Market Statistics For Salt Lake County-October

Posted in General Musings, Market Statistics

Market Statistics For Salt Lake County

There is good news ahead for all you folks that have been anxiously awaiting good news on the real estate front.  The market statistics for Salt Lake County are right here in this video graciously produced by the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.

What this video says is that home sales in Salt Lake County are up over last year, prices are stabilizing in most areas (some areas with a lot of distressed properties will continue with a slight decrease), but quite honestly…all in all it’s a great time to buy a home.  Lots of buyers are jumping off the proverbial fence and taking advantage of great prices and low interest rates in homes along the Wasatch front, and with first time buyers jumping in, that starts the domino effect for those of you who have homes to sell before you can move on.

So, if you are ready to take the plunge….there’s even better news!  You first time homebuyers still have time to get into your new home before the Holidays (well, unless you are talking about Thanksgiving…we have to draw the line somewhere!)

Give us a call at 801.819.9005 and let’s chat about how we can help you get started down the right road to be Home For The Holidays!

Salt Lake Market Statistics

Posted in General Musings, Market Statistics

Boring Utah Market Statistics time again, but in all fairness we need to give you the information to keep you up to date on the market.

You will notice on each of these reports that The Salt Lake, Tooele, and Utah county market had an increase on days on market for most of the year, with a drop in November, this would be due to the perceived end to the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit….those houses got snatched up let me tell you.

Pricing in Utah, Salt Lake, and Tooele Counties have pretty much stabilized for the moment…a good sign. Now, if only interest rates would cooperate! If you would like to whether your particular neighborhood has stabilized, try our market snapshot.

Anyway, have a look at the stats. They are in pdf form, so download them here.

• For Salt Lake County
• For Tooele County
• For Utah County

And…

If you want more detail of the Utah Market by zipcode for the 3rd quarter 2009 compared to 2008 (sorry we don’t have 4th quarter yet), you can get it here.  It is in Excel format and includes, Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis, and Utah counties.  If you cannot read that, let me know and I will send it to you in pdf format.

So all you statistical type people, start salivating and download the reports.  Let me know your thoughts!

Ciao!

Great Little Townhome In Salt Lake!

Posted in General Musings

Video Below This Great Townhome in West Valley City is our latest on the market with over 1700 sq ft, 3bd, 1bth, AND a basement AND a fenced back yard (not very usual for a townhome!).

This Townhome in Salt Lake City, UT

is very well maintained and the owners have just updated the kitchen with travertine tile and stainless steel appliances. Laminate wood floors grace the cozy family room area (tour guide talk now) and the pass through in between the kitchen and family room can be expanded to create a bar area for entertaining.

Master bedroom sports 2 closets and has plenty of room for furniture.  Many owners in the complex have turned the walk-in closet into a master bath. This could possibly be done in this one as well. Check with your contractor for specifics.

The basement is left unfinished and is plumbed for a bath, so that you can make this townhome truly yours with the addition of a game room, theater room, man cave, or…another bedroom (although the townhome has 3 to begin with). The space is limited only by your imagination (and I have a great one, so if you need ideas…let’s talk!)

Great Back Yard

The basement also walks out to the fenced back yard that is awaiting your gardening ideas. However, if you have a black thumb like me,  fully automated sprinking systems in both the front and back make this a townhome that requires little maintenance other the occassional lawn mowing.

The Community

The community surrounding the complex is rich with shopping, entertainment, great schools…all within walking distance.  Being close to major freeway arteries is also a plus for an easy commute anywhere in Salt Lake.

This townhome would make a good first time homebuyers home (remember you can still get the $8000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit), lifestyle home (where there is little or no maintenance giving you the ownership you want with the benefits of community life. This would also make an Excellent Investment Property to add to your portfolio

The Video

Take a look at the video, then Call, Text, Or Email us ( loves@saltlakehomefinders.com ) for more information and to take a look at this great Townhome.

HELP! I’m Melting..What A World, What A World!

Posted in General Musings

Scary Thoughts for Halloween! I read an article in one of my trade publications this morning about how frustrating it is for first time homebuyers to actually Find homes in this market.  The article went on to say that many first time homebuyers have actually given up their search and are planning to forego the $8000 tax credit because they can’t find the right home.

Now, given the fact that they cited examples of frustrated home buyers in Florida (one of the worst hit markets in the country) where investors are coming by the droves to pick up distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales), where multiple offers are the norm and where most homebuyers cannot compete with a “Cash Offer”, I can see how this might be a huge disappointment to a young couple, young professional, not so young professional, whipper snappers, singles,(did I cover everyone?)or anyone else looking for their first home.

But, if you are planning on buying here in Salt Lake County or the surrounding area, the news is great.  There are plenty of properties available that are Not distressed, that are affordable, that qualify not only for the $8000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, but also grants, Utah Housing, and other programs that can help you buy your first home.

For example:  In Salt Lake County Alone there are 2713 single family homes ($250,000 and under) that are active on the market and available to first time homebuyers.   Some are short sales , but as you can see by the breakdown below, most are regular resale homes.

The same is true for condos : There are currently 1026 condos for sale in Salt Lake County ($250,000 and under) that are available to first time homebuyers:

Similarly, there are homes available in Davis, Tooele, Utah counties and in fact all over

Receive Utah Home Run Grant of $4000

Utah.  In addition, there are new construction homes available in Utah and Tooele counties that qualify not only for the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit(which you can still receive for this year..don’t have to wait til next year’s tax return), but also for the $4000 Homerun grant currently offered by the state (this can be used for down payment or closing costs at settlement, not as a cash payment or credit like the Federal Tax Credit).  If you add that onto Utah Rural Housing that offers 100% financing in these areas, a first time homebuyer can purchase a home, get his closing costs paid for by the seller and the Homerun grant, and get $8000 to furnish the new home!

Couple this with low interest rates, and you truly have a fantastic opportunity!  How could anyone NOT want to take advantage of this?

So, cheer up little buckaroos, there is still time to get into your first home!   Just get started on your journey toward homeownership.  We could inundate you with platitudes  like“ The longest journey begins with the first step” etc. but the fact is don’t wait!

In reality, the midnight hour is approaching, and you must close on your home by November 25,2009 to get your tax credit (We have Thanksgiving in the final days,where all the folks that we need to have to close this transaction will be gone for the weekend).  Also, there are only 895 homerun grants left and they must also be claimed by November 30^th.  Don’t delay; CONTACT US TODAY and we will help you get started!