If you are one with a classically -themed living room or bedroom. The one way that you can keep the stylish look of your room, without that large modern looking TV on the wall is a lift system. Their are many ways to hide the modern looking Tv. Now you see it now you dont.

Enter Hot Homes of Utah’s weekly contest for a chance to win $100 gift certificate. (Hot Homes Contest Ends 2/23/08)

Then visit the BEDROOM SALE at The Black Goose Design for a chance to win an additional $250 - Feb 04, 2008 Thru Mar 01, 2008

It’s the sale you’ve been dreaming about. Save up to 35% on all bedroom case goods and beds! Also, enjoy spectacular savings on all mattresses and bedding. Enter to win a $250 gift card while you’re there.

Here are the most common questions I get asked when people are thinking about refinancing. The caveat with any of these is “It depends on your particular circumstances.” If in doubt, call me! We’ll talk about your specific needs.

Will I be in this house long enough to repay the costs of refinancing? 
At a 1% reduction in rate, it takes about 2 years to break even. So you need to be there longer than 2 years to make sense of it.

How much do I need to reduce my rate to justify the costs? 
A minimum of 1% on a 30 year loan and at least 2% on a 15 year.

Should I refinance my adjustable rate mortgage even though my rate is low?
Probably. Future rates will likely increase. Locking them in now is a good idea.

What about a “no-cost” loan? 
A “no-cost” refinance is simply hiding the costs in the interest rate. The reverse is paying discount points to get the “lowest rate in town.”

If my adjustable can be converted, should I convert or refinance? Which is the better deal?
In most cases the conversion rate is about the same as a “no-cost” refinance. So the longer you will be in the house, the more you should lean towards a full refinance.

What is the actual rate on my loan? Is it my APR? Where do I look to find out my actual rate?
The APR is the rate disclosed at closing that includes closing costs and prepaid interest. The actual rate on your loan is stated clearly on your ”Note.”

When should I lock in my loan? What is the best rate I can expect? When will the rates hit bottom?
The best time to lock is when you decide. But honestly, if I knew these answers, I’d be rich and retired in the Bahamas. Pick a reasonable target that works for you and LOCK. Unless you like to gamble.

What will I lose if I miss the bottom and don’t lock in and miss re-financing? 
The market is the market. If you are reducing either your note rate or your “net effective rate” by 1% or more, refinancing is worth considering.

What is “net effective rate”? How do I calculate it? Does it matter? 
Simply, that is the rate you are paying on borrowed money such as mortgage, second mortgage, auto loan, credit cards, credit lines, etc. If you can consolidate them all into a new mortgage with deductible interest you can save on both interest and monthly payments. Maybe even taxes! Calculate it by finding the average interest rate you are paying on all loans. (That can be a rude awakening!) Then compare that rate with what is available on a new mortgage.

How low is low enough?
It depends on your individual circumstances. See the previous paragraph on net effective rate.

Should I take equity out of my house to use for remodeling, paying off credit cards, second mortgages, or for investment or other personal needs? 
First, it depends on your current interest rate. Second, it depends on the net effective rate you would pay on a new mortgage or second mortgage. When it comes to using your equity for investment, only time will tell. How well you do on any investment depends on the investment made. Luck is a key factor. One thing is definite: the equity in your home is a non-earning asset. That means it is just sitting there doing nothing for you. On the other hand, you will want your house paid off when you are ready for retirement. A quick way to get there is to invest your equity to actually pay it off faster. This method is usually preferable to making extra payments. You will want to ask a good financial advisor for more information about this subject. This is the method used by the people pushing the “Debt Free” seminars.

Do I have enough equity in my house to eliminate mortgage insurance or change my FHA loan to a conventional? Will that save me money?
If you have been in your house for 5 years or longer, bought it under market value in the first place or remodeled or finished the basement, chances are good you will be able to eliminate mortgage insurance and maybe even get a refund from FHA.

How much will it cost to find out?
The only way you will know for sure is to get an appraisal done ($300) and a credit report run ($18).

What does it cost to refinance?
Generally, about the same as the loan you got in the first place. As a rule of thumb, the costs are about 2%-2.5% of your loan. The variable is the amount of your loan. The fixed costs are obviously a larger percentage of a small loan.

If you have other questions or just aren’t sure, contact me. I would love to hear from you and help you with these considerations. 
Thank you again for visiting,

 The Mortgage Coach

The following video compares the fire resistance of cellulose vs. fiberglass insulation.  The experiment was conducted by building three small housing structures.  One insulated with cellulose insulation, one with fiberglass insulation, and one with no insulation.  The Fire department ignited all three.  

The results may surprise you…

Video Provided By www.greenfiber.com 

As a long-term investment, homeownership is still one of the best investments for individual households.“Why” you may ask? After all, the headlines say the housing market is down and out, with defaults rising at an alarming rate, and mortgage markets so frozen that buyers can’t get a home loan at any price.What buyers need to realize is that housing markets, like all markets, inevitably have their ups and downs. And homeownership has a track record that is virtually unmatched by any other purchase in terms of its real benefits.Despite the turmoil in mortgage lending, if you have good credit, a job and steady income, you will find there is still plenty of mortgage credit to be had at good rates. For well-qualified buyers, rates are running at near historical lows.

Homeownership’s Real Value

Here are a few examples of why, dollar for dollar, homeownership is a solid stepping stone to a future of financial security and the single largest creator of wealth for many Americans.Over the long-term real estate has consistently appreciated, even through periodic adjustments in local markets in response to economic conditions.On a national level, home appreciation has historically increased 5-6 percent annually, report economists at the National Association of Home Builders.Five percent may not seem much at first, but here’s an example that will put it into perspective: Say you put 10 percent down on a $200,000 house, for an investment of $20,000. At a 5 percent annual appreciation rate, that $200,000 home would increase in value $10,000 during the first year. Earning $10,000 on an investment of $20,000 is an extraordinary 50 percent annual return.In contrast, putting that $20,000 down payment into the stock market and getting a 5 percent gain would only yield a $1,000 profit.

Compared to Stocks

Looking at it another way, over a longer period of time, if someone put $10,000 into the stock market in 1996, the average annual S&P return would make that investment worth $21,500 today—an increase of $11,500. The median home price in 1996 was $140,000.Today, that same home would have gained nearly $100,000 in value.Don’t miss out on the benefits of homeownership.

There’s a little over reaction regarding the Utah housing market, but there’s also some reality to it. The over reacting is that it’s a horrible time to buy a home in Utah, and that’s simply not true. If anything, it’s a home buyer’s market. The problems that we’re finding is that people aren’t being able to qualify like they used to be able to, and also people are trying to sell their homes, its taking them longer. So essentially if you have somebody who wants to buy somebody else’s home, they have to qualify and then the person trying to move up, they need somebody to be able to qualify. So its still a really good time to buy, its just taking longer. We’re almost back to some normalcy, actually, 2000, 2001, 2002 were you had you know if you wanted to sell your home or if you’re going to buy a home you had some contingencies. Well before I can buy yours, I have to sell mine. We’re seeing that again, but if you love a home and that’s where you want to be for 10, 20, 30 years, you should buy.

There’s no question about it … the red hot real estate market in Utah is slowing down.

Painful as it may be, this correction will, over time, make for a healthier market that’s less dependent upon speculators, sub-prime mortgages and double digit appreciation.

With all that being said…NOW is the time to buy…isn’t it?

Remember the old adage…buy low…sell high? And yet, the local and national media seem hell bent on convincing consumers NOT to buy a home.

Every day, there’s a steady stream of national stories in the local Utah media reporting the decline in home sales…and the accompanying decline in prices. This only serves to feed a self full-filling prophecy…creating a chilling effect in the market place.

Here’s the bone I have to pick. The media does a poor job of making the distinction between the national picture, and the local scene, which isn’t as dire as the real estate markets, i.e. Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada (ask Jason Eldredge from Newreach Marketing, an independent Salt Lake City research firm that compiles statistics on Utah real estate).

True, the Utah market has slowed. But not to the extent that it has on a nation wide basis.
We are still seeing appreciation in Utah real estate values. Instead of 20% appreciation, our rate may drop to 3-5%. The point is…HOMES ARE STILL APPRECIATING IN UTAH (unlike the situation in neighboring states). Mis-leading information only serves to adversely impact an industry that arguably encompasses 25-30% of our economy.

The real estate slow down won’t just affect realtors and builders/developers. Everyone who works in the trades or supplies materials is also feeling the affect. And those people will spend less on other products and services…like cars, clothing, entertainment, vacations, etc., etc., etc. The ripple affect is staggering.

And yet, the media continues to pour it on. Having spent a great deal of time working
in newsrooms, I understand the mind set. The editors who decide what is and isn’t “news,” have decided that the declining figures are important information that the public needs to know. But by the very definition of the term…these stories are not “news.” Real “news” regarding real estate will come when the market turns and improves.

The media can and does influence stories…and in this case, the media is making things worse. When Jim Cramer from MSNBC looks into the camera on the Today show and tells millions of viewers “don’t you dare buy a home…” he’s simply feeding a self fulfilling prophecy. So are the daily headlines of doom and gloom, which fuel the perception that this is not the time to buy real estate. In fact, the Utah economy is as strong as ever. Judging from the economic fundamentals in our state, real estate should still be going strong. And in many areas, it is. But you’d never know that from the news coverage, especially in the print media.

Will home buyers get a better price if they wait another 6-12 months to purchase? Maybe…and then again, maybe not. The same experts who advise investors not to try and “time” the stock market, are essentially telling home buyers to do exactly that. And while it’s true that home builders are making some concessions in price, and/or are offering greater incentives, nobody is going to give a home away and just hand someone the keys. Owners of existing homes will simply pull their homes off the market and wait for times to get better. And eventually, the inventory of homes in foreclosure will dry up too.

Real estate is still, at this moment, a good investment for the future…IF you’re willing to buy and hold the property. If you’re a “flipper,” and you want to turn the property in 30 minutes and make a $50,000 profit…no, real estate is not a good investment. Morale of the story? If you want and/or need to buy a home…pull the trigger and just do it. Hold on to the property for a couple of years, and judging from history, you’ll see an increase in your equity.

Listen to the media…and heed the headlines…and you’ll be just like those buyers a year ago who couldn’t write checks quickly enough to get in at the top of the market…and are now seeing a slight decline in the value of their property because they bought when prices were higher.

It will take some time for real estate to rebound and reach the same lofty heights we all enjoyed during the run up of the past few years. But it will take a lot longer if the media keeps piling on. Funny they don’t understand that they’re shooting themselves in the foot. If the media sends real estate into a deep recession, and the rest of the economy follows…guess who’ll see a decline in advertising revenues???

Don’t misunderstand…I’m not suggesting that the media paint a pretty picture. I’m not asking the media to mislead the public. What I am asking for, is for editors, reporters and writers to do a better job telling this story. Do a better job of interpreting the numbers and what they really mean. Accuracy should be the number one goal…especially when so much is at stake.

The public absolutely has a right to know…but the skewed stories coming out are only hurting the public even more. The media’s reporting on real estate isn’t making things better…it’s making it worse.

The winter holidays can be fun for the whole family, but make sure it’s not a dangerous time for your pet. Here are a few tips to protect your pet over the holidays.

D’em bones, d’em bones!
The holiday turkey or chicken will leave a lot of tantalizing bones, but don’t feed them to your Pet. Beware of steak bones, too. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.

Cut the fat
Those wonderful potato latkes, gravies, and poultry skin are high in fat and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset in Pets. If you want to treat your Pet, do it with a Pet treat rather than human food.

Keep Pets away from holiday plants
Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten. The lovely poinsettia may not be truly poisonous, but its milky white sap and leaves can certainly cause severe gastric distress. With so many hybrid varieties available each year, the best approach is to keep the plants out of your Pet’s reach.

Secure electrical cords
Holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Be sure you have cords secured and out of the way.

Watch lighted candles
Lighted candles should never be left unattended and that is especially important if left at kitty’s eye level or within puppy’s chewing zone. An exuberant tail, a swat of a paw, and candles and hot wax can quickly become disastrous. Anchor candles securely and away from curious faces and feet.

Practice tree safety
Make sure your tree is well secured. If you have a treeclimbing cat or large dog with a happy tail, anchor the top of the tree to the wall, using strong cord or rope. Clean up fallen pine needles that can be sharp enough to puncture your Pet’s intestines. Beware of preservatives often used in tree stand water that can cause gastric upsets. Avoid adding sugar or aspirin to the water.

Handle with care
Sharp or breakable ornaments, dreidels, and even aluminum foil should be kept out of reach. String objects, especially tinsel and ribbons, should be safeguarded at all costs. They are thin and sharp and can wrap around intestines or ball up in the stomach.

Pets feel stress, too
If you have company coming over, beware of open doors and sneaky Pets. Make sure your Pets have collars and tags on in case of escape. Ask guests to keep an eye out for Pets under foot and remind them sometimes your normally friendly dog or cat may be less than willing to deal with enthusiastic children and rooms full of unfamiliar people. Provide a quiet retreat with a blanket and fresh water for your Pets to relax to when the festivities get too stressful.

Safety tips provided by Banfield Pet Hospital

Support Meals on Wheels recipients and Pets in Need by ordering your 2008 Season of Suppers calendar. View and order the calendar through the Banfield Charitable Trust website.

A modern kitchen is far more than just a place to cook a meal.

Kitchens have become a place to gather as a family, entertain, socialize and for some a place to do home work. We are spending more time in the kitchen than ever before, it has to be a comfortable place to cook and spend time.

It is no wonder why homes today come equipped with large open kitchens that openly share space with family rooms and dining areas. Sorry, the days of closet corridor kitchens are over, it is time to upgrade that kitchen. It’s no secret a great kitchen can increase the value of the home and help in the resell also.

The modern kitchen not only is spacious, but also simple and free from clutter. You will not find kitchen appliances and gadgets sitting out on counter tops and decor elements are minimal.

When designing your kitchen take into account storage space for small appliances. If you need to keep appliances out pick one or two that you use daily. Keyword is daily. Most people do not use their Kitchen Aid mixer daily, so plan cabinets and storage that will accommodate such items.

Other items to consider:

Keep the kitchen design consistent. Modern is consistent and simple. When choosing large appliances for your kitchen keep them the same brand and style. Keep it all stainless steal, or keep it all black. Many cabinet makers today will also customize your large appliances to match the cabinetry.

Use glass in the design. Using frosted glass in your cabinet doors can create a very nice effect. Adding a light inside a glass cabinet will also make it pop and change the atmosphere of the kitchen. Try different combinations of cabinets, all glass or just a few to display fine china.

Update the lighting. Use can lights to accent certain areas such as the stove or sink and other main areas used in food preparation. Use a simple rope light or specially made under counter light to accent the cabinets and counter tops.

Lately there have been a lot of articles and reports about home sales the housing market. But how much of this information applies to Utah? New Reach Marketing, an independent firm which develops data to study and evaluate our local real estate market, warns the national stories are misleading.

Essentially what you’ll read, and if you bring up any paper or get on the internet, anything about real estate is everything is in the dumps and don’t ever buy again. And that’s just simply not true, now if you look at us and compare us to everywhere else, cause that’s what people love to do is compare, we are still very strong. We’re probably gonna see some areas go down in price but we’re not seeing these drastic price reductions that you see in Boise or in Las Vegas or things of that nature. So Utah compared to the rest of the country, we’re actually pretty good, and the reason I say that is a lot of the other areas, specifically surrounding us in the western states are negative as far as growth and appreciation, things of that nature, we’re not negative. We’re still appreciating. They sky’s not falling.