Santa's City Hall Tour Salt Lake County Utah

                                                                 

      Want to avoid mall lines and see Santa in the city where you live? Below you will find dates and times of some Santa visits in a city near you. 

That costs how much?? Average Cost of Home Improvement Projects in Salt Lake City

Average Costs of Common Home Projects in the SLC

Salt Lake City, Utah Home Project Pricing

We all have one, that long list of "honey do's" or an itemized list of contractors to call for bids. I bet a lot of s have a similar list here in Salt Lake City. So when I saw an article on Angie's List I couldn't help but share the ones I found most applicable to home buyers and sellers here in the Salt Lake City, Utah market. 

This is handy information to know. Whether buying, selling, or just budgeting for improvements you need to have a rough idea of what you are getting into. Keep in mind these are national averages, but a lot of these are in line with what I have found here in Utah specifically as well. 

Painting the Interior of the Average Home: $1,754 ($969-2724) obviously depends on the size of project but this is one that is wise for a lot of home sellers to consider, and one many home buyers may want to know when budgeting for home ownership.

Adding blown in insulation: $1,391 ($885-1896). Here in Utah this can be a good one to look at to trim down those utility bills, and increase your home's efficiency. There are usually even rebates that can further help with this expense.

Bathroom Remodel: $10,236 ($5942-$14,760). This one is on the more extensive side of projects, but one that is fairly common when buying a home. Perhaps the current bathroom and those oak colored cabinets are out of date, or the overall condition is in desperate need of repair. According to Angie's List the average cost for a bathroom remodel is $10,236 ($5942-$14,760). As with most things your personal style and taste is a large factor here, that golden throne will cost you.  


Kitchen Remodel: $22,925 ($12,547-$34,218). Along the same lines as a bathroom, a kitchen remodel is another major project. This can be a huge expense, but one with pretty good bang for your buck. Since we spend a lot lot of time in the kitchen this one can totally change the feel of a home, if you've got it in the budget go for it!


Finishing a Basement: $19,301 ($10,807-$27,869). A very common home improvement task here in Utah is finishing your basement.  Considering in some cases this can double the livable square footage in your home, this is a valuable consideration for adding quality and value to your home with the average cost clocking in at $19,301 ($10,807-$27,869).

Painting the Exterior of your Home: Average Home Cost: $2,800 ($1,682-$3,919). If you are feeling up to it, pull a Chip and Joanna Gaines and really change the look of your home with an exterior paint job. This can take an outdated home and bring it up to current trends and aesthetics for relatively little money. 

When I am showing homes to buyers I am always sure to look at the shape and age of some of these high cost items or repairs: 

Replacing Windows: Average Home Cost: $5,092 ($2,594-$7,602)

Installing a New Roof: $7,521 ($5,132-$10,023)

Replacing a Furnace: Standard Efficiency ($2,200-$2,500) This range can escalate based on size of home or a need for a multi stage system, high efficiency and so on. **This is assuming you also already had an HVAC System)**

Installing or replacing a central air unit: ($3,000-$7,000) Again similar to furnace installation size of home and the required size or number of units is a factor. Furthermore if you are budgeting and need to upgrade your furnace soon, you may benefit from performing both upgrades at the same time. 

I'm sure I've missed a few. I would love to hear what you guys would like to know more about. I will gladly call and get any specific questions answered that you need me to! 

Until the next time...

Curb Appeal On The Cheap

It is that time of year! Signs are popping up in your neighbors yard, and maybe you are considering making the move as well. Wondering what little items you could do to give you the cutting edge in landscape curb appeal? I'm here to help with a few inexpensive fixes that wont break the bank, and will give you the most bang for your buck~

pull Those Weeds

Mulch Riverton, Utah Lowes 

Even if you need to pay a neighbor kid, fork over a little cash or take an afternoon and pull the weeds in your flower bed....it will make a huge difference. 

Grab a few bags of mulch and sprinkle it in all of the front beds. I prefer the darker black or brown color which creates a nice clean look, and at $3.66 a bag it is a bargain sprucing up tool. 

Grab Some Resilient Accent Plants 

Now you've got a nice fresh slate with the weeds pulled and the mulch stacked high in the driveway. Add a little pop of color with a resilient drought tolerant plant that will look good for the weeks to come and appeal to prospective buyers as they arrive. Here are some of my favorites. 

Day lilies are very resilient 

Try using a few annuals and perennials of varying heights for dimension. 

You don't need to go crazy here. A few plants and some bright color with the mulch as a contrast goes a long way! 

Pay Attention to Your Front Door

The buyers will really be paying attention as they stand at the front door, and while the agent gets the key out and opens that door, you take this chance to win them over with your amazing entryway! 

Step #1 Just clean the front door and handle. This may seem to simple, but cobwebs and finger prints set a bad impression. Make it clean and simple. If your door needs a coat of paint, grab a gallon and get it done. Under $40 and worth every penny.

Step #2 Buy a new welcome mat. Easy Peasy...Make it cute and inviting. 

Target in South Jordan, Utah find 

Step #3 Consider a pre made planter or potted shrub to add a little extra lovely to the porch. 

South Jordan Costco Find

That's about it! Don't over complicate it but do something. Bonus..It will make you happier every time you walk through your front door. 

Until the next time...

Home Inspection Tips Utah

Hi Everyone! As I was driving to  my most recent home inspection in Ogden Utah I had a thought, "I wonder what the biggest tip a home inspector would give to a potential home buyer or current homeowner?" I'm always trying to find new ways to help my clients and educate myself, so lucky for me the home inspector I was meeting was kind enough to take time out of his busy day and help us out! Enter Chris Hutchens of All Points Inspections. If you're interested in Chris' tips for items to lookout for when buying a home, or even just maintaining the one you own keep reading. 

Chris' tips and simple things you can do and look out for in your home

The biggest enemy to a home and its components is water. The building envelope of a home is made to shed water, but it does require simple maintenance.
Basic maintenance like caulking around trim and windows goes a long way. In these winter months(as we know) anywhere water can sit, it will freeze. Checking your home once a year and refreshing caulking where needed can save a headache in the future. 

This can also pertain to driveways. As expansion joints in driveways are made to crack, this can and will allow ice and water to heave the soil causing more cracks and trip hazards. Even though this may be cyclical with the weather, some flexible joint sealant can help prevent damage. 

Shoveling your driveway should be part of basic home maintenance when needed. This will lessen the need for a snow melter or "salting" your driveway. Using these can cause pitting or "spalling" of the concrete, basically deteriorating your driveway. 

Lastly, grading is the most called out item on a home inspection. Making sure that water is directed away from the home can be a big help in preventing excessive wear and water intrusion to the home.

As a home inspector that has been around, seeing these item taken care of on a home shows not only pride of ownership but an understanding of some basic maintenance needs.

_______________________________________________________________

A lot of those items are so simple but when neglected can turn into major problems. As a real estate professional I know the value of home maintenance and pride of ownership when selling homes. Buyers can feel nearly immediately if a home has been well maintained, and it reduces days on the market and equates to a higher sales price in most scenarios. 

If you don't know how to do some of these maintenance items you can reach out, I would be more than happy to help, or connect you with a trusted professional or some references. 

If there are any other questions I can help answer I am always available to answer any questions and help in any way I can 

Chris is willing to help us with future questions, so if you have any questions you've been wanting to ask a home inspector leave a comment below or send me an email and we will get them answered on the website in the future! 

Until the next time! 

My Favorite West Jordan Store - Funky Junk + a Giveaway!

Hi guys! I wanted to do something different and highlight one of my favorite business' in the community and do a little GIVEAWAY so keep reading for the details! The store I want to talk about this week is, Funky Junk in West Jordan. This is hands down my favorite place to shop (I don't like to shop either), and if you've never been I would love to tell you why you will most likely LOVE IT! (p.s. I'm not affiliated or biased in any way here folks, just genuine appreciation for nice people selling cool things). Nearly everything cute in my house (in my opinion) has come from the talented folks at Funky Junk, it is my Bunco gift destination, and anytime I need a unique gift this is where I go. You can't find nicer people to help you out, a wider variety, or a more central location in the South end of Salt Lake County to shop for...cool stuff! Inventory is always changing so you never get bored going in, it is always changing.

What is Funky Junk? 

This is a creative coop, meaning that various talented folks (9 I believe) all sell their amazing items in ONE PLACE! This is the magic in my opinion, I have found items I love in every single area of this store and they are never sold by the same business owner. If they weren't all in one place I would never have found these gems. 

What are you going to find? 

Ok, it would literally be impossible to answer this... but I will give you a brief rundown, just know even with what I list here, there is more! 

Refinished/re-purposed furniture, handmade signs, vintage pieces, farmhouse decor, vintage books, kids furniture and furnishings, handmade lip balms and body scrubs,  vintage clothing, custom brand new one of a kind pieces that can be custom ordered, "man stuff", "lady stuff", "kid stuff" 

I literally think there is something for everyone in this store, whether you are looking for a quick gift, a new dresser, something small, something big they've got it from prices low to investment level. 

My Favorite Mirror from the old Funky Junk in West Jordan 

Where can I find this lovely establishment? 

1664 West 9000 South in West Jordan (right by Village Baker, get yourself a treat so you have energy for shopping)

Their usual hours are: 

Monday-Thursday 10AM-8PM 
Friday and Saturday 10AM-9PM 
Closed on Sunday

Phone: 801-613-9999

Holidays may change these of course so just give them a call or check the website if you've got a question on specific days :) 

Farmhouse Decor Fabulousness!

Special Deals or Discounts?

You bet you! Even though you don't even need one here. I'm talking majorly reasonable prices. With that being said there are still monthly specials which you can check in store or online. 

You also often get a 20% off coupon at the register that can be used on your next visit on most full priced items. I will even give you a secret and let you about the link here for a coupon you can get on your phone or print out before you go in. 

If you have any questions on any of this just ask anyone at the store. Everyone who works here has items in the store, they are literally the nicest people I have encountered and you can tell they take pride and appreciate you coming in to check out their hard work. 

Check it out 

I really hope you guys swing in and check it out, (I'll probably be there shopping too) if you do let them know you read about them on here! I would love to see what you guys find too! 

They are also having a Holiday Open House November 9th and 10th from 10AM-9PM With Santa arriving November 10th 2-4PM! 

West Jordan Holiday Preview Open House Nov 9th and 10th!

GIVEAWAY! 

Alright party people time for the good stuff. I went out to the old Funky Junk last night and found something I loved for the upcoming grateful season to do a giveaway here.  

Thankful Sign Giveaway! Enter in Rafflecopter below. Closes November 2nd at Midnight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules: 

Open: Internationally

Ends: November 2nd at midnight

Must be: 18 or have parent’s permission to enter

Winners will be randomly selected

Randomly selected winner will be contacted via email and I will arrange shipment to you! 

Cheap Halloween Fun in Salt Lake County. Riverton, Herriman, Lehi, South Jordan and More!!

Cheap Family Fun Ideas for Salt Lake County Utah 

Are you looking for fun Halloween Activities in Salt Lake County, good for families or friends that wont break the bank? I have a list of some family friendly Salt Lake County Halloween activities I found. I would love to hear yours too (I'm sure I missed a few). From Riverton, Herriman to Murray, Wheeler Farm, and more check out these ideas and let me know what you think or if you've been to any of these so we can decide what is worth it! Save some bucks and still enjoy the Halloween season! 

Riverton

Scare Rodeo

What is it: Dress up in your costume and explore the park for candy and prizes. There is a kid’s search with stations and clues where kids can pick up a prize. Spook alley and searches as well as the Search for the Great Pumpkin

Dates: Monday October 29^th and Tuesday October 30^th 6:30-8:30 PM.

Where: Riverton City Park 1452 W 12600 S South East corner of the park @ Rodeo Arena

Cost: $2 includes donut and hot cocoa, as well as entry

Discount: Discounted tickets can be purchase October 1-26^th online through Riverton City website ($1)

Petersen Family Farm

Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival

What is it: Pumpkin Patch, food trucks Fridays from 5-9 PM, wagon rides, apple sling shots, old fashioned popcorn crank

Harvest Festival: Saturday October 13th 9 AM-4 PM. Face painting, pony rides, tour the farm, local produce, baked goods, and food trucks!

Dates: Pumpkin Patch Now-October 31 9 AM-Dusk. Activities-wagon rides, apple slingshot, and old fashioned popcorn crank starts at 5 PM every night and on Saturdays 9 AM-Dusk.

Where: 11887 S 4000 W Riverton 

Cost: Pumpkin Patch Pass $5. Children 2 years and under FREE! Pumpkins and other items are available to purchase as well. Wheelbarrows and a variety of colors and shapes of pumpkins. 

**Pumpkin pass purchase you receive the month long entrance pass, and 3 tickets each that can be used to participate in activities and access to the yearly Harvest Festival**

You can just come and purchase local pumpkins from the farm anytime during market hours as well, market patch is on the East side. 

Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival Petersen Family Farm

 Herriman

Herriman Howl

What is it: Activities games and prizes (first 100 kids get a special prize) as well as trunk or treating. People will decorate their trunks and there will be prizes awarded for the best decorated trunk. You do have to Preregister online if you want a trunk or treating spot (if you want to hand out candy and be involved in the contest). 6:45 PM Mad Science Show. Food Trucks including: Corndog Commander, Kona Ice, and South of The Border Tacos

Dates: October 16^th 5:30-8:00 PM Trunk or Treat @ 6:00 PM Mad Science Show 6:45

Where: J. Lynn Crane Park 5355 W Herriman Main St (South of City Hall)

Cost: Free!

Herriman Howl - Free Halloween Fun 

South Jordan

Halloween Bash

What is it: Entertainment, Halloween games, treats

Dates: October 29^th 5:30-7:00 PM

Where: South Jordan Community Center and Heritage Park 10800 S Redwood Road

Cost: Free! 

Halloween Bash South Jordan Utah 

Salt Lake County / Wheeler Historic FarmWheeler Historic Farm

Pumpkin Days 

What is it: Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze, Cow Train and Wagon Rides. Paid admission price 2 years old + gets a pumpkin!

Dates: September 29^th-October 31^st

              Monday thru Thursday 10 AM – 8 PM

              Friday and Saturday 9AM-9 PM

              Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM

Cost: Ages 2+ $10 Website indicates paid admission ages 2+ price does include a pumpkin! Under 2 Free with paying adult. Group Rates 50+ people $8/per person. Must be pre-purchased no refunds.

Discount: Tuesday Special $2 off regular price

                    Wagon Ride Only: Kids $2 Adults $3

                    Cow Train Only: $2

Where:  6351 South 900 East 

              Murray, UT 84121

              Phone: (385) 468-1755

Draper 

Haunted Hollow

What is it: Creepy carnival games, candy and prizes, pumpkin patch, live entertainment and more

Date: Monday October 15^th 6 PM- 8PM

Where: Galena Hills Park 12452 S Vista Station Blvd (550 W) Draper

Cost: Free! 

West Jordan

Crazy Corn Maze 

What is it: Corn maze, pumpkin patch, play yard, haunted trail (a little spookier), JR haunt (not as spooky for younger kids)

Date: Dates of maze: Now-October 31st  Dates of Haunt: Now-October 30th. Haunt is      open Tuesday-Saturday CLOSED on Halloween. 

Where: 8800 South 4000 West 

Cost: Maze: $7.50 ages 10+  $5 children ages 5-9, ages 4 and under FREE

            Haunt: $18.00 Combo haunt+maze $20

            Monster Mayhem Jr Haunt $5

            Play Yard $3 with purchase of tickets 

Discount: Online Coupon for Adult Ticket on Website

Lehi

Cornbelly's Corn Maze

What is it: Corn Maze,Parades, Storytelling, Pig Races and Trick or Treating, Pageants and many more events. There is a lot going on here. Calendar events listed on the website. 

Date: September 28th-November 3rd. Hours vary by day. Typically open 10 AM-Midnight on Fri and Saturday  4PM - 10PM weekdays. Closed on Sundays. I would check the website to confirm hours. 

Where: 3003 North Thanksgiving Way in Lehi @ Thanksgiving Point 

Cost: Weekday: $12.95 Weekend: $16.95 Season Pass: $59.95 Ages 2 and under Free. 

Discount: Online Use Code Belly18 to save $2 

Cornbelly's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest Map 

I'm sure there are many many more fun Halloween family activities, I would love to hear your favorites for local Halloween fun! If you want to share this feel free and check back I will be adding more as we get additional suggestions :) 

Until the next time...

Cheap, Fun, Local Family Halloween Activities in Salt Lake County. Riverton, Herriman, Lehi and More..

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First Time Home Buyer?

Hello again! Something that has been on my heart and is always a favorite topic of mine, is helping first time home buyers make the transition from renting or living at home to owning a place of their own. 

Just between you and me first time home buyers are often my favorite clients (I love them all really, but you know). It is often such an exciting time in your life, it may be a new beginning, or a step this person has been working on for years, either way it is supposed to be a very fun time. 

With all of that being said, it can be overwhelming and I am not into being overwhelmed in my own life, so I certainly don't want my clients to be overwhelmed. I remember when I bought my first home, everyone uses industry "lingo" APR, Conventional, FHA, VA, Escrow, Title Company, Lender....ummmm what does all of this mean? Now a lot of my buyers (most) are much smarter and more in the know than I was at this time of my life, but even when you have a general idea it can get confusing. This is particularly hard when the market is moving fast and decisions...HUGE DECISIONS.. seem like they have to be made very quickly or your dreams are going out the window.