10 Best-Kep Secrets for Buying a Home

Hello Friends,

Buying Secret #10: Keep Your Money Where It Is
It’s not wise to make any huge purchases or move your money around three to six months before buying a new home. You don’t want to take any big chances with your credit profile. Lenders need to see that you’re reliable and they want a complete paper trail so that they can get you the best loan possible. If you open new credit cards, amass too much debt or buy a lot of big-ticket items, you’re going to have a hard time getting a loan.

Buying Secret #9: Get Pre-Approved for Your Home Loan
There’s a big difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and a buyer who has a pre-approved mortgage. Anybody can get pre-qualified for a loan. Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at all of your financial information and they’ve let you know how much you can afford and how much they will lend you. Being pre-approved will save you a lot of time and energy so you are not running around looking at houses you can't afford. It also gives you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal and the best interest rates. Do your research: Learn about junk fees, processing fees or points and make sure there aren’t any hidden costs in the loan.

Buying Secret #8: Avoid a Border Dispute
It’s absolutely essential to get a survey done on your property so you know exactly what you’re buying. Knowing precisely where your property lines are may save you from a potential dispute with your neighbors. Also, your property tax is likely based on how much property you have, so it is best to have an accurate map drawn up.

Buying Secret # 7: Don’t Try to Time the Market
Don’t obsess with trying to time the market and figure out when is the best time to buy. Trying to anticipate the housing market is impossible. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it. Real estate is cyclical, it goes up and it goes down and it goes back up again. So, if you try to wait for the perfect time, you’re probably going to miss out.

Buying Secret # 6: Bigger Isn’t Always Better 
Everyone’s drawn to the biggest, most beautiful house on the block. But bigger is usually not better when it comes to houses. There’s an old adage in real estate that says don’t buy the biggest, best house on the block. The largest house only appeals to a very small audience and you never want to limit potential buyers when you go to re-sell. Your home is only going to go up in value as much as the other houses around you. If you pay $500,000 for a home and your neighbors pay $250,000 to $300,000, your appreciation is going to be limited. Sometimes it is best to is buy the worst house on the block, because the worst house per square foot always trades for more than the biggest house.

Buying Secret #5: Avoid Sleeper Costs
The difference between renting and home ownership is the sleeper costs. Most people just focus on their mortgage payment, but they also need to be aware of the other expenses such as property taxes, utilities and homeowner-association dues. New homeowners also need to be prepared to pay for repairs, maintenance and potential property-tax increases. Make sure you budget for sleeper costs so you’ll be covered and won’t risk losing your house.

Buying Secret #4: You’re Buying a House – Not Dating It
Buying a house based on emotions is just going to break your heart. If you fall in love with something, you might end up making some pretty bad financial decisions. There’s a big difference between your emotions and your instincts. Going with your instincts means that you recognize that you’re getting a great house for a good value. Going with your emotions is being obsessed with the paint color or the backyard. It’s an investment, so stay calm and be wise.

Buying Secret #3: Give Your House a Physical
Would you buy a car without checking under the hood? Of course you wouldn’t. Hire a home inspector. It’ll cost about $200 but could end up saving you thousands. A home inspector’s sole responsibility is to provide you with information so that you can make a decision as to whether or not to buy. It’s really the only way to get an unbiased third-party opinion. If the inspector does find any issues with the home, you can use it as a bargaining tool for lowering the price of the home. It’s better to spend the money up front on an inspector than to find out later you have to spend a fortune.

Buying Secret #2: The Secret Science of Bidding
Your opening bid should be based on two things: what you can afford (because you don’t want to outbid yourself), and what you really believe the property is worth. Make your opening bid something that’s fair and reasonable and isn’t going to totally offend the seller. A lot of people think they should go lower the first time they make a bid. It all depends on what the market is doing at the time. You need to look at what other homes have gone for in that neighborhood and you want to get an average price per square foot. Sizing up a house on a price-per-square-foot basis is a great equalizer. Also, see if the neighbors have plans to put up a new addition or a basketball court or tennis court, something that might detract from the property’s value down the road.

Today, so many sellers are behind in their property taxes and if you have that valuable information it gives you a great card to negotiate a good deal. To find out, go to the county clerk’s office.

Sellers respect a bid that is an oddball number and are more likely to take it more seriously. A nice round number sounds like every other bid out there. When you get more specific the sellers will think you've given the offer careful thought.

Buying Secret #1: Stalk the Neighborhood
Before you buy, get the lay of the land – drop by morning noon and night. Many home buyers have become completely distraught because they thought they found the perfect home, only to find out the neighborhood wasn’t for them. Drive by the house at all hours of the day to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. Do your regular commute from the house to make sure it is something you can deal with on a daily basis. Find out how far it is to the nearest grocery store and other services. Even if you don’t have kids, research the schools because it affects the value of your home in a very big way. If you buy a house in a good school district versus bad school district even in the same town, the value can be affected as much as 20 percent. https://goo.gl/BynS5E

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd.

Ogden, UT 84403

(801)627-6500

3 Brilliant Organizing Solutions for Your Kitchen

Hello Friends,

Neat Method founders Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves share their expert tips and tricks for decluttering and staying organized.

Tired of cleaning? Say goodbye to your messy pantry, stack of dirty dishes, and mismatched spice cabinet for good, and set yourself up for success with these three smart strategies.

Make the Dishwasher the Heart of the Kitchen

When you’re organizing your kitchen, it’s essential to think strategically about where your dishwasher is in relation to your everyday utensils and dishes. Put your plates, silverware, cups, and dishes all in close proximity to the dishwasher. Work your way out from there, and place the items you use the least often the farthest away.

Categorize Your Pantry Items by the Way You Eat

When it comes to organizing your pantry, you need to take everything out first—yes, everything. As you pull each item out, make sure to check expiration dates and only keep things you'll actually eat or use. After you’ve cleared off the shelves, start to categorize by the way you eat, organizing by breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items.

Make Your Spice Cabinet Uniform

The first thing you need to do when organizing your spice cabinet is to decide whether you want to put all of the spices in glass jars or keep them in the store-bought containers they came in. Either way, you want to make sure they are as uniform as possible. If you go the glass jar route, go ahead and place a label on every single one of them, and then take it a step further and alphabetize.

https://goo.gl/Kyq9BQ

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500

10 Sneaky Ways to Fake a Foyer

Hello Friends,

Make the most of your non-existent entryway with these clever design tricks.

Re-imagine Your Closet

Open up a cramped space and gain a helpful spot for extra seating by ditching the closet door. Hooks and baskets look decorative, but still provide ample storage for your stuff.

Get a Skinny Console

If your narrow hallway won't fit the average credenza, slim down. This DIY console makes the most of a tight space by offering extra style and a place to drop your keys.

Go Graphic

A small entryway means you can get away with a bold accent wall. Patterned wallpaper adds definition to a meager foyer and yields instant personality that might overwhelm anywhere else.

Add Hooks and a Bench

As long as you've got a place to tie your shoes and hang your coat, even the tiniest entryway will feel complete.

Don't Dismiss Decor

With a little attention to styling, even a small console becomes a major design statement. Strategically hang a mirror to make the space feel twice as large

Hang a Gallery Wall

Instead of placing your photos and art sporadically around the room, cluster them together. This move deliberately defines a wall as your entry, sectioning it off from the rest of an open layout.

Choose Pretty Storage

Piles near your doorway are just a fact of life. Don't underestimate the power of a cute umbrella holder and shoe tray to make everything feel tidier and fancier.

Build Cubbies

A stack of bins fits easily into a skinny space. Not only do they help organize your many scarves and mittens — they also add interest to an otherwise boring wall.

Add a Pop of Color

A single accent hue gives a barely-there entryway some extra oomph, making it feel like a thoughtful, fully designed room.

Don't Forget the Door

Your front door is the focal point of your entry (big or small), so treat it that way. Paint it your favorite bright color or deck it out with seasonal wreaths.

https://goo.gl/zJbs1s

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500

How Staging a Home Pays Off

Hello friends,

This spring has been one of our busiest home staging seasons with many sellers enjoying the benefits of preparing their homes early and marketing to targeted buyers – boosting the value of their property and selling quickly. However, there are sellers who are hesitant and still need convincing that home staging – whether occupied or vacant –  is a worthwhile investment, even in a hot market. Several key points can help overcome sellers’ uncertainty and assure them that staging before listing is a win-win decision.

1. Basic updates boost perceived value

Today’s buyers are looking for an updated home in move-in ready condition and will usually pay more if they feel good about it. Simple updates such as freshly painted walls in universally appealing neutral colors, modern lighting, and polished hardwood floors make an immediate statement online and in person and will ultimately yield a quicker sale for top dollar.

2. Helps buyers connect

Some buyers can be turned off by the cold feeling of an empty room or distracted by dated furnishings that suggest the home is old and neglected. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, a vacant property can take up to 78 percent more time to sell than comparable furnished homes. And with 95 percent of vacant or occupied staged homes selling in 11 days or less, there is no question that adding inviting style with modern furnishings helps buyers envision living in a space and get a better idea how a room can be used to fit their lifestyle.

3. Enhances key features

Buyers who can’t look passed dated carpeting or clutter that hides key features will most likely walk away immediately. Choosing a neutral palette with the right furniture arrangement and simple, elegant accents will allow architectural features to become a focal point, increase the perceived size of rooms and improve overall flow and ultimately make the property more memorable.

4. Bedrooms are valuable real estate

Every decision that is made when marketing a home to sell should focus on the targeted buyer’s lifestyle and needs. An experienced stager will provide recommendations for what style furnishings and décor will be appropriate based on the demographics you want to attract to the property. For example, an extra bedroom that is now serving as an office, hobby room, or gym should be converted back into a bedroom to appeal to millennials with young kids (see photo above).

5. Less stress

A professional stager will eliminate stress by making the home selling process turnkey for clients. They will manage the entire process to make a property market-ready — from paint color selection, lighting updates, window treatments, floor refinishing, furniture rentals to packing and organizing services. They will do whatever it takes to appeal to as many buyers as possible and get the property sold quickly and for top dollar.

http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/06/05/key-points-for-education-sellers-that-home-staging-pays-off/

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500

Does the first utility bill of the summer leave you in shock?

Hello Friends,

A recent post from RIS Media’s Housecall blog explains that the first utility bill of the summer can often leave homeowners shocked. Luckily, the post also offers tips and tricks for keeping your energy costs in check this summer. We’ve pulled out a few of our favorites:

·         Don’t Use an Irrigation Schedule: Irrigation schedules or timers that you can set to schedule when your garden or lawn will be watered sound nice in theory, but they actually produce quite a bit of water waste. You can’t control when it rains, and you may not be home to stop your irrigation system from going off when it does. Watering manually may seem like a chore, but when you think about all the money you can save from reducing water waste, manual watering becomes more appealing.

·         Switch to LED Bulbs: While incandescent light bulbs are cheap, they use more energy and produce quite a bit of heat compared to LED bulbs. LED bulbs tend to be a little more expensive than incandescent lights, but they last longer, produce less heat and create great energy savings in the long run. So, consider making the switch the LED lights, at least in the rooms you use most, to help lower your utility bills this summer.

·         Invest in Smart Power Strips: Connecting multiple appliances to a smart power strip that can be turned off with only one flip of a switch at night when the devices aren’t being used is a quick and easy way to help reduce energy waste. When you don’t have to unplug all your devices individually, saving energy suddenly becomes much easier!

·         Time Your Thermostat: If you want to be cost conscious this summer, you shouldn’t blast your air conditioning at all hours of the day. A lower temperature setting at night and a higher setting during the day is recommended for optimal cost savings. If you’re forgetful or aren’t always around to change it, we recommend installing a programmable thermostat that allows you to schedule your temperature changes even when you aren’t home.

http://www.owningthefence.com/timely-tips-ways-to-save-on-utility-bills-this-summer/

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500

Destination Farmington: Utah's New Staycation Gem

Hello Friends,

The season of summer vacations has officially arrived. While some Utahns plan relaxing getaways to exotic locations, parents are bracing themselves for long, noisy car rides interrupted only by emergency bathroom breaks.

In recent years, the stress associated with long road trips has led many families to replace their vacations with staycations, or multi-day excursions to nearby locations. And, thanks to the continued expansion of Station Park on Park Lane in Farmington, Utahns now have the perfect destination for a one-stop, park-and-stay family vacation.

A Family Fun Destination

On any given summer evening, Station Park guests will find something happening at the property’s Fountain Square, which regularly hosts concerts and kid-friendly events. The area’s impressive water feature integrates perfectly with its peaceful surroundings, which include outdoor dining patios, a fireplace, bronze sculptures, and a children’s play area. Every hour on the hour, the state-of-the-art fountain erupts into a dazzling show of water, music, and colored lights.

Families looking for more structured activities can create a stuffed toy at the Build-A-Bear Workshop, paint a plate at the As You Wish Pottery studio, or even take a cooking class at the Harmons grocery store. Onsite, a multiplex Cinemark theater, also located in Fountain Square, is available for guests hoping to catch up on the latest movies. Finally, for those that care to venture beyond the property walls, Station Park is located just across I-15 from Lagoon, Utah’s most well-known amusement park.

A Staycation Destination

Station Park on Park Lane in Farmington has long been a favorite destination of Davis County residents. With the recent addition of a 108-room Hyatt Place hotel, it has now become the perfect destination for a Utah staycation.

The new hotel offers all of the vacation essentials, including a pool, hot tub, and free breakfast. Its centralized location on the Station Park property also provides guests with convenient access to impressive family fun, dining, and shopping opportunities.

A Dining Destination

For most people, great food is an important part of any vacation itinerary and Station Park provides plenty of opportunities to eat. The property features a wide variety of dining establishments, from quaint coffee shops and quick-serve eateries to more formal, sit-down style restaurants. Local favorites include:

·         Blue Lemon

·         Caffé Torino

·         MAD Greens

·         ParkStone Wood Kitchen

·         Sushi Monster

·         Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar

·         Plus 26 more...

With so many options available, staycation guests could eat every meal at a different spot and never run out of options.

A Shopping Destination

Staycation travelers often find that by opting out of pricey airfare and other travel expenses, they have more money in the budget for a little bit of self-indulgent shopping. As a world-class fashion destination, Station Park has attracted many of the world’s biggest retail brands. The property’s charming streets are lined with more than 100 shops, including lululemon, Evereve, H&M, Justice, and Old Navy. With over 350,000 square feet of retail space, there’s sure to be something for every member of the family.

With a variety of family fun, dining, and shopping opportunities, Station Park allows guests to spend their time relaxing and having fun, exactly the way that a vacation should be spent.http://www.ksl.com/?sid=44284772&nid=1268&title=destination-farmington-utahs-new-staycation-gem

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500

The Right Way to Clean Out Your Refrigerator

Hello Friends,

First things first: You’ve got to take everything out. While it’s empty, give the fridge a scrub down, then replace the remaining contents and condiments in the appropriate spot.

STEP ONE: Empty and Clean

1. EMPTY IT OUT. Remove all items and toss any that have expired. To keep them cool while you clean, stash items in a cooler.
2. SANITIZE THE DRAWERS. Take them out (shelves too, if detachable) and use an old toothbrush to apply a paste of equal parts baking soda and hot water to the corners and shelf seams. Agitate the paste to lift up grime. Scrub every side with a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water. Rinse and pat dry.
3. DEGRIME THE DRIP PAN. If your refrigerator has a removable drip pan, soak it for a few minutes in hot, soapy water, scrub with a sponge, then rinse.
4. DEODORIZE. Get rid of odors by wiping the inside walls with a microfiber cloth spritzed with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe again using a paper towel dipped in a bowl of diluted vanilla extract.
5. REMOVE DUST. Using the brush attachment, vacuum the coils, which may be behind the refrigerator. Wipe down the grille (typically at the base) with a dryer sheet to remove and repel dust.

STEP TWO: Re-Stock

1. EGGS do best where the temperature is most consistent—on the middle shelf. Store in the original cartons (don’t transfer to the fridge egg container).
2. MILK should be on the bottom shelf, all the way in back, where it’s coldest.
3. YOGURT, SOUR CREAM, AND COTTAGE CHEESE fare best on the bottom shelf for the same reason. Stack items on a turntable to keep everything accessible and expiration dates visible.
4. PACKAGED RAW MEAT should go on the super-cold bottom shelf. And if juices drip, they won’t contaminate the whole fridge.
5. VEGETABLES stay fresh longer with a bit of humidity. The drawer labeled “vegetables” or “high humidity” is the moistest spot in the fridge. Store in the original packaging or in a plastic bag, loosely tied.
6. FRUIT belongs in the “low humidity” drawer (sometimes marked “crisper”). Keep in the original packaging or in a plastic bag, loosely tied (citrus is fine with no bag). TIP: Leave vegetables and fruits unwashed until you use them. Water can promote mold and cause bacteria to grow.
7. DELI MEATS belong in the shallow “meat” drawer, which is slightly colder than the rest of the fridge, or (if there’s no such drawer) on the bottom shelf.
8. BUTTER AND SOFT CHEESES don’t need to be super cold, so they can live in the dairy compartment on the door (the warmest part of the fridge). Place soft cheeses, like Brie and goat cheese, in an airtight container after opening them.
9. CONDIMENTS are generally high in vinegar and salt, which are natural preservatives. So ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad dressing are fine on the door. Same goes for pickles and jarred salsa. Olive and vegetable oils can remain in the pantry. But nut oils, like sesame and walnut oils, belong in the refrigerator, also on the door.
10. ORANGE JUICE can be stored on the door, as long as it’s pasteurized. Fresh-squeezed should be stored on the bottom shelf.

TIP: Fill it up (even if you never cook and only have takeout). Refrigerators need “thermal mass” (a.k.a. lots of stuff) to maintain low temperatures. Cool foods and drinks help absorb warm air that streams in when you open the door. If you’re the eat-out type or your fridge is too big for your needs, store a few jugs of water in there. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/clean-out-the-fridge

Thanks so much!

ERA Skyline Real Estate

3376 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84403

801-627-6500