Utah County Homes for Sale - Home Buyer Representation As of 1994, the state of Utah authorized Buyer's Agency.  In Utah County, and throughout the state, buyers can choose an agent to work exclusively on their behalf.  Buyer agency benefits include: •·         Buyer's agents are almost always paid out of the proceeds of the sale by the seller or builder, so we always recommend using a Realtor, as it will cost you nothing extra. •·         Many people do not realize that it is advantageous to have an agent on a new home purchase as well.  I have gone to bat for my clients on a number of occasions when there were problems with home builders.  Salespeople who work for the builder are usually very ethical they are also employees of the builder and are bound by their relationship to their e... 07/19/2010

Utah County Homes for Sale - House vs. Home When it becomes time to sell many times real estate agents will refer to your home as real estate, they will refer to your purchase as a "home".  Yet, if you are selling property, they will refer to it as a "house".  There is a reason for this.  Buying real estate is often an emotional decision, but when selling real estate you need to remove emotion from the equation.  You need to think to think of your house as a marketable commodity, Property, Real Estate.  The goal of your Realtor is to get buyers to view your property as their potential home, not yours.  If you do not consciously make this decision, you can inadvertently create a situation where it takes longer to sell your property. Another important thing you must do to your property is... 07/13/2010

Energy Audits for Historical Buildings like the James & Cordner House in Orem,Utah | Information gathered from any Utah energy audits in the Historic Areas of Utah County, Utah will be used to determine energy efficiency, retrofitting and weatherization projects using funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG). Retrofitting projects will include air infiltration, energy efficient windows and doors, insulation levels, weather-stripping and caulking, and electric base loads.   Using its EECBG formula funding to retrofit and improve the energy efficiency of a number of it's municipal buildings that will result in substantial reduction in energy usage. EECBG Formula grants can be used for energy efficiency and conservation programs and projects community wide, as... 06/16/2010

Utah County Real Estate - Home Buyers Top Three Mistakes Well you have finally decided that it is time to stop renting and that you need to purchase a new home.  Be aware that is important to stay calm and think your way through the process; don't get so excited that you overlook a few very important steps. Failure to get pre-qualified before making an offer on a home: The very first step you need to take when considering the purchase a new home is that of interviewing and hiring a Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer.  Understanding how much you are qualified to purchase up front can save you a lot of time and frustration later on.  The pre-qualification letter is very important to the seller when it comes time to make offer on their home.  Taking the time to get pre-qualified gives you tim... 06/14/2010

Utah County Homes for Sale - Homeowners Insurance Do I really need Homeowners Insurance? Yes.  Proof of a paid homeowner's insurance policy is required at closing, so arrangements will have to be made before then.  It is important to get an insurance agent involved early in the home buying process he can help you save money.  Insurance agents are a great resource for tips on how to keep insurance premiums low and on information about home safety. Search Utah MLS Listings Utah County Real Estate  Utah County Homes  Utah Homes For Sale  Provo Real Estate WS  Orem Real Estate WS  Utah Homes 4 Sale  Alpine Real Estate  Alpine Real Estate  Cedar Hills Real Estate   Highland Real Estate  Eagle Mountain Real Estate   Springville Real Estate   Utah County Real Estate  Utah County Homes 4 Sale  ... 06/06/2010

Throughout the past ten years, Orem Real Estate sold experienced a big increase then an even bigger decrease.  The ten year low was reached in 2008 with about 250 less homes sold then what sold in 2000.  2009 saw an increase in Orem homes sold so hopefully that's also a reflection of years to come. Despite a small decrease here and there, price of Real Estate in Orem has mostly been on the increase over the years. 05/26/2010

Orem Utah Real Estate saw a big increase, up 35.3%.  Median price of homes in Orem decreased from $208,500 to the $197,000 and average price slipped 11.88%. 05/24/2010

Utah County Real Estate - Interest Rate vs. APR Many borrowers don't understand that there is a difference between the Mortgage Rate and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR).  The mortgage rate is the base rate usually associated with a mortgage.  The APR of a loan is supposed to be an overall interest rate with all the applicable closing costs factored in.  Unfortunately, not all lenders include the same costs so not all APR's are created equally.  Use the APR as a general guide to the overall cost of the loan but keep in mind that you have to look at the details of what's included to be sure. Search Utah MLS Listings Utah County Real Estate  Utah County Homes  Utah Homes For Sale  Provo Real Estate WS  Orem Real Estate WS  Utah Homes 4 Sale  Alpine Real Estate  Alpine Real Estate  Cedar H... 05/21/2010

We need Positive Price Action to confirm market bottom.  One month of price improve isn't sufficient to confirm the market bottom.  We need to see appreciation month over month for three months. PRICE ACTION   Other good signs in addition to positive price action is lower DOM (days of the market), lower new listingsand higher percent of new listings being SOLD.   SUMMARY Has the Utah Real Estate Market bottomed? Currently we are not seeing the needed positive price action (along with other indicators) to confirm a market bottom.  This is NOT a good time for those investor with low and/or no risk tolerance to purchase.  Investors with a long term buy and hold strategic.  Opportunities are starting to make sense.  Contact your property resource specialist for information to make an inform... 05/16/2010

Utah County Real Estate - Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is the safety net of the lender.  PMI benefits lenders because it guarantees payment on the balance of loans not covered by the sale of foreclosed properties. If a borrower makes a down payment of 20% of the cost of the home, the lender can generally trust that he will make his mortgage payments faithfully to protect a large investment. In this case, the lender comes out ahead if the borrower is forced to foreclose on his house, because the lender loans 80% of the cost of the house, but will probably recover 100% of the cost of the house. But, if the borrower makes a smaller down-payment, such as 3%, 5% or 10%, and borrows the rest, and then defaults on his loan, the lender loses money. If a hous... 05/11/2010

Utah County Real Estate - Sell before you Buy When it comes time to purchase a new home, the question always comes up, should I sell my old home before I buy the new one?  Depending on your credit situation and your ability to qualify for two loans, this question could be easily resolved.  We will assume you have excellent credit and can do whatever you please.  It is always better to have your present home sold before you make an offer on the new home.  If you have an offer with a contingency of selling the old home, the seller will be less likely to accept the offer or allow better terms.  You will always be in a better bargaining position if you were able to move in without delay.  Credit terms on you new loan will also be better based on you living in the new home as your primary re... 04/21/2010

Utah County Homes for Sale - Short Sale The time to consider a Utah County Short Sale is when your Mortgage is considered to be in default, one or more payments have been missed.  There are a number of solutions available to remedy the situation:        ·         Short Sale/Payoff        ·         Forbearance agreement        ·         Loan Modification        ·         Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure A Short Sale occurs when a borrower sells their property for an amount that is less than the amount owed to the lender.  To qualify for assistance the borrower needs to prove that they are experiencing a substantial financial hardship.  A hardship is a situation that has life changing effect for the borrower that results in an in-ability to pay the mortgage debt in either, short or long term: ... 02/25/2010

Utah County Home Loan Documentation When it comes time to purchase new Utah County Home, your first step in the purchase process is to get pre-qualified for your home loan.  Once you contact a Mortgage loan officer, he will ask you to fill out a Mortgage Loan Application (1003) and supply him with documentation.  The documentation required will vary, but generally you will supply the following: •·         Federal income tax statements and verification of any additional income •·         Your two most recent W2's •·         Current paycheck stubs •·         Recent bank statements •·         Asset and liability information (stocks, bonds, other real estate, etc.) Good Luck and Happy house hunting. Search Utah MLS Listings Utah County Real Estate  Utah County Homes  Utah Homes For Sale  Pr... 01/28/2010

Utah County FHA (Federal Housing Authority) Home Loans The FHA (Federal Housing Authority) doesn't actually fund your Utah County Home Loan in any way.  The FHA simply provides mortgage insurance to help consumers become Home Owners.  The FHA actually insures the lender from losses resulting from Home Owner default.  The FHA helps mortgage lenders prepare loans for people who might not otherwise qualify. One of the big advantages of an FHA Loan is that a smaller down payment is possible.  As of January 1, 2009, the down payment for a FHA Loan is 3 ½ percent of the principle loan amount.  In today's market the down payment on conventional loans can be as much as 20 percent.  FHA loans make it possible for many people to enter the Home Buyer market, just with the lower down payment alone.... 01/19/2010

Brand New Mobile Home 535 W 1465 N, #14, Orem, UT 84057 View Map Brand new! Lived in for only 6 weeks. Spacious, good location. Can be moved. Seller financing available. 55 and older complex. Details Asking Price: $49,900 MLS: 930642 Sq. Feet: 1056 Lot Size: .0 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 # of Floors: 1 HOA/Maintenance Fees: 325 Subdivision: Charman Mobile Home Year Built: 2006 Property Amenities - Range/Oven- Sink Disposal- Full Refrigerator- Microwave - Dishwasher- Vaulted Ceilings- Patio - Grass Lawn- Walk-in closet- Living room Contact InfoAaron A Wagner Real Estate Professional/ Consultant Cell 801 735 4656 Dir 888 95 AARON Email | Website All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 01/11/2010

Utah County Homes for Sale - Closing Costs Who pays for Utah County Closing Costs? There have been times in the past that I have had clients come to closing not understanding what kind of money they would be required to pay. There are various fees associated with buying and selling a home.  These fees are called closing costs.  Some of these fees are automatically assigned to either the buyer or the seller, other costs are either negotiable or are dictated by local area custom. Utah County Buyer Closing Costs When the buyer applies for a home loan, loan officers are required to provide the borrower with a good faith estimate of their closing costs.  These fees will vary depending on the type of loan and the terms of the purchase agreement.  Some of the closing costs, especially those de... 12/23/2009

Utah County Federal Housing Authority Home Loans - Lower Down Payments - Utah County Real Estate The FHA (Federal Housing Authority) doesn't actually fund your home loan in any way.  The FHA simply provides mortgage insurance to help consumers become Utah County Home Owners.  The FHA actually insures the lender from losses resulting from Utah County Home Owner default.  The FHA helps mortgage lenders prepare loans for people who might not otherwise qualify. One of the big advantages of an FHA Loan is that a smaller down payment is possible.  As of January 1, 2009, the down payment for a FHA Loan is 3 ½ percent of the principle loan amount.  In today's market the down payment on conventional loans can be as much as 20 percent.  FHA loans make it possible for many people to enter the Utah... 12/15/2009

We need Positive Price Action to confirm market bottom.  One month of price improve isn't sufficient to confirm the market bottom.  We need to see appreciation month over month for three months. PRICE ACTION   Other good signs in addition to positive price action is lower DOM (days of the market), lower new listings and higher percent of new listings being SOLD.    SUMMARY Currently we are not seeing the needed positive price action (along with other indicators) to confirm a market bottom.  This is NOT a good time for those with low and/or no risk tolerance to purchase.  High and medium risk tolerant investors are making buying decisions and are doing some bottom fishing.  Some are trying to time the market and market timing is risky.  Trying to time the bottom is not for the inexperien... 11/01/2009

Julie in Orem Utah, like many other young folks, made some poor financial choices in her late teen years. In addition to bouncing a few checks, she signed then defaulted on a gym membership contract (yes, those gym memberships are enforceable contracts). Turn the clock ahead 3 years. Julie gets married and they want to buy a home. Both her and her husband's incomes are needed to qualify. Upon accessing their credit report, we quickly discovered that while her credit history is generally good, four collections showed up, sinking her credit scores below the minimum threshold required to qualify for a home mortgage. The four collection accounts totaled around $1,500. The two bounced check and the gym membership collections were with one collection company. The medical collection was with a... 10/11/2009

First-Time Home Buyer - Utah County Homes for Sale Typically a First Time Utah County Home Buyer is considered to be someone who has not had an ownership interest in a home for 3 years or more.  Some home loan guidelines are longer than that.  There are many Down Payment Assistance grants, low interest loans and credit assistance programs available for First Time Utah County Home Buyers.  First Time Home Buyers should consult a Mortgage and Real Estate Professional early in the home buying process to learn all they need to know about is available to them. Several criteria are considered when evaluating the loan programs for First Time Utah County Home Buyers, Credit History, Income vs. Debt, and equity or investment in the subject property being the most important. Well the time has com... 10/10/2009