Mark Watterson (801) 815-0411, Broker, Utah Realtor

Building Codes..... They are minimum safety and quality standards.

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:46:20 -0600

I have been reading posts here in the Rain where some will comment something like "The building inspector

should have caught that."

Building Codes..... They are minimum safety and quality standards.

They are not a replacement for doing your due diligent and hiring the best contractor for your project.

There are many items in the construction process that are not inspection items or the responsibility is deferred to the engineer and/or property owners.

For example: The soil condition/type where you are building. Is it suitable to support the footings, foundation and structure? In our area the city nor the engineer will normally not take that responsibility. It's put on the builder and/or homeowner or they need to pay for a soils test.

City Building departments provide an excellent community service by inspecting to current codes. I'm 100% behind the great service they provide.

They create a safer community with higher quality structures.

When your looking to hire a builder. There are many questions you need to ask and couple you should ask yourself.

Do I want a builder the conforms to minimum safety and quality standards? Or do I have higher expectations?

Born Again American... If you haven't seen this... Please take a couple of minutes...

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:04:45 -0600

FHA Loan Limits by County......

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:18:27 -0600

FHA limits the amount they will loan by county. To check out the your county of interest limits.

Here is the link.

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Fill in the requested blanks (only a few) and the information will be displayed. Below is a sample, the website will actually give you much more detail.

FHA is back stronger than ever with the fall of the subprime market and maybe the best option for your next home.

Call you loan officer and check out your options.

Here is an option: Did you know, you can purchase a four-plex with a FHA loan?

You will have to occupy one of the units and qualify under current FHA guidelines.

Happy Home Shopping.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Contact Mark Watterson your Local Property Resource Specialist for the most up-to-date market conditions data for Salt Lake, Davis, Utah and Weber Counties. View comprehensive property resource information at www.markwatterson.com

It's Not About the Money -It's about life long relationships that are based on Customer Service Excellence.

The "Voice of the Customer" is where it all begins. Customer Service Excellence is not just words. It's our CULTURE.

My customers refer their family and friends because of the exceptional attention to detail, customer focus and the value added services they receive. An unmatched passion and love for providing these services is the thread that binds the entire business process together making it a smooth and seamless event.

In fact it doesn't even seem like business. Because it's all about you, your goals and objectives.

You should expect the highest level of service and you deserve it. It's about you, the right property and your GOALS. YOU Deserve the BEST!

Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain qualify for 100% Rural Housing Financing

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:04:52 -0600

Need 100% financing?

Need seller concessions?

Need a home for your family?

Rural Housing could be a great fit.

Need the Federal Tax credit?

Need more information?

How can we help?

Please let us know.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Where Have the For Sale By Owners Gone?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:50:57 -0600

Here in Utah we're conservative by nature.

It very common for homeowners to want to sell their own home.

Real Estate agents tend to always list their own home. The only time I have seen an agent not listing their own home is because a discount brokers fee structure, has saved them money over their current brokerage.

I have noticed that there seems to be fewer homes for sale by owner these days.

I believe this has to do with the current market conditions. The negative equity isn't allowing them to sale and those who sale are in a distressed situation.

Many times we see buyers that will shop for homes themselves believing this saves them money. When they see a home they like they call the listing agent to preview. Some choose to only preview for sale by owners.

Others like to contact multiple agents and/or For Sale by Owners.

Everyone has there own style when shopping and buying real estate.

My suggestion is: Don't lose focus. Sometimes focusing on the golden egg causes us to lose focus on the other eggs in the basket and causing undesired consequences.

I would encourage you to make fully informed, timely, buying and selling decisions.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Bellagio Fountains - Part Two - Best Free Show In Las Vegas......

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:50:33 -0600

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Bellagio Fountains - Part One - Best Free Show In Las Vegas......

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:49:09 -0600

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Visited the New Wynn/Encore Casino... Well maybe not so new now???

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:33:59 -0600

Seems like they never stop building in Las Vegas. Even in this economy there are other building going up.

We like to do a lot of walking and there didn't seem to be as many walking the strip this week. Maybe things are a bit slower.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Have a SAFE Holiday. Please don't be the cause of one of these.....

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:24:51 -0600

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Saratoga Springs Subdivision in Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:23:27 -0600

Saratoga Springs is named after the natural hot springs located on the north end of the development. The spring feeds and heats the hot tub and pool at the club house.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

When making choices/decisions. Do you make fully informed decisions?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:07:05 -0600

When making decisions don't rush.

I recommend you make fully informed decisions. Seek out information and the Internet is a great resource.

Seek out the appropriate professionals. Many professionals provide not cost or obligation initial consultation. This is a great way to get know them and find a good fit.

Make fully informed timely decisions. Hurried decisions most often won't be in your best interest.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Investing in Real Estate in the Greater Salt Lake City, Utah area.....

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:41:01 -0600

Investor Strategies

Investors we work with have a full range of experience. Many are full-time investors; however the majority have other employment (aka a JOB). Investing can be a long term strategic to create wealth for their retirement years. Some favor shorter term strategics.

This current market conditions have changed the options avaialble to investors. It's important that you have a great team of professionals (Real Estate, Mortgage, Title and Legal) working together to achieve your goals.

Were here to help. Please call when your ready to invest in the Greater Salt Lake City, Utah area (Salt Lake, Utah, Davis and Weber counties).

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Short Sales First Birthday is coming up....

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:14:44 -0600

I have started to wonder Why do banks even do short sale if they don't want to process them?

A couple of years back I got an approval the same day I submitted the short sale packet. Now it has been several admissions of the same material and updating the material (because of the length of time for the banks and investors to review the file). Then the story goes on and on........

I'm still hopeful we can get this closed.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

How Do You Tell The Men from the BOYS?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:36:35 -0600

By the size of their TOYs.

Here is my latest toy. I wanted a new one but atleast I got my TOY.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Lou Dodds leaves CNN..... Is he Right? Is the Center of the Country being Silent.....

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:28:15 -0600

I was watching The Daily Show and the interview with Lou Dodds. He discussed why he left CNN. Here is the link for those interested in watching. http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-november-18-2009/exclusive---lou-dobbs-extended-interview-pt--1

I don't really know much about Lou Dodds. However, he did state something that made sense to me. He feels that the extreme right and the extreme left are in control or want to be in control of the country and that the middle (or center) of the country is silent. He feels the middle need to be more involved. (my words please watch the video for his exact words).

I found this to make sense. I do believe the more sane voice in the country is silent and is allowing the extremes to be in control. This I believe is not in the countrys (or our) best interest.

How do we get the majority more involved? I'm not sure. I do believe the Internet is one tool that could help.

I'm hopefully the silent center of the country will find its voice.

I would like to see more involvement in seeking solutions that are positive for our country.

Unusual Sunrise in Lehi, Utah

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:55:26 -0600

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

The Sale Report

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:44:42 -0600

Sales in many areas are not what they use to be and won't be for months or years to come.

The negative equity has killed or seriously slowed parts of the market.

However we can choose to focus on the positive or the negative.

I have chosen to seek out the positive and take control of my own destiny.

The old saying "Where there's a will there's a way." I believe to be a great truth.

Every market has it opportunities.

Every market is a bit different.

I'm not saying I have discovered all the positives. I am saying the search is ongoing and never ending.

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The Thought Pool. Do you swim in the Deep-End or the Shallow-End?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:32:43 -0600

One thing I have found that I really enjoy about the Rain is all varied opinions and thoughts.

Some are deep thinkers, some are shallow and some are in-between somewhere. Some use the whole pool.

Everyone opinion counts and is appreciate. It creates a balance.

Sometimes when we have a new thought we can put it out there for everyone consideration. We may receive an entire different perspective.

I believe not to blog because you're worried about others opinions stated in our comments is a shame.

When I first join the Rain, I didn't blog for months because I was worried about being flamed or not having others agree with my opinion. I have found that even though others may miss the whole point (or intent) or just not agree with the content. That is not reason to stop or not clarify your point (or at-least try) in a responding comment.

So just jump in.

The waters fine and it doesn't matter which end of the pool you use or use the whole pool.

It great to have choices and to exercise your right to choose.

The United States is the Largest Business in the World.... Is it the best run?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:03:20 -0600

I think we can do better.

Why shouldn't our government be run lean and productive. The best business in the world?

I view taxpayers = stockholders. I also believe we should be using the Internet to enable the taxpaying citizens to become more involved and hold the managers (Representatives, Senators and President) of the business more accountable.

One way I suggested we do this is by the American Public having move control over the purse strings. Attached is the link to the blog.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1338540/politics-why-can-t-we-use-the-kiss-principle-

One comment thought this would limit those who could vote liken it to when only those who own land could vote.

I don't understand this because, I know many people who don't own land. I don't know anyone that doesn't pay taxes. So I'm not sure how this limits the good citizens from voting?

The USA is the largest business in the world and without taxpayers (stockholder) it would not exist. So why not let those taxpayer be more involved in how their money is spent?

What better way is there to do that than having them more invloved and knowledgeable. Knowing there vote really does count and then there is inheritant accountability then built into the system.

Is the Internet not secure?

As for voting on Internet being unsecured. I wouldn't give the polling booth people the information I have on the Internet.

I don't have all the answers. I do know technology has enriched our lives in many ways. Why can't it enrich our lives more by making our government leaner, more accountable and transparent?

Of course, if your happy with the current status. I respect that.

For me I'm not. So I'm offering solutions and not pointing fingers.

The goal is to engage NOT to enrage.

Politics…..Why can’t we use the KISS principle?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:03:07 -0600

I have always wondered why the solutions seem so complicated.

Why can't we Keep It Simple?

I believe the focus in Washington is misplaced.

Here is my proposal. (In a nutshell)

Every register voter that pays taxes has one vote. Those who don't pay taxes will have no votes.

The voters would cast their votes on the internet with a secure logon. The elected representatives from each state would handle the paperwork and the necessary issues to get the document voter ready. Write a summary and suggests what is in the best interest of their state.

Then each of us taxpaying citizens would logon and decide if we want to spend the money.

Those working WA would not be under pressure by those not working in our best interest to continue to sell us out.

Of course, it would take a little refining. But why shouldn't the control be in the hands of those paying the bills?

We have the technology.

Is it because we lack will and/or desire to pull together to achieve a common goal in our best interest?

Or is it no sensible goal has been put out there we can embrace?

Well that my solution.

Solutions NOT finger pointing.

Building Permit Inspection Card-Utah

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:05:04 -0600

This is a typical inspection card normally found on the backside of the building permit. This will give you a good idea of what is inspected by local authority in Utah.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Custom Home Upgrades at Starter Home Prices...Utah

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:52:59 -0600

I'm currently working with a builder that includes many upgrades in there starter homes.

This builder is flexible and will build any plan, anywhere in the state. They also have no issue with plan changes and in-process upgrades. They a customer driven builder.

Here is a particle list.

High entry
Vaults
Pot Shelves
Nine foot walls
Upgrade drywall finishes
Fully framed basement
Insulated Garage Doors
Belt Drive Openers
Low E windows with Argon
Can Lights
Wiring Upgrades
Concrete Patio
Hardwood Entry
Sunken Living Room
Tile in Kitchen and Baths
Extra storage

Get more home at a great price.

Please visit our model home anytime (under construction): 5974 South 2700 West, Roy, Utah 84067

Questions? Please call me anytime. 801.815.0411 or email me at mark@markwatterson.com

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

First Snow in Saratoga Springs, Utah

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:14:27 -0600

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

How do you make decisions?

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:15:59 -0600

Do you make decisions by rolling the dice?

Or maybe flipping a coin?

Whatever your pondering (personal, political, business, etc.). I would encourage you to make an informed decision.

In this age of the internet we have more information available to us than ever before. Let's make it work for us.

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Mark Watterson is a Utah licensed Real Estate Broker with Principle Realty Group, Inc. and a Utah license Loan Officer with Springwater Capital, LLC

Establishing a Blogging Style.....

Mark Watterson Utah Real Estate (Principle Realty Group, Inc) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:13:17 -0600

I have been a member of the Rain for a while now but only actively blogging for the last year.

At first I worried about being flamed.

Then about content and what would fit my style. By the way, What is my style?

It's a learning process and I'm still learning. I have learned a couple of things about myself.

I do know I like to use clip art that relates to my thoughts.
I like to write market reports for many different zip codes in four counties. Maybe to much.
I like to write about politics but haven't written much. Still thinking about if I should?
I like real estate discussions and to write comments.
I like to be a resource for information and helping client make fully informed buying or selling decisions.

For me it's an on going learning process and one I enjoy.

Hope you find your style and for those who have found their style, they continually seek to improve.

Happy Blogging

Mark