How to Change a Faucet

You can save a great deal of money and spiff up your kitchen's appearance by installing a new faucet yourself. Home improvement stores offer hands-on demos, check with your local store.

 

If you're doing it for the first time, one of the biggest pieces of advice is to do it during OPEN home improvement store hours, not in the middle of the night when you can't run out for more parts!



Here is a link for those who like step-by-step instructions.

Step-By-Step Written Instructions

And here's a link for those who are visual.

YouTube Video Instruction

Our team's home improvement expert can also give you tips. Give us a call if you have any questions!



T.G. Larson
801-755-0446

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899

Search for Homes Here
 

We Have Moved!!

Team Larson has a new home with

 

Located at 7985 S 700 E in Sandy, UT

 

 

We would like to thank everyone at Keller Williams South Valley Realty for the years of training, support and friendships! We look forward to continued friendships and transactions in the future!

 

Julie, TG & Chris

 

 

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899

Search for Homes Here

callteamlarson@gmail.com

Home Staging Tips with KIDS!

You've cleaned, decluttered, have cookie dough ready to bake and made your home a blank slate by removing personal photos & items. Your house is on the market and ready to show! But unfortunately, not all buyers work off the same clock. You may have to be ready to vacate at a moment's notice and having kids at home doesn't make this an easy task.

You've worked hard to get the home ready to show, so here are some tips that will help with the upkeep!

• Keep toys in a designated toy room or the child's bedroom. The living room should look like a living room. For last minute emergencies -- invest in a large wicker basket with a lid.

• Designate one box of toys for each child to stay in the house at one time. The rest are in storage and can be swapped out.
• Have yourself and the kids dressed at all times. If there's last minute clutter, you won't have time for both.
• Box away any games or toys that have small pieces. Scrambling to pick up last minute Legos can be frustrating, especially if you feel the need to vacuum before the prospective buyers show up!

• Choose only one large item, such as easels, doll houses, kitchen play sets, etc. to remain out. Having too many will distract from the floor space the buyers are eyeing for their own furniture.
• Make sure all bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc are put away after use and are not blocking walkways or yard access.
• HIDE IT! If all else fails, hide it. Unless it's included in the sale of the house, buyers shouldn't be looking inside washers, dryers, large wicker baskets, etc. 

Here are some ideas for your children who are old enough to help out:

• Ask your child to tidy the room they were in before they leave it. If they get in the habit, it can be a rule in the new house too!
• Assign each child a daily task such as making their bed, dusting, sweep/vacuum duty.
• An incentive to help keep the house clean can be rewarded by participating in the design of their new room. Either paint colors, design pieces, new bed set, etc. It can be rewarded daily or weekly.

Sure, most buyers won't be bothered by kid's stuff, but the less distractions, the better. 

Call me today if you are considering selling & are curious to know how much your home is worth!

Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation
@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT

Are You Ready To Buy A Home?

Are you ready to buy a home? Are you armed with all the knowledge you need to get started? What is your credit score? Do you qualify for an FHA or Conventional Loan? How much can you afford?

 

 

 

Our lending partner Xcel Financial offers FREE mortgage consultation.

 

They able to assist in the financing of the following loan programs:

Conventional Fixed Rate Loans
Fixed Period ARM Loans
Jumbo Loans
FHA Purchase and Streamline Loans
VA Loans
USDA Purchase Loans

 

 

Pre-Qualify for a loan here. 

 

Like their Facebook page here.

 

Once you're pre-approved, I will help you find the home that fits your style and budget. I've worked with many buyers all along the Wasatch Front to purchase their dream home, whether it was an equity sale, short sale, foreclosure, HUD home or FSBO... I will work with you to find the perfect one.

Call me today!

Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation

@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT

Utah State University grad among 3 U.S. economists who win Nobel in economics

"Three American professors — including one who is a Utah State University alumnus — won the Nobel prize for economics Monday for shedding light on how stock, bond and house prices move over time— work that’s changed how people around the world invest."

Read the entire article at The Salt Lake Tribune.


Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation

@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT

Bank of America: Monday’s Mortgage Rates Oct 14 2013

"The best 30 year loan interest rates are coming out at 4.375% at Bank of America today yielding an APR of 4.466%. In the ARM arena, 5 year loans have been published at 3.125%† at Bank of America with an APR of 3.063% to start."

 

Read more at The Eagle's Rant

 

 

Call me with questions or if you'd like to discuss your unique situation.

 

Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation

@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT

Would you feed your family the same things you donate to the Food Bank?

Do you donate to your local Food Bank? If so, are you donating the kinds of foods you feed your own family? The people receiving Food Bank assistance are certainly grateful for your generosity. But ask yourself, "Am I giving something healthy?"

Conditions such as anemia, high blood pressure, diabetes, celiac disease, etc. don't care if you are rich or poor. Anyone dealing with these and other health conditions can be laid-off, fired or furloughed on a moment's notice and can face hard economic times. A trip to the Food Bank may be their only choice to feed themselves and their families... only to find highly-processed foods that are high in salt, sugar or calories. 

 

Before you consider dropping off a case of Ramen Noodles, keep in mind that a single serving can have half the recommended daily allowance of sodium!

 

Before you consider dropping off a box of Macaroni & Cheese, ask yourself, "Do the majority of recipients at this location have the ability to cook the items donated?" They may not for reasons such as homelessness or disability. Where will they get the butter, milk, pan & stove?

Here are some alternative ideas to items that are typically donated:

 

Remember that Food Banks are also in need of hygiene products, diapers, wipes & toilet paper. And they will always accept CASH!

 

To know what your local Food Bank is currently in need of most, find their contact information HERE!

 

 

 

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899

Search for Homes Here

callteamlarson@gmail.com

America First Creates 0% Interest Furlough Assistance Loan for Federal Workers

"America First Credit Union is easing the burden of federal government employees affected by the shutdown, by introducing a special Furlough Assistance Loan. The personal loan of up to $3,000 will be made available to federal employees who have been furloughed due to the recent government shutdown."

Read more: KCSG Television  




Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation

@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT

Mortgage Interest Rates Edge Up at Wells Fargo Friday Oct 11 2013

 

"30 year fixed rate loan interest rates are being offered for 4.500% at Wells Fargo carrying an APR of 4.864%.  The best 30 year FHA fixed rate loans are on the books at 4.125% at the bank yielding a bit higher APR than the conventional loan of 5.285%.  15 year fixed rate mortgage interest rates at the bank can be had for 3.500% yielding an APR of 3.999% today." 

 

Read the full story on Finance Daily

Call me with questions or if you'd like to discuss your unique situation.

 

Julie Larson
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com
Free Consultation ~ No Obligation

@Home Realty Network
Sandy, UT

Amazing East Millcreek Remodel For Sale

3441 S 3650 E , Salt Lake City, UT 84109

 

$529,000

 

SEE PHOTO TOUR HERE

 

 

Call Julie to schedule a time to see it in person!

801-755-8899

 

 

Listed on the Wasatch Front MLS

MLS# 1182980

Julie Larson

801-755-8899

callteamlarson@gmail.com

Keller Williams South Valley Realty

What Does Deficiency Waived Mean?

So you've heard about Short Sales or maybe you are facing foreclosure? 

What does deficiency mean?

You bought a home for $200,000.
Your unpaid principal balance is now $175,000.

You i.e. lost your job, got a divorce, overwhelming medical bills, etc.
and have missed several payments.
Your missed payments, interest, penalties and attorney fees brings your total due to $190,000.

You need to sell.

Your property value has dropped to $150,000.

The bank verifies the value has dropped, then allows you to short sale.

You avoid foreclosure.

The deficiency is the difference between your total payoff  ($190,000)
and current market value ($150,000)
making it $40,000!

The bank can do two things with the deficiency balance:
1- File a deficiency judgment against you for the remaining balance.
2- Agree to waive the remaining balance in the terms of the short sale.

What you want the bank to say in the short sale approval letter is:

Call me to find out what the ramifications of deficiency mean to you, as the laws vary from state to state.

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here

callteamlarson@gmail.com

Short Sale in Utah

What is a short sale?

This definition comes from Wikipedia A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the balance of debts secured by liens against the property, and the property owner cannot afford to repay the liens' full amounts, and whereby the lien holders agree to release their lien on the real estate and accept less than the amount owed on the debt.^[1] Any unpaid balance owed to the creditors is known as a deficiency.^[2][3] Short sale agreements do not necessarily release borrowers from their obligations to repay any deficiencies of the loans, unless specifically agreed to between the parties. 

Okay, so what does that mean, really?

You bought a home for $200,000.

You lost your job, got a divorce, overwhelming medical bills, etc.

You need to sell.

Your property value has dropped to $150,000.

The bank verifies the value has dropped, then allows you to sell for $150,000.

You avoid foreclosure.

There are homeowners who have attempted to do this on their own, but banks really don't take them seriously. Most banks have changed their guidelines and it MUST be listed on an MLS with a local Realtor. The difference between a short sale vs foreclosure on your credit could mean several years before being able to buy again and be on your way to credit repair. In addition, many banks and even the government, are offering incentive programs to short sale, offering relocation assistance. It varies from bank to bank.

Think of it in terms of getting sick. You can take OTC medications for colds, have a first aid kit for cuts and scrapes, but if you have a heart attack, you're going to find the most experienced cardiologist you can find.

We have helped over 130 Utah homeowners avoid foreclosure and successfully short sale their home. Many clients have been able to repair their credit and they return to us to find them their next dream home.

Call or email me today for a free consultation.

Julie

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com

Kearns Home For Sale

 

$145,000

5957 W Jargon Cir, Kearns UT 84118

 

Short Sale PRICE APPROVED! The work has already been done with the bank, we just NEED AN OFFER!

 

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

1580 sq. ft.

0.17 Acres

2 Car Garage

 

Granite School District

Thomas W Bacchus Elementary

Thomas Jefferson Junior High

Kearns High School

 

View Photo Tour Here

 

Please call in advance to schedule a walk-through

 

Property is listed on the Wasatch Front Regional MLS with

Julie Larson

801-755-8899

Keller Williams South Valley Realty

MLS# 1140140

Provo Utah Townhome For Sale

 

 

Listed on Friday; Under Contract on Monday

(If you were debating whether it was a good time to list your home, it is)

 

GORGEOUS PROVO TOWNHOUSE 

$189,900

Don't wait to build. Your upgraded townhouse is here now! This townhouse delivers 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, bedroom-level laundry, formal living room, great room, office, two car garage and all the upgrades you're looking for...granite countertops throughout, stainless steel appliances, finished basement w/ storage and more! Great location: close to shopping, BYU and UVU. HOA includes high-speed internet, cable tv, and clubhouse with: theater room, workout room, game room, pool, and jacuzzi.

Rooms Include

• 3 Total Bedrooms
• Floor 2: 3
• 3 Total Bathrooms
• Floor 2: 2 Full
• Floor 1: 1 Half
• Other Rooms:
• Floor 2: 1 Laundry Rm(s);
• Floor 1: 1 Family Rm(s); 1 Formal Living Rm(s); 1 Kitchen(s); 1 Bar(s);
• Basement: 1 Family Rm(s);

Square Feet On Each Floor

• Floor 2: 740 sq. ft.
• Floor 1: 720 sq. ft.
• Basement: 280 sq. ft.
• Total: 1740 sq. ft.

Local Schools

• School District: Provo
• Elementary School: Westridge
• Jr High: Dixon
• Sr High: Provo

Lot Size In Acres

• Acres: 0.02

Interior Features Include

• Bath: Master
• Closet: Walk-In
• Dishwasher, Built-In
• Range/Oven: Free Stdng.
• Granite Countertops
• Floor Coverings: Carpet; Linoleum
• Window Coverings: Blinds; Draperies
• Air Conditioning: Central Air; Electric
• Heating: Gas: Central
• Basement: (95% finished) Partial

View Photo Tour Here

 

Contact Julie Larson if you'd like to see it in person:

801-755-8899

Keller Williams South Valley Realty

Listed on the Wasatch Front MLS # 1157983

 

 

Should I Short Sale my Home or Let it Foreclose?

Many homeowners will make every attempt to keep their home, once faced with financial difficulties. Borrowing from friends or family members; draining their savings; draining their retirement or children's college fund; long, tedious loan modification process, etc.

It's when the resources are all gone and they realize a loan modification is not going to happen, that homeowners face the decision to short sale or just let it foreclose.

Before you decide, there are several factors to keep in mind.

• Social Stigma - In a short sale, you are in control of the sale. You still get to decide which offer to accept and send to the bank. Your experienced agent is sensitive to the matter and will not put up a sign in your yard that reads "SHORT SALE" for all the neighbors to see. But the bank will have no problem at all posting "FORECLOSURE" if you walk away.
• Buying Again - Your dream is not over. Many homeowners who successfully short sale can buy in as little as 2-3 years down the road. For foreclosure, you're looking at 5-7 years!
• Credit - The late payments are going to be a big ding to your credit but did you know that some prospective employers will run a credit check and turn you away if he/she sees a foreclosure? The credit reporting on a short sale varies, but generally states, "Paid in full for less than balance owed" or it may say it's charged off.
• Incentive Programs - Since many banks are no longer participating in the government's Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program, some have come up with their own versions, offering homeowners relocation assistance. Before walking away, see what your bank has to offer.
• Deficiency - Whether you short sale or walk away and let it foreclose, the bank will issue you a 1099C for the deficiency. In a short sale, the deficiency will equal the remaining balance due under the mortgage note, after subtracting the amount of cash proceeds the bank receives from the closing of the sale. The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act was recently extended to December 2013 and your CPA or tax professional will be able to determine if you are eligible.

I have helped over 125 Utah families avoid foreclosure and find the solution that best fit their individual needs. If you know of anyone in this situation, have them give me a call and I will discuss their options at no cost and with no obligation.

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899

Search for Homes Here

callteamlarson@gmail.com

Buying A Short Sale? Read This First!!

Nothing is more frustrating for a short sale buyer than the wait time!! The seller is going through a tough, personal time and does not have the obligation to disclose the details, so even with regular updates, the buyer's agent is not always privvy to what's going on behind the scenes.

Your agent may only specialize in buyers and may not have ever worked with a bank on a short sale before. This quick guide will give you some insight as to things that can come up during the process, questions to ask your agent, things to do and things definitely NOT to do!

Save the anxiety and frustration by reading this first! ---> Buying A Short Sale

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here

callteamlarson@gmail.com

 

Fiscal Cliff Deal Includes Mortgage Debt Relief Act

MORTGAGE FORGIVENESS DEBT RELIEF ACT EXTENDED

 

In 2007, George W. Bush signed into effect the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act. President Obama extended it and it was set to expire December 31st, 2012.

Congress passed a bill to avert the fiscal cliff and it will become law when President Obama signs it. Included in the fiscal cliff deal is an extension of the Act for one more year.

This Act waived the tax liability that previously came with the forgiveness of debt that happens when a bank forecloses or a homeowner short sales their home and the amount owed is greater than what the home sells for.

The difference between these two numbers is considered forgiven debt and reported as income to the homeowner by the bank to the IRS.

Before the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, losing your home wasn't the biggest pain you'd feel. You might also have to pay taxes on the forgiven debt as though it were income!

If I were facing foreclosure or if I owed more than my home is worth, I’d want to explore my options ASAP for two very important reasons.

1.  I want to resolve the forgiven debt situation before the end of 2013 so I KNOW what my tax bill will be (before the end of the year it’s GUARANTEED to be zero**).

2.  I understand supply and demand. The closer we get to the end of the year, the more the media will talk about the looming tax bill for homeowners and people will be frantically looking for help to avoid these taxes.  The last thing anyone wants is to owe the IRS taxes. The well informed will have explored their options and put in motion solid plans.

I’ve helped over a hundred homeowners over the past 5 years strategically avoid foreclosure. I’ve also helped a few who have waited until the last minute, but honestly, the longer a homeowner waits to get help, the fewer options they have & the more difficult recovery can be.

If you or someone you care about owes more than their home is worth, even if they are in the process of working out a loan mod, or plan to stick it out, just to be safe, they should give me a call at (801)755-8899 and evaluate their options.

Sincerely,

Julie Larson
Realtor Utah
801-755-8899
Search for Homes Here
callteamlarson@gmail.com

**If you are covered by the MFDRA.