St George Utah Blog

Make the Right Choice: Six Tips to Finding the Home You Love

Choosing the right home for you and your family is not an easy decision. It takes a lot of time and planning to finding the perfect place. In spite of all
 this work, or maybe because of it, a recen survey showed that many homeowners regret part or all of their home buying decisions. To make sure you are happy with your home, here are six tips to keep in mind.

1. Prioritize

Make a list of the things that are most important to you. Put them in order from most to least important. Consider what you may be willing to compromise on and what you can not. Think beyond just the house. What do you want in a neighborhood? In the local schools? Try to imagine what your ideal living situation would be and write it all down.

2. Research

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Possible Water Park in St. George?

An empty plot of 13 acres behind the Dixie Center could soon be turned into a water park. The city of St. George began negotiations with Island Trading Company last week for the sale of the land.

Investors discussed buying the plot for $6.1 million. If sold, they will pay a down payment of 10% now with 4% interest over the next 25 years. They have 90 days to research and create a plan for the property. Although they have seriously discussed the idea of a water park, they are taking this time to be sure. The area is zoned for a long list of business possibilities. If a water park does not work, a family entertainment complex complete with restaurants, shopping and other hospitality business is possible.

While the details are still being worked out, the…

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Five Home Staging Ideas for Selling Your Home

Home staging is one of the first steps to selling your home. You need to make the area inviting to possible buyers, so they can easily picture themselves in the space. There are a few rules and guidelines to staging a home, however. Here are a few tips.

1. De-Clutter

You need to get rid of all your junk and mess in the home. Everyone accumulates stuff, but now is the time to get rid of everything you don’t need. Begin packing up personal items and accessories too. If buyers see too many pictures of you and your family the will have a harder time envisioning themselves in the space. Remove all of your personal clutter.

2. Clean

This is a step you can do yourself, or you can hire someone else to do it. Whatever you decide, it needs to be cleaned…

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Finding Your Dream Home... at Your Dream Price

Whatever the current state of the housing market, there are always foreclosed and pre-foreclosed homes for sale -- just waiting for buyers. But knowing how to find foreclosures can be a daunting first step. Here are some helpful tips on finding the right home at the right price.

• The Banks. A foreclosure takes place when an owner is unable to maintain their mortgage payments, and the property reverts to the creditor, which, often times, is a bank. These banks sometimes maintain listings of foreclosed properties on their websites. Check the listings of banks where you already have an account. You may be able to capitalize on the relationship you already have with them.

• A Little Legwork. If there's a particular neighborhood in which you'd…

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The Advantages of Buying a Foreclosed Home

Other than marriage or the birth of a child, there are few life events that can compare to purchasing your first home. Despite the diverse lifetime aspirations among Americans, homeownership is one goal that is common across all social, cultural, and economic lines. Our homes are more than just our own private spaces, but they are symbols of security, individuality, and success.

The purchase of a home is the single biggest investment that the average person will make in their lives. When you put yourself through the process of submitting an offer, closing the deal, and signing a 20 or 30 year mortgage. you want to make sure you're making the best decision for yourself and your family.

It is no secret that the housing market has been erratic in recent…

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St. George, UT Boasts Rich History and a Thriving Local Economy

Did you know that, as of 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau declared St. George, Utah as the one of the top two fastest growing metropolitan areas? With a 2012 population of 144,809 and counting, it is clear that St. George is attracting a large number of Americans, and swaying a number of them to permanently call the region home. What are the some of the top reasons people are moving to St. George, Utah?

A Rich History, With Dinosaurs

In 1861, Brigham Young, the president of the Church of the Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, began a cotton mission in St. George, Utah. During the same year, and around the beginning of the Civil War, Young established a settlement in Washington County, Utah. As a result, the area boasts deep religious roots, and a breadth of Civil…

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Time To Buy? Have You Talked to a Real Estate Agent Yet?

Finding perfect luxury homes can be difficult, and at times can feel impossible. Because it is so rare an occurrence for people, and due to all of the rules and regulations, taxes and fees, most people have no idea how to buy real estate. When you are interested in the housing market and looking at homes for sale, a real estate agent can be an invaluable asset.

A real estate agent can keep things real and honest for you. They will provide full disclosure and walk you through the process, explaining everything. Be sure to find the right real estate agent who will do more than help you locate luxury homes and take care of the confusing paperwork for you. It should be empowering and a learning experience.

The process starts with introductions to your agent, to…

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Between the Growing Economy and Awe Inspiring Landscape, What's Not to Love About St. George?

Did you know that mortgage rates are at historic lows? This is all thanks to the Federal Reserve's unprecedented maneuvers to stimulate economic growth. If you've been thinking about it, then know that now is the right time to get into Utah real estate. 

St. George is one particular area with a lot of real estate that's worth investment. It's a city located in the southwestern part of Utah, right on the border of Arizona, and the county seat of Washington County. It's pleasantly populated, with (according to the 2012 U.S. Census Bureau) a population of 75,561. Plus, there is plenty of great golf real estate  in St. George. The majority of golf properties in the U.S. are homes, town homes, and condos, and all are marked at astoundingly affordable rates. The…

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School boundaries are major factor in home-buying decision, survey finds

School boundaries are major factor in home-buying decision, survey finds

As kids begin to go back to school, a new survey is out that suggests location to schools is a major factor in people's home-buying experience.  The survey done by Realtor.com states three out of five home buyers say school boundaries will affect where they purchase a home.  According to Realtor.com, almost 60% of home buyers would go over budget anywhere from 1% to 20% to obtain a home in their desired school boundaries while just over 40% would not.

For those home buyers that said school boundaries will affect where they purchase a home over 90% stated it was important to somewhat important.  Those same home buyers are also willing to give up several amenities to live in the…

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St George Foreclosures and Your Bottom Line

In addition to the old adage, "Location, location, location," most real estate investing tips boil down to one common theme. Buy low, and sell high. Buying foreclosed homes is a great way to do just that. And by buying foreclosed homes in beautiful St George, Utah, with its red rock deserts, sandstone canyons, and excellent golf courses, you can effectively cover all the core tenets of real estate purchasing in one fell swoop.

A foreclosure is when the holder of a property lien is forced to terminate the lien before the expected date, most often due to a failure to make payments by the borrower. This action makes it possible for the lien holder to then place the property back on the market, with the intention of recouping whatever losses they may have…

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