Jen's Real Estate Blog

HGTV Looking for Haunted Houses for new series, "Haunted House For Sale"

2010-05-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was recently contacted by Sara, a producer at KPI about the "haunted house" I have listed and recently blogged about. Seems they are producing a new series for HGTV called, "Haunted House For Sale." Turns out, my little house in Ogden is not going to work out, but she did ask me to spread the word. Here's the blurb she gave me to share:

KPI, a New York based production company, are currently casting for a pilot episode for HGTV called “Haunted House for Sale.” We are looking to feature 3 haunted houses that are currently for sale anywhere in the US. Each of the 3 stories would include interviews with the seller, the prospective buyer, the Realtor, and a local ghost hunting team who will carry out a night time ghost hunt at the house. These houses must have a reputation for being haunted, with a history of paranormal activity. The house should be currently inhabited or only recently vacated, and in relatively good repair. All filming for the show will be completed in June/July 2010.

If you know of any suitable properties please contact the Producer – Sarah Hodgson: shodgson@kpitv.com or 646-356-0710.

Give her a call if you qualify!

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Broker, Coldwater Creek Properties
Ogden Utah

The Media: One Minute the Economy is Recovering, the Next We're Doomed

2010-04-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

I get up about 5:00 a.m. every morning and spend a couple of hours reading the latest news from overnight news outlets. Each day I am amazed at how consistently various media outlets proclaim one of two things; "Housing market collapse is expected to cause a depression any minute now!" or, "The economy is on the rebound, home sales are up a gillion percent!" It never seems to be something in the middle. Something middlishly boring but probably much more accurate like, "Home sales, and as a result the economy, are showing signs of a VERY slow, but hopeful, and correcting recovery."

I am a trained professional in these matters, and yet I'm as confused as anyone else about the outcome in these wobbly times. And actually, it's not even the long range outcome I'm worried about, because I think we will be fine in the big picture. However, it's the getting there that seems so variable and troubling. So many factors, so many opinions, so many spins. What's a regular, struggling family to do?

My answer is, do the same thing our grandparents did when times were tight for them. Tighten your belt, save more, cut out things you really don't need, pay your bills on time, don't incur new bills, and put something aside for a rainy day. Age old advice that we need to hear now more than ever. Like Americans before us, we can and will weather the rest of this storm.

Related Article: As Economy Heals, Many Americans Slipping Back into Old Habits RisMedia

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Broker, Coldwater Creek Properties
Ogden Utah

Ogden City Steps it Up!

2010-04-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ogden City recently put up a new website, and I have to tell you, I'm impressed. Everything you need or want to know about Ogden, what to do, where to go, how to get around, is there!

Here are some notable quotes from the home page:

* "A playground for adrenaline junkies…" Wall Street Journal, May 2006
* "A stable economy and high ethics from its work force…" The Economist, June 2008
* "The best new place to be…" National Geographic, January 2008

Now that's chops! Check out this gorgeous new website today, and then Get into Ogden!

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Broker, Coldwater Creek Properties
Ogden Utah

My First Haunted House

2010-04-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

I recently had the thrill of listing a home built in 1884. Like many homes in central Ogden, at some point mid-century it had been turned from a stately 6 bedroom home to a chopped up 4-plex with 4 kitchens, 4 bathrooms, 6 bedrooms, and 4 living rooms.

It served this purpose well until the early 1990's when dilapidated conditions, and better rent prices down the street shut the structure down for good. The gentleman who owned the property became increasingly elderly and did not visit the home again before his death in 2007. It was his heirs, his adorable daughters, who hired me to assess and sell the property. I was ecstatic to take on the project.

The sisters had never been in the structure, so all three of us went over together. The two-story home had clearly lost most of the upper roof. We also realized that there was no way to ascend to the top floor as the external stairway had long ago rotted away. Despite the condition of the home, it still emanated a stately sense of pride. I could barely wait to get inside.

The inside was a wreck. Water damage had ruined most of the lapin plaster ceilings and walls. Still, there were visible remnants of Victorian style wallpaper, old Victorian fireplaces, and best of all, 2 claw foot tubs sitting in one of the kitchens. My Broker self immediately assessed that showings could be dangerous to agents and buyers alike. In inclement weather, pieces of ceiling could easily cave in and hurt somebody. I made a mental note to require all showing agents to be fully apprised of the situation before entering, and even considered having lookers sign a waiver before going in.

The very creepiest part of the house became apparent to me later, during a subsequent visit. I went in alone, late in the day, to take some pictures before the sun went down. As I entered the house, I had the distinctive feeling that I was not alone. The air was thick with bristling energy as I moved from room to room, simultaneously admiring and mourning the once elegant rooms. I felt closely observed in every room. It was as though I was intruding into some disapproving person's personal, private space.

I wondered if Buyers and other agents would notice this intimidating energy. I still don't know because as of now, I haven't had anybody brave enough to call me to see it. For now the current "tenant" remains undisturbed.

Have you ever been in a haunted house? I would love to hear about it. Someday I'll tell the story about the time I walked into a house where the owner had just died. She hadn't gone very far away because as soon as I walked into the home, I heard her say .... (Stay tuned :-)

Jennifer Bunker CR S GRI Broker,
Coldwater Creek Properties
Ogden Utah

The De-Valuing of America: HVCC

2009-08-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

I spent a good part of my Facebook week relating the misfortune of three of my Buyer clients who made offers on homes, only to have them not appraise for what they offered for them. These failures are thanks in no small part to HVCC, or the "Home Valuation Code of Conduct."

This little agreement (May 1, 2009) is a misguided attempt to regulate inappropriate relationships between Lenders and Appraisers. Like many regulations we've seen originate from the Government as a result of our economic slowdown, apparently nobody had the brains to think through the unintended consequences to REALTORS, Lenders, Buyers, Sellers and the general American economy.

Perhaps it is quite politically incorrect for me to blog this here, however, I believe that it is important that people understand what is happening and how their home's (already deflated) value is in deep jeopardy. In fact, all of America's home values are in trouble if we keep these guidelines.

Case in point: I have a Buyer who offered to purchase a home for $182,000. This is substantiated by comps that I found from our MLS and my knowledge of the area. The offer was accepted by the Seller. The Buyer then purchased an inspection for $350 and an appraisal for $450. The inspection came out clean. The Appraiser, a person from 14 cites away (2 hours to the south of the subject property) was assigned to do the appraisal. Not surprisingly, he couldn't "find the value" and appraised the property at $179,500, just $2,500 less than the offer price.

You might be wondering WHY this person who clearly is not familiar with the area has been assigned to appraise the property. You see, this is the BRAIN CHILD of HVCC wherein no Lender can choose from their pool of appropriate, area-knowledgeable Appraisers. Now, they must put in a request into a anonymous pool of Appraisers who can be from anywhere, with any skill level (notably NONE) and any experience level.

Herein lies the genius of HVCC. Now, there will be no collusion because the Lender couldn't pick the Appraiser! There will also be no COMPETENCE, SKILL, or AREA KNOWLEDGE of any sort. Brilliant!

Let's examine how this hurts everybody. First of all, let me just say that having been in real estate 7 years, I have never personally witnessed or even heard about Lender-Appraiser collusion. Yes, no doubt it exists somewhere, but I bet in very few places. In my opinion, "collusion issues" was an easy way for the government to point a finger at something and make everybody think that they had fixed the problem by making a ridiculous guideline. Um, no.

In the case above, although the house is worth well above the offer price (as proven by two experienced real estate professionals who know the area) the Seller cannot get their rightful value now. They are forced to take less than the market says their house is worth. To put this in perspective, I had this same scenario happen twice elsewhere within a week. So for me, 100% of the houses I am involved with are being forced to artificially de-valuate in order to sell.

Most people have to sell due to a job change or many other reasons so they must take the lesser value for their home. Hence we have the devaluing of America. I hear from my REALTOR friends across the country that this is happening everywhere. Some are even thinking of leaving the business, it's too difficult to transact even a basic sale anymore. If every home, or even just 70% of the homes in America are forced to take less than market value .... does it take a rocket scientist to figure out ALL of our values will go down?

You can dispute a value that an Appraiser has submitted. But now that Appraisers have an assured income stream that is not based upon customer service and competence, many are arrogant and combative. Most will blow off any of the comps a REALTOR submits. Why not? The Appraiser already got their money!

In the case above, my Buyer asked the Seller to reduce their price so she could still purchase the home. Angry, they said no. Now my Buyer is out $800 in inspections and Appraisers fees. She has no place to go since she long ago gave notice to her apartment building and someone else is moving in at the end of the month. Nice job HVCC!

Guess what else? That was all of her money! She's done now. Back to renting, her dream literally ripped away before she even knew what hit her. (By the way, this young bride's husband is serving in the military, in another country - nice job again HVCC).

Every single person loses. The Buyer loses money, faith, a home, the Seller loses value and faith. REALTORS lose commissions on many hours of wasted time spent going nowhere. Even Appraisers lose, because the competent, busy ones are now waiting in the pool, their income way down and spread out amongst ... and here's the rub ... unethical appraisers who are now working MORE THAN EVER due to the pool! It is absolutely ridiculous!

I said that I had two others just like this. How many more are out there, across our country? WHEN, WHEN, WHEN will we finally wake up and put some competent, intelligent people into public office? How much more value will you need to lose before you get it America?

Thanks for the opportunity to vent. Next time I'll talk about how to avoid the above situation when you get ready to buy or sell your own home.

* There are two sides to every story. Everybody agrees that HVCC is ridiculous. I'll invite an appraiser to talk about what HVCC is like from their perspective in an upcoming blog post. *

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Coldwater Creek Properties
Ogden Utah

I'm Baaaaack!

2008-11-24T15:32:00.000-08:00

So, yeah. It's been a while since I've been here blogging about real estate. Just after my last entry in May of this year, I learned that I had cancer. Although I still worked a little bit at real estate, I basically spent the entire summer figuring out how beat cancer (I did). I kept a blog about it here, if you are interested.

And while I was gone, the economy went totally to pot. Thanks a lot economy, I have cancer bills to pay!

Fast forward to November and things look particularly ugly in real estate land. Cancer, always the great clarifier, gave me an opportunity to re-evaluate the current real estate situation, my personal roll in it, and things in general.

My take-away from the whole situation is that I need to use this blog to focus more on my immediate area of Utah (Northern end of the state) and to be more forthcoming with my opinions as I really see things. I see a lot out there, and much is not good. Helping people to avoid pitfalls is the most useful thing I can do for now.

I vow to *try* and blog more consistently!

Remember, home is where the mortgage is - Jennifer

Jennifer Bunker Owner/Broker

Coldwater Creek Properties

Utah # 2 in Home Price Increase

2008-05-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

The following article is from the Salt Lake Tribune, dated May 21, 2008:

By Lesley MitchellThe Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 05/22/2008 12:08:25 PM MDT

Posted: 11:28 AM-

Salt Lake City is ranked No. 22 among nearly 300 areas in home-price appreciation from the first quarter of 2007 to the same period this year with a 5.4 percent gain, a new report shows.

But two of Utah's metro areas ranked in the top 10, according to the House Price Index report by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.

The Provo-Orem area was No. 6, with a 6.8 percent gain in home prices over the one-year period. Ogden-Clearfield was No. 9, with a 6.6 percent increase.

The Logan area was No. 15, with a 6 percent increase.

Among Utah areas, St. George had the worst ranking, No. 235, based on a 3.7 percent decline in home prices over that one-year period.

Utah as a whole is No. 2 among all states in home-price appreciation with a 5.6 percent increase, relinquishing the top spot to Wyoming, which posted a 6.3 percent gain. Montana rounded out the top 3 with a 4.9 percent increase.

A downturn in real estate markets throughout Utah has pushed home sales down and led to moderating home prices. Utah slipped to No. 2 after five consecutive quarters in the top spot. Nationally, prices were down 3.1 percent in the year that ended March 31.

Jennifer Bunker CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

The "Hope Now" Hotline

2008-03-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

"Hope Now" is the project that the Government has set up to help homeowners heading to forclosure due to variable rate loans that have set to payments the homeowner is unable to afford.

The Hope Now hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for homeowners who are having trouble keeping up with mortgage payments.

The free service helps borrowers contact lenders to try to work out a payment plan or modify their loan. While there are no eligibility guildines, not all callers will be able to negotiate new terms or avoid the sale of their home.

Other housing groups and counseling agencies also working with homeowners at risk. Make sure whomever you're dealing with is certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

Hope Now hotline 1-888-995-HOPE http://www.995hope.org/

Homeowner Crisis Resource Center 1-866-557-2227 http://www.housinghelpnow.org/

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Finding a "Good" School in a Foreign New Land

2008-03-13T09:51:00.001-07:00

I'm in my 6th year of Real Estate now. It's been a fun, interesting, and an eye-opening ride. One of the most wonderful things about this profession is meeting new people and retaining their friendships for life.

I recently had a new client call me about relocating into Utah. They are currently living in the South and the family's Mom expressed concerns about finding a good Elementary School in the Beehive State. In fact, a good school is her top criteria. "Find us a good school and then we'll move to whatever's nearby," she said.

It's a big order to fill. What is the definition of a "good" school? The answer to that complex query varies according to the paradigm of the person asking the question.

Her quest for information has us both searching the Internet for acceptable data for use in the family's decision. However, there really isn't a central location where schools are "ranked". In the end, this family will have to do what every other relocating family does, make a choice based upon what they were able to find out and then hope for the best.

In Utah, any decision probably won't be a bad decision. While raising my children through three excellent schools here, I continually observed involved, caring parents, intelligent and interested children, teachers who are paid too little to not be doing the job from their hearts, and the highest quality/caring staff anywhere. It's safe to say you will find those same qualities in every one of Utah's public schools. It's how we are as a people. Children are this state's priority.

And, we have a large variety of private choices appearing on our Horizon as well. This is exciting. I believe that choice breeds excellence, which ultimately will shape both public and private schools into the very best that they can be.

I empathize with families moving into Utah (I did it once, too!) It's scary to not know what you are going to no matter where you are relocating. I admire all my clients who take the plunge and dive into the process with the tenacity and the courage of pioneers.

If you are considering a move to Utah, please call me. I'll get right to work for you. It is my job to ensure that you have the information and data that you need to feel comfortable with your difficult decisions.

And guess what? You're gonna love it here. You really are!

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Green Homes Are Red Hot

2008-03-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Around our Brokerage, we are becoming more and more interested in becoming "green". Not only in our homes, but for social responsibility purposes in business.

Here's an excerpt from an interesting article I just found in Time Magazine:

"For all the professed consumer interest, though, the average home buyer knows little about green building. That's partly because it's a broad concept with several components. The most obvious attribute is energy efficiency. For some buyers, that means investing big money in fancy geothermal or solar technologies—but more often it simply means being diligent about using good insulation, efficient appliances, superior windows and designing the house to take advantage of the sun. Green houses also conserve water, often by using specialized plumbing fixtures. For some builders, going green also means limiting waste, sometimes by using "panelized," factory-built walls or recycling wood from older homes. Inside, green homes often feature sustainable materials, like countertops made from recycled glass.

For a public tired of stories about the latest health scare, green homes have another allure: they're often healthier. Since these homes are built more tightly than drafty older homes, many builders install systems to bring in—and filter—fresh air. Green builders typically use paints that are low in volatile organic compounds, and avoid the carpeting, adhesives and varnishes that often give new homes their distinctive smell—and that have been associated with health problems. When George and Dorrie Sieburg hired Moody to remodel their Asheville bungalow in 2005, this approach was a big selling point. "At the time, we were pregnant, and we wanted to build as green as we could to make sure it was safe for our child," says George, whose wife is expecting again."

Read the entire article here:

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Utah Fine-Tunes Complicated Liquor Laws

2008-03-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

I've lived in Utah for well over 20 years and I STILL don't understand the liquor laws! Now the legislature has passed a bill to make Utah look more "normal" in this arena. Read the story from KSL.com and you decide ... Utah Fine-Tunes Complicated Liquor Laws ....

Here's a website that explains Utah's Liquor Laws in detail.

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

South Ogden City Planning Commission

2008-03-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

I received a call the other day from the Mayor of South Ogden, George Garwood, informing me that he had chosen me to fill a recently vacated seat on the city's Planning Commission.

I particularly honored because during my interview, Mayor Garwood told me that he had interviewed several very qualified people and that the decision would be very difficult to make.

It's an exciting time to be serving because there is so much going on, not only in South Ogden city, but also in the surrounding perimeters (Ogden, Washington Terrace, Layton, light rail, the Junction, the Powder Mountain debacle, etc).

I am discovering that South Ogden city is nearly built out, and as a result the city's Master Plan charts several courses of action for the revitalization of blighted areas, an interconnecting trail system, the citizen's desire to protect open spaces in the city, amongst others. The recent city survey shows that residents are very happy with their police and fire services, that they feel safe in South Ogden, and that we have a population who has owned homes in the city for many years more above the average.

What a fun time for me to arrive on the scene. The city is safe and thriving. The citizens are interested in revitalization and building up community areas. City leaders before me have carefully, thoughtfully, and methodically laid the foundation for what I envision as a fabulous time ahead for the city. It's like somebody already made the cake and all I have to do is decorate. I especially look forward to learning from my fellow residents as I begin to serve in this position.

Thanks for the appointment, Mayor Garwood!

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

No More Fear - Utah is Doing Okay!

2008-03-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

While the national mortgage mess is very serious and poised to get worse, I am alarmed at the lack of good information available to Utahns about our local situation. Local papers and news shows are underreporting the Utah situation and this lack of good information is alarming Utahn's unnecessarily.

Utah is a well-managed, fiscally conservative state. Because of this, and because of a recent (within the past 2 years) correction in stagnating home prices, we are still enjoying appreciation in most areas.

Yet I get the same questions all day long from frightened homeowners wondering if they will somehow be affected by the same dire economic forces that are ravaging the housing situation in places such as Detroit, Ohio, and California. The answer is yes and no.

Here's the difference between us and them: We are still enjoying appreciation here (with the notable exception of Salt Lake City and the Provo areas) which means that if a homeowner needs to sell their home quickly, they can without worries about being upside down (owing more than the home is worth). The spring weather and low interest rates have brought out droves of buyers. As a Real Estate Broker in Utah, I've never had such a busy February!

Examine your local market conditions before buying into the scary national stories about what is happening to other homeowners in different situations than ours. If you are thinking of moving or refinancing, do your homework and find the right professionals to navigate you through the process. There are a lot of well-qualified, diligent people in this state standing ready to assist us to stay strong and prosperous together through rocky times.

Isn't that what Utah's always been about?

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Who Are The Winners in the Mortgage Mess?

2007-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

From MSNBC.com

By John W. Schoen
Senior Producer

The financial markets are pretty skittish these days as banks and other mortgage lenders continue to report big losses from mortgage loans gone bad. But in any market, one person’s loss is often another person’s gain. So where did all those “losses” from bad mortgages go? And are there any winners in all of this?

Recently you see in the headlines all of the big banks "losing" billions of dollars from their participation in the "subprime" mortgage game. What does it really mean that they "lost" this money. It didn't just disappear. Someone gained on this loss, who?— Rodney Detroit, MI
There may be some potential winners in the Mortgage Meltdown of 2007, but much of the money now being reported as “lost” will never reappear. In some cases, it was never there to begin with. So think of it as having gone to Money Heaven.

For now, the estimates of eventual losses — as much as several hundred billion dollars — are only estimates. Part of the reason is that the story is still being written. Some 2 million homeowners are at risk of defaulting on adjustable loans in the next year or so when those loans “reset” to higher payments. If those loans can be refinanced at more affordable terms, many of those people will be able to continue making payments and will avoid becoming the next foreclosure statistic. If those foreclosures can’t be avoided, you can expect to see reports of additional losses as more loans go bad and more unsold homes get dumped on an already falling housing market.

So far, the losses are being felt in several different places. The first place they’re hitting is the lenders and investors that put up the money used to fund the big pools of mortgages that Wall Street couldn’t get enough of during the housing boom. With home prices rising, lenders assured buyers eager to own a home that they could afford the big fees and high interest rates.

These investors — everyone from hedge funds to insurance companies to wealthy individuals — were looking for the higher returns they could get from bonds that were backed by the monthly payments generated by pools of bundled mortgages. The value of those bonds — and the price investors paid — was determined largely by computer models. These complex formulas looked at borrowers’ credit scores, historical defaults rates, interest rate impact, etc. and helped assure investors they were getting a higher return without taking on higher risk. On Wall Street, that’s a great deal.

In hindsight, the models didn’t work so well. It turns out they didn’t take into account a major bust in the housing market and a full-blown panic in the bond market. When it came time to sell these mortgage-backed bonds, there were no buyers. Even though the bonds are backed by loans which are backed by real houses with real value, in a falling real estate market, no one is quite sure what those houses are worth. And with no buyers, the bonds aren’t worth much.
So when banks and other financial institutions holding these mortgage-backed bonds “marked them to market,” they had to report a big loss on their books. Some adventurous buyers are stepping up and buying these bonds at fire sale prices. If and when the market for these bonds recovers, they may be winners.

The people who wrote these mortgages and then quickly sold them off to Wall Street were also winners. The lenders who originated the loans got paid up front: they collected big fees and then moved on to the next borrower without putting any of their own money at risk. (Some investors are now trying to recover some of those profits in court.)

Homeowners who can’t make their payments are also potential losers: they’ve spent thousands of dollars trying to build equity in a house and will lose all that when they lose their house. When buyers come forward to buy that foreclosed home, they may eventually profit from buying in a depressed market. But they won’t know until the market recovers whether the strategy worked.

Finally, the neighbors of people who lose their homes to foreclosure also lose. Various studies have tried to quantify just how much. But anytime you add a bunch of foreclosed properties to a local market that already has more homes for sale than buyers, the market value of everyone’s house goes down. If you want to identify the winners there, you probably have to look for the home owners who sold during the peak of the housing boom, after years of easy lending pushed prices to unsustainable levels.

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

911 For Homeowners in Trouble

2007-11-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

MSNBC
By Erika Angulo
updated 9:41 a.m. MT, Wed., Oct. 17, 2007

The numbers reveal plenty of reason for concern: Foreclosure filings are expected to exceed two million this year. In the month of August alone, one of every 510 U.S. families began the foreclosure process, according to RealtyTrac, which follows mortgage defaults across the country. That’s a 115 percent increase from the month before. If you’re among the millions struggling to hold on to your home, there are many people ready to help you. More ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Teeny Utah Mayor Tackles Would Be Thief

2007-10-27T04:18:00.000-07:00

10/24/2007 6:49:00 PM The Associated Press

Utah Mayor Tackles Alleged Burglar

Awakened by Burglar, Ogden, Utah, Mayor Tackles Bike-Riding Man and Applies Headlock

OGDEN, Utah - It's not a good idea to mess with the mayor, even if he isn't very big.

Mayor Matthew Godfrey and his wife were awakened early Wednesday when somebody tried to break into their house through a side and then a rear door. Godfrey jumped out of bed, checked on his children and went outside."

He was heading across the front lawn riding a bike of ours," Godfrey said. "I ran him down and tackled him, wrestled him and put him in a headlock."

He held the man down while his wife called 911.

Curtis Poorman, 20, was arrested for investigation of burglary, robbery, public intoxication, illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, possession of marijuana "we'll stop there," police Lt. Scott Sangberg said.

The mayor is "half the burglar's size," police Chief Jon Greiner said with a trace of exaggeration.

Godfrey, a long-distance runner, stands 5-foot-6 and weighs 135 pounds. Poorman, 20, weighs 163 pounds on a 5-foot-11 frame, jail records said.

The mayor, whose only injury was a cut behind one ear, has made reducing crime an issue in his re-election campaign. Asked if it was wise to take on an intruder in an early morning break-in, Godfrey said he would encourage others to let the police handle it.

"It should be left to mayors who are determined to make their streets safe and the police. Everyone else should call 911," he said.

The man Godfrey tackled is no stranger.

"He's from a family that we know and love and respect. They're good friends of ours, and they just have a wayward child," Godfrey said. "I taught this young man in church."

Greiner said Poorman was awaiting trial on charges involving two previous garage burglaries but had been allowed to remain free without bail.

Poorman couldn't be reached Wednesday at Weber County jail.

"With this case, I just heard about it," said his attorney, J.D. Poorman a distant cousin who said he had "no clue" what happened. "It's like what I tell my son: Between 18 and 25, that's what I call the stupid years."

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Don't Get Burned By Shoddy Home Inspection

2007-08-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

By Herb Weisbaum
MSNBC contributor

You’d have to be a fool to buy a house without having it inspected first. The challenge is to find a competent home inspector who can give you an accurate picture of the property, so you know whether to go forward with the purchase. More ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Outdoors is on the Way Up in Ogden, Utah

2007-06-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

By WENDY KNIGHT
Published: June 22, 2007
New York Times

WEDGED between old stockyards and a boarded-up packing plant on the western edge of town, the kayak park is not easy to find. But it is just the kind of thing that draws outdoor enthusiasts to Ogden, Utah,

Of the 15 paddlers gathered at the park, on the Ogden River, one Saturday this spring, nearly half were from Salt Lake City, 35 miles away, while one man drove 90 miles from Provo for the day.

“Ogden is rocking right now,” said Craig Haaser, 44, a potter born and raised in Ogden who was among the paddlers at the park that day.

Set in the western foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, Ogden, a city of approximately 83,000 people, is fast gaining on places like Boulder, Colo., as a destination for extreme sports.

Miles of mountain biking wind through the Wasatch-Cache National Forest within minutes of downtown, and the Ogden and Weber Rivers provide ample opportunity for in-town kayaking and canoeing. In addition, Snowbasin Resort, the site for the 2002 Olympic downhill and super G ski events, is less than 20 miles up Ogden Canyon.

Among several new developments in town is the 125,000-square-foot Salomon Recreation Center that will include a climbing wall, a surf rider pool, a bowling alley, a dance studio, a wind tunnel and a Gold's Gym. The center, which is to open this summer, is part of a multimillion-dollar entertainment and residential complex called the Junction that will occupy 20 formerly decrepit acres downtown.

While the 2002 Olympics helped raise Ogden's profile, it is the efforts of city officials, outdoor-company executives and real estate developers that are transforming the town, a former railroad hub.

The city is poised to be “the high adventure Mecca of the country,” said Mayor Matthew Godfrey, 36, over a chopped salad at Rooster's Brewing Company on Historic 25th Street.
The mayor, who took office in 2000, says he sees outdoor recreation as a means to a vibrant and financially sound community.

“We need more high-paying jobs,” he said. “We need tourism. We need a 20-to-40-year-old demographic that likes to work hard and play hard.”

To achieve that, he is recruiting recreation companies to move to town. One such company is Goode Ski Technologies, a manufacturer of carbon fiber water and snow skis and ski poles, formerly based in Waterford, Mich.

“The mayor rolled out the red carpet for me, literally,” recalled David Goode, the president and founder who relocated his 35-employee company to Ogden in August 2005.

Other ski companies, like Scott USA and Rossignol, have established small operations downtown or in Business Depot Ogden, an industrial park north of downtown. This fall, Amer Sports, the maker of Salomon and Atomic skis, expects to move its headquarters into the former American Can Building at 20th and Grant Streets that it is currently renovating.

Though Ogden is emerging as a snow sports hub, many other sports lure visitors to town. With a $1.5 million investment from Goode Ski Technologies, the city is also building a 70-acre water ski park on an existing lake that will include a half-mile-long slalom course, a 17-acre fishing lake and an 18,000-seat amphitheater for plays and concerts, a complex that Mr. Goode hopes will help to bring the water ski championship to Ogden in 2011.

Ogden already is host of a spring marathon and the Xterra Mountain Championship, an off-road triathlon with mountain biking and trail running events. It is also on the brink of being a notable climbing destination.

TWO years ago, Jeff Lowe, 56, a former world-class mountaineer who sits on a mayoral sports advisory committee, established Ogden Climbing Parks, a nonprofit organization to “make Ogden attractive to climbers,” he said. Mr. Lowe, who moved back to Ogden after 30 years in Boulder, established a series of climbing routes using bolted ladder rungs, called a via ferrata, on private land in Waterfall Canyon last year. His current project is a tower of ice — suspended from steel cables — to be used for ice climbing. He plans to build it next winter in Ogden.
The city's commitment to outdoor recreation and an adventure-based economy is attracting young professionals, some of whom are buying and refurbishing 1920s bungalows in once rundown neighborhoods.

“We see it as a diamond in the rough,” Delanie Hill, 32, said of Ogden's downtown. She and her husband, Jeff, 34, are both graphic designers; they bought a 2,200-square-foot Arts and Crafts house in 2000 for $115,000.

“It was kind of a lot at the time,” Ms. Hill said, considering other young professionals were buying two-bedroom homes for $40,000 or $50,000 in their neighborhood around Harrison Avenue and 27th Street. Once an area of “extreme poverty with two and three families living to a house” the neighborhood has changed sharply in recent years, said Ms. Hill, who grew up near Alta Resort and worked in Jackson Hole.

“I can't afford to live in Jackson,” she said, “but I can here.”

The average price of a three-bedroom home in Ogden runs about $160,000, according to Stan Booth, an Ogden-based real estate agent with Coldwell Banker. Real estate “exploded” a couple years after the 2002 Olympics, Mr. Booth said, especially in Ogden Valley, where “people from Florida and California paid asking price and felt they were getting a killer deal.” The market has since leveled off, he said.

In 2004, Mr. Haaser, the kayaking potter, who lives in Ogden year round, bought a four-bedroom house, which he is remodeling, with views of Snowbasin, for $215,000. He recently received an unsolicited offer of $350,000 for the five-acre property.

Rising property values aside, it is the revitalization of downtown that is drawing the most attention. Once home to brothels and taverns frequented by railroad workers in the late 1880s, and more recently to transients and prostitutes who moved in after residents and commerce fled the downtown in the 1980s, Historic 25th Street is both a link to Ogden's past and its future as a tourist destination.

Faux gas lanterns and sycamore trees strung with white lights line the wide east-west boulevard. Shaded by striped awnings, the century-old brick storefronts house art galleries, acupuncturists and cafes.

The town's arts scene is anchored by Peery's Egyptian Theater, which is a satellite site for the Sundance Film Festival in Park City and presents theatrical and musical performances throughout the year.

There are still empty buildings and a handful of dank bars on 25th Street, where men in dirty T-shirts call out to women walking by. Near a taco stand on the corner of 25th and Washington Boulevard, a gritty man with a faded blue bandanna around his forehead waited at the bus stop.
“That's what keeps Ogden from being too cool,” Mr. Lowe said.

Despite the lingering rough-town image, development continues. The mayor is seeking to build a gondola that would connect downtown to a proposed ski and resort community that would occupy nearly 1,800 acres and include Malan's Basin, 1,440 acres of mountainside land owned by a Salt Lake developer, Chris Peterson, who is championing the idea.

Beyond the added $10 million in tax revenues the mayor expects from the private investment, the mayor says he is intrigued with the “urban to mountain experience” the gondola would create.

But some residents are skeptical. “Nothing about this makes sense from a common sense perspective,” said Dan Schroeder, a physics professor at Weber State University and board member of the local Sierra Club, referring to the logistics of relocating existing power lines and water reservoirs.

While the reduction of pollution and traffic appeals to many of the town's environmentally conscious residents, it is the development of public and private land — including a 113-acre public golf course and over 200 acres of undeveloped land currently used for mountain biking and hiking — into a private residential community of empty nesters and second-home owners that rankles some.

“Ogden is known because of its outdoor recreation,” Mr. Haaser said. “What we have here is wonderful. Let's just keep in that way.”

Eagles Soar In Utah

2007-06-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

By Molly Bennett
Ogden Standard-Examiner
June 29

OGDEN -- With the removal of the bald eagle from the endangered species list, Utah birders believe the bird's future still hangs in a delicate balance. OGDEN -- With the removal of the bald eagle from the endangered species list, Utah birders believe the bird's future still hangs in a delicate balance. Read more here ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Foreclosures Hit 37-year High

2007-06-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News

June 15, 2007

More home owners entered the foreclosure process during the first three months of 2007 than during the record-setting final quarter of 2006, according to a report by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The MBA’s Chief Economist Doug Duncan predicts that delinquencies would continue to rise, peaking later this year. He also points out that the rate would have fallen if it weren’t for substantial increases in seven states.

"The percentage of loans in foreclosure would be well below the average of the last 10 years were it not for Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana," Duncan says. "And the rate of foreclosures started nationwide would have fallen were it not for the big jumps in California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona. Those states have special circumstances that do not reflect what is happening in the rest of the country."

Seasonally adjusted, 0.58 percent of loans entered the foreclosure process last quarter, compared with 0.54 percent in the fourth quarter of 2006 and 0.41 percent in last year's first quarter. The rates for the past two quarters are the highest in the survey's 37-year history.

— REALTOR® Magazine Online and The Wall Street Journal
Damian Paletta and James R. Hagerty (06/15/07)

Jennifer Bunker CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Builders Add Features, Not Space

2007-06-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News

June 15, 2007

What sells in a down housing market? Builders report that their top-selling high-end homes feature less conventional floor plans, many of them designed to accommodate shrinking lot sizes. Also, the popular models include ways to cleverly do more, often with less space.

The best-selling La Jolla model by Drees Homes in Fort Mitchell, Ky., puts the front door off to the side of house instead of at the center, which creates a slanted hallway to the main rooms. Bensalem, Pa.-based Orleans Homebuilders’ Bradford Grand II offers a similar idea, twisting the center staircase so it opens to the side rather than the front, improving sightlines throughout the house.

Instead of a formal living room, the 2,300-square-foot Cartier plan offered by David Weekley comes with a study and a sunroom, both with angle walls that keep the floor plan from feeling boxy. Nationwide, sunrooms are becoming a standard feature in many of the top-selling models. Hovnanian’s Hartford model, the company’s best seller in the Northeast, has both a sunroom at the back of the house and a conservatory to the side.

Even the smallest of the best sellers at the upper end of the price range have retained dining rooms. Builders say buyers want them even if they don’t use them. Meanwhile, many of the homes also feature spacious “morning rooms” for family meals and two butler’s pantries to accommodate this design are becoming more popular.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, June Fletcher (06/15/07)

Jennifer Bunker GRI CRS
Utah Real Estate Broker

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Organic Gardening From HGTV

2007-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Healthy grass that's free of chemicals, veggies and fruit that are free of pesticides, a yard that's a self-sustaining mini-biosphere; why not make a difference on your little corner of the planet? Gardening the organic way is as easy on you as it is on Mother Nature. More from HGTV ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Utah Parade of Homes to Kick Off Its 2007 Season

2007-05-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

RISMEDIA, May 31, 2007-(MCT)-

Some Utahns are drawn to the Parade of Homes for the decorating or design ideas. Others are in the market for a new home. Some just like to tour model homes for fun.

Whatever the reason, thousands of Utahns are expected to attend the half-dozen Parade of Homes events staged now through early September.

For the builders that organize them, the events provide a way to showcase the latest in design, features and gadgets.

"It's difficult to know who is seriously looking for a home and who is just looking for decorating ideas," said Clark Ivory of Utah's Ivory Homes. "But it's still a great marketing tool."

There are plenty of choices beyond the Salt Lake Parade of Homes, scheduled for July 27-Aug. 11. Other parades include the Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes, which includes homes as far south as North Salt Lake and as far north as Willard. There are also Parade of Homes covering Cache and Iron counties and the Park City area. St. George builders held their own event in February.

Homes are generally scattered throughout a fairly large area rather than being located on just one street or in one neighborhood. Attendees pay one fee to drive around and see the different homes.

While there are certainly homes with price tags out of reach of most buyers, most Parade of Homes properties these days include a mix of lower- and higher-end homes.

The Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes, for example, features more than two dozen homes scattered from North Salt Lake to Eden in Davis and Weber counties, houses ranging in price from $275,000 to $2.3 million.

"Whether you're looking for a starter home or something bigger, there is going to be something for you," said Jared Wangsgard of the Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes. St. George builders already have staged their Parade of Homes, but builders in several other areas are staging them now through September. Prices vary. For more information, contact www.utahparade.com.

MORE INFO:

–Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes: June 1-9
–Cache Valley Parade of Homes: June 15, 16, 19-23
–Salt Lake Parade of Homes: July 27-Aug. 11
–Park City Area Showcase of Homes: Aug. 26-27, Sept. 2-4, 9-10
–Iron County Area Parade of Homes: Aug. 31, Sept. 1-3, 7-9

Copyright © 2007, The Salt Lake TribuneDistributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

So You Think Your Job is Dangerous?

2007-05-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Agent Stabbed to Death During Open House

National Realty News

STUART, FL – Sarah Anne Walker was found face down on the kitchen floor of a model home on Saturday. She had been stabbed at least 27 times.

Walker was working by herself at an open house in McKinney, Texas - about 32 miles north of Dallas. Police report that Walker made a cell phone call to a friend at 12:30pm and she was found dead at 1:23pm. Walker’s phone call was a normal friendly chat and she did not mention plans to meet a client or anyone else. Her body was discovered by a couple looking to buy a home in the neighborhood of Hemingway at Craig Ranch, developed by D.R. Horton and Craig International.

Police reports indicate that Walker tried to fight off her attacker and that defensive wounds like blood and skin under her fingernails could be used to identify the killer. The weapon has not yet been found.

Police are looking into all potential suspects. An autopsy is likely to show whether the stabbing continued after walker died. This would indicate that the killer knew Walker and killed her in a rage. Walker was still wearing her jewelry and her car was still at the murder scene when police arrived.

Walker had just finalized her divorce with ex-husband Randy Tate in February. Her attorney, in a televised interview, indicated the divorce was amicable. Tate is also in the real estate field.
Police also learned that Walker had been dating online, or at least exploring the possibility of. She recently posted a personal ad on MillionaireMatch.com, a site where successful people can search for other successful people.

A memorial fund has been set up in Sarah Anne Walker’s name. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch. Also, a $30,000 reward has been posted for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. Walker’s employer, Developers D.R. Horton and Craig International contributed $10,000 to the reward.

Read the followup story here: Alledged Open House Murderer Arrested

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Body Found When Agent Was Showing Home

2007-05-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

From National Realty News

JANESVILLE, WI – A real estate agent said she was showing a home to her buyers when they discovered a woman who was dead, according to a report published in the Janesville Gazette. The body was later identified as the owner of the home.

Linda Chabucos-Galow, is a Realtor with Shorewest, she reportedly said she was showing a house to Justin and Colleen McKeen when she heard Colleen McKeen scream from the doorway to the front bedroom.

"I thought, 'What's wrong?' Maybe it was a dead mouse or something," Chabucos-Galow said according to the report.

The real estate agent said she entered the room and saw a shape that looked like a dummy on the bed.

"It looked like a Halloween prop," Chabucos-Galow said.

However, the shape was the body of the owner of the home.

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Do You Know What's Lurking on Your Credit Report Today?

2007-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

One in 4 people have a serious error on their credit report. Have you checked your credit lately? You may be surprised what's lurking there. Last year when I began the process of purchasing my current home, the lender pulled my credit and it showed 24 errors. Most were problems that were from my ex-husband's credit, some were old accounts with erroneous information, some were collections from long ago, and some were completely unknown to me. Some were quite serious, including a $30,000 WaMu line of credit from in 1996 that was still showing as active and with a balance!

I wanted to avoid this kind of thing in the future, so I conducted some research and found True Credit. It's an online service from TransUnion, which is one of the 3 credit reporting services. For a nominal fee every month, I receive an email if something on my credit report is added or changes. Also, they have good advice on clearing credit mistakes, creating better credit, and links to areas where you can file discrepancies online.

I used the online dispute form for all of the mistakes on my credit for all 3 services. It took about a year and some persistance, but every single one of them is now gone. Whenever there is some activity on my credit, I receive an email immediately and can log on to see what has happened. I've raised my credit scores nearly 100 points this way. The one downfall is the huge number of sales-pitch screens you have to get past when you first log on. It's annoying to say the least. However, overall I am really happy with my investment.

The link is: http://www.truecredit.com/

Also see this one from Bankrate: Checklist to Fix Credit Report Mistakes

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Top 7 Tips When Buying a HUD Home

2007-05-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

By Eric Bramlett, Broker Agent News

(Note: HUD homes can be a great deal when the market is in a *BUYERS* market. I repeat, a *BUYERS* market. This is when there is so much inventory that buyers can pick and choose amongst the choices. This is typically when foreclosure rates are high, hence more HUD homes all around. However, in a Seller's market, which is what Utah is currently experiencing, there are more buyers than there are homes. This leads to less foreclosures, and ultimately less HUD homes on the market. Then, when one comes up, there is a feeding frenzy. This is because ...

... there exist a whole lot of people who think a HUD Home = instant equity (good deal, etc) but this is not the case in a Seller's market. Many investors will bid up the price of the few HUD homes available (thinking incorrectly that because they are a HUD home that they must be a killer deal) that the eventual winner almost always overpays significantly for the home. And let me say, it is highly likely that it's a home full of problems that nobody is going to fix except you!

My advice is to avoid buying a HUD home AT ALL COSTS in a seller's market unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Now back to your regularly scheduled article. Jen)

When the foreclosure rate is particularly high, as it is in 2007, HUD's inventory swells, and there are deals to be made. HUD deals are very different from traditional purchases, however, so make sure and follow sound advice before purchasing your first HUD home. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way.

1. All HUD Homes Aren't Great Deals

Many buyers mistakenly assume that, if the US Department of HUD is selling, it must be a great deal. This couldn't be further from the truth! Many Realtors relentlessly market HUD homes to drum up business, and this can create a glut of HUD buyers. When the HUD inventory is particularly low, oftentimes buyers will bid the property up to, or above the fair market value. Look at every HUD deal on its own merit, and make your decision based on that. (Really take this advice to heart).

2. Understand the Bidding Process

HUD purchases are very different than conventional deals because they follow a "blind" bidding process. The bidding date is released by HUD, and each buyer submits their best offer-without the knowledge of any other bids. As long as HUD finds the highest offer acceptable, that offer is accepted. HUD retains the right to refuse all offers. (But they don't because newbie investors are so sure they are getting a killer deal that they way overbid the price. HUD wins, you lose.)

3. Know the Difference Between "Owner-Occupant" & "Investor"

One of HUD's goals is to increase the number of US citizens who own homes. Because of this, they give preferential treatment to owner-occupants over investors. Owner-occupants have the first 10 days to bid on any home before it is released to investors. A buyer may bid as an owner-occupant once every two years. Make sure and bid honestly-otherwise it is illegal, and can result in hefty fines. (HUD means business here and keeps a beefy eye towards buyers)

4. Anticipate Repairs

You are allowed the opportunity of a third party inspection before closing, but buyers cannot negotiate repairs based on the results. Backing out of HUD deals & retaining your earnest money is trickier than conventional purchases, too, so you may run the risk of losing your earnest money. Make sure and go through the home thoroughly before bidding on it. (Hello HUD? This is hard to do when you haven't kept the utilities on, yanno).

5. Continuously Monitor the Inventory

As foreclosure rates rise and fall, so does HUD's inventory. The laws of supply & demand definitely apply here-when the inventory is high, your chances of getting a great deal are higher than when they are low. Follow the asking price & sales price of HUD homes-if they are selling far over asking, it might not be the time to buy. (Keep your emotions out of it and make a clear-headed decision).

6. Make Sure Your Realtor & Lender Know the Process

After your bid is accepted, the paperwork begins! In Texas , HUD requires that you submit original signed (in blue ink) paperwork to the HUD agent's office within 48 hours of the bid's acceptance. If the paperwork is incorrect, you are allowed one revision-which must be received within 48 hours. They are just as strict with a lender's closing documents-so make sure both your Realtor & lender are very familiar with the HUD process. Oftentimes, the HUD agent's office will be located in a different city-and often, the escrow agent will be located in yet another city-this can put a very interesting twist on the process, and time constraints. (From a REALTOR's perspective, this is a nightmare. We don't like to do them, but HUD requires that your bid be submitted by a licensed Broker).

7. Act Quickly & Decisively

Because HUD places very strict time constraints on bidding, and due to the bidding process, you must act quickly & decisively. You will typically have 1-2 weeks from the date HUD places the property on the market until the bidding period begins-and more often than not, the property will be purchased on the first day of bidding. Make sure & exercise your due diligence, and make your decision quickly-you often won't get a second chance.

HUD homes can be fantastic opportunities for a buyer or investor to get a great deal on a property. However, because the purchase process is quite different, make sure & do your research before attempting to find your first buy.

Follow these tips, & you will be on your way to a successful transaction!

Disclaimer: The information above is based on Eric's experiences with HUD in Texas from 2004-2007. The process continually changes, so make sure & get the most up-to-date information for your area before bidding. (Disclaimer: The editorial above is based upon several of Jennifer's miserable HUD experiences in Utah 2002 - 2007 :-)

Jennifer CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Ogden May Help Firm Take Wing

2007-05-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Council to vote on $22M in bonds for plane-kit manufacturer

B Y JEFF DEMOSS
Standard-Examiner staff
jdemoss @standard .net
May 05, 2007

OGDEN — As one aircraft company gears up to start building small jets at Ogden-Hinckley Airport, officials are working to bring a second airplane manufacturer to the city.

The Ogden City Council will vote Tuesday on an “inducement” resolution authorizing $22 million in industrial revenue bonds for Aero Ventures LLC, a Utah-based subsidiary of Aero Visions International Inc., which has its facilities in California.

Aero Ventures recently approached the city about purchasing the Ogden Jet Center, one of three fixed-base operators at the airport, said Dave Harmer, community and economic development director for Ogden.

The company would relocate from California to Ogden and establish its own fixed-base operation at the center. It would use the 34,000 square feet of hangar and office space to manufacture and market its carbon composite, twin-engine SkyShark “kit” airplane.

Kit planes are sold in package form and assembled by the purchaser or another party. Harmer said Aero Ventures would eventually start building fully assembled SkySharks in Ogden.

He said the bonds would be secured by a mortgage on the property and the value of the project, and Ogden City would not be exposed financially if the project were to fail.

“The city is a conduit for issuing the bonds, but has absolutely no liability,” Harmer said. State law allows municipalities to participate in the bonding process without taking responsibility.

“This just allows us to move forward in putting together deals. We act as a supporter of the project.”

City documents indicate that Chatsworth Securities LLC, a brokerdealer based in Connecticut, has committed to purchasing the bonds.

Aero Ventures officials referred questions to the company’s chief counsel, who could not be reached for comment Friday.

The Ogden Jet Center is owned and operated by the Dilley family. Greg Dilley, who runs the operation, also could not be reached for comment Friday. Harmer said a deal to bring Aero Ventures to Ogden would continue the momentum started by Adam Aircraft, which has nearly completed a 96,000-square-foot building at the Kemp Ogden Airport Gateway Center.

Adam plans to start building its A700 AdamJet at the facility next year.

“We’ve got Adam Aircraft out there already. This would be a significant addition to the airport that would bring high-quality jobs, and it’s part of a key industry cluster — aviation and aerospace — that’s right here in our area.”

Adoption of the inducement resolution would allow Aero Ventures to start incurring expenses that could be refunded using bond proceeds. The city council would then have to adopt a final resolution authorizing the sale of the bonds.

Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home

2007-05-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

As always, HGTV has it goin' on. Check out this treasure chest of ideas for spicing up your curb appeal. Curb appeal is the first makeover home sellers should to consider implementing when selling a home.

Enjoy ------>

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

How To Protect Yourself From Mortgage Fraud

2007-05-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

This a fantastic article. See it in table format here ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

HUD Auditors Find Widespread Mortgage Fraud

2007-05-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

(Note: This is a good one. Recommended for anybody contemplating buying, or who has recently purchased a home)

As the government’s head of the investigations in the savings and loan industry collapse of the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kenneth Donohue is no stranger to mortgage fraud.

Today, as inspector general for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Donohue is looking into fraud and abusive lending practices related to mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

In the past three years, the roughly 650 investigators and auditors in Donohue's office have conducted 190 audits, developed cases leading to some 1,350 indictments and generated some $1.3 billion in restitution orders.

In an interview with MSNBC.com, Donohue reviewed the scope of his office’s work, the root causes of the jump in fraud and abusive lending practices, and his concerns about proposed changes at the FHA in response to the turmoil in the subprime mortgage market. More ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Borrowers in Trouble May Get Some Relief

2007-05-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON - Several major participants in the home mortgage market have agreed to adopt a set of principles for dealing with homeowners with high-priced loans who face possible foreclosure, the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee said Wednesday.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., had urged such voluntary action by mortgage lenders and other players two weeks ago when he convened a meeting of their officials and federal regulators to discuss possible solutions to the crisis gripping the market for high-risk loans. Such industry initiatives are preferable, in Dodd’s view, to any government bailout to cover mortgage loans in default.

Those agreeing to the principles include the Mortgage Bankers Association; Wall Street powerhouses Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. HSBC Holdings Corp. and Bear Stearns & Co.; government-sponsored mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; AARP; and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. Several activist and community groups receive money from financial institutions and work with homeowners to refinance high-rate loans. More ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Mortgage Lender Fails to Sell Troubled Unit; The Axe Falls on 2,000 Workers on Friday

2007-05-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - Financially strapped subprime mortgage lender New Century Financial Corp., failed to receive any bids for its mortgage loan origination business, forcing it to shut down the unit and lay off around 2,000 employees, the company told employees Thursday.

The Irvine-based company, which has been preparing to sell off its assets under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since last month, notified employees during a conference call that they would be laid off effective Friday.

Speaking on the call, New Century President and Chief Executive Brad A. Morrice said despite a number of potential buyers for its wholesale and consumer-direct operations, “none of those potential deals have come to pass.” More ...

Jennifer Bunker CRS GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Shipping Containers Find New Life as Homes

2007-05-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

By Roger O’Neil
Correspondent
NBC News

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - This takes a little inside- and a whole lot of outside-the-box thinking. What looks like and lives like a house is actually a shipping container.

"I call it my bunker," says Rosalynn Kearney of her container home.

Used to import almost everything we use and wear, shipping containers are now a new concept in affordable housing. More ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Utah Leads Nation in Home Price Growth

2007-04-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

The state's 18% gain is more than double the U.S. average. California shows a rise of 4.6% in the fourth quarter.

From Bloomberg News
March 2, 2007

The real estate boom has gone West. And Northwest.

The state with the fastest-growing home prices in the fourth quarter was Utah, at 18%, more than double the U.S. average, a government report showed Thursday. Wyoming was No. 2 at 14.3% and Idaho was third at 14%. Washington gained 13.7%, and Oregon was fifth at 13.5%.

California came in at No. 35, with a gain of 4.6%, compared with 21% a year earlier.

Nationally, the real estate market stagnated, with a gain of 5.87% from a year earlier, the slowest pace since 1999, the Washington-based Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight said. The report doesn't give an average price, only the percentage change. The West and Northwest benefited from strong job markets, more affordable housing, population growth and vacation home sales. Read more here ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

House Flipping Still Offers Opportunity

2007-04-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Fad fading, but smart, patient investors can make a profit

By Scott Bernard Nelson
Entreprenuer.com

Has the house flipping bloom finally fallen off the rose? HomeSmart LLC in San Juan Capistrano, California, which tracks real estate deals in 150 metro areas coast to coast, found that in every region, the proportion of home sales for properties owned six months or less has fallen dramatically since hitting a peak in 2005.

HomeSmart President Mike Ela says he assumes most of that quick buying and selling was intentional, which fits his definition of "flipping." Not only are flips becoming less prevalent, but they're also becoming riskier.

In Florida, for example, only 2.6 percent of home sales were for flipped properties in the third quarter of 2003. But that percentage had more than doubled to 5.8 percent by the third quarter of 2005. As the real estate market cooled, the percentage dropped, hitting 2.4 percent in the final three months of last year. More ...

See also: Las Vegas "House Flipping" Ends Up Like Most Bets

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Lenders Willing to Help Struggling Homeowners

2007-04-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

To stop rise in foreclosures, mortgage modifications are more common now.

"NEW YORK - As home foreclosures mount, mortgage companies are knocking on doors, sending letters and making phone calls with a simple message for struggling homeowners: They’d rather modify your loan than foreclose." More from MSNBC ...

See also, "Six-month Halt to Foreclosures Urged"

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Be Careful What You Feed Your Pet

2007-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know that raisins and tulip bulbs can be hazardous to your pet's health?

I actually didn't until I found this article on MSNBC. Turns out a lot of things we all have around our home can be deadly to our cats and dogs. I have a cat who will chew anything green and growing. I didn't know that some of it was actually dangerous to her health. Read the story and see the list ot dangerous items here.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Women Are More Likely to Receive Subprime Loans

2007-04-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

Not surprisingly, women are statistically more likely to end up with a subprime product than men. This is due to the fact that many women are single parents and head of household. They still make significantly less than men do, and typically shoulder the lion's share of the burden of raising the children alone, both economically and emotionally. This of course, makes them more of a lending risk.

However, in the big picture, if a subprime loan is all a woman can secure due to her economic factors, that I believe she is still better off purchasing her own home than continuing to rent. It is more expensive, but still worth the investment in the aggregate. This should be done only with good counsel from her REALTOR and Mortgage Professional such that she doesn't get in over her head. The best strategy in my opinion is to buy a home that is a solid investment with a strong likelihood of appreciation. Even if this ends up to be a tiny cottage, most of the time it's still a better option than continuing to rent.

See the article from National Realty News here ...

Jennifer Bunker. CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Mortgage Rates Up .02% to 6.16%

2007-04-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

What an incredible rate! Read the complete story here ... Also, check out this one from National Realty News: Conflicting Economic News Keeps Rates Low.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Apartment Complex for Homeless Prepares to Open In SLC

2007-03-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Salt Lake City aims to "wipe out homelessness." Read the story here.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Gee Whiz, We're Awfully Proud of Him

2007-03-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

A Hero's History
By Kristen Moulton The Salt Lake Tribune

Hammond was destined to be a cop. This Ogden officer's mom remembers when, as a teen, he chased restaurant patrons who stole a carafe.

OGDEN - A screenwriter would have a tough time coming up with a character more inclined to act like a hero.

Ken Hammond, the off-duty Ogden police officer who kept the Trolley Square shooter engaged in a gunbattle Feb. 12, not only was in the right place at the right time - limiting the victim casualty count to five dead and four wounded - but he also had the right stuff:

Confidence. A sharp sense of right and wrong. A passion for excitement.

"It's just him," said his mother, Diana Hammond, of Lake Havasu, Ariz. "He's done the same [kind of] thing for as long as I can remember."

Hammond said he would not have been able to live with himself if, instead of taking on the shooter, he had retreated to Rodizio Grill, where he and his pregnant wife had just finished dessert.

The 33-year-old cop put it this way to a group of Ogden fourth-graders: "Police officers, we kind of have a weird mind." Read more here ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Ogden's Proposed Gondola Project Attracts High-powered Peeps

2007-03-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

According to an article in Sportsguide Magazine, Ogden Utah is setting the stage to become the next major ski hub of the world. Thanks to local developer Chris Peterson's idea to install a gondola across the city, next to Weber State University, and up to a new ski area in Malan's Basin, city officials have been working on attracting ski companies and the like to Ogden. So far, it's working. Twelve companies are expected to relocate here.

These 12 companies, who are in various stages of commitment and arrival are:

* Descente - Ski, golf and athletic apparel
* Scott USA - Products for wintersports, snowmobiling, motorsports, biking and paintball Rossignol - Skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, poles, softgoods and accessories
* Goode - Skis, poles, water skis and accessories
* M.I. Distribution Company/Nidecker - Snowboards
* Snowsports Interactive - Ski area and resort management solutions
* Salomon - Footwear, apparel, skis, boards, bindings, boots, and accessories
* Atomic - Bindings, boots, and accessories for alpine, cross-country and backcountry skiers
* Suunto - Sport watches and clocks
* Kahuna Creations - Snowboards, longboards, skatebaords, apparel and gear
* Dynamic - Skis
* Volant - Skis

Said the article's author, "The first to come was Descente, headed by Ogden native Curt Geiger. The maker of performance winter sports apparel moved into the former Eccles Steel Foundry, and others have begun to cluster in the same area. Geiger said that couldn’t have happened in a larger city such as Salt Lake; and ‘clusters’ are good for business. “Retailers can come in here and visit 12 different companies and never have to get in a car,” he explained.

The companies gather around what they hope will become a base for a gondola transportation system that would allow someone to walk out their office door, step onto a gondola and be on the slopes in 20-30 minutes. The gondola project is but a glimmer at this stage, awaiting approval by the appropriate government agencies. Several environmental groups are opposed to the plan, but the mayor and the ski companies are passionate about getting it approved.

Even after Geiger showed Descente’s board of directors in Japan that he could cut operating expenses 30 percent by heading to Weber County, the board asked why he wasn’t considering Salt Lake. Some 18 months later, they gave him the green light to move the company’s North American headquarters to Ogden upon seeing the gondola proposal.

“They could see this was a one-of-a-kind place, the only place in the world with something like that,” Geiger said. “They wanted to be part of that.” "

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Buying a Home With Bad Credit

2007-03-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

Subprime lenders are sinking faster than the Titanic these days. Still, people with bad credit (defined as FICO's in the 500's and low 600's) can still get a home loan. However, it's getting tougher. If your credit is very bad, be prepared to put some money down. Also, you can say goodbye to the "stated loan". Prepare to provide documentation regarding what you can and can't pay.

I enjoyed this article in Newsweek about this subject. The author gave some very good advice at the very end:

"Many subprimes today want a minimum score of 600 or 620. So pay off as much debt as possible and don't let your credit-card balances go above 33 percent of their credit limit. And start saving for that down payment.

For those already in danger of sinking in subprime debt, try your best to stay afloat; a lifeboat may be on its way. Sen. Christopher Dodd says he plans to introduce a law that would essentially allow you more time to solve loan problems before foreclosure. In the meantime, lenders urge troubled borrowers to keep in touch. It's in everyone's interest, they say, to keep you in your house. Try to work out a deal—your home may depend on it."

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Know Your Zone? Utah's Gardening Zone is ...

2007-03-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

Ever tried to decipher one of these gardening zone maps? Unless you have a microscope to examine the minute details, you're unlikely to be able to tell what kind of plants thrive best in your area. Don't worry gentle readers, try this neat tool I found call the "Zone Finder". Once you type in your zip code, the resulting information includes links to various types of plants and gardening techniques that are appropriate for your zone.

Here is Utah's information from Zone Finder:

Zone 5

"Although gardeners in Zone 5 still experience winter cold, this zone benefits from lower latitudes and an ocean influence. In the eastern United States, it stretches across Newfoundland and Nova Scotia and along the seacoast of Maine and New Hampshire. It continues through western Massachusetts and midstate New York, northern Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, much of Michigan, southern Iowa and Nebraska, northern Missouri and Kansas, and eastern Colorado. In the interior West, this zone forms a patchwork pattern that extends from New Mexico into British Columbia, the southern Alaskan coast and the Aleutians. Gardeners here can grow apples and plants such as Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), Deutzia gracillis (slender deutzia), Ligustrum vulgare (common privet), Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston ivy), Rosa multiflora (Japanese rose) and Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew)."

Far be it from me to argue with the Zone Finder, but not only am I not really sure what it actually just said, but neither do I recognize any of these plants. Further, I haven't felt an ocean breeze here for at least .... well, never. However, we do know for sure that we are zone 5, and we've got our favorite plant-junkies at our favorite nurseries to help us sort it all out.

Happy planting. :-)

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Getting Ready for Spring Gardening

2007-03-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

This year I have a new home and a large yard that needs a lot of color and character. I was wondering how I would pull off a transformation of epic propertions when I found this fancy-pants site on gardening ...

Also try this site for some great information ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

There's a New Kid in Town

2007-03-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

It's official. My new brokerage is in full swing. I've loved starting my own venture and making my own decisions. I feel much lighter on my feet than before.

Many people have asked me why I left Coldwell Banker. I actually loved Coldwell while I was there. But fundamentally, we weren't a match. I need less red-tape and a lot more agility to serve my clients well. Also, I am much more technologically advanced than Coldwell, or any big Brokerage is. So, with fond goodbyes, I moved away from "Big Daddy" to start my own new venture.

My value added is 3-fold: Technologically superior in the use of Internet and all related technologies, my marketing plan is much more extensive than any other real estate professional in my market, and my standards for my performance and my clients' experiences are very, very high.

I appreciate your love and support as I start in this fun new venture. Know anybody who needs to sell a house? Let me know. I can't wait to use my new signs!

My new office!

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRIUtah Real Estate Broker

The Perks of the Job

2007-03-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

I had the delightful opportunity to spend last Friday evening with two new clients of mine, Tony and Nicky. Rabid skiers from the UK who are visiting their holiday home in Salt Lake City, I recently met them while assisting them in a search for more property.

Once they arrived into town, they graciously invited me to their home for dinner. They wowed me with adventurous stories of their travels and the interesting people they have occasioned to meet. As I listened to their fascinating tales, I couldn't help but think that there simply weren't two more adorable people in the world. They shine outwardly with their understanding and sharing of the meaning of joy, life balance, and gratitude.

The lesson from an evening with these two is that life can be short and therefore must be lived with all the gusto we can muster. Together they gleefully keep themselves fit in mind, body, and spirit while enjoying their adventures to all corners of the world. Clearly they adore each other as well. There are a lot of lessons to learn from people who know how to live fully in the moment as Tony and Nicky do.

They fed me a delicious meal and gave me an evening to remember. Where else do you get such an opportunity to mingle with such interesting folks? It's a wonderful and special perk of the job.

Enjoy YOUR day!

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Vertical Neighborhoods a Solution to Sprawl

2007-03-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News March 12, 2007

Developers are embracing "vertical neighborhoods" to meet demand for downtown living at a time when undeveloped parcels of land are scarce.

These high-rises feature residential units, retail space, and scores of amenities, aiming to ensure that occupants are in the middle of the action.

An example comes courtesy of MGM Mirage, which is erecting a vertical neighborhood on 66 acres on the Las Vegas Strip. CityCenter will feature a 4,000-room hotel casino, 2,700 condominiums and condo-hotel units, and 500,000-plus square feet of commercial space.

"Developers here realized that you can't look at the cost of land on a per-acre basis but should look at it as a percentage of total project cost," says MGM Mirage President James Murren. "We're creating an urban environment that's dense, diverse and pedestrian-friendly.

"The first large-scale vertical neighborhood was put up four years in Manhattan by Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Columbus Center LLC. The $1.7 billion, 2.8-million-square-foot Time Warner Center on ColumbusCircle offers upscale condos in the two towers along with a Mandarin Oriental hotel, retail space on seven floors, and TimeWarner's headquarters. Vertical neighborhoods are also popping up in Dallas, Salt Lake City, and other cities nationwide.

Source: Investor's Business Daily, David Devoss (03/09/07)

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Buyers Splurge Where it Counts: Kitchen and Bathroom

2007-03-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News March 12, 2007

slowdown in the housing market hasn’t curbed consumers’ desire for upscale kitchens and baths, says American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker.

“Households continue to emphasize size, features, and high-end products used in their kitchens and baths even as the overall housing slowdown has encouraged many to scale back on their overall housing investment,” he says.

No longer just a place to cook, the kitchen has evolved into the most popular room in the house. “There’s a strong desire to integrate the kitchen with living space that allows for a more open home environment with the ability to converse and access entertainment options while in the kitchen,” says Baker.

In the most recent AIA design trends survey, 40 percent of architects report a trend toward larger kitchens. Almost one-third see separate kitchen facilities (other than the main kitchen) or secondary food preparation or food storage areas as also increasingly appearing in homes.

Kitchens also are an area where owners are likely to upgrade. “Upper-end appliances are becoming more popular, even for homes that aren’t at the upper end of a price range,” says Baker.

Survey: Most Popular Kitchen Features

AIA rated the most popular kitchen features by subtracting the number of survey respondents who say a feature is decreasing in popularity from the number who say it’s increasing.

• Upper-end appliances: 65%
• Increased pantry space: 64%• Renewable flooring material: 53%
• Wine refrigerators/wine storage: 53%
• Integration with living space: 53%
• Recycling center: 48%
• Island work areas: 43%
• Natural stone countertops: 42%
• Drinking water filtration systems: 37%
• Duplicate appliances: 34%In the Bath:

What Buyers Want

In the bathroom, “accessibility features and universal design to accommodate an aging population are on the rise ,” Baker says. “From an amenities standpoint, heated floors lead the way, followed by multiple showers and towel warming racks. The popularity of whirlpools has dropped for the second consecutive year.”

Here's the complete list of the most popular bath features:

• Radiant heated floors: 62%
• Multihead showers: 62%
• Accessibility/universal design: 48%
• Doorless showers: 47%
• Linen closet/storage: 36%
• Hand showers: 36%
• Multiple vanities: 26%
• Dressing/cosmetic areas: 23%
• Towel warming drawers/racks: 22%

Growing, too, is the desire to incorporate green features into kitchens and baths. Increasing, according to architects, is consumer demand for renewable flooring material, such as bamboo or concrete, and drinking water filtration systems.

— By Camilla McLaughlin for REALTOR® Magazine Online

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Zero Down Mortgages Getting Harder to Find

2007-03-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News March 12, 2007

Countrywide Financial Corp. has instructed its brokers to no longer offer zero-down mortgages as an option for borrowers, the Wall Street Journal reports.

That's because such loans are among the biggest reasons for a recent and sharp increase in the level of delinquencies at U.S. home lenders. Countrywide joins such other companies as General Electric Co.'s WMC Mortgage and Washington Mutual Inc. in requiring that loan applicants have at least a 5-percent stake in their homes.

Previously, "if you breathe and have a Social Security number . . . you were going to get a house," notes Mark Cady of Market Street Mortgage in Houston. Now, lenders are demanding that applicants have higher credit scores and contribute a bigger down payment, among other requirements.

While the flow of money available to the subprime borrower community is likely to slow considerably as a result of this trend, observers note that lenders not subject to federal regulation will continue to offer higher-risk products such as 100-percent financing and interest-only loans.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

7 Ways to Get Rid of Pet Odors

2007-03-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Daily Real Estate News March 12, 2007

When a house you’re trying to sell smells like a pet, there are some tactics that can improve the odor situation. Don Aslett, owner of Varsity Contractors, one of the country's largest cleaning companies, offers up these tips for identifying the source of the smell and then eliminating it:

Use a fluorescent black light (pet-supply stores sell them), to expose odor-producing spots on the carpet, couch, floorboards and even on drapes.

Remove all solids and blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean towel. Apply an appropriate odor neutralizer or cleaner according to directions.

Never use ammonia, which takes on the smell of what it's supposed to be cleaning, can trigger more accidents.

Choose the best product to remove the problem. On water-safe surfaces, try Simple Solution stain and odor remover. The problem area must be thoroughly soaked and left to dry.

Bramton's Oxy Solution Pet Stain and Odor Destroyer can remove odors and stains from surfaces that won’t withstand soaking, but test first in an out-of-the way place.

The most effective and safest disinfectant for use around pets is Chlorhexidine, which is sold under such names as Nolvasan, Chlorasan and Chlorhex by veterinarians and medical-supply outlets. Use these for problems that demand deep cleaning.

When all else fails, temporarily neutralize odors using a product such as Fresh Wave.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sarah Casey Newman (03/10/2007)

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Landscaping That Sells

2007-03-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Attractive landscaping is one of the best ways to make a good first impression on prospective buyers and show that a home is loved.

Though a well-designed landscape can be simple, it also can move far beyond a velvety lawn and colorful flower beds to encompass trees, shrubs, irrigation, hardscaping, and lighting.

By making informed choices, home owners can tranform their properties, whether they’re selling or just moved in and plan to stay for years. Before jumping into a landscaping-improvement project, it helps to have a general knowledge of what kind of plants would thrive on the property, says Steve Jones, (a.k.a. “The Plant Man”) owner of Greenwood Nursery in McMinnville, Tenn. Home owners should do some research to learn about their yard’s various components: Read more ....

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Are You Ready to Buy Your First Home?

2007-03-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

For most young people, buying their first home can be a scary proposition. It not only represents the biggest purchase most people make, it is a decision they literally have to live with every day.

This is why experts advise taking the time to make the most informed decision possible — it can reduce costs, aggravation and regret. These days, it is advice more easily followed given the recent slowdown in home sales. Read more ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Subprime Lending's Next Act

2007-03-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Sour subprime loans have devastated lenders, dashed the hopes of borrowers, disappointed banks, and demanded tighter standards—but has the recent shake-up altered the risky mortgage landscape for good? Read more here ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

The Global Real Estate Boom

2007-03-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Real Estate crash? What crash? In the world's top cities, real estate has never been hotter. Read more here ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

The Beauty of a Bungalow

2007-03-13T12:38:00.000-07:00

What is a bungalow, exactly? You can still get one that's well over 100 years old in for less than $100,000 in Ogden, if you hurry. Here's a great article on the nuances and special attributes of sweet little Bungalows ...

Click here to see all available Ogden Bungalows for under $100,000!

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Experts Predict Big Foreclosure Fallout

2007-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

As home prices fall and lenders tighten credit terms, some observers close to the subprime market predict that things are going to get worse before they get better.

The delinquency rate for all types of mortgages rose to 4.67 percent in the third quarter of 2006 from 4.39 percent in the prior three months, a gain of 6 percent, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Foreclosures last year were up 42 percent from 2005 levels, and will likely rise another 20 percent to 25 percent this year, predicts RealtyTrac Inc., a real estate information service.

"It's going to be a bloodbath this year," says Renae Gorney, director of loss mitigation at Freedom Foreclosure Prevention Services in Mesa, Ariz.

Christopher Cagan, director of research and analytics at First American CoreLogic, estimates that adjustable-rate mortgage resets will trigger some 1.1 million foreclosures over the next 5 or 6 years, wiping out $110 billion in equity.

While that may sound like a lot, Cagan doesn’t believe the fallout will significantly slow the U.S. economy or even severely damage the mortgage industry because it’s actually a pretty small percentage.

Source: Reuters News, Emily Kaiser (03/12/07)

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Some Subprime Lenders Face Bankruptcy

2007-03-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Big banks and investors that purchased subprime mortgages originated by small lenders over the last couple years are responding to an increase in defaults on the products by ordering the lenders to buy them back.

Many subprime originators are now facing bankruptcy because they lack the money necessary to comply, and some experts argue that the subprime mortgage market is weakening at a faster pace due to these repurchase demands.

New Century Financial Corp., for instance, is among the lenders on the brink of bankruptcy, fielding repurchase orders from Morgan Stanley, Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Credit Suisse Group Inc., IXIS Real Estate Capital Inc., and Bank of America Corp. The company reportedly owes a total of $8.4 billion to these creditors, and Piper Jaffray analyst Robert Napoli says that repurchasing the loans at a 20-percent loss would eliminate New Century shareholders' equity.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Carrick Mollenkamp, James R. Hagerty, and Randall Smith (03/13/07)

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Informed and Knowledable Public Using Internet to Find and Sell Real Estate

2007-03-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study conducted and presented by Leslie Appleton-Young, Chief Economist and Vice President of the California Association of Realtors® (CAR®) in her analysis of the Real Estate Market in California for 2006, customers have moved their real estate transactions almost entirely to the Internet. Is your REALTOR using the Internet to sell your house to the world 24/7/365?
You might want to ask him or her about a few of the report's interesting findings:

* 92% of Internet buyers found their agent on a web site; 63% found them through an Internet search engine; 0% of Internet buyers found their agent through brochures, flyers, yard signs or mailers to their home

* In 2000, 28% of people said that they used the Internet as an important part of their home-buying and selection process. In 2006, 70% said they did

* 86% of home buyers started using the Internet as part of their process BEFORE they started looking for a specific home; the other 14% did after they started looking, but BEFORE they contacted a real estate agent; that means that 100% of buyers surveyed started looking at homes first, agents second.

* Internet buyers spent an average of 4.8 weeks doing research before contacting an agent; traditional buyers only 1.7 weeks.

* Internet buyers bought a home on average after spending 2.2 weeks looking for a home with an agent; traditional buyers spent an average of 7.1 weeks

* Internet buyers previewed an average of 6.7 homes with their agent (they had already eliminated ones they did not wish to see), traditional buyers previewed 15.4 homes

* Only 3% of all Internet connections available at the primary computer used for the home-buying process were dial-up: Internet home buyers and searchers are not sticking with dial-up, just as they are not sticking with traditional methods

* The approximate distance between previous residence and new residence for traditional buyers was 25 miles; for Internet buyers, it was 242 miles

* 69% of Internet buyers said response time was extremely important. 83% of those buyers chose email as their favored communication method with their agent. 0% chose "in person."

* Internet buyers were more satisfied with their agents: 4.3 to 3.3 for traditional buyers, on a scale of 5 where 5 is "surpassed expectations."

* 35% of traditional agents listed "faster response time from my agent" as the one thing they would change, if they could, about their experience; Internet buyers? 0%!

* Internet buyers were far more satisfied in every important researched category of satisfaction than traditional buyers were; when asked the number one reason for satisfaction with their agent, 91% of Internet buyers said that satisfaction was because their agent "was always quick to respond." Traditional buyers? Their number one reason was "worked hard on my behalf", chosen by 62% of them, leading us to conclude that traditional buyers did not find their agents "quick to respond."

How does your agent rate?

Jennifer Bunker. CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Condos Still a Popular Option With Buyers

2007-03-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

According to an article in REALTOR Magazine: "With lifestyle and affordability driving demand, more than half of all condo buyers say they didn’t consider any other style of housing, according to a recent National Association of Home Builders' survey of condo buyers. Continued demand by both young, well-paid professionals (singles or couples), who want to own their first home close to urban amenities, and older households, who want to remain in the suburbs but shed the maintenance burden of a house, is expected to stabilize the condo market..."

I couldn't agree more! Many of my buyers are opting more and more for the condo lifestyle. Young professionals aren't so interested in lawn work, and guess what? Neither are retired folks. In today's world, we want a beautiful environment, but aren't willing to sacrifice our time to get it. In many cases, the HOA fees are worth every penny paid to free up condo owners to do other things. Read more of this interesting article here ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Check Your Car's Safety Rating Here

2007-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Not real estate related, but interesting. Check out your car's safety rating here.
"Come rain or shine, you count on the safety of your vehicle every time you get behind the wheel. Use this guide to find government crash test ratings and safety features for hundreds of vehicles." Vehicle Safety Guide

Jennifer Bunker. CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Eight Cell Phone Sales Tips from a Sales Rep

2007-03-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting read from The Consumerist for anyone who will be buying a new cell phone and service plan from Verizon Wireless sometime soon.

A former Verizon Wireless sale rep wrote the consumer web site with tips for consumers to get better deals than you'd think possible just by reading the phone price tags and service contract costs. It all boils down to haggling with the sales rep, something many of us may not think to do in a cell phone service store.
Read all "eight confessions," but here are a few prime tips:

• Negotiate a better price on the phone of your choice by agreeing to buy accessories and the text message plan. Then, return the accessories and cancel the text package over the phone with customer service. The sales rep get props for selling accessories and plan add-ons.
• If you're on a service plan that costs $59.99 a month, you can get a new phone and a new contract after 12 months, not two years.

• If you're getting a Palm Treo, the store may be offering $100 off the phone if you sign up for the unlimited data plan. Get it, then switch to a different data plan the next day over the phone. The data plans are not contractual.

Seems to me any request is worth a shot because you never know what the sales reps are trying to push on a certain day, but these are good tips to remember when you do your own haggling.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Top 10 Home Updates That Pay Off (video)

2007-03-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Not all decorating or remodeling projects are created equal. Can you guess which home update has the highest rate of return on investment when it comes time to sell? According to the HGTV.com experts the answer is...a minor bathroom remodel. Coming in at a whopping 102% rate of return, this tops our list of updates that lucky home owners can expect to reap rewards from at resale time. A couple of key points, tips and tricks to get you started: Read more ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Mortgage Rates Remain at 3 Month Lows

2007-03-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

A lack of definitive economic data helped keep mortgage rates at the lowest point since mid-December, Bankrate.com reports. Read the story ... See also: 30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.14%

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

2006 annual median home prices for Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake Counties, compared to 2005

2007-03-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

The Salt Lake Tribune has posted annual homes sales figures. They prove what Utahn's have know all along: 2006 was a heck of a year for appreciation and we're still going strong!

Weber County

Davis County

Salt Lake County

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Utah Rated Most Dynamic Economy in the Nation

2007-03-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

Despite the woes on Wall Street this week, a new national report says Utah's economy is poised for a promising future. Read more at KSL.com ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

There's Something Horsey Going on in Utah

2007-03-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

I receive a lot of emails from people outside of Utah who are thinking of moving into the state. One common theme a lot of these folks have is the romantic idea they'll move right in and get some great horse property. After all, it is Utah, right?

Right, it is Utah. But our metropolitan areas are filling up fast with housing tracts. That is because not only is Utah is a gorgeous place to live, but also many people are attracted by Utah's affordable housing prices, recreational opportunties, and plentiful job situation. The problem along the Wasatch Front (defined as a track of densely packed together cities approximate 100 miles long) is that we've got steep mountains on one side, and the Great Salt Lake on the other side. Where to put new houses for all the new people?

As a result of this growing demand, new developments are creeping over once treasured horse property. This is because everything else is nearly taken. Simply put, the metropolitan Wasatch Front is on the move. At a gallop, I might add.

That's not to say there isn't plenty of Utah land to plant a horse or two on. Just not in the metropolitan "creep zone." If you look south of Utah county, or in northern counties such as Cache, Box Elder and Rich counties, there's still lot of land for them thar horses. However, would-be wranglers shouldn't dawdle, the creep is trotting ever closer on its way to claim that land, too.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

People Using Internet, But Their REALTORS Don't

2007-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

Even in 2007 my field continues to be full of laggers and disbelieving real estate agents in regards to the use of the Internet as a tool to sell their client's homes. Check out these alarming statistics from Inman News:

"In the latest National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, based on a survey of 7,500 home buyers and sellers, 80 percent of home buyers used the Internet in searching for a home, up from 77 percent in the 2005 survey and 74 percent in 2004.

Meanwhile, a 2006 survey by media research firm Borrell Associates Inc. found that 61 percent of real estate agents do not advertise on the Internet and 87 percent of agents do not buy keyword advertising from the Google or Yahoo search-engine companies."

If your REALTOR is not using the Internet to sell your home, you are not getting what you deserve. The Internet is how the world buys and sells homes today! Be sure and ask a lot of questions before you list your home with just any agent. Make sure you REALTOR is tech-savvy, understands the Internet consumer and their behavior patterns, and has a ton of digital selling experience. If they don't, move on quickly.

Use the following minimum standards to evaluate your REALTOR's ability to sell your home in this new century:

1. How many personal websites do they own and use? Who conducts their Internet marketing? Do they have any paid Internet advertising? What amount of traffic does each site receive every day? If your house isn't out there and not being Internet marketed, no one will find it! You'll have less buyers and as a result get less money for your home.

2. Is the REALTOR prepared to send out e-documents in response to email and website inquiries? This should include the listing, plat maps, pictures (both video and still), CD's, relocation packets for the area, statistics for schools and other important buyer concerns, business cards, e-flyers, and anything else an inquiring buyer from out of the area may need know to make a decision to purchase your home. Most REALTORS can't do these tasks because they don't have the technology and wouldn't know how to use it if they did. Make sure your agent is firmly planted in the 21st century - like the buyers!

3. Agents must have a very fast response time on the Internet. Internet users want immediate results, so make sure your REALTOR gives it to them. Otherwise, the buyer will buy somebody else's listing - from the agent who answered the buyer's inquiries when yours didn't.

A final note: I have 20 websites wherein I actively advertise my listings 24/7/365 across the world. A good half of the buyers for my listings now originate from these websites. Old fashioned newspaper ads, homes magazines, and other low-tech methods DO NOT WORK with today's mainstream buyer, instead they are designed to showcase the REALTOR's face to the local market. How does that sell your home to buyers from across the globe? The answer is, it doesn't. Interview your REALTOR carefully, hire the person who you best resonate with, and then get ready for sales success!

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Romancing the Sale

2007-02-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a really good article advising home sellers on 20 points to make their home more salable to potential buyers. I agree wholeheartedly with every point made. However, there are a few other things that I have found to be critical when selling/staging a home:

1. My sellers receive many compliments when, right before a showing, they bake a cookie or two in the oven. Just keep a a Toll House Cookie roll handy in the fridge. 30 minutes before the showing, take one cookie and bake it up. The warm, welcoming odor is a hit every time. If you can, bake up a bunch of cookies, leave them on a plate with a note for the potential buyers such as, "Thanks so much for touring our home!" This technique is unbelievably charming and totally unforgettable.

2. Make sure your curb appeal is top notch. Nothing sitting out, lawn is perfect, flowers watered, and anything else that entices buyers inward. An important part of this is the front door. Be sure to have it looking its very best.

3. Keep windows shiny clean. This is something that adds a million bucks to buyers' impression of your place, even if they don't know it. Shiny is good, VERY good. Make sure kitchens and bathrooms are sparkling, too.

4. Always leave for showings. The buyers' agent knows what they are looking for, but you don't. Let the agent do their job with your buyers. They will appropriately point out all the issues that the buyer will want to see. Further, when you stick around like a bad fungus, showing minute features of the home that the buyers may not care much about, you create a an uncomfortable situation. Then the buyer just won't think the new place feels like home.

See 20 other great tips at: Broker Agent News

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

The Tax Consequences of Flipping Real Estate

2007-02-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Anybody who is thinking of "flipping" properties should read this sensible and informative article in Broker Agent News before they even consider starting out. Be sure and consult your attorney and tax professionals as well.

Tax Consequences of Flipping Real Estate - If you're not careful, you'll be making huge profits - for the IRS!

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Goodbye 2/28 Loans, We'll Miss You!

2007-02-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

Freddie Mac announced this month that he would no longer be buying risky 2/28 loans. Most of us know these loans as the kind that borrowers with damaged credit take on in order to purchase a home. In fact 4 out of 5 sub prime loans are 2/28's. This loan helps the buyer get into a house with two years of low fixed payments. At the end of 2 years, the loan switches to a variable rate potentially making the home owner's monthly payment shoot sky high. The game plan with these loans is that buyers will improve their credit during the 24 months of fixed payments, then refinance into a 30-year fixed option at the end of the 2 years.

I guess Freddie has found these loans to be too risky, hence too expensive. Foreclosure rates are enormous with these loans, so it was only a matter of time before it came to this. Freddie claims that he will be think-tanking new kinds of loans for borrowers with troubled credit, but what that is and who it will serve remains to be seen. Article in REALTOR Magazine

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

5 Reasons Why the Real Estate Market Trumps the Stock Market

2007-02-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

This author presents 5 excellent "comfort reasons" why people consistently choose to invest in Real Estate over stocks. Do you agree with is assessment? Read more about it here ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Top 7 Habits of People with Great Credit Scores

2007-02-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

As a student of credit practices and score raising, I was impressed when I read this article from Broker Agent Magazine. The 7 tips they list are spot-on when it comes to improving and keeping an awesome credit score. I personally fell into the number one problem, thinking that I was actually doing the right thing for my credit! Read the article here

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Eye in the Sky - Google Earth v. 8 is out!

2007-02-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

I just happened to stumble upon this newest version of Google Earth and it is extraordinary! If you don't yet have this tool, download it here at Google Earth. It takes some time and some fiddling to download and install, but it is well worth every second you spend to get it going. If I had grandkids (if only - sigh) I would be showing them the many great wonders of the world with this incredible tool.
This picture above is an overview of my neighborhood in the the summer months. I am told that Google updates its satellite images every 6 months, although I had no trouble observing the Katrina devastation shortly after it happened. If you don't have this yet, go get it right now and have a ton of interesting fun.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

When "Seller is Willing to Pay Closing Costs" Doesn't Mean Seller Will Pay Closing Costs

2007-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

REALTOR Magazine is reporting that as many as 30% of home buyers nationally don't put any money down when buying a home. As an experienced Utah REALTOR, I actually found that number to be shockingly low. I don't have the official Utah numbers, but I can relate that most (maybe 90%) of my buyers do not put any money down on their new home. Further, nearly 100% of these buyers ALSO finance in their closing costs. In Utah we call that concept "Seller's Concessions."

Say for example a purchaser makes an offer on a $100,000 home. In the old days, the buyer would be expected to bring 20% of that, or $20,000 to the table, and finance the other $80,000. But over time, home ownership was declining because it was more and more difficult for families to scrape together this kind of money. "No Down Payment" programs sprung out of the country's need for more Amercans to own homes. My buyers who do have cash, and could potentially put the cash into the purchase, are opting instead to keep the cash for things like window treatments and other move-in expenses. Of course, this raises the payment significantly, but current generations are not worried about being in debt like their grandparents were. So, as long as the payment works correctly into the proper debt-to-income ratio, the buyer is good to go with no significant raise in their loan's interest rate. Many more people who otherwise couldn't, now own homes because of these programs.

Something else that is very common in Utah is to finance in the closing costs as well. Typically we verbalize this concept in the contract with a phrase such as: "Seller to pay for buyer's closing costs and fees, not to exceed 3% of the purchase price." It's likely sellers will get themselves in a wad over this, but this verbiage is actually misleading.

Let's take our example, the $100,000 home. The buyer wants to finance the full amount (no down payment). Further, this buyer does not have the cash to pay the lender's closing costs (around 3% of the loan amount) so they are asking for the sellers to pay them. When we write the contract, however, we would write it for a purchase price of $103,000 to compensate for the full amount the buyer wants to finance.

At funding, distribution looks like this: $100,000 goes to the seller, $3,000 goes to the lender making the loan, and the buyer finances $103,000. The seller still gets the same amount of money in the sale, but the buyer is financing more. Surprisingly, there is still no appreciable increase in interest rate, even though the lender is now assuming ALL the risk.

The problem with this scenario is now the buyer has paid 103% of the value of the home. They are immediately upside down. Discouraging, but the truth of the matter is that there are many more homeowners in our country now because of these kinds of loans. So many people in Utah choose this option that unless they have held their home long enough to pay down the balance, or enjoy substantial increased appreciation, they can't sell the house for what they owe. Ouch.

This is so common in Utah that we now sport the number 1 spot in foreclosures in the country. People can't sell the house for more than it is worth, and they don't have the money to make up the difference. So, they walk away from the house and either short-sale it or allow a foreclosure.

When buying a home under these conditions, be careful and ask questions. Make sure you understand your loan product and that your REALTOR asks a lot of questions of your behalf.

Click here for the full REALTOR.com article.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Absentee Landlords Beware!

2007-02-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Check out this interesting story in Inman News. It exposes the activities of scam artists who search out unkempt homes in quiet neighborhoods. This supposedly signals that the owner is likely to be an absentee landlord. Once found, the criminals forge a quit claim deed in the seller's name which allows the crooks to take control of the property. Next, they inform the renters that there are the new owners and boot the renters out. From there it's easy to sell the place before anybody is the wiser. Long distance landlords often have no idea their investment property has been targeted until it is too late. Read more ...

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

The Dumbest Client I Ever Had

2007-02-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

She was a REALTOR. A very good one, actually. She was also my client. One morning, while she was driving one of her favorite neighborhoods looking for new listings, she came across a house. A very nice house. And, it was for sale.

Within an hour she had made an appointment to see it. By noon I was writing the contract for her. It was a full price offer. She was so taken with the house that there wasn't really any way to talk sense into her about offering even just a little less. This, even though the listing said straight out, "Seller will consider all offers" which of course is REALTOR code talk for, "Seller is really, really, really desperate."

Much to my client's glee, the seller accepted the offer the same day. It was a short contract, so I got to work coordinating the lender, home inspector, geologist, title company, and movers. When the handsome home inspector couldn't keep his appointment, she foolishly brushed it off. "I'm sure the house is fine" she excitedly declared to all her friends. Oy.

The house closed and she moved in on a sweltering August day. She immediately discovered that the air-conditioning didn't work, the garage door wouldn't close, the light switches did not operate any known light fixtures, the sprinkler system was hard wired into a socket in the basement ceiling, the appliances weren't green tagged, the back door would not open, the roof leaked at the skylights, the hot water heater wouldn't stay lit, one side of the driveway was 3 inches lower than the other, and her daughter had an encounter with an enormous hobo spider named Joe who was none too happy with the new occupants.

You might be wondering how I know this. I know because only a fool has themselves for a client. Yup, my client was me. Due to buyer infatuation and various other buyer stupidities, I broke rules that I would never, ever, EVER let my clients break! Dum-BO.

The moral of this story is (everybody say it together): always get a home inspection when buying a home!

(By the way, I still like the house. I've actually become very handy because of it. That's it, up there in the corner. :-)

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

Reverse Mortgages Taking Off

2007-02-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

Everybody's heard of the new fangled mortgage called a "Reverse Mortgage", yes? They are primarily designed for people 62 or older who are "house rich and cash poor." A reverse mortgage allows the owner of the home to take the money out of the home over a several year period. The idea being that your house will pay you cash to take care of expenses you incur in your later years. It seems like an okay idea until you're tapped out. Then what? Just my opinion, but I would consider a reverse mortgage ONLY as a last resort in a desperate situation.

To find out more, put "reverse mortgage" into a search engine, or see this thoughtful article on this subject on the HGTV website. Also, AARP has dedicated a website to the subject at AARP Reverse Mortgages. Check it out.

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

51% of Women Now Single; Make 83% of Consumer Decisions

2007-02-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

I heard just recently that the majority of American woman are now single. I guess some folks are figuring out what many of us have known for a long time - Independence, both financial and time wise, is a lovely joy. Not that marriage isn't, mind you. I did that for 20 years. I just happen to like Independence better. Much better.

And apparently I am not alone. Many women over 40 are relishing the "me" years. Not so much because they have become selfish (can a mom really ever do that?) but because they feel as though they are closer to accomplishing what they think is important in life. The kids are grown and there are no ties to bind. For me, it is a blissful world where I feel totally in control of every interesting and wonderful decision I make.

And speaking of decisions, did you know that American women make 83% of consumer decisions? I read this recently in a REALTOR Magazine Article. This article points out the 10 top items women want in a home:

1. De-stressing areas. Women want options in the master bath.
2. Rear foyers are important. Don’t call it a mudroom and do include lots of storage.
3. Don’t forget that people gather in the kitchen, and size matters.
4. Consider unique needs of blended families who don’t want to share bathrooms.
5. Busy women demand closet organization systems.
6. Women crave kitchen storage. They are cooking less, not eating less.
7. Natural light makes her happy: in the master suite, over the bath tub, and in the shower.
8. Outdoor maintenance is a burden to women, so use things like maintenance-free decking.
9. Women like change, so incorporate flexibility into designs.
10. Home-based businesses are female dream jobs, so include home offices where it can happen.

I can't say that I disagree! I see this in my clients and in myself. Home builders and REALTORS - take note!

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker

It's my first blog, so go easy on me

2007-02-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

I'm just finishing up my new website and getting ready to post it to all my real estate URLs. It's been a grueling labor of love, but I was especially excited to add this blog to it.

Every day I come across interesting "home" stuff that always makes me wish I had a way of sharing it all with my clients. Posting to the websites is cumbersome, especially on my time table. This way I can quickly post whatever it is I find that interests me in hopes it interests you too.

Other exciting new additions to my website include a "family album." If you are a past client, I'll be calling you to take a picture of you and your new home. I know, I know, you don't want to. But, you are like family to me and I'm determined to get my family album going! Be ready ....

Your comments are always welcome here, as are you. Paix - Jennifer

Jennifer Bunker, CRS, GRI
Utah Real Estate Broker