Merry Christmas!

 

 Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for your support during this past year. I appreciate everyone of my clients past, present, and future!

If there is anything I can do to help meet your real estate needs don't hesitate to give me a call 435-229-2365. Thank you and happy holidays!

New Listing in SunRiver

Check out this brand new listing in SunRiver!! This home was a parade home from 2005, it's incredible views and infinity pool looking over the golf course this is a perfect primary or second home! Every room in the house has been professionally designed and decorated, you won't be disappointed. To see more pictures or schedule a showing give me a call! 435-229-2365.

St George Real Estate Continues to Trend Upward

Further evidence that real estate home prices are on the rise here in St George Utah is in!  Upon review of the homes that have sold over the past 30 days (Greater St George, residential), there were a total of 182 sold homes.  AMAZING results show that a total of 17 of these homes were purchased in the past couple of years 2- 2 ½ and they sold at a PROFIT now.  Many had small profits of $3,000 to $10,000 but others enjoyed as much as $30,000 and $40,000 and 3 took over $100,000!  WOW!  3 other homes were purchased within the past 5 years and took a profit.  So 20 out of the 182 sold, were sold at a profit!

Looking at these results, it's a great time to look at homes OR sell your own home. Give me a call today and we can talk about your options 435-229-2365

Tuacahn's Christmas in the Canyon

Tuacahn's Christmas In The Canyon is presented every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from the day after Thanksgiving to December 22nd. Entrance to Christmas In The Canyon is free to the public. It's Tuacahn's way of saying "Thank you" to the community for its support and to remind us all of the true meaning of Christmas. A Live Nativity is presented each night in the Amphitheatre at 7:00 and 8:00 PM. Cost to get into the Live Nativity is $2.00 per ticket or $15.00 per family (Limit 10 family members). Or Enjoy Holiday Performances on the Plaza Stage, visit Santa, listen to music, or just get toasty warm near the bonfire and enjoy the Holiday Lights! Cost: FREE

Visit Tuacahn's website for more infomation!

Home prices on the rise for Utah

Utah’s housing market has continued to improve this fall, according to data released this week by the Utah Association of Realtors.

Although sales and prices remain well off their pre-recession peaks, home sales rose nearly 12 percent in October over the same month last year, while the median sales price was up more than 5 percent.

Utah Realtors sold 3,242 homes, town homes and condos during the month, up from 2,901. Year-to-date, 30,900 properties have sold statewide, a 12.5 percent increase from the 27,458 sales in the January-to-October period in 2011.

There were more sales during the first 10 months in 2012 than in all 12 months of 2008 and 2010.

"The year has really marked a turnaround," said Cal Musselman, 2013 president of the Utah Association of Realtors. "High affordability, plunging inventories, rising rents and fewer foreclosures have all contributed to increasing prices and to the recovery."

The Utah median sales price was up for the seventh consecutive month in October, registering $183,000, up from $174,000 last year.

Even though prices are on the upswing, a measure of affordability provided by the Realtors group also showed improvement. From January to October, the UAR’s Affordability Index registered 178, up 8.5 percent from last year, meaning that a family earning the median income had 178 percent of what it needed to qualify for a median-priced home under prevailing interest rates.

"Several years of price declines and low interest rates have put home ownership back in reach," Musselman said, adding the rent increases of 4 percent to 5 percent could be encouraging consumers to buy.

A sharp drop in homes available for sale also could be contributing to a rise in home prices because more buyers are competing for fewer properties. Inventory, which the Realtors group said dropped nearly 23 percent from last October, is at its lowest level since January 2007.

"Previously, sellers had difficulty getting even one offer. Now many of the homes that go up for sale receive multiple offers," Musselman said

Coyote Gulch Art Village

In the heart of the Kayenta Community in Ivins, Utah, Coyote Gulch Art Village is a growing enclave of art galleries, studios, café, gift and coffee shop. Its array of arts-oriented enterprises offers fine art, gifts, photography, events, classes, gourmet food and coffee. An arts center, a retail center, or just a place to relax and explore, the Coyote Gulch Art Village is open to the public and everyone is welcome! A great place to visit during the holidays. Check out their event calandar here.

Winter Is Just Around The Corner...

With Winter well on it's way Brian Head Ski Resort is opening their doors to skiiers and snowboarders from all over! Check out their lift schedule and hours of operation HERE!

Winter Months in St. George

St. George is famous for its 300+ days of sunshine each year! Humidity is really low, which adds to the quality of life. With the mild winters in Zion National Park it's a great time to visit. You can count on spring and fall to supply abundant days with good hiking weather as well. Some trails might be icy so check with the visitor center before hiking. All roads in and through the main section of the park are open year-round. The Zion Canyon Shuttle does not run in the winter, but you may drive your private vehicle into the canyon during these few months. The east side of the park lends itself to many year-round hiking adventures, but most places on the east side of the park are routes rather than beaten paths or paved trails. A few paths outside the popular boundary of the park, that are too hot to hike in the summer, become well-beaten in the winter. As always if you would like more infomation on Zion National Park or any other activities in Southern Utah Give me a call at 435-229-2365.

CNN Moneys "25 BEST Places to Retire"

CNN Money named St. George number 7 in the top 25 best places to retire, and here is why:

 

 

 

Best if you're looking for: Resort area

Median home price: $264,500

Top state income tax: 5%

Two hours northeast of Las Vegas, St. George is a favorite spot for both snowbirds and full-time retirees. Golfers can play on a dozen different courses in more than 300 days of sun. Hikers can traverse any number of trails in or near town, or take an hour's drive to Zion National Park.

While nature has carved monolithic masterpieces in the surrounding countryside, area artists are just as prolific; St. George's Tony Award--winning Utah Shakespeare Festival runs from June through October.

Meanwhile, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in nearby Ivins brings Broadway shows and other big acts to its $25 million venue.
To learn more about what St. George has to offer you, give me a call today! at 435-229-2365

Utah's BEST Hiking and Golf

A recent article from The Seattle Times showcases the best of Southern Utah's hiking and golf. From Zion's National Park to Sand Hollow Resort. They tell you WHERE, WHEN, and HOW to see everything St. Georges' hiking and golf communities have to offer! Read the full article HERE!

*Photo's taken from Jack Broom: The Seattle Times

Election Day!

Get out and VOTE!!

Click HERE to find out WHERE to vote in Utah

Happy Halloween!!

Wishing you a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Winter Months in Southern Utah

Even though Southern Utah has very mild winters, it's not a bad idea to prepare your home for the temperature drop. Here are some tips for you:

• Inspect your roof and replace any damaged or missing roof shingles.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and debris.
• Consider a fresh coats of paint or sealer on your deck.
• On a windy day, close your windows and feel for air leaks.
• Seal any leaks with rope caulk.
• Install weather stripping on the sides or bottoms of any leaky doors.
• Insulate exposed plumbing.
• Remove leaves or debris from your air conditioners condemning unit, and cover for winder.
• Hire a chimney sweep to clean your fireplace chimney.

If you need a recommendation for local professionals who can preform this or any other household work, I can help!! Give me a call today (435) 229-2365

Welcome to the NEW & IMPROVED SunRiver Golf Course!

One of St. George's many award winning golf courses just finished their course renovations!

SunRiver St. George is pleased to announce the completion of several major improvements to its golf course over the past year.

One of the largest undertakings was updating and repairing the irrigation system,” said Jimmy Blair (Head of Golf Operations). “There were many parts of the irrigation system that were non-functioning. Irrigation now covers the facility wall-to-wall. We are very happy with the final product and look forward to a wonderful stand of grass this year.”

The second major upgrade was repair of all the sand traps. “We began with removing the old sand out of the bunkers, installing new drainage and finishing them off with beautiful white sand out of northern Utah. Seven original sand traps were removed and seven new bunkers were built. We now have some of the best sand traps in Southern Utah.”

In addition, 12 new tee boxes have been added - both front and back tees - in order to make the golf course more playable for any level of golfer. The course now plays 4,800 to 6,900 yards depending on the choice of tee. The overall improvements have made SunRiver one of the finest golf destinations in Southern Utah, Feedback from customers, so far, has been overwhelmingly positive, and SunRiver is now a premier facility in the local golf landscape.

If you enjoy golf, you belong in Southern Utah! Come for a visit and check out all the beautiful courses!

Utah Ranked #3 in the Top 5 Housing Markets

In a list of the Top 5 Strengthening Housing Markets Utah is ranked number 3! (Just behind Idaho and Arizona) While there is no single reason why housing markets in these 5 states have done so well, most have several things in common. Here is why Utah is number 3 in the United States...

#3. Utah
1 yr. home price change: +9.3%
Median home price: $129,000

Unemployment rate: 6.0% (11th lowest)

The damage to the Utah housing market during 2007 to 2011 was worse than most states — home prices fell 21.6% over that period. That rate Utah 34th among all states based on that measurement. The recovery of the market is predicted to be particularly strong for the next several years, nearly as strong as the 9.3% jump in median home price from July 2011 to July 2012. Corelogic expects home prices to rise 5.8% from the first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of 2014, which ranks it 10th among all states on that metric. Over the five years through the first quarter 2017, on a per annum basis, the improvement is forecast to be 3.9%, which ranks its 15th among states.

*If you would like more info on market trends in Utah give me a call at (435) 229-2365.

Staheli Family Farm, A Great Fall Activity!

It's that time of year again! The weather is awesome!  There are so many activities to do during the fall in St. George, Utah.  A favorite of ours, is to visit the Staheli Family Farm, and "get lost" in the Corn Maze! A great family activity for all ages!

For directions or more info about the Staheli Family Farm click here!

If you need help with your real estate needs this fall, or know somebody that does.  Please think of us and give us a call.

Buyer's or Seller's Market?

Real Estate Agents are constantly asked

"Is it a buyer's market or a seller's market?"

We are in a unique situation right now, so the question can honestly be answered BOTH!

Some areas in Utah are in high demand and have low inventory. That is the definition of a Seller's market. An article in the LA Times explains  how low demand is causing "Fierce competition" in high demand areas. This is great news for sellers. If you have a home in the right place and list it for the right price, you could have a bidding war on your home! With higher competition, sellers can get top dollar for their home.

On the flip side there are some areas with low demand and high inventory. typically these are high-end homes, but not always. Incredibly low interest rates make these homes more affordable than ever! If you're looking at purchasing a higher-end home, in some areas it is definitely a buyer's market!

Weather you are looking to buy, sell, or would just like more info on other market trends in Southern Utah. Give me a call, I would be happy to help out (435) 229-2365.

Improved Real Estate Market For Sellers

The numbers are starting to add up for home sellers and buyers. Statistics show consumer confidence is on the rise and that could be good for the economy. At the same time, low mortgage rates are making home ownership a reality for many people. Start to add up the factors that are in a seller's favor and it could finally be time for owners to put up that "For Sale" sign.

In some areas of the country, sellers are receiving multiple competing offers for their homes. In other areas sellers are accepting less than their asking price. But the trade off for those sellers is that they could pay less for their next home.

There are four key elements that go into a successful home sale:

-A Realtor who has the experience and the work ethic to advertise, negotiate, use technology and handle all facets of the sale is essential.
-Advantageous pricing. A competitive market analysis (CMA) that considers prices and features of recent sales will help zero in on the best asking price.
-Presenting a home that is attractive, clean and uncluttered. Make any necessary repairs so the home is in "move in" condition.
-Curb appeal. Freshly mowed grass, pots of flowers by the door and shiny windows will catch a buyer's eye.

If your are looking to sell your home or just have some questions, Give me a call. I can make sure you will be able to take advantage of today's sellers market (435) 229-2365.

Stunning Home in Citadel Estates, Ivins

Located in the sought after area of Citadel Estates. This home offers luxury living with expansive views, verdant lush landscaping, and privacy. The detached casita offers 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and picturesque views from every window. Just minutes from Tuacahn Amphitheatre and walking trails to Snow canyon this home is like being at a spa. You won't want to miss out on this one! Call Nate with any questions or to schedule a showing (435) 229-2365

2012 Huntsman Senior Games Opening Ceremonies

Welcome 2012 Senior Games Participants!! The games begin Tuesday October 9th at 7:00 pm with the Opening Ceremonies. At Hansen Stadium at Dixie State College. Admission is free.

For more info follow these links:
Volunteer
Contact Info
Request Info

Congratulations Marathon Runners!

Congratulations to all the St. George Marathon Runners of 2012! Check out this video and all the finish line photo's!*

*Photo's and video provided by thespectrum.com.

2012 St. George Marathon

Good luck to all those participating in the St. George Marathon! October 6th, 2012

Click here to see pictures of past marathons, volunteer, or register!!

If you are visiting Southern Utah for the Marathon, give Nate a call for other great things to do and see while you are here. (435) 229-2365. Have a safe, and fun weekend!

Best Buy in the Tuacahn Area!

This parade home is beautiful inside and out. The home offers awesome views from every window,whether you are lounging in the back poolside or inside gazing at the beautiful red rock scenery,you'll love every minute. Beautifully upgraded!! The casita is completely private with separate laundry and kitchenette,gorgeous views out the front and back! Third garage is great for working on the motorcyles or hobbies, set up as a work shop with tons of built in storage space. Solarheated pool and extra storage room not listed!! this home is one of the BEST buysin Citadel!! Call Nate to schedule a showing today! 435-229-2365