers favor wood over carpet, but refinishing is costly and time-consuming. Screening cuts dust, time, and expense. What it entails: a light sanding, not a full stripping of color or polyurethane, then a coat of finish.

6. Clean out, organize closets. Get sorting—organize your piles into “don’t need,” “haven’t worn,” and “keep.” Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.

7. Update window treatments. Buyers want light and views, not dated, fancy-schmancy drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.

8. Hire a home inspector. Do a preemptive strike, since busy home owners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible.

Sources: Ernie Roth, Roth Interiors, Los Angeles; Angel Petragallo, abr, Group One, Boise, Idaho; Melissa Galt, Galt Interiors, Atlanta; Steve Kleiman, CEO, Oakington Realty, Houston; Sid Davis, Sid Davis & Associates, Farmington, Utah, and author of First-Time Homeowners’ Survival Guide (Amacom, 2007); Steve Hochman, Friendly Note Buyers, Roxbury, N.Y.; Margi Kyle, designer and spokesperson for Hunter Douglas.

We work hard for YOU!

2011-07-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Did you know that we market our listings all over the internet? If you're considering using a Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate agent, here are a few reasons why you should choose us:

1. KSL
2. Craigslist
3. Facebook
4. Twitter
5. QR Codes
6. Wasatch Front MLS
7. Weekly Agent Tours
8. Open Houses
9. YouTube Channel
10. Incredible Property Flyers
11. Virtual Tours
12. Realtor.com
And so much more!

We are currently listing our homes on all of these sites and more. Prudential Utah Elite is up on the latest technology and marketing. Your Prudential Utah Elite agent can utilize these tools to get the best exposure for your home and also to help you find your new home. Summer is a great time to buy or sell. Contact a Prudential Utah Elite agent today!

Top 10 Tech Tools You May Want To Know About

2011-07-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Tech Tools: Mr. Internet: Technology: REALTOR® Magazine

We found this great article from Realtor Magazine. There is so much going on in modern technology. Prudential is on the ball with the latest and has the ability to market your listing in so many ways. Here is a list of just some of the ways we market your home: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, QR Codes, Agent Tours, KSL ad's, Craigslist ad's and so much more! We also have access to homes that you otherwise could not find without an agent on your side. Contact Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate Brokerage today to find out how we can help you!

UDOT I-15 Project Updates and Scheduled Closures

2011-07-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the Holiday weekend, here is a link to UDOT's Website to check out their latest scheduled closures and projects. This will help you avoid any issues for your travel to and from your fun celebrations!

Happy 4th of July Weekend to All. God Bless America!

Prudential Summer Client Appreciation Event

2011-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Friday August 19th from 5-9 p.m. Save the date! We are announcing our client appreciation event for the summertime. There will be carnival games, swimming, give-aways & a BBQ. This will be a great summer event you won't want to miss. Contact your Prudential Agent today to get your family signed up on the invite list.

We love our clients and appreciate the continued business we receive from you all. Prudential is proud to be a part of the Real Estate industry. Now is a great time to sell your home or buy a home, rates are low and summer is a great time to get moving. Contact your agent to find out how much your home is worth and what we can do to help you.

Have a safe, fun summer. See you in August!

Why Prudential?

2011-06-23T07:49:00.001-07:00

Nearly one in three houses in Utah County is sold by Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate
In today's real estate market, you need to work with a company you can trust and professionals you can rely on. Whether you are buying, selling, or just have questions, Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate can help make things simpler and easier for you.

Here is an article from Prudential Real Estate that we think you may find interesting.

By the way, have you checked out our commercial website?

What is a QR code?

2011-06-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Many of you have probably seen these QR codes all over the place by now. We are excited to say that they are now going to be all over the Real Estate world! According to Wikipedia the definition of a QR code is: A QR code (abbreviation for Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones.

When you see a QR code, you simply take a picture of it with the app on your phone, then you will be lead to wherever the code is set for. Typically QR codes lead to a website link, or to an email address. For example, in Real Estate, they will lead to a virtual tour of the home, the agents website, or even an agents Facebook page.

How do you get started? It is very simple! If you have a smart phone, all you need to do is download the application on your phone (most are free), and take a picture of the code with your camera phone. We are starting to put these codes on property signs, flyers, websites, Facebook pages, business cards, advertising, magazine ads, etc. They are everywhere! We look forward to connecting with you as we take advantage of all the new technology that is available.

If you're interested in listing your property with an agent here at Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate you will be happy to know that we take full advantage of the latest in technology when marketing your property. From Facebook page posts, QR codes, Craigslist and KSL ads to YouTube videos and more! We are all over the internet and will make sure to get the very best exposure possible.

Contact a Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate agent today.

Financial News Icons Say Now Is the Time to BUY!

2011-06-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

According to Wall Street Journal and Forbes, now is the time to buy! Check out this great article we found explaining the facts.

Financial News Icons Say Now Is the Time to BUY!

Contact one of our skilled Prudential Utah Elite agents today to find out more.

Check out this video from the Realtor Magazine website!

2011-06-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Staging on a Budget

2011-05-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from REALTOR Magazine for tips on how to stage your home on a budget.

Here is the link:
Staging on a Budget

Contact one of our Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate agents today to find out more information to help get your home sold!

Grand Opening of our Spanish Fork office

2011-05-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of our Spanish Fork Prudential Elite office. We would like to thank the Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce for their support. We had a great time! Look for our video on the Spanish Fork TV network, channel 17. Special thanks to our very own Matt Mitchell for helping get the Chamber of Commerce on board. And most of all, thank you to all of the agents and individuals who came to the celebration and gave Prudential your support!

Maintaining The Value Of Your Home

2011-05-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Preventive maintenance is crucial to the value of your home. Keep your place in the excellent shape with frequent check-ups to save you the cost of emergency repairs. I’ve listed a few tips below to help get you started on the road to maintaining the value of your home.

First, retain the roof. Be diligent about roof maintenance. After the next rainy day, inspect your ceiling for wet spots. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to ask a licensed professional to inspect your roof. If the singles are curling, crackling or buckling, it is time to replace your roof. Then, check your gutters for foliage build-up. Gutters are at their best when clean. Trapped moisture leaves your home susceptible to mold and can cause major damage to your home.

Then, check the paint. Look for cracked or chipped paint on the exterior of the home. Wood begins to rot when it is exposed. Scrape off any falling paint and sand it down, then prime the bare wood surface and paint it with a high quality paint product. You may also want to try power washing as well.

As far as the landscaping goes, love your lawn! Keep up on all of that overgrowth to maintain a great looking yard. Pull up dead flowers, weeds, and replace them with a low maintenance variety like pansies, mums, or begonias. Trimming the overgrowth will help prevent the growth of mildew and moisture. Any branches should be at least 7 feet away from the exterior of your home to expand the life of your siding and roof.

Most importantly, keep the air fresh in your home. It never hurts to give your air conditioning unit a little TLC. Did you know that an efficient air conditioner removed moisture and humidity from your house, which in excess can damage its foundation? This is why it is so important to change your air filters monthly. When your air conditioner unit is free of dust and dirt, it will run more efficiently. Which will in turn, save you money on your energy bill.

Anything dripping inside of your home is not a good sign. Check around for leaking faucets or sweating pipes of any kind. When it is laundry day, look at the washing machine for cracks, bulges or dampness. Also, take a look under the kitchen sink for leaks and make a note of wetness around the dishwasher.

Hopefully these tips will help inspire you to get started with your spring cleaning. Talk with one of our Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate agents today to find out other ways to increase or maintain the value of your home.

An Amazing Opportunity Extended and Expanded!

2009-11-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

Check out the new details and exciting addition to the newly extended and expanded government tax credit.

TV Spot

2008-11-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

Don't Miss It

"Our Shortest Distance" TV spot will air next Sunday, 11/23, on NBC during the finals of the LPGA Tournament

J.D. Power and Associates

2008-10-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Prudential Real Estate Ranked Highest for Seller Satisfaction in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM

2008-09-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

(CITY, STATE) – Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE: PRU] company, and Prudential (DBA) announced that Prudential Real Estate ranks “Highest Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study^SM.

The inaugural study measures customer satisfaction of home buyers and sellers with major national real estate companies. Overall satisfaction is determined by examining four factors for the home selling experience: agent (43%); marketing (38%); office (12%); and services (7%).

Among home sellers, Prudential Real Estate achieved a score of 793 on a 1,000-point scale – and Prudential Real Estate received particularly high ratings from customers in the marketing and office factors.

“We are very proud of this distinction, as it underscores the quality of our affiliates and their hard-working sales professionals, said Laurie Keenan, president of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. “Our sales professionals are local experts, and sellers appreciate their ability to market and price homes right -- along with providing exceptional, attentive service.”

The team at Prudential (DBA) works hard to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of its clients – sellers and buyers, explained (Name), broker/owner, Prudential (DBA). “In the current challenging market, our clients want all the expertise and market knowledge we can offer – and by leveraging Prudential’s brand strength, its wide array of product and service offerings and its strong Internet marketing programs, we can provide sellers with the increased exposure they need.”

The J.D. Power and Associates study finds that despite the popularity of home buying and selling resources on the Internet, the real estate sales professional remains key to customer satisfaction with real estate companies. A large proportion of both home buyers and sellers rely on the Internet to facilitate the buying or selling process, with 68 percent of buyers saying that they used Internet tools to help them in the purchase process and 61 percent of sellers reporting that they used a website listing to market their home. In addition, among sellers, online methods are the most important aspect of marketing.

However, the sales professional carries the greatest importance among the factors that comprise overall satisfaction among both home buyers and sellers.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, although the Internet provides home buyers and sellers with the ability to perform some essential tasks – such as listing a home for sale or researching a neighborhood in which to purchase a home – it still does not replace the importance of a good sales professional. Particularly in an uncertain real estate market, professional advice from sales professionals can be especially valuable to buyers and sellers. The knowledge and expertise provided by experienced sales professionals is an important benefit of using a full-service real estate company.

The study also finds that the average time a respondent’s home remained on the market was slightly more than six months, although home sellers represented by the top-ranking real estate companies report that their homes were on the market for slightly less time – approximately five and a half months, on average.

Satisfaction averages 794 among those customers whose homes sold within five months or less, but declines considerably to an average of 730 among customers whose homes took seven months or longer to sell, the study showed. A real estate company that provides sales professionals who are skilled at determining the appropriate market value and listing price for homes, and who can effectively market properties, can help minimize the time that clients’ homes remain on the market – which can save the seller money, inconvenience and anxiety.

Nearly one-half of respondents in the study (46%) reported using recommendations from family or friends to find their real estate sales professional. Approximately 28 percent used the Internet, 23 percent used a sales professional they had used previously and 11 percent used a printed real estate guide.

The study also reports that home buyers were shown an average of 13 homes before they made a purchase. Home sellers reported that, on average, their home was shown 11 times, and about five open houses were conducted before a sale occurred.

The 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study includes 3,670 evaluations from 3,205 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2007 and June 2008.

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on cell phone ratings, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance and more, visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. is Prudential’s integrated real estate brokerage franchise and relocation services business. Prudential Real Estate franchises are independently owned and operated. Companies are selected based upon outstanding performance records, high levels of customer service and shared business values with those of Prudential. Prudential Real Estate provides franchises with business strategies using Operation Reviews as well as numerous benefits, including access to Prudential Real Estate’s Online Seller Advantage^SM program designed to provide real-time information to sellers with the touch of a keystroke. Prudential Real Estate is one of the largest real estate brokerage franchise networks in North America, with nearly 2,100 franchise offices and approximately 64,000 sales professionals in the franchise Network as of June 30, 2008.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $638 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2008, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping approximately 50 million individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company’s well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. For more information, please visit http://www.news.prudential.com.

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