It never fails that during and at the end of each transaction I have a co-op Agent tell me what a pleasure it was to work with me and my Team.  I don't take these compliments lightly and am grateful for the pleasant relationships I have built with these agents over the years.  I also know that by continuing to treat people with kindness and respect, they will want to show my properties and write offers every opportunity they get.

On the other hand, I have found my kindness abused by seemingly aggressive agents who would like to tell me how to do my job and what my client can and can't do. Very politely I explain what the requirements are and that their client agreed to these requirements when they signed the Addendums.

On the flip side, I received a number of buyer referrals this year that did end up buying REO properties.  Need I say, I was not treated nearly as well as I treat others.  Now I know you may be thinking, this is another Agent bantering about REO Agents doing a poor job in hopes of securing more listings.  While I love the idea of more listings, that is not the purpose of bringing this subject to light.

I remember at Five Star last year a number of Agents whining and complaining to a panel about what a poor job the REO Agents in their marketplace do.  No one wants to hear that, and the panel quickly addressed the topic and said that they would not listen to any of it.  That was not the purpose of the panel/forum. 

I have read nightmare stories of Buyer's Agents experiences and how REO Agents are such villains.  I just figured they were all jealous of the Agents being assigned listings, but I gotta tell ya, after a few of my experiences this year, there may be more truth to that than I ever imagined.

While I realize with the heavy flow of business some of us saw the last two years, that from time-to-time calls were not returned promptly or we didn't immediately respond to a request for more information as quick as someone would have liked.  (It was typically due to their inability to read MLS Remarks).  However, is it really necessary to treat a co-op Agent like they are a complete idiot?  FYI Listing Agents I have sold more than one REO in my life!  On both the Listing Side and the Buying Side!

How about inspection repairs?  How often does an Agent come to you requesting repairs on behalf of their Buyer when all of our client's have "As Is" clauses?  Do you tell them to go pound sand?  I sure hope not, because in not so nice of terms, that's precisely what I was told.  Is it really so hard to realize we are dealing with human beings with feelings on the other side.  Real live Buyers who are emotionally invested in the process, and in short supply I might add.  And, while I believe it is our duty to protect our Asset Managers from these emotions and turmoil, I do not believe it necessary to treat the co-op Agent and ultimately their Buyers with anything but respect. 

MARKET WATCH: Salt Lake City, Utah (Salt Lake County)

The true impact of our economic conditions has undoubtedly created homelessness.  However, I was alarmed to learn of the true figures.   During the 12 months ending May 2010, employment fell by 27,000 jobs, or 4.3 percent, to 602,600 jobs. The average unemployment rate increased from 4.8 to 6.7 percent during the same period. (We all know these numbers are not accurate and those numbers represented are very low).  These numbers reflect Salt Lake County only.  A recent story from KSL documents these numbers and also paints a bright side, which I numbers I do not agree with. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3901253

New data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shows Utah's homeless population increased by 16 percent to nearly 16,000 people.  Nationwide record job losses and foreclosures helped push more than 170,000 families into homeless shelters in 2009, up nearly 30 percent since 2007.

It's been said that a program in the stimulus bill, the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, or HPRP, (does this sound similar to HAMP & HAFA)? HPRP reportedly has helped 357,000 people nationwide by moving some from homeless shelters into their own apartments and by providing rent payments to prevent others from becoming homeless.  17 percent of HPRP money has been spent, but many of the organizations that distribute the money already have exhausted or committed their two- and three-year allocations. Some organizations were turning needy applicants away because of a funding shortage.

According to Reis, Inc., the 2nd Quarter 2010 vacancy rate in Salt Lake County increased to 7.1 percent, up from 5.9 percent a year ago. During the same period, the average apartment rent remained relatively unchanged at $747.   Where do you think these people are going that are loosing their homes and jobs?  Foreclosures are up and so are vacancies! 

The only answer I can come up with is that people are doubling up or living in their cars.  More than one family in each residence is going to be a trend we continue to see in the next few years.  Mom's and Dad's . . . Clean out those basements!

For some reason, be it the profession I have chosen, or the country I live in, or maybe just my naivety, I have a very strong opinion that Americans should absolutely never be homeless, hungry or go without healthcare.  The thought of so many people, so many young children going without the simple necessities that America has been know to provide for so many other countries is beyond maddening. 

Winter is coming and I have great fears of what effect this may have on the homeless.  Foreclosures are at an all time high, however just a very small percentage are on the market.  These homes are sitting vacant, the homeowners have already left.  Where are they now?

For those of you that have experienced these conditions or situations, my heart goes out to you.  So few people have gone untouched by this economy and it could be me or anyone of us next. You just never know.  However, all should know that this is the new face of homelessness in America. It's no longer the male who couldn't get or keep a job, or the Vet that was disabled and unable to find work.  Our homeless are now more than ever middle class hard working men and women, many with families with small children.  When will this madness end?

For those of you with the means, please donate. Our largest local shelter is The Road Home and donations are taken at: http://www.theroadhome.org/give

When I came across this news, I knew it would be important to many Utah residents and anyone looking to relocate here, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it.  There are big plans to give Utah residents cheaper health insurance in the near future.  The state's insurance carriers are currently working on cheaper health insurance plans that will be ready to go on the market by early next year. 

One plan includes NetCare, which is a basic policy that is designed to help Utah residents keep health coverage between jobs who have been laid off.  The plan is also designed to cost a third to half as much as the average group premium.  This will make it a much cheaper alternative to COBRA.  For those of you who don't know what COBRA is, it's an insurance option that companies offer their departing employees. 

The NetCare plan will only be offered to those employees who are transitioning off their employer's health care plan and will only last up to 12 months.  Anyone needing an extension on the NetCare coverage will have to reapply as an individual and be reevaluated. 

Some perks to the NetCare plan will include up to 20% discounts in reductions in premiums and deductibles for making healthy lifestyle changes since the plan will focus on wellness.  Preventive care is also another perk.  The copayment will only be $5.  Prescription copayments will be $15 for generic and 50% for brand-name drugs.

Most all health care plans that will be submitted to the state are similar to this.  However, this is where the similarities end.  There are also around 80 other plans expected to be submitted and all will be different.

It sounds like this will be a lot of decision making for anyone needing health coverage, but the state is doing a great thing by offering its residents cheaper health insurance.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City Real Estate

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Everyone likes to get out and have fun from time to time.  Therefore, I have found some awesome August events in Salt Lake City, Utah that would be great for the whole family to enjoy.  So, view this list of events and find where you will have fun this month.

August 7 ~ Chrysalis at the Avalon Theater with Pristine from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm at 3605 South State Street, Salt Lake City. Admission is $10.

August 7 ~ Open House: Thin and Healthy Utah is coming to A New You to offer total weight loss solutions. This is a free event from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at thinandhealthyutah.com.

August 7 ~ Shark Week at the Living Planet Aquarium (725 E 10600 S, Sandy) from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday - Friday. Come learn everything about sharks throughout the entire week.

August 8 & 9 ~ Cool Summer Nights at Clark Planetarium from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm at 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City.  Come join in for a salute to amateur astronomy.  Admission is Free.

August 11 ~ Musical Comedy Murder Mystery "The Phantom Killer" at 600 South West Temple, Salt Lake City from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is a musical comedy murder mystery with incredible singing.  Tickets are $35.50 each.

August 12 ~ Movie Under the Stars featuring "Iron Man" from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at 350 N. State Street, Salt Lake City.  Admission is free.

August 15 ~ Utah Battle of Improvs One night, one trophy, a million laughs.  Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door at 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

August 17 - 21 ~ Vacation Bible School at Christ United Methodist Church from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at 2375 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City.  Come join us for a week of fun activities as we learn some awesome bible stories and Native American traditions.  Vacation Bible School is always free to attend.

August 28 & 29 ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Family History Expo 2009 at South Towne Exposition Center from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at 9575 South State Street, Sandy.  Admission is free.

August 31 ~ D-12 in Utah with Potluck from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at 4959 South State Street, Murray at the Murray Theater.  Admission is $12.

It sounds like all these events will be a lot of fun to attend.  Hopefully, many of you will get to enjoy them all.  But, if not, there is still plenty to keep you occupied during your free time.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

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Many Utah teachers strive to do their very best to teach our children throughout the school year.  And recently, two teachers in Utah were recognized for their hard work with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science.  This is the highest award any teacher can receive in the United States.

Teachers Natalie Robinson and Vickie Ahlstrom are both from the Alpine School District.  Natalie Robinson teaches fifth and sixth grade students at Alpine Elementary School and Vickie Ahlstrom teaches sixth grade gifted students at Sego Lily Elementary School in the City of Lehi, Utah.  They were among 87 elementary teachers that were selected from across the nation for this honor.

Both of these dedicated teachers will receive $10,000 in cash and a fully paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

The Alpine School District itself is a high ranking school district in Utah.  The district is located in the northern part of Utah County, covering the communities of Lehi, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Highland, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, American Fork and Orem.  There are 46 elementary schools, 10 junior high schools, 7 high schools and 3 alternative schools in the school district.

Teachers interested in winning this prestigious award must first be nominated.  Then, they must complete an online application, write about how they exhibit excellent teaching and submit a video of themselves in the act of teaching.  It is then up to selection committees at the state and national levels to narrow the field of applicants.  The final decision rests on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Good luck to any teachers applying for the upcoming school year.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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When we think of Independence Day, we think of fireworks and parades.  However, all around Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities, there will also be concerts, dancing and much more to help celebrate.  I am happy to share a list of great places to celebrate your 4^th of July in Metro Salt Lake city.

Holladay will celebrate with music and fireworks.  The festival will begin at 7:00 p.m. next to City Hall at 4580 S. 2300 E.

The City of Lehi will have the Crescent Superband putting on a free concert for the occasion at 6:00 p.m. at Thanksgiving Point. Their fireworks display will be at Electric Park at 10:00 p.m.

Magna will be celebrating the 4^th of July, beginning with a parade at 12:00 a.m. The parade will start out on 8560 W and 3100 S and follow Main Street to 9150 W.  Fireworks will follow later that evening.

Murray is planning a fun day with many great events.  Beginning at 8:00 a.m., there will be a 5K race and, at 9:00 a.m., there will be a children's race.  Races will be held at Murray Park at the west entrance by Constitution Circle.  Their parade is set to begin at 8:30 a.m.  It will start at the Fashion Mall at 6151 S. State St. and end at Murray Park.  Other events throughout the day include baseball and carnival games.  There will be live music and fireworks later in the evening at the Murray Park Softball Field.

Park City also has many great activities scheduled for the day.  They will begin their day with a 7:00 a.m. breakfast at City Park at 1354 Park Ave.  Breakfast will follow a 5K run, so don't overeat.  The parade and other festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m., which will include lots of great food and music.  Their fireworks display will be held at Park City Mountain Resort at dusk.

The Salt Lake City Bees will be in town playing on both July 4^th and 5^th.  Fireworks will be displayed after each game.  For ticket information, visit their website.

The City of Sandy will be celebrating with the Sandy Classic 4^th of July 10K and 5K fun run beginning at 7:00 a.m.  The race will be held at Centennial Boulevard at 10200 S.  Other celebrations will follow at the South Towne Promenade between South Town Center and Sandy City Hall.  Events begin at 10:00 a.m., with the parade at 6:00 p.m. followed by a great concert and awesome fireworks.

The City of Tooele will be celebrating the 4^th of July with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performing at the Tooele High School Football Field.  Gates open at 7:00 p.m. with a fireworks display following their performance.

West Jordan will have an awesome display of fireworks at 10:30 p.m. at 1985 W. 7800 S. at Veterans Memorial Park.

All these events will be something to remember for many years to come.  I hope you and your family get to enjoy one or more of these great festivities.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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Realtor® Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

Most homebuyers these days like the idea of buying a green home, especially when they hear the word "affordable green home."  Now, the homebuyers in Utah can get the best of both worlds: an affordable green home.  However, the biggest savings come after the purchase of the home.

There is a nonprofit builder, the Community Development Corp. of Utah, that is building the first of five affordable green homes for low-income families.  These homes are being built on a vacant Magna field.  They are also being loaded with energy-efficient insulation.  The homes will even come complete with gadgets that will save the owner hundreds of dollars annually.

These affordable green homes will boast 1,185 square feet, three bedrooms, a garage, an estimated annual gas and power bill of $500 and the first one is expected to be on the market in 45 days.

The big savings here will come from the rooftop solar collectors that will heat water every day of the year, energy efficient windows, three layers of different insulation and a modern day central swamp cooler to combine refrigeration and evaporative cooling.  The features should help lower-income Utah families qualify for a loan to buy the home.

Currently, the Community Development refurbishes homes with the goal of helping low-income families become homeowners as well as helping restore neighborhoods.  They have been focusing on Magna lately, which is a historic copper mining settlement of 23,000 people in the Salt Lake Valley containing most of the Main Street bars, markets, a theater and a museum.

The homes will cost around $175,000 to $180,000.  And this price includes extras such as $10,000 for the efficiencies and $8,000 for the solar water heater.  Plus, the homeowner will be eligible for thousands of dollars in efficiency rebates on their taxes.  For instance, they will be eligible for a $750 rebate on the modern swamp cooler from Rocky Mountain Power. 

This really sounds like an outstanding bargain.  And more great news: two of the five houses are expected to be finished this year.

If you want more information about buying real estate in Salt Lake City or its surrounding communities, contact me, Kandy Clayton.

Do you have laminated countertops with a color that went out of style ten years ago, but haven't had the money to replace them?  Well, here's a very simple solution for making a big impact.  Be bold with paint and save your money.  In these tough times, everyone is looking for ways to save every penny they can and replacing countertops can sometimes be quite pricey.  Therefore, I'd like to share some simple tips on how to paint your laminated countertops correctly.

Painting the countertops can be inexpensive and simple if done properly.  However, you have to plan carefully for this type of project and keep in mind that it will take two to three full weeks for the countertops to cure completely. 

When selecting your paint color, think about your walls.  You want something that will coordinate with the rest of the room and accessories, but it doesn't have to match exactly.  You may even want to check out the latest laminates to get a feel of the newest trends in colors.

Once you have chosen the paint color that will meet your needs, just follow these steps:

*  Clean countertops with soap and water only and then dry completely with a soft cloth.

*  Using 150-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the counter to scratch the surface up.  Wipe off dust with a damp cloth and let dry.

*  Prime time.  Using 100% acrylic primer, prime the enter surface.  You want to use a primer that will stick to the surface and allow paint to stick to it.  Some suggestions include Benjamin Morris Fresh Start, XIM primer, Bullseye 1-2-3 or any high quality primer.  Be sure the label says it is intended to cover high-gloss surfaces.

*  After the first coat of primer has completely dried, apply a second coat of primer.

*  Once the second coat of primer has completely dried, it is time to paint.  Using a semi-gloss enamel or latex satin paint, apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry before adding the second coat of paint.

*  When the finish coat is dry, it's time to seal it with two coats of clear acrylic.  You will be using a satin or semi-gloss acrylic to seal it.  The higher the shine, the more protection the counter will have against general wear and tear.  Never use flat or eggshell paint on your countertops.

Although the acrylic seal will dry quickly, remember that it will take two to three weeks to completely cure.  So, take it easy on your counters during this period.  No scrubbing; only a light wipe with a soft cloth is all that will be needed during this time.  After the curing period is over, you should never use scouring pads, powder or anything else that would scratch the surface.

Good luck with your countertop painting project.  If you try it out, I would like to hear about it.  Just leave a comment about it here in my blog.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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In today's tough economic times, any new business opening up is good news, and many new businesses coming to one area is "super" good news.  Therefore, I'd like to take a moment to mention how great business is in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Business is absolutely blooming and continuing to thrive in Salt Lake City.

In addition to the new downtown restaurants that have opened up such as the Olive Bistro, Eva Mediterranean Tapas, J Wong's Asian Bistro and Bruges Waffles and Frites, other businesses have come to Salt Lake City and are doing well, too.

The Bingham Cyclery opened its flagship store north of Pioneer Park at 336 West 300 South.  This is great news for those who have dedicated themselves to helping the city "go green."  Biking is a great and easy way to travel around town, and it's becoming a more preferred form of transit this day in time. To learn more about the Bingham Cyclery, visit www.binghamcyclery.com  .

The Atomic Blonde Salon recently relocated to downtown Salt Lake City to the Metro Condo building at 350 South 200 East.  The salon features skilled stylists in a casual atmosphere with great music.  They also sell a wide variety of hair products.  For more information about the Atomic Blonde Salon, visit www.atomicblondesalon.com .

The Green Ant recently opened its doors on Broadway at 179 East 300 South.   The Green Ant is a vintage modern furniture store featuring pieces from the 1960's and 1970's.  They also have an eclectric clothing line that offers quintessential merchandise for the admirers of chic and sleek styles.  Visit www.thegreenant.com  for more information.

Meyer Gallery opened at 350 South 200 East in Salt Lake City in the Metro Condo building.  The Meyer Gallery is one of the most respected galleries in the west, and Salt Lake City is proud to have this addition to the area.  The gallery specializes in watercolor paintings, impressionistic oil paintings, bronze sculptures and representational paintings.  Artwork is by national and regional artists.  Visit www.meyergallery.com  for more information about the gallery.

Uptown Cheapskate, the upscale thrift store, has opened at 353 West 200 South.  This wonderful store is dedicated to selling famous fashions without the expensive price that usually goes with it.  For more information about Uptown Cheapskate, visit www.uptowncheapskate.com .

These are all great businesses to the area that are helping boost the economy.  Salt Lake City is also looking forward to a new light rail line to the airport, changes to private club laws and a new cultural district that will help propel Salt Lake City for many years to come.

If you like what's going on in Salt Lake City, check out homes for sale in the area.

There is always so much to see and do in Salt Lake City, Utah that many activities get overlooked.  Therefore, I thought I would mention some great activities for the whole family to take advantage of this weekend in Salt Lake City.

·         Every Day a Little Death Comedy - May 1^st & 2^nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Covey Center for the Arts at 425 W. Center St.  For more information, call 801-852-7007.

·         Cathlene Smith - May 1^st at 7 p.m. at the Alchemy Coffee Company on 390 E. 1700 South.  Smith will be signing her psychological thriller "Slivers of Reality".

·         Miss Saigon - May 1^st - 16^th at 7:30 p.m. at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theater on 300 S. 1400 East.  A wonderful play of a war-torn land and two lovers who find each other, lose each other and find each other once again.

·         Pilar Pobil - May 1^st - 16^th from 5-9 p.m. at Universe City on 2556 Washington Boulevard.  Pobil is a mixed-medium artist and sculptor who is exhibiting her work at the gallery shows.

·         The Apostles of Comedy - May 1^st at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel on 460 W. Century Dr. 4350 South.  A great mix of ministry and comedy.  Tickets range from $10.50 for groups to $25 for singles.  Tickets can be purchased at Christian bookstores or at www.ticketswest.com.  For more information, call 801-264-9999 or 1-800-325-SEAT.

I hope you get to enjoy one or more of these great events this weekend.  Check back on my blog often for more updates on what's going on in Salt Lake City.

Realtor© Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

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