Tips for Salt Lake City Buyers in Bidding Wars

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It's not easy to win a bidding war as a buyer in Salt Lake City. There are many strategies out there, but there are some different things that I want to share and highlight.

If you want to avoid bidding wars altogether, join our private client list. We can match buyers with properties that are not yet on the market.

If you find yourself in a bidding war, call the listing agent. We'll ask questions to learn the seller's motivations. This is extremely important because it allows us to match the buyer's strengths with the seller's motivations. We get every advantage when we structure the offer.

As a buyer, it's important to be flexible on deadlines. However, the best way to get an edge over the competition is to have a strong, underwritten approval letter. Having your lender send your file through the underwriter makes your pre-approval stronger than the others.

If you have any further questions about bidding wars or real estate in Utah, give us a call or send us an email!

Our Favorite Holiday Lights in Salt Lake City

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There are wonderful holiday lights you can find around Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front this winter. While there are many great events, we'll highlight a few of our favorites!

1. Midway Ice Castles: Located in the Soldier Hollow area, the Midway Ice Castles tend to run a bit later in the season to make sure the weather is cold enough. You can visit the Midway Ice Castles from the end of December through early March. It's a fun time for the whole family. Click here to learn more.

2. Christmas in Color: Created by Richard Holdman, this brand new Christmas light drive-thru is incredible! Drive your family through a mile-long tunnel and admire the lights set to holiday music. You do have to buy tickets for this one, but you get to see the whole show from your nice warm car. To learn more, click here.

3. The Christmas House: This is my family's little secret, but the last couple of years, a train of cars has found this house. Go to 1731 E. Hidden Valley Club Drive in Sandy, Utah. Every evening during the holiday season, my daughters beg me to drive them past this house. There are lights and music, and Santa makes an appearance in the window! The whole cul-de-sac participates, and it's a fun time for the kids.

Any one of these light shows is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Curb Appeal Helps Sell Your Salt Lake City Home

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You never get a second chance at a first impression, and you want to wow potential buyers. It's important to pay attention to curb appeal and home staging. We have some advice to help you sell efficiently.

• You need to attract buyers that drive by. Keep the lawn mowed and green. Ensure flowerbeds are free of weeds. If you're selling in the fall, clear away dead leaves. Add a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
• 92% of all buyers start their home search online. Many first time home buyers watch HGTV reality shows, and they expect pristine photos for perfectly staged homes. Staged homes receive higher offers compared to homes that aren't. Some staged homes receive offers between 1% to 5% over asking price. If you're selling a $250,000 home, staging your home could mean an extra $15,000 in your home sale!
• Declutter. Clear out closets, countertops, and kitchens. You want to make sure kitchens and bathrooms are clean and spacious. Put away everything you don't need.

When you work with us, you will receive a free consultation with a professional home stager. The stager will tour your home room by room and make recommendations to help you improve.

Exceptional curb appeal and staging your home are keys to selling your home quickly for top dollar. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

The Market in the Salt Lake Area Today

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In Salt Lake County, the average four-bedroom home was on the market for 38 days in September 2014. This year, it was on the market for only 22 days in September, a significant decline in a just a year!

Last year, the average price a house sold for was $232,000. This year, September’s average price increased to $250,000.

Interest rates are currently below 4 percent. While rates are expected to increase next year, this motivates buyers to start the buying process now. Our busiest times happen to be before rates go up.

Today, over 50 percent of buyers in the market are first-time home buyers. We deal with millennials now, which are different buyers than the last generation.

If you know someone who's been thinking about selling or are curious about millennials, give me a call! I’ve done the research. I look forward to hearing from you soon.