SunCrest Market Updates December 30, 2015

December SunCrest Market Update

Earlier this month, our phones were buzzing with questions from clients wondering if mortgage rates would be impacted from the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise the key fund rate. “If only we had a crystal ball,” was what we found ourselves saying.

It’s important to note that home mortgage rates are not directly tied to the Federal Fund Rate. Revolving lines of credit, on the other hand (think: home equity loans or credit cards) are more closely related. Mortgage rates follow bond yields, specifically the 10-year treasury.

While we don’t have that crystal ball, analysts and economists from organizations like the Mortgage Bankers Association or government-sponsored funders like Fannie or Freddie are predicting that mortgage rates may increase gradually over the next year. Take a peek at the chart below for what they’re predicting. Mortgage Rate Projections

FHA Loan Limits Increase Throughout SunCrest

Also this month, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) increased FHA loan limits to both counties within SunCrest boundaries. The FHA loan limit for Salt Lake County is now $312,800 (up from $304,750) while Utah County is $303,600 (up from $293,250).

Our take: There’s no need to hit the panic button; in the big historical picture, mortgage rates are still very low. However, if you believe the predictions, then now is the time to buy and you’ll only pay more interest the longer you wait. We had also hoped the FHA limit changes would be more substantial, but there are still SunCrest homes available that fall in those guidelines, and can be had for minimal down payment.

SunCrest Homes December 28, 2015

16039 S. Fielding Hill Lane | Fun, fresh, and functional

 $406,000 | 3,743 sq. ft. | 6 beds | 3.5 baths 

It was just over a year ago, while visiting their “for sale by owner” SunCrest home, when we met these sellers. You see, whether it’s our listing or not, our eyes are always peeled on SunCrest so we preview every possible property. If it’s happening in SunCrest, we want to know about it. This wasn’t a listing appointment, a pricing opinion, or a sneaky foot in the door; this was, well, just us doing our job.

We viewed the home, we visited, and when asked, we offered our opinion and suggestions. The basement wasn’t finished and the home donned mostly its original finishes and fixtures. When their home didn’t sell after some time on the market they decided to make some changes.

Through emails, phone calls, texts, informal chitchat at SunCrest community events, and eventual follow up visits to the home, our relationship grew. We continued to answer questions, offer advice, and loved the fresh and exciting home that they were creating.

Today, we look back at what the sellers have accomplished and the list is extensive and impressive.

  • Fresh Flooring – New carpet and hardwoods (bring on the kiddos or pets).
  • Wainscoting Throughout – The sellers especially love it in the common areas.
  • Paint – Come on! Who doesn’t love the new house smell and crisp walls?
  • Fixtures – We can bring the originals back if “level 1” finishes are your thing?
  • Hello, Basement – Star Wars, NFL Playoffs, or your favorite TV series: take your pick. The Bose equipped 7.1 theater room is calling. Two other rooms are perfect for kids, guests, or hobbies.

Walking into rooms with nine-foot ceilings you’ll find the layout to be functional and fun. The kitchen is equipped with double ovens, stainless steel appliances (yours to keep), and a practical island that flows sensibly and seamlessly into the dining and family room. Keep it hush or you’re hosting your next get together. The master bedroom is bigger than you’ve got furniture for and features a four-piece bath—dual vanity, dedicated bathtub, separate shower—and the coolest closet you’ll see on your home search.

Low maintenance front and backyard landscaping with pergola, hot tub, and fire pit means more time for friends, family and you. Maybe use some of that you time hiking from the Maple Hollow trailhead? Just one block northwest.

We’ve been interested in helping the sellers since the “for sale by owner” days, so we were tickled when they put it back on the market and asked us to represent them. We think you’ll love this home, too.

Peek the info sheet, and then drop us a line. We’d love to show you in person.

PROPERTY FLYERFULL LISTING | SCHEDULE A TOUR 

SunCrest Homes December 16, 2015

1852 E. Aspen Leaf Place | Clean as a whistle

 $475,000 | 4,083 sq. ft. | 5 beds | 3 baths 

Can we talk about goals for a second?

You see, that’s really what we’re all about. We’re not just people you hire to push the paperwork around. We’re not about putting a sign in the yard, latching a key box to the front door, and posting a few pics to the online listing service. Nope. That’s not our gig. Our philosophy runs much deeper. Who are you? What are your goals? Where we are you now? Where do you want to be? When do you want or need to be there? What can we do to help get you there?

When we met with the sellers of this SunCrest rambler, it became clear that we would work on two goals together.

GOAL #1 : Try not to steal their cute, lovable, and “just look at those eyes” dogs.

GOAL #2 – Creatively curate their space to get it ready to sell.

We soon found out goal number 1 was the more difficult goal. Together, we came up with a plan to get their place ready to sell. Peep the pics below, and you’ll see how we helped them take an already great space and perk it up.

Starting with upstairs, we worked in new neutral paint to tie into the impressive 6″ dark manufactured hardwoods. We retired the old white appliances, and updated with matching stainless steel Samsung ones, added a new dazzling mosaic tile fireplace, and new fixtures.

The master retreat, bedrooms, and downstairs all received a makeover worthy of some TMZ gossip. Now the home is all about clean, open spaces and it just shouts “FUNCTIONAL!” from the literal mountaintop.

Our guilty pleasure is the game room (also: family room) or dedicated theater room.

The dogs are safe for now, and we’ve definitely achieved the second goal of getting this property ready for the market. It’s now available, and we’re moving towards the third goal: helping someone find the move-in ready home of their dreams.

Ready to see it in person? We’ll bring the popcorn.

SunCrest Homes December 2, 2015

1975 E. Aspen Grove Court | Let the light pour in

The Aspen Grove Court cul-de-sac is no stranger to us. We’ve paraded about this quiet street before, so when we just listed this gem, we were eager to express our fanfare again. Mind if we show you around?

Its impeccable location showcases some of the finest views in our mountaintop community.

The sellers love the kitchen and family room. Can you blame them? Large massive windows let the light pour in.

The wood-burning fireplace is a perfect touch for mountaintop living. Glass of wine or sparkling cider, anyone?

We’re crushin’ on the high ceilings and the loft (or office/playroom) that’s open to the floor below. Channel your inner “Wright Brothers” with a few quick paper folds, then open up a window and let it ride! From here, your paper airplane just may make it to the airport.

The master retreat is, well, just that – a retreat. We’re talking breakfast in bed, a reading nook, or whatever your cozy little heart desires.

A couple of finished bedrooms upstairs, another finished bedroom downstairs and the framed-in basement with a future theater room awaits your latest “pinned” ideas. And remember that loft we told you about? It’s open and airy and the perfect spot for homework, schoolwork, or playing hooky from work.

Ready to see all that light pour in in person? Grab a pair of shades and contact us here.