Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Upkeep Your Home For Winter

Preparing your home for winter is an important annual ritual for homeowners. For instance, did you know that adding insulation in your attic before winter arrives can help prevent ice dams this winter? And do not forget that tuning up your heating system now can help prevent more costly emergency repairs at the height of a storm, when it can be difficult to find supplies and licensed contractors. The following winter maintenance tips can help you prepare your home to withstand another cold season.

1. Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.

2. Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees as the temperature inside the walls where water piping is located is colder than the living spaces; open doors to unoccupied rooms to keep an even temperature throughout the house.

3. Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Is your insulation prepared to protect you from the cold? As an important line of defense from winter’s gusty winds and freezing temperatures, it is worth taking time to inspect and upgrade insulation and weather stripping before the season starts.

5. Add extra insulation in the attic to help guard against ice dams. If too much heat escapes into the attic, it can warm the ice and snow on the roof. When it refreezes, it can cause an ice dam, which can lead to water damage inside your home or possibly even a roof collapse.
Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.
Remove screens from windows and install storm windows, if appropriate.

6. Freezing temperatures can be especially damaging to your home’s water piping. Make sure your pipes are adequately prepared to withstand a cold snap and remember to take extra precautions if you are going to be leaving your home, including shutting off your water.

7. Check for water leaks and fix problems immediately; wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate if it is exposed in unheated areas such as garages, crawl spaces or attics. Use only thermostatically-controlled heat tape if your water piping is plastic, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

8. Learn how to shut off your water and know where your pipes are located in case they do freeze; you may be able to prevent water damage.

9. Trim trees and remove dead branches so they do not damage your home or injure someone if they fall because of ice, snow or wind.

10. Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to help ensure melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.

11. Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.
Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.

12. The first storm of the year can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and get key equipment, like snow blowers and generators, in good working condition long before you need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy what the season has to offer.

13 Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.

14. Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.

15. Keep fuel for snow blowers and generators in approved safety containers and away from heat or flame-producing devices. Do not store fuel in your basement.



Source: Traveller's Insurance

Shauna Quick
Realtor
Exit Realty Success
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Winterizing Your Home On A Budget

Securing your home against winter is always a prime consideration for homeowners, no matter where you live. Regardless of what direction the cost of heating oil, propane, and other fuels is heading, it makes good sense to ensure that you and your family stay comfortable the entire season while protecting your investment.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a surprising number of easy things you can do at minimal cost that can maximize energy savings this winter. Below are suggestions for budgets of $100, $250, and $500 (at current prices), as well as some ideas that cost nothing.

$100 or Less

• Basic caulk gun ($20) and four tubes of caulk ($7.50 each) to fill gaps in siding, windows, and doors. For drafty windows and doors, don’t just fill the gaps on the outside, says home renovation and remodeling consultant Dean Bennett of Dean Bennett Design and Construction in Castle Rock, CO. “Pull the molding off to fill the insulation gaps around the window jamb.” If you prefer, you can use a can of low-expansion window foam ($7 each) instead of caulk. Cost: $50

• Plastic film window insulating kit, enough for five to six windows. Cost: $20

• Weatherstripping for windows, four 17-foot rolls. Cost: $20 ($5 each)

• Replacement filter for central heat and air unit. Mike Kuhn, director of technical services at HouseMaster and author of The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Home Inspection, says it’s a must to change your furnace and air conditioning filter on a regular basis, at least every three months or more often. “Clogged filters reduce heating and cooling efficiency and can reduce the useful life of the appliance,” says Kuhn. Cost: $10

• Door threshold/sweep strip (three) to fill air leaks beneath doors. Cost: $75 ($25 each)

• Door gasket (three) to fill leaks around doors. Mark Furst of Grading Spaces, a home inspection and performance analysis company in Fort Atkinson, WI, recommends that homeowners check all exterior doors for tight-sealing gaskets. “I often see doors that only seal well when the door is slammed and then the deadbolt lock engages,” he says, blaming the condition on worn-out gaskets, though the doors themselves are still in good shape. “Adding a sweep strip to the bottom of the door helps to block drafts,” he adds. Cost: $75 ($25 each)

$250 or Less

• Home energy audit from your utility company. Most utility companies offer home energy audits to their customers. An inspector will visit your house and check the furnace and central air conditioning unit for efficiency and safety and leaks, gaps in attic and wall insulation, and the condition of your water heater and pipes. Remember, many home improvements are tax-deductible, especially where energy is concerned. Cost: $150 on average

• Install a programmable thermostat. Although thermostats can be adjusted manually, Bennett says that a programmable thermostat will avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal as you wake or return home. Cost: $35 to $100

• The chimney can be the number one source of heat loss in a house. Use a chimney balloon to prevent drafts from flowing through your chimney and prevent heat from escaping. Cost: $55 per fireplace

• Three rolls of fiberglass insulation to pack around basement doors, windows in unused rooms or around exterior windows, doors, and air conditioning units. Cost: $75 ($25/roll)

$500 or Less

For another $250, you can add:

• An annual checkup, cleaning, and maintenance for your central heating and air unit and all air ducts. Cost: $250

• A ceiling fan that also heats the room. The Hunter Fan Company introduced a decorative ceiling fan that contains a small unit to provide a supplemental source of heat. The fan blades direct the heat towards the floor and help spread it throughout the room. Cost: $250

• Mark Furst says that one frequently overlooked spot is the sill box in the basement, which is on top of the foundation and under the floor. “This is one of the least insulated areas in a house,” he says. He likes to fill the gaps and leaks with a two-part spray foam to seal and insulate the whole space. Cost: $250

Winterizing for Practically Nothing
You can get something for nothing. Here are some ways to winterize your house that are virtually free:

• Roll up a towel or throw rug to close gaps at the bottom of all exterior doors, but leave the gaps on interior doors free to allow heat to circulate between rooms.

• If you live in a snowy part of the country, bank the snow up against the house to provide a bit of insulation from the cold.

• Jason Raddenbach of Chimney Balloon suggests clearing the lint from the outside dryer vent. Make sure the flap closes completely when the dryer isn’t running. And while you’re at it, he says, vacuum out the muck from the HVAC return vent covers. If air cannot escape the dryer because of restrictions in the vent pipe, it will have to run longer, using more electricity.

• Mike Kuhn of HouseMaster recommends that homeowners flush the water heater through the drain valve to remove sediment, which “allows the gas or oil water heater to operate more efficiently and safely,” he says.

• Make sure that ceiling fans move in a clockwise direction, which will push hot air along the ceiling towards the floor. If they’re moving counterclockwise, their benefits are minimized.

• Clean out your gutters. In cold weather climates, this will prevent icicles from forming. Get the water to go down the gutters—where it’s supposed to go—versus on the sidewalks, where you end up with dangerous icy patches.

• The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save three percent on your energy bill for every degree you turn the thermostat down in the winter. In other words, for an annual heating and cooling bill of $1,000, if you move the thermostat down three degrees at night, you could save almost $100 each year.

Source: Bob Villa

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

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Record-High Home Prices In Salt Lake County

 The price of a single-family home in Salt Lake County has now surpassed the inflation-adjusted peak home price, which was reached prior to the Great Recession, according to the Salt Lake Board of Realtors®.

Single-family home prices in the third quarter of 2016 climbed to a median price of $301,000. The previous peak home price was in the third quarter of 2007 when home prices topped $256,000 (or $298,085 in inflation-adjusted dollars).

The higher prices and limited housing inventory have dampened sales. Single-family homes sold in the third quarter fell to 3,694 units sold, a 5 percent decline compared to 3,881 units sold in the third quarter of 2015. The median single-family home price in Salt Lake County increased 7 percent compared to $279,000 last year.

“Limited housing inventory and high demand continues to push home prices higher,” said Cheryl Acker, president of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors® and a Realtor® with South Jordan-based Utah Key Real Estate. “More housing inventory is needed to help balance current demands.”

Condominium sales in the third quarter in Salt Lake County increased to 1,151 units sold, a 7 percent increase compared to 1,044 sales a year ago. The median price of Salt Lake condos increased to $200,000, up 6 percent from $188,500 a year ago. Condo sales also increased in Tooele and Weber counties (up 11 and 10 percent respectively). However, fewer condos were sold in Davis and Utah counties (down 1 and 6 percent respectively).

New listings of homes on the market in Salt Lake County in the third quarter ticked up slightly to 6,235 units, a 1 percent increase compared to 6,166 listings in the third quarter of 2015. Based on sales trends of single-family homes over the past year in Salt Lake County there is currently less than a four-month supply of housing inventory.

The months of supply is the measure of how many months it would take for the present inventory of homes on the market to sell, given the current pace of home sales. A normal housing market is typically characterized by a five- to six-month supply of housing inventory. Levels below five months represent a seller’s market. Home buyers gain the advantage when levels start rising above six months.

Single-family home sales increased in Davis (up 2 percent), Utah (up 1 percent), and Tooele (up 7 percent) counties. Home sales fell slightly in Weber County.

The average cumulative days a listing was on the market in the third quarter in Salt Lake County fell to 33 days, down from 48 days in the third quarter 2015

Source



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

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Strong Home Sales Across Salt Lake County and Utah!

Home sales in Salt Lake County increased 6 percent in August year-over-year. The rebound in August follows a lackluster July in which sales fell 13 percent. Limited inventory and higher home prices have dampened sales in recent months. The median sales price in August (all housing types) increased to $270,000, up 8 percent compared to $249,000 a year earlier. In Davis County, home sales climbed 12 percent in August. The median price increased to $255,000, up 10 percent year-over-year. Statewide, there were 4,961 homes sold in August, up 8 percent compared to closings in August 2015. The median Utah home price in August increased 10 percent to $250,000.

Source: Salt Lake Board of Realtors

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

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

A Good Bet on Energy-Efficient Market: Water Heater Replacements

When considering purchasing a home, prospective buyers often have a long list of questions they'd like answered before making a final decision. And, with more buyers being energy-conscious today, they may be put off by large energy, heating and water bills that are a direct result of old systems and non energy-efficient offerings.

While savvy house hunters will most certainly ask about the age and condition of the basic systems and appliances in your home, it's important to think carefully about which upgrades make the most sense before placing your home on the market.

One change to strongly consider is the water heater. If your unit is anywhere between 10 - 15 years old, upgrading can be a big improvement, catching the attention of a prospective buyer. New models are up to 20 percent more efficient and can save up to $700 in energy costs over the life of the unit. Of course, it's always a good idea to research your options before choosing a replacement.

The most popular water heaters today are electric, but those running on fuel, geothermal energy, propane, solar energy and gas are also available. Conventional water heaters have a large tank that stores hot water for future use, while tankless water heaters heat water directly when needed, reducing both storage and heating costs.

Currently, five categories of water heater are designated as Energy Star rated, including high-performance gas storage, whole-home gas tankless, advanced drop-in or integrated heat pump, solar and gas condensing. For each type of water heater, the Energy Star rating can help you determine just how energy efficient a model is.

According to Energy.gov, the type of water heater you choose may affect your water heating costs. For instance, an electric heat pump water heater is typically more energy efficient than an electric conventional storage water heater, however, an electric heat pump water heater might have lower energy costs than a gas-fired conventional storage water heater because of its higher efficiency.

Even if your water heater is currently working, if it's an older, inefficient model, you could reap real cost benefits by replacing it with a more energy efficient one.

Adding an energy efficient water heater and maintaining it properly before you put your house on the market will help reduce energy bills significantly and attract more buyers. Keep yourself out of hot water and make a change that can only benefit your sale.

For more information about water heaters, contact our office today.


Source: Keith Loria

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

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Extra Tips On Getting Your Yard Ready For Fall

  • Plant late season annuals
  • Aerate your lawn
  • Prune summer flowering trees and shrubs once flowering is complete
  • Fertilize roses to encourage late season growth
  • Prepare dead spots in lawn for reseeding
  • Order fall bulbs and plant them
"By all these lovely tokens September days are here with summer's best of weather and autumn's best of  cheer."
-Helen Hunt Jackson



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

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Five Energy And Money Savers For Summer

Home improvements may improve the value of your home, but they often cost you a lot more. What if you could improve your home and save money at the same time? Summer is one of the best times of year to make some changes around your home that can help save energy, and therefore, save you money as well. These five home projects are designed to help make your home more energy efficient - even during one of the most energy-heavy times of year - so you can save and enjoy your home more this summer.

1) Maintain Your HVAC Unit
Your HVAC and AC unit need to be serviced each year, usually sometime in the spring or summer. Doing so can not only help ensure that it's working when the temperatures hit their peak, it can also help save you money as well. Air conditioning maintenance helps ensure your unit is working at peak efficiency by keeping it clean and replacing any worn parts. This quick, yearly visit by a technician will help ensure your AC unit is working the way you want it to, when you want it to.

Cost
The cost of annual air conditioning maintenance averages out to around $100, but can go as high as $150, if you wait until the days are at their hottest.

Tips to Save Even More
Your AC's filter is your best defense against dirt building up inside. Make sure you change it regularly to help the unit run more efficiently, which will help keep your monthly bills down.

DIY or Not?
Your HVAC unit should always be inspected and maintained by a qualified technician.

2) Repair Window Leaks
Did you know that even if your window isn't leaking water when it rains, it could still be leaking air and raising your energy bills? Poor air seal or a large gap around your windows can account for as much as 40 percent of the money you use to heat and cool your home - a significant amount that just flies right out the window. Replacing your windows can help fix the air seal and save you a lot of money on your energy bills each month thereafter.

Cost
The average cost to replace your windows is about $830 for a vinyl sash window, but can go as high as $2650 for a wooden bay window replacement.

Tips to Save Even More
Replace only the worst windows first, then use caulk to seal up the edges of the other windows to help stop energy loss while you wait to replace them all.

DIY or Not?
Window replacements should be carried out by professionals, but you can seal up air leaks yourself in the meantime.

3) Install an Attic Fan
The attic is often overlooked as one area that is responsible for a lot of the heat gain in your home. Attics often become superheated in the summer months with the combination of rising heat from below and the sun beating down from above. Installing an attic fan can help drop the temperature in your attic, which will prevent heat transfer back down into the rest of your home, making it more comfortable and lowering your energy bills.

Cost
The average cost of installing an attic fan is around $275 for a fan that can cool up to 2,500 square feet. Total costs can go as high as $321 for a fan that can cool 3,000 square feet.

Tips to Save Even More
Install a solar powered fan, which will cool your attic and won't cost anything to run.

DIY or Not?
Attic fans should always be installed by a licensed electrician to minimize the risk of electric shock.

4) Install Window Shades
A lot of people assume that installing draperies is enough to give you the privacy and light blocking that you need. But if you live in a climate that sees a lot of sun in the summer months, drapes alone may not be enough to stop solar heat transfer through your windows. Installing window shades can help dramatically reduce the heat gain in your home, keeping things cool and comfortable inside, while helping to keep your energy bills down.

Cost
The average cost of installing window shades is around $500 to $600 for eight honeycomb shades. Total costs range from $250 for eight roller shades to $650 for eight Roman shades.

Tips to Save Even More
Make sure that your shades have a white, reflective surface on the side facing the windows to ensure that they will truly block the light and heat from entering your home.

DIY or Not?
You can easily install shades yourself with minimal tools and a few hours of time to save even more money.

5) Insulate Your Attic
The vast majority of homes are under-insulated, which means that a lot of the money you spend to heat and cool your home is going to waste. Attics in particular are in great need of extra insulation, because of the heat gain from the sun beating down on your roof, which can lead to your whole home rising in temperature. Adding some attic insulation will help keep your whole home cooler and more comfortable all summer long, resulting in lower AC bills.

Cost
The average cost to insulate an attic is around $897 for blown-in cellulose insulation in a 1,500 square feet space. Total costs range from $617 for R-13 roll insulation installed DIY to $1501 for R-19 roll insulation.

Tips to Save Even More
Insulate the underside of your roof deck as well as your attic to help block additional heat transfer.
Use the highest R-factor insulation that you can afford to get the most energy savings.
DIY or Not?
It is possible to install roll insulation yourself, but blown-in insulation should be done by a professional.

Save Energy, Save Money
No one likes to take on projects during the dog days of summer, but these five projects can help make your home a lot more comfortable and energy efficient once you're done. Take on these five projects any time this summer to help get the most out of this time of year. To find out more about what things cost on typical home improvement projects, be sure to visit both of these Cost Guides




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

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

HUD Awards Counseling to Those In Need

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded more than $42 million in housing counseling grants to hundreds of national, regional and local organizations to help families and individuals with their housing needs and to prevent future foreclosures. HUD's housing counseling grants and the additional funding they leverage will assist more than 1.4 million households find housing, make more informed housing choices, or keep their current homes.

June is National Homeownership Month, a time HUD recognizes how homeownership enhances lives and contributes to thriving communities. "Dare to Own the Dream" is the theme of this month-long recognition, reinforcing the long-held belief that owning a home remains one of the cornerstones of the American Dream. The grants awarded were announced at a White House gathering to mark National Homeownership Month.

HUD Secretary Julián Castro says, "Housing counselors provide potential homeowners with the tools they need to ensure they're ready and responsible. Their efforts give countless families a real shot at the American Dream of homeownership. The counseling organizations HUD supports are on the front lines in providing the full spectrum of services households need - from locating affordable rental housing, offering advice on how to become a homeowner, and preventing foreclosure."

More than $40 million will directly support the housing counseling services provided by 31 national and regional organizations, five multi-state organizations, 17 State Housing Finance Agencies (SHFAs) and 181 local housing counseling agencies. In addition, HUD is awarding $2 million to four national organizations to train housing counselors who will receive the instruction and certification necessary to effectively assist families with their housing needs.

National and regional agencies distribute much of HUD's housing counseling grant funding to community-based organizations that assist low- and moderate-income families to improve their housing conditions. In addition, these larger organizations help improve the quality of housing counseling services and enhance coordination among counseling providers.

Counseling improves housing outcomes for homebuyers, homeowners, and renters. Last month, HUD published research findings summarizing the impact of housing counseling has on families' housing options and choices. In addition, recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and the Urban Institute continues to find substantial benefits to housing counseling for families who purchase their first homes and those struggling to prevent foreclosure.

Grant recipients address the full range of families' housing counseling needs. This includes helping homebuyers evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and down payment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult home-buying process. The organization also helps households find affordable rental housing and offers financial literacy training to individuals and families struggling to repair credit problems that restrict their housing options.

In addition to providing counseling to homeowners and renters, these organizations assist homeless persons in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. Finally, grantees also assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages. These agencies provide counseling for the rapidly growing number of elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs, and other living expenses.

Housing counseling agencies support fair housing by assisting borrowers in reviewing their loan documentation, to avoid potential mortgage scams, unreasonably high interest rates, inflated appraisals, unaffordable repayment terms, and other conditions that can result in a loss of equity, increased debt, default, and even foreclosure. Likewise, foreclosure prevention counseling helps homeowners facing delinquency or default employ strategies, including expense reduction, negotiation with lenders and loan servicers, and loss mitigation, to avoid foreclosure.



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

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Health Improvement: Houseplants That Will Help Your Health

16 Houseplants that Can Actually Improve Your Health

Adding a houseplant or two always seems to improve the look of a room. But as it turns out, certain houseplants can also improve your health.

According to recent studies by NASA, some houseplants filter out dangerous compounds that are commonly found in most homes - the kind of compounds that are often associated with respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other conditions.

Because they are enclosed spaces, our homes are vulnerable to gaseous toxins that build up over time. These include:


  1. Benzene - Caused by paints, detergents, and furniture wax
  2. Formaldehyde - Caused by disinfectants or preservatives in consumer products
  3. Toluene and Xylene - Caused by a variety of household and consumer products
  4. Ammonia - Caused by commonly used aerosols and spray
  5. But 10 NASA-approved houseplants are said to be effective in removing air pollutants:
  6. English Ivy - A trailing ivy plant that requires partial shade and light weekly watering
  7. Florist's chrysanthemum - A lovely floral that needs direct light and frequent change of water
  8. Peace Lily - Produces small, white flowers; needs weekly watering, but consider carefully before buying, because this plant can be poisonous to house pets
  9. Variegated snake plant - Has tall, broad, green and white leaves; requires partial shade and weekly watering
  10. Red-edged dracaena - Almost cactus-like in appearance, this plant needs direct sunlight and weekly watering
  11. Cornstalk dracaena - Produces cornstalk-type leaves; wants partial shade and weekly watering
  12. Broadleaf lady palm - Fern-like plant that likes partial shade and weekly watering
  13. Flamingo lily - Also known as anthurium, this plant produces shiny red flowers and requires partial shade and weekly watering
  14. Devil's ivy - Produces luxurious ivy leaves, likes partial shade, and needs only monthly watering
  15. Lilyturf - Produces purple flowers; requires partial shade and weekly watering
  16. Take note: Water lightly in most cases, as over-watering can cause root rot and kill the plant.




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

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

To Rent Or To Buy... That Is The Question!


BUYING:

Advantages:
Property builds equity
Sense of community, stability, and security
Free to change decor and landscaping
Not dependent on landlord to maintain property

Coniderations:
Responsible for maintenance
Responsible for property taxes
Possibility of foreclosure and loss of equity
Less mobility then renting

RENTING:

Advantages:
Little or no responsibility for maintenance
Easier to move

Considerations:
No tax credits
No equity is built up
No control over rentincreases
Possibility of eviction



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

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

The Market Is Hot In Salt Lake County!

The Avenues Ranks No. 1 in Highest Wasatch Front Home Prices
Demand for housing remained strong in the first three months of 2016, but a limited supply of inventory pushed sales down, according to the Q1 Housing Report of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors®. Buyers are looking for more affordable options and moving to condos and townhomes. There were 2,569 single-family homes sold in Salt Lake County in the first three months of 2016, a 2 percent decline compared to 2,614 sales in the first quarter of 2015. Condominium sales increased to 730 units sold, a 1 percent increase compared to 720 sales a year ago. New listings of homes fell to 4,994 in the first quarter, down 8 percent from 5,406 new listings a year earlier. In Salt Lake County there is currently less than a four-month supply of housing inventory (based on sales trends of single-family homes over the past year). The top five most expensive ZIP code areas across the Wasatch Front in the first quarter for single-family homes were: the Avenues (84103) $451,000; Emigration Canyon (84108) $437,500; Draper (84020) $431,750; Holladay (84124) $413,500; and Sandy (84092) $399,900. Four of these five areas in the first quarter saw a drop in home sales. Only the Avenues saw sales rise. The median price of a single-family home in Salt Lake County climbed to $271,400 in the first quarter, up 6 percent compared to $255,000 in the first quarter of 2015. Condo prices increased 5 percent to $188,250 from $179,650 a year ago.




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

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

6 Affordable Kitchen Splurges

A kitchen remodel can be expensive, and homeowners are justifiably careful about staying within budget. However, there are certain areas in every kitchen where a splurge may be worth the price in terms of efficiency, looks, and durability.

HGTV suggests six areas where a few lavish touches are worth the extra expense:

1. Commercial-Grade Range Hood - Investing in a commercial-style range hood means never having to deal with cooking odors—and keeping a busy kitchen cooler.

2. High-Quality Hardware – Look for quality cabinet knobs, hinges and pulls in brushed nickel, bronze or stainless steel. They add class to any kitchen and will last longer than those made of plastic or wood. For the ultimate in opulence, spring for hand-blown glass.

3. Soft-Close Doors and Drawers – You can’t slam these quiet drawers or doors, which makes for a more serene kitchen. They are also great for young families because they close slowly, so little hands and fingers won't get caught or pinched in them.

4. Solid Surface Countertop – Laminate is cheap, but it doesn’t stand up and looks tired long before its time. Splurge on granite or sealed concrete, which will look beautiful and last for many years. (Bonus: It’s a great selling feature!)

5. Stainless Steel Appliances – These are worth the added expense because they are stylish, sophisticated and efficient. The newest models offer greater versatility than more traditional models.

6. Warming Drawer – Look for an oven that comes with a warming drawer, or have one custom-built into your kitchen. They are ideal for entertaining, keeping food at just the right temperature for late guests.

Lastly—and most importantly—invest in a professional. An experienced kitchen designer can help ensure you get the kitchen of your dreams without the guesswork or stress.

By Barbara Pronin

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


Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Five Spring Home Improvement Tips

Spring is not only the best time of year to give your home a good cleaning, it’s also the best time of year to take on several home improvement projects. Spring projects like these can improve your home’s looks and performance, and rarely cost more than $1,000, so you can easily take care of these issues before they have a chance to lead to bigger problems down the road.
 
Siding Repair
 
Winter weather can really do a number on your siding. Hail stones can dent or damage anything from aluminum to vinyl, while painted wood siding frequently needs to have sections replaced that have been subjected to moisture over the cold wet months. In most cases, repairing a section of siding can help your home maintain its curb appeal, while also helping to ensure that problems like rotting wood don’t spread, necessitating further repair.

Costs
The average cost to repair siding of nearly any type is about $300, with a full range of up to $1,000 for more invasive types of repairs.
 
Money-Saving Tips
The best way to save money on a repair is to try to color match the new siding to the old. That way you only have to replace damaged boards, rather than the whole section. You can also paint aluminum or vinyl siding to match existing siding if you are unable to find matching planks to help keep costs down.
 
DIY Considerations
Aluminum and vinyl siding can both be very easily repaired by most homeowners. Things like dents can be popped out of aluminum, and cracked or broken boards can be removed and replaced without needing to disturb too much around them. Wood siding, masonite, brick, and fiber cement siding, however, should be left to professionals for repairs, as should any major repairs that appear widespread.
 
Paint Your Front Door
Just like the paint on the rest of your home, your front door can be subject to things like peeling, cracking and fading over time. The freeze/thaw cycle in the winter can make this even more obvious, as can things like salt or ice melt getting splashed on the door by slush as people make their way indoors. Repainting your door is fairly easy and inexpensive, and can really give your home’s curb appeal a big boost.
 
Cost
The average cost of painting a front door is about $100 per door. The total cost ranges from about $20 for a DIY job to $300 for high-end doors and paint jobs.
 
Money-Saving Tips
The best way to save money on front door paint jobs is to invest in high quality enamel paints for the job. They’re less likely to need touch ups as frequently as other paints, which means you need to paint less often. If you’re comfortable painting the door yourself, tackling this job DIY can really save you a lot of money as well. Just be sure to use a primer and two coats of paint to ensure you’re doing it right.
 
DIY Considerations
Most people can comfortably tackle the job of painting themselves. The only time you may want to leave it to the professionals is if you have a door with windows, glass inserts, or a lot of carvings and features that may take a specialized approach.
 
Stain Your Deck

All that snow, ice and freezing rain hitting your deck this winter could have done a lot of damage to the stain and finish of the wood. Stain is necessary not only to keep your deck looking great, it also helps prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and rotting over time. So if your deck has begun to peel and show the wood through in places, it’s time to put on a new coat of stain. Doing so will not only help protect your deck from the elements, it will also improve your home’s curb appeal.

Cost
The average cost of staining a deck is around $2 a square foot, assuming a deck of around 500 square feet. In most cases the cost will not be any higher than $400 for the total job.
 
Money-Saving Tips
Your deck will need to be power washed before it can be stained, and this needs time to dry before the stain can be applied. Save time and money by doing the power washing yourself; schedule the professionals to come in after the deck has had a chance to dry. If you’re comfortable with tackling the job yourself, DIY can also save you professional fees, as most pros will take about 4-5 hours to do the job, and charge for their time.
 
DIY Considerations
Most able bodied homeowners will be able to tackle this job on their own. Keep in mind that you will need to rent or purchase a power washer to thoroughly clean the deck. You’ll also need to remove old, peeling stain, and apply at least two coats to ensure good coverage.
 
Air Duct Cleaning

After running your furnace all winter, it’s a good idea to get your air ducts cleaned come spring. This is particularly crucial if you’ve had any work done indoors over the past year, as construction dust and debris can build up in your ducts, reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency. Likewise, if you or your family suffers from allergies, cleaning out the ducts periodically can help improve your air quality.

Cost
The average cost of having your ducts cleaned is between $300 and $500 for a professional cleaning. The total range of costs is between $200 for cleaning the ducts in a small house to $900 for older ductwork that may need some upgrades done at the same time.
 
Money-Saving Tips
Change your filter regularly on your HVAC system to help prevent dust and dirt build up in your ducts. You should change these seasonally at a minimum, but some brands recommend changing them monthly. Remove your filter and hold it up to the light; if you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it. Clean and wipe down your grates periodically as well to help get rid of buildup that could be falling into the ducts, necessitating their cleaning.
 
DIY Considerations
Special equipment and knowledge is required to clean out the ducts properly. While you could possibly clean around the openings and the grates, cleaning the ducts themselves should be left to the professionals.
 
Fertilize Your Lawn
Help bring your lawn back to life after a cold, snowy winter with fertilizer. Fertilizing your lawn helps feed it with nutrients it needs to grow. Some fertilizers can also help eliminate weeds, and improve the overall quality of your lawn at the same time, so it requires less water or maintenance in the future.
 
Cost
The average cost to fertilize your lawn is around $.03 a square foot, assuming a 6,000-square-foot lawn. The total costs range from around $.02 a square foot for a DIY job to $.04 a square foot during the peak season.
 
Money-Saving Tips
Make the most of your lawn fertilization by ensuring that you water your lawn either early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent the sun from drying out both your grass and the fertilizer at the same time. If you have your lawn professionally serviced regularly, ask about bundling in fertilization with other services such as mowing to help reduce costs.
 
DIY Considerations
Nearly any able bodied homeowner should be able to tackle this job. All you need is a spreader and the ability to traverse your entire lawn. If you have a lot of steep hills or other issues, however, it may be better to hire a professional.
 
Keeping your home looking and functioning well in the springtime doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Follow these tips to help ensure your home looks and functions its best this year. For more cost savings, visit these Cost Guides.
 

By Yuka Kato



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

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Home Gone Green? You May Be Eligible For Tax Credits

Did you make your home more energy-effecient last year? You may be eligible for tax credits when you file your return, according to home energy evaluator Homeselfe.

"If you upgraded your home in 2015 by adding insulation- one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make- you already know you are saving on your utility bills every month, plus you may be eligible for a tax credit on that investment." Says Ameeta Jain, co-founder of Homeselfe. "Not taking advantage of that is throwing away your hard-earned cash."

Jain explains that there are two types of major tax credits availible to homeowners: the Residential Energy Effecient Property Tax Credit which benefits those who have incorperated renewable energy features into their home, and the Nonbusiness Energy Tax Credits, which benefits those who have installed materials that meet the US Department of Energy's energy efficiency standards.

Homeowners who have invested in energy-effecient upgrades, such as fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, solar panels and solar-powered water heaters, may be eligible for the first credit. Homeowners who have invested in energy-effecient improvements like insulated roofing, windows, and doors may be eligible for the latter.

Tax credits up to $500 are also availible for some improvements, such as installing advanced, main air-circulating fans, a biomass stove, an energy-effecient HVAC system, or water heater, insulation, or metal or aspalt roofing.



Source

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

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Spruce Up Your Home For Spring!

1. Clean up
The first thing Manfredini recommends is to clean up and declutter the outside of your home. Winter can often mat down shrubs and break branches in your yard, giving it an unkempt look. Spend a day raking up dead grass, pruning your bushes or trees and using a pressure washer to clean away mud or dirt from the sidewalks and driveway.

“It will be remarkable how much better your exterior on and around your home can look,” Manfredini said. “And you really didn’t spend any money, it was just really more of your time.”

2. Paint
A new coat of paint can go a long way in preventing your home from looking drab or rundown. Manfredini recommended touching up areas where the paint has started peeling, whether on the house or fence. He also suggested using accent colors to make your home look fresh and new.

“If you really want to change the look of your home, then paint the front door a color, and I mean a real color — a deep green or a deep red or a purple,” he said.

He said if you have shutters on your home to paint them a corresponding color to brighten the overall appearance.


Cost: $10 for good paint brush and $30 for typical gallon of paint.

3. Add Lighting
Adding flood lights can go a long way in brightening and “adding life to your home in the evening,” Manfredini said. A simple way to do it is to buy two LED flood lights, attach them to stakes, stick them in your front lawn close to the front of your home and point the lights towards your house. You can also buy stake lights.

“It’s accent lighting that creates a funnel effect of light,” he said. “It’s really a beautiful look.”

Manfredini recommended centering the lights if you have a center-entry home.


Cost: $12.99 for stakes and $20 for two packs of LED lightbulbs

4. Condition Your Lawn
The largest area around most homes is usually the lawn and so if the lawn is yellow or untrimmed, it is very noticeable. Manfredini said one of the best ways to achieve a really green lawn is to use soil conditions, not just fertilizers.
He recommends using Milorganite, an all-natural soil conditioner, and sprinkling it on your grass about once a month during the spring and summer. Too much fertilizer can burn out the grass, but you can use soil conditioner more regularly, Manfredini said.
“It’s full of iron and so it gets inside the soil and it has so many nutrients in it that it gets inside the soil and it feeds the root of the plant,” he said.
Cost: $12.99 per bag
5. Fill In Cracks And Put in Sealcoat in Driveway
The largest area around most homes is usually the lawn and so if the lawn is yellow or untrimmed, it is very noticeable. Manfredini said one of the best ways to achieve a really green lawn is to use soil conditions, not just fertilizers.
He recommends using Milorganite, an all-natural soil conditioner, and sprinkling it on your grass about once a month during the spring and summer. Too much fertilizer can burn out the grass, but you can use soil conditioner more regularly, Manfredini said.
“It’s full of iron and so it gets inside the soil and it has so many nutrients in it that it gets inside the soil and it feeds the root of the plant,” he said.
Cost: $12.99 per bag



Shauna Quick

Realtor

Exit Realty Success

801-550-4419

shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com

www.shaunaqsellshomes.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

6 Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

1. Reduce your paper towel consumption
Recycle your worn clothing by turning old fabric into rags to clean quick spills and tidy up the house. Can’t find any holey clothes in your closet? Try E-cloth. Currently, Mom Ambassadors are sampling (and loving) e-cloth, a general-purpose glass and polishing cloth that reduces cleaning with chemicals, as it only requires water for use. These simple alternatives save you money and help conserve the environment.      

2. Recycle your old electronics properly
Many of us have the urge to upgrade to the latest electronics, while our past purchases are often sitting tucked away in a junk drawer or closet. In fact, in developed countries the average lifespan of a mobile phone is only two years! But electronics in landfills are hazardous to our environment because of the chemicals they contain. Search online for sites that offer you cash for your used electronics, such as Gazelle. And if you’re looking to ditch old electronics quickly, local supermarkets might offer drop boxes that recycle and send your property to developing countries around the world. Check out KIWI magazine’s online article for more ideas on how to “Turn You Trash into Cash.”

3. Create your own or shop for non-toxic cleaning solutions
Many household products, like baking soda and vinegar, serve as strong cleaning agents. Plus, they don’t contain harmful chemicals that can trigger rashes or irritate your respiratory system! And if you can’t picture yourself mixing it up in the kitchen, be sure to choose the safest options for your family by thoroughly reading product labels, as some purchasing guidelines do not require companies to list all ingredients. For an effective counter cleaner, mix ¼ cup baking soda and just enough liquid castile soap until it becomes a creamy consistency. Check out KIWI magazine online for more great DIY green cleaner recipes.

4. De-clutter your home
Have a yard sale or host a party with friends to swap toys and clothing items! During the Christmas season, our Chief Mom Ambassador, Annie, hosted a toy swap and became hooked on the concept of exchanging practical items for free.  You can also become a member of the fast-growing freerecycle.org community which allows locals to give and receive items for free, with the purpose of keeping decent items out of landfills.

5. Keep your house smelling fresh, naturally
Avoid air fresheners – which can cause watery eyes, nausea, and headaches – by creating your own fragrant alternatives. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air within your home could be up to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. Make your own potpourri using herbs, spices, and flowers or simmer fresh spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, or vanilla on the stove. Learn more about how to keep your house smelling refreshing without unnecessary toxins by reading this blog post: 10 Alternatives to Synthetic Air Fresheners by Eco-novice.

6. Treat cleaning like a game instead of a chore
By assigning age-appropriate duties to your children, they gain a sense of responsibility and self-discipline within their household. Rid those dust bunnies by having the kids wear old socks and “skate” throughout the house. Be sure to properly inspect the area for hazardous items on the floor before the game begins. You can even incorporate music into the task. While the kids are “skating” around, play wax museum: Once the music stops, they must pause in place.



Source

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

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Prepare Your Yard For Spring!

1. Prune away dead and damaged branches. 

Where tree or shrub branches have been damaged by cold, snow, and wind, prune back to live stems; use a handsaw for any larger than ½ inch in diameter. Shaping hedges with hand pruners, rather than electric shears, prevents a thick outer layer of growth that prohibits sunlight and air from reaching the shrub's center. At right, Roger neatens up a yew by pruning wayward shoots back to an intersecting branch. Prune summer-flowering shrubs, such as Rose of Sharon, before buds swell, but wait to prune spring bloomers, like forsythia, until after they flower.

Perennials and Grasses
2. Cut back and divide perennials as needed.

Prune flowering perennials to a height of 4–5 inches and ornamental grasses to 2–3 inches to allow new growth to shoot up. Where soil has thawed, dig up perennials, such as daylilies and hostas, to thin crowded beds; divide them, leaving at least three stems per clump, and transplant them to fill in sparse areas. Cut back winter-damaged rose canes to 1 inch below the blackened area. On climbers, keep younger green canes and remove older woody ones; neaten them up by bending the canes horizontally and tipping the buds downward. Use jute twine or gentle Velcro fasteners to hold the canes in place.

A pair of sharp bypass pruners makes a clean cut on both dead and living foliage.

Beds and Borders
3. Clean Up Around Plants.

Rake out fallen leaves and dead foliage (which can smother plants and foster disease), pull up spent annuals, and toss in a wheelbarrow with other organic yard waste. Once the threat of frost has passed, Roger also removes existing mulch to set the stage for a new layer once spring planting is done. Push heaved plants back into flower beds and borders, tamping them down around the base with your foot, or use a shovel to replant them. Now is a good time to spread a pelletized fertilizer tailored to existing plantings on the soil's surface so that spring rains can carry it to the roots. Add a 5-10-10 fertilizer around bulbs as soon as they flower to maximize bloom time and feed next season's growth. Use pins to fasten drip irrigation lines that have come loose and a square-head shovel to give beds a clean edge and keep turf grass from growing into them.

Composting
4. Compost Yard Waste.

Dump collected leaves, cuttings, spent foliage, and last season's mulch into your compost pile, or make a simple corral by joining sections of wire fence (available at home centers) into a 3-by-3-by-3-foot cube like the one above. Shred leaves and chip branches larger than ½ inch in diameter to accelerate decomposition, or add a bagged compost starter to the pile. Keep the pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge, and aerate it with a pitchfork every two weeks. Just don't add any early spring weeds that have gone to seed—they might not cook completely and could sprout instead.



Source: This Old House

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Great News In The Housing Market

Local market fundamentals and conditions will be favorable for the real estate market for 2016. Job growth is expected to slow slightly but this will be offset by higher rates of net-migration and improving wage rates due to a tight-labor market. There are no signs of a bubble; both sales and prices are at sustainable levels. The market and now particularly prices are now largely free of the harmful effects of closures, short sales, and underwater mortages, which held back demand and prices. And there is no indication of waning demands as demonstrated by the extremely low "days on market" data. On the supply side, the inventory of existing home listings shows demand outpacing supply and there is little concern about completing unsold inventory from home builders; their inventories are very low as well. All these positive local conditions will be supported by a very healthy statewide economy in 2016.

But beyond Utah's borders both nationally and internationally, there are some potential dangers. Most prominent is the showdown in the Chinese economy and the possible unraveling of their debt bubble. China's problem has contributed in part to the recent selloffs in stock markets internationally. Declining oil prices have also negatively affected financial markets and put fiscal and financial pressure on oil financing countries; Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Nigeria. These worrisome, international conditions raised talk in some of a showdown in the U.S. economy and perhaps a recession. The US economy is now in the 77th month in expansion, a little long in the tooth as expansions go. The average post World War II expansion is 62 months, just over five years. The longest US expansion 120 months (1991-2001). It's important to note, however, that recent expansions have been getting longer due to structural shifts in the economy (more service oriented) and technological advances in inventory management. 

International and national conditions are legitimate concerns, but over the next 12 months barring a cataclysim in China or the Mideast, they will have little impact on the local residential real estate market. Total residential sales will increase from 17,100 in 2015 to 19,000 in 2016. An increase of 11%. Sales of single-family homes will be up 10% and multifamily sales a little stronger with a 13 percent increase in sales. The median sales price of a single-family home will increase in the range of 5-7 percent while the increase in the price of multifamily units will be higher at 8 to 10 percent.In 2016, the median sales price of a home will be near $290,000 and near $205,000 for a multifamily unit.

Presented by James Woods Ivory-Boyd Fellow, University of Utah

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

ARTICLE: Despite Rebound, Home Prices Are Not Overvalued

For those who can qualify, housing is still relatively affordable in Salt Lake County. According to the US Census Bureau, the medium household income in Salt Lake County in 2014 is $62,672. Assuming a household with medium income devotes 30% of their income to a mortage payment (including taxes and insurance) that household can carry a mortage of about $290,000. In 2015 56 percent of family homes sold in the county were placed under $290,000 for a housing opportunity index of 53. An opportunity index number below 50 indicates less affordability; above 50 indicates more affordability. Overall, the local housing market, despite the rebound in prices, is not overvailued. There is still room for moderate increases provided mortage rates increases are incremental and gradual. Mortage rates forecast from another organization shows a concensus 2016 forecast of rates moving between 4 and 5 percent with a firm ceiling at 5 percent. In 2016, homebuyers will continue to enjoy some of the lowest mortage rates in the past 45 years.

Presented by James Wood, Ivory-Boyer Fellow, University of Utah

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

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Winter-Proof Your Car In 10 Steps

From just-above-freezing temps to record snowfall, there's no shortage of wild weather when it comes to winter. Before the season sets in, it's important to assess your vehicle and prepare it for the months ahead, say the experts at the Car Care Council. This includes:

Checking the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.

Checking the antifreeze. As a general rule of thumb, clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system every two years.

Checking that heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid.

Checking the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.

Checking the oil and filter and be diligent about changing them at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to "winter weight" oil if you live in a cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

Checking engine performance before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

Checking the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle's most important safety item.

Checking the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Checking to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed. During winter, drivers should keep their vehicle's gas tank at least half-full to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

Checking the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stocking an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.



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

4 Ways To Get Rid of Kitchen Clutter

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it's also home to a lot of clutter. Resolve to bring order to your kitchen once and for all with these tips, courtesy of the experts at Moen.

1. You don't need a large pantry or countless cupboards and drawers to find the perfect spot for all your stuff. If you have blank space on the walls, consider adding a few open shelves. They provide plenty of storage while keeping everyday dishes and staples, like the coffee canister or cookie jar, within easy reach.

2. The biggest pain point for homeowners is a lack of counter space. Instead of adding to the chaos, designate a specific "drop zone" for items that find their way into the kitchen each day, like mail, paperwork or electronics.

3. Extend the "everything in its place" mentality to another kitchen staple: the dishtowel. Instead of leaving it in a damp heap on the counter, install a towel bar, towel ring or hook to the side of a cabinet or island to create a spot for it to hang. Not only will it free up space, but like in the bathroom or powder room, you'll always know where to look for it when you need it.

4. If you have a pantry, go beyond simple shelves to make this area work better - and smarter - for you. Pullout baskets and shallow drawers will ensure your pantry offers a proper place for everything. Curved cradles can turn an ordinary shelf into a beverage storage center, allowing you to store wine, water or soda bottles on their sides. And instead of wasting the space on the back of the door, install a slim, vertical storage system to provide a spot for plastic wrap, aluminum foil and other awkward-sized kitchen must-haves.



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

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Year of Gratitude In Review- 2015

The new year is an exciting time to set goals, and is also the perfect time to reflect on the past year and events you are grateful for in your life.

Last year when I chose to concentrate on gratitude for the year, it ended up being exactly what I needed.  The practice of gratitude grounded me, it forced me to focus on what was positive and wonderful as opposed to obsessing about what was lacking in my life.  Practicing gratitude really made a positive impact in every area of my life.  It was amazing to look at each day with gratitude.  I became consciously grateful for the little things as well as the big events in my life.

I had so many wonderful experiences in 2015.  I was able to travel extensively with my family and really appreciate and enjoy our beautiful earth.  I recognized on a different level how blessed we are to live in the United States.  I noticed our amazing Wasatch Mountains each day, I found more joy in blooming flowers, the moon, and the midnight sky. 







One of the events I am most grateful for this year was witnessing my niece and her husband's growth through the adoption of a sweet two-year old boy.  This little guy opened their hearts so much, that they felt compelled to adopt him and his baby sister who was born a few months later. It gives me much joy knowing that my new grand niece and nephew have parents that are caring for their physical and emotional needs, they are loved, and well taken care of.  It was so incredible to see all the love that these children have brought to my extended family.  Our family has grown, and these beautiful children are so adored, they have touched the lives of all of us - aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. 

I also have so much gratitude for my clients.  Thank you for allowing me to share my year of gratitude with you, for allowing me to help you with your real estate needs, and for trusting me enough to refer me to your friends and family.

As we move into the new year I thought it would be fun for you to write down what you are grateful for each day, and see if you notice a positive shift in your life.  I hope 2016 brings you much love, joy, and abundance!


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