Big Plans to Give Utah Residents Cheaper Health Insurance

When I came across this news, I knew it would be important to many Utah residents and anyone looking to relocate here, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share it.  There are big plans to give Utah residents cheaper health insurance in the near future.  The state’s insurance carriers are currently working on cheaper health insurance plans that will be ready to go on the market by early next year. 

One plan includes NetCare, which is a basic policy that is designed to help Utah residents keep health coverage between jobs who have been laid off.  The plan is also designed to cost a third to half as much as the average group premium.  This will make it a much cheaper alternative to COBRA.  For those of you who don’t know what COBRA is, it’s an insurance option that companies offer their departing employees. 

The NetCare plan will only be offered to those employees who are transitioning off their employer’s health care plan and will only last up to 12 months.  Anyone needing an extension on the NetCare coverage will have to reapply as an individual and be reevaluated. 

Some perks to the NetCare plan will include up to 20% discounts in reductions in premiums and deductibles for making healthy lifestyle changes since the plan will focus on wellness.  Preventive care is also another perk.  The copayment will only be $5.  Prescription copayments will be $15 for generic and 50% for brand-name drugs.

Most all health care plans that will be submitted to the state are similar to this.  However, this is where the similarities end.  There are also around 80 other plans expected to be submitted and all will be different.

It sounds like this will be a lot of decision making for anyone needing health coverage, but the state is doing a great thing by offering its residents cheaper health insurance.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City Real Estate

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Awesome August Events in Salt Lake City, Utah

Everyone likes to get out and have fun from time to time.  Therefore, I have found some awesome August events in Salt Lake City, Utah that would be great for the whole family to enjoy.  So, view this list of events and find where you will have fun this month.

August 7 ~ Chrysalis at the Avalon Theater with Pristine from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm at 3605 South State Street, Salt Lake City. Admission is $10.

August 7 ~ Open House: Thin and Healthy Utah is coming to A New You to offer total weight loss solutions. This is a free event from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at thinandhealthyutah.com.

August 7 ~ Shark Week at the Living Planet Aquarium (725 E 10600 S, Sandy) from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday – Friday. Come learn everything about sharks throughout the entire week.

August 8 & 9 ~ Cool Summer Nights at Clark Planetarium from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm at 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City.  Come join in for a salute to amateur astronomy.  Admission is Free.

August 11 ~ Musical Comedy Murder Mystery “The Phantom Killer” at 600 South West Temple, Salt Lake City from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is a musical comedy murder mystery with incredible singing.  Tickets are $35.50 each.

August 12 ~ Movie Under the Stars featuring “Iron Man” from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at 350 N. State Street, Salt Lake City.  Admission is free.

August 15 ~ Utah Battle of Improvs One night, one trophy, a million laughs.  Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door at 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

August 17 – 21 ~ Vacation Bible School at Christ United Methodist Church from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at 2375 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City.  Come join us for a week of fun activities as we learn some awesome bible stories and Native American traditions.  Vacation Bible School is always free to attend.

August 28 & 29 ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Family History Expo 2009 at South Towne Exposition Center from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at 9575 South State Street, Sandy.  Admission is free.

August 31 ~ D-12 in Utah with Potluck from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at 4959 South State Street, Murray at the Murray Theater.  Admission is $12.

It sounds like all these events will be a lot of fun to attend.  Hopefully, many of you will get to enjoy them all.  But, if not, there is still plenty to keep you occupied during your free time.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

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Utah Teachers Recognized With National Award

Many Utah teachers strive to do their very best to teach our children throughout the school year.  And recently, two teachers in Utah were recognized for their hard work with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science.  This is the highest award any teacher can receive in the United States.

Teachers Natalie Robinson and Vickie Ahlstrom are both from the Alpine School District.  Natalie Robinson teaches fifth and sixth grade students at Alpine Elementary School and Vickie Ahlstrom teaches sixth grade gifted students at Sego Lily Elementary School in the City of Lehi, Utah.  They were among 87 elementary teachers that were selected from across the nation for this honor.

Both of these dedicated teachers will receive $10,000 in cash and a fully paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

The Alpine School District itself is a high ranking school district in Utah.  The district is located in the northern part of Utah County, covering the communities of Lehi, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Highland, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, American Fork and Orem.  There are 46 elementary schools, 10 junior high schools, 7 high schools and 3 alternative schools in the school district.

Teachers interested in winning this prestigious award must first be nominated.  Then, they must complete an online application, write about how they exhibit excellent teaching and submit a video of themselves in the act of teaching.  It is then up to selection committees at the state and national levels to narrow the field of applicants.  The final decision rests on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Good luck to any teachers applying for the upcoming school year.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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When we think of Independence Day, we think of fireworks and parades.  However, all around Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities, there will also be concerts, dancing and much more to help celebrate.  I am happy to share a list of great places to celebrate your 4^th of July in Metro Salt Lake city.

Holladay will celebrate with music and fireworks.  The festival will begin at 7:00 p.m. next to City Hall at 4580 S. 2300 E.

The City of Lehi will have the Crescent Superband putting on a free concert for the occasion at 6:00 p.m. at Thanksgiving Point. Their fireworks display will be at Electric Park at 10:00 p.m.

Magna will be celebrating the 4^th of July, beginning with a parade at 12:00 a.m. The parade will start out on 8560 W and 3100 S and follow Main Street to 9150 W.  Fireworks will follow later that evening.

Murray is planning a fun day with many great events.  Beginning at 8:00 a.m., there will be a 5K race and, at 9:00 a.m., there will be a children’s race.  Races will be held at Murray Park at the west entrance by Constitution Circle.  Their parade is set to begin at 8:30 a.m.  It will start at the Fashion Mall at 6151 S. State St. and end at Murray Park.  Other events throughout the day include baseball and carnival games.  There will be live music and fireworks later in the evening at the Murray Park Softball Field.

Park City also has many great activities scheduled for the day.  They will begin their day with a 7:00 a.m. breakfast at City Park at 1354 Park Ave.  Breakfast will follow a 5K run, so don’t overeat.  The parade and other festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m., which will include lots of great food and music.  Their fireworks display will be held at Park City Mountain Resort at dusk.

The Salt Lake City Bees will be in town playing on both July 4^th and 5^th.  Fireworks will be displayed after each game.  For ticket information, visit their website.

The City of Sandy will be celebrating with the Sandy Classic 4^th of July 10K and 5K fun run beginning at 7:00 a.m.  The race will be held at Centennial Boulevard at 10200 S.  Other celebrations will follow at the South Towne Promenade between South Town Center and Sandy City Hall.  Events begin at 10:00 a.m., with the parade at 6:00 p.m. followed by a great concert and awesome fireworks.

The City of Tooele will be celebrating the 4^th of July with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performing at the Tooele High School Football Field.  Gates open at 7:00 p.m. with a fireworks display following their performance.

West Jordan will have an awesome display of fireworks at 10:30 p.m. at 1985 W. 7800 S. at Veterans Memorial Park.

All these events will be something to remember for many years to come.  I hope you and your family get to enjoy one or more of these great festivities.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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Affordable Green Homes in Utah

Realtor® Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

Most homebuyers these days like the idea of buying a green home, especially when they hear the word “affordable green home.”  Now, the homebuyers in Utah can get the best of both worlds: an affordable green home.  However, the biggest savings come after the purchase of the home.

There is a nonprofit builder, the Community Development Corp. of Utah, that is building the first of five affordable green homes for low-income families.  These homes are being built on a vacant Magna field.  They are also being loaded with energy-efficient insulation.  The homes will even come complete with gadgets that will save the owner hundreds of dollars annually.

These affordable green homes will boast 1,185 square feet, three bedrooms, a garage, an estimated annual gas and power bill of $500 and the first one is expected to be on the market in 45 days.

The big savings here will come from the rooftop solar collectors that will heat water every day of the year, energy efficient windows, three layers of different insulation and a modern day central swamp cooler to combine refrigeration and evaporative cooling.  The features should help lower-income Utah families qualify for a loan to buy the home.

Currently, the Community Development refurbishes homes with the goal of helping low-income families become homeowners as well as helping restore neighborhoods.  They have been focusing on Magna lately, which is a historic copper mining settlement of 23,000 people in the Salt Lake Valley containing most of the Main Street bars, markets, a theater and a museum.

The homes will cost around $175,000 to $180,000.  And this price includes extras such as $10,000 for the efficiencies and $8,000 for the solar water heater.  Plus, the homeowner will be eligible for thousands of dollars in efficiency rebates on their taxes.  For instance, they will be eligible for a $750 rebate on the modern swamp cooler from Rocky Mountain Power. 

This really sounds like an outstanding bargain.  And more great news: two of the five houses are expected to be finished this year.

If you want more information about buying real estate in Salt Lake City or its surrounding communities, contact me, Kandy Clayton.

Save Your Money and Be Bold With Paint

Do you have laminated countertops with a color that went out of style ten years ago, but haven’t had the money to replace them?  Well, here’s a very simple solution for making a big impact.  Be bold with paint and save your money.  In these tough times, everyone is looking for ways to save every penny they can and replacing countertops can sometimes be quite pricey.  Therefore, I’d like to share some simple tips on how to paint your laminated countertops correctly.

Painting the countertops can be inexpensive and simple if done properly.  However, you have to plan carefully for this type of project and keep in mind that it will take two to three full weeks for the countertops to cure completely. 

When selecting your paint color, think about your walls.  You want something that will coordinate with the rest of the room and accessories, but it doesn’t have to match exactly.  You may even want to check out the latest laminates to get a feel of the newest trends in colors.

Once you have chosen the paint color that will meet your needs, just follow these steps:

*  Clean countertops with soap and water only and then dry completely with a soft cloth.

*  Using 150-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the counter to scratch the surface up.  Wipe off dust with a damp cloth and let dry.

*  Prime time.  Using 100% acrylic primer, prime the enter surface.  You want to use a primer that will stick to the surface and allow paint to stick to it.  Some suggestions include Benjamin Morris Fresh Start, XIM primer, Bullseye 1-2-3 or any high quality primer.  Be sure the label says it is intended to cover high-gloss surfaces.

*  After the first coat of primer has completely dried, apply a second coat of primer.

*  Once the second coat of primer has completely dried, it is time to paint.  Using a semi-gloss enamel or latex satin paint, apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry before adding the second coat of paint.

*  When the finish coat is dry, it’s time to seal it with two coats of clear acrylic.  You will be using a satin or semi-gloss acrylic to seal it.  The higher the shine, the more protection the counter will have against general wear and tear.  Never use flat or eggshell paint on your countertops.

Although the acrylic seal will dry quickly, remember that it will take two to three weeks to completely cure.  So, take it easy on your counters during this period.  No scrubbing; only a light wipe with a soft cloth is all that will be needed during this time.  After the curing period is over, you should never use scouring pads, powder or anything else that would scratch the surface.

Good luck with your countertop painting project.  If you try it out, I would like to hear about it.  Just leave a comment about it here in my blog.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton  ~  Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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Salt Lake City is Blooming with New Businesses

 In today’s tough economic times, any new business opening up is good news, and many new businesses coming to one area is “super” good news.  Therefore, I’d like to take a moment to mention how great business is in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Business is absolutely blooming and continuing to thrive in Salt Lake City.

In addition to these new downtown restaurants that have opened up such as the Olive Bistro, Eva Mediterranean Tapas, J Wong’s Asian Bistro and Bruges Waffles and Frites, other businesses have  come to Salt Lake City and have done well, too.

The Bingham Cyclery opened its flagship store north of Pioneer Park at 336 West 300 South.  This is great news for those who have dedicated themselves to helping the city “go green.”  Biking is a great and easy way to travel around town, and it’s becoming a more preferred form of transit this day in time. To learn more about the Bingham Cyclery, visit www.binghamcyclery.com .

The Atomic Blonde Salon recently relocated to downtown Salt Lake City to the Metro Condo building at 350 South 200 East.  The salon features skilled stylists in a casual atmosphere with great music.  They also sell a wide variety of hair products.  For more information about the Atomic Blonde Salon, visit www.atomicblondesalon.com.

The Green Ant recently opened its doors on Broadway at 179 East 300 South.   The Green Ant is a vintage modern furniture store featuring pieces from the 1960’s and 1970’s.  They also have an eclectric clothing line that offers quintessential merchandise for the admirers of chic and sleek styles.  Visit www.thegreenant.com for more information.

Meyer Gallery opened at 350 South 200 East in Salt Lake City in the Metro Condo building.  The Meyer Gallery is one of the most respected galleries in the west, and Salt Lake City is proud to have this addition to the area.  The gallery specializes in watercolor paintings, impressionistic oil paintings, bronze sculptures and representational paintings.  Artwork is by national and regional artists.  Visit www.meyergallery.com for more information about the gallery.

Uptown Cheapskate, the upscale thrift store has opened at 353 West 200 South.  This wonderful store is dedicated to selling famous fashions without the expensive price that usually goes with it.  For more information about Uptown Cheapskate, visit www.uptowncheapskate.com.

These are all great businesses to the area that are helping boost the economy.  Salt Lake City is also looking forward to a new light rail line to the airport, changes to private club laws and a new cultural district that will help propel Salt Lake City for many years to come.

If you like what’s going on in Salt Lake City, check out homes for sale in the area.

What’s Happening in Salt Lake City This Weekend

There is always so much to see and do in Salt Lake City, Utah that many activities get overlooked. Therefore, I thought I would mention some great activities for the whole family to take advantage of this weekend in Salt Lake City.

· Every Day a Little Death Comedy – May 1st & 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Covey Center for the Arts at 425 W. Center St. For more information, call 801-852-7007.

· Cathlene Smith – May 1st at 7 p.m. at the Alchemy Coffee Company on 390 E. 1700 South. Smith will be signing her psychological thriller “Slivers of Reality”.

· Miss Saigon – May 1st – 16th at 7:30 p.m. at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theater on 300 S. 1400 East. A wonderful play of a war-torn land and two lovers who find each other, lose each other and find each other once again.

· Pilar Pobil – May 1st – 16th from 5-9 p.m. at Universe City on 2556 Washington Boulevard. Pobil is a mixed-medium artist and sculptor who is exhibiting her work at the gallery shows.

· The Apostles of Comedy – May 1st at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel on 460 W. Century Dr. 4350 South. A great mix of ministry and comedy. Tickets range from $10.50 for groups to $25 for singles. Tickets can be purchased at Christian bookstores or at www.ticketswest.com. For more information, call 801-264-9999 or 1-800-325-SEAT.

I hope you get to enjoy one or more of these great events this weekend. Check back on my blog often for more updates on what’s going on in Salt Lake City.

Realtor© Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

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Don’t Let Today’s Interest Rates Pass You By

Because of today’s sluggish economy, many personal items, including homes, are being reduced.  So why not take advantage of these low home prices and low mortgage interest rates before it’s too late.  If you have been thinking of homeownership and can afford to buy, make it your goal to do so this year.

This year’s new stimulus package, along with this week’s low interest rates, sweeten the deal even more.  Here’s the deal: If you’re a first-time homebuyer who buys a home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 and live in the home for at least three years, you get a 10% credit for the purchase price of the home up to $8,000.  The credit can be used on your 2008 or 2009 tax return.  First-time homebuyers are people who have not owned a home in the last three years.  Homebuyers will get full credit if their modified adjusted income is less than $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for joint filers.  The credit amount will then drop as your income rises.  However, you will be out of luck if your income is over $95,000 for single filers and $170,000 for joint filers.  The credit is then eliminated.  The best way to make sure you will qualify for the credit is to speak with an expert about your specific situation.

If you are ready to buy a home and wonder if you qualify for a loan, here’s what I recommend doing:

·         Check your credit.  There are several online companies that will let you run a free credit check once a year, along with giving you your credit score.

·         Clean up your credit, if necessary.  If you have any delinquent balances on your credit, get them paid off.  Also, pay any credit cards down as low as possible, but not completely.  Leave just $200 or less on one or two cards.  And always pay on time and more than your minimum balance.

·         Be prepared for a down payment and buy within your means.  Homebuyers that bought above their means are how we got into this mess in the first place.  So, learn from their mistakes: only buy what you can afford.

·         Get all your financial records in order.  You will need paycheck stubs, tax returns, bank statements and more.  Your loan processor will give you a complete list.

·         Never make any big purchases before you buy a home.  This means don’t run out and buy a new car or an expensive engagement ring.

Following these simple steps will set you in the right direction.  Now, get online and find the right real estate professional to help you find your dream home.  Happy home-hunting.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton – Salt Lake City Real Estate

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Salt Lake City Businesses Going Green

Salt Lake City and surrounding communities have a great new program called the Salt Lake County Green Business.  This program is part of the Division of Environmental Health’s Bureau of Water Quality and Hazardous Waste, which was created in partnership with the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office.  Their goal is to encourage all area businesses to improve their environmental practices in four specific areas, including pollution prevention, energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainability and waste management.  As a Salt Lake City area resident, I like the idea of area businesses going green.

Businesses participating in the program will be rewarded with public recognition.  They will have use of the Salt Lake County Green logo and will save significant amounts of money on their waste disposal and utility bills. 

To implement the Salt Lake County Green Business program, all participating restaurants will have to set simple goals for the upcoming years.  These goals include reducing water by 10%, reducing electricity by 10%, reducing waste hauls by one per month through recycling efforts, purchase local products and improving pollution prevention by using non-toxic cleaning products along with other methods.

Here are some examples of how to reduce your usages:

Reducing water usage by 10% can be done by:

·         Installing low-flow pre-rinse nozzles.

·         Train all staff on water conservation.

·         Purchase waterless urinals and low-flow toilets.

 Reducing trash hauls by one per month can be done by:

·         Recycle as much as possible.  Hire a recycling hauler.

·         Train all employees how to recycle properly.

·         Post multi-lingual signs at bins.

Reducing electricity usage by 10% can be done by:

·         Switching from regular lights to CFLs.

·         Participate in Cool Keeper Program.

·         Install automatic switches in bathrooms.

Improving pollution can be done by:

·         Use dry cleaning methods.

·         Train all employees on pollution prevention.

·         Switch to non-toxic cleaners.

Becoming a more sustainable business can be done by:

·         Buy renewable energy from by Blue Sky program.

·         Join Local First Utah.

·         Purchase “green” paper products, eliminate bottled water and plastic soda bottles.

As you can see, it is really easy to become a green business and the benefits are very rewarding to you, your business and your environment.  To apply for the Salt Lake County Green Business program, visit www.slvhealth.org/eh/html/GreenApply.html.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton – Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

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Looking for a “Green Community”?  Salt Lake City is it.