Buying a home is one of the most important personal and financial decisions that you’ll make in your life, so it is essential that you understand the journey you are about to embark upon. Complex and seemingly contradictory economic headlines have led many potential buyers to approach the market cautiously. While it’s easy to prioritize mortgage rates in your decision-making process, the economy is just one factor, but should not be the sole deciding factor. Your personal finances, life journey, and local market trends should all be taken into account and given their own weight. There are a number of elements that could make this the ideal time for you to buy a home.   Your real estate goals matter. DM me to discuss your vision.           Buying a home is one of the most important personal and financial decisions that you’ll make in your life, so it is essential that you understand the journey you are about to embark upon. Complex and seemingly contradictory economic headlines have led many potential buyers to approach the market cautiously. While it’s easy to prioritize mortgage rates in your decision-making process, the economy is just one factor, but should not be the sole deciding factor. Your personal finances, life journey, and local market trends should all be taken into account and given their own weight. There are a number of elements that could make this the ideal time for you to buy a home.   Your real estate goals matter. DM me to discuss your vision.       #engelvoelkers #evrealestate #evgestaltgroup #buyersagent #listingagent #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #homesellers #househunting #homebuying #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuyer #youreingoodcompany #luxuryliving

    Price: $595,000.00 13963 S Wide Ridge Way #1121, Herriman, UT 84096   4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2,641 Sq Ft Fully furnished home in the vibrant Mountain Ridge community! Close to Blackridge Reservoir, Mountain View Corridor, and Mountain View Village shopping.   Community Amenities: Clubhouse & Pool Snow Removal & Internet Large City Park Easy Access to Bangerter Hwy   Home Features: Updated Kitchen w/ Marble Countertops Walk-In Master Closet & Great Room Double Pane Windows, Storm Doors/Windows, & Open Patio Move-in ready – schedule a showing today!   801-554-3743  marc.huntington@evrealestate.com   More Info    

Back on Market $495,000     This Craftsman-style bungalow is full of character and ready for your vision. Ideal for first-time buyers or investors, this fixer-upper features a spacious living area, hardwood floors, and a large front porch. Located in a sought-after SugarHouse neighborhood, where you're just minutes from shopping, SugarHouse Park, and the Freeway entrance. A perfect opportunity to create something special!   Listed by Marc J Huntington, Engel & Völkers Napa Valley Email:     Marc.Huntington@EVrealestate.com Ph:     801-554-3743  UREML#2026157    

This 20-acre estate seamlessly blends mid-century modern architecture with contemporary renovations, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Nestled on a hillside, the property features clean lines, minimalist design, and panoramic valley views. Conveniently located near wine country’s top restaurants and vineyards, the 5,175-square-foot home offers five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, mainly on one level. The interior is bright and open, with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The living room opens to sweeping views, while a cozy lounge area includes a sleek, designer fireplace. The modern kitchen features a large island, pantry, breakfast nook, and custom details throughout. A 1,200-bottle cooled wine cellar adds to the home’s appeal for wine lovers. The primary bedroom is a sunlit retreat with deck access, a relaxing lounge area, and a spa-like bathroom complete with skylights and a spacious double layout. Outside, the property is designed for laid-back living, with tiered wooden decks, a built-in spa, and a low-maintenance garden filled with succulents and drought-tolerant plants. Geometric-patterned doors at the entrance set the tone for the home’s signature design, while natural materials like wood and stone enhance the connection to the environment. This estate embodies privacy, style, and a seamless connection to nature.  Listed by Stefan Jezycki, Engel & Völkers Napa Valley 5 BD | 4.5 BA | 5,175 SF | 20 Acres | $3,200,000

  Stressed about selling? Elevate Home Services lets you tap into up to $50K to cover home prep or moving costs, and it’s all paid back at closing! Want to know how? Comment “stress-free” below and I’ll send you the details! Boost your home’s value with a line of credit up to $50K—paid back at close of escrow! No upfront costs, no hassle. Comment “boost” below to learn more! Results may vary. Interest and fees apply. Subject to terms and conditions. Elevate Home Services loans are provided by Notable Finance, LLC, NMLS#1824748. evelevate.notablefi.com   Need cash to fix up your home or cover moving expenses? Elevate Home Services offers up to $50K, with zero upfront costs! Comment “move easy” below if you’re ready to find out more! Take the stress out of selling! With Elevate Home Services, you get up to $50K for repairs or moving, and it’s paid back at closing. Drop “stress-free” in the comments to get more info! Want to sell with confidence? Elevate Home Services gives you up to $50K to make selling easier, covering everything from repairs to moving expenses—paid back when you sell! Comment “confidence” below to discover how it works! Elevate Home Services loans are provided by Notable Finance, LLC, NMLS#1824748. evelevate.notablefi.com  

The Changing Utah Real Estate Market "Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale don't sell the first time. It's more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid costly seller mistakes in order to sell your home fast and for the most amount of money." The Market Shift Remember not so long ago when you could make your fortune in real estate? It was nothing then to buy a home, wait a short while, and then sell it at a tidy profit. And then do it all over again. Well, as you probably know, times have changed. As good as the market is right now, home prices are still below what they were at their peak. Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale never sell. It's more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid costly seller mistakes in order to sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. The 7 Deadly Mistakes Most Home Sellers Make Failing to analyze why they are selling. Not preparing their home for the buyer's eye. Pricing their homes incorrectly. Selling too hard during showings. Signing a long-term listing agreement without a written performance guarantee. Making it difficult for buyers to get information on their home. Failing to obtain a pre-approved mortgage for one's next home. The 9-Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar Selling your home is one of the most important steps in your life. This 9-step system will give you the tools you need to maximize your profits, maintain control, and reduce the stress that comes with the home selling process: 1. Know Why You're Selling, and Keep It to Yourself The reasons behind your decision to sell affect everything from setting a price to deciding how much time and money to invest in getting your home ready for sale. What's more important to you: the money you walk away with, or the length of time your property is on the market? Different goals will dictate different strategies. However, don't reveal your motivation to anyone else or they may use it against you at the negotiating table. When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed. 2. Do Your Homework Before Setting a Price Settling on an offering price shouldn't be done lightly. Once you've set your price, you've told buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home, but pricing too high is as dangerous as pricing too low. Remember that the average buyer is looking at 15-20 homes at the same time they are considering yours. This means that they have a basis of comparison, and if your home doesn't compare favorably with others in the price range you've set, you won't be taken seriously by prospects or agents. As a result, your home will sit on the market for a long time and, knowing this, new buyers on the market will think there must be something wrong with your home. 3. Do Your Homework (In fact, your agent should do this for you). Find out what homes in your own and similar neighborhoods have sold for in the past 6-12 months, and research what current homes are listed for. That's certainly how prospective buyers will assess the worth of your home. 4. Find a Good Real Estate Agent to Represent Your Needs Nearly three-quarters of homeowners claim that they wouldn't use the same realtor who sold their last home. Dissatisfaction boils down to poor communication which results in not enough feedback, lower pricing, and strained relations. Another FREE report entitled, "10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent” gives you the straight, to-the-point questions you should be asking when you interview agents who want to list your home. You can obtain a FREE copy of this report from my website. 5. Maximize Your Home's Sales Potential Each year, corporate North America spends billions on product and packaging design. Appearance is critical, and it would be foolish to ignore this when selling your home. You may not be able to change your home's location or floor plan, but you can do a lot to improve its appearance. The look and feel of your home generate a greater emotional response than any other factor. Clean like you've never cleaned before. Pick up, straighten, unclutter, scrub, scour, and dust. Fix everything, no matter how insignificant it may appear. Present your home to get a "wow" response from prospective buyers. Allow the buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. The decision to buy a home is based on emotion, not logic. Prospective buyers want to try on your home just like they would a new suit of clothes. If you follow them around pointing out improvements or if your decor is so different that it's difficult for a buyer to strip it away in his or her mind, you make it difficult for them to feel comfortable enough to imagine themselves as owners. 6. Make It Easy for Prospects to Get Information on Your Home You may be surprised to know that some marketing tools that most agents use to sell homes (e.g. traditional open houses) are actually not very effective. In fact, only 1% of homes are sold at an open house. Furthermore, the prospects calling for information on your home probably value their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is either a game of telephone tag with an agent or an unwanted sales pitch. Make sure the ads your agent places for your home are attached to a 24-hour prerecorded hotline with a specific ID# for your home which gives buyers access to detailed information about your property day or night 7 days a week without having to talk to anyone. It's been proven that 3 times as many buyers call for information on your home under this system. And remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home the better, because it sets up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the driver's seat. 7. Know Your Buyer In the negotiation process, your objective is to control the pace and set the duration. What is your buyer's motivation? Does s/he need to move quickly? Does s/he have enough money to pay you your asking price? Knowing this information gives you the upper hand in the negotiation because you know how far you can push to get what you want. 8. Make Sure the Contract is Complete For your part as a seller, make sure you disclose everything. Smart sellers proactively go above and beyond the laws to disclose all known defects to their buyers in writing. If the buyer knows about a problem, s/he can't come back with a lawsuit later on. Make sure all terms, costs, and responsibilities are spelled out in the contract of sale, and resist the temptation to diverge from the contract. For example, if the buyer requests a move-in prior to closing, just say no. Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through. 9. Don't Move Out Before You Sell Studies have shown that it is more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it looks forlorn, forgotten, simply not appealing. It could even cost you thousands. If you move, you're also telling buyers that you have a new home and are probably highly motivated to sell fast. This, of course, will give them the advantage at the negotiating table. For more information about any of our innovative homeowner programs, or to get a current estimate of your home's market value, call Marc Huntington at 801-554-3743.

Tips for Selling Your Home Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. To better understand the home selling process, a guide has been prepared from current industry insider reports. Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible. 1. Understand Why You Are Selling Your Home Your motivation to sell is the determining factor as to how you will approach the process. It affects everything from what you set your asking price at to how much time, money, and effort you're willing to invest in order to prepare your home for sale. For example, if your goal is for a quick sale, this would determine one approach. If you want to maximize your profit, the sales process might take longer thus determining a different approach. 2. Keep the Reason(s) You Are Selling to Yourself The reason(s) you are selling your home will affect the way you negotiate its sale. By keeping this to yourself you don't provide ammunition to your prospective buyers. For example, should they learn that you must move quickly, you could be placed at a disadvantage in the negotiation process. When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed. Remember, the reason(s) you are selling is only for you to know. 3. Before Setting a Price - Do Your Homework When you set your price, you make buyers aware of the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home. As a seller, you will want to get a selling price as close to the list price as possible. If you start out by pricing too high you run the risk of not being taken seriously by buyers and their agents. If you are pricing too low it can result in selling for much less than you were hoping for. Setting Your Home's Sale Price If You Live in a Subdivision: If your home is comprised of similar or identical floor plans, built in the same period, simply look at recent sales in your neighborhood subdivision to give you a good idea of what your home is worth. If You Live in an Older Neighborhood: As neighborhoods change over time each home may be different in minor or substantial ways and you will probably find that there aren't many homes truly comparable to your own. In this case, you may want to consider seeking a Realtor® to help you with the pricing process. If You Decide to Sell On Your Own: A good way to establish a value is to look at homes that have sold in your neighborhood within the past 6 months, including those now on the market. This is how prospective buyers will assess the worth of your home. 4. Do Some "Home Shopping" Yourself The best way to learn about your competition and discover what turns buyers off is to check out other open houses. Note floor plans, condition, appearance, size of lot, location, and other features. Particularly note, not only the asking prices but what they are actually selling for. Remember, if you're serious about getting your home sold fast, don't price it higher than your neighbor's. 5. When Getting an Appraisal is a Benefit Sometimes a good appraisal can be a benefit in marketing your home. Getting an appraisal is a good way to let prospective buyers know that your home can be financed. However, an appraisal does cost money, has a limited life, and there's no guarantee you'll like the figure you hear. 6. Tax Assessments - What They Really Mean Some people think that tax assessments are a way of evaluating a home. The difficulty here is that assessments are based on a number of criteria that may not be related to property values, so they may not necessarily reflect your home's true value. 7. Deciding Upon a Realtor® According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly two-thirds of the people surveyed who sell their own homes say they wouldn't do it again themselves. Primary reasons included setting a price, marketing handicaps, liability concerns, and time constraints. When deciding upon a Realtor®, consider two or three. Be as wary of quotes that are too low as those that are too high. All Realtors® are not the same! A professional Realtor® knows the market and has information on past sales, current listings, a marketing plan, and will provide their background and references. Evaluate each candidate carefully on the basis of their experience, qualifications, enthusiasm, and personality. Be sure you choose someone that you trust and feel confident that they will do a good job on your behalf. If you choose to sell on your own, you can still talk to a Realtor®. Many are more than willing to help do-it-yourselfers with paperwork, contracts, etc. and should problems arise, you now have someone you can readily call upon. 8. Ensure You Have Room to Negotiate Before settling on your asking price make sure you leave yourself enough room in which to bargain. For example, set your lowest and highest selling price. Then check your priorities to know if you'll price high to maximize your profit or price closer to market value if you want to sell quickly. 9. Appearances Do Matter - Make Them Count! Appearance is so critical that it would be unwise to ignore this when selling your home. The look and "feel" of your home will generate a greater emotional response than any other factor. Prospective buyers react to what they see, hear, feel, and smell even though you may have priced your home to sell. 10. Invite the Honest Opinions of Others The biggest mistake you can make at this point is to rely solely on your own judgment. Don't be shy about seeking the honest opinions of others. You need to be objective about your home's good points as well as bad. Fortunately, your Realtor® will be unabashed about discussing what should be done to make your home more marketable. 11. Get it Spic n' Span Clean and Fix Everything, Even If It Seems Insignificant Scrub, scour, tidy up, straighten, get rid of the clutter, declare war on dust, repair squeaks, the light switch that doesn't work, and the tiny crack in the bathroom mirror because these can be deal-killers and you'll never know what turns buyers off. Remember, you're not just competing with other resale homes, but brand-new ones as well. 12. Allow Prospective Buyers to Visualize Themselves in Your Home The last thing you want prospective buyers to feel when viewing your home is that they may be intruding into someone's life. Avoid clutter such as too many knick-knacks, etc. Decorate in neutral colors, like white or beige, and place a few carefully chosen items to add warmth and character. You can enhance the attractiveness of your home with a well-placed vase of flowers or potpourri in the bathroom. Home-decor magazines are great for tips. 13. Deal Killer Odors - Must Go! You may not realize it, but odd smells like traces of food, pets, and smoking odors can kill deals quickly. If prospective buyers know you have a dog or that you smoke, they'll start being aware of odors and seeing stains that may not even exist. Don't leave any clues. 14. Be a Smart Seller - Disclose Everything Smart sellers are proactive in disclosing all known defects to their buyers in writing. This can reduce liability and prevent lawsuits later on. 15. It's Better With More Prospects When you maximize your home's marketability, you will most likely attract more than one prospective buyer. It is much better to have several buyers because they will compete with each other; a single buyer will end up competing with you. 16. Keep Emotions in Check During Negotiations Let go of the emotion you've invested in your home. Be detached, using a business-like manner in your negotiations. You'll definitely have an advantage over those who get caught up emotionally in the situation. 17. Learn Why Your Buyer is Motivated The better you know your buyers the better you can use the negotiation process to your advantage. This allows you to control the pace and duration of the process. As a rule, buyers are looking to purchase the best affordable property for the least amount of money. Knowing what motivates them enables you to negotiate more effectively. For example, does your buyer need to move quickly? Armed with this information, you are in a better position to bargain. 18. What the Buyer Can Really Pay As soon as possible, try to learn the amount of mortgage the buyer is qualified to carry and how much his/her down payment is. If their offer is low, ask their Realtor® about the buyer's ability to pay what your home is worth. 19. When the Buyer Would Like to Close Quite often, when buyers would "like" to close is when they need to close. Knowledge of their deadlines for completing negotiations again creates a negotiating advantage for you. 20. Never Sign a Deal on Your Next Home Until You Sell Your Current Home Beware of closing on your new home while you're still making mortgage payments on the old one or you might end up becoming a seller who is eager (even desperate) for the first deal that comes along. 21. Moving Out Before You Sell Can Put You at a Disadvantage It has been proven that it's more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it becomes forlorn looking, forgotten, no longer an appealing sight. Buyers start getting the message that you have another home and are probably motivated to sell. This could cost you thousands of dollars. 22. Deadlines Create a Serious Disadvantage Don't try to sell by a certain date. This adds unnecessary pressure and is a serious disadvantage in negotiations. 23. A Low Offer - Don't Take It Personally Invariably the initial offer is below what both you and the buyer know he'll pay for your property. Don't be upset, evaluate the offer objectively. Ensure it spells out the offering price, sufficient deposit, amount of down payment, mortgage amount, a closing date, and any special requests. This can simply provide a starting point from which you can negotiate. 24. Turn That Low Offer Around You can counter a low offer or even an offer that’s just under your asking price. This lets the buyer know that the first offer isn’t seen as being a serious one. Now you’ll be negotiating only with buyers with serious offers. 25. Maybe the Buyer's Not Qualified If you feel an offer is inadequate, now is the time to make sure the buyer is qualified to carry the size of the mortgage the deal requires. Inquire how they arrived at their figure, and suggest they compare your price to the prices of homes for sale in your neighborhood. 26. Ensure the Contract is Complete To avoid problems, ensure that all terms, costs, and responsibilities are spelled out in the contract of sale. It should include such items as the date it was made, names of parties involved, address of property being sold, purchase price, where deposit monies will be held, date for loan approval, date and place of closing, type of deed, including any contingencies that remain to be settled, and what personal property is included (or not) in the sale. 27. Resist Deviating From the Contract For example, if the buyer requests a move-in prior to closing, just say no and that you’ve been advised against it. Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through. For more information about any of our innovative homeowner programs, or to get a current estimate of your home's market value, call Marc Huntington at 801-554-3743.

Preparing for a Home Inspection "According to industry experts, there are at least 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. Here are 11 you should know about if you're planning to put your home up for sale." Homebuyers Want to Know Your Home Inside and Out While homebuyers are as individual as the homes they plan on purchasing, one thing they share is a desire to ensure that the home they will call their own is as good beneath the surface as it appears to be. Will the roof end up leaking? Is the wiring safe? What about the plumbing? These, and others, are the questions that the buyers looking at your home will seek professional help to answer. 11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection Defective Plumbing Defective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways: leaking and clogging. A visual inspection can detect leaking, and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet. If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. If the water appears dirty when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in severe water quality problems. Damp or Wet Basement An inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if you feel secure enough to store things right on your basement floor. A mildew odor is almost impossible to eliminate, and an inspector will certainly be conscious of it. It could cost you $200-$1,000 to seal a crack in or around your basement foundation depending on severity and location. Adding a sump pump and pit could run you around $750 - $1,000, and complete waterproofing (of an average 3-bedroom home) could amount to $5,000-$15,000. You will have to weigh these figures into the calculation of what price you want to net on your home. Inadequate Wiring & Electrical Your home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. Wire should be copper or aluminum. Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs as indicative of inadequate circuits and a potential fire hazard. Poor Heating & Cooling Systems Insufficient insulation, and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15-25 years. For a forced air gas system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged—they cannot be repaired. Roofing Problems Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm. When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one. Damp Attic Spaces Aside from basement dampness, problems with ventilation, insulation, and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold, and mildew to form in the attic. This can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure, and building materials. The cost to fix this damage could easily run over $2,500. Rotting Wood This can occur in many places (door or window frames, trim, siding, decks, and fences). The building inspector will sometimes probe the wood to see if this is present—especially when wood has been freshly painted. Masonry Work Re-bricking can be costly, but, left unattended, these repairs can cause problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which in turn could lead to a chimney being clogged by fallen bricks or even a chimney which falls onto the roof. It can be costly to rebuild a chimney or to have it repointed. Unsafe or Over-fused Electrical Circuit A fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended. 15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical home, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers. It can cost several hundred dollars to replace your fuse panel with a circuit panel. Adequate Security Features More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke, and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and on every level. Even though pricing will vary, these components will add to your costs. Before purchasing or installing, you should check with your local experts. Structural/Foundation Problems An inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundation of your home as structural integrity is fundamental to your home. When you put your home on the market, you don't want any unpleasant surprises that could cost you the sale of your home. By having an understanding of these 11 problem areas as you walk through your home, you'll be arming yourself against future disappointment. For more information about any of our innovative homeowner programs, or to get a current estimate of your home's market value, call Marc Huntington at 801-554-3743.

Worksheet 1: Moving Countdown Checklist An organized move is an easier move. Use this checklist to give yourself a head start. Two Months Before Start going through your home and deciding what you want to move and what you want to get rid of. Note valuable items that will need special packing or extra insurance coverage, such as plasma TVs, computers, and paintings. Investigate moving companies and get estimates. Start a moving folder to keep track of estimates and receipts. Arrange to have school records transferred to your child’s new school district. Notes: Six Weeks Before Order boxes and other packing supplies. Start using up things you won’t want to move (such as frozen and perishable foods) and cleaning supplies (such as bleach and aerosols) that are too dangerous to move. Check the measurements of your new home. Make sure that you have enough room for your larger pieces of furniture and that you can get them through the door. Notes: One Month Before Select your mover, confirm dates, and get written confirmation of all the costs and details of your move. Start packing, beginning with things you use infrequently. As you pack, note items of special value. If you purchase supplemental insurance from your moving company, you must declare in writing any items valued at over $100 per pound (a computer, for example). Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at www.usps.gov. Alert the following about your move, either in writing, by phone, or online: Banks Credit-card companies Brokerage firms Insurance companies Utility companies Human-resources department at work Doctors, other health-care providers, veterinarian If you’re moving out of the area, obtain copies of medical records or ask that they be forwarded to your new providers. Ask for referrals. Magazines and newspapers you subscribe to. If you have a number of subscriptions, try www.oneswitch.com, a website that will forward your new address for free to all your periodicals that are on its list of hundreds. Notes: Marc Huntington - Marc-Huntington.com - Engel & Völkers - 801 554 3743 Two Weeks Before Have your car serviced, considering the new climate if you’re moving to one. Clear out your safe-deposit box, and put the contents in a safe box you’ll take in the car for your move. Reconfirm the movers. Notes: One Week Before Fill any prescriptions you’ll need in the next couple of weeks. Aim to finish packing a couple of days before the moving date. Have your boxes labeled and numbered. Pack and clearly mark an “essentials” box of items you’ll need right away. Set aside things you’ll personally transport to your new home, such as jewelry and important files. Pack suitcases for everyone in the family, with enough clothes for a few days. Notes: A Few Days Before If you’re moving your refrigerator, empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before your move. Reconfirm the moving-day arrival time and other details with the moving company. Get a money order, a cashier’s check, or cash to pay and tip the movers (if you haven’t arranged to pay by credit card). Prepare detailed written directions to your new home for the movers, including your contact information (a cell-phone number is ideal). Ask the new occupants of your home or a neighbor to watch out for mail after you move and check in with them after two weeks, and again after a month. Day of the Move Make sure the truck that shows up is from the moving company you hired. It should have the same USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number painted on the side that you were given when you collected the estimate. (Bait-and-switch scams are not unheard-of.) Plan to be home for the entire time it takes the movers to get you packed and loaded. Before the movers leave, sign and keep a copy of the mover’s bill of lading/inventory list. Notes: Marc Huntington - Marc-Huntington.com - Engel & Völkers - 801 554 3743 Worksheet 2: Hiring a Mover Finding a good mover can be daunting, but it pays to shop around. Once you have a handful of companies to consider, request an in-person estimate from each one. Gather the following information while the representatives are at your home. This worksheet will help you compare bids and companies’ business practices. Find a 12-step plan—including tips on researching companies and weighing bids—at www.realsimple.com/mover. Mover Option 1 Company’s full name: Any other names it does business under: Company address: Phone number: E-mail address: Name of contact: USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) numbers: Estimate: Notes: Mover Option 2 Company’s full name: Any other names it does business under: Company address: Phone number: E-mail address: Name of contact: USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) numbers: Estimate: Notes: Mover Option 3 Company’s full name: Any other names it does business under: Company address: Phone number: E-mail address: Name of contact: USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) numbers: Estimate: Notes: Mover Option 4 Company’s full name: Any other names it does business under: Company address: Phone number: E-mail address: Name of contact: USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) numbers: Estimate:

Importance of Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent "It's critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make." Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of an agent when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before you make any moves. An Agent Can Cost or Save You Thousands of Dollars Picking an agent is one of those critical issues that can cost or save you thousands of dollars. There are very specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Some agents may prefer that you don't ask these questions, since the knowledge you'll gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea about what outcome you can expect from using them as an agent. And let's face it—in real estate, as in life—not all things are created equal. Hiring a real estate agent is just like any hiring process—with you on the boss's side of the desk. It's critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what since this is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make. Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Agent What Makes You Different? Why Should I List My Home with You? It's a much tougher real estate market than it was a decade ago. What unique marketing plans and programs does this agent have in place to make sure that your home stands out favorably versus other competing homes? What things does this agent offer you that others don't to help you sell your home in the least amount of time with the least amount of hassle and for the most amount of money? What Is Your Company's Track Record and Reputation in the Market Place? It may seem like everywhere you look, real estate agents are boasting about being #1 for this or that, or quoting you the number of homes they've sold. If you're like many homeowners, you've probably become immune to much of this information. After all, you ask, "Why should I care about how many homes one agent sold over another. The only thing I care about is whether they can sell my home quickly for the most amount of money." Well, because you want your home sold fast and for top dollar, you should be asking the agents you interview how many homes they have sold. I'm sure you will agree that success in real estate is selling homes. If one agent is selling a lot of homes where another is selling only a handful, ask yourself why this might be? What things are these two agents doing differently? You may be surprised to know that many agents sell fewer than 10 homes a year. This volume makes it difficult for them to do full impact marketing on your home because they can't raise the money it takes to afford the advertising and special programs to give your home a high profile. Also, at this low level, they probably can't afford to hire an assistant, which means that they're running around trying to do all the components of the job themselves. Bottom line, their service to you may suffer. What Are Your Marketing Plans for My Home? How much money does this agent spend in advertising the homes they list versus the other agents you are interviewing? In what media (newspaper, magazine, TV, etc.) does this agent advertise? What does they know about the effectiveness of one medium over the other? What Has Your Company Sold in My Area? Agents should bring you a complete listing of both their own and other comparable sales in your area. Does Your Broker Control Your Advertising or Do You? If your agent is not in control of their own advertising, then your home will be competing for advertising space not only with this agent's other listings but also with the listings of every other agent in the brokerage. On Average, When Your Listings Sell, How Close Is the Selling Price to the Asking Price? This information is available from the Real Estate Board. Is this agent's performance higher or lower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how high a price you will get for the sale of your home. On Average, How Long Does It Take for Your Listings to Sell? This information is also available from the Real Estate Board. Does this agent tend to sell faster or slower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how long your home will be on the market before it sells. How Many Buyers Are You Currently Working With? Obviously, the more buyers your agent is working with, the better your chances are of selling your home quickly. It will also impact price because an agent with many buyers can set up an auction-like atmosphere where many buyers bid on your home at the same time. Ask them to describe the system they have for attracting buyers. Do You Have a Reference List of Clients I Could Contact? Ask to see this list, and then proceed to spot check some of the names. What Happens If I'm Not Happy with the Job You Are Doing to Get My Home Sold? Can I cancel my listing contract? Be wary of agents that lock you into a lengthy listing contract where they can get out of (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but you can't. There are usually penalties and broker protection periods which safeguard the agent's interests, but not yours. How confident is your agent in the service they will provide you? Will they allow you to cancel your contract without penalty if you're not satisfied with the service provided? Evaluate each agent's responses to these 10 questions carefully and objectively. Who will do the best job for you? These questions will help you decide.

"Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way youstructure your mortgage, can literally cost or save you thousands of dollars and years of expense."  Mortgage Regulations Have Changed . . . Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years making your options wider thanever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping and even the small differences in theway you structure your mortgage can literally cost or save you thousands of dollars and years of expense.   Get the Right Information Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical thatyou inform yourself about the factors involved. Industry research has revealed 6 common mistakes that most homebuyers make when mortgage shopping and theycan have a significant impact on the outcome of this critical negotiation. If handled correctly, these issues couldresult in a mortgage that will cost you less over a shorter period of time. 6 Things You Must Know Before Obtaining a Mortgage Before you commit your hard earned dollars to monthly mortgage payments, consider these 6 issues. Effectiveconsideration of these important areas can make your payments work much harder for you. 1. You can, and should, get pre-approved for a mortgage before you go looking for a home Pre-approval is easy, and can give you complete peace-of-mind when shopping for your home. Your local lendinginstitution can provide you with written pre-approval for you at no cost and no obligation, and be done quite easilyover-the-phone. More than just a verbal approval from your lending institution, a written pre-approval is as good asmoney in the bank. It entails a completed credit application and a certificate, which guarantees you a mortgage tothe specified level when you find the home you’re looking for. 2. Know what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to When you discuss mortgage pre-approval with your lending institution, find out what level you qualify for and alsopre-assess for yourself what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to. Your situation may give youa pre-approval amount that is higher (or lower) than the amount of money you would want to pay out each month.By working back and forth with your lending institution to determine what this monthly amount is, and what value ofhome this translates into at today’s rates, you won’t waste time looking at homes that are not in your price range. 3. You should be thinking about your long term goals and expected situation, to determine the type of mortgage that will best suit your needs There are a number of questions you should be asking yourself before you commit to a certain type of mortgage;How long do you think you will own this home? What direction are interest rates going in and how quickly? Is yourincome expected to change (up or down) in the near term, impacting how much money you can afford to pay to yourmortgage? The answers to these and other questions will help you determine the most appropriate mortgage youshould be seeking. 4. Make sure you understand what prepayment privileges and payment frequency options are available to you More frequent payments (for example weekly or biweekly) can literally shave years off your mortgage. By simplystructuring your payments so that they come out more frequently, it will significantly lessen the amount of interestthat you will be charged over the term. For the same reason, authorized pre-payment of a certain percentage of your mortgage, or an increase in theamount you pay monthly, will have a major impact on the number of years you will have to pay and could shortenyour payment term considerably. These two payment options can cut years off your mortgage, and save you thousands of dollars in interest.However, not every mortgage has these pre-payment privileges built in, so make sure you ask the properquestions. 5. Ask if your mortgage is both portable and/or assumable A portable mortgage, where available, is one that you can carry with you when you buy your next home and avoidpaying any discharge penalties. This means that you will not have to go through the entire mortgage process againunless you are making a move up to a much more expensive home. An assumable mortgage is one that the buyer for your home can take over when you move to your next home. Thiscan be a very powerful tool at the negotiating table, making it much easier and more desirable for a buyer to buyyour home, and again saves you any discharge penalties.   6.You should seriously consider dealing with a Mortgage Expert Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in mortgages. Enlisting their services can make asignificant difference in the cost and effectiveness of the mortgage you obtain. For example they can make theprocess faster thereby avoiding costly delays. Typically there is no cost or obligation to inquire.    By having an understanding of these 6 problem areas as you walk through your home, you'll be arming yourself against future disappointment.