Debbie's Blog

Excellent Service!!!

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:58:41 -0500

Our listing just went under contract that day. I had just filled out the paperwork and handed it into my office when I received this call. "Hi Debbie...my name is Kit Bate. I am the Loan officer for the buyer. I just wanted to introduce myself and see if you had any questions." I fainted right there in my office. It took the office staff 10 minutes to revive me. Just kidding. But I was shocked. In all my years in Real Estate this was a first.

Through out the whole transaction Kit answered and returned calls, kept me informed, and from our conversation got the buyer an amazing deal and did not use all the closing costs, so my sellers got more money back then anticipated!!!! It was the best service that I have seen in a long time. So while part of me wants to keep him a secret another part of me wants to see him in business for a LONG time. So here is his contact info. He is with Wells Fargo and his number is 801-304-4823.

Just tell him that I sent you, because of course, the greatest compliment we call can receive is a referral from another.

The Gateway in Salt Lake City

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:44:00 -0500

The Gateway in Salt Lake is what all other new developments in Utah compare themselves to. "It will be just like the Gateway" they say. What is the Gateway????? It is mixed use on steroids. It is a mall turned inside out. It is like main street with one way traffic. What does the Gateway have to offer???

The Best Restaurants

The Best Shopping

Entertainment Galore...for all ages. Important here.

You can live here, work here, play here and of course shop here.

Plus two of my favorite guys are there.....Ben and Jerry.

http://www.downtownslc.org/shopping-gateway.htm

The FrontRunner Grand Opening April 26, 2008

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:28:53 -0500

The FrontRunner Grand Opening April 26, 2008

FrontRunner commuter rail from Salt Lake City to Ogden. There are stops in Bountiful, Farmington, Layton(where I started), Clearfield, Roy and Ogden. The stop in Pleasant View will be open at a later date.

There were FREE public rides that begun at every station at approximately 2 p.m. and continued all day Monday, April 28, through Wednesday, April 30. Regular ticketed service begins on Thursday, May 1.

She looks sweet!! Huh! There is a double deck of seats and some of them have tables. There is internet capability. But really from Layton the ride only took 30 min into SLC.

Remember Dan Nix from this mornings post??? He was there. Weird. I spoke loudly across the people between us. "I blogged about you today!!!" He said "You did?" "Yes" I said "Google me." That doesn't sound good either. Dan is a great agent. It was fun to be in his office.

I am excited that we now have a transit system into the city. Hopefully it will cut down on traffic tremendously. I know I will want to take Front Runner to go shopping and to go to Jazz Games. Go Jazz!!!

The train was full coming and going. Hopefully it is a sign of what is to come.

Mermaids in Las Vegas!!!

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:51:09 -0500

Yes in the BASS PRO SHOP Las Vegas.

This photo was taken at the Bass Pro Shop in Las Vegas. Check out those sting rays!!!! Their barbs have been trimmed.They also had a feeding of the stingrays. The stingrays would get the fish and roll it under themselves until it reached it mouth. This aquarium has mermaids come to visit and wave to people out side. I have some cute video clips that as soon as I figure out how to get them here I will post them. The kids were completely captivated just by the fish themselves. Very interesting..

If All Our Sellers Had Garden's like Bellagio.....

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:19:15 -0500

If all our sellers had garden's like Bellagio what a world this would be.

Agents would beg to see our listings!!!! Buyers would compete against each other!! Sellers would get mulitple offers. Title companies would require that they visit the house before they insure it. Lenders would come and see the property too and of course appraisers would spend all day there. Or would they??

Have you ever had a listing so great that many people clamored to see it...even if they could not buy it???

"The Top 7 reasons Why Your Life Sucks......."

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:45:01 -0500

I just got this letter yesterday and this was the headline. Did I want to read it? Yes!!! Not because I think my life sucks. It doesn't. But I want to know why this person thought my life sucks. I am struck by the directness of this advertising and captured at the same time.

So do you want to know why your life sucks?????

Ok I tell you what they told me, but I am not going to give you all the reasoning why. It will be too long of a blog. If that anticipation gets to you let me know and I will email the whole letter to you.

"The #1 Reason that your life sucks- Your pretending that you don't have control over your life.

The #2 Reason that your life sucks- You chronically and unconsciously focus on what you don't want.

The #3 Reason that your life sucks-You believe what you parents taught you about who you have to be in order to be ok.

The #4 Reason that your life sucks- You aren't willing to examine your beliefs and premises- about the world, life, other people, or yourself.

The #5 Reason that your life sucks- Fearing Failure, you don't act.

The #6 Reason that your life sucks- Your focused on yourself and are mostly (or entirely) unaware of the needs-- or perspective- of other people.

The #7 Reason that your life sucks- You're waiting for everything to be okay before you can be happy." I hate to be the one to break it to you but everything is never going to be ok. Your human with humans. ;)

So what is for sale???? It actually is quite fitting for their advertising. This letter is from Bill Harris. He was one of the people in the movie "The Secret" He has a company called Centerpointe and they use Holosync. Which is a way to meditate like Zen masters with out all the time and hassle. Truly it is amazing. I am only on the first level, but I love meditation it gives me the calm I need in this REal EsTate STOrm!!!.

http://www.centerpointe.com/about/

So the point of my blog is really this. HAVE you ever advertised like this?????

Ten Reasons why your house sucks and it is time to up grade. UGHHH!!! Possible? I am not so sure..

My New Meez- Your Tough Agent

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:35:32 -0500

This is the New Meez I created to show how tough I am and So that you know that I can handle all of your Real Estate Issues. If you can't tell by my muscles...you'll just have to call me and give me a try. You can build your own meez at www.meez.com. So far I haven't spent a dime. It has been fun changing my look according to my moods. Does it look like me?

Price Reduction!!! Great Home for an Amazing Price!!!

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:17:29 -0500

Please Call Debbie 801-205-7588 for More Information
List Price: $184,400	MLS# 761570	Stat: Active	Ref # 1
Address: 4112 W 5085 S		Type: Single Family	Style: Rambler/Ranch
City: Salt Lake City, UT 84118		Project:
Prop. Tour: Tour	NS/EW: 5085 S / 4112 W
		Tot Sq Ft: 2380 Tot Beds: 5 Tot Baths: 2.00 Family Rms: 0 Fireplace: 1 Gar\|Port: 0 \| 1	Yr Built: 1977 Taxes: $1 Acres: 0.14 HOA Fee: $0 Under Cnst: No Fin Bsmnt: 90%
		Exterior: Aluminum/Vinyl
		Lot Facts: Curb & Gutter, Fenced Full, Sprinkler - Man Full, View, Mtn
		Features & Info: Deck, Double Pane / Kitchen-Updated, Master Bath, Oven-Wall, Range-Countertop, Range-Gas
		Inclusions: Dog Run, Refrigerator
Remarks: Fabulous Home with a Drastically Reduced Price!!!!! Large Bedrooms. Fireplace. Almost Finished Basement and GREAT Kitchen!!! Third Bathroom Down Stubbed. Large Family Room and Extra Room To Grow!!!
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Buyer to verify all information.

Layton Area Statistics

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:24:51 -0500

I like numbers they are soothing undiscriminating...very factual and unemotional. Here are the latest statistics for the Layton Area. I think things are looking great and they are only getting better.

Zip Code 84040, 84041 Sales Activity Trend Report Report Date: Monday, April 14, 2008
Time Period: March 1, 2008 through April 1, 2008

Days on Market
1 - 30	32
31 - 60	18
61 - 90	10
91 - 120	13
121 or Over	12
Average	60
Days on Market is calculated by counting the days between the Listing Date and the Contract Date (the date the home goes under contract).

Financing Type
Cash	2
Conventional	49
FHA	24
Other	2
Selling Financing	1
Utah Housing	1
VA	7

Our FHA number is growing and our cash is shrinking from last year. We are experiencing realistic pricing and sales.

Average Sales Price Ranges from 200,000- 150,000 and the average price per sq ft is between $71-$73. It just depends on which of the two zip codes your house would be in.

Tribute to Tom Part 2

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:48:57 -0500

My Dad, Tommy Gene Dixon, passed away April 6th 2008. He was surrounded by family. His daughter Shauna received his kidney. She is still in recovery. The funeral was yesterday and it was well attended. Thank you to all who has shown your love and support. I am amazed at how many great people that I am surrounded by. I love you all. Thanks Again!!!

Tribute to Tom

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:40:32 -0500

This is my father, Tom, Myself and my daughter Jaiden. This photo was taken 10+ years ago. My father lived out of state alot and was not around too much. He is back in Utah now and spends alot of time with the love of his life Joyce. He went into surgery yesterday. He had a brain tumor. The doctors were not to postive about the results. Is that normal? I thought usually they down play stuff on purpose to maintain hope. Maybe that was down play. Anyway, Dad... I love you and I hope you will pull through.

It's not who you know, but how much you see them that matters!!!

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:02:31 -0600

I am reading this GREAT book. Influencer.

Reading last night I came across am unfamililar word. Propinquity. This is the definition of it in Wikapedia.

"The propinquity effect is the tendency for people to form friendships or romantic relationships with those whom they encounter often. In other words, relationships tend to be formed between those who have a high propinquity.

Propinquity can be more than just physical distance. Residents of an apartment building living near a stairway, as an example, tend to have more friends from other floors than others. The propinquity effect is usually explained by the mere exposure effect, which holds that the more exposure a stimulus gets, the more likeable it becomes.

Do you know what this MEANS!!! It Means EVERYTHING!!!

We know who we know because they are close to us. We see them often. So if we want more people in our lives we need to be where we can see them more often.

That and what about our kids. How close are they to us?

We have more influence over those we see the most.

New FHA loan Limits for Utah

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:59:45 -0600

NEW FHA LIMITS (eff today)

Davis County $397,500

Weber County $397,500

Salt Lake County $729,750

Utah County $323,750

Morgan County $397,500

Did you see Salt Lake!!!! Unbelievable!!! This should help with our market. We have been having some difficulties with financing for conventional loans. This should help with slowing of our market.

If you have any questions or need any assistance with buyer or selling real estate, please call me or you can also send me an email.

Thanks!! Debbie

Debbie.Mounteer@utahhomes.com

Butter and Mizithra Pasta

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:13:00 -0600

The Spaghetti Factory's Wanna be Recipe. This is as close as I could find for the GREATEST tasting pasta Ever!!

Very Easy...your kids can make it for you.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup Mizithra cheese
pasta of choice

Directions:

There is a terrific dish served by The Old Spaghetti Factory chain, called Spaghetti with Browned Butter,. It is served topped with shredded Mizithra cheese (a Greek goat cheese). If mizithra is not available a blend of ricotta salata and romano is suggested

Browned Butter Procedure: Cut 2 sticks of butter into 8 pieces and place in a 2-quart sauce pan. Place the pan of butter on a burner on medium heat. Bring butter to a slow boil (about 5 minutes).

Once the butter begins to boil, stir constantly to prevent residue from sticking to the bottom of the pan. As the butter cooks, it will start to foam and rise. Continue stirring, otherwise the butter foam could overflow (about 5 minutes) and catch fire.

Once the butter stops foaming and rising, cook until amber in color (about 1 to 2 minutes). It will have a pleasant caramel aroma.

Turn off the heat and remove pan from burner. Let the sediment settle to the bottom of the pan for a few minutes.

Pour the brown butter through a strainer into a small bowl. Do not disturb the residue at the bottom of the pan.

The brown butter can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a microwave as needed.

Boil the pasta of choice until Al Dente. Drain pasta and divide into four servings. Spread 1/4 cup of Mizithra over each pasta serving. Top with 1/4 cup of hot brown butter.

If this seems like to much work..the Spaghetti Factory is the best place to go.

Jumping the Home Owner's Ship

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:27:33 -0600

I read an article that talked about the increase of foreclosures and bankruptcys in regards to homes. The article made the follow suggestion. "Why would a homeowner want to pay for a mortgage on a home that is not worth that mortgage?"

When people buy real estate there is NO Risk!!! None! Guaranteed. IF YOUR IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL!!!! (Point Stressed Enough?)

Yes, the $550,000 dollar home that you purchased last year may only be worth half that now. (If you live somewhere other than Utah. We are still seeing a steady market with only a Winter reduction. I'll get back to you in the Spring.) Does that mean it will always be that? No it will appreciate again. It has too. The demand of homes will increase again. Market Values will increase. As an agent I have watched California bounce back at least 3 times. They will do it again. That is the way real estate works.

As cognitive beings will have a VERY bad time at predicting the future. When our tummies our full how many times have you said. "I will never eat again" Come three hours later, there you are eating.

If you can afford to...why would you jump home owner's ship. Loss of job, relocation, ok I get it. But not because the value of your home decreased. I could be wrong.... but to get your credit back in seven years.. wouldn't be better to hold on?

Sunset Photo

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:35:23 -0600

We have AMAZING Sunsets along the Wasatch Front. I was all excited about capturing one on camera the other night. I have discover that my camera will not take a proper sunset photo. But it did create something beautiful that I wanted to share. There was a car that drove by at the same time that created the light streak.

If anyone can recommend a camera that takes night photo...please let me know!!! Thanks!!!

What I look like when I'm showing a house.

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 16:54:17 -0600

I'd like to introduce you to the latest me.

This is the new character of myself. It looks like I'm showing a house, Huh. This is about what it is like in person. Come and try it out in real life. If there is a home that you like, call me and we can go see it. My number is 801-205-7588. I will be asking you a few questions. I will give them to you here are you will be already to go.

One... Are you working with another agent? I like to respect those in my industry and I don't feel right about stealing you away from someone who has spent some time with you.

Two... Have you been pre-approved with your lender? If not, would you like me to refer you to a lender?

Three... What kind of homes are you looking for? Style, Bedrooms, Bath...etc.

Looking at homes can be alot of fun and hard work. Please call me when your ready.

Meditation Class Offered

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:30:48 -0600

I am offering a free meditation class.

This is an introduction class that will discuss the various types of meditation and then an experience with Meditation. March 25th 2008 at 6:00-7:30PM at the FitLife Day Spa and Fitness 108 South Fort Lane Layton UT.

"The memory of God comes to the quiet mind. It cannot come where there is conflict; for a mind at war against itself remembers not eternal gentleness...What you remember is a part of you. For you must be as God created you.. Let all this madness be undone for you, and turn in peace to the remembrances of God, still shining in your quiet mind" - from A Course in Miracles.

Meditation has brought peace into my life and I an want to share that peace with others and help them find the stillness with in.

New Construction Slowing???

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:54:23 -0600

Prices are dropping, new construction is slowing???

These statistics are for Davis, Salt Lake and Weber Counties. We currently have 2169 homes available that were built from 2007 on. There were 90 homes that sold in the last 30 days and 179 that went under contract in the last 60 days we had a total of 206 homes sold and 257 homes that went under contract. That should indicate that a Fourth of the homes available are selling. This does not include the existing market older than 2006. We are getting into our warmer months. I won't be surprised if these statistics get even better. STAY Posted.

More Statistics-*Restoring Consumer faith

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:09:46 -0600

I was so excited when I found out that my immediate area had an increase from last year that I assumed that because we doing good..so is everywhere else. Well I am posting the results to the area 801 as a whole. Davis County, Weber County, and Box Elder County. The results were disappointing because we did not experience an increase as a whole. When you see the numbers you will still see that it may be less but REALLY it is not that bad. We still are experiencing a good market. Consumer faith should be restored.

It is easier to read in the Excel format I made, so if you want to email me I can attach it to a file and send it to you. Debbie.Mounteer@utahhomes.com Thanks!!

Month	Count	Volume	*List $	*Sale $	*S to L	*sq. ft.	*$/ sq ft	*Beds	*Baths	*DOM

Area 801
Dec-06	121	$19,478,191	$161,536	$160,977	100%	2,003	$80	3	2	47
Jan-07	122	$20,306,136	$167,336	$166,444	99%	2,024	$82	3	2	62
Dec-07	94	$16,171,922	$173,848	$172,042	99%	1,891	$91	3	2	62
Jan-08	74	$12,457,228	$170,725	$168,341	99%	2,029	$83	3	2	65
Davis County
Dec-06	309	$76,825,285	$251,535	$248,626	99%	2,596	$96	4	3	45
Jan-07	281	$63,609,045	$228,949	$226,367	99%	2,416	$94	4	2	48
Dec-07	258	$60,252,893	$237,298	$233,538	98%	2,386	$98	4	3	54
Jan-08	198	$51,565,304	$265,896	$260,431	98%	2,462	$106	4	2	67
Weber
Dec-06	344	$56,572,180	$165,780	$164,454	99%	2,059	$80	3	2	56
Jan-07	291	$47,113,713	$163,440	$161,903	99%	2,030	$80	3	2	55
Dec-07	242	$43,903,602	$184,075	$181,420	99%	1,999	$91	3	2	61
Jan-08	178	$29,319,532	$166,542	$164,716	99%	1,996	$83	3	2	60
Box Elder
Dec-06	45	$6,571,155	$147,321	$146,026	99%	2,626	$56	3	2	56
Jan-07	46	$7,833,621	$170,322	$170,296	100%	2,321	$73	3	2	65
Dec-07	38	$5,949,730	$158,505	$156,572	99%	2,040	$77	3	2	82
Jan-08	35	$5,703,162	$164,146	$162,947	99%	2,078	$78	3	2	63

84041
Dec-06	49	$10,817,380	$221,347	$220,763	100%	2,431	$91	4	3	48
Jan-07	48	$10,087,021	$211,495	$210,146	99%	2,286	$92	4	2	45
Dec-07	63	$14,411,443	$231,321	$228,753	99%	2,417	$95	4	3	56
Jan-08	41	$9,399,276	$232,413	$229,251	99%	2,374	$97	4	3	58
Layton
Dec-06	76	$18,740,745	$249,822	$246,589	99%	2,704	$91	4	3	49
Jan-07	66	$14,585,321	$223,924	$220,990	99%	2,424	$91	4	2	51
Dec-07	79	$18,113,343	$232,598	$229,283	99%	2,410	$95	4	3	57
Jan-08	50	$11,867,676	$241,185	$237,354	98%	2,527	$94	4	3	65

One Last Statistic

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:00:47 -0600

Zip Code 84041 Sales Activity Trend Report Report Date: Thursday, February 21, 2008
Time Period: December 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008
Zip Code(s): 84041

Price Class	Single Family Home Sales
Price Class	2 Brm or Less	3 Brm	4 Brm or More	Total
$0 - $49,999	0	0	0	0
$50,000 - $74,999	0	0	0	0
$75,000 - $99,999	0	0	0	0
$100,000 - $119,999	1	0	0	1
$120,000 - $139,999	0	2	3	5
$140,000 - $159,999	1	4	2	7
$160,000 - $179,999	1	5	8	14
$180,000 - $199,999	0	6	12	18
$200,000 - $219,999	0	5	8	13
$220,000 - $239,999	0	7	4	11
$240,000 - $259,999	0	3	2	5
$260,000 - $279,999	0	2	5	7
$280,000 - $299,999	0	0	2	2
$300,000 - $349,999	0	3	2	5
$350,000 - $399,999	0	1	4	5
$400,000 - $449,999	0	1	4	5
$450,000 - $499,999	0	1	0	1
$500,000 - $749,999	0	0	1	1
$750,000 or Over	0	0	0	0
Total Units	3	40	57	100
Average Price	$144,306	$226,330	$240,115	$231,727
Dollar Volume	$432,920	$9,053,209	$13,686,590	$23,172,719

Days on Market
1 - 30	37
31 - 60	26
61 - 90	16
91 - 120	10
121 or Over	11
Average	56
Days on Market is calculated by counting the days between the Listing Date and the Contract Date (the date the home goes under contract).

Financing Type
Cash	4
Conventional	58
FHA	23
Other	8
VA	11

This shows a better breakdown of the last two month. You can see what price range homes are selling in. It would be an excellent time to move up. There are 86 homes to choose from in the over $350,000 price range.

Let the number's speak for themselves.

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:43:14 -0600

In Utah we are still experiencing a good market. Consumer faith has dropped, but the prices haven't.

But the numbers can speak for themselves. This is in one area 84041, which is in Layton. I can do this for other Utah areas if you want it. Just drop me an email and I can send it to you. Debbie.Mounteer@utahhomes.com

Year #Homes Volume Ave list Price Ave Sold Price % L to S Sq Ft Price Per Beds Bath Days on M

Dec 2006	49	$10,817,380	$221,347	$220,763	100%	2,431	$91	4	3	48
Jan 2007	48	$10,087,021	$211,495	$210,146	99%	2,286	$92	4	2	45

Year #Homes Volume Ave list Price Ave Sold Price % L to S Sq Ft Price Per Beds Bath Days on M

Dec 2007	63	$14,411,443	$231,321	$228,753	99%	2,417	$95	4	3	56
Jan 2008	41	$9,399,276	$232,413	$229,251	99%	2,374	$97	4	3	58

The volume increased from last year, same with the list price and the sold price. Days on the market increased to 7- 12 days more. That seems to be the only change. This is not a very good indicator for higher end homes. I can do a different statistic for that.

The Science of Setting Appointment Times

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:57:30 -0600

My real estate mentor taught me the most amazing trick with setting up appointment times, I had to share.

We should have been taught this in real estate school. Let's say you have 10 appointments and you will have your client with you and ready to go at 10AM. I like to take the 10 appointments and do a map search that shows all of the homes at once. I then decide which one is first and second etc. Then on the bottom of the page I begin with 10-11:30 I set it up for 1 hour and a half. Which is usually favorable to agents and sellers. Not too much time and I have a 97% success rate on being on time to all the showings. Then the rest proceed as follows.

10- 11:30

10:30-12

11 -12:30

11- 12:30

11:30- 1

12- 1:30

If I know all the homes that I will be showing are in the exact same area I might have 3 homes with the same time. If I know that the homes are really spread apart then I give them some more time. With map quest and other maping features it is not hard to determine when you will arrive at a home. There should be no reason to set up an appointment time from 12-6PM That is really hard on sellers with home schedules.

I hope this helps you. I know that it changed my life. I feel like I have more control over the time I spend with my clients and they are really impressed.

Recipe Search

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:55:32 -0600

Now yes, I could google it...but who knows what I would find. I want to try a recipe that someone from this group LOVES. It is funny when the opinion of AR becomes strong then others.

I am looking for a REALLY good Arroz con Pollo recipe(chicken with Rice)...the kind you find in a Cuban or Peruvian Restaurant. I'm only partial because that is the only kind I have tried.

The second recipe is An Alfredo Pasta with sun dried tomatoes. There has to be something out there that is incredible.

I hope some one can help me. Feel free to just make is a post. Just be sure to comment on this one so that I know that it is there.

Thanks!!!!

www.utahhomes.com/debbiemounteer

Sun and Snow.

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:38:09 -0600

Utah is famous for it's snow. It would be almost sacrilegious not to mention it. But the part that I believe attracts people here is the combination of Sun and Snow. If you look into the distance in this photo you can see that the clouds are still snowing on the mountains. The sky's are blue otherwise and the sun is bright and you can feel the heat on your face even though at the time is was 18 degrees. It is hard not to love Utah.