Moving Tips and Advice

Moving can be a big deal for many people.  However, with a little help, your move can go smoothly.  Here are some tips and advice to help your move move smooth.

Packing – Use the right boxes and pack them very carefully.  Using the same boxes as professional movers will keep your valuables safe from harm.  Many people use boxes that they can get for free from their local supermarket or liquor store.  These types of boxes are not nearly as strong or padded as the ones professional movers use.  Some great places to find moving boxes are U-Haul, The Packing Store, The Box Company and many more.

Use blankets, sheets and towels for moving fragile objects and pictures.  Glass objects, such as plates, should be packed vertically rather than flat.  If you are using a mover, be sure to let them know which boxes you have packed fragile items in.  Write “fragile” on the outside of the box and go over its contents with the mover.  They may have some suggestions for keeping it even safer.

Heavy items should be put in small boxes.  If you can’t lift the box easily, it’s too heavy.  Label each and every box with a bold black marker or a bright colored crayon.  There are some things such as towels and sheets you will need your first night in your new home and, by labeling them, you will be able to find them more easily.

Safety – For your family’s safety, teach your children your new address.  A great way to help them learn it is by letting them write it on packed boxes.

Comfort – Comfort can come in boxes.  Fill two “Open Me First” boxes that contain snacks, toilet paper, coffee, soap, toothpaste and brushes, medicine, flashlight, paper plates, cups, a pan or two, paper towels, utensils and some basic tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers.  Keep these two boxes in your own car on moving day.

Got pets?  Keep them out of packing boxes and out from under foot.  Put them in the backyard or in a bathroom until it is time to leave.

Movers – Work hand in hand with your mover.  Give them your contact numbers so they can stay in direct contact with you at all times.  Go over the inventory form with your mover and ask them to explain anything you do not understand.  If you are moving long distance, you should be aware that your items may have to share a truck with several other households.  For this reason, movers sometimes have to warehouse furniture and belongings for several days.  Be sure to ask your mover if your items will remain on the truck until delivery day or if they will be stored.  If they are going to store your items, ask the mover about the security and cleanliness of the warehouse.

These simple tips and advice can make the stress of moving day a headache free day after all.

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Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Salt Lake City Realtor® Kandy Clayton

Rethink Your Living Space This Month

Now that it’s January, the disarray of the holidays has come to an end and everyone is putting their tables and chairs back in their old positions.  So why not rethink your living space.  It’s the perfect time.  When you’re putting away all those holiday decorations, take stock.  Ask yourself if you really need the furniture that’s there.

The end table you have used in your living room for ten years may now look better beside your bed.  Swapping furniture or décor from one room of the house to the other is called purging and swapping.  The best thing about it is it’s cost-free.

For those who get nervous about changing their layout, get some advice from a friend.  Put everything in the center of the room and bring your friend over and see what advice they can offer.  You can also have a rearranging party with a group of friends.  Just serve appetizers, open a bottle of wine and have fun. 

When changing your layout, think big.  Don’t just focus on the small things.  Try relocating a major piece to change the room’s focal point.  This will also give the space new purpose.  If, like so many others, your room is focused around the television, try changing the layout to focus on conversation.

Don’t be afraid to change it up some.  In the dining room, you can use some old high-backed wrought-iron patio chairs for the ends of your dining table paired with fiberglass and vinyl chairs.  Whatever you choose, make sure the style fits you.

After changing your layout, you may decide you want to add some new décor.  If that’s the case, now is the time to buy.  Sales are better than ever, so take advantage of them.

Good luck on your purge and swap.

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Tips for Home Buyers

Tips for Home Sellers

Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Salt Lake City Realtor® Kandy Clayton

Three Big Mistakes When Buying a New Home or Refinancing

Many people make mistakes when buying a new home or refinancing their current home.  Some mistakes are no big deal and can easily be fixed. However, some are mistakes are a big deal. 

Here are some of the biggest mistakes potential buyers and homeowners make:

Mistake #1 – Over 90% of homeowners and buyers fail to examine their credit for any problems before the loan application process.  Many people fail to realize that credit is a major factor when refinancing or acquiring a mortgage.  Not reviewing your credit prior to the loan application process will only slow down the process.

There are several free online services (for instance www.freecreditreport.com) that will give you access to your credit score and report once a year.  If you find you find your credit is in need of repair, you can simply write a letter to or call the credit card company or business that you have negative credit with and see if they will assist you in getting on the right track to having any scars removed from your credit.  In the letter, you will need to explain why you were late with your payments.  In most cases, the company will require you pay off the debt in full.

Mistake #2 – Many potential borrowers and homeowners fail to check how much a lender will loan them in advance.  Many lenders, especially in today’s real estate market, have strict guidelines for how much money they will lend.  Typically, the lender’s decision is based on the loan-to-value ratio.  This means lenders have limits on how much money they will let you borrow based on the value of your home.

Here’s an example: If you are refinancing your home, most lenders will not lend more than 90% of the appraised value of your home.  If your home appraises for $100,000, you will be able to borrow $90,000.  This is assuming your current loan balance and closing costs equal $90,000 or more.

Mistake #3 – Many homeowners and buyers fail to find an experienced mortgage lender to help them purchase or refinance a home.  Associating yourself with high quality, honest, and service-oriented lenders is very important.  Buying a new home or refinancing a home is an important decision and usually a large financial transaction.  You don’t want to treat it lightly.  Dealing with the right lender can make the difference between having your loan application approved or rejected.

When choosing a lender, ask them a few basic questions.  This will help you find the right one for your needs. 

Some questions you may want to ask are:

·         Can the lender provide any references?  If they do, call them.

·         How long have they been in business? Check them out on the Better Business Bureau.

·         How and when can you get in touch with your lender if you need them?  Your lender should be available to you through many ways; phone, fax, mobile, email.

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Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Homes for Sale

Salt Lake City, Utah Realtor® Kandy Clayton

Save Big on the Cost of Living

There is just no place like home to save big on the cost of living.  The cost of living has risen almost 80% over the past ten years.  And homeowners are looking for ways to save on their living costs while getting ready to purchase their next home.

Updating or creating a household budget can be a huge help.  Every penny you earn, save and spend should be accounted for.  This will help you keep up with your spending habits better.  Looking over your spending will help you cut back on things you truly don’t need.  A great program to help track your income and spending and get you on budget is Quicken.  The program offers a perfect solution for home or business use.  You will be able to track your personal or business expenses in one place, monitor your profit and loss to see what your money is doing, connect to your bank to download your transactions and balance your account, capture possible tax deductions throughout the year and so much more.  It’s inexpensive to purchase and very easy to use.

You also have the option of moving down in your lifestyle to save on the cost of living.  It’s not really a step down.  Sometimes you can find a bigger home for less than your current.  Then again, you may find a smaller home that is perfect for you and your family with a more affordable mortgage.  During the past ten years, mortgage payments have risen over 45% on average.  Cash in on a smaller home now.  Don’t wait to fund your retirement.

If you do downsize your home, sell everything that won’t fit in the new home.  Also, sell anything you don’t use or haven’t used in the past three months.  Keep in mind, an organized home is a money-saving home. 

Sell your belongings on Ebay, Amazon, or CraigsList.  CraigsList is a free service and you can find more free services on the web.  Give things to charity for small tax deductions. 

You will soon see those great savings adding up when you really try to change your living costs.  Shop around and be thrifty, it really pays.

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Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Homes for Sale in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Realtor® Kandy Clayton

Salt Lake City, Utah Realtor Kandy Clayton with Tips on Avoiding Tax Scams

Our lives are complicated enough without con artists trying to separate us from our hard earned dollars.  It can also be costly for victims of scams.  Therefore, every taxpayer should be vigilant in protecting their financial, personal and tax information.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling prey to con artists.

1.    Watch your financial and personal information closely, especially during electronic transactions.  The IRS is just one of many government agency and corporate websites that are being copied by imposters that pose as employees conducting official business to take your personal information.  Always remember that the IRS does not use e-mail to contact taxpayers.  And, never open links in unsolicited messages that claim to be the IRS.  It isn’t them.

2.    Not all scams will come in an email or via the Internet.  The telephone is another popular source for scammers.  Be sure to never give away your personal information to anyone who calls claiming to be the IRS.  Tell them you will call them back at the official IRS number: (800) 829-1040, but be sure to get their name and department.

3.    We all know about identity theft now-days.  It is extremely important to monitor your return.  Thieves will use your personal information to access your financial accounts and can intercept your tax refund.  If you suspect this has happened to you, contact the IRS immediately.

4.    Many con artists earn a good living by preparing illegal and false tax returns.  So make sure all the information on your tax return is accurate, as you are solely responsible for your taxes even if a professional prepares your taxes for you.

5.    Some con artists will actually tell you that you don’t have to pay taxes.  Be aware of anyone who tries to tell you it’s okay to side-step your tax paying responsibility.

6.    If using a professional tax preparer, be sure to choose the best one by asking for references, checking with the BBB for any claims, and ask about their service fees.  Never use a professional based on the amount they say they can get you on your return.  And avoid using a professional that bases their service fees on how much your return is.  A set fee is the best way to go.

7.    Remember that the true IRS Website uses .gov.  They never use .com, .net, or .org.  The official website of the IRS is www.irs.gov.

These tips should help you avoid being scammed.  However, if you still have concerns, you can contact the IRS anytime at (800) 829-1040 or talk to your professional tax preparer.

More Tips and Advice

Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Salt Lake City Homes for Sale

Salt Lake City Realtor® Kandy Clayton