Home Improvements Don’t Have to Drain Your Wallet!

Home Improvements Don’t Have to Drain Your Wallet! - Are you ready to sell your home, but afraid it won’t look good to potential buyers? Do you wish you could remodel your home, but can’t afford a total overhaul? There is good news! You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home appealing to buyers! There are a few simple and affordable things you can do to increase the value of your home.

Open up the space in your home. Homes look larger when there is less clutter. If you can, move unnecessary furniture out of the house and into storage.

De-personalize your home. Take down family pictures and personal keepsakes so that buyers can see themselves in the home. If they can see themselves living in your home, they may want it even more!

Pay attention to cosmetic details. Often, you can add plenty of charm simply by dusting off shelves or polishing appliances. You may not even need to make any purchases - just make what you already have shine!

If you are in the market to sell your home in Logan, Utah, I can help you market your home so you can get the most money for your investment. Give me a call at (435) 757-5533 or visit my interactive website www.LoganHomeFinder.com.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Home Improvements Don’t Have to Drain Your Wallet!

Home Improvements Don’t Have to Drain Your Wallet! - Are you ready to sell your home, but afraid it won’t look good to potential buyers? Do you wish you could remodel your home, but can’t afford a total overhaul? There is good news! You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home appealing to buyers! There are a few simple and affordable things you can do to increase the value of your home.

Open up the space in your home. Homes look larger when there is less clutter. If you can, move unnecessary furniture out of the house and into storage.

De-personalize your home. Take down family pictures and personal keepsakes so that buyers can see themselves in the home. If they can see themselves living in your home, they may want it even more!

Pay attention to cosmetic details. Often, you can add plenty of charm simply by dusting off shelves or polishing appliances. You may not even need to make any purchases - just make what you already have shine!

If you are in the market to sell your home in Logan, Utah, I can help you market your home so you can get the most money for your investment. Give me a call at (435) 757-5533 or visit my interactive website www.LoganHomeFinder.com.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

First Time Homebuyers Eligible for Live in Logan Grant!

First time homebuyers are eligible for the Live in Logan Grant. The Live in Logan Grant is sponsored by Logan City and the $7,500 grant is available to first-time homebuyers looking to move to Logan that qualify. The money can go toward a down payment or closing costs.

A “first time homebuyer” is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years, those who currently own a trailer that is not on a permanent foundation, those who lease or own a condominium, and/or are a displaced spouse. The requirements for this grant are:

• Be a first time home buyer
• Earn no more than 80% of the HUD median for Cache County
• Have a certain debt to income ratios
• Attend a First Time Home Buyer Workshop (the one in Cache County is provided by the Utah State University Family Life Center
• Apply at least $500 of your own funds to the purchase of the home
• Buy a single family residence within Logan city limits

On top of an $8,000 government tax credit for first time homebuyers, this is a great opportunity!

If you would like more information about this unique program please give me a call at (435) 757-5533. If you’re looking for a home visit my Web site www.LoganHomeFinder.com to search Logan Utah homes for sale. There is a map with all the homes for sale in Logan, Utah. You can also send me an e-mail at mike@LoganHomeFinder.com.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

What is an Agent's Role?

Choosing the right real estate agent to represent you as a buyer or a seller is best decision you’ll make when buying or selling a home. It is a very important part of the process. As a seller, a real estate agent will help you assess the value of your home and advertise the listing to other agents and the general public. A real estate agent will also arrange for showings and oversee most of the transaction.

As a buyer having a real estate agent working for you is a must. A buyer's agent can provide a variety of information about a home including sales history, assessed value, as well as what to look for in buying a home. Also, a big part of a buyer’s agent is to negotiate the best price for the property you are considering.

As a real estate agent in Logan, Utah I specialize in helping people find the right home at the right prices. Homes for sale in Logan, Utah are reasonably priced and there are so many reasons to buy right now. I help people from all over the country relocate and buy homes in Logan, Utah. Check out my interactive Web site www.LoganHomeFinder.com or e-mail me at mike@loganhomefinder.com.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Recession is Inviting to Buyers

Why is a recession inviting to buyers? Not very many people are excited about the current economic downturn, but homebuyers have reason to smile. We all know there are plenty of foreclosures and short sales in the market right now. This isn’t good for sellers, but buyers and especially first time homebuyers can find great home deals.

Finding deals on homes for sale in Logan, Utah is a reality. The real estate market in Logan, Utah has been relatively conservative which also makes this recession inviting to buyers. Sometimes making offers on short sales and pre-foreclosure properties in Logan, Utah can be frustrating since you are the mercy of the banks and lending institutions. However, if you are patient it can save you thousands of dollars and you can move into a Logan, Utah home with instant equity.

On my Web site at www.LoganHomeFinder.com you can search specifically for short sale and pre-foreclosure properties in Logan, Utah. Please give me a call at (435) 757-5533 or send me an e-mail at mike@loganhomefinder.com if you have questions about Logan, Utah homes for sale.

Mike Whitesides, Realtor, Market Edge Real Estate, Logan, Utah (435) 757-5533.

Job Opportunities Make Utah a Prime Place to Live

More and more people are buying homes in Utah as more tech industry jobs come into the state. More job opportunities equal more people moving into the state. Also, Utah is a prime place to live because of the affordable cost of living. Many homebuilders also live in Utah. With all these things going for the area, Utah is a great place to buy a home.

Nestled in the Cache Valley, Logan, Utah espouses all of these traits of living in Utah. Close to shopping and Utah State University and plenty of outdoor activities, Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Short Sales in Logan, Utah

Ever heard short sales but don't know how they work?

A short sale is a pre-foreclosure sale when a home facing foreclosure – but not officially foreclosed on - is sold at a price less than the debt owed. A buyer gets a great deal on home and a seller avoids foreclosure.

A short sale buyer still needs to be prequalified for the purchase and have an agent already.

In May, the US Treasury offered incentive for buyers to participate in short sales. If borrowers meet the minimum requirements for the Making Home Affordable plan but didn't get a loan modification or couldn't sustain payments under a trial period then they could get a $1,500 incentive payment to pay moving expenses after doing a short sale or died-in-lieu.

There are quite a few short sales in the Logan, Utah and Cache Valley area right now. It’s a great way to buy a home or a piece of real estate. The only disadvantage is that it can take a long time because you are at the mercy of the banks and lending institutions.

I would be happy to show you short sales or other homes for sale in the Logan, Utah area. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Buying a Home for the First Time in Logan, Utah

The first time you buy a home can be a daunting and stressful task, but there are ways to make it more painless.

First, gather all your financial documents and review your finances, especially your credit score. This will help when it comes time to get a loan.

Next, learn more about mortgages and find out which mortgage is best for you. There are many kinds of mortgages and a lender can help you find out what you need.

Third, decide on what kind of house you want and can afford. Make sure you include the size, location, and features. Based on what kind of home your looking for and your finances I can help you find the best match possible.

I work with first time buyers, return buyers, out of state buyers and all types of people. I will listen to you and give you the best information and work with you throughout the process. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Pre-Qualified? Pre-Approved? What's the Difference?

With so many terms and definitions in the real estate market, it's hard to know what everything means. Would you rather be pre-qualified or pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is a summary of what you can afford. It's a “ballpark” figure based on a thorough snapshot of your financial health. At this stage, you are still subject to more vigorous final approval.

Pre-approval is proof to real estate agents that you are approved for a loan. It is based on verification of your income and a satisfactory appraisal of your property.

Pre-approval is much more than being pre-qualified, but pre-qualification is an important step in getting pre-approved. If you're pre-approved let’s talk because it’s time to start looking for homes. If you need a recommendation on a loan officer please let me know. They are helpful, friendly and honest and will help you with the home buying process. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Time to buy a house? It's time to find a Realtor!

When you are in the market for a new house, it's important to choose a Realtor that will listen to what you need and will use all the resources available to help you get the house you want.

The first thing to know is to be upfront and honest with your Realtor. The more information you give your Realtor, the more they will be able to find the home that you're looking for. Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a comprehensive database of past and present listings in a particular area. There's bound to be a house or two based on what you’re looking for.

The Cache Valley area is listed with the Wasatch Front MLS. I would be happy to help you find what you are looking for. I can get you more information about any listing and arrange a showing for any home in Logan and the surrounding area. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Government tax credit makes this a great time to buy

Housing prices are low and the government is giving first-time homebuyers an $8,000 tax credit for buying. There is a deadline – the transaction must be completed by November 30, 2009. It usually takes 45-60 days to close a deal, so the time to buy is now.

"If you have the cash and a stable job, this is a perfect time to buy a house," said Ilyce Glink, author of "100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask.” "But people are running out of time.”

This credit amounts to $8,000 or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less. The full amount can be claimed by single taxpayers earning less than $75,000 and by married couples who earn less than $150,000.

In spite of the slow economy, Utah is in better shape than many other places around the country. Cache Valley's unemployment rates are lower than the rest of the state at 4.2 percent. Businesses are still seeking to come to Utah because prices are low and the standard of living remains high.

If you are first time homebuyer I would strongly suggest you look into real estate in the Logan area. The housing market is conservative so prices are reasonable and homes continue to hold their value. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Report: Logan ranked a safe college town

Utah State University in Logan, Utah has made the list of 25 safest college towns, according to the news and opinion website, The Daily Beast. USU is ranked 13th of 4,000 colleges surveyed.

According to The Daily Beast, which quotes Morgan Quitno Press, Logan is ranked among the safest metropolitan areas in the country. The Daily Beast also quotes USU Police Chief Steve Mecham as saying the school's good faculty and safe community helps USU achieve such rankings.

The data used in the survey included statistics colleges give to the federal government. The criteria for the list included having at least 6,000 students and not being a commuter college.

Logan is not only a safe college town, it is a great place to live. Housing is very affordable and worth looking into. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.

Short Sales – What to Know

Ever heard short sales but don't know how they work?

A short sale is a pre-foreclosure sale when a home facing foreclosure – but not officially foreclosed on - is sold at a price less than the debt owed. A buyer gets a great deal on home and a seller avoids foreclosure.

A short sale buyer still needs to be prequalified for the purchase and have an agent already.

In May, the US Treasury offered incentive for buyers to participate in short sales. If borrowers meet the minimum requirements for the Making Home Affordable plan but didn't get a loan modification or couldn't sustain payments under a trial period then they could get a $1,500 incentive payment to pay moving expenses after doing a short sale or died-in-lieu.

There are quite a few short sales in the Logan, Utah and Cache Valley area right now. It’s a great way to buy a home or a piece of real estate. The only disadvantage is that it can take a long time because you are at the mercy of the banks and lending institutions.

I would be happy to show you short sales or other homes for sale in the Logan, Utah area. Cache Valley, Utah is a great place to live and there is no better time to buy a home in Logan, Utah. Contact me at 435-757-5533 or visit my interactive Web site at www.loganhomefinder.com.