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Text messaging comes to real estate*
2008-03-12 17:18:00
Gone are the days when text messaging was just a fun way for teens to communicate to each other. Text ing has seeped into our families and businesses in a way that many people never thought it would. Even the real estate business is adapting to utilize texting beneficially. I recently stumbled upon a company ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Text messaging comes to real estate*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /text-messaging-comes-to-real-estate.html " });
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real , Text Messaging

Ivory Homes? ?Highbury at Lake Park? looks promising*
2008-03-12 02:11:00
Back in 2002 when I worked in the Lake Park business complex, I would look out the window at the golf course and open space and think what a nice spot it would be for a little subdivision of homes. Well it turns out that Ivory Homes thought the same thing as me. ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Ivory Homes’ ‘Highbury at Lake Park’ looks promising*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /ivory-homes-highbury-at-lake-park-looks- promising.html" });

Suncrest experiencing some growing pains*
2008-03-11 18:01:00
The Suncrest development atop Traverse Ridge in Draper is experiencing some growing pains. Suncrest’s developer, Suncrest LLC, has failed to meet its loan obligations with Zion’s Bank, which may result in them having to abandon the development altogether. I don’t know if there has been any recent news announced, but as of today, ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Suncrest experiencing some growing pains*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /suncrest-experiencing-some-growing-pains .html" });
More About: Growing , Growing Pains

The 2008 Utah television ads promise to bring even more vacationers to the
2008-03-10 18:10:00
Last year, Utah tourism advertisements did much better than expected. This year, they’re changing the message a little in hopes to bring even more people to the state. Last week, the Salt Lake Trib reported that March will see the beginning of the Utah tourism advertisements, directed at various states and cities around the country. ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The 2008 Utah television ads promise to bring even more vacationers to the state*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /the-2008-utah-television-ads-promise-to- bring-even-more-vacationers-to-the-state. html" });
More About: Television , Promise

A little recession talk*
2008-03-08 01:57:00
I just read an article in Business Week about whether we Americans are talking ourselves into a recession. The author argued that the media can’t make a good economy into a bad one, but maybe it can drive a struggling economy down even further. Well I think that’s obvious. I know what kind of ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "A little recession talk*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /a-little-recession-talk.html" });
More About: Talk , Recession

My favorite homes in Salt Lake City (1)*
2008-03-07 18:07:00
Many people I know have mentioned the McCune mansion as a place they admire as one of the gems of Salt Lake City , but few know it by that name, or know the history of the place. It truly is one of my favorite homes in Salt Lake. During the summer, when the ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "My favorite homes in Salt Lake City (1)*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /my-favorite-homes-in-salt-lake-city-1.ht ml" });
More About: Homes , Favorite

The Spring Home & Garden Festival starts today at the South Towne Expo Cent
2008-03-06 18:03:00
Today is the first day of the 60th Annual Salt Lake Tribune Spring Home & Garden Festival at the South Towne Expo Center. Now that the weather is warming up just a little and the sun is coming out more often, people start to think about what needs to be done around the house and yard. ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Spring Home & Garden Festival starts today at the South Towne Expo Center*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /the-spring-home-garden-festival-starts-t oday-at-the-south-towne-expo-center.html" });
More About: Today

I-15 at the point of the mountain gets the shaft*
2008-03-06 01:23:00
It looks like I-15 between 12300 South and Lehi will not receive a much needed expansion. Instead, so that we don’t exceed our bonding limits, the freeway expansion will start in Lehi and extend to Spanish Fork. A generous sum to the tune of $1.8 billion will be spent on the project. Although I’m kind of ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "I-15 at the point of the mountain gets the shaft*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /i-15-at-the-point-of-the-mountain-gets-t he-shaft.html" });
More About: Point , Mountain

You are now reading a Junior High School level blog*
2008-03-05 18:20:00
Here’s some news for readers of this blog - I write at a junior high school level. Maybe someday I’ll reach the coveted ‘Genius’ level, but for now I guess you all will have to throw aside your advanced reading skills and bear with me. But you know, instead of harboring bitterness at not being a member ...SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "You are now reading a Junior High School level blog*", url: "http://theutahrealestateblog.com/2008/03 /you-are-reading-a-officially-junior-high -school-level-blog.html" });
More About: Reading , Blog , High School

Trulia Voices reveals what buyers and sellers are thinking
2008-01-20 07:26:00
I really like the Trulia Voices feature of Trulia.com because I think it reveals a lot about what people are really thinking about real estate. If you're not familiar with Trulia Voices, it's where people post real estate questions on the site for all to see, and then other people or real estate agents can answer those questions. A few days ago, there was a comment/question asked here in Utah that was interesting to me. A woman commented that she was considering selling her vacation home, but she didn't want someone to "just list it". I assumed that by this she meant that she wanted an agent who would do more than just put a sign in the yard. I think that this woman speaks for many buyers out there when she acknowledges that real estate is moving in a direction where sellers want an agent who has a complete marketing plan that includes heavy internet advertising and attractive marketing pieces. This may seem obvious to many, but the fact that she said it indicates to me tha...
More About: Sellers , Buyers , Thinking

Opening weekend of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival
2008-01-17 18:22:00
It's that Sundance time of year again in Utah. You know, a time when certain Salt Lake City-ites rush en-masse to Park City to perhaps get a five second glimpse of their favorite Hollywood star. Well, if not their favorite Hollywood star, then at least someone in their top 20. Ok, any star will do. But that's not the only reason to be excited for what begins this weekend. There's the movies too. Tonight is officially opening night, and attendees will be viewing the world premier of In Bruges, a story of two London hit-men in Belgium. Afterwards at 10:00, at the Legacy Lodge, the opening night party will take place. The good news for those of us in Salt Lake, is that the Salt Lake City Gala Screening happens tomorrow night at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center at 6:30. Those attending will view the world premier of 'The Great Buck Howard', a film about a law school dropout who answers an ad to be a celebrity's personal assistant. There will be an dessert reception afte...
More About: Film , Festival , Opening , Weekend , Film Festival

I'd like to thank my real estate agent, my mortgage broker, my home builder
2008-01-17 02:43:00
Low unemployment rate - check. Job growth - check. Income growth - check. Good median household income - check. And finally, decent cost of living - check. Yes people, I am talking about Salt Lake City. We made number one on the Forbes "Best Cities for Jobs in 2008" list! What an honor. We accept.
More About: Agent , Estate , Real Estate , Real Estate Agent , Home

Who is the real pig? You decide.
2008-01-16 18:37:00
I watch the Glenn Beck program every so often because sometimes he makes some very astute observations about our nation's housing situation. I agree with some of his statements and disagree with others, but last night he talked about something that really made me sit up and pay attention. First he talked about the many foreclosures that we are seeing, and will see, in the United States, because of some of the crazy lending practices that put unqualified people into homes of their own. But what's crazier than that is what some people are doing to get even with the bank for kicking them out. He showed a bunch of pictures of homes that had been trashed by the owners, just so they could 'stick it to the man'. Would you believe that one guy let loose three pigs in his house, without food or water, and let them wreak their havoc?! Glenn showed pictures to prove it. This is unbelievable to me! What happened to decency? Are these people completely lacking in the common courtesy ...
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2008 Utah Real Estate Forecast
2008-01-15 00:21:00
For those people who will be home buyers or sellers in 2008 , an understanding of Utah 's market projections is absolutely essential. For this reason, I'm encouraging everyone to read the forecast for 2008. You can view it below.As people in Utah are quick to point out these days, real estate conditions are local first. Unfortunately, many buyers and sellers here listen to the national media and assume that Utah fits all the descriptions that the media gives. This is a big mistake, and every Utahan needs to focus on what is happening HERE first.Read the report carefully, and use it as a tool to clear up potential misconceptions that your friends and family might have about our real estate market. Everybody will benefit from a united effort to understand the realities of our market.2008 Utah Real Estate ForecastWhile the nation weathers storm after storm of housing-related problems, real estate markets in only a few states are holding out with partly cloudy or sunny skies. Lucky...
More About: Real Estate

5.00% APR vs. 0.20% APR. Hmmm, which one should I choose?
2008-01-12 18:22:00
A short while ago, a client of mine asked me if in my course of communication with mortgage and financial professionals, I had received any advice about alternatives to regular bank savings accounts. They purposely wanted to know about higher yielding savings accounts, because while not immune to risk, these accounts are on the safer side, relatively speaking. Let me say first that I am in the business of real estate, so I won't instruct you on areas outside my field of expertise. Nonetheless, I did a little research and asking around so that I could answer my client, and I found that online savings accounts offering in the area of 4-5% rates are much more easily found now than a few years ago. This sight caught my attention. You will see a list of banks and financial institutions, their offered rate, minimum deposit, and user comments. Be aware that these user comments are by no means proofs of account stability or lack thereof, they are merely statements of a few peoples exp...
More About: Choose

My blog design facelift
2008-01-12 17:28:00
I've finally arrived at a point where I think my new blog design satisfies me. The reason for the change was that I didn't think the previous orange theme had anything to do with Salt Lake City, nor real estate, nor me. I wanted something simpler, so my readers could focus on the content and not be so distracted by bold colors. So I've opted for something much simpler. I chose the salt shaker as my trademark icon because this is a SALT Lake City Utah real estate blog, and because it pleases my minimalist senses. I am thinking of more ways to incorporate it into the blog, but I'll worry about that later. So I hope you like it better than the old design, and now I'll get back to my regular postings.
More About: Design , Blog , Facelift

Contact Me
2008-01-12 08:06:00
If you need to ask me anything at all, I can be found at nathanblair@remax.net. If you an over the phone kind of person, and you don't need to sell me anything, call me at 801-455-0843.
More About: Contact

Sites I like
2008-01-11 16:06:00
Utah Resources * Deseret Morning News * Official Website of the State of Utah * Salt Lake Magazine * Ski and Snowboard Utah! * The Salt Lake Tribune * The University of Utah * Utah Style and Design * Utah Travel IndustryReal Estate Resources * InmanWiki - The Real Estate Encyclopedia * RE/MAX * Search For Homes * The National Association of REALTORS * Utah Parade of Homes * Utah Real Estate GuideHome Resources * All Around Your House * Kitchens Direct * KT Hardwoods * The Wood Floor Warehouse * Utah Build * Utah's Catering CompanyGeneral * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Coin Collector * Ebay * Newegg.com * Rich Dad * United States MintOther Blogs * Dr. Housing Bubble * Freshome * Hot Sauce Blog * Housing Panic * Las Vegas Real Estate * Lenderama * Mortgage Fraud Blog * OC Register * Real Estate Blogs * slcrealestate * The Phoenix Real Estate Guy * The Real Estate Tomato...
More About: Sites

Changes coming
2008-01-11 07:37:00
This blog will be undergoing some changes in the next little while, so if you see things that seem like they don't belong, know that it's just temporary and that my finished product will hopefully be here before too long.

A closer look at Salt Lake condo prices
2008-01-09 18:00:00
A few days ago, a local agent told the Deseret News that condo prices in Salt Lake City surged up in 2007. This piqued my curiosity, so I went and pulled some condo sale numbers for the past few years to see the numbers for myself. It is interesting, so I'll share. These are numbers from Salt Lake County only.Yes it's true that prices have risen. Just look at how many more sold in the $750+ range in 07-08 than in previous years. But there are still plenty of affordable condos out there. When you read the paper you usually see the brand new, fully upgraded complexes, and you are led to believe that that's all there is anymore. Quite to the contrary, the price ranges with the highest numbers of solds are $120-139,900, $140-$159,900, and $160-179,900. If I were looking for a condo, those numbers would seem pretty reasonable to me. If you are being drawn to certain parts of the "new" downtown, expect to pay more because those condos will be new and in high demand. City living i...
More About: Condo , Closer , Prices

The Aussies know something about profiting from our senior citizens
2008-01-09 01:19:00
Today I read that Australian investors are doing big business in the senior's housing market. The reason why should be obvious, but my question is, are Americans also positioning themselves for the profit that will inevitably come from senior oriented businesses?The Aussies aren't doing so well by just luck. Perhaps they know, and we do too, that in the not so distant future our baby boomers will present an opportunity where some money may be made. Ask yourself which products the baby boomers will be using from now on, and then invest in those products. The same goes for real estate. The demand will only increase for senior living communities, so I think some real estate investing of that kind is in order. It may or may not be THE next big thing, but it will surely be a big thing.Vote if you like this blog
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Get some winter curb appeal
2008-01-08 03:06:00
I've noticed lately here in the Salt Lake valley that home buyers are starting to shake off the hesitancy that has delayed them for a number of months. I think many buyers are simply getting out there and looking at more homes. But are they really getting "out there", meaning outside in the bitter cold? While most will choose to stay inside and look at homes online from the comfort and warmth of their home, some are out there in the snow touring homes like it was summer. Home sellers would be wise to remember this. *Just because it's cold out, doesn't mean you can let your home's exterior go unkempt.* Curb appeal is still important, even in January. So if you are a seller, why not use this to your advantage? Why not make your home have the best winter curb appeal of any house on the block? Here is an idea. Put small Christmas lights around your yard sign so that it will be seen at all hours of the day. Or how about putting up three times more directional signs than you ...
More About: Winter , Curb Appeal , Appeal

Utah mountains
2008-01-05 03:21:00
I walked outside today in the late afternoon, looked to the east and saw this sight that I just had to take a picture of. Yes it looks freezing cold, but how stunning! Vote if you like this blog
More About: Mountains , Utah

More new restaurants coming to Utah in 2008
2008-01-04 19:04:00
It has happened about five times now. In the past few months, that is the number of times that I have received calls from people wanting to make reservations for The Cheesecake Factory. I laugh when it happens, and explain to them that I merely wrote a blog post about The Cheesecake Factory; I don't actually work there. Someone suggested to me that I start taking the reservations, but I'm not sure that would be a good idea. Anyway, following the success of TCF, there are already a few other restaurants lined up to move into Utah in 2008 . Among them are El Pollo Loco, coming to Lehi in April, and In-N-Out Burger coming to Washington in April. Corner Bakery and Sunflower Farmers Markets are also moving into Salt Lake City this year. I can't honestly say that I get excited when more fast food companies come to our state (I was shaken after seeing the movie where the guy's body almost shuts down after eating McDonalds for a month or so, and after hearing about 'Fast Food Nat...
More About: Restaurants

A few thoughts on money and education
2008-01-04 02:54:00
Today I listened to a wonderful speech by a financial counselor about retirement, saving, investing, the real estate market, and a few other things. He went into a lot more than I could get into here, but I wanted to mention parts of it because it made me think. Two things stood out to me. He first showed some charts that showed how America's economy has historically followed it spending. Nothing new there, but he went on to talk about all the things we buy and how many people retire with no money but with a house full of stuff. How true that is, but it doesn't have to be that way. We don't have to be a nation of spenders. I can't change the nation, but I can change me. I can be a saver and an investor. That is what struck me most about that part of the speech. One person or family at a time, the habit of unnecessary spending can stop, and responsible saving and investing can take its place. He also made a good point about Americans and education. While I don't know...
More About: Education , Money , Thoughts

If you are facing foreclosure, consider your options first
2008-01-02 18:08:00
This morning I read that Utah's foreclosure numbers are up for November. We had 981 filings, which puts us at number 17 in the nation for total filings. That number translates to one foreclosure for every 890 homes in Utah. This news isn't good of course, so I would like to point you readers to a resource that could keep you out of foreclosure. If not you, then you might have friends or relatives that are in trouble with their mortgages. If so, do them the favor of sharing this resource. Follow this link, and you'll find a page at the National Association of REALTORS website that shares some information on where to go and what to do if you are in trouble. There a help hotline where you can work to find a solution to your problems. There is also a brochure that will help you understand your options and how to avoid losing your home. There is information about credit counseling and subprime lending. I've looked through most of the links on that site, and I think it is ver...
More About: Foreclosure , Options , Facing

Become more social this New Year
2007-12-28 20:29:00
ATTENTION: This post is directed to those who have little to no experience with social networking, blogging, and the like. If you know all this stuff already, share it with someone who doesn't. If you are into new years resolutions, I have one that I think people could benefit from. Would you like to keep in better touch with people you haven't seen in a while? Or family members who live out of state? Or would you like to keep in touch with business colleagues or potential clients? If you would like to be better in any of these areas, then I think this is the year that you should become more tech and networking savvy. If you are reading this blog then chances are that you are already somewhat familiar with the web and what it has to offer. If that's the case, then you should share this information with those people close to you who don't know what it's all about yet. I would start with Facebook. Everybody is on there. Moms, cousins, friends, work colleagues, you name ...
More About: Social , New Year , Year

Utah is third for population growth
2007-12-27 18:52:00
Love it or hate it, Utah is now the third fastest growing state in the nation. If you hate it, the good news is that Utah still ranks 34th in terms of population compared with other states. If you love it, then you are either in real estate or maybe you just like crowds. Utah increased 65,795 from last year, a 2.6 percent change. I'm no statistician, but that seems even a little low. I would have thought the numbers to be higher, but that's me. Maybe it just feels like more when you are on I-15 every day. Who got the number one fastest growth rank? Nevada, with Arizona in second. Read it for yourself.Vote if you like this blog
More About: Growth , Pula

Your home deserves Obeo
2007-12-21 01:28:00
If you are trying to sell your home in this market, you already know that you need every competitive advantage that you can get. It's not enough for your home to look good, it has to be near perfect. It also has to show very well online, as that is where most buyers will begin their search - especially with it being too cold to go on the home tours we like so much in the summer. In my opinion, there is only one place to go when you need your house marketed online. That place is Obeo. When your agent is going through their plan to market your house, make sure that they have a relationship with Obeo and can have them out to your home immediately to get your home's website set up. Have a look for yourself. First imagine that you are online browsing for homes and you stumble upon your own home. What do you see? Three or four pictures? Or do you see an entire site dedicated to your home, with professional quality photos and virtual tours? If you are a buyer, your eye will ski...
More About: Home , Designer , Serve

New mortgage proposal from the Federal Reserve
2007-12-19 01:37:00
The Federal Reserve announced a proposal today that would change mortgage rules in an attempt to stop the unethical practices going on out there in the mortgage world. I applaud them for trying their best to help the people who got caught up in the whole sub-prime mess. It's a rotten situation, but here's a little of what they are proposing to fix it. First, it would make lenders consider more closely a buyer's ability to repay the loan with money other than that from the home's value. Next, the lender couldn't make a loan based on income or assets that it doesn't verify.It would then restrict pre-payment penalties only to certain loans; like conditioning that the penalty expire at least sixty days before any possible payment increase. It would also require that lenders create an escrow account for payment of property taxes and homeowners insurance.Here's a link to the article in the Wall Street Journal, where they go into much more detail.Vote if you like this blog
More About: Proposal , Mortgage , Prop