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November SunCrest Market Update

By Scott Steadman / November 25, 2015 / 0 Comments

In addition to our hyperlocal SunCrest focus, we’re also involved in national real estate issues. We recently attended the National Association of Realtors conference, a gathering of over 20,000 Realtors. Below we recap a big takeaway from this year’s event.

SunCrest Real Esate

SunCrest RealtorShiny new objects

Technology is changing the way the real estate industry operates, and the way Realtors are doing business. From online listing websites, to virtual home tours, to mobile apps that tell you when you’re near a house for sale, there are countless new ways to go about finding or selling a home.

As a consumer, you can now research the entire buying or selling process, sift through listings online, educate yourself about the school system in a neighborhood you’re interested in, or get a “free market analysis in 30 seconds” all from the comfort of your home.

Walking through the trade show this year was quite eye opening. Technology is creating a sense of urgency for Realtors to chase the latest and greatest “shiny new objects” being marketed. We saw everything from online sales leads, apps that predict how likely someone is to sell their home, software that scans your social media posts to find potential clients, and companies that offer to track and communicate with your past clients so Realtors can relax all year long.

Our Take:

Technology streamlines processes and increases education. It empowers buyers and sellers to make the best buying and selling decisions out there.  However, just chasing the “shiny new objects” is no replacement for experience and know-how. Not all technology is created equal, and knowing which tools have been proven and which are smoke and mirrors is not always easy. There’s no substitute for sitting down at the table with someone to talk about your personalized options, or having a trusted advisor to help navigate during one of life’s unexpected events. Technology can’t answer the phone to work through a stressful negotiation with you or celebrate with you when you close on your new house.

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SunCrest Warm Winter Clothes Drive

By Scott Steadman / November 4, 2015 / 0 Comments

We are excited to announce our second “Over The River and Through the Woods” warm winter clothes drive. Last year, we introduced you to the needs of families in the Heber Valley community; a community not too far or too different from ours. Many residents in the Heber community are the backbone work forces in the hotel, ski and tourism industries, often working long hours for low wages. Your response in 2014 was amazing. We gathered over 400 items and when we delivered your donations we saw firsthand the difference you made.

We need your help again! We’re asking residents to donate new or gently used items warm winter clothes including:

Jackets • Coats • Winter Gloves • Winter Hats • Winter Pants • Winter Boots

Here’s how you can help: Drop off anything from the list in the donation bins at the SunCrest Community Clubhouse through November 16th, 2015.

Our 2015 goal is 600 items (a doable 25% increase from ’14). If you’re feeling social, share donations on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #goal600

This year, we’re excited to bring SunCrest residents an exclusive offer.  We’ve teamed up with a great local business, Bake360, to bring every SunCrest household a coupon for a free breakfast pastry* – no purchase necessary. Residents should have received a postcard with the clothes drive information and Bake360 coupon. If not, contact us and we’ll send one out ASAP. Just bring in your postcard and enjoy! (Note: Donating isn’t required to enjoy this offer, but is certainly encouraged.)

Thank you in advance for your warm generosity. Together, we can make a difference.

* Expires 11/30/15 Kouign Amann excluded
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October SunCrest Market Update

By Scott Steadman / October 27, 2015 / 0 Comments
Have an idea for our next SunCrest Market Update? Submit it here. Want to keep in touch? Subscribe to our newsletterFacebook, or Instagram

 SunCrest Fall Maintenance Tips

Each year, we provide fall maintenance tips to help prepare your home for the winter season. The coming weeks provide a good opportunity (and perhaps a last opportunity) to prepare your SunCrest home before the first snow flies. Here is our list of helpful fall maintenance tips:

The yard– clean up debris that may have blown in and become stuck in bushes, trees, and window wells. Rake up dead grass and leaves.

Rain gutters– clean out rain gutters and flush with water. Check for any leaks and repair as necessary. With our higher elevation and colder temperatures in SunCrest, clogged rain gutters could cause ice dams.

Roof- check the roof for damaged, missing, or curled shingles. Inspect the flashing and vents. If water penetrates the surface, it can freeze and lead to further damage.

Exterior water– to prevent exterior pipes from freezing, turn off the valves and run the remaining water until pipes are empty. You may also consider using an air compressor to “blow out” the sprinkler system. [NOTE: This may also reduce sprinkler frustration in the spring!]

Inspect the concrete– take steps now to repair damaged driveways, sidewalks or steps. Preventing water from expanding and contracting could help prolong the concretes life.

Exterior windows/doors– check for any peeling paint and re-paint exterior doors and doorframes to help prevent future damage.

Caulk windows & install weather stripping– seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with caulk and install weather stripping.

Winterize lawn mower and prepare snow blower- clean the lawnmower and add winterizing additives to prepare it for hibernation. Start the snow blower to make sure it works before the first big storm.

Fire it up- run the fireplace and furnace to ensure it’s working properly. You may also consider having a professional inspect the systems.

Our Take:

When selling your SunCrest home, most SunCrest buyers will hire a professional home inspector who is working to protect the buyer’s investment. Taking a weekend or two (or hiring it out) now, will help prolong the life of your home and help with the selling process in the future.

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2019 E. Tall Woods Court | Dressed to the 9’s

By Scott Steadman / October 20, 2015 / 0 Comments

Fall is one of our favorite times of the year. The leaves are changing, sweater weather is in full swing, and pumpkin flavors are everywhere and in everything.

We just listed this home and think it pairs perfectly with the SunCrest Lifestyle. After all, fall is a phenomenal time to show off the mountain views.

It’s nuzzled up nicely against Gambel Oak on a .43-acre lot. There’s a walkout basement, waterfall, Trex deck, zen path, stamped concrete patio, and flat yard that will leaf you wanting to spend more time outdoors (see what we did there?).

Exploring around inside, you’ll find it’s dressed to the 9’s. Pull out your highlighters and take special note of the massive windows at every turn, for those coveted Salt Lake County views. And the views from deck? So jealous!

Dark, wide-plank-hand-scraped-hickory-hardwoods (sigh!) span the entire main floor. The kitchen has thick, rock pitched granite tops, Electrolux fridge, 5-burner gas cooktop with a handy pot filler, wine and bevvie cooler, and a formal dining room. Home for the holidays anyone?

The master retreat is both classy and cool, and features a walk out to the deck. The other bedrooms also have adjoining bathrooms and large closets.

It’s true main floor living with a formal living room, dining room, laundry, and if you’re working from home, fist pump the air right now–you’ve got two office choices and both are the best seats in town.

The downstairs is definitely not some spooky dungeon. The large windows create “second story” views from the large family room and bedrooms. There’s even room for ping-pong, pool, foosball and a second kitchen off of the downstairs family room.

Relax. With the dipping temps outside, we won’t tell if you want to make up a warm drink and watch “Game of Thrones” for hours. This place has a 108” screen, Sony equipment, and stadium seating. When you’re ready to work off popcorn and soda, walk over (or roll–it’s up to you) to the in-home exercise room.

We’re trying really hard not to use the ol’ “Fall In Love With This House” pun, but c’mon… what’s not to love about it, in any season?

Give us a call or reach us here and we’ll take you through it firsthand. The pumpkin spice latte is on us.

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2019 E. Tall Woods Court | 3D SunCrest Home Tour

By Scott Steadman / October 19, 2015 / 0 Comments

Perhaps you saw the SunCrest home we listed at 2019 E. Tall Woods Court? A real big [6,597 sq. ft.] beauty in the Tall Woods community in SunCrest. Can we tell you, no wait, SHOW you more of this home?

<pause for response>

Thank you. Check out the 3D tour below. Use your mouse or arrow keys to navigate. Look up, look down, and make yourself at home. Contact us for more info or to see it in person.

[iframe src=”https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Eq5FyomuoaN” width=”100%” height=”360″]

 

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September SunCrest Market Update

By Scott Steadman / September 25, 2015 / 0 Comments
Want to have a say in how SunCrest is (or isn’t) developed? Receive updates through our newsletter, Facebook, or Instagram. Submit your comments to the City website here.

SunCrest Open Space Master Plan

Draper Open Space

Draper City is currently updating the Open Space Master Plan. At the City’s first open house regarding the matter in September, we saw a glimpse of the possibilities that are being considered. Here are our main takeaways from the event.

Deer Ridge Development

Additional development at Deer Ridge, located in the Southwest corner of SunCrest, may be on hold. It’s unclear if that is a temporary status or a permanent decision. Depending on if you were speaking to consultants assisting with the master plan, or actual City staff, the information wasn’t consistent. The City indicated, as they had done in previous meetings, that much of the infrastructure is in place in Deer Ridge, and the City may look for ways to recoup the costs of the SunCrest purchase and didn’t rule out future development. Consultants however, cited public opinion and surveys that open space and recreation might be the best use of this land. Ideas range from conservation easements, revenue generating uses, and further development of the trail system.

Draper Trails, Trailheads, And Trail System Expansion

The current Draper and Corner Canyon trail systems may be beefed up, in a big way. It’s important to note that nothing specific is underway yet, but the following were discussed:

Draper Trails and Draper Trailheads

Edelweiss Trailhead – The current proposed trailhead is now located directly east of Stoneleigh Heights (versus within the future Edleweiss development). Proposed 12-16 parking spots and restrooms.

Hidden Canyon Trailhead – This proposed trailhead would be located directly off of SunCrest Drive and off of the road currently in development for the Hidden Canyon Estates subdivision. This trailhead would be similar to the Orson Smith Trail Head and be completed with restrooms, a small playground, and a pavilion.

Brookside Trailhead – Currently, Brookside Drive is the road that leads to nowhere in Maple Hollow. There is discussion about a new trailhead, with amenities, atop this road and rerouting the Maple Hollow Trail to connect with the Eagle Crest trail.

Our Take:

Many ideas are being tossed around. They range from dog parks, disc golf, campgrounds, sledding hills, chair lifts, and outdoor recreation centers, among others. It’s great to see so many ideas being considered and it will be interesting to see what sticks. In regards to future development, it’s clear the City is being careful of where conservation easements may or may not be placed and what portions may make sense for future development. With 40 acres of (former) City owned land now heading towards development, we’re excited to have a vision for the future.

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Draper Open Space Visioning and Snapshot Report

By Scott Steadman / September 2, 2015 / 0 Comments

Draper City Open Space Master Plan

Draper City is in the process of making a plan to update the Corner Canyon Regional Park Master Plan to include all City open space along the Traverse Mountains.

The City, along with Logan Simpson Design Inc., aims to establish a vision for City lands on the Traverse Mountain Range and suitable locations for recreation and conservation activities.

A city-organized steering committee will hold a public workshop on September 22nd at Draper City Hall to talk about progress and answer questions. Three 1-hour workshops will be held at 5, 6, and 7 P.M.

The Draper Open Space Visioning Process

The City recently asked Draper residents how they envision the future of their community. During the annual Draper Days celebration, Draper City reported that over 500 people visited an information booth and an additional 130 residents gave input online via an online survey.

View the results of the Draper Visioning Survey here.

Draper City Existing Conditions Snapshot

Draper City has also compiled an existing conditions report that includes topics like Land Use, Economic Development, Housing, Transportation, Parks, Recreation & Open Space, and Public Facilities. This snapshot takes a closer look at current trends and data.

View the Draper City Existing Condition Snapshot here.

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August SunCrest Market Update

By Scott Steadman / August 26, 2015 / 0 Comments
This topic comes from conversations with residents, friends, and clients, who have asked about distressed properties in SunCrest. If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, submit it here!

Utah Foreclosures

Utah was recently reported to have a foreclosure inventory at .4% of all homes with a mortgage by CoreLogic, an analytics and data-enabled services provider. That’s down .2% from a year ago, and nearly a full 1% lower than the national average. The study also goes on to say this is the 44th consecutive month that national foreclosure inventory has declined.

Utah is a “non-judicial” foreclosure state, which is a fancy way of saying that a house that’s been foreclosed on can be sold without having to file lawsuit or go to court. On the other hand, in other states–”judicial” states–foreclosures have to go through the court system. Judicial foreclosures tend to take longer and be more costly than non judicial, which may contribute to Utah’s foreclosure inventory rate being so low.

SunCrest Foreclosures and SunCrest Short Sales

SunCrest has seen a steady decline in distressed property sales that reinforce the study’s finding. We are however, still above the “average” for Utah. To date, 4 distressed properties have sold and 4 are pending.

Our Take:
Some homeowners who purchased at the peak of the home prices are, unfortunately, still facing negative equity or just getting back to a break-even point. We attribute SunCrest’s higher than average distressed property inventory to the community’s boom of the mid to late 2000’s. Because it was a brand new community in high demand during the most robust years of the real estate boom, there has been more adjusting. However, we’re seeing less and less distressed properties each year as the roller coaster ride seems to be slowing significantly.

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Draper named “Best Place To Live”

By Scott Steadman / August 23, 2015 / 0 Comments

Draper: Best Place To Live

Well…well…well… we made the list! Draper was recently ranked 18th on “Money Magazine’s “Best places to live”. The study compared things like income, education, economy, diversity, health, housing, culture and jobs. The article cites Draper’s mountain setting, emerging technology sector, and improvements to public transit.

Our take: We certainly we have to agree that Draper is one of the best places to live in Utah. We often tell our clients “We think everyone should live in SunCrest.” With new development in SunCrest in the works and strong housing market to date in 2015, we anticipate SunCrest’s unique mountain setting and quick convenience to both Utah and Salt Lake County to continue to make Draper a best place to live in Utah.

Read the article here.

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1805 E. Lone Oak Drive | Walkable & Adorable

By Scott Steadman / August 12, 2015 / 0 Comments

It comes as no surprise that we’re fond of SunCrest. The sunsets, scrub oak, trails, clubhouse, and the community are all endearing, to say the least.

We just listed this pretty lady for sale and she’s no exception to that SunCrest endearment. Take the front porch or backyard, for example. Each outdoor space is perfect for an evening beverage with friends or your little tyke’s birthday party. Just make sure we’re invited.

Inside, you can’t escape the natural light–she’s got windows from head to toe.

The upstairs plays host to 4 beds/2 baths and yes, the murphy bed stays. Spoiler: The master has two walk-in closets so leave the boxing gloves in the car.

Downstairs comes complete with a guest bedroom, bath, and large family room; add a big screen and you’re set.

Oh. We should probably mention the walkability of this home. You’re within walking distance to the community center and a cartwheel or two from Clover Leaf Park. Want to see this lady in person? Reach us here or send us an email, and we’ll set it up.

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