Kandy Clayton's Salt Lake City Real Estate Blog

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

Salt Lake City Businesses Going Green

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:38 -0700

Salt Lake City and surrounding communities have a great new program called the Salt Lake County Green Business. This program is part of the Division of Environmental Health's Bureau of Water Quality and Hazardous Waste, which was created in partnership with the Salt Lake County Mayor's Office. Their goal is to encourage all area businesses to improve their environmental practices in four specific areas, including pollution prevention, energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainability and waste management. As a Salt Lake City area resident, I like the idea of area businesses going green.

Businesses participating in the program will be rewarded with public recognition. They will have use of the Salt Lake County Green logo and will save significant amounts of money on their waste disposal and utility bills.

To implement the Salt Lake County Green Business program, all participating restaurants will have to set simple goals for the upcoming years. These goals include reducing water by 10%, reducing electricity by 10%, reducing waste hauls by one per month through recycling efforts, purchase local products and improving pollution prevention by using non-toxic cleaning products along with other methods.

Here are some examples of how to reduce your usages:

Reducing water usage by 10% can be done by:

· Installing low-flow pre-rinse nozzles.

· Train all staff on water conservation.

· Purchase waterless urinals and low-flow toilets.

Reducing trash hauls by one per month can be done by:

· Recycle as much as possible. Hire a recycling hauler.

· Train all employees how to recycle properly.

· Post multi-lingual signs at bins.

Reducing electricity usage by 10% can be done by:

· Switching from regular lights to CFLs.

· Participate in Cool Keeper Program.

· Install automatic switches in bathrooms.

Improving pollution can be done by:

· Use dry cleaning methods.

· Train all employees on pollution prevention.

· Switch to non-toxic cleaners.

Becoming a more sustainable business can be done by:

· Buy renewable energy from by Blue Sky program.

· Join Local First Utah.

· Purchase "green" paper products, eliminate bottled water and plastic soda bottles.

As you can see, it is really easy to become a green business and the benefits are very rewarding to you, your business and your environment. To apply for the Salt Lake County Green Business program, visit www.slvhealth.org/eh/html/GreenApply.html.

Looking for a "Green Community"? Salt Lake City is it.

Salt Lake City’s Facts and Figures for Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:07:04 -0700

Salt Lake City, Utah is one of the most beautiful places in the country to work, live and play. And I'm not just saying that because I live here myself, but I hear it over and over again from visitors. Salt Lake City is also the "Fittest City in America." So what better place could you ask for?

That being said, I thought sharing some of Salt Lake City's facts and figures would be beneficial to the community's happy homeowners, buyers and sellers.

Population:

Salt Lake City Population - 180,651

Salt Lake County Population - 1,009,518

Utah Population - 2,645,330

Salt Lake City Males - 91,491

Salt Lake City Females - 89,160

Demographics:

Salt Lake City Median Resident Age - 30 years

Utah Median Resident Age - 27.9 years (which is the lowest in the U.S.)

Salt Lake City Median Household Income - $43,000

Utah Median Household Income -$55,109

Salt Lake City Median Home Value - $240,200

Utah Median Home Value - $218,700

Salt Lake City Racial Diversity:

White Non-Hispanic - 70.6%

Hispanic - 18.8%

Other Race - 8.5%

Two or more races 3.5%

American Indian - 1.9%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander - 1.9%

Black - 1.9%

Vietnamese - 0.9%

Chinese - 0.9%

Japanese - 0.5%

Salt Lake City's Surrounding Area Ski Resorts at a Glance:

There are over 7,500 skiable acres with 330 runs around Salt Lake City, which receive over 500 inches of snow annually.

· Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort has over 2,500 skiable acres.

· Alta Ski Area has 2,200 skiable acres.

· Solitude Mountain Resort has over 1,200 skiable acres.

· Brighton Ski Resort has 1,050 skiable acres.

Salt Lake City's Events Space:

The Salt Palace Convention Center - 675,000 square feet

Exhibit Space - 119,000 square feet

Ballroom Space - 15,000 square feet

Elevation and Climate:

Salt Lake City's Average Elevation - 4,327 feet

(Average daily highs between 1971 and 2000)

January - 29.2 F

February - 34.5 F

March - 43.1 F

April - 50 F

May - 58.9 F

June - 69 F

July - 77 F

August - 75.6 F

September - 65 F

October - 52.5 F

November - 39.6 F

December - 30.2 F

Mileage from Salt Lake City to Area's National Parks:

Canyonlands National Park - 270 miles

Grand Canyon National Park - 368 miles

Bryce Canyon National Park - 270 miles

Yellowstone National Park - 325 miles

Arches National Park - 232 miles

Zion National Park - 350 miles

Capitol Reef National Park - 229 miles

I hope these facts and figures help you understand and appreciate Salt Lake City, Utah just a little more.

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

Realtor® Kandy Clayton - Salt Lake City Real Estate

Spring into Decorating Your Home

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:02:55 -0800

Time changes this weekend, which signifies that Spring is well on its way. Can you believe it? It seems like Spring has sprung upon us in the blink of an eye. And I already have some of my clients asking me for advice on spring decorating tips. Therefore, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to blog about some great methods for spring decorating.

Some of the most effective ways to start your spring decorating is to add or change some of the fabrics around your home with lighter colors. This could be chair covers, couch covers, window coverings, table clothes, bed linens, etc. Adding sheer window coverings to your windows will be wonderful for bringing in the beautiful Spring sunrays that are coming.

And here are more great tips to get you moving in the right direction for Spring decorating:

· Rearranging your furniture can give your room a whole new look and feel. Think about giving the room a new focal point. If the room is squared off, try giving it an angle.

· Rearranging your accessories can also help give your room a new look. Try replacing old artwork with newer ones. Use lighter frames to display photos and use fewer accessories to give the room a more airy look.

· Now is the perfect time to take up those heavy area rugs that were great for winter and replace them with light colored cotton rugs.

· It's time to box up your dark colored floral arrangements and replace them with fresh green ones. It's amazing how the feel of a room will change instantly with fresh spring flowers.

· De-clutter all your home's rooms. A great way to de-clutter your rooms but still keep the things you need in them is to buy decorative baskets and keep your items in them. This keeps those items out of the way and they won't be such an eyesore anymore.

· If you have a fireplace, clean it out and use the space to add fresh, light colored candles. Scented candles are great for fragrancing the room.

Following these tips should make your spring decorating quick and easy. I hope you enjoy the outcome.

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Salt Lake City’s Aggressive Green Plan

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:59:05 -0800

As a Realtor in Salt Lake City, I'm always looking for new things in the community to show my clients what is so great about living in Salt Lake City and here is something else to add to that list. Salt Lake City has just rolled out an aggressive green plan that is aimed at improving air quality, curbing emission, and reducing the amount of waste we send to landfills.

The city has vowed to shrink emissions by 20% by the year 2020 and to cut garbage being sent to landfills in half by 2015. The city may also take curbside recycling citywide with some financial incentives. It seems that many on the city council believe that the landfill battle will only be won house by house.

Currently, 82% of Salt Lake City residents voluntarily participate in recycling programs, but the biggest complaint from those residents is glass recycling. There is already a funding source in place for sustainability projects and the Salt Lake Valley Landfill is working on a revenue surplus which would go toward landfill improvements.

The city will be improving the city's air quality by focusing on bike and transit improvements. This could mean an overall reduction in the city's carbon footprint in the long-term. Many people would like to see the city become a biker's paradise, with entire lanes dedicated to non-motorized travel in areas of the city. And progress is already underway.

The Utah Transit Authority is already underway with plans for a bicycle transit center at the Intermodal Hub. The center could be ready as early as summer, with talks to feature indoor bike parking, bike repair, bike rentals and an accessory shop. The center will be located near 300 West and 600 South.

It seems like, with all these new bike trails or bike lanes, Salt Lake City will remain "America's Healthiest City."

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Salt Lake City Named “Fittest City in America”

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:47:58 -0800

Salt Lake City, Utah has just been named the "Fittest City in America" by Men's Fitness magazine. Men's Fitness has been in business for more than a decade. The magazine did a recent survey of the top 50 cities in the United States to find which city takes health and fitness the most seriously. Salt Lake City was the big winner this year.

It is believed our great community gained the "Fittest City" distinction because of motivated residents, low obesity rates and an abundance of park space. Salt Lake City's metro region ranks highest above all others in participation in many activities such as yoga, kickboxing, hiking, running, walking, swimming and basketball. Salt Lake City residents also limit their television watching time and eat a healthier diet. Eating a healthier diet is attributed to the many health food stores per resident in the metro area.

Along with a comfortable climate, Salt Lake City has seen an increase in an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. The city has become increasingly more bikeable, walkable and is within close proximity to some really great biking and hiking trails. People who work and live in Salt Lake City are so motivated with the beautiful outdoors and limitless activities, they can't help but be fit.

Here is the list of America's top 10 "Fittest Cities," published by Men's Fitness Magazine:

1. Salt Lake City, UT

2. Colorado Springs, CO

3. Minneapolis, MN

4. Denver, CO

5. Albuquerque, NM

6. Portland, OR

7. Honolulu, HI

8. Seattle, WA

9. Omaha, NB

10. Virginia Beach, VA

Here is the list of America's top 10 "Fattest Cities," published by Men's Fitness Magazine:

1. Miami, FL

2. Oklahoma City, OK

3. San Antonio, TX

4. Las Vegas, NV

5. New York, NY

6. Houston, TX

7. El Paso, TX

8. Jacksonville, FL

9. Charlotte, NC

10. Louisville, KY

Congratulations to all those great, healthy and fit Salt Lake City residents.

More Options for First-time Homebuyers

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:46:59 -0800

To save on the costs of owning a home and to have more options, a first-time homebuyer may want to look at smaller homes, fixer uppers and cheaper commutes to work to save on the costs of buying and owning a home. Many first-time homebuyers expect more than what they can afford when looking for a new home. Once they start looking, they tend to get very discouraged. Move-in conditions tend to be on the top of the list for 81% of first-time buyers. Only 7% consider a fixer-upper.

Many real estate professionals will agree that buyers should examine the fixer-upper option to get the affordability they want. Once upon a time, first-time buyers bought older homes to save money and break into homeownership. Today, that's just not the trend. First-time homebuyers should remember that a fixer-upper can build equity over time. They can later move on up to a second stage home or their dream home.

When househunting, look for homes that have been heavily discounted. These homes are more likely to need some fixing up than homes than aren't discounted. Be sure to get the home professionally inspected to determine what fixing up is necessary so you are not biting off more than you can chew.

Most fixer-uppers will need a basic face lift, like carpet, paint, landscaping and other cosmetic touches. When buying a fixer-upper, you will have to weigh the pros and cons from the price of the home to the cost of improvement. Most first-time buyers want a large home to start off. But bigger doesn't always mean better when it comes to price. Many times, a smaller home can come with much more affordability.

Moving Tips and Advice

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:28:31 -0800

Moving can be a big deal for many people. However, with a little help, your move can go smoothly. Here are some tips and advice to help your move move smooth.

Packing - Use the right boxes and pack them very carefully. Using the same boxes as professional movers will keep your valuables safe from harm. Many people use boxes that they can get for free from their local supermarket or liquor store. These types of boxes are not nearly as strong or padded as the ones professional movers use. Some great places to find moving boxes are U-Haul, The Packing Store, The Box Company and many more.

Use blankets, sheets and towels for moving fragile objects and pictures. Glass objects, such as plates, should be packed vertically rather than flat. If you are using a mover, be sure to let them know which boxes you have packed fragile items in. Write "fragile" on the outside of the box and go over its contents with the mover. They may have some suggestions for keeping it even safer.

Heavy items should be put in small boxes. If you can't lift the box easily, it's too heavy. Label each and every box with a bold black marker or a bright colored crayon. There are some things such as towels and sheets you will need your first night in your new home and, by labeling them, you will be able to find them more easily.

Safety - For your family's safety, teach your children your new address. A great way to help them learn it is by letting them write it on packed boxes.

Comfort - Comfort can come in boxes. Fill two "Open Me First" boxes that contain snacks, toilet paper, coffee, soap, toothpaste and brushes, medicine, flashlight, paper plates, cups, a pan or two, paper towels, utensils and some basic tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers. Keep these two boxes in your own car on moving day.

Got pets? Keep them out of packing boxes and out from under foot. Put them in the backyard or in a bathroom until it is time to leave.

Movers - Work hand in hand with your mover. Give them your contact numbers so they can stay in direct contact with you at all times. Go over the inventory form with your mover and ask them to explain anything you do not understand. If you are moving long distance, you should be aware that your items may have to share a truck with several other households. For this reason, movers sometimes have to warehouse furniture and belongings for several days. Be sure to ask your mover if your items will remain on the truck until delivery day or if they will be stored. If they are going to store your items, ask the mover about the security and cleanliness of the warehouse.

These simple tips and advice can make the stress of moving day a headache free day after all.

Rethink Your Living Space This Month

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:48:43 -0800

Now that it's January, the disarray of the holidays has come to an end and everyone is putting their tables and chairs back in their old positions. So why not rethink your living space. It's the perfect time. When you're putting away all those holiday decorations, take stock. Ask yourself if you really need the furniture that's there.

The end table you have used in your living room for ten years may now look better beside your bed. Swapping furniture or décor from one room of the house to the other is called purging and swapping. The best thing about it is it's cost-free.

For those who get nervous about changing their layout, get some advice from a friend. Put everything in the center of the room and bring your friend over and see what advice they can offer. You can also have a rearranging party with a group of friends. Just serve appetizers, open a bottle of wine and have fun.

When changing your layout, think big. Don't just focus on the small things. Try relocating a major piece to change the room's focal point. This will also give the space new purpose. If, like so many others, your room is focused around the television, try changing the layout to focus on conversation.

Don't be afraid to change it up some. In the dining room, you can use some old high-backed wrought-iron patio chairs for the ends of your dining table paired with fiberglass and vinyl chairs. Whatever you choose, make sure the style fits you.

After changing your layout, you may decide you want to add some new décor. If that's the case, now is the time to buy. Sales are better than ever, so take advantage of them.

Good luck on your purge and swap.

Tips for Home Buyers

Tips for Home Sellers

Three Big Mistakes When Buying a New Home or Refinancing

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:30:11 -0800

Many people make mistakes when buying a new home or refinancing their current home. Some mistakes are no big deal and can easily be fixed. However, some are mistakes are a big deal.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes potential buyers and homeowners make:

Mistake #1 - Over 90% of homeowners and buyers fail to examine their credit for any problems before the loan application process. Many people fail to realize that credit is a major factor when refinancing or acquiring a mortgage. Not reviewing your credit prior to the loan application process will only slow down the process.

There are several free online services (for instance www.freecreditreport.com) that will give you access to your credit score and report once a year. If you find you find your credit is in need of repair, you can simply write a letter to or call the credit card company or business that you have negative credit with and see if they will assist you in getting on the right track to having any scars removed from your credit. In the letter, you will need to explain why you were late with your payments. In most cases, the company will require you pay off the debt in full.

Mistake #2 - Many potential borrowers and homeowners fail to check how much a lender will loan them in advance. Many lenders, especially in today's real estate market, have strict guidelines for how much money they will lend. Typically, the lender's decision is based on the loan-to-value ratio. This means lenders have limits on how much money they will let you borrow based on the value of your home.

Here's an example: If you are refinancing your home, most lenders will not lend more than 90% of the appraised value of your home. If your home appraises for $100,000, you will be able to borrow $90,000. This is assuming your current loan balance and closing costs equal $90,000 or more.

Mistake #3 - Many homeowners and buyers fail to find an experienced mortgage lender to help them purchase or refinance a home. Associating yourself with high quality, honest, and service-oriented lenders is very important. Buying a new home or refinancing a home is an important decision and usually a large financial transaction. You don't want to treat it lightly. Dealing with the right lender can make the difference between having your loan application approved or rejected.

When choosing a lender, ask them a few basic questions. This will help you find the right one for your needs.

Some questions you may want to ask are:

· Can the lender provide any references? If they do, call them.

· How long have they been in business? Check them out on the Better Business Bureau.

· How and when can you get in touch with your lender if you need them? Your lender should be available to you through many ways; phone, fax, mobile, email.

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Save Big on the Cost of Living

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:47:45 -0800

There is just no place like home to save big on the cost of living. The cost of living has risen almost 80% over the past ten years. And homeowners are looking for ways to save on their living costs while getting ready to purchase their next home.

Updating or creating a household budget can be a huge help. Every penny you earn, save and spend should be accounted for. This will help you keep up with your spending habits better. Looking over your spending will help you cut back on things you truly don't need. A great program to help track your income and spending and get you on budget is Quicken. The program offers a perfect solution for home or business use. You will be able to track your personal or business expenses in one place, monitor your profit and loss to see what your money is doing, connect to your bank to download your transactions and balance your account, capture possible tax deductions throughout the year and so much more. It's inexpensive to purchase and very easy to use.

You also have the option of moving down in your lifestyle to save on the cost of living. It's not really a step down. Sometimes you can find a bigger home for less than your current. Then again, you may find a smaller home that is perfect for you and your family with a more affordable mortgage. During the past ten years, mortgage payments have risen over 45% on average. Cash in on a smaller home now. Don't wait to fund your retirement.

If you do downsize your home, sell everything that won't fit in the new home. Also, sell anything you don't use or haven't used in the past three months. Keep in mind, an organized home is a money-saving home.

Sell your belongings on Ebay, Amazon, or CraigsList. CraigsList is a free service and you can find more free services on the web. Give things to charity for small tax deductions.

You will soon see those great savings adding up when you really try to change your living costs. Shop around and be thrifty, it really pays.

Salt Lake City, Utah Realtor Kandy Clayton with Tips on Avoiding Tax Scams

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:50:34 -0800

Our lives are complicated enough without con artists trying to separate us from our hard earned dollars. It can also be costly for victims of scams. Therefore, every taxpayer should be vigilant in protecting their financial, personal and tax information.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling prey to con artists.

1. Watch your financial and personal information closely, especially during electronic transactions. The IRS is just one of many government agency and corporate websites that are being copied by imposters that pose as employees conducting official business to take your personal information. Always remember that the IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers. And, never open links in unsolicited messages that claim to be the IRS. It isn't them.

2. Not all scams will come in an email or via the Internet. The telephone is another popular source for scammers. Be sure to never give away your personal information to anyone who calls claiming to be the IRS. Tell them you will call them back at the official IRS number: (800) 829-1040, but be sure to get their name and department.

3. We all know about identity theft now-days. It is extremely important to monitor your return. Thieves will use your personal information to access your financial accounts and can intercept your tax refund. If you suspect this has happened to you, contact the IRS immediately.

4. Many con artists earn a good living by preparing illegal and false tax returns. So make sure all the information on your tax return is accurate, as you are solely responsible for your taxes even if a professional prepares your taxes for you.

5. Some con artists will actually tell you that you don't have to pay taxes. Be aware of anyone who tries to tell you it's okay to side-step your tax paying responsibility.

6. If using a professional tax preparer, be sure to choose the best one by asking for references, checking with the BBB for any claims, and ask about their service fees. Never use a professional based on the amount they say they can get you on your return. And avoid using a professional that bases their service fees on how much your return is. A set fee is the best way to go.

7. Remember that the true IRS Website uses .gov. They never use .com, .net, or .org. The official website of the IRS is www.irs.gov.

These tips should help you avoid being scammed. However, if you still have concerns, you can contact the IRS anytime at (800) 829-1040 or talk to your professional tax preparer.

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Utah’s Bond Effort to Jump-Start Housing Market

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:21:20 -0800

Utah's state officials are kicking around a $400 million plan that is designed to jump-start the state's economy. The plan will give more Utah residents a loan to buy a home. The effort will be funded by selling taxable bonds. Can such an effort be pulled off in today's market? That remains to be seen.

Despite the challenges of the economy, the president of the Utah Housing Corp will still try to sell the taxable bonds in hopes of generating cash for mortgage loans. Many moderate-income Utah residents are now struggling to get mortgages because of the new, tighter lending laws. This bond effort should help residents in that category the most.

Once the plan is approved, the bonds will then be issued by an agency not the state. This means that no taxpayer money will be involved. The loans will be insured by the federal government, which guarantees that bond holders will be repaid.

The $400 million goal will provide financing for low or no down payment programs. The kinks are not completely worked out yet, but so far, homes that would qualify have to be under $300. The bond plan is not meant to finance monster home loans.

Utah currently has a $100 million Dream Saver program in place. The program is designed to help Utah residents convert their problematic mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages into a 30-year fixed rate loan. This program has already helped so many families that were about to lose their home.

The state of Utah seems to be moving in a positive direction.

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Struggling to Keep Your Home?

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:03:56 -0800

Many homeowners are finding that they can't afford to pay their mortgage payments. If you are one of the many, there is now a way to get a better deal from your lender. The process is complicated, but it is helping homeowners in need.

Homeowners can now find several lenders with mortgage modification programs. Each mortgage lender may have different policies. Nevertheless, they can now help you get out of your current loan and into a better one.

Some lenders will ask for proof that the homeowner has been going through financial hardship, such as temporary unemployment, disability, divorce, long illness or the death of a spouse. Homeowners may even be required to write and sign a "hardship letter". The "hardship letter" will have to explain the homeowner's situation in both the short and long term.

The new mortgage modification program aims to achieve two goals: create a payment that's affordable for the borrower and collect all the original loan amount.

Modification types will vary from one lender to the next, but the most common modification types you will find are a permanent interest rate reduction, a deferral of principal and an extended payback period. On very rare occasions, the lender will offer a principal reduction or forgiveness of debt.

The modification programs are helping prevent more unnecessary foreclosures. So if you are in danger of foreclosure, pick up the phone, call your mortgage company and speak with someone about loan modification. Good luck to you!

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Clayton and Associates
7370 South Creek Rd., Suite 201
Sandy, UT 84093
801-676-0375
Fax: 801-676-0366

Bringing Home a Pet for the Holidays

Kandy Clayton (Clayton & Associates Real Estate) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:39:35 -0800

The holidays are the perfect time of year to give the gift of a new pet. For many people, it can be very exciting to bring home a new pet. But it's important to keep in mind that you and your new pet will need time to adjust to one another. I have some tips that I would like to share with you to help the process of bringing home a new pet for the holidays easier.

· Be prepared - Before you even go out to pick up your new pet, make sure you have all the supplies you will need. Supplies to keep in mind are: food, collar, leash, food and water bowls, treats, brush, sleeping mat, and nail clippers. Buy extras later after you see what your pet's personality will be.

· Set some ground rules - Decide who in your family will feed, water, groom, clean and exercise your pet or how these responsibilities will be shared. Also, if you have areas of your home you don't want the pet in, be sure to keep those areas closed. This will show your pet they are not allowed in that area of the home.

· Teach proper animal care to your family - It's a good idea to spend some time with your family discussing the best way to care for your new pet. This is most important for young children. Teach them how to safely pick up your new pet, feed your new pet, etc.

· Pet-Proof your home - New puppies or kittens can totally wreck your home if it is unprepared. So, before you pick up your new pet, move your electrical cords out of their reach, move houseplants, put away dangerous household chemicals, store your plastic bags, garbage and small toys, and remember to close doors to rooms that are off limits to your new pet.

· Help your existing pets - Bringing home a new pet is a big change for everyone, even your other pets. Your new pet may be nervous as well. So introduce your pets slowly and make sure you are doing this with close supervision. Sometimes your existing pets will get overwhelmed, so be sure to have a safe place for them to go. Keeping their sleeping areas and kennels separated and accessible will help them feel safe until they get used to one another.

Best wishes to bringing home your new pet this holiday season. I hope these tips will help things go a little smoother.

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