tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26471922248592113352024-03-14T04:23:28.878-07:00Shauna Quick, Your Local Real Estate Expert
Shauna Quick is personally committed to providing you with the best customer service possible and enjoys taking a direct, personal, and hands on approach to finding you a new home.
Shauna understands the stresses, hassles, and worries involved in buying and selling your home and she strives to minimize and alleviate these concerns for her clients.
Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-89569408382761777892019-09-03T13:45:00.001-07:002019-09-03T13:45:42.559-07:00Holladay Rambler for Sale<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qugUxQIMi5c" width="480"></iframe>Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-50009525315278359282017-08-15T09:48:00.000-07:002017-08-15T09:48:02.877-07:00Chocolate Cake Supreme1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
1 cup butter<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup flour<br />
<br />
FROSTING<br />
1/2 cup whipping cream<br />
2 tsp butter<br />
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
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Preheat oven to 400. In saucepan, melt chocolate chips and butter over medium heat. In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and eggs. Mix until well-blended. With mixer on high speed, pour in chocolate mixture. Beat on high for five minutes. Butter two eight-inch round pans and dust with flour. Pour batter into pans and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Loosen sides with knife. Invert onto a cooling rack covered in parchment paper. Let cool.<br />
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To make the frosting, boil whipping cream in saucepan for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add butter and chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Spread over one cake, put the other cake on top, then spread the rest of the frosting on top and sides. Top with berries, and cool in fridge for 2 hours.<br />
<br />
<i>"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."</i><br />
<i>-John Keats</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
This is a family favorite! What's your family's favorite recipe? I would love to try it out!<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com<br />
801-550-4419<br />
<br />Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-41235367951217253102017-08-15T09:12:00.000-07:002017-08-15T09:12:31.390-07:00Housing Market Hits New High<div style="border: 0px; color: #4b4b4b; font-family: interface, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 31px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The local housing market has hit a historic high.</div>
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Wasatch Front existing home prices reached their highest point ever during the second quarter of this year, with the median single-family home price climbing to $300,000 — up from $275,000 the same time last year, the Salt Lake Board of Realtors reported.</div>
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The median home price in Salt Lake County rose 10 percent year-over-year to $327,000, according to data compiled by the organization.</div>
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The rising prices are attributed primarily to a strong demand for existing properties and a dwindling supply of available homes, said Troy Peterson, president of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.</div>
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“Competition is fierce for homes priced under a half-million dollars,” he said. “Many sellers continue to make the sale of their home contingent on them finding another property. Buyers typically offer more than asking price and compete with several other offers.”</div>
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<img class="m_-7088149623988936630gmail-inline-image CToWUd a6T" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgzVmOCXl-FUC1Rq0_Bi9IEf8BJn_OIXQqdeL5U0Uic3tOvlPiIJ2aiqxXoDVy9HAxIGPRwhu6igXP9ptPtFoHe6ObU7t5enMQ3CEiKd8C6Q5M75H4tsitIPSTFufPWlUjtC3WVk_uQWrdDw6O6QZmSwrwlcHEpuqCoZfKTXs1vnJmcDdw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 18px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 350px;" tabindex="0" /><div style="border: 0px; color: #868686; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Peak home prices | <span class="m_-7088149623988936630gmail-italic-text" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Joseph Tolman</span></div>
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Peterson described the current boom market as the strongest seller’s market he's ever seen in 23 years in real estate. He noted that unlike the previous housing boom a few years ago, this market isn't based on speculation but rather purely economic factors — too few properties for a huge number of potential buyers.</div>
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"We don't have inventory," he said. "If we had inventory coming like we had last time, then (it would be), 'Get ready for a bubble.' But we don't have a bubble coming because we don't have inventory."</div>
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The board reported the top five most expensive housing areas by ZIP code in the second quarter were:</div>
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• Emigration Canyon (84108) with a median sales price of $561,000 — up 19.4 percent</div>
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• The Avenues (84103) with a median sales price of $502,000 — up 2.7 percent</div>
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• Eden, Weber County (84310) at $501,000 — up 24.5 percent</div>
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• Alpine (84004) at $497,000 — up 5.9 percent</div>
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• Draper (84202) at $482,250 — up 8 percent</div>
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Peterson said the higher prices and limited housing inventory are putting a drag on existing home sales as owners hold off putting their homes on the market while deciding if they can afford to move.</div>
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The board reported that in the second quarter, there were 8,201 single-family homes sold across the Wasatch Front, down 7 percent from a year earlier. It was the first decline in sales for a second quarter in four years, the report states.</div>
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Home sales in Salt Lake County fell 5 percent from the second quarter of 2016, with Utah County declining 6 percent, Davis and Weber counties each dropping 11 percent, while Tooele County experienced the largest decrease in home sales falling 15 percent year-over-year.</div>
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The report says that while overall home sales were down, some areas saw double-digit increases in sales, including Taylorsville (84129) — up 38 percent; Provo (84604) — climbing 25 percent; and Holladay (84117) — a jump of 22 percent.</div>
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The data shows that 46 percent of all single-family homes sold along the Wasatch Front were in Salt Lake County, while Utah County had 22 percent of all single-family home sales.</div>
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Meanwhile, condominium sales increased in all Wasatch Front counties except for Salt Lake County, where sales decreased 7 percent. The median price for a condo in Salt Lake County increased 11 percent to $224,000 year-over-year, the report states.</div>
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Regarding affordability, Peterson said the state’s robust economy, strong net migration and new household formations are making it difficult for first-time buyers to find homes. He added that competition is even climbing for higher-priced homes, noting a recent $950,000 listing received three offers, each above the $1 million mark.</div>
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For the time being, he believes the market will continue on its current pace, which he described as economically positive.</div>
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"We're going to (remain stable) for a little bit (price-wise), interest rates will probably go up a little in the near future and we'll bring on some more supply," Peterson opined. "That's what will create a healthy real estate market that will sustain for a few years and we won't have a bubble."</div>
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Shauna Quick</div>
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Realtor</div>
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Exit Realty Success</div>
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shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
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www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
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801-550-4419</div>
Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-3084240281960692852017-07-11T08:48:00.000-07:002017-07-11T08:48:25.039-07:00Market Summary Report- 2nd Quarter 2017<b><u>Salt Lake County</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Median Sold Price: $299,900</li>
<li>Median Days on Market: 7</li>
<li>Number of Homes Sold: 4,764</li>
<li>Price Range: $10,500-$5,000,000</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Utah County</u></b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Median Sold Price: $27100</li>
<li>Median Days on Market: 11</li>
<li>Number of Homes Sold: 2,355</li>
<li>Price Range: $17,000-$3,500,000 </li>
</ul>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<b><u>Davis County</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Median Sold Price: $277,700</li>
<li>Median Days on Market: 8</li>
<li>Number of Homes Sold: 1,376</li>
<li>Price Range: $11,000-$1,050,000</li>
</ul>
<div>
Shauna Quick</div>
<div>
Realtor</div>
<div>
Exit Realty Success</div>
<div>
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
<div>
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
<div>
801-550-4419</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>If you, or someone you know is planning on buying or selling, call me today!</i></div>
<div>
</div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-37451241403517139972017-06-13T09:42:00.000-07:002017-06-13T09:42:17.680-07:00Dreamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe1/2 cup butter<br />
2 cups heavy cream<br />
2 cloves garlic crushed<br />
2 cups grated parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley<br />
<br />
Melt butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium low heat and add garlic. Pour in cream, simmer for five minutes, then add cheese, then whisk quickly, heating through. Stir in parsley. Add to your favorite pasta.<br />
<br />
This is Gavin's favorite alfredo sauce. What is your family's favorite recipe? Would love to try it out.<br />
<br />
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."<br />
-John Keats<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-47953648974200019112017-05-09T09:39:00.000-07:002017-05-09T09:39:42.823-07:00Market Summary Report- 1st Quarter, 2017<u>Salt Lake County:</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Median sold price: $277,680</li>
<li>Median days on the market: 47</li>
<li>Number of homes sold: 3,314</li>
<li>Price range: $10,000-$9,850,000</li>
</ul>
<div>
<u>Utah County:</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Median sold price: $263,317</li>
<li>Median days on the market: 55</li>
<li>Number of homes sold: 1,569</li>
<li>Price range: $16,000-$3,500,000</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<u>Davis County</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Median sold price: $260,000</li>
<li>Median days on market: 47</li>
<li>Number of homes sold: 968</li>
<li>Price range: $14,000-$1,050,000</li>
</ul>
<div>
Of you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling, please call me today!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shauna Quick</div>
<div>
Realtor</div>
<div>
Exit Realty Success</div>
<div>
801-550-4419</div>
<div>
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
<div>
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-61905884369236392962017-03-21T09:41:00.000-07:002017-03-21T09:41:17.170-07:00Tres Leche Cake Recipe6 large eggs<div>
2 cups granulated sugar</div>
<div>
2 cups flour</div>
<div>
2 tsp baking powder</div>
<div>
1/2 cup milk</div>
<div>
1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Milk topping:</div>
<div>
14 oz evaporated milk</div>
<div>
14 oz sweetened condensed milk</div>
<div>
1 cup heavy cream</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat oven to 360 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan. Beat egg whites until a soft peak forms. Add sugar, then add egg yolks one at a time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mix in flour and baking powder then slowly add milk and vanilla. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Combine the milk topping and pour over the warm cake. Refridgerate for at least 4 hours. Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
"Joy is what happens when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are."</div>
<div>
-Marianne Williams</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is your family's favorite recipe? I would love to try it out and hear the story behind the recipe!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shauna Quick</div>
<div>
Realtor </div>
<div>
Exit Realty Success</div>
<div>
801-550-4419</div>
<div>
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
<div>
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-67202879733495416392017-03-14T14:30:00.000-07:002017-03-14T14:30:35.267-07:00Maintenance Routine Tips<i>Buying a house is only the first step in homeownership. Once you own the property, it will become your responsibility to keep it in good order through regular repairs and maintenance. It can be easy, however, to find yourself falling behind on the job and missing out on important things. Below is a list of suggestions for staying on top of home maintenance tasks.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Learn What Needs Maintaining</b><br />
The first step to keeping your house in good repair is to learn what kinds of things need doing. Find a good online list of home maintenance tasks, and figure out which ones apply to your particular home. From there, you can start to get an idea of the costs and materials associated with keeping things up. Moreover, you can figure out how much of the maintenance you are capable of performing yourself and which tasks will require an outside contractor.<br />
<br />
<b>Make a Calendar</b><br />
Once you have a solid list of maintenance tasks for your new home, you'll need to arrange the items in a way that will help you track how often you will need to perform each task. Put it up in a common area, and make sure to mark all of the dates for maintenance clearly. Keep up on advancing the calendar, and note any tasks you need to do every month. It's probably best to schedule these tasks towards the middle of the month. That way, when the month rolls over, you have a couple of weeks to get the necessary materials.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Use Your Electronics</b><br />
Of course, modern electronics offer multiple ways to help you organize your life. You can use calendar and reminder apps for your smart devices to replace or supplement your physical calendar if you want. Having a monthly reminder pop up telling you what kind of cleaning and maintenance duties are due at your home is helpful as far as reminding you, though it can be a bit too easy to simply flick the remainder away when it goes off. Either use a redundant system to make sure you actually do the jobs or make sure to set the reminders to go off when you can do them right away.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Put Money Aside</b><br />
Maintenance isn't free, unfortunately, and one common cause of putting off what needs to be done is a lack of money when it needs doing. It's all too easy to tell yourself you'll just wait a week for some cash to free itself up. To prevent this, set aside a fund for home repair and maintenance tasks, and avoid using it for anything other than a true emergency. For added benefit, find an investment account that will allow you to make money on the fund while waiting to use it.<br />
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Home maintenance is not always fun, but it prevents bigger problems down the line. Spending some time now on keeping things up will pay off in the future.<br />
<br />
Source: Market Leader<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtot<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-87856483783802926742017-02-28T08:58:00.000-08:002017-02-28T08:58:14.464-08:00Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe1 cup butter flavored crisco<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tbs real vanilla<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
2 cups flour<br />
chocolate chip cookies to taste<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350. If you have a convection oven, set it to convection. In a medium sized bowl, cream butter flavor crisco, brown sugar and white sugar. Stir in egg and real vanilla, then add salt and soda. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Once flour is mixed in, add chocolate chips. Roll into balls and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gTSwg3K5AhFHS_qWg_KdRm7Tz9RJPqTHURy1t6r-hyWQL7FNVyxwHrzHCT1wVGkvutcc-ARb1yMRjb0cuCRK_tXmmirn5BkDkmM4Dugh5Q8qUHHPD949ekfTL1QB6jKif35L6AdnCxya/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gTSwg3K5AhFHS_qWg_KdRm7Tz9RJPqTHURy1t6r-hyWQL7FNVyxwHrzHCT1wVGkvutcc-ARb1yMRjb0cuCRK_tXmmirn5BkDkmM4Dugh5Q8qUHHPD949ekfTL1QB6jKif35L6AdnCxya/s320/cookies.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>This chocolate chip cookie recipe is a family favorite. When my son Alec was four years old, he loved these cookies so much, he wouldn't eat anyone else's cookies.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What's your family's favorite cookie recipe? I would love to try it out and learn the story behind the recipe!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com<br />
801-550-4419Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-18641679333217835802017-01-31T09:33:00.000-08:002017-01-31T09:33:28.246-08:00Year of Joy - 2017I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, a Happy New Year, and that 2016 brought much love and joy into your home.<br />
<br />
With the arrival of the New Year I would like to take some time and personally thank each of you for helping me grow my business through either allowing me to help purchase or sell a home as well the referrals of your friends and family. Each one of you has made a lasting impression on my life.<br />
<br />
In 2015 I focused my year on Gratitude, in 2016 it was on Love and in 2017 I am focusing on Joy.<br />
<br />
With that being said, I would love to share with you a few experiences that bring me joy:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Spending time with my family</li>
<li>Travel</li>
<li>Cooking and Baking</li>
<li>And of course, helping people find the perfect home or sell their home with as little stress as possible</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
\This year I am personalizing my monthly mailers by sharing one of the many things that brings me joy. I love to cook and make baked goods for my friends and family. I would like to share my love for cooking and baking by sending out my family favorite recipes. These are not something from a bulk mailer, these are my own tried and tested recipes. I would love to hear about your family favorites as well or if you have a chance to try one of my favorites please let me know by sending me a text 801.550.4419 or posting on this blog.<br />
<br />
I hope 2017 brings you much joy!<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com<br />
801-550-4419<br />
<br />
<b><i>"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." </i></b><br />
<b><i>-Buddha</i></b>Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-73622424368514306772017-01-24T10:21:00.000-08:002017-01-24T10:21:35.975-08:002016 Market Summary Report<u>Salt Lake County</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Median sold price: $266,000</li>
<li>Median days on the market: 14</li>
<li>Number of homes sold: 17,852</li>
<li>Price range: $10,000 - $8,200,000</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Utah County</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Median sold price: $255,400</li>
<li>Median days on the market: 17</li>
<li>Number of homes sold: 8,720</li>
<li>Price range: $18,000 - $2,300,000</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Davis County</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Median sold price: $251,600</li>
<li>Median days on the market: 14</li>
<li>Number of homes sold: 5,432</li>
<li>Price range: $10,000 - $2,850,000</li>
</ul>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shauna Quick</div>
<div>
Realtor</div>
<div>
Exit Realty Success</div>
<div>
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
<div>
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
<div>
801-550-4419</div>
<u><br /></u>Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-39448514853775957312016-12-20T09:45:00.001-08:002016-12-20T09:45:52.785-08:00Upkeep Your Home For Winter<div>
<i>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</i>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
1. Have your fuel tanks filled and keep an eye on levels throughout the winter.</div>
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<div>
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.</div>
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3. Maintain your wood-burning or pellet stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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Add weather stripping around doors and caulk windows to guard against drafts and heat loss.</div>
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Remove screens from windows and install storm windows, if appropriate.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
11. Repair steps and handrails to make them safer in the ice and snow.</div>
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Check smoke detectors, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries to ensure they are operating properly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
13 Make sure you have snow shovels and a roof rake on hand. Stock your ice melting compound to melt ice on walkways.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
14. Have your snow blower and generator serviced and any necessary repairs made.</div>
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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.</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
Source: Traveller's Insurance</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Shauna Quick</div>
<div>
Realtor</div>
<div>
Exit Realty Success</div>
<div>
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
<div>
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-38412288234978055392016-11-08T09:46:00.000-08:002016-11-08T09:46:34.757-08:00Winterizing Your Home On A BudgetSecuring 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b><u>$100 or Less</u></b><br />
<br />
• 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<br />
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• Plastic film window insulating kit, enough for five to six windows. Cost: $20<br />
<br />
• Weatherstripping for windows, four 17-foot rolls. Cost: $20 ($5 each)<br />
<br />
• 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<br />
<br />
• Door threshold/sweep strip (three) to fill air leaks beneath doors. Cost: $75 ($25 each)<br />
<br />
• 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)<br />
<br />
<b><u>$250 or Less</u></b><br />
<br />
• 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<br />
<br />
• 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<br />
<br />
• 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<br />
<br />
• 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)<br />
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<b><u>$500 or Less</u></b><br />
<br />
For another $250, you can add:<br />
<br />
• An annual checkup, cleaning, and maintenance for your central heating and air unit and all air ducts. Cost: $250<br />
<br />
• 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<br />
<br />
• 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<br />
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<b><u>Winterizing for Practically Nothing</u></b><br />
You can get something for nothing. Here are some ways to winterize your house that are virtually free:<br />
<br />
• 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.<br />
<br />
• 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.<br />
<br />
• 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.<br />
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• 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.<br />
<br />
• 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.<br />
<br />
• 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.<br />
<br />
• 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.<br />
<br />
Source: Bob Villa<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-24906813797834382712016-11-01T10:23:00.000-07:002016-11-01T10:23:57.485-07:00Record-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®.<br />
<br />
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).<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
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).<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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<br />
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<a href="http://slrealtors.com/author/dave/">Source</a><br />
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<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@yahoo.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-25044961263496992072016-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:002016-10-04T10:00:37.941-07:00Strong 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.<br />
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Source: Salt Lake Board of Realtors<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
801-550-4419Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-73720243275978762522016-09-27T10:13:00.000-07:002016-09-27T10:20:46.901-07:00A Good Bet on Energy-Efficient Market: Water Heater ReplacementsWhen 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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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For more information about water heaters, contact our office today.<br />
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Source: Keith Loria</div>
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-28856962062691502912016-09-13T10:05:00.002-07:002016-09-13T10:05:26.830-07:00Extra Tips On Getting Your Yard Ready For Fall<ul>
<li>Plant late season annuals</li>
<li>Aerate your lawn</li>
<li>Prune summer flowering trees and shrubs once flowering is complete</li>
<li>Fertilize roses to encourage late season growth</li>
<li>Prepare dead spots in lawn for reseeding</li>
<li>Order fall bulbs and plant them</li>
</ul>
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<i>"By all these lovely tokens September days are here with summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer."</i></div>
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<i>-Helen Hunt Jackson</i></div>
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Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-960320340996779362016-08-16T08:20:00.000-07:002016-08-16T08:20:09.428-07:00Five Energy And Money Savers For SummerHome 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.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>1) Maintain Your HVAC Unit</u></b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Cost</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips to Save Even More</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>DIY or Not?</b><br />
Your HVAC unit should always be inspected and maintained by a qualified technician.<br />
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<b><u>2) Repair Window Leaks</u></b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Cost</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Tips to Save Even More</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>DIY or Not?</b><br />
Window replacements should be carried out by professionals, but you can seal up air leaks yourself in the meantime.<br />
<br />
<b><u>3) Install an Attic Fan</u></b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Cost</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips to Save Even More</b><br />
Install a solar powered fan, which will cool your attic and won't cost anything to run.<br />
<br />
<b>DIY or Not?</b><br />
Attic fans should always be installed by a licensed electrician to minimize the risk of electric shock.<br />
<br />
<b><u>4) Install Window Shades</u></b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Cost</b><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Tips to Save Even More</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>DIY or Not?</b><br />
You can easily install shades yourself with minimal tools and a few hours of time to save even more money.<br />
<br />
<b><u>5) Insulate Your Attic</u></b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Cost</b><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips to Save Even More</b><br />
Insulate the underside of your roof deck as well as your attic to help block additional heat transfer.<br />
Use the highest R-factor insulation that you can afford to get the most energy savings.<br />
DIY or Not?<br />
It is possible to install roll insulation yourself, but blown-in insulation should be done by a professional.<br />
<br />
<b>Save Energy, Save Money</b><br />
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<br />
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Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
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www.shaunaqsellshomess.com<br />
801-550-4419Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-57314841832851586112016-06-28T08:45:00.000-07:002016-06-28T08:45:38.151-07:00HUD Awards Counseling to Those In NeedThe 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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."<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.com<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-60490067554041761232016-06-14T08:30:00.000-07:002016-06-14T08:30:17.874-07:00Health Improvement: Houseplants That Will Help Your Health16 Houseplants that Can Actually Improve Your Health<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Because they are enclosed spaces, our homes are vulnerable to gaseous toxins that build up over time. These include:<br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>Benzene - Caused by paints, detergents, and furniture wax</li>
<li>Formaldehyde - Caused by disinfectants or preservatives in consumer products</li>
<li>Toluene and Xylene - Caused by a variety of household and consumer products</li>
<li>Ammonia - Caused by commonly used aerosols and spray</li>
<li>But 10 NASA-approved houseplants are said to be effective in removing air pollutants:</li>
<li>English Ivy - A trailing ivy plant that requires partial shade and light weekly watering</li>
<li>Florist's chrysanthemum - A lovely floral that needs direct light and frequent change of water</li>
<li>Peace Lily - Produces small, white flowers; needs weekly watering, but consider carefully before buying, because this plant can be poisonous to house pets</li>
<li>Variegated snake plant - Has tall, broad, green and white leaves; requires partial shade and weekly watering</li>
<li>Red-edged dracaena - Almost cactus-like in appearance, this plant needs direct sunlight and weekly watering</li>
<li>Cornstalk dracaena - Produces cornstalk-type leaves; wants partial shade and weekly watering</li>
<li>Broadleaf lady palm - Fern-like plant that likes partial shade and weekly watering</li>
<li>Flamingo lily - Also known as anthurium, this plant produces shiny red flowers and requires partial shade and weekly watering</li>
<li>Devil's ivy - Produces luxurious ivy leaves, likes partial shade, and needs only monthly watering</li>
<li>Lilyturf - Produces purple flowers; requires partial shade and weekly watering</li>
<li>Take note: Water lightly in most cases, as over-watering can cause root rot and kill the plant.</li>
</ol>
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<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor®<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419 Mobile<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-80961856710789631522016-05-24T10:29:00.002-07:002016-05-24T10:29:47.630-07:00To Rent Or To Buy... That Is The Question!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="m_-2944377315340628954_m_-8595022705739023457_article2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"></a><br />
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<b><u>BUYING:</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<u>Advantages:</u></div>
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Property builds equity</div>
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Sense of community, stability, and security<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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Free to change decor and landscaping<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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Not dependent on landlord to maintain property</div>
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<u>Coniderations:</u></div>
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<div>
Responsible for maintenance</div>
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Responsible for property taxes</div>
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Possibility of foreclosure and loss of equity</div>
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Less mobility then renting</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u>RENTING:</u></b></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<u>Advantages:</u></div>
<div>
Little or no responsibility for maintenance</div>
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Easier to move</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Considerations:</u></div>
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No tax credits</div>
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No equity is built up</div>
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No control over rentincreases</div>
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Possibility of eviction</div>
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Shauna Quick</div>
<div>
Realtor</div>
<div>
Exit Realty Success</div>
<div>
801-550-4419</div>
<div>
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
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www.shaunaqsellshomes</div>
Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-76120008079718868252016-05-03T09:58:00.001-07:002016-05-03T09:58:16.417-07:00The Market Is Hot In Salt Lake County!<b>The Avenues Ranks No. 1 in Highest Wasatch Front Home Prices</b><br />
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.<br />
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Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-43138046913924999072016-04-26T09:43:00.002-07:002016-04-26T09:43:40.089-07:006 Affordable Kitchen SplurgesA 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.<br />
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HGTV suggests six areas where a few lavish touches are worth the extra expense:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Commercial-Grade Range Hood</b> - Investing in a commercial-style range hood means never having to deal with cooking odors—and keeping a busy kitchen cooler.<br />
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<b>2. High-Quality Hardware –</b> 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.<br />
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<b>3. Soft-Close Doors and Drawers – </b>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.<br />
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<b>4. Solid Surface Countertop </b>– 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!)<br />
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<b>5. Stainless Steel Appliances –</b> These are worth the added expense because they are stylish, sophisticated and efficient. The newest models offer greater versatility than more traditional models.<br />
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<b>6. Warming Drawer –</b> 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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
By Barbara Pronin<br />
<br />
Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shauaqsellshomes.com<br />
<br />
<br />Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-46051345738680756142016-04-05T10:00:00.000-07:002016-04-05T10:00:23.302-07:00Five Spring Home Improvement Tips<div>
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.</div>
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<b><u>Siding Repair</u></b></div>
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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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Costs</div>
<div>
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.</div>
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</div>
<div>
Money-Saving Tips</div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<div>
DIY Considerations</div>
<div>
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.</div>
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</div>
<div>
<b><u>Paint Your Front Door</u></b></div>
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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.</div>
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</div>
<div>
Cost</div>
<div>
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.</div>
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</div>
<div>
Money-Saving Tips</div>
<div>
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.</div>
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</div>
<div>
DIY Considerations</div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<b><u>Stain Your Deck</u></b></div>
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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.</div>
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Cost</div>
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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.</div>
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Money-Saving Tips</div>
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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.</div>
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DIY Considerations</div>
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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.</div>
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<b><u>Air Duct Cleaning</u></b></div>
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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.</div>
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Cost</div>
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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.</div>
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Money-Saving Tips</div>
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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.</div>
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DIY Considerations</div>
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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.</div>
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<b><u>Fertilize Your Lawn</u></b></div>
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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.</div>
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Cost</div>
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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.</div>
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Money-Saving Tips</div>
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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.</div>
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DIY Considerations</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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By Yuka Kato</div>
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<div>
Shauna Quick</div>
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Realtor</div>
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Exit Realty Success</div>
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801-550-4419</div>
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www.shaunaqsellshomes.com</div>
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shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com</div>
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Holladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2647192224859211335.post-41762619810206480662016-03-15T10:09:00.000-07:002016-03-15T10:09:14.476-07:00Home Gone Green? You May Be Eligible For Tax CreditsDid 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.<br />
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"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."<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://www.homeselfe.com/">Source</a><br />
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Shauna Quick<br />
Realtor<br />
Exit Realty Success<br />
801-550-4419<br />
shaunaqsellshomes@gmail.com<br />
www.shaunaqsellshomes.comHolladay home for saehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06485237716680520207noreply@blogger.com0