Thursday, November 12, 2009

Safety Tips to Protect Against Holiday Crime



 
Safety Tips to Protect Against Holiday Crime

 
The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing and enjoying family and friends. Unfortunately, it's also a season for criminals, who have more targets carrying extra money with lowered awareness.

 
But there are ways to protect yourself and to lessen your chances of a crime happening to you.

 
BASIC CRIME PREVENTION
  • Stay alert.
  • Keep your mind on your surroundings, who’s in front of you and who’s behind you. Don’t get distracted.
  • Walk purposefully, stand tall, and make eye contact with people around you.

 
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
  • If you feel uncomfortable, leave.
  • Personal Protection
  • Make yourself a "tough target."
  • Don’t think that it can’t happen to you.
  • Should you resist? Every situation is different.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • If being followed call 911 or drive to a police station

 
Home and Neighborhood
  • Good locks, simple precautions, neighborhood awareness, and common sense can help prevent most property crimes.
  • Install and use good deadbolt locks in your doors (half burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows).
  • Secure sliding glass doors with locks or a rigid wooden dowel wedged in the track.
  • Lock double-hung windows by sliding a bolt or nail into a hole drilled at a downward angle through the top of each sash and into the frame.
  • Trim back shrubbery hiding doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that could help a thief climb to the second story.
  • Make sure all porches, entrances, and yards are well lit.
  • Maintain the neighborhood. Dark alleys, litter, and rundown areas attract criminals.
  • Do not hide house keys in mail boxes, planters, under doormats or in other easy to find places.
  • Do not put personal identification on key rings.
  • Leave only your ignition key with mechanics or parking attendants, keeping other keys safe.
  • Install a peephole or viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
  • Do not trust door chains. They can be easily broken.
  • Don’t open the door to strangers. Insist service personnel verify their identity before letting them in.
  • Don’t give any information to "wrong number" callers.
  • Check references of any person calling about a survey or credit check before offering information.
  • Hang up immediately on threatening or harassing calls.
  • Make your home appear occupied when you go out
--Leave lights on and the radio playing.

 
--Keep your garage door closed and locked.

 
--Use timing devices to turn inside lights on and off.

 
--If you will be gone several days, arrange to have the mail and papers stopped or picked up. Many burglaries occur during the day when neighbors could report the thieves.

 

For more information http://www.roadandtravel.com/travelsafety/holidaycrime.htm

First Impressions: Get Instant Curb Appeal With These 10 Must-Dos

First Impressions: Get Instant Curb Appeal With These 10 Must-Dos

November 2, 2009 by Melissa Tracey · 2 Comments
Filed under: Curb Appeal, Staging Tips 
By Christine Rae, Staging Expert

stock art_curb appeal_colonial
The Internet is the first source for viewing a property for most buyers, even before talking to a real estate professional. That means curb appeal is important because they are “driving by” the listing, and you don’t know it.
Here are 10 things to consider when assessing the curb appeal of your listing:
1. Pressure wash siding, decks, and walkways.
2. Clean windows and gutters, and check downspouts.
3. Check the growth of trees and bushes–ensure they don’t block light from any window.
4. Kill any mold or mildew around the property.
5. Mow the lawn, eliminate weeds, and rake and dispose of leaves, especially if it’s a wooded lot.
6. Paint the front door. Color choice has a big impact–so you might want to get a professional’s advice.
7. Make the front entry sing “welcome”. The degree of what can be achieved depends on the size of entry and, of course, your budget. However, even minimal improvements will make a huge difference: Consider flowers, a new mailbox, hardware, lights, and house numbers.
8. Don’t forget the rear yard–buyers may attempt to see the back yard during a drive by, even from another street.
9. Outdoor lighting is a huge plus as 50 percent of viewings take place at night. Today we are fortunate to have access to inexpensive but tasteful low-voltage lighting. Consider placing lighting along the sidewalks, driveway, or attractive landscaping elements. Take extra care to ensure your front door and numbers are clearly visible from the street.
10. If the inside of the home is visible at night, be sure the interior lighting also enhances what is seen from the outside.
Remember: You never get a second chance to make a great first impression!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Tax Credit Extention


Here is the latest word on the extension of the federal tax credit.


The Homebuyers Tax Credit passed the last hurdle yesterday, as both the House and the Senate have passed the bill and it now awaits President Obama’s signature, expected today or tomorrow. Here are the details:

For first time Homebuyers (those who have not owned a home in the last three years) the tax credit is $4000 for singles with an income cap of $125,000. Couples get $8000 with an income cap of $225,000.

New - Current homeowners (those who have owned a home for five of the last eight years) now can take advantage of a credit! Singles, $3250 with a cap on income of $125,000 and Couples, $6500 with a cap on income of $225,000.

This should be a great help!

REPC must be signed by April 30th and must close by June 30th.

Military persons stationed outside of the US on official duty for 90 days during the period, Jan 1st 2009 and before May 1st 2010 will have eligibility extended for finding contracts signed before May 1st 2011 and closed before July 1st 2011.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The election are now over. One thing to remember is your vote DID count.

Your city or county can only goes has high as its leaders. Get in and support your leaders to take your dreams up over the top!!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Identity Theift - Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff


Utah Identity Theft

Utah Identity theft is when a criminal uses your name, social security number or other personal information to commit a crime for financial gain in the state of Utah. ID theft has become has become an epidemic in the U.S. and around the world, with millions of people becoming victims of identity theft each year.


Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff fights for the people of utah read more at his website http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/protecting_utah.html


Utah Loan Fraud
Types of Loan Fraud
Utah
All Locations
Business/ Personal / Student Loan
2.8%
2.6%
Auto Loan / Lease
1.6%
1.95%
Real Estate Loan
1%
1.2%
Unspecified
0.2%
0.2%
Total
5%
5%

Loan fraud comes in several forms. A thief using a victim's name to take out a loan is one form of ID theft. But, Utah loan fraud scams also include advanced-fee loan fraud scams, where criminals place fraudulent advertisements in newspapers or online, in which consumers are asked to call an 800 or 900 phone number to apply for a loan. The thief then says he can only approve the victim if they provide a small advanced processing free, usually around $300. The thief takes the money and runs. This scam is sometimes known as the Nigerian loan fraud scam, since the con artists often claim to be Nigerian government officials.
Back to top

Utah Bank Fraud
Types of Bank Fraud
Utah
All Locations
Existing Accounts
15%
8.5%
Electronic Fund Transfer
7.8%
6.6%
New Accounts
4.2%
3.6%
Unspecified
0.2%
0.1%
Total
16%
18%

Not every bank hires honest, upstanding employees. This means that a bank employee might use your personal information for his or her own financial benefit. He or she may use your identity to acquire credit cards or create new accounts in your name. “Phishing” is another Utah bank fraud crime that often involves a fraudulent online auction or online bank. Emails from these ID thieves may direct consumers to a counterfeit banking website. The information is then used to commit purchases or drain the credit card accounts of consumers.

Thursday, June 11, 2009



5 Things to Do Before You Sell:


Get estimates from a reliable repairperson on items that need to be replaced soon, a roof or worn carpeting, for example. In this way, buyers will have a better sense of how much these needed repairs will affect their costs.


Have a termite inspection to prove to buyers that the property is not infested.
Get a pre-sale home inspection so you’ll be able to make repairs before buyers become concerned and cancel a contract.


Gather together warranties and guarantees on the furnace, appliances, and other items that will remain with the house.


Fill out a disclosure form provided by your sales associate. Take the time to be sure that you don’t forget problems, however minor, that might create liability for you after the sale.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

First time home buyers



My 2nd home buyers seminar back by popular demand!!

  • where we will answering all your questions:
  • $8,000 Tax Credit No Money Down Lending Goverment grant programs New Construction Bank owned properties


When: May 14, 2009 6:00-8:00pm Where:Davis Conventence Center 800 Heritage Park Blvd Layton Utah

Call today and get registered 801-940-9560

Thursday, April 16, 2009


Checklist Before You Buy


Finding a home that you can see yourself in for the next five to twenty-five years is a great feeling. Don’t let that feeling cloud your judgment and leave you with unexpected issues after the closing.


Here are a few things to consider before you buy:


1. Hire an expert to do your own home inspections and attend them if possible.


2. Evaluate possible repairs/immediate improvements. Ask the seller to repair them or include the cost into your bidding.


3. Purchase an environmental report.


4. Know all of the vital systems that connect to the house (electrical, sewage, heating, air conditioning, garbage disposal, and water.) Investigate the ins and outs of these systems.


5. Perform an energy audit. Confirm that your budget will match what your new home is going to cost on a monthly basis.


6. Examine potential neighborhoods with a 24 hour perspective. Are there any dogs howling late at night? Again be sure there are no regular surprises.


7. Do multiple practice commutes. One day is not enough time to judge the next 5+ years of driving to work.


8. Consider your furniture, electronics and appliances. Will they fit into the new home or will you need to purchase new home furnishings?


9. Know the local political landscape. Are there any issues you should know about? Make sure you understand how utilities, schools and public services are funded.


10. Research the local area to understand its economics, climate, and variables that will be part of your long-term lifestyle.If you're considering a move, or hear that any family, friends, neighbors or colleagues are, please feel free to contact me.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $221,000 FOR YOUR NEW HOME



Wednesday, March 18, 2009

$6,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION GRANT...FINALLY SIGNED


APPROVED LENDERS
The 2009 Utah State Legislature passed SB260, which creates a $6,000 grant
(Home Run Program) for buyers of newly-constructed homes. Governor Jon Huntsman
can sign the bill into law, allow it to go into law without his signature or veto it
by April 1, 2009. The following information is provided in anticipation of the bill being signed into law.


What is the $6,000 Home Run Grant?
The Home Run Grant is a mortgage assistance program that grants $6,000 to home buyers who purchase a newly-constructed, never-occupied primary, single-family residence in Utah. The Home Run Grant is funded by the Housing Relief Restricted Special Revenue Fund, established by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, the Utah State Legislature, and Utah Housing Corporation.

When is the Home Run Grant program being launched?
As soon as the Governor signs the bill authorizing the Home Run Program.

Who is eligible to receive a $6,000 Home Run Grant?
Home buyers must meet the following income restrictions:
Single person, $75,000
Married couple, $150,000
If more than one unmarried person is taking title to the Eligible Home, each such single person is subject to the $75,000 income limit.
Home buyers must occupy the purchased home as a primary, permanent residence no later than 30 days after closing.
If home buyers need a mortgage loan to purchase the home, the loan must be a fixed interest rate, amortizing mortgage loan with a term of 30 years or less. Cash buyers can also qualify by contacting Utah Housing Corporation directly.



How does a home buyer get the Home Run Grant funds?
To get a first-come, first-served written commitment for the Grant, home buyers must:
Enter into a written contract to purchase a newly-constructed, single –family home.
Contact a lender to obtain final underwriting approval for any needed financing.
Have their mortgage lender furnish required documentation to Utah Housing Corporation for the Grant.
Utah Housing will reserve the $6,000 Grant for 30 days.

What homes can be purchased with a $6,000 Home Run Grant?
Homes must be recently-constructed, single-family residences that have a Certificate of Occupancy or a Final Inspection. They cannot be previously-occupied. Eligible property types include single-family detached homes, condominiums, planned unit developments (PUD), twin homes, town homes and manufactured homes permanently affixed to a foundation.

How does a home buyer apply for a $6,000 Home Run Grant?
Home buyers should tell their home builder, realtor and mortgage lender that they want to apply for a Home Run Grant. Mortgage lenders are the key link between the home buyer and the Home Run Grant. The mortgage lender assists the home buyer to provide necessary information to secure the grant from Utah Housing Corporation. The home buyer does not work directly with Utah Housing Corporation (unless it is a cash buyer).

What type of loan can home buyers use to purchase the home?
If home buyers need a mortgage loan, it must be a fixed interest rate loan with a term of 30 years or less. Loans may be obtained from any lender qualified to make mortgage loans under Utah law. Examples of qualifying loans include:
* Conventional
* FHA, VA, or Rural Housing
* Utah Housing Corporation’s FirstHome and FirstHome Plus

What mortgage lenders can assist homebuyers to secure a $6,000 Home Run Grant?
Any mortgage lender qualified to make mortgage loans under Utah law can assist home buyers to secure the Home Run Grant.

Do I have to be a first time home buyer to get a Home Run Grant?
No. Home Run Grants are available to all home buyers who meet the income restrictions of $75,000 for singles, $150,000 for couples and, if more than one single person takes title, the $75,000 limit applies to each such single person.

Can the $6,000 Home Run Grant be combined with the new $8,000 federal tax credit?
Yes, if a home buyer is a first-time home buyer and meets the independent criteria of both the federal and Home Run programs, they may take advantage of both. The $6,000 Home Run Grant is available to both those who are first-time home buyers as well as those who previously owned a home. The $8,000 federal tax credit is available only to first-time home buyers.

How many Home Run Grants are available to home buyers?
A total of approximately1,600 grants are available. Each grant is $6,000. Only one grant can be used for the purchase of each home. Home Run Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified home buyers. The approximate number of remaining grants will be posted on the UHC web page at http://www.utahhousingcorp.org/.

How are Home Run applications submitted?
Home Run applications are submitted through a home buyer’s mortgage lender. Home buyer applications cannot be made directly to Utah Housing Corporation unless the Buyer is paying cash for the Home.

Is the Home Run Grant taxable?
The Home Run Grant may be taxable as income under federal and state tax laws. UHC has requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about whether or not a Home Run Grant will be taxable. UHC does not give tax advice and home buyers should review the ruling and other pertinent tax information in connection with the preparation of their 2009 tax returns.

If I have additional questions, who do I contact?
Contact an Approved Home Run Lender

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

$6000 For New Contruction - Any Buyers



$6,000 Housing Grant

The Utah State Legislature passed a bill, Senate Bill 260, on
March 12, which provides $6,000 grants to buyers of newly
constructed homes. The bill was approved by two/thirds of
both houses. It will become effective immediately if signed into law by the governor.
Come back for more details!!