Buyers ... Stay Informed on the Local Market

One of the most confusing things about a home buying is what you are supposed to do and when. It can be difficult to pinpoint an exact time-frame for home buying since it can vary depending on the Salt Lake City Utah market. Generally, you can expect it to take about 3 to 4 months to find your dream home in Salt Lake City. This timeline is based on that time frame.

Three Months

Come up with a checklist of things tasks to be completed in the home buying process. This checklist should include all the steps you need to take from educating yourself about the real estate transaction to shopping for the home to the closing. The checklist will serve as your guide throughout the home buying process.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a price range to work with throughout the home buying process. Make sure that you are getting pre-approved and not pre-qualified.

Start shopping for a real estate agent to assist your home buying. Real estate agents can be invaluable when looking for your home, we will help in letting you know what the next step in the buying process is, and what you need to do so that you can be in your dream home as soon as possible. Feel free to visit me at my website to learn what you need to do to start finding you perfect home in Salt Lake City Utah

Come up with a list of things you need and want from a home. Your real estate agent will be able to help you find homes that fall within your criteria. This is a very important step because with a solid idea of what you want in a home I will be able to show you only houses that you are truly interested in instead of having to wade through the thousands of homes in Salt Lake City Utah that don't quite fit your criteria.

Two Months

Evaluate the houses in Salt Lake City Utah that you are considering. Work with your real estate agent to come up with a method to scorecard or analyze the houses that you are strongly thinking about purchasing.

Decide which home you would like to purchase. Make an offer to the seller on the home. Once you make an offer it is wise to stop shopping around for homes. The worst thing that can happen is that you find a home you think you like better than the one you've made an offer on.

Once the seller has accepted your offer and you have signed the sales contract, have the home inspection completed.

Make arrangements for the closing.

Six Weeks

Purchase homeowners insurance and provide proof of the policy to your lender. This must be done prior to closing.

Make your moving arrangements. This can be an exiting experience especially since you are moving to Salt Lake City Utah don't forget to enjoy it.

If necessary, begin the process for school transfers or registration.

Four Weeks

Alert necessary parties of your change in address. You can also have your mail forwarded through the postal service by putting in a request at your local post office.

Make arrangements for utilities at your new home. If you will be working with the same providers you can simply put in a request to have your services transferred at a certain date.

Two Weeks

If you are having your items professionally moved, verify the arrangements with your mover.

Check with your lender to finalize the mortgage for the home buying process.

Pack your belongings unless you have arranged a full pack and move with the mover.

Closing Date

Bring your driver's license for identification purposes. Your down payment is due at this time. Also bring any home buying closing costs that you are responsible for paying.

Keep in mind that this is a general home buying timeline. You can adjust the time depending on how long it takes you to find a home you like.

At RE/MAX Associates we take great care to make sure you are aware of the steps it takes to get you into your dream Salt Lake City Utah home, and work to make these steps as easy on you as possible. There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Salt Lake City, Utah real estate.

Buying foreclosed properties is getting more popular and more profitable every day. There are dozens of foreclosed properties hitting the Salt Lake City Utah market every day. These properties can be both gold mines and land mines. In this article, we'll go over several simple tips to help ensure that your first foreclosure purchase is a successful one.

Opt for a Low-Repair Property for Your First Deal

We've all heard about people who make thousands of dollars buying fixer foreclosures and fixing them. The reality is, however, that doing such a deal requires a high degree of expertise.

Do you know how to fix a broken roof? Can you estimate how much it would cost to replace an entire shed? Can you estimate how much the repairs will cost and compare it to your selling price in the end?

Although you can make a lot of money doing fixers, you can also make a lot of money just by buying foreclosed properties, doing minor cosmetic repairs and selling them again. For your first foreclosure deal, look for houses that don't require much work so you can get some experience under your belt.

Research the Nearby Market

There are generally three reasons you'd buy a foreclosure: To rent out, to sell or to live in. If you're buying to repair and rent out or sell, then market research is absolutely essential.

If you're buying to rent, it's important to know what other properties in the nearby area are renting for. It's also important to know what the vacancy rates are. Based on these numbers, you can accurately predict what your cash-flow will be like.

If youíre buying to sell, itís important to know what you can expect to sell your property for once your repairs are completed.

You should know these numbers before you make your purchase. Remember that with any real estate investment, the profit is made on the buy end, not the sell end. You must know how much your property is worth or how much you can rent it out for before you can make a profitable investment.

These tips will help you avoid some of the biggest pitfalls beginning investors tend to fall into with their first investments. Foreclosures can be a very lucrative business, but it also has its dangers.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything [Profile.market2] real estate at www.BuySaltLakeHomes.com www.kathyohomes.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

When buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah, most of the home buyer's effort is put into finding the right home. But very little thought is usually put into writing the purchase offer.

Often the real estate agent drags out a "standard purchase contract." The truth is there is no such thing as a standard purchase contract.

However, there are many different forms printed by local or state Realtor associations, local multiple listing services, individual real estate offices and form publishing companies. State law frequently mandates some provisions in realty purchase offers, but buyers and sellers are free to negotiate additional provisions.

Avoid vague provisions

If you are presented with a printed purchase offer form by a real estate agent in Salt Lake City Utah to sign, consider who wrote the form. Most printed purchase offers are prepared by attorneys working for clients with vested interests, such as real estate brokers and realty trade associations.

Although it takes time, be sure to read the form before signing it. When you first start looking with an agent at homes for purchase, ask the agent for a blank copy of the purchase offer that agent uses. Then study it before making a purchase offer. If you don't like or understand a clause, unless it is required by state law, don't hesitate to cross it out. Just because it is printed doesn't mean it can't be changed.

Well-written purchase offer printed forms contain blanks for the names of the buyer, address of the property, purchase offer price, financing details and amount of the good faith earnest money deposit.

There is no rule of thumb as to how large the deposit should be. But real estate agents encourage buyers to make as large a deposit as possible, thus enhancing the probability the buyer will complete the purchase as agreed.

If your purchase offer is considerably below the seller's asking price, a large earnest money deposit often impresses the seller into accepting a low offer. However, be sure the deposit is not to be given to the seller until the sale closes but shall be held safely beyond the seller's control.

Well-written printed home purchase forms contain a detailed finance contingency clause. Read it extremely carefully. Be sure it says your purchase offer is contingent on both the buyer and the property qualifying for a specific mortgage.


Damage clause a good idea

Many printed purchase offers contain a liquidated damages clause. That means the exact damages would be hard to determine if the buyer defaults, so the buyer and seller agree in advance that default damages will be limited to a specified amount. This is usually a good clause for the buyer to sign because it prevents litigation.

Most home buyers want their offer contingent upon their approval of a professional inspection report on the home. Smart buyers accompany the inspector, who should be able to explain any defects discovered, their importance and estimated cost of repairs.

The purchase offer often specifies the seller is to pay for necessary repairs, up to a designated maximum amount. Additional inspection clauses may provide for termite, pest control, energy efficiency, radon, plumbing, electrical, roof and other customary reports that are subject to the buyer's approval.

Often a home is being sold "as is." That means the seller will not pay for any repairs. However, be sure the purchase offer specifies the seller and real estate agent have disclosed all known property defects in writing. Some states require such disclosures, whereas they are voluntary in other states. It is usually a good idea for the buyer to make the defect disclosure part of the purchase contract.

The general rule is no personal property now on the premises is included in the sale of real estate. If you want any personal property included in the sale price, such as the stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, drapes and carpets, be sure to list them specifically even if the agent's listing sheet says they are included.

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

Is a Home Warranty a Necessity When Buying a Home in Salt Lake City Utah? Kathy Opolski Answers that Question

Salt Lake City Utah home buyers have many questions during the process of purchasing their property. For instance, they often wonder if they should get a home inspection, work with a particular lender or choose a certain kind of loan program. One question that many buyers forget to ask is whether or not they should get a home warranty. This is perhaps one of the most important questions that should be asked before purchasing a home.

Not all warranty programs are created equally. Some companies are certainly better than others, so it's important to really read the fine print when it comes to what the warranty covers. In addition, you should ask your Salt Lake City Utah real estate professional what your options are when it comes to getting a home warranty on the property, according to Salt Lake City Utah real estate agent Kathy Opolski.

When making their initial offer on the property, many buyers decide to put a special stipulation into the contract asking the seller to purchase a one-year home warranty. This is often a sign of good faith on the part of the seller. In other words, they are giving the buyer something that will assist them if anything goes wrong with the property for up to one year after they purchase the home. Most warranty companies will also let the buyer go ahead and extend the warranty year after year if they so choose. Of course, there is a nominal fee involved in this.

A home warranty will cover a number of different things happening to the home after closing. There are usually many different levels to choose from with the home warranty company. Depending upon the service call charge, certain items may or may not be covered. For instance, if there is a swimming pool on the property, you may have to buy additional coverage for that item. Certain items, such as roofing, may require different coverages as well.

If you would like a list of home warranty companies in Salt Lake City Utah, give me a call at 801-518-4599 or visit my website at www.BuySaltLakeHomes.com www.kathyohomes.com, and I will be glad to provide you with this information.

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

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

Question #1 - Have the Foundations Checked

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

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

Question #2 - Electrical

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

Question #3 - The Heating System

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

Question #4 - The Plumbing System

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

Question #5 - Are there any potential fire hazards?

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

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

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything [Profile.market2] real estate at www.BuySaltLakeHomes.com www.kathyohomes.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

Which Mover Do I Choose? Tips From Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate Expert Kathy Opolski

Moving can be an exhausting and sometimes trying experience. The only people that really enjoy it are movers. When choosing movers you have to take your time and make the right decision, according to UT real estate professional Kathy Opolski.

You will want to pick at least three companies to come out and give you their idea on how much you have. Some may not want to come out to your home and will try to give you a quote over the phone. This is not a good idea as people have different opinions on how much stuff you may own.

When you meet members of a company show them everything. Let them take notes so there are no surprises later. This is a common problem with movers. Once they load their truck they suddenly determine that you had more belongings than they realized. This means additional costs for you. The time to find this out is before you hire them.

When you decide to go with a particular company do some research on them. Check to see if there are any outstanding complaints or, worse, pending court cases. Also see if they are members of local groups such as the Better Business Bureau. Being involved in the Salt Lake City Utah community means they care about their standing. If you can't find a lot out about someone it may be better to move on to someone else.

Get all quotes in writing. Make sure that you ask about insurance and get specific guidelines about what it covers. You also need to see their proof of insurance and their business license. If they are offended that you ask to verify these, find another company that isn't.

Your quote should state exactly how many men they will supply and how long they plan to take. The quote should also be reasonable. You will be able to judge whether you think they can make those numbers. Also, verify what happens if they go over the time limit. Additional charges can rack up very quickly.

The moving company will require a down payment to start the process. Use a credit card for this. In case there is a problem you can dispute the charge.

As the furniture is being moved into your new home check everything over the best you can. Look for breaks, dents and major scratches. If you spot something wrong bring it to their attention while they are there. Once they leave, proving anything will be next to impossible.   If you spot damage have it noted on the paperwork and have the foreman sign and date it and give you a copy before they leave.

For more tips on making your move as easy as possible, contact Kathy Opolski with RE/MAX Associates at 801-518-4599.

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

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

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

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

Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate Expert Kathy Opolski Discusses HOAs- Pros And Possible Cons

Looking at Salt Lake City Utah homes can be exciting, and exhausting, at the same time. There is so much to consider and you have to make sure you're making the right decision. So how much importance do things like HOAs count? Well, more than you think.

HOAs, or homeowners associations, are the governing force in a neighborhood. They are the ones that establish the rules and make sure that they are kept. In the event that one of the rules is broken, whether innocently or on purpose, they issue the punishment that goes with the infraction.

The purpose behind the need for these agencies is to maintain a certain standard in the neighborhood and to protect property values. Without some kind of jurisdiction people could feel free to neglect their properties and cause disruptions that would create a bad element. No one wants to live in a neighborhood where the yards are not kept up or homeowners disrespect their neighbors by piling junk in full view. It brings the quality of the area down along with the morale.

When used fairly and honestly these groups basically maintain neighborhoods and police the yards. Some of the rules that they may enforce is what colors you are allowed to paint your home, where to install fences, and how many and what kind of animals someone may have. This may sound outlandish until you come home from work one night and the house across the street is now a neon pink color.

Before buying you can find out what the HOA fees are for the neighborhood you are interested in. What does it cover? Commonly, it is for amenities like a pool and tennis courts. But some neighborhoods may not have these things. If the money is to upkeep the neighborhood entrance and street lights throughout then make sure it is being well spent. Just because there is an HOA doesn't necessarily mean they are doing their job.

Another thing to consider is if the fees are mandatory or voluntary. This could be crucial. If everyone is not encouraged to pay their share then the rest may have increased fees to cover the shortage.

The looks of the neighborhood will tell you if there is an HOA, and if they are enforcing the guidelines. After all, you want to make sure that you get what you are paying for.

To get more info on whether an HOA is right for you, contact Salt Lake City Utah real estate professional Kathy Opolski at 801-518-4599.

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

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

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

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

Buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah for the first time is an exciting process. At the same time, it is one that is filled with steps and details. Deciding which home to purchase and which mortgage to borrow are decisions that have lasting consequences. As you embark upon your home buying excursion, keep in mind these common mistakes of first time home buyers.

Purchasing a home too fast. Perhaps it's the excitement of purchasing the first time. Or maybe it's a fear that the "perfect" home in Salt Lake City Utah will be purchased by another borrower. Whatever the reason, many first time home buyers make the mistake of rushing through the home purchasing process. They tend to spend too little time searching for the right home in Salt Lake City Utah. Often first time homebuyers end up dissatisfied with the home they've purchased.

Buying too much home. Another mistake made by first time home buyers is purchasing a home that's right at, or even a little beyond, their limits. Many times this leaves the new homeowner with little or no disposable income. What good is a large home if you are unable to furnish it? None at all. Purchasing a smaller home and leaving yourself some wiggle room is much better than eating up your monthly income with mortgage payment.

Holding out for the dream home. First time home buyers might pass up several houses they like because they believe that there is a better house out there for them - one that is complete with everything they want and need. In the meantime, houses that have most of the items they are looking for are being taken off the market by other buyers. If a significant period of time passes, market prices could go up and the first time home buyer ends up paying more for a home than expected. Even worse, the buyer ends up so worn out from house shopping that he, or she, ends up settling.

Not getting mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval will do wonders for the first time home buyer's shopping experience. Being pre-approved for a mortgage gives you an idea of what you will be able to pay for a home. Some first time home buyers, not realizing the value, forgo pre-approval to get a head start on home shopping. What's the worst that could happen? You could find a home you absolutely love and fail to obtain financing for it.

Not comparing mortgages. Shopping around for a mortgage is just as important as shopping around for the home. Many first time home buyers do not realize that mortgages from different lenders have different costs and different terms. There are so many cost factors of a mortgage that can vary from one lender to the next. It only makes sense to shop around for the best deal.

Be informed of the steps that you must take and the decisions you must make as a first time home buyer in [Profilr.market]. Information and education are the best tools to equip you in the process of purchasing your first home in [Profile,market].

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Salt Lake City, Utah real estate.

Advice About Pre-Qualifying for a Loan from Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate Agent Kathy Opolski

Buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah is an exciting experience.  Since it is a major investment you have to be sure that you are ready financially for the added responsibility.  But before you start looking at Salt Lake City Utah homes you have to get a lender to qualify you for a purchase price.

If you have either been a homeowner, or have never bought a home before you can't just decide how much you want to spend.  There are many variables involved in the formula and everything has to be accounted for, both in income and debt.  Your lender has to have all of the pertinent information to give you a viable amount to work with.

Since we are a credit driven society you will have to rely largely on your credit score to determine your buying power.  Unless you are paying cash this is the main deciding factor in the process.  Your rating, or your FICO score as it is called, is based on several different areas of your credit history.  How much credit you have available, how much you owe creditors and even past accounts all come into play.   It doesn't matter if you have many accounts open as long as you have paid on time.  When payments are over 30 days late that's when your rating takes a hit.

It is a good idea to look over your credit report for accuracy.  Unfortunately, the three credit bureaus do not always maintain proper records so it is up to you to make sure everything is correct.  A mistake could take months to fix and in the meantime your rating is suffering.  Staying on top of it before you are ready to buy will eliminate any unnecessary delays.

Your lender will give you a dollar amount of home that you qualify for, based on your income and your debt ratio- the amount of money you owe versus what you make.  The amount they state is written in stone and not open for interpretation.  Going over this amount will not only waste everyone's time, but will get you excited about a home that you will not be able to close on. Leave the purchase price to the lender- that is what they are trained to do.

To learn more about how to qualify for a loan, visit www.BuySaltLakeHomes.com www.kathyohomes.com or call Kathy Opolski directly to get free tips and tricks at 801-518-4599.

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

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

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

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

When buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah, most of the home buyer's effort is put into finding the right home. But very little thought is usually put into writing the purchase offer.

There are many different forms printed by local or state Realtor associations, local multiple listing services, individual real estate offices and form publishing companies. State law frequently mandates some provisions in realty purchase offers, but buyers and sellers are free to negotiate additional provisions.

Avoid vague provisions

If you are presented with a printed purchase offer form by a real estate agent in Salt Lake City Utah to sign, consider who wrote the form. Most printed purchase offers are prepared by attorneys working for clients with vested interests, such as real estate brokers and realty trade associations.

Although it takes time, be sure to read the form before signing it. When you first start looking with an agent at homes for purchase, ask the agent for a blank copy of the purchase offer that agent uses. Then study it before making a purchase offer. If you don't like or understand a clause, unless it is required by state law, don't hesitate to cross it out. Just because it is printed doesn't mean it can't be changed.

Well-written purchase offer printed forms contain blanks for the names of the buyer, address of the property, purchase offer price, financing details and amount of the good faith earnest money deposit.

There is no rule of thumb as to how large the deposit should be. But real estate agents encourage buyers to make as large a deposit as possible, thus enhancing the probability the buyer will complete the purchase as agreed.

If your purchase offer is considerably below the seller's asking price, a large earnest money deposit often impresses the seller into accepting a low offer. However, be sure the deposit is not to be given to the seller until the sale closes but shall be held safely beyond the seller's control.

Well-written printed home purchase forms contain a detailed finance contingency clause. Read it extremely carefully. Be sure it says your purchase offer is contingent on both the buyer and the property qualifying for a specific mortgage.


Damage clause a good idea

Many printed purchase offers contain a liquidated damages clause. That means the exact damages would be hard to determine if the buyer defaults, so the buyer and seller agree in advance that default damages will be limited to a specified amount. This is usually a good clause for the buyer to sign because it prevents litigation.

Most home buyers want their offer contingent upon their approval of a professional inspection report on the home. Smart buyers accompany the inspector, who should be able to explain any defects discovered, their importance and estimated cost of repairs.

The purchase offer often specifies the seller is to pay for necessary repairs, up to a designated maximum amount. Additional inspection clauses may provide for termite, pest control, energy efficiency, radon, plumbing, electrical, roof and other customary reports that are subject to the buyer's approval.

Often a home is being sold "as is." That means the seller will not pay for any repairs. However, be sure the purchase offer specifies the seller and real estate agent have disclosed all known property defects in writing. Some states require such disclosures, whereas they are voluntary in other states. It is usually a good idea for the buyer to make the defect disclosure part of the purchase contract.

The general rule is no personal property now on the premises is included in the sale of real estate. If you want any personal property included in the sale price, such as the stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, drapes and carpets, be sure to list them specifically even if the agent's listing sheet says they are included.

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

Before And After Your Home Inspection: What To Remember When Inspecting Your Home

When you agree to purchase a home you have the right to an inspection of the property as a condition of buying. If you find issues with the home during this process you can usually withdraw or terminate your offer and have your earnest money returned as long as you have followed the proper steps. But more and more buyers in hot real estate markets like are foregoing the inspection as a way to make their offer more appealing to sellers. Although this may help you win the property, you may lose in the end.

An inspection occurs after going under contract and you have hired a certified inspector to survey the overall condition of the home. These inspections can take as long as three to five hours depending on the size and condition of the home. And they can easily run into several hundreds of dollars. But are they necessary? You have to decide if it is worth the risk.

If there are multiple offers on a home and you are the only contract that does not have an inspection contingency then you certainly make yourself more appealing to buyers. Even if your offer is accepted you can still have an inspection, but you won't be able to back out of the contract for any negative results that are found. At that point, the inspection will be for your information only. You would be left trying to find another way out of the deal.

If you find problems during the inspection you can decide whether they are a deal killer for you. It is not mandatory that you ask the seller to repair anything. In fact, asking for the moon may be a deal killer for them. You have to decide what repairs you are willing to take on.

You are not required to even have an inspection if you choose not to. Just remember that one problem can potentially run into thousands of dollars. You could simply buy the home as-is and take the chance that it is in good condition. But this is not advisable, either. Buying blindly is just not worth the risk.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question #1 - Have the Foundations Checked

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

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

Question #2 - Electrical

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

Question #3 - The Heating System

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

Question #4 - The Plumbing System

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

Question #5 - Are there any potential fire hazards?

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

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

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in [Profile.market2] real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate at www.BuySaltLakeHomes.com www.kathyohomes.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

So you have decided to hire a Salt Lake City Utah home inspector to examine your potential home. Smart decision. And you have also gone through the walk-through with him, asking him all the necessary questions, and making your own notes of what should or shouldn’t be replaced or repaired. Now, you’re just waiting for his written report to arrive shortly. And when you get it, now what?

A Salt Lake City Utah home inspector’s report is a long document that a summary of every observation that he made. It can be intimidating, if not overwhelming, especially if you’re worried about whatever repair costs you might have to consider after the Salt Lake City Utah home inspector lists them down.

But you don’t need to be alarmed. This is just another reason why you must be present during the inspection. You see, it is one thing to hear about various small problems while you are walking around the property with the Salt Lake City Utah home inspector. As your Salt Lake City Utah home inspector gives you all the run-down of what the problem areas are and other safety issues, the real context might probably be modified with reassurances that “this is just a maintenance issue” or “it would be good to fix when you get around to it.” You feel relieved when you hear these words, and you should be, because they are designed to make you feel exactly that way.

However, the situation can be entirely different once you read a long list of problems that would make your home less like a dream home and more like a dump. How on earth are you ever going to pay for all this?

Relax. Don’t panic. After you read your Salt Lake City Utah home inspector’s report for the first time, take a deep breath and drink if you must. Then, sit down and read it again, this time with a pen and paper at hand.

Okay, now take it one step at a time. Look at each “problem” item on the Salt Lake City Utah home inspector’s report first, then ask yourself the following questions:

Is this a minor maintenance problem or a major repair?
Is this an issue related to the age of the house? Because if it is, then it might just be part of the “charm” of the home, especially if your house is an old one. You might include floors that slope a bit from settlement or door and windows that are slightly out of plumb on the list of your home’s old charm.
Is this a problem that must be dealt with immediately? Or is it just something that should be done eventually?
Give what you know about house prices in your locality, might this problem have already been taken into consideration in pricing the house?
Does this problem merit further investigation?
Are you wiling to walk away from the house because of any or all of these problems?

If you find any minor items in your Salt Lake City Utah home inspector’s report, suck it up and forget about it. You should know by now that no house is perfect. It is enough that you take care of the really bad ones, or walk away when the cost is just too steep.

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

If only more home buyers put as much thought and time into choosing their real estate as they did into choosing their home in Salt Lake City Utah.  Perhaps the overall home buying experience would go a lot more smoothly.  It seems like it should go without saying that if you want to purchase the Salt Lake City Utah home of your dreams you should first choose the real estate agent of your dreams.  However, it doesn’t always happen that way.

Many home buyers shopping in Salt Lake City Utah are so eager to get to the home search that they rush through the real estate agent selection process.  Keep in mind that the real estate agent you choose is the person that you will be working with throughout the real estate transaction.  While it is possible to “fire” your real estate agent and start over with a new one, you will lose a lot or ground this way.

You have the right to interview as many real estate agents as you would like to make a decision on the professional that you would like to work with.  There are many real estate agents on the market to assist you.  Each of these agents has a different level of experience and training.  They also have different personalities and styles of working with you.  Each of these has a factor on the experience you will have.

Don’t choose an agent just because he or she was conducting an open house that you attended.  A real estate agent you meet in this way should be interviewed and referenced just like an agent that you cold-called or received as a reference from a family member or friend.  Avoid making the assumption that just because a real estate agent is working an open house that the agent has experience.  This is not always the case.

The best way to find a real estate agent is by asking for references from people you know who have recently purchased a home.  This way you can find out a lot of valuable information about the agent before ever contacting him or her.  Ask questions about the real estate agent.  How did he or she handle the process?  What things did the buyer not like about the agent?  Did the agent listen to the buyer’s needs?  These are just a few of the questions you need to have answered about a prospective real estate agent.

Once you have the contact information for a few real estate agents, you should begin interviewing them to inquire about their services.  Ask about their specialties.  Let the agent know what you are looking for in a home and ask how the agent can help you.  Does the agent have experience in working with buyers that are looking for similar houses to you?  What is the real estate agent’s success rate?  Finding out this pertinent information about a real estate agent helps ensure you make the best decision.

Don’t just settle with the first real estate agent that comes by make sure you check them out thoroughly. Keeping this in mind when looking for a real estate agent in Salt Lake City Utah feel confident to check out multiple agents. However, I promise none will have the qualifications and the dedication to get you in the home that you truly love as I Kathy Opolski would have.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Salt Lake City Utah real estate. For complete information about the Salt Lake City Utah real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Salt Lake City Utah real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your mortgage questions and I will me more than glad to answer you queries. Call me on my cell at 801-518-4599 or email me at kathyo@kathyohomes.com.

Kathy Opolski Shares Tips and Tricks That Salt Lake City Utah Home Buyers Need to Know

If you are ready to buy a home in Salt Lake City Utah, then congratulations!  Owning real estate can be a very satisfying feeling, and lucrative investment.  Making the right decisions when you start can save you a lot of money and time before it’s over.

According to real estate professional [Profile. full_name], before you begin the process the best thing to do is talk to a Salt Lake City Utah mortgage professional.  They are skilled in the latest guidelines and can tell you how much house to look for based on your current situation.  You don't want to start looking until you know exactly how much home your budget will allow.  This is not an area that you want to take lightly so make sure that you research who you go with carefully. 

The best scenario is to talk to your friends or family and see if they can refer someone in Salt Lake City Utah.  If not, you need to do some homework to decide who to go with.  The more established the company, the better.  Local is always better, if possible, since guidelines change from state to state.

When you talk to a Salt Lake City Utah mortgage specialist, make sure how much money will be required to close the loan.  You don't want to get into a contract if you will not be able to close, since there may be legal consequences involved that could cost you money.  Also, get a clear indication of what your payments will be.  Just because someone says you qualify for a certain amount doesn't mean you have to spend that much in payments.  If you are not comfortable with your quoted payment then ask to lower your price.  Being cautious now may eliminate a financial strain later.

Now that you have your price range, you should look into hiring a Salt Lake City Utah real estate professional.  Like the mortgage officer, they are trained to look out for your best interests.  As your buyer's agent, they are paid from the seller's proceeds so, in essence, they are working for you for free.  Take advantage of this and use their expertise.  They will negotiate for you and work to get you the best deal possible.

For more information on buying a home in Salt Lake City Utah, check out www.BuySaltLakeHomes.com www.kathyohomes.com to get the latest info and market data. You can also call Kathy Opolski at 801-518-4599 anytime.

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

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

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

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