We are building it, they will come! Habitat for Humanity

Local friends, This community of 20 future homes will be a serious blessing and foundation for so many families in need financially. It is a project that you can bring colleagues, friends or relatives to come throw on paint clothes, or pick up a nail gun (they're HEAVY!), string some electrical wire, install floor boards... the opportunities are endless and you know what? It feels GOOD to know how to do this stuff. I have loved it! The Kearns' FIELD OF DREAMS community needs your help this year (and next year). Contact me for more information, or go to: https://www.habitatsaltlake.com/how-to-help/volunteer to fill out a volunteer application and find work dates with availability. Come make a difference, work up a sweat and have fun all in one day!

Let's Get Caught Up!

I regularly read some fantastic tidbits of information related to our "homes" - many of which I want to share: exterior maintenance, trees and shrubs which flower or grow tall quickly, home maintenance, credit repair, how to pay off a mortgage sooner, staging your home, decluttering, finding peace at home, making warm, welcoming spaces without breaking a budget, (or breaking one if you want to!), etc.

My goal is to share something each week, Tidbit Tuesday, in honor of the alliteratory titles that we see constantly in this era of mass communications & catchy titles. If there is a topic you are interested in, please comment here. I'll track down the most interesting, most accurate information and gather it all here.

And if you'd like to create or share a Tidbit, please feel free to email me your article, photos, or experiences and I'll post them here!

robynsrealty@gmail.com

What is Earnest Money?

Earnest money is due shortly after a Buyer's offer on a home is accepted. There are some important questions to answer regarding "earnest money" --



How much do I have to put down?

When is it due?

Why do I have to put it down?
Is it refundable?
What if I change my mind (have concerns from the inspection), etc?

Where is it kept?

Who will protect it?
Can I get any of it back if I cancel?



Check out this video to find out the answers to these questions. As a buyer, you need to know all the ins and outs of earnest money--since it's your first investment in your new home.

Gated community in the Herriman hills

Model Home Monday:

Hey, happy Monday! I visited with my friend and fellow realtor, Gina Allen, at the newest Holmes Homes community. Holmes builds all over the valley, but this community is unique: it's gated, surrounded by mountain views and valley lights at night. Currently, Holmes is finishing basements of the ramblers--including in the price. Yep, true story. Come check them out!

What I love most are the views, the spacious floor plans, and the fact that you would live above the inversion, have incredible views of the Wasatch front of mountains...as well as a community pool, parks and trails. The privacy of a gated community is attractive, too. I work and live close by and would love to introduce you to Gina. Let me know when you'd like to go see these homes!

Meet J Craft Homes: Custom Builder in Utah

Model Home Monday:

This is one of my favorite custom builders in Utah. Why? Listen in.

I personally love their extremely spacious floor plans, custom finishes, huge ramblers (I'm a fan of ramblers) and attention to detail. They will allow you to create the floor plan of your choice using one of their many (I'm talking, many) floor plan designs. They are always featured in the Parade of Homes, but they do have an open model home in South Jordan that you can go visit. Currently, they are working on a gorgeous townhome project in St. George! I'm totally up for owning in the sunny spot of our great state. Contact me if you'd like to get more information! And meet my tallest friend, Lory, who works with J Craft in South Jordan. 

Brighton Homes: Will customize at terrific prices!

Model Home Monday Tour:

This fantastic builder has ventured down from Davis & Weber counties to the Salt Lake valley. I have always loved their exquisite layouts which feature large great rooms, walk in pantries (heaven for many of us) and 2nd story gathering rooms/lofts. Brighton Homes will build at a fabulous price ($300s to $400s depending on size, upgrades and lot). You can check them out here:

If you live north of Salt Lake City, please check them out! In the SLC area, they are building in Herriman near the high school and will be building in West (west) Jordan in 2018. If you want to customize some spaces, or have a mudroom, move the pantry, or create your own look and feel, in most cases, they can and will do it! I'd love to show you this builder, anytime! Call me 801-696-6900!

Herriman, UT (my home town) will definitely be on the map in a major way very soon! Salt Lake Community College is building a large campus in Herriman and now, REAL Soccer Salt Lake has announced that they will also be building the biggest, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient Soccer Training Facility in Herriman. City council member, Nicole Martin, accurately shared, "It is rare yet incredible that a successful entity such as RSL shares our city's vision for creating a family-friendly, world-class destination, and now we become essentially a 'soccer-topia' to hone athletic and academi skills for decades to come."

Additionally, a new 90-acre STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Charter School will be attached to the soccer complex develped by Utah State University. With multiple soccer fields inside and outside, some turf and some grass, this facility will the largest of it's kind in the United States. A non-profit called "RSL Youth Academy Foundation" plans on creating "regional training centers" throughout Utah, scheduled to open in North Logan, Odgen and West Valley City, to be followed by facilities opening in Orem and St. George down the road.

Click below for the full article and 2 featured videos with details about the complex scheduled to open next year, 2017!

KSL article & video

Early Spring Maintenance Tips

Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.

Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.

Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.

Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.

Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Charming, stylish townhome on the market for under $200,000

NEW LISTING!

MLS 1364059

Charming townhome

Stylish

Hardwood floors throughout main level

Huge bedrooms

Storage rooms and huge laundry room

Quiet nook of this community

Backs up to playground, pond and basketball courts

Priced at $188,900

Will go FAST!

Murray

Close to I-15 and I-215

Shopping/retail, hospitals, restaurants & Fashion Place mall

Call me for details!

801-696-6900

Fabulous new home listed!

 Herriman's Rosecrest Charmer

Built in 2012

New carpet

Gorgeous laminate wood floors

Newer neighborhood

Main floor living, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths

Finish spacious basement as you like!

See more on my webpage: www.robynsrealty.com

under "Featured properties"

Contact me to set up a showing or for more details!

801-696-6900

One of my favorite "how to" articles for a new, or seasoned, homeowner. I have had friends teach me some of these tips, but the internet has been such a great way to learn how to fix anything! This link leads to the article on Better Homes and Gardens page on how to take care of "easy fixes" like,

Clean grout

Tighten a countertop

Fix broken tile

Fix torn vinyl flooring

Fix a scratch on wood cabinets

How to paint a room

Updating worn out or dried caulk

Tightening plumbing of a dripping faucet

Click below for some basic instructions. GOOD LUCK!

Easy Home Repairs That You Can do

Tax breaks for home owners

You often hear about the tax advantages of home ownership vs. renting. Here is a great article that explains why and how to take advantage of it. The following video will illustrate how owning a home is helping people save money.

http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/tax-deductions/homeowner-tax-benefits/?cid=eo_em_mkt_newsletter

Client Testimonials: Working Hard for my Clients

I feel grateful and happy to have helped so many awesome people buy and sell their homes and move forward towards new home-ownership goals. Assisting someone make the biggest investment, financially and emotionally, has many rewards--which make my job very fulfilling. My team has very detailed processes, so that nothing slips through the cracks; my amazing assistant works closely with me and our clients to ensure your experience is nothing but positive, comfortable and smooth. And we love to send out gift cards or theater tickets during the under contract period so that you can go celebrate the excitement of getting in to your new home :)

Closed on their new home today! 4/29/15

Here are some of what past clients, now friends, have shared on various websites, that I'd like to share, for anyone who wants to know how their experience with me will go:

• • Jason & Nan D. reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 03/26/2015
   
  • Helped me buy a home

  She is a pleasure to work with. Enthusiastic, positive, easy to talk to and she makes you feel very comfortable. She did her homework and did her best to try and understand and find the things we were looking for in a home. I highly recommend her.

•     

      
  • Silma & Nick B. reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 03/19/2015
   
  • Helped me sell a home

  Super positive!!! Robyn didn't let us give up. I'm very grateful for all her work and would work with her again. Thanks to her we sold and found a new home.

•     

      
  • Darla R. reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 01/22/2015
   
  • Helped me buy a home

  Robyn was wonderful to work with !! We looked at many homes in different neighborhoods. She was not only patience, BUT helped me take notes on my likes, dislikes, and needs. She remembered every home to the last detail and made notes of my comments as we went through. I absolutely loved working with her. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting a delightful, smart, and fun realtor to work with. Thank you Robyn for helping me find just the right home, in the perfect neighborhood. I consider her a trusted friend :)

•     

      
  • D. and J. Bainbridge reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 01/15/2015
   
  • Helped me buy a home

  Robyn helped us look for just the right house. She met with us several times and was very patient. As soon as we found the right one we quickly listed our current home with her and we had an offer in 6 days. Everything went smoothly with both transactions. I highly recommend Robyn. We would choose her again.

•     

      
  • S.K. Colton reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 01/12/2015
   
  • Helped me buy a home

  I have worked with a few different real estate agents and Robyn is by FAR the best agent to have at your side. Many agents care only about the big sale and moving you quickly through the process and Robyn actually cares about you, what you want and what will work best for your family. She is a honest and intelligent agent that knows the area, has great contacts and will definitely meet your needs.

•     

      
  • Lucy & Mark K. reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 01/10/2015
   
  • Helped me buy a home

  We found Robyn to be a delightful blend of professionalism and personality and highly recommend her as someone who will be there as your personal guide to a great real estate transaction. She was very helpful in getting right condo for us in the South Jordan area. Robyn is very thorough with her work, very responsive, cares more about what you want rather than getting you to just buy, she is very patient - knows her real estate market.

• 
  
• 
  
•     

      
  • Lakshmi S, Simhadri reviewed Robyn Buckwalter
   
  • 01/08/2015
   
  • Helped me buy a home

  Robyn is an excellent agent to work with, she will gauge your interests and will spend as much time possible to find you a right home. She is eager, enthusiastic and never backs down even if something doesn't work out.
  

  

  We love throwing as many client appreciate parties as possible throughout the year. We'd love to see your at our next Pulled Pork BBQ & Waterslide party or our next Bowling Night. How about the Stars Wars (Dec 2015) movie night?!
  

Client Appreciation Night: We Scored!

We rented out the new bowling alley in Riverton last month and invited hundreds of our past clients to come bowl on us, bring their families and friends, eat pizza and sip sodas. What a blast!! This will be an annual spring event for our team and we hope to see more of our awesome clients, now good friends, come and enjoy a night out. We really had more fun visiting with so many great people we met  through real estate. What a fabulous job--because it creates such wonderful friendships.

If you missed it, please stay tuned for our next Client Appreciate event: Annual Summer BBQ and 150 foot Slip-n-Slide!

Spring & Summer in Utah: Awesome UT Bucket List

The weather is on its way to being warm for many months; the sun is staying out later, the outdoors is calling. Whether you're new to Utah, or have lived here for many years, like I have, there are always new places to see, things to do, and outings to go on. I want to use this site as my "Utah Bucket List" and see where this takes my family this year.

Check out this great article in 24 Salt Lake on attractions throughout Utah:

Water: lakes, waterfalls, skiing, boating
Mountains: hiking, flowers
Trails & Hiking
Nature: Uintas, Southern Utah: Zions, Cedar Breaks, etc
Adventure: Ropes courses, ziplines, indoor surfing, etc

http://www.24saltlake.com/utah-is-awesome/fun-things-to-do-spring-summer-utah/

Creative Culinary Blog

Couldn't help sharing this fabulous culinary blog--which always has outstanding meals, desserts, rolls (check latest entry on Garlic Cheesy Rolls) http://www.dealstomealsblog.com/2015/01/garlic-ranch-cheddar-rolls.html

The cute creator of the blog (and the chef) lives close by and her family have some true talent in the kitchen. I've been lucky enough to try some of their homemade syrup (I love breakfast foods!) and also some of their cookies and cupcakes. Delish!

These rolls are on my list this week!

These woman lists great case lot sales, post recipes, and will send you weekly recipes for meals as a paid subscription if you like. I like all the help I can get in the kitchen when it comes to meal prep. and recipes. Thanks, ladies!

The Secret to Getting Organized: Declutter!

One of my favorite blogs, The Inspired Room, shared this as we enter a new year: 

Here’s the real secret to getting organized:

When we feel overwhelmed and think we need to get better organized, usually what we really need to do first is declutter.

The less we have, the easier it is to find what we need.

The less we have, the less time we will spend maintaining and cleaning things.

The less we have, the less money we will spend buying new things we don’t need that will end up cluttering up our closets and cabinets even more.

The less we have, the more we will enjoy what we do have.

The less we have, the less “organizing” we actually have to do.

So while it’s probably the least fun part of organizing and the most stressful, decluttering is really the most rewarding and important step of all. I have felt so much peace and a "lightness" after decluttering. It is also one of the BEST WAYS to prepare to sell your home! You will get more money and sell in quicker amount of time than a cluttered home, where corners, shelves and closet floors are jam-packed. 

HOW TO DECLUTTER:

A Bag a Day Keeps the Clutter Away…How's that for a mantra?

1. Pick whatever clutter category (sample categories I plan to use are below) you are most inspired to work on first. You don’t have to follow the monthly format, choose whatever works best for you.

2. Each category also suggests an area of the house or room to focus on, but adapt it all to suit your home and needs.

3. Tackle each area/category by filling up at least one bag per area and donating it (or dispose of trash.)

4. Keep on going every day, each month, even into the next year, eliminating the excess, until your home is clutter free! Keep up the bag per day concept (even if your bag gets much smaller!) to keep any clutter from sneaking back in. :)

5. Just say NO to more clutter coming in. You will get better at saying no to clutter as you see the results of your hard work! Be firm about it so you can break the cycle of TOO MUCH STUFF.

Here are a few decluttering tips:

1. The important thing is identifying the clutter hot spots that you need to focus on with “gazelle intensity” (a good ol’ Dave Ramsey phrase) each month– and then make it a mission to get it done! Even if you only have a few minutes a day to declutter, it all adds up.

2. To reach your organizing goals, you’ll have to commit to consistency in decluttering.  Make it your goal to get rid of as much as you can in each category, donating at least one bag of stuff at a time, can until there is NO clutter left like it. Then you can move on to the next category! Don’t worry about organizing it as you go, just get rid of stuff. Organizing can happen along the way if it makes sense, or save it for later, just try to stay focused on ridding your home of a bag of clutter a day.

3. Only keep what you actually use or need. Be ruthless and focused on the end goal, a clutter-free home and the peace that will come with knowing where everything is and having nothing in your home you don’t use or love!

4. Even if you think you *might* need something down the road, just let it go unless it’s precious to you. If it’s not precious, it’s not worth keeping for “just in case.” Only keep what you really love or actually use on a regular basis.

5. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. It might take you a year, or more, or less, depending on how far along you are in the decluttering journey already. But you will see progress!

This “Bag a Day” plan isn’t a declutter project that you start on New Years and work on for a few weeks and then quit, it is about developing the habit of finding joy in a clutter free home.

TWELVE MONTHS OF DECLUTTERING A BAG A DAY

JANUARY:

Clothes, bags, shoes, accessories {including seasonal items}, dressers, closets, nightstands, Master bedroom.

FEBRUARY:

Papers, files, calendars, office drawers, command centers. Home office.

MARCH:

Beauty products, medicine cabinets, bathroom cabinets. Bathroom.

APRIL:

Linens (towels, sheets, blankets) and cleaning supplies. Laundry room and linen closets and under sinks or anywhere you store cleaning supplies.

MAY:

Pots, pans, dishes, kitchen electronics, pantry items (spices, food, baking items), kitchen cabinets. Kitchen and Pantry.

JUNE:

Books, magazines, DVDs, electronic devices, games. Family rooms.

JULY:

Tools (yard tools, ladder, power tools, hardware, cleaning tools), project materials and supplies on garage shelves. Garage, tool bench and storage areas.

AUGUST:

Keepsakes (sentimental, photos, albums) and kids’ drawings and mementos. Closets and bookshelves, anywhere mementos are stored.

SEPTEMBER:

Other family members’ clothes and kids’ toys.  Closets, bedrooms, playrooms, school supplies.

OCTOBER:

Hobby supplies (sewing, crafts, gift wraps, gift cards, etc.). Craft cabinets or closets.

NOVEMBER:

Decorative items {seasonal, decorative, furniture, extra items you don’t need}. Wherever you store excess. Garage, Basement.

DECEMBER:

Christmas and holiday items, entertaining supplies. Basements, cupboards, garages.

Happy Decluttering! Come back and share in the comments how things are going for you, or post updates on your blog so we can see! You can share the link to a post in the comments, too, if you want to share your own journey. Thank you to The Inspired Room for inspiring myself and many others to free up space, time and energy in our daily lives & in our homes!!

A bag a day keeps the clutter away! 

New Loan limits for FHA / Current interest rates

FHA just announced the new loan limits for some of the counties in Utah starting 23 days hence.  It represents an almost 8% increase in Utah County and a paltry 1.5% increase in Salt Lake County.  The max loan amounts for Single Family Residences in the respective counties are $293,250 and $304,750 respectively. 

That means buyers can purchase homes up to $303,886 in Utah County and $315,803 in Salt Lake County and still only come up with a 3.5% down payment. 

Thirty year FHA loans are at 3.25% while Conventional 30 year loans are at 3.875%. 

Fifteen year rates are still at 3.0% (APR will generally be higher, depending on the loan and down payment amounts, and amortization term--as closing costs and the presence of mortgage insurance affect each loan differently.)

Contact me if you need the name of a fantastic mortgage officer / lender. You can typically get pre-approved in 24 hours. This helps us find you the right home and present a solid offer to the seller, by sending over your pre-qualification letter.

Let's go see some houses!

Discover Realty has a YouTube channel

Who doesn't love a feast?

I love looking for unique recipes for the usual holiday dishes. Love to try new sauces and herbs, which make all the difference! I found this blog this week--and it fits my two big loves: gourmet eating and healthy cooking, so I thought I'd share for any like-minded friends; or anyone who likes new recipes. I'm looking forward to trying many of these recipes in the coming week!

This chef has a slightly different take on Glazed Carrots and Green Bean Casserole, one that I love because it doesn't used any canned products; all frozen or fresh, with lots of little additions that create a savory, (and even healthy) dish! Here's the link to Katie's brilliant culinary website: Dashing Dish and this recipe:

Skinny Green Bean Casserole

If you're looking for other recipes, from turkey to dessert to beverages, check out her cooking blog.

Have a fabulous week celebrating life, bounty, loved ones and delicious food :)