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Why You Should Get Out Of Your Offer by real estate agent Salt Lake City Utah
In talking with my real estate expert, Kathy Opolski, I asked her was there ever a time that I should back out of an offer on a house. Her answers were interesting, so that is the topic of our discussion today.
People put in a lot of time looking for what they consider to be the perfect house. It is really discouraging when you think that you have found the perfect house, but it turns out to have some issues that in the long run would be better not to get involved in. Let’s look at what these issues might be.
Issue #1 – Liens and Judgements
Does the house have any liens or judgements attached to it? If it does, you must be careful that you do not end up having to pay any of these bills. If you are not careful this could happen to you. You may want to consider a different house rather than continuing to pursue this purchase.
Issue #2 – A poor or failed house inspection
Now of course there is no such thing as a failed house inspection, but you can consider it a failed house inspection if you find that there are foundation or structural issues. Again this is a legitimate reason to back out of an offer as this could not only be dangerous to your family but could become an expensive venture if you continue in the purchase of a home with these issues.
Issue #3 – Neighborhood issues
When you are looking for a house to live in, you should also be careful to investigate the neighborhood. At first glance, it might look wonderful and be the place that you want to live. You must make sure that you take a second look. Call down to the local zoning office and make sure that there are no areas in the neighborhood that are going to undergoing any zoning changes. Check with the transportation department and make sure that there are no new highways being planned to come through or near where you are planning on moving to. These are legitimate reasons to back out of your offer. You want to make sure that the value of your home in that neighborhood will increase and not decrease.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything [Profile.market2] real estate at www.BuySaltLakeCityHomes.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I would be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate Professional Kathy Opolski Talks About Buying a Home from a For Sale By Owner

Many people are under the mistaken impression that a Salt Lake City Utah real estate agent cannot help them if they choose to buy a for sale by owner home. In fact, nothing can be further from the truth! The truth is that a Salt Lake City Utah home buyer needs an agent even more when it comes to purchasing a for sale by owner property. This is for several different reasons.

First of all, for sale by owners tend to overprice their home when it comes to comparing it with other market prices in the area. Because they are not getting the experience of a real estate professional, some home sellers simply price their home buying using the logic that they want a particular amount of money out of it at closing. As we all know, just because you want a certain profit from your home does not mean that the home is worth that price.

This is one of the reasons why having a Salt Lake City Utah real estate professional representing you as a buyer on a for sale by owner is vitally important. The agent will be able to look at the market figures and tell you for certain if that home is worth the listed price.

Another perk of having a real estate professional represent you during the home buying process is that they will be able to give you good advice on how the real estate transaction works in UT. By not having a professional representing either side of the transaction, the buyer and/or the seller can make huge mistakes that can have legal implications in the real estate transaction.

When it comes to purchasing a for sale by owner in Salt Lake City Utah, you should know that there are specific requirements in the real estate contract that need to be adhered to in order to avoid any legal risks. As a Salt Lake City Utah real estate professional, I can assist you with maneuvering the tricky waters of the UT real estate contract. Plus, if you visit my website you will see many tips and tricks about how to purchase a home in Salt Lake City Utah.

There is a lot of free information available about buying, selling or investing in Holladay and Salt Lake City, Utah real estate.  For complete information about the Salt Lake City real estate market including foreclosures, short sales and more, visit the website dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate.

For a FREE Weekly List of Foreclosed Homes with 4-5 Bedrooms in Salt Lake City, UT under $150,000 fill in the form below and you will receive home listings as they hit the market.  You will get all the hot listings as they come up even before most agents see them!

Just fill in the form below with your correct name and e-mail address and we will set it up to have the list automatically e-mailed to you.  Just add it in the comments if you have an interest in Short Sales and HUD homes too!

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Salt Lake City, Utah, I will be happy to help, just call me at 801-518-4599.

Now that you've found a house you're interested in purchasing, the next step is to make sure that everything is in order both inside and outside the house. In this article, we'll go over a series of questions you should ask your home inspector during the inspection. These questions will help you get a good idea of what condition your property is in.

Remember that you're paying for a service when you have a home inspector come by. Don't be shy about asking questions. Most home inspectors expect their customers to ask a lot of questions.

Question #1  Have the Foundations Checked

Most buyers know to ask the inspector about the foundations. While this is an important question to ask, do keep in mind that the inspector can only tell you about what he sees.

He cannot tell you if there are termites in the wood without a proper termite inspection. Rotting wood or water damage that's hidden is difficult to spot as well. The inspector can tell you what he thinks based on what's visible, but usually not much more.

Question #2  Electrical

What condition is the electrical system in? Are there any panels or wiring that's done unprofessionally? Is there any knob and tube wiring or any aluminum wiring in the house?

Question #3  The Heating System

The heating system should always be inspected. It's important to ask about what kind of equipment you have, how old it is, how much longer you can expect it to last, etc.

Question #4  The Plumbing System

Make sure your inspector checks the plumbing system and tells you how old the system is. Check for signs of recent issues, such as a new sewer cap.

Question #5  Are there any potential fire hazards?

Safety is a prime concern when buying a home. With older electrical or heating systems, there may be potential fire hazards that you should be aware of. Make sure with older homes to ask your home inspector about these.

These are some of the more important questions to ask a home inspector during a home inspection. Again, remember that you're hiring this person for a paid service, so don't hesitate to make full use of their expertise.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate at www.BuySaltLakeCityHomes.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

When buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah you probably have a couple of things on your mind. More than likely the at the top of the list is whether or not you are getting a good deal. After all, there is no point in buying a home if it does not suit your needs and budget. But unfortunatly, knowing if you are getting a good deal on a home is not always the easiest thing to determine. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can take into consideration when buying a house in Salt Lake City Utah.

1. The first way to determine if you are getting a good deal on a home is to use your common sense. Basically speaking, you will know if you are getting a good deal or if things are a bit out of line. After all, would you pay $1 million for a run down home in a bad neighborhood? This example may be taking things to the extreme, but all in all you should simply use your common sense when buying a home. This will always guide you in the right direction.

2. Come see me at RE/MAX Associates and let me help you compare the cost of the home you are interested in buying to other recent sales in Salt Lake City Utah. This will allow you to see just how good of a deal you are getting. This will  help you find out whether you are paying too much money for a home, or if you are getting the deal of all deals. You can also find out how other houses are selling in Salt Lake City Utah by visiting my website www.BuySaltLakeCityHomes.com or by calling me at 801-518-4599 . The seller may even give you these details if they feel that they are offering a great deal.

3. As a real estate agent I will help guide you in finding and buy a new home. This way you will have a professional on your side that can help you every step of the way. Although this may not seem like a big deal, doing this will go a long way in ensuring that you do not get taken advantage of.

All in all, these three tips should help you to determine if you are getting a good deal on a home in Salt Lake City Utah. Everybody wants to save money, and you should not be any different!

For additional information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate. If you have any additional questions buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City, Utah real estate visit my website feel free to contact me Kathy Opolski by phone at [Contact.cell_phone] or e-mail [Contact.email_link].

As a buyer in the Salt Lake City Utah market, you’ll find there are many different mortgage options available to you. A buydown mortgage is one such option. This option can help you reduce your interest rate either temporarily or permanently. In this article, we’ll go over the two different options you have for a buydown mortgage so you know exactly how a buydown mortgage works.
What is a Buydown Mortgage?
A buydown mortgage is when you pay an initial lump sum to “buy down” the interest rate on your loan. This allows you to qualify for larger loan amounts based on your income, because your monthly payments will be lower.
Basically, a buydown mortgage is when you pre-pay your interest upfront. There are two types of buydown mortgages: Temporary and permanent.
What is a Temporary Buydown Mortgage?
Just as the name implies, a temporary buydown mortgage is when you buydown your mortgage for a specific period of time.
The most common way to do this is the 1-2-3 method. This means the buyer pays 3% less than the usual interest rate the first year, 2% the second, and 3% the third. Of course, the terms are usually negotiable and you can buy down even more if you choose to.
The temporary buydown mortgage is great because it can help you reduce your monthly payments for the first three years of moving into a new home. This can help offset the costs of moving expenses, furnishings, building costs, etc.
What is a Permanent Buydown Mortgage?
Again, just as the name implies, a permanent buydown mortgage is a buydown mortgage that allows you to pay upfront for the entire loan.
Keep in mind that you’ll still have to pay the interest either way. In this case, you’re just paying it upfront.
In a “buyer’s market,” it’s not uncommon for sellers to try and entice buyers by offering a permanent buydown mortgage.
You now know what a buydown mortgage is, its benefits and how it works. Knowing your options is a big part of choosing a loan. No matter what you choose, it’s important to speak with a local professional in person. So if you have any mortgage questions, I will me more than glad to answer you queries. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com

There is a lot of free information available about buying, selling or investing in Holladay and Salt Lake City, Utah real estate.  For complete information about the Salt Lake City real estate market including foreclosures, short sales and more, visit the website dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate.

For a FREE Weekly List of Foreclosed Homes with 4-5 Bedrooms in Salt Lake City, UT under $150,000 fill in the form below and you will receive home listings as they hit the market.  You will get all the hot listings as they come up even before most agents see them!

Just fill in the form below with your correct name and e-mail address and we will set it up to have the list automatically e-mailed to you.  Just add it in the comments if you have an interest in Short Sales and HUD homes too!

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Salt Lake City, Utah, I will be happy to help, just call me at 801-518-4599.

Your real estate agent is someone who’ll be working side by side with you on one of the biggest financial moves of your life. Your agent will be negotiating with you, educating you and helping you buy or sell your property. It’s absolutely crucial to make sure you choose a good real estate agent. In this article, we’ll go over 6 powerful tips for choosing a good real estate agent in the Salt Lake City Utah area.
Tip #1 - Look at Their Website
You can tell a lot about a real estate agent based on their website. This is where they’ll “showcase” the highlights of their service.
What sets them apart from the competition? How long have they been in business? Browse your potential agent’s website and see if who they are resonates with you.
Tip #2 - Trust your first impression
A working relationship with a real estate agent is based on trust. Trust that your agent will have your best interest in mind, not just a quick commission.
Often times your first impressions will be dead on. Can you trust this person? Do you feel comfortable doing business with this person? Usually you’ll be able to answer these questions in just a 15-30 minute conversation.
Tip #3 - What will be your marketing plan (Seller) or negotiation strategy (Buyer) for me?
A good real estate agent will have a plan for getting you the best price possible, whether you’re buying or selling.
When you’re considering working with an agent, ask them: What will be your marketing plan or strategy for negotiating for me?
Tip #4 – Work with a Residential Expert
If you’re looking for an agent in the Salt Lake City Utah area, generally you want to work with someone who knows the area very well.
Make sure your agent has been local for some time and has completed several transactions in the local area. Your agent should have a good idea of the approximate home values in all the different areas of the city.
Tip #5 – How reachable are you? What will working with you be like?
What hours does your agent work? Will you be dealing directly with your agent, or will you have to go through an assistant every time?
How long will you have to wait each time you make an appointment? Can you call up a couple days before, or do you have to make an appointment a week in advance?
Know what it’s like to work with your agent before you decide whether or not to move forward.
Tip #6 – Can Your Agent Provide References?
Satisfied clients will oftentimes provide references, letters of recognition or a phone number where other potential clients can call to see what it was like working with this agent.
If your agent has been in business for some time, they should have some references you can look at. Look into these references and see if your agent is someone you want to work with.
If you’re considering an agent in the Salt Lake City Utah area, it’s important to work with someone who’s experienced and knows the local area. If you don’t already have an agent, feel free to give me a call for a free consultation on buying or selling your home. I can be reached at 801-518-4599 or kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

There is a lot of free information available about buying, selling or investing in Holladay and Salt Lake City, Utah real estate.  For complete information about the Salt Lake City real estate market including foreclosures, short sales and more, visit the website dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate.

For a FREE Weekly List of Foreclosed Homes with 4-5 Bedrooms in Salt Lake City, UT under $150,000 fill in the form below and you will receive home listings as they hit the market.  You will get all the hot listings as they come up even before most agents see them!

Just fill in the form below with your correct name and e-mail address and we will set it up to have the list automatically e-mailed to you.  Just add it in the comments if you have an interest in Short Sales and HUD homes too!

If you or someone you know are in need of a competent and caring real estate professional in or near Salt Lake City, Utah, I will be happy to help, just call me at 801-518-4599.

Now is a terrific time to buy your first home or move up to a bigger home in Utah.  Interest rates remain at an all time low and there is quite a selection of homes available…6,819 homes for sale in Salt Lake County alone.

First time home buyers have a unique opportunity for a limited time to purchase their first Salt Lake City home.  There is local down payment assistance money available for those that qualify for a limited time only…until the funds run out.   With housing prices coming down and sellers becoming more negotiable now is an excellent time to shop for your own home.   This funding applies to condominiums also increasing your options to find the right home for you.  Call me for further information on this: 801-518-4599

If you have been thinking of moving into a larger or nicer home this is also a perfect time for you especially if your current home would list for under $300,000.  This is true for the following reasons:

1.       Homes priced under $300,000 are what’s selling in the Salt Lake market. 

2.       Homes priced over $300,000 are selling slowly making the sellers more negotiable giving you more leverage.

3.       There is a huge selection of homes in the market giving you the opportunity to find the perfect home for you.

4.       Although you may not make the money on your current home as you would like, you will gain by buying into a home that is much lower priced than it was 1-2 years ago.  As an example, if you make 3% less on your $300,000 home ($9000), you will likely be paying at least 3% less on a $450,000 home (13,500), a $4500 gain.

Below is a snapshot of current home sales year to date in the Salt Lake County Market:

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