Tuesday, December 8, 2015

9 Tips For Selling Your Home During The Holiday

The holiday season from November through January is often considered the worst time to put a home on the market. While the thought of selling your home during the winter months may dampen your holiday spirit, the season does have its advantages: holiday buyers tend to be more serious and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. First, decide if you really need to sell. Really. Once you've committed to the challenge, don your gay apparel and follow these tips from FrontDoor.

1. Deck the halls, but don’t go overboard.
Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. Adornments that are too large or too many can crowd your home and distract buyers. Also, avoid offending buyers by opting for general fall and winter decorations rather than items with religious themes.

2. Hire a reliable real estate agent.

That means someone who will work hard for you and won't disappear during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's. Ask your friends and family if they can recommend a listing agent who will go above and beyond to get your home sold. This will ease your stress and give you more time to enjoy the season.

3. Seek out motivated buyers.
Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Work with your agent to target buyers on a deadline, including people relocating for jobs in your area, investors on tax deadlines, college students and staff, and military personnel, if you live near a military base.

4. Price it to sell.
No matter what time of year, a home that’s priced low for the market will make buyers feel merry. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, many real estate agents advise sellers to slash their prices before putting a home on the market.

5. Make curb appeal a top priority.
When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. Bare trees equal a more exposed home, so touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Keep buyers’ safety in mind as well by making sure stairs and walkways are free of snow, ice and leaves.

6. Take top-notch real estate photos.

When the weather outside is frightful, homebuyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of flattering, high-quality photos of your home. If possible, have a summer or spring photo of your home available so buyers can see how it looks year-round.

7. Create a video tour for the Web.
You'll get less foot traffic during the holidays thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who don't have time to physically see your home or would rather not drive in a snowstorm.

8. Give house hunters a place to escape from the cold.

Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing soft classical music and offering homemade holiday treats. When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.

9. Relax — the new year is just around the corner.
The holidays are stressful enough with gifts to buy, dinners to prepare and relatives to entertain. Take a moment to remind yourself that if you don't sell now, there's always next year, which, luckily, is only a few days away.

Source HGTV


Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Declutter Your Home In Six Easy Steps

Does your home look like a storage locker or a pack rat's dream? If so, it's time to purge, declutter and refresh. It may sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some quick, effective ways to declutter your home without feeling overwhelmed:

1. Set time aside. If you don't plan for decluttering, you'll probably keep putting it off. So, make yourself do it, whether you spend the entire weekend, one evening a week or just a few minutes or a few hours a day. If you're not sure how or where to start, a home organizer can help you create a game plan.
2. Make a list. A list will help you get organized, whether it's your entire living space that needs work or just one particular area. Creating a list of what needs decluttering will also help keep you motivated from start to finish.
3. Start in one spot. Never attempt to declutter all areas at once. Start in one room - or a specific area of one room - and work your way out from there, understanding that it may take a few hours to get it done. Some areas commonly in need of a good declutter include:

  • Counters: Get rid of any old appliances, decorative pieces and utensils you don't need or use.
  • Shelving: Remove old books, trinkets and toys -- anything that's just sitting there gathering dust.
  • Closets: Gather the clothes, shoes and accessories you never wear. Donate the items that are in good shape and toss or make rags out of the rest. Invest in closet organizers for what's left in your closet to ensure everything stays in its proper place.
  • Cabinets: Go through your kitchen or bathroom cabinets and remove everything that's been "stuck in the back" or is otherwise cluttering the space. Old dishes, dishtowels and other items can go to secondhand stores or the trash.
  • Drawers: If you have a junk drawer, dump it out on your bed. Then go through it and remove everything but the essentials. When you go to put the drawer back, organize what's left for easier access and retrieval.

4.Take it one trash bag at a time. You don't have to keep a box of trash bags on hand when you start decluttering. Just start with one and see how long it takes you to fill the bag. You might be surprised at how much trash and clothing you'll come up with. If you can't fit all of the secondhand store bags in your car, call one of the many donation groups that will pick the bags up from your home.
5. Give away slowly. If you feel that decluttering your space and giving things away will emotionally drain you, space out the process. Once you've rid the house of the absolute non-essentials - trash, junk, waste, broken toys and shoes, etc. - then it's down to those items you hold onto for personal, emotional reasons.
6.Work your way up to it one piece at a time. You might be surprised at how good it feels to give!
Designate a routine moving forward. Put a process in place to keep future clutter at bay, and include everyone in the house in that process. Kids should know where their clothes and toys go, and everyone may need to have a dedicated place for shoes and other items near the entryway. Developing a habit for where items go will help you keep your home better organized.

Source Sharper Agent

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Year of Gratitude- November

This month, I would like to dedicate my gratitude to our little family dog Blackie. He unexpectedly died on November 1st. He brought so much love to our home, and was a wonderful friend and companion to my children. I am so grateful we were able to have him in our home for the past 12 years.


Please share what you are grateful for this month!

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Uncertain About How Your Credit Score Affects The Financing Process?

As Americans enter the peak time of year to buy a home, a recent survey from TransUnion reveals a majority of those planning on or considering buying a home in the next 12 to 18 months are unsure about actions that could help improve their credit score. A majority was also unsure about what their credit score directly affects in the home financing process.

The national consumer survey found that while nearly three out of four (74 percent) potential home buyers believe it’s important to check the accuracy of their credit report, only 45 percent or fewer correctly understand that their credit score measures the amount of debt they hold, risk of not repaying back a loan, or the financial resources they have to pay back loans.

“As many people across the nation prepare to take advantage of still-low interest rates and look to buy a home, it’s essential they understand their credit score before applying for a mortgage,” says Ken Chaplin, senior vice president at TransUnion.

Despite the fact a majority of consumers recognized the importance of a credit score, one in three incorrectly thought increasing their income (33 percent) or closing old accounts (28 percent) before applying for a mortgage has the potential to help improve their credit score.

While 76 percent of prospective home buyers surveyed were at least somewhat confident (38 percent very confident; 38 percent somewhat confident) that they understand the finance process and the terms of their home loan, many were unable to identify the specific factors that a credit score affects in the home buying process. Only half of respondents correctly identified what a credit score affects, including interest rate (52 percent), the amount they can borrow (53 percent) and their mortgage lending terms (50 percent).

According to the survey, just 22 percent of people correctly identified that they should check their credit score during the three months leading up to a mortgage application. In contrast, nearly one-third (29 percent) of people surveyed believed one month before purchasing a home was a good timeframe to check credit scores. However, a one-month timeframe gives consumers little time to take action if they discover fraudulent activity like identity theft or old, unpaid credit card debt that could negatively affect their score.

To help people better protect their identity and credit, TransUnion offers a credit monitoring tool with a new feature: Instant Credit Alerts. Through these alerts, users will automatically get an email when a creditor requests their TransUnion credit report as part of a credit application.

TransUnion shares the following tips for those preparing to take out a mortgage:

  • Start with your credit report. Make sure it’s as accurate as possible, that your scores are where you want them to be, and that no one else has access to your credit.
  • Do your homework. Research loans, rates and brokers before you sign anything. Doing this work now will pay off later with a better rate and terms.
  • Be realistic on what you can afford. The larger your down payment, the wider your options. Putting more money down, up front, will help ensure you pay less each month.
  • “Not now” doesn’t mean “never.” If home ownership isn’t a realistic option for you right now, that doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future. When it comes to a major purchase like a home, timing is critical.
Info from Sharper Agent



Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
801-550-4419

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Year of Gratitude- October

"Gratitude opens the door to the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door to the universe."
-Deepak Chorpa

October:
I am grateful for...
-Beautiful fall colors:
I love to drive in the canyon and around the city and see all the beautiful changing colors.

-Hiking with my family:
I love to take a few hours out of my day and spend time with my family in the beautiful mountains.




-Chocolate (no picture needed)

-Books:
Please share what you are grateful for this month!


Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Monday, October 12, 2015

Common, But Easy To Fix Decorating Mistakes

Some would say there are no decorating mistakes—that what you like in your home is what counts. But the very hip home designers at Home and Garden Television (HGTV) believe a number of common but tired decorating traditions are long overdue for an update.

Here are seven of the easy-to-fix practices they recommend for every home:


  • No more toilet rugs – Rugs that fit around the toilet base and often have matching seat covers actually make a bathroom look smaller. Opt for a small, rectangular rug placed away from the toilet to open up the room.
  • Don’t ignore the foyer – It’s the first glimpse visitors see of your home.  Make it welcoming with an appropriately sized furniture piece, an accent rug well-grounded to the floor, a plant, an umbrella stand or statue, or any other attractive piece that is functional or unobtrusively decorative.
  • Too many photos – A dozen or more family photos grouped on a table or shelf make for clutter and are seldom really seen.  Instead, display 5 or 6 of your favorites, nicely arranged on a ‘gallery wall,’ and switch them out every few months.
  • Outdated kitchen accessories – If you can’t afford to update cabinets, give the kitchen a new look by modernizing with new drawer and cabinet pulls—and ditch those outdated cookie jars and canisters for a few more modern accessories.
  • Uncomfortable chairs – Whether they’re dining chairs or living room chairs, their most important function should be comfort. If they’re not comfy, sit in a few new models and choose the chairs you like best.
  • Visible clutter – Unsightly clutter like that treadmill in the corner ruins the look of any space. Hide it behind an attractive screen, and invest in stylish shelves or baskets to keep other must-have eyesores in their place—but out of sight

Don’t keep something you hate – You don’t need to display that ugly vase forever, even if you got as a wedding present. Everyone updates at one time or another, so be brave and ditch it for something you like much better.  

By Barbara Pronin

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Getting Your Home Ready For Fall

Interior Maintenance

  1. Check for drafts. Feel for drafts around the edges of windows and doors. A good tip is to use a lit candle and if the flame flickers, there’s most likely a draft. If necessary, replace seals and repair sealing around window and door frames. Consider buying heavier or insulated drapery for especially drafty windows.
  2. Have your furnace inspected. Hire a professional to test for leaks, check heating efficiency, and change the filter. They can also check for carbon monoxide to ensure air safety. It’s also a good idea to stock up on extra air filters and change them every few months.
  3. Winterize air conditioning. If your home has central air conditioning, (and you live in a climate where you won’t need it any longer,) it may be necessary to cover your outdoor unit for winter. If you use window air conditioning units, remove them or cover to prevent air leaks
  4. Test home safety devices. Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices and test to make sure they’re working properly.
  5. Clean humidifiers. Replace old filters and clean inside compartment. Vinegar is inexpensive and works well.

Exterior Maintenance

  1. Do a roof check. You should be able to do at least a visual inspection of the roof from the ground. Grab some binoculars to get a closer look or if you’re able and can do so safely, climb on up for a better view. Look for missing, damaged, or loose shingles. If your roof is flat, you may need to remove leaves and debris.
  2. Check the chimney and fireplace. If you have a wood fireplace and use it often, have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional.
  3. Stock up on firewood. Order enough firewood for the season. If you gather your own firewood, make sure it’s dry and ready. It’s best to cover firewood and store away from the house for safety reasons.
  4. Inspect siding. Check home exterior for cracks or holes. Repair them yourself or hire a professional.
  5. Clean the gutters. Hire a service to clear your gutters or do it yourself. Remove leaves, nests, and debris from gutters and check for leaks.
  6. Check water drainage. Make sure rainwater downspouts are clear of obstructions and direct water is away from foundations, walkways, and driveways. Add extensions to downspouts if necessary.
  7. Turn off faucets and store hoses. Drain garden hoses and disconnect from the outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets, and if you have an older home, you may need to turn off the valve inside your home. Store hoses in a dry place so any residual water won’t freeze.
  8. Service sprinklers and irrigation system. Depending on your climate, your irrigation system may need to be drained and checked. Have a professional perform any necessary repairs and mark sprinkler heads near snow removal areas.
  9. Trim landscaping. Cut back bushes, shrubs, and flowers as recommended for your climate zone.
  10. Bring in flowerpots. If you keep plants or flower in pots year-round, bring them inside. If you replace plants every year, empty, clean, dry pots and put away for next spring.
  11. Plant bulbs. If you plant bulbs for spring, now’s the time to get them in the ground.
  12. Leaf removal. Rake and remove leaves from the yard. Put into a compost pile if you have one. Alternatively, put into yard garbage bags and leave at the curb for community pick up. Check with your local city or town for requirements and pick up schedules.
  13. Fertilize lawn. Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help prevent winter damage and spring weeds. Ask a local garden center or check online to find out which type of fertilizer you need and when to apply it. If you have a lawn service, they should do this for you.
  14. Put away seasonal furniture. Clean and store seasonal outdoor furniture. Remove and clean cushions. Wash and dry furniture and store in a dry place over winter.

In the Garage
  1. Service summer power equipment. Empty fuel and clean lawnmower and trimmer. Have lawnmower blades sharpened and oil changed. Have any necessary repairs done now, so that you’re ready come spring.
  2. Store summer vehicles. If you have a motorcycle, summer car, ATV or other type seasonal vehicle, now’s a good time to have that serviced as well.
  3. Get winter equipment ready. Service snow blower and make sure it is ready to go, especially if you live in an unpredictable climate.
  4. Clean the garage. Since you’re in the garage prepping for fall, you might as well purge, organize and clean it while you’re there!

Shauna Quick
Realtor 
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Salt Lake City IS The Best Place To Live! Here's Just A Few Reasons Why...

 The Society of Young Professionals Salt Lake City point to five rankings that prove that Salt Lake City is the best place to live. They include:

5. Livability.com ranks Salt Lake City #5 in the nation for favorable downtown amenities.
4. Forbes ranks Salt Lake City as the fourth best city for Young Professionals to live.
3. Time Magazine ranks Salt Lake City as the second friendliest city in America.
2. According to a 2014 Gallop poll measuring job creations through employee reports of job activity in 50 major metropolitan areas, Salt Lake City placed first, beating out other booming cities like Austin, Houston, and San Francisco.


1. National Geographic ranked Salt Lake City as the best U.S. hiking city based on the quantity and accessibility of its hiking trails within a short distance of downtown.



Source: Salt Lake Realtor Magazine, September 2015 issue.

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

A Year of Gratitude- September

"Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside. No matter what is going on outside of us, there's always something we could be grateful for."
-Barry Neil Kaufman 

This month, I am grateful for:
-Campfires:
It's one of my favorite things to do in the summer!  I love to sit around the campfire, talk and make s'mores 

-Beautiful music
-Referrals from my friends, family, and clients
The last few months I have been so happy to help my former clients family members sell and find a home.  I Dave referred me to his brother Scott and sister-in-law Megan.  It was so great to serve them and to meet Dave's family!  Thanks for the referral Dave!
-Old family photos
What more can I say, it's so wonderful to run across old photos weather they are my parents or grandparents.  It is so fun to see them active and full of life!

Share what you are grateful for this month!

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

10 Quick Checks a Year Can Keep Your Home in Top Condition

If you live in cold weather, fall is when you put in the storm windows. If you live in a warm climate, summer is when you step up the pool maintenance. No matter where you live, however, checking on – and maintaining – 10 areas of your home each year is one good way to ensure your home stays in peak condition.
From the home maintenance consultants at Home Depot, here is where – and how – to begin:
  1. Roof – In early fall, check around vents, skylights and chimneys for cracks or leaks and repair or replace tiles as necessary.
  2. Gutters – Clean gutters so leaves won’t clog them, and be sure they drain away from the house.
  3. Fireplace – Clean out any leftover ashes. If heavily used in winter, you may want the chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure the damper is closed tightly.
  4. Filters – Clean or replace furnace filters once every month or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans regularly.
  5. Safety equipment – Be sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working condition. Replace batteries twice a year.
  6. Air conditioner – In cold climates, put on waterproof covers when you cover or remove outdoor furniture.
  7. Refrigerator – Test door seals once or twice a year to be sure they are airtight. Test by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the seal may need to be replaced. If you have a coil-back fridge, the coils should be vacuumed twice a year.
  8. Faucets – Check for leaks in kitchen and bathrooms and replace washers as necessary.
  9. Windows and doors – Replace seals as necessary to keep heat in and drafts out. If you added up all the tiny cracks where heating and cooling escapes, it could be the same as having a window open.
  10. Siding and paint – Look for cracks or peeling areas. Repaint or replace caulk as necessary.
By Barbara Pronin

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

7 Ways To Make Your Old House Look More Modern

Make sure all the furniture is either covered or removed from the room before you do anything.

1. Employ your paintbrush. Color will have the most impact when updating a space. If your rooms are still carrying a color palette of the past---say a pale country blue or sunny 70's yellow---fear not. Today's colors run hot and cold. Monochromatic schemes continue to be the rage, with soft whites and beiges leading the pack. A burst of saturated color---red is always popular and orange is considered the "new" red---on one focal wall boasts a modern statement. Decide on your new colors; cover everything in the room and paint away.

2. Add some architectural elements for a dramatic update. Molding and trim can be applied and painted in a bright white and will accent any wall color. Columns can be added to a room, or can replace a wall, opening up a space to natural light. For those more industrious homeowners, applying a tile or tin ceiling will provide interest.

3. Reduce the number of furniture pieces that carry stained or dark wood surfaces. A whitewash applied to a lightly sanded wood finish will brighten and lighten the overall look, producing a shabby chic effect. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom commodes and any dark heavy pieces will benefit from the lighter approach.

4. Replace heavy fabrics with brighter, lighter textures and fabrics. Covering old upholstered seating with light-colored slipcovers and accenting with brightly colored or textured pillows is a sure bet on the road to modernizing a room.

5. Choose new lampshades---perhaps in patterns or colors, or tackle the lighting from the bottom up by replacing an old fashioned lamp with a new, modern base. This is a perfect place for a "pop" of color and some terrific examples are available in all colors of the rainbow.

6. Modernize your walls with some new art. This can be done with a can of paint and some canvas. Just splatter (in the manner of Jackson Pollack) on some color and watch what happens when you put it on the wall. Or try a piece of fabric affixed to stretchers---big and bold prints work best.

7. Move the furniture from room to room to get a different balance---try to offer more space as a spacious feel will give any room a younger, and therefore updated, feel. When in doubt, take it out. Clutter is aging and the more room you create, the more modern your space will feel
Source

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419


Modernize Home

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

A Year of Gratitude- August

"No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude."
-Alfred North Whitehead

This month, I am grateful for:
-Random acts of kindness

-My extended family
Every year or two the majority of my extended family go down to Elsinore Utah to visit my brother Justin, his wife Libbie and their two children William and Arthur.  If we are lucky we are their for the derby.  This year was extra fun, after a trip to the DI most of the family was ready to go in their red neck attire.



The midnight sky
Every time I have a chance to go to a small town or camping I love to see the night sky, living in the city I often times forget this beautiful sight.


-Summer vacations
This summer I enjoyed a fun family vacation to Costa Rica.  It was so fun to spend 10 days with my family exploring this beautiful country.


-Bees


Share what you are grateful for this month!

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Friday, July 17, 2015

A Year Of Gratitude July 2015

"When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in"
Kristin Armstrong

July:

My son Larson; he is wise beyond his years and always makes me smile.

The United States of America:  Every time I travel outside the US, I am reminded how lucky we are to live here.  I am so grateful for all the freedoms we enjoy.

The men and women who serve our country.  I have been lucky enough to help several veterans purchase a home.

Parades: weather it's a small town parade or Utah's days of 47 parade, I love them all!







Tuesday, July 7, 2015

9 Great Ways To Tidy Up Your House

1. Sort by category, not location: Don't do the bedrooms first, then the living room, then the rest of the house. Do all your clothes, then all your books, etc.
2. Tidy in one go. Don't draw it out. If you tidy a bit each day, you'll find that you're tidying forever. Do it all at once and you'll have the system in place to stay tidy.
3. Pick up each item one at a time and ask yourself, "Does it spark joy?"
4. Fold your clothes so that they stand up vertically. This way, you can put all your t-shirts (or other items) in a drawer and see every item at once, rather than digging through piles of fabric to find the shirt you want.
5. Don't repurpose clothes to loungewear. Don't justify keeping a torn, ratty T-shirt just because you think you can repurpose it as a pajama top.
6. Recycle your papers. For important legal documents, scan them! Everything else you should get rid of.
7. Don't keep gifts out of guilt. After the joy of the gift-giving moment is through, you can donate the gift without guilt. It has served its purpose.
8. Storage experts are hoarders. A "clever" storage solution never really solves anything. A new box or organizer won't make you tidy. Pursue ultimate simplicity.
9. Start with what you know will be easy to get rid of. If you start with mementos or items you attach a functional value, it will be harder to know if they spark joy. Start with items that are easier to make decisions about, and then you will be in the right mindset to tackle mementos later.
Follow TODAY.com's Meena Hart Duerson on Twitter here.
ShaunaQuick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419

Friday, June 19, 2015

A Year Of Gratitude May 2015

"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks"
My challenge to you this month is to send a note of gratitude to someone that has had a positive impact on your life.

June Gratitude:

Adoption:
My niece has a darling 4 year old and has not been able to have anymore children.  A few months ago she found out about a beautiful 2 year old boy that was in foster care that needed a family.  She met him a fell in love with him.  A few weeks later the rest of the family met him and we all fell in love with him.  He is a happy, loving, sweet boy!  In May we found out that my niece will be able to adopt him because his parents gave up their rights.  It hard for me to express the joy, happiness, gratitude and love I felt when I found out his life is going to be so blessed to have a loving mom, dad, brother and extended family.  And how blessed we are to have him as a part of our family.  Just last week my niece also has a chance to adopt his baby sister.  All I can say is I have have felt so blessed to be apart of this and will be forever grateful that my niece is able to adopt these beautiful children.


A loving, caring, hard working father:
I come from a family of 10 children.  My dad was a school teacher and my mom stayed at home, as you can imagine money was tight at our house.  My dad worked so hard each day and was always able to provide us with clothing, food and shelter.















Family gatherings:
I LOVE my family.  It is always so fun when we get together, I love all chaos, love, bonding and memories.

Early morning walks:
Christopher and I get up almost every morning and go on a walk, I love being out in my neighborhood when it is so quiet and peaceful.  I love seeing the sunrise, the setting moon and blooming flowers.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

9 Great ways to tidy up your home

1. Sort by category, not location: Don't do the bedrooms first, then the living room, then the rest of the house. Do all your clothes, then all your books, etc.
2. Tidy in one go. Don't draw it out. If you tidy a bit each day, you'll find that you're tidying forever. Do it all at once and you'll have the system in place to stay tidy.
3. Pick up each item one at a time and ask yourself, "Does it spark joy?"
4. Fold your clothes so that they stand up vertically. This way, you can put all your t-shirts (or other items) in a drawer and see every item at once, rather than digging through piles of fabric to find the shirt you want.
5. Don't repurpose clothes to loungewear. Don't justify keeping a torn, ratty T-shirt just because you think you can repurpose it as a pajama top.
6. Recycle your papers. For important legal documents, scan them! Everything else you should get rid of.
7. Don't keep gifts out of guilt. After the joy of the gift-giving moment is through, you can donate the gift without guilt. It has served its purpose.
8. Storage experts are hoarders. A "clever" storage solution never really solves anything. A new box or organizer won't make you tidy. Pursue ultimate simplicity.
9. Start with what you know will be easy to get rid of. If you start with mementos or items you attach a functional value, it will be harder to know if they spark joy. Start with items that are easier to make decisions about, and then you will be in the right mindset to tackle mementos later.
Source: Today.com
Shauna Quick
Realtor®
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419 Mobile
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

Saturday, May 23, 2015

A Year of Gratitude, May 2015

We don't have to have extraordinary moment to find happiness-it's right in front of us if we're paying attention and practicing gratitude.
Brene Brown

I am grateful for:
My daughter Annika, she is so kind, loving and forgiving



Mothers
Our mothers give us so many gifts. They give us the precious gift of life, of course, but they also leave treasured lessons that can guide us along our journeys even when they are no longer with us.





Birds



The beautiful blue sky
                                  (Photo cred Anne Monsen)


Paved streets, I have traveled outside the country many times and as much as I enjoy my time away I am always grateful to be home and drive on streets that are paved and safe.  

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Five Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home

1. Improve the curb appeal – Whether or not you are planning to sell your home, an inviting first appearance is important. Spend some time in the front yard from the curb in, making your yard free of weeds and your grass and hedges neatly trimmed.. You can make needed repairs to fences or front steps and change out your old, dull mailbox all for under $500.

2. Paint the front door – A spiffy new fiberglass front door could cost $1,000 or more, but you can upgrade the look for a lot less by adding new hardware and a fresh coat of paint. Add a new light fixture, a fresh doormat and/or a pot of flowers and you may have money left over from that $500 bill.

3. Paint interior walls – Nothing changes the look of a room more than a fresh coat of paint. It can get complicated and expensive if you need to repair drywall, remove mold, or have really tall ceilings, so you may need to hire a professional. But if you can do it yourself, you may even be able to upgrade baseboards or add crown molding and stay within a $500 budget.

4. Update the lighting – Lighting fixtures are to a home what jewelry is to an outfit. They can add pizzazz or look dated and dowdy. Switching out a chandelier over the dining room table is a fairly easy, budget-friendly project. Shop big-box stores for inexpensive models or ask about floor sample sales at retail outlets. If you’re on too tight a budget, consider updating lamps you already have with new shades.

5. Install new toilets – It may not materially change the look of your bathrooms, but if you have 20+ year old toilets, replacing them with new models will save thousands of gallons of water you won’t have to pay for. You can get new models for well under $200, so you may want to spend some of that $500 budget to upgrade the look with bathroom lighting, mirrors or storage units.

Source

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801-550-4419
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Want To Make A Great First Impression On Buyers?

Follow these 12 steps:                         

1. Mow the lawn, prune bushes, remove dead tree branches, and get rid of outdoor furniture you don’t plan to take with you.

2. Clean the front door and lintels and paint them if necessary.

3. Check for leaks throughout the house. A drip may not seem important, but it could suggest poor maintenance elsewhere in the house. Don’t leave room for doubt in a buyer’s mind.

4. Clean out closets and storage areas. Donate old clothes and furniture to local charities. This will create a sense of greater space in the home, and would also mean fewer items to move.

5. Professionally clean the carpets. This is especially important if the carpeting will remain for the new owners.

6. Flip every switch to make sure the electrical works throughout the house. Prospective home buyers will do this. Fix any switches that need help.

7. Caulk around tubs and sinks. New caulk looks better than old caulk, and you’ll also prevent those tricky leaks.

8. Replace light bulbs that don’t work and use as much wattage as the fixture will take. Good illumination makes your home seem light and airy.

9. Tour the property from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Is there anything that may seem uncomfortable to visitors? The 30-year-old green shag carpeting can be off-putting and mirrors in poorly lit basements can be dangerous, for example.

10. Clean out medicine cabinets. Remove out-of-date items, and consider removing prescription pills when buyers visit. Buyers might look in every nook and open every door. No one wants to be embarrassed by what they find.

11. If you have a pet, make arrangements to have it elsewhere when your home is being shown. Some people have allergies. No one wants to be barked or pawed at when they enter.

12. Ask your broker to examine the property for specific showing tips to make your home more attractive when compared to others in the area.


Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
www.shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
801-550-4419  

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Thinking About Selling Your Home on Your Own? Here are 8 Great Reasons Why YOU Should Work With A Realtor

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here's why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

  1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
  2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
  3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
  4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
  5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
  6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
  7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
  8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.                                   Realtor Magazine                                                                             Shauna Quick, Realtor                                                                   Exit Realty Success

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

A Year Of Gratitude-April

We should express our gratitude for the small and simple things, like the scent of rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice.
-Joseph B. Worthlin

April
I am grateful for:

My husband Christopher-we have been married for 25 years!













Visits to Justin and Libbie's farm-each time I have the opportunity to visit I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere

Blooming trees and flowers

Sunshine

Rain

Moab-I love to go to Moab with my family, we enjoy running down the sand hill, going off roading and hikes in Arches National park

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
801.550.4419
#ayearofgratitude2015

Here are some gratitude comments that are from a Facebook page I am on:

  • Sarah I am grateful for the roof over my head, my happy and healthy family, a good job and food in my belly.


  • Lona  I am grateful that my son was born without any complications and is a beautiful, healthy, wonderful baby boy 


  • Julia I am grateful that my sweetheart is in remission and healthy. I sure love that guy.


  • Tanna I am grateful for time and the amazing people this world is filled with:)


  • Tanja Mikes Hard Lemonade, and time to myself


  • Tina  My kids and my hubby I can't seem to get enough of them!


  • Magnolia My family...husband and kids and my parents (who are currently here and SUCH a help!!) Family really are the greatest.


  • Janessa I am SSSOOO grateful for my handsome hun!

    Shanna I'm grateful for modern day medicine, the roof over my head, my husband and all of his jobs, my darling kiddos and I am truly grateful for this page and all the wives I have had the pleasure to meet and especially have gotten to know.