The Solutions Team, Your Real Estate Consultants that Care!

Expanding my horizons

2011-07-29T18:58:00.001-06:00

Well you all know how I love to solve problems.... especially someone elses! Well I am going to do some business consulting. If you need Solutions NOW come and play! I will give 2 sessions for the price of one.
Brainstorming and assisting YOU to find the ideas that are already locked inside your head:
Business ideas
Advertising & Marketing
Relationship problems
Money &; Financing problems
What to do, which direction to go
Credit help

I have learned some fantastic new skills that have worked fabulously.
Two heads are better than one.... Get excited about your life again!

Fixer upper's

2011-03-03T11:33:00.006-07:00

Love to buy a fixer upper but don't have the cash to do it. Check out this great video, it will let you buy one AND fix it up for only 3.5% down. Call me I can help! 801 694 5232
203(k) Video Its a Great Deal!

2010-12-04T19:28:00.002-07:00

Hi, I wanted to share with you my experience with Financial Peace University. It is an amazing course by Dave Ramsey that will change the way you think. That is exactly what we all need to change our circumstances. (Don't forget that the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results.)

As you have been working on your credit clean up, we have been also. I started Financial Peace University course about 9 weeks ago, and I have been amazed at the difference it has made. We have cut our debt in half, and have an emergency fund. This was done with the same situation we had before. I am telling you this class will inspire you to make drastic changes in the way you handle your money.

Email or call me & I will find out where a class near you is. I will be hosting one in Grantsville in February, but if that isn't near you we can find one near you. If you are serious about getting on top of your finances, you can't afford NOT to take it. I have nothing invested in this class, I am just very impressed with this course and would love for each of you to have this assistance.

What will you learn in Financial Peace University?

In 13 action-packed lessons, you'll learn how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future, give like never before, and much more! This information will change your life. Here is a small sample of each week's subject:

· Lesson 1

Super Saving

Dave explains the Seven Baby Steps that will guide you throughout Financial Peace University. You will also learn the three key reasons why you should save money—and why you must start now!

· Lesson 2

Relating With Money

Learn why it's important for spouses to communicate and work together toward success. Also, singles will learn the importance of teamwork, and parents will find out how to teach their kids about money.

· Lesson 3

Cash Flow Planning

Unlock the secret of developing a monthly spending plan that really works.

· Lesson 4

Dumping Debt

It's time to debunk some common debt myths! Dave reveals the truth about credit lies and gives you a plan to walk out of debt with confidence.

· Lesson 5

Credit Sharks In Suits

What is a credit score, anyway? Join Dave as he unpacks your credit rating and shows you how to handle collectors when they call.

· Lesson 6

Buyer Beware

Dave Ramsey draws on decades of experience to reveal the power and influence that marketing has on your everyday buying decisions. Let the buyer beware!

· Lesson 7

Clause and Effect

In this lesson, Dave walks you through the world of insurance, carefully explaining what you need—and what you need to avoid.

· Lesson 8

That's Not Good Enough!

Discover the seldom-used secrets of buying only big, big bargains—every time! Before you know it, you’ll be saying, "That’s not good enough!"

· Lesson 9

Of Mice and Mutual Funds

Dave breaks through the jargon surrounding long-term investing and empowers you to make your own decisions about your investments!

· Lesson 10

From Fruition To Tuition

Dave walks you through the maze of retirement options and helps you figure out the right path for you. You will also learn how to plan for college so your kids can graduate debt free!

· Lesson 11

Working In Your Strengths

This lesson will show you how to avoid dead-end or mind-numbing jobs and provide tips for job hunting, writing a résumé, and acing an interview. Plus, you’ll learn tips for finding extra jobs if you need cash to attack your debt snowball.

· Lesson 12

Real Estate and Mortgages

Dave draws on over 20 years of real estate experience to teach you how to win when buying or selling your home. Plus, he’ll dissect all of the common mortgage options available today, showing you what to choose—and what to avoid.

· Lesson 13

The Great Misunderstanding

Warning! This lesson will challenge the way you think about money. Dave will show you how generous giving can completely revolutionize your attitude and improve your finances, business and relationships.

Lets do this together!

Things I have learned

2010-02-05T20:11:00.003-07:00

Its ok to trust an unknown future to a KNOWN God!
The ears you tell something to today are attached to the tongue telling someone else something tomorrow!
How I think creates how I act! What I am thinking today, becomes my tomorrow!
It is better to under promise and over deliver!
In a 100 years most things are unimportant!

When does refinancing make CENTS!

2009-10-15T22:27:00.003-06:00

When does refinancing make sense to you? A rule of thumb is 1% below your current interest rate IF you are not planning on selling for the next 3 years. If you are save your money.
I am really excited to be able to assist my clients in achieving their financial goals by helping them with their refinancing options. One thing you will ALWAYS be able to count on with me is that I will be honest with you. If it only makes cents for me, it isn't right for you. I will help you evaluate your situation so you can determine if it would be good for you!

Credit less than perfect? I can help you clean your credit up so you can take advantage of these amazing interest rates and tax incentives. Call Barb at Willow Creek lending 435 884 9449. Honest answers guaranteed.

Clean it up, haul it out

2009-08-11T10:50:00.003-06:00

Whether you are thinking of selling your home or just want a peaceful place to call home it is imperative to declutter. We all have a lot of things in our home that do not add to the quality of life but detract. Take a look around you as though you were a visitor and decide if your " Things" are contributing or detracting.
Sharing your things with others will free up your life and bless someone else!

Jump on the band wagon

2009-08-01T09:17:00.003-06:00

Just a few months are left to take advantage of the 8K government rebate. This is NOT just for 1st time home buyers, this is for anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years. You don't even have to wait until you file your taxes to receive the money... call us and ask us how. There are also a lot of community grants out there. Houses can still be purchased for -0- down payment. Buy now while prices are low, interest in low and inventory is high. You may be able to make your payment less than your rent! You have to have your transaction closed by December 1st 2009! This Grantsville Beauty is on 10 acres. Beautiful Cherrywood kitchen and private well! Can you believe it is only $329,000? Hurry and take advantage of this exciting program! The home of your dreams is waiting for you! Call today Barb 435 884 9449

Last Frontier

2009-05-21T09:55:00.004-06:00

Living in Tooele County has really made me appreciate our opportunity of seeing the beautiful wilderness. As urban sprawl effects so many areas in our state, our beautiful county seems to be less touched by it . A few days ago my husband and I got in our side by side 4 wheeler and drove down the road.... yes, you heard right, we didn't have to trailer our 4 wheeler! We simply drove to the mountains. We ran across a little settlement in the Stansbury mountain range. Oh how I wished the homes could talk and tell us their stories. Bryan thought at first it was a mining camp, but after wandering around we could tell it wasn't. What miner would plant a lilac bush and persistent tulips? These small little homes definitely had a woman's touch. There was a sign on one of the little homes that said 1913. Was it really built in 1913? I have no way of finding out.
We ran across an old truck while we were exploring? How in the world did they get it up there? It was pretty rough terrain. I'm sure it would have some stories to tell also. Did I mention the amazing wild flowers? They were so beautiful. I truly felt blessed to see such beauty.

We never seem to run out of places to explore here in 'Tooele County, Utah. What a great place to live! Serenity and convenience!

New appraisal guidelines could affect market

2009-05-01T08:47:00.003-06:00

New appraisal guidelines that could further affect the Real Esatate Market. Some banks & mortgage companies have already implemented some of these restraints. The new rules are formally announced. Check out the final version of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct with implementation required by May 1. Clearly, this will have a major impact on all facets of the mortgage industry... Specifically, the code prohibits:

Direct contact between a loan originator and an appraiser.
Passing an expected or desired value.
Requesting estimated values or sales comparables prior to completion of an appraisal report.
Direct payment for appraisals to appraiser by origination-related personnel

"The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has formally announced the final version of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) to be implemented by May 1, 2009. As expected, the code specifically addresses appraiser independence, pre-valuation requests and the passing of any expected value by a loan originator."

In the past appraisers not familiar with an area could look at comparables suggested to him by a realtor, is this going to still be allowed? Anyone's guess. We'll have to see how this is going to affect a market that is just showing signs of rejuvenation!

Deal of the Day!

2009-04-28T14:16:00.008-06:00

My deal for the day is to remind you to go outside and really see the amazing nature that is surrounding you. The weeds are even green! What a deal! Spectacular beauty and it is free! It will uplift your mood, enhance your spirit and make you grateful.
This is my pet dove, he even adds to my joy to my life with his cooing... telling me to come out and feed him. He was hawked about 2 weeks ago

and we had to doctor him back to health.

Mountain Property with year round access

2009-04-27T07:10:00.003-06:00

Today's deal of the day is 3.5 acres of gorgeous mountain property right next to forest service property. Wooded, year round access! Only $58,000. Purchase by next month and get some free property thrown in! Property is located in South Willow Canyon in The Stansbury Mountain range in Grantsville, Utah. Last lot on the south side before forest service gate!

What is a deal?

2009-04-25T17:36:00.005-06:00

As I have been perusing property lists looking for a the deal for the day, I wanted you to know that a deal for a homeowner isn't necessarily a deal for an investor.

If you are an investor you want make sure your property has at least 10K profit. It is not worth it for any less. The risk out weighs the return. This must be after all of your costs including the cost for YOUR labor.

On the other hand if you are looking for a home, a deal could be the worst home at the best price in a neighborhood that you would love. One that has potential for future equity.

At the Solutions Team we try to take the guesswork out of that for you by doing before and after market analysis' & market research to let you know who is your potential future buyer and what WOW's they will be looking for. What is a Wow? It is something that when you see a property you unexpectedly say " Wow"!

Every home should have a WOW! Now I want to tell you about the deal of the day & it's Wow!

It is on 10 acres of prime property in a neighborhood of larger homes. It is a small custom 1 bedroom home with lots of extras. The Wow for this home is not only the gorgeous land with it's future development possibilities, but the Fabulous Gourmet kitchen with cherrywood cabinets and granite countertops. The property comes with a free flowing artesian well. Priced at only $329,900 and is located at 450 N Cooley St. in Grantsville UT.

Deal of the Day

2009-04-23T10:29:00.009-06:00

Todays "Deal of the Day" is an approved short sale in Tooele County. This home has the most amazing mountain and lake views with a park like back yard. It is on a little over 1/2 acre. It was first listed it was $281,000. The sellers were going to walk away with a couple of thousand dollars at that price! Nearly 2 years later the bank has approved the short sale at $200K. This is less than the seller bought the home for 5 years ago. It is located in a beautiful area of larger homes. It has an amazing deck and a large covered patio. Perfect for entertaining. The home needs a little cosmetic updating. The potential is great! It is located at 491 Gordon Circle in Tooele, Utah. This home is a classic example of how overpricing can shoot you in the foot. If it had been priced right in the 2 years ago, my opinion is it would have sold for around $260K.

Real Estate Deal of the Day

2009-04-22T09:59:00.006-06:00

As we go about our regular work day we see all kinds of people. Like the couple who were getting so excited to see the fabulous view from the living room. As the curtains were opened, the husband very disappointedly says, "Oh, what is a shame, that huge mountain is blocking the view"! Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder!

For this purpose we are going to show you some of the Fabulous deals that are out there from OUR eyes! Check back daily to see if any of these Deals of the Day are what you are looking for.
Todays DEAL is located in Herriman, Utah. It is on 5.92 acres of seclusion. It is only $370,000. The original loan on it was $700,000! 6,037 finished sq ft. It is located at 84 W High Country Road. Hurry and check it out, this fabulous deal won't last long!

$6000 First time Utah Homebuyers grant!

2009-03-13T12:08:00.005-06:00

The pot just keeps getting sweeter! Low interest- lots of homes to pick from- $8000 rebate if you haven't owned a home in 3 years, and now for the residents of Utah a $6000 grant from the state! It doesn't get much better! Take this beautiful rambler on a huge .45 acre lot with the basement completely finished! Already a super bargain at only $229K. Real wood floors throughout! 5 bedroom + a big office, 2 family rooms, 3 baths, auto sprinklers, fenced and even a large shed! This home is located on a private cul-de-sac in Grantsville Utah. Located at 357 Plaza Circle.

You will love the town of Grantsville! It is where we have lived for the last 10 years. It is a small town with all of the city convenience. SLC is only a 30 min drive. Tooele is 15 min away and has all of the big town shopping available. This lovely town of about 8500 has beautiful mountains 7 min. from my front door! A reservoir for fishing and secondary irrigation. We also have the most fantastic 4 wheeling nearby also. My husband Bryan & I love to take the grandkids up a canyon that we can drive right out of the driveway to. We take a few shortcuts going on some back roads and we are right in this beautiful canyon. At the top of the trail is an old abandoned mine. We always stop there for a snack and beautiful vistas. The grandkids love swinging over a little stream on a rope. It makes them feel very adventurous and the pictures give their moms a heart attack. It looks much scarier than it is.

We feel very blessed to live in this oasis of peace and tranquility with wonderful neighbors and friends around us. The only thing that we are missing is all of our kids. I am trying to talk them into the move!

There are some income limits on the grant, but they are quite high and on a sliding scale according to family size. The grant needs to be used for a new home that has never been lived in. We have lots of those out here!

Call the Sherrif, someones about to steal!

2009-03-09T15:25:00.005-06:00

It is a buyers market right now as you all KNOW! Foreclosures are everywhere. A great example of this is the pictured gorgeous brick rambler that is a foreclosure steal! It is on the market with a $30K discount for a fast sale! This gorgeous all brick home is in Grantsville, Utah at 167 Harris, MLS # 861782 This beautiful home is just waiting for a new family to enjoy all of the fabulous amenities like organizational closet in the family room! Pellet stove in the Spacious family room. Built in entertainment center! It is within walking distance of all 3 schools!

Two years ago it was hard to find a good buy! Now they are everywhere you look! Put 4.75% interest on top of that and how can a buyer loose? Not to mention the FREE no strings attached government money you will get as a rebate if you are a First time home buyer! You can get up to $8,000. Here is a chart that will help you understand the government rebate program!

Out with the old!

2009-03-09T14:47:00.004-06:00

Would you love to have a new home? The first step to having one is getting your current home ready to sell!

It takes longer to sell a home than to buy one. We can get you in a new home in less than 3 weeks! That is not the problem!

The problem is getting your home sold. How do you get it noticed among the 1000's of homes out there! STAGING!

This is a free service that The Solutions Team offers to their clients. We have helped get a home staged and ready to go, and all of a sudden the sellers realized what a jewel their home was, and decided Not to move.

Above is a picture I took of a home that was perfectly staged. The old closet doors were put over an unattractive old corner window to give the room a fresh new look. A few plants, a table cloth over an old table, and a couple of placemats and the room looked inviting!

Most of us have too much stuff! Load it up, haul it out! This one step alone can make your home look more inviting and much more spacious.

Decluttering is one of the best things you can do to get your home sold. It is also one of the best things you can do to make your home more attractive for you.

When you go into a room look at it as though you were seeing it for the first time. What is adding to the feel of clutter? What things do you love? Asking yourself these and other questions can make your home look like a showplace. Call for your free staging! We'll do it for buyers when they move in also, so take advantage of a service that will make you feel at home. Out with the old, in with the new... or the not so new, just different!

I'm asking the face in the mirror.....

2009-02-11T15:41:00.005-07:00

As I watch our economy slowly go into a tail spin I ask myself, what am I doing to contribute to this economy.

I think the biggest factor in the decline in the real estate market is all of the press. People are afraid to buy! Prices are fabulous, lowest in 3 years. Interest is even better! Can people get loans! Absolutely. Perhaps they will have to do a bit of credit clean-up, but you are talking weeks, not months. This is a great time. The thing that is creating this whole mess is our thinking.

I just read a fantastic article in the Readers digest about these trying times. Perhaps we ( Me included) are focusing on the 1/2 empty glass rather than the 1/2 full one.

Some of the points that I loved in the article are:

Free Time- we have so much more than people in other ages and in other countries. The typical American spends only 20% of our waking time earning a living. If you feel too busy it is because you are putting a lot of extra activities into your life. Your choice!

Unemployment- Yes we are short on jobs, but it isn't near what the depression had. They had 44% unemployment, we aren't even close. We also have creative ways to make money that wasn't available to the people then.

Roomier homes- We have more space than ever. Consider the home you grew up in. We had 5 kids and 1 bathroom. Most shared bedrooms. In 1950 Nearly 1/2 of Americans didn't own their own home. Today more than 2/3 's do.

More wilderness. Once you travel beyond the spraw, you will find open space and peaceful forests. In recent decades, America has gained 70 million acres of wilderness, which is more than all of the land currently occupied by cities, suburbs. More people can get to this wilderness to enjoy it because of technology. We love 4 wheeling. We see country we never would on foot or in a car.

Our cars, they last longer, are less expensive to drive and the fatality rate for accidents is down drastically. It's a reare site to come upon a broken down car. One we used to see all of the time.

Memories. The gift of longer life has usually been accompanied by loss of memories. We have so many fabulous ways to enjoy those memories, digital photos, scrapbooking, journaling has never been easier. In the past only nobles and scribes could hire someone to write their life story. Now everyone has option at their fingertip.

The Reading revolution- in 1970 barely 1/2 the people of the world were literate, and only a few could afford a book. Middle class people needed payment plans to afford an encyclopedia. Now we have free books at our fingertips, ie libraries and the web. Today more than 80% of the world can READ!!

Horn of Plenty, Never before have a people been able to eat like kings for as little money. You can buy a kiwi from New Zealand, gelato from Italy, fresh fish in the desert. These wonderful treats aren't only for royalty.

It's a wonderful life, and I am tired of spreading the gloom and doom. I am going to ask that face in the mirror what I am doing to be thankful and count my blessings instead of looking at that 1/2 empty glass. I do have all the food I want to eat! I do have a roof over my head! I do have so much! It is a wonderful life.

Time to Move?

2008-11-13T13:51:00.004-07:00

Are you trying to decide if now is a good time for you to move or stay put? This question is puzzling many people right now. Some great questions to ask yourself before making this crucial decision are:

What are the reasons I am wanting to sell?

If you are wanting to move into a larger, nicer home now is the perfect time to sell. Why? Because if your home is in a lower price range, the values are not down that much. You will more than pick up any discount you will need to make on your purchase. Homes in the upper and middle price brackets are discounting heavily to find a qualified buyer.

Are you just wanting a nicer home. Is the sq. footage fine, just not the layout you would love? Then perhaps a refinance to pull out some equity and update your home would be your best bet. There are a lot of contractors out of work right now and you can find quality work at great discounts. Moving a wall, expanding out or up might be your perfect solution.

Am I considering a job relocation? A lot of companies will pick up your loss and your closing costs to relocate. What is the housing market where you are re-locating? What is the cost of living like? The internet makes answering those questions easier than ever before.

After you decide the reason you are exploring a move ask about financing. Is your credit what it should be to get the best financing? Credit scores of over 650 will give you a lot of options. In the 700's you are in good shape. Below those, get busy and start your credit clean up process. With diligence and a little guidance you can get those scores up to par in just a short time. Need help? Call The Solutions Team for your free credit clean up program. 435 884 9449.

Is now a good time to sell? Depends on your circumstances... Is it a good time to buy? Absolutely! Prices are lower than they have been for 2 years. Interest rates are great! Sellers are negotiating. It is the perfect time to buy!

Smoke and Mirrors

2008-10-14T08:41:00.004-06:00

Getting our last newsletter ready to send out, I was contemplating the economic problem. It reminded me that more important than any crisis we are in, is our reaction to the crisis. Why are we in the mess? Is it an actual crisis or is it our perception? Perception is how you discern or see something. Lets look at the facts.

Interest Rates are under 7% (relatively low)

Prices are 30% less than they were 2 years ago

There is an abundance of homes to choose from

Mortgage companies are still loaning money

A home is a great investment

You can still buy a home with no or little money down

Rather than react to the current crisis, why not ask yourself some empowering questions?

Do I have enough food to eat today?

Do I have a roof over my head?

What can I do today to prepare for unforseen circumstances?

On those days when nothing in your life seems to be going right, it can be really tough to see the silver lining among all those clouds. However, it's during these times when the ability to see the good in even the worst situations is so important. An optimistic attitude benefits not only your mental health, but your physical well-being as well
Optimism – reacting to setbacks from a presumption of personal power:
· Bad events are temporary setbacks
· Isolated to particular circumstances
· Can be overcome by my effort and abilities
Pessimism - reacting to setbacks from a presumption of personal helplessness:
· Bad events will last a long time
· Will undermine everything I do
· they are my fault

What you say to yourself when you experience stress and adversity, your questions-- influences your performance, your mood, and even your health. Do you know the difference between a want and a need? We have very few things that are really needs: medicine, food, the roof over your head, gas for the car that you drive back and forth to work.

If your family could benefit from a new home the empowering question would be " Can I afford the payment?" What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks? If you want and need a new home, now could be the perfect time. If you need to sell, now is the perfect time, because you can pick up any loss on the other end. If you don't need to sell, now is the perfect time to stay where you are and make your home feel like your retreat.

In a nutshell, I think we must think of our the things in our life we are blessed with, focus on that and not on the clouds. After all there is always sunshine above every cloud.

Homeowners Tips

2008-09-23T22:17:00.004-06:00

Well I am tired of writing just about real estate! Perhaps that is why I don't do it as often as I had planned. I wonder if you get as tired of reading about the volitile market, great buys etc.

I decided that I was going to do tips for homeowners... things that make owning a home a little easier.

My husband Bryan & I are both brokers and both work full time so dividing up the inside and outside chores becomes a chore in itself. We have gotten pretty good at both doing the things we don't HATE! This makes the chores get done a little easier. One thing I have gotten the short straw on that I really dread is cleaning the refrigerator. My secretary Julie said the secret is to go through the fridge at least every 3 days and throw out the things that we were sure we were going to eat and didn't! While that did solve the problem of opening the fridge and having things call out to me, or worse having the leftovers vying to participate in some medical school experiments. It did not solve the problem of having a clean, shiny organized refrigerator.

While cleaning it, I decided that it really isn't that hard, so why do I dread it so? Why don't I clean out 1 drawer, shelf or bin each day while cleaning the kitchen. Like wiping down an extra counter top! I do believe I have hit the jack pot. I will let you know if it works.

Mountain Property in Utah

2008-09-23T22:10:00.003-06:00

Looking for a low cost family retreat? Look no further!

In the beautiful So. Willow Canyon in the Stansbury Mountain Range, located just 40 minutes from SLC is this beautiful 16 acre parcel for only $65,000. It includes over 400 ft of frontage on canyon road, with much of the property being rugged mountain and plateau for a great escape and no worry about neighbors. The perfect retreat for 4 wheeling, with private 4 wheel trail that can be used only by home owners. Year round access, and next to Forest service property. Heavily wooded. No utilities, so you can bring a trailer or make yourself self sufficient. Call 435 884 9449 for more information. or email us at solutionsteam@solutionsteam.biz

Shared Ownership in Real Estate

2008-06-27T14:41:00.005-06:00

It's not new, it's not a time share.... It is a fabulous way to have a vacation home hassle free. It's called Shared Ownership.

Usually when people buy a vacation home they think they will get away every weekend to enjoy it. Reality and life steps in and they find that they visit their fabulous vacation home only a few times each year. Those times are shadowed by having to clean it and do the repairs . Shared ownership is fabulous alternative to this scenerio.

You own a fabulous home or condo with 4 to 6 other owners that you don't have to find!. You have a beautiful vacation home that you can actually vacation at. It comes with complete beautiful furnishings, linens, fully equipped kitchen & secure storage lockers so that you can keep your sports equipment and personal home touches on site.

You share the maintenance and housekeeping with the other owners so you have minimal expense and you now have the time and money to really enjoy your vacation home.

We have just listed a shared ownership home near beautiful American Fork Canyon in Utah, County. It will include 12 weeks of use. These will be booked for 3 rotating weeks in each season. You will have the opportunity of trading with the other 3 owners to get your

own customized vacations. It is a steal at only $110,000. Fully furnished and ready for your family. It includes 4 bedrooms, laundry facilities, beautiful master suite, gourmet kitchen.

Gorgeous Views in every direction. It is within walking distance to a gorgeous golf course, near hiking, boating, camping & skiing. It is located at 10333 Tamarack Way in Cedar Hills, Utah. See a photo tour of this gorgeous shared ownership home at http://www.10333tamarack.com/ Call or email us for further information 435 884 9449 or solutionsteam@solutionsteam.biz

Real Estate Investing in Utah

2008-06-16T16:02:00.003-06:00

With the declining Utah real estate market, investors are seeing great opportunities for investment.
It is my opinion, after 26 years in the real estate industry, that the only way you can get hurt with a real estate investment is IF you have to sell in buyers market. Most investors must have a couple of options if the market gets tough. A Plan A, and then a Plan B for tighter times. Right now with the lending guidelines tightened up, there is an abundance of renters. Now is the time to start making a portfolio, with other people making your payments. If you can rent a property for 1% of the sales price that is a good guideline to go by so that you don't end up having to subsidize your own retirement. All properties will sell, it just depends on the price, condition and location. Sooner or later, if you stick to the sales price, it will be saleable!
Contact us if you would some great Plan B's!

We also have sources for buying investment property for only 10% down! Isn't it time you started doing a sure fire investment program?

Credit not good enough to buy a home, contact us for our FREE credit repair service. We can get you where you want to go. We specialized in Tooele County, but can help you regardless of where you are. You will need to sign a agency agreement, that means when we do get your credit up to par, you will let us, or one of our assigns represent you~ Call for a free consultation.

Owners will carry!

2007-10-12T13:18:00.004-06:00

We have just listed this fabulous property located in the North Part of Grantsville,Utah. The address is 45 N Cooley St.
Grantsville is located about 30 min west of SLC, UT. It is a serene town that is growing rapidly. Great values are still to be found. This 10 acre parcel has been reduced to only $29,000 per acre. This amazing home site will be a great buy for someone who wants the convenience of the city a short commute away but longs for the peace and serenity that this secluded property will give. It includes the use of artesian well. Call for more details.

Amazing year around beauty.

View to the East

Yikes! Is my house value dropping?

2007-09-07T16:35:00.000-06:00

As the housing market continues to create havoc in our economy I wanted to tell you that it isn't all as bleak as it seems. Your house value a few months ago seemed to be extremely high. You wished you would have jumped on the band wagon and sold while the getting was good, but it all seems to come out in the wash. Had you sold in a hot market, then relocated you would have had to pay more to relocate so where is your savings? Having seen a lot of market turns in our 25 years in the industry we know that these ups and downs are completely normal. You have a stable market with low interest and everyone wants a new home. That creates demand and then you see the prices go up as demand goes up. More building happens which then makes an over supply, demand goes down. There will always be people who have to sell. Rather for financial reasons, divorce, death, job transfer etc. Because they have to sell, they then have to lower their price to get activity. The neighbor puts his price a little lower and the market starts going down. It is when we need to sell NOW that we loose money. That's when you need creative thinking. How can we make it through the crunch? The Solutions Team has been helping people through the crunches for a lot of years. There are always solutions, you just have to be open to options.
Do we think the market will continue to fall? I don't see how it won't. There are too many homes on interest only and adjustable rate mortgages. They are going to oversupply the market, and they are going to be desparate to sell. It will level out. Now is the time that you want to put yourself in a position to benefit from this market swing. You will want to be on the lookout for good deals. They are coming.

Is it time to Sell?

2007-08-20T14:30:00.000-06:00

Is it time to sell my house?

The short answer is, it depends on what your goals are. Having said that … it’s ALWAYS time to sell your house.
The truth is that there is always a market - it’s just a matter of whether the current market is right for you to buy or to sell. So, how can you tell?
First, it’s important to know what you want to accomplish. Maybe you want to downsize. Maybe you want a bigger house. Maybe you have to move. Whatever it is, you must first determine what your motivation is.
Next, you have to find out how much you are likely to get for your current house (in today’s market), how much you are likely to pay for the house you want to move to (in today’s market) and how much you can afford to borrow and pay per month (in today’s market).
Notice how we keep talking about “today’s market”? That’s because it’s important to remember that the market that exists TODAY is the only one that matters RIGHT NOW. It doesn’t matter what your house was worth last year or what a house you like was selling for last year or what the interest rates were a month ago. Those are gone. Period. They don’t matter … so put them out of your mind.
Get a real estate professional to do a market analysis on your home (or even ask two or three to do it for you). What they come up with will reflect the market as it stands today. Deduct your current mortgage, anticipated real estate fee, any property transfer fees, the cost of unavoidable repairs and changes to the house and you have the funds that will be available to you (from the sale of this house) for any new purchase.
If you know which house you want, get the same type of market analysis done for that one. The result will tell you what you should reasonably pay. Most correctly priced homes will actually sell for 3% to 8% less than the asking price, depending on the location and the state of the market. In a strong sellers’ market, homes will often sell for more than the asking price as hungry buyers bid the price up. Likewise, in a strong buyers market the sale price might be driven down by a larger percent as buyers refuse to pay as much.
You’ll also have closing costs and other expenses of buying and these should be added to the anticipated purchase price.
Taking the proceeds of your sale, along with any other amount you expect to put toward the purchase, from the total purchase price will produce the amount you will need to borrow in order to get into the new home.
Now here’s the bottom line: If all of the numbers above work for you and you are comfortable with them, and if you want to have the other house instead of the one you now have, then it’s time to sell your house. If any of it does NOT work for you, then it’s NOT time to sell your house.

Mortgage Loans - Info from the RE Answer People.

2007-08-09T12:43:00.000-06:00

Todays Blog topic is going to be Mortgage loans. Getting a home loan can be tricky business. Well, maybe not getting one, but getting one that you can afford can be tricky.

We suggest that taking on just any home loan can be like buying shoes without trying them on because “if you want to buy a home, there is a lender that will find you a loan…even if there is no way you can possibly afford it.” Since it’s your credit that’s at risk, it is your responsibility to fully understand the loan for which you’ve applied.

Make sure you do your research and find out what the worst case payment could be, adding in the property taxes and insurance. This should help predict what your mortgage will be for the next few years. Don't forget to factor in the mortgage insurance if you are not putting down 20% or more. Mortgage insurance is an insurance that the investor requires that reduces their risk when a smaller amount of down payment is put down. In the event you default the mortgage insurance will pay the investor the portion they are short to cover their costs. It is used primarily if they have to sell in a slow market or when the house has been damaged or market value has decreased.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask them in our comment section. We will respond in a timely manner. We love sharing our knowlege with you. The Solutions Team www.solutionsteam.biz

New Sandy, Utah Listing

2007-08-08T15:58:00.001-06:00

Fantastic newly remodeled home in Sandy Utah. This fantastic buy is only $299,900. It is located at 992 Dry Gulch Road Sandy, Utah. MLS # 714020 This home is in the area of $700-800K homes. It has 4 bedrooms, a large family room. Fenced yard. Beautiful new kitchen. It's a MUST SEE. For your own private showing call Summer at 801 979 4663.

Zoning

2007-08-01T15:46:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to talk about municipal zoning as part of your due diligence this week as we have had a transaction with a lot of problems because of a zoning oversight.

When you are purchasing a property, even if it is a straight forward sale, it always makes sense to check the zoning for that particular area. A good example of this is a buyer a few years back bought a fairly new home on a dead end street. They went to the city prior to closing and found out that on the master plan their quiet little street was a major thoroughfare. This could have been a horrible shock to them, but they did their homework. They decided that it was far enough down the road that they would go ahead and buy the house. They sold it about 8 years later, and the road came through a couple of years after they had sold it. It worked out fine for them, but not so good for other people.

We have a client who bought a bank from a bank. Banks always sell their properties AS IS. They also have the paperwork to cover their bottoms just gloriously. They don't need to disclose anything! Come to find out, the county had kicked out the previous owners prior to the bank owning it because of zoning violations and deemed the home inhabitable. That's was why he gave it back to the bank. This was unknown to the buyers. They lived in the property for several years. Now when they went to sell it, they couldn't get the necessary rebuild letter (A letter required by a lender saying that in the event the property burns down the county or city will allow the home to be rebuilt) from the county as they were occupying it illegally. We are hoping we can work this out, but it would have been so much easier to remedy prior to purchase, while the bank was holding the bag not the new owners. They would have most likely gotten a huge discount on the purchase price.

The caveat " Let the Buyer Beware" is always great advice. Cross your T's, dot your I's and check out the rest of the alphbet also. Zoning is one of those things that really needs to be verified by the buyer, don't trust anyone else for that job... don't trust your realtors word, don't trust anyone but the city official who is in charge, and then be sure and save his or her name and the date they gave you the zoning... Better yet, get it in writing. A residential zone can change, so can any other zoning. Ask to see the master plan.

If you have any questions concerning real estate you are welcome to call us during office hours. 435 884 9449.

Investing in Real Estate

2007-07-26T11:02:00.000-06:00

Many of our clients are investors. They are using real estate to subsidize their income or retirement portfolio. We have also had many clients who wanted to try their hand at investing and found it to be way over their heads. Why do some find it so rewarding and others fail miserably? We just wanted to address of few of the concerns that we feel makes or breaks an investor.

Don't be in a hurry to find a property. Make sure it is right! Make sure the margins are there, make sure you have a realtor do a before and after market analysis for you using comparables IN YOUR PROPERTIES NEIGHBORHOOD. This won't guarantee you success, but it will put the odds in your favor. Keep in mind that in a very short time markets can change.

Be prepared for the Worst! No one wants to think their hard work will fail, but prepare as though it could. Can you comfortably make the payments for 6 months in the event it won't sell? Are you prepared to find a costly repair that you didn't plan on? Do you have a backup plan in case that happens?

Be there to overlook the work. Don't leave it all to subcontractors. You have to manage the work. Make sure you have the time and energy to do that. Contractors won't come when they say they will. They will do the work differently than you had wanted. Give them a concrete deadline that they can live with and then charge a fee for every day over that deadline. This will make you a priority. Have an incentive if they finish early. Write a contract that also includes them cleaning up any mess or debris their job created. You don't want to pay for clean-up that is not necessary. Make sure the work is quality. Shoddy work in one small area will wipe out all of the great things you have done. Save some of your budget for staging the home. It can make or break your transaction.

Your first area of concentration should be curb appeal. Get it looking very attractive from the curb.

Investing isn't for everyone. Some don't have the skills, the time or resources. It isn't a sure thing. If you need some help or would like a free consultation with us we would be happy to arrange a time to meet with you. The Solutions Team has helped many people create their financial security. Call today for an appointment. 435 884 9449

We have 2 new listings that could be an investment opportunity. They are both in Tooele Utah. One Rambler that is nearing foreclosure. Their loss can be your gain. 602 E Wasatch Way. 4 bedrooms 3 bath. Gas fireplace, large family room. Great workshop and 2 storage sheds. Spacious private back yard waiting for your finishing touches. MLS # 705180 Possible Shortsale. $147,000 with bank approval.

Another darling tri level in Tooele, Utah with lots of potential. 3 bedrooms 2 bath, with an unfinished master bathroom upstairs. New tile floors, new carpet and paint. Hardwood floors. Fantastic neighborhood. price reduced 20K. Only $149,900.

Specializing in Recreational Properties

2007-07-12T10:17:00.000-06:00

As the summer races away we wanted to remind you that we are specialists when it comes to recreational property. Whether you are wanting to get away to a mountain retreat, such as this beautiful retreat with 2 cabins on a 3.75 Ac. parcel that is very secluded in the Mt. Pleasant, Utah area, or wanting to escape the cold down to warmer climes. The Solutions Team can help you. We also have 2 fabulous parcels in the Woodland Utah that have year round access.

You could build your dream home on this 21 acre parcel or make a family get away that could be a heritage for generations to come.

We have had fun researching the gorgeous and diverse 29 counties in the Utah area. Go to our website to discover some of our great findings. Then when you know which county you are interested in we will send you a list of available properties in that county.

If there isn't anything available we will put on our hunting gear and find you one. We now have the resources to help you find that perfect property anywhere in the state. We can also help you with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada & Idaho .

Are you looking for fabulous ATV trails to explore this great state? Go to

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/utahatvtrailsmaps/Utah_ATV_Trails_Tracks_Maps_and_Directions.htm

We have seen places and marvels that we would never have seen had we not set out on this trek to discover Utah. Please call us for more information. We would love to help you find a family retreat! 435 884 9449 or 801 694 5232 Happy Trails!

Staging by Tthe Solutions Team

2007-05-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

Recently one of our listings in Stansbury park mentioned that all realtors should offer the staging services that we do. We have found Staging to be one of the extra mile things we can offer to our clients to help them realize Top Dollar for their home. This service is available at no extra cost to our clients in both Salt Lake and Tooele County. Here are a few of the before and after pictures that will help you get an idea as too the effectiveness of home staging. If you would like to contact us at 435 884 9449, we would be happy to show you how it could benefit your bottom line. Training and 25 years in the business makes it possible for us to know how to get it done right. 95% of our business is by referral.

Before After

Note how warm and welcoming the after room is. Just a few little touches is sometimes all you need. We try to stage with the things you have on hand.

Welcome to the Solutions Team Blog

2007-05-07T00:07:00.000-06:00

The Solutions Team Real Estate Services is now offering a new Tooele county listing. It is the perfect time to take a look at this great opportunity to obtain a fixer upper. The real estate market in Tooele County has been so hot, that it is very difficult to find horse properties under 300K. This new listing is in Grantsville, Ut. at 3883 Marshall Road. It is a fixer upper on 1 acre for only $169,900. It is a horse property and has a lot of potential. There are 2 homes on the property and a $6000 well allowance. The well is either too shallow, or has a cracked shaft. The owners are not sure which. They have tried purifying the water and have been unsuccessful after spending a lot of money. Don't miss out, as horse property is pretty hard to come by in Tooele County now. Live in the rear home while you are building or remodeling the front home. Tooele County has said you could make it a duplex if you connected the 2 homes with a garage. I will post a picture as soon as the siding on the rear home is complete. The front home is basically a shell.

Commissions in other states

2007-02-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, I don't know if you noticed the article on NAR website this week about repricocity. All of the states surrounding us will allow us to receive a commission in their state even though we can't list or show properties there. In Nevada you do need to get certificate. of cooperation from the state real estate division. In Arizona you have to have a written agreement with the Arizona licensee. In wyoming you can't do any negotiations but you can receive the commission. Here is the website to see what different states allow. http://www.realtor.org/NCommSrc.nsf/pages/StateLicenseChart?OpenDocument&Login I only checked the states around us, ie Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado.

Summer has a new listing in Woodland Utah. msl # 660010 & 660012. You might have seen it in the newsletter. She has two parcels, 21 acres and 23 acres. They are $69K and $72K per acre. It is zoned for 20 ac. parcels. It is a beautiful property with streams and gorgeous mountain views. If you want more info call her at 801 979 4663.

The property includes water rights.

We have a new listing. IT is in Grantsville mls # 662130 it is a great brick rambler that is wheelchair accessible with 5 bed. and an office. 3 bath for only $179,900 on .31 of an acre. It has an amazing backyard with orchard.

Lloyd has a property waiting to close at the end of the month. He will then be leaving us. He is going to Allpro in Tooele. We wish him the best of luck.

We have some great new postcards available for your sold listings. If you would like to send them out call Julie. Have a great week.

Happy Holidays

2006-11-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hi, hope you are all ready for a calm and peacful holiday season.

OFFICE UPDATE

Lloyd has his little fixer upper under contract and is getting ready to close. He has just been called to be the Patriarch in his church, so he will have some new heavy responsibilites. Congratulations Lloyd. Good bye Arizona. He was planning on leaving for the winter. I don't know if that will happen now. His 2 month old grandson is also having open heart surgery tomorrow, so keep him in your prayers.

Camille is all settled in Idaho and is loving it up there. She has joined Brys company and will be doing referrals.

Summer has been really busy, she has 2 new listings that are under contract, a new buyer that is looking for a townhouse condo in the SL area under 140K... and she is recovering from shoulder surgery, besides juggling her full time job and motherhood to 6. I wonder what she is doing with all her spare time? Give her a call if you know of a condo.

Julie has been dealing with a short sale nightmare, and a sellers house that she had trouble getting the appraisal. She is just about out of the woods with both of them. She will be really glad to see both of them close.

Terry is busy with his investing.... I think he and Cathy are going to own half of Tooele county before they are through. He is doing a great job with them.

We have just listed a good fixer upper in Tooele. It has a great yard, but the house needs some help. It is 109,900 with a $1000 clean up allowance. It needs electrical work, and they may give an allowance for that.
we would love for you to bring us an offer. I had it under contract 3 days after listing it, but the buyer backed out due to the electrical.

We are planning on taking it easy for the rest of the month. We have several closings next week, and then we are going to take a break. If you can't get us at the office try the cell.

They are working on a law that you can't have split closings. Someone had told me it went into effect Dec 1. I checked with a reliable source and it is a ways down the road. She didn't think it would pass. I will let you know when I hear.

Hope your holidays are fabulous. Love to all of you. Barb & Bryan