I can find your Dream Home!

As an expert on Salt Lake area real estate, I keep track of every home for sale in the area. In many instances, I know of homes that aren't yet listed on the area Multiple Listings Service (MLS). If you will fill out the form below with as many details as possible, I will search my data for homes that meet your needs and budget. Then I'll send you the information, free of charge!

Buying a home is a great way to build long-term wealth.

There are some other important dividends, too.

If you've been waiting for the right time to buy a home, you should know the facts about homeownership. Right now, interest rates are still at historic lows, conventional financing is available, and FHA-insured mortgage applications are on the rise. The more you know, the more you'll realize it's a decision you shouldn't postpone any longer.

On average, the value of a home nearly doubles every 10 years. That's a return most investments can't match. During the past three decades, home values have increased an average of 6.6% per year. And because most buyers invest only a small part of their home's total value in a down payment, their return on that initial investment is much greater, thanks to the power of leverage.

The average homeowner today has 36 times the wealth of the average renter. Homeownership is key to climbing up the economic ladder. When you own a home, you're essentially paying yourself and building up equity. Not to mention the tax deductions only owners can claim, such as property taxes and mortgage interest.

Sixty percent of the average homeowner's wealth is their home's equity. Very few people look back and regret their decision to purchase a home. Historically speaking, homeowners that are in it for the long haul will build equity. In fact, home equity is the largest single source of household wealth for most Americans.

Of course, a home is much more than a way to accumulate wealth. It's a place to enjoy your lifestyle and your loved ones. What other investment can claim that?

The best way to evaluate your situation and options is to contact a REALTOR - a member of the national and your local association of REALTORS. They can provide solid advice on local market conditions and help you find the home you've always wanted. Every market is different. Contact a  REALTOR today.

Fixer-uppers

The oft heard phrase "Buyer Beware" is never more appropriate than when considering the purchase of a fixer-upper.You really need to know exactly what you’re getting into before buying.

It’s commonly believed that fixer-upper properties represent easy money that is ripe for the taking - that you can buy it, do a little work on it in your spare time, and then resell quickly for a large profit. Usually, this simply isn't the case. Although, with proper planning and foresight, good profits can be made by buying "distressed" properties at less than market value, making appropriate improvements and repairs, and then reselling. And for many first time buyers who intend to live in the house while working on it, buying a fixer-upper can be the very best option. It’s less risky buying a fixer-upper when you can live in the house while fixing it. And of course, by living in the house for at least 24 months you should be able to avoid paying regular income taxes on the profits.

The most important thing to know before making a decision on such a purchase is what needs to be fixed. Any time you are spending money on improving a home with the notion of selling it later, strive to spend your money on things that buyers can easily see. Things like new paint and removing trash from the property cost little but have instant impact on curb appeal. Houses that have only cosmetic problems like peeling paint, a trashy yard, bad carpet or wallpaper are the best bet. This is especially true for the first time buyer looking to live in the house for a while before reselling. Fixing and cleaning cosmetic issues is fairly easy and inexpensive. It virtually always gives gives a good return on investment, particularly when you can do the work yourself. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling usually pays a nice return. Don’t be afraid of buying a fixer-upper in need of this kind of repair. Properties with structural damage, or a floor plan that requires major work to remedy, usually can’t be "fixed up" at a profit.

Always have an inspection for hidden damage performed by a home inspector or construction professional before buying a fixer-upper. Make sure that satisfactory completion of such inspections are a condition of purchase in any contract you sign. Then be sure to negotiate to try and get the seller to pay for all or part of the cost of needed repairs uncovered by the inspection. Often, sellers will be willing to lower the sales price to sell the home "as is" instead of paying for the repairs.

Be careful that you don’t over pay. Especially if you plan to resell quickly, paying too much up front can doom your plans for quick profit. Research the market for reselling and have an exit plan for selling the house in place before making an offer.

Gated Communities

The popularity of living in gated, or private communities has been rising in recent years. It used to be that gated communities were thought of as being only for the rich. But today they are becoming more and more popular with middle and upper middle class families. Security is usually given as the biggest reason for choosing to live in a gated community. Among the other reasons people are attracted to living in these communities are protecting property values and lifestyle.Many gated communities are designed with amenities built around a particular lifestyle, with golf courses, tennis, swimming pools, or equestrian facilities.Gated communities are usually located on some of the most desirable land in the area. Prime land, combined with careful planning and HOA rules create an environment where home values hold up extremely well.

Aside from the gates or walls, the second most defining characteristic of gated or private communities is the Homeowner’s Association (HOA).The HOA is made up of all the owners of the development. The HOA is responsible for collection of the Association fees and making and enforcing the “rules” of the community.It is often also responsible for maintaining the public aspects of the community, such as streets, security, parks, etc.

The rules set by the HOA can vary a great deal, depending on the individual development.Typically the HOA will have rules pertaining to upkeep and appearance of homes within the development, specifying the colors of paint on outside walls, types of fencing, guidelines for landscaping and storage of boats or recreational vehicles.

Gated communities aren't for everyone.But with strong protection of property values, increased security, less traffic and amenities for your specific lifestyle, they are appealing to more people each year.

Distress Sales/Bank Foreclosures

Distress Sales resulting from bank foreclosures often represent a great way to get a fantastic deal on a home. It's not easy for the average homeowner to find these deals, because you have to keep scouring the paper to see when one comes up.

If you're the type of person who recognizes what a great deal some of these properties could represent, you will be interested to know about a new free computerized service which automatically searches out and downloads a current list of all such properties day in and day out. When you receive this free, no obligation service, you're automatically plugged in to the most current list of Foreclosure Properties on the market, in the price range and area that interests you. This FREE service every week will save you a lot of research and running around.

Here's how it works. Every week, you will receive a FREE computerized report listing the current Foreclosure properties in your desired price range and location. There is no cost for this information, and absolutely no obligation. This insider information, sent to you in an incredibly simple and efficient format, will give you a huge advantage over other buyers in the marketplace.

You can request this free service by simply filling out the information on the form below including the specific price range and area you would like the "Foreclosure Weekly Report" on. When you have completed the form just click the "Submit" button at the bottom of this page.