SunCrest Market Updates February 23, 2018

February SunCrest Market Update

Follow along:  Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram 


2018 Housing Forecast-Insider Info

At Windermere, we’re fortunate to have Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, as part of our team to provide valuable analysis of the economy and housing market. In January, Matthew was the keynote speaker at the Salt Lake Board Of Realtors forecast breakfast. We’re sneaking this insider info to you, because we think you’ll be interested in his predictions for the 2018 housing market.

Our take:

These forecasts are made at a national level, so we have some additional forecasts for SunCrest.

  • First, SunCrest has seen the total number of existing homes sales decline over the past three years. Put simply – fewer homes were sold in SunCrest in 2017 compared to 2016 and 2015! While we don’t project a further decline in existing home sales, we expect to maintain current sales levels — approximately 10 home sales per month, typically with spikes in Q2 and Q3.
  • Second, barring any substantial changes to Edelweiss or Hidden Canyon Estates, we project new homes sales will exceed 10% of all SunCrest area sales. To date in 2018, new construction makes up nearly 50% of all current homes for sale, and over 80% of sales currently pending.
  • As of the this writing, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 4.40 percent, on pace to exceed Gardner’s projection.

We agree with Gardner’s projection about concerns of lack of available inventory and unsustainable home price appreciation. We anticipate prices leveling off in some markets, as would-be buyers become capped financially due to rising interest rates and historically high levels of debt. However, we do not foresee any reason to panic and expect 2018 to be another strong year. Even more than last year, we think that sitting down, reviewing all the facts, and walking through your goals will help prepare you for your next move.


Our SunCrest Market Update is a hyper-local analysis of the most up-to-date information regarding the SunCrest real estate market.  The previous month’s SunCrest housing information and future editions are released monthly.

SunCrest News February 16, 2018

Utah Housing Market Update – 4th Quarter 2017

Utah Housing Market Update

At Windermere, we’re fortunate to have Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, as part of the team to provide valuable analysis of the economy and housing market. He recently completed his housing market update for the 4th quarter of 2017¹.  Click here to read his full report to find where Utah sits currently and where the market is headed.

Some highlights and findings include:

  • Home sales continue to be held back by very low levels of available inventory. Listing activity continues to trend at well below historic averages, with the total number of homes for sale in the fourth quarter down 33.7% from a year ago.
  • The imbalance between supply and demand persists, which means home prices continue to appreciate at above average rates. This is likely to continue  for the foreseeable future as inventory levels are unlikely to rise sufficiently to meet demand.
  • During the fourth quarter, it took an average of 50 days to sell a home in the region.

Are you thinking of buying or selling real estate? Have questions about this report?  Call, text or email anytime. No obligation-its just what we do.

¹Matthew Gardner, “Utah Real Estate Market Update,” Windermere, February 5, 2018, https://www.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/utah-real-estate-market-update–2.
SunCrest Homes January 31, 2018

15126 S. Eagle Crest Drive | Fresh New Look

$500,000 | 4,133 sq. ft. | 6 beds | 3.5 baths


SCHEDULE SHOWING


When we first toured this home at 15126 S. Eagle Crest Drive, we felt like this baby was bursting with potential and we knew it was time to be bold.

The first order of business? Fresh paint and carpet. Take a deep breath of the new house scent, because you’re about to go into sensory overload. Next, the formica counters were jettisoned in favor of some of the sleekest granite we’ve seen in a while. Swoon!

When we say turnkey, we mean it. The 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths on the main floor are accompanied by flowing spaces, vaulted ceilings, and windows to take in the Wasatch. Those windows are right where you’d hope – letting in the SunCrest air in the summer, precious light in the winter, and providing year-round views only available in this neighborhood.

We love the added bonus room that compliments the main level. Not only does it frame Mount Timpanogas like a painting, but its universal design means you can customize it as you see fit. So. Many. Uses.

Downstairs has two more bedrooms, another flex space (craft room? office? playroom?) and an oversized family and theater area that can keep anyone entertained, especially when coupled with the cable and wifi that are part of the HOA package.

Once you get outside, though, you may never come back. The southern views from the front porch are breathtaking, and the yard is fully fenced and landscaped, nestled into the hillside for a little extra privacy that seems harder to come by nowadays.

From sledding to slip n’ slides, the .19-acre lot provides year-round entertainment and plenty of future #suncrestlifestyle tags. Call us or call your REALTOR to come see the bold and fresh new look.


SunCrest Market Updates January 25, 2018

January SunCrest Market Update

Follow along:  Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram 


Tax Reform and SunCrest Real Estate

Disclaimer: The following is not meant to be a resource for tax advice but instead a resource for basic information concerning certain aspects of the new tax code and it’s potential impact on the real estate market. Please consult with appropriate legal and tax advisors on how the new code may or may not affect you.

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Senate and House bill that overhauls the tax code. While much is still being learned about it, we felt there were a few major proposals being considered that could potentially affect the SunCrest real estate market:

  • Changing the requirements for the exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence
  • Changing the requirements for like kind (aka 1031) exchanges for real property.
  • The reduction on the limit of the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID).
  • The elimination of the State and Local Tax deduction (SALT) which includes property taxes.

That’s some fancy-pants language, so let’s break it down and see what it may mean in real talk.

Changing the requirements for the exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence.
What this means: If you sell a home, you must live in it for at least 2 of the last 5 years, or you are subject to a higher tax rate on your gains.
What changed? Nothing! They considered changing it to 5 of the last 7 years, but did not.
Impact: No new impact on the housing market.

Changing the requirements for like kind (aka 1031) exchanges for real property.
What this means: If you sell a home, you can — under certain conditions — avoid being taxed on the gains if you then use your gains to buy a similar property.
What changed? Nothing! The final bill retains the current Section 1031 Like Kind Exchange rules.
Impact: No new impact on the housing market.

The reduction on the limit of the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)
What this means: In some situations, you can deduct on your taxes the amount of interest you pay on your mortgage. It had been capped at $1M loans.
What changed? They have reduced the cap amount. Now you can only deduct the interest on new loan amounts (loans made after 12/14/17) up to $750K. Current loans up to $1 million are grandfathered into the old cap.
Impact: Nothing for existing loans. On new home loans, you may still be able to deduct interest on your primary and secondary homes, but only up to $750K. Assuming a 20% down payment, this reduction in the MID will only impact buyers that are purchasing a home between the prices of $938,000 and $1,250,000.

The elimination of the State and Local Tax deduction (SALT) which includes property taxes.
What does this mean: If you itemize your deductions, you could deduct the amount of state and local taxes you paid. That includes property tax. There was no limit.
What changed? There is now a limit of $10K on the amount of state and local taxes (including property tax) you can deduct.
Impact: People who paid over $10K in state and local taxes (think: income tax, sales tax, property tax) will no longer be able to deduct anything over that amount. This affects higher taxed and/or higher priced home regions.

Our take:

Phew! As active, contributing members to our state and national REALTOR Political Action Committee (a fancy way of saying advocates for property rights and home ownership) we’d be lying if we said we weren’t sweating a few of the changes that were being discussed. However, we do not believe the new tax code will have a significant impact on the majority of the SunCrest housing market. We anticipate higher priced, higher taxed regions (NJ, NY, CA) to be the most impacted. The overall effect of the tax bill is really unknown, but if buyers do see an overall tax cut, we’re hopeful it helps them accelerate savings and reach their home ownership goals. The best advice we can give is to seek counsel from qualified legal and tax professionals to see what this will all mean for you.

 


Our SunCrest Market Update is a hyper-local analysis of the most up-to-date information regarding the SunCrest real estate market.  The previous month’s SunCrest housing information and future editions are released monthly.

SunCrest Homes January 23, 2018

2163 E. Village Vista Drive | Breathing Easy

There are lots of reasons to move to SunCrest: killer views, clean air, a safe neighborhood, and beautiful homes. Somehow, this home takes each of those benefits and puts them on display, front and center.

For starters, it’s inside of the only gated community on the mountain. That means you’re breathing easy among friends. Speaking of breathing, you’re up above the inversion and the views will definitely remind you.

The kitchen, family room, and master suite have an eagle’s nest view of the Salt Lake Valley and Lone Peak.

The floor to ceiling, eight-panel windows in the master suite let in loads of light, and are an honorable runner-up to the adjoining deck – accessed from the master or the kitchen – when it comes to looking out to blue skies. Hello sunsets!

Take note of the 10-foot ceilings, too; each room feels enormous and with main level living in a rambler, you’ll wonder how you ever did without.

Downstairs, the newly finished family room boasts a bar fit for the finest mixologist; whether it’s a Manhattan neat to impress the neighbors, or a root beer for the kiddos.

Find two rooms for kids or guests, and then something that’s getting harder to find: unfinished space to create your own dream room: bedroom, gym, theater, or workshop to tinker on your 2018 hobbies maybe? The walkout basement leads you to more fresh air and a fully fenced backyard.

It’s everything that SunCrest offers, exemplified in one highly desirable package.

SunCrest Homes January 9, 2018

1994 E. Eagle Crest Drive | Straight Up Starstruck

Sometimes we play it cool when we find a house we love; we don’t ever want to be accused of hype. But this time, we’re having a hard time holding still.

Our love for SunCrest ramblers is well-documented (sky high vaults, convenient main level living, sprawling open spaces… swoon!) and this is one of the best examples we’ve seen in a long time. On top of that, add signature SunCrest views? Well, we’re straight-up starstruck.

Set one toe inside, and you will be too. Our bet is that you make a beeline to the back of the house to gaze out the windows, or just go right out onto the covered walkout deck. That outdoor space provides year-round entertainment with the cityscape (or foggy blanket-remember SunCrest sits above Utah’s inversion) as your backdrop. After your lungs and soul are full of fresh air, come back in.

The home, complete with Control 4 home automation, is equal parts expansive as it is grand and transitions flawlessly room to room.

The master bedroom is as exquisite as it looks and the adjoining walkout means you’ve got those same views at your bedside, day or night.

The kitchen comes complete with every last amenity: oversized island, prep sink, pot filler, Sub-Zero fridge, and a Viking range and stove.

Downstairs should really be referred to as Rambler Two, thanks to its double door walkout and full sized windows. Those same views from upstairs follow you down here, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a space to entertain that is really unrivaled.

We’re told this Wolf grill is one of only a handful of its kind in the state. Combine that with the deep fryer, beverage cooler, and a traditional height bar and you’re primed for your next party. Order up!

Maybe grab your snacks and head to the theater room to take in a flick on the 12-foot screen, with stadium seating. No worries, you can work off the relaxation guilt in the custom fitness room.

Top to bottom, you’d be hard-pressed to find a finer example of a SunCrest rambler done right. It’s not hype if it’s fact, right?

SunCrest Homes January 4, 2018

SunCrest Open House Event | Jan. 6th 12-2PM

Join us Saturday January 6th from Noon to 2PM for a SunCrest Open House Event.

P.S. Bring your favorite neighbor or call your bestie. These properties are next door to each other. Who doesn’t love the idea of a modern day Tim Taylor and Wilson?


14788 S. Shadow Grove Court | MLS# 1491578 | Windermere

$650,000 | 5 bed | 3.5 bath | .27 acre


The main floor was designed to host parties, dinner dates, or days of your own pajama-clad noshing. The large chefs kitchen is complete with double ovens, granite countertops, stainless appliances, and an island that can handle any feast with ease. Who doesn’t love a little more space to stretch out? The sellers love the master retreat and it’s hard to disagree. It’s a lavish space with coffered ceilings and a master bathroom dressed to the 9’s. Downstairs is sensible, spacious, and consistent to the home’s design elements. Outside, the landscaping has extra flair for killer curb appeal that blends perfectly with the serene SunCrest backdrop.


14802 S. Shadow Grove Court | MLS# 1492444 | Windermere

$550,000 | 4 bed | 2.5 bath | .28 acre


Tucked in a quiet cul-de-sac, neighborhood traffic is nearly nonexistent. Street hockey, roller blades, or a classic game of H-O-R-S-E, this lot was picked with intention. Inside, the kitchen layout sprawls into the vaulted family room, ample dining area, and our favorite, the humongous outdoor entertaining space. The master bedroom and bathroom were crafted as a place for relaxation, and are spacious enough to handle any bedroom set you have the budget or heft to haul in. Two other bedrooms, a full bathroom, office, and laundry room balance out the home’s true main level living. With one finished bedroom and much of the tedious basement construction completed, the downstairs is a blank canvas for your vision – wet bar, theater room, workout area, or family room; you pick.

 

SunCrest Homes December 20, 2017

1768 E. Auburn Ridge Lane | Before & After

We love a challenge. When 1768 E. Auburn Ridge Lane hit the market we knew that despite the incredible bones, it would be a tough sell with dated decor. Sure enough, after a brief trial period we were elated to help the sellers take a different approach.

After looking at comparable homes for sale, crunching some numbers, and discovering that with a little TLC we could not only update a beautiful home but help the homeowner make extra money on their sale, we decided together to go forward with a facelift project. While keeping the sellers informed and in charge of all the final decisions, we were on the ground managing the remodel process from beginning to end. They were able to focus on other things in their life while we handled the arrangement. You see, that’s really what we’re all about — we’re not just people you hire to push the paperwork around, plant a sign in the yard, and post a few pics to the online listing service and calling it good. Nope. Not our gig. We’re in it with you, and if there’s an opportunity to make a bold move, we’ll let you know about it.

The result? After a few weeks of work, the home was back on the market and quickly under contract. We helped curate a house that we think is a sweet spot to call home for holidays. We’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

The kitchen, not to be left behind, received trendy white cabinets and a beautiful thick slab of granite for countertops.

Downstairs is the perfect spot to post up for cartoons, movies, or sports game.

Outside, the yard was completely retouched, receiving fresh sod, foliage, and landscaping. With oversized family room windows overlooking the property, you’ll appreciate the new ‘scape.

Now that we’ve ditched all the clues of that old shade of blue, we feel like this SunCrest rambler is a once in a blue moon opportunity.

SunCrest DevelopmentSunCrest News December 19, 2017

SunCrest Area Public Hearing Updates | December 19, 2017

Follow along:  Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram 


Mountain Park Estates

The scheduled public hearing  for the Mountain Park Estates Master Planned Community in the SunCrest area has been withdrawn by the applicants. Re-noticing for the meeting will be posted here at Suncrest Lifestyle when more information is available.

SunCrest Surplus Property

Still on the agenda is a public hearing for a ~.54 acre surplus  of SunCrest area land and subsequent sale. This piece is located approximately 14000 South Upper Corner Canyon Road near the existing Edge Homes Hidden Canyon Estates subdivision and Draper City Peak View trailhead.

SunCrest Market Updates December 11, 2017

December SunCrest Market Update

Follow along:  Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram 


Dear SunCrest,

We don’t even know where to begin. Four years ago, an idea was born to collect warm winter clothes for those who desperately needed it. We brought their plea to you — our friends, our neighbors, our SunCrest community — and you delivered in a big way.

“Why stop there?” we wondered. Since then, this annual tradition has continued to grow. Not only have your donations grown, but so have your stories of what this has meant to you. Seeing your donations literally pile up (and overflow!) at the clubhouse has been an amazing and touching experience for us. Personally meeting neighbors to pick up donations and hear stories of “I’ve been saving these for 6 months to give to you,” or “I went and bought these items for the drive,” has been a humbling and rewarding reminder of what a great community we live in.

This year, SunCrest donated over 600 items, nearly 20% more than years past! In addition to the used items that go to The Road Home, approximately 60 brand new items were donated and will be a part of  Candy Cane Corner, a holiday store stocked with donations where low-income, struggling families and individuals from the YWCA, Road Home, and Volunteers of America can go to “shop” in a dignified way for presents for their families. Every item you gave will help someone this season.

Thank you SunCrest. Thank you for your donations, big or small. Thank you for helping another man, woman, or child stay a little warmer this winter.

With gratitude,

Scott Steadman and Robyn Foulger

 


Our SunCrest Market Update is a hyper-local analysis of the most up-to-date information regarding the SunCrest real estate market.  The previous month’s SunCrest housing information and future editions are released monthly.