If you are involved in St. George’s business community, you can’t miss out on the different resources offered by Dixie Business Resource Center. Their different classes and opportunities are meant to help members of the business. Here are 4 reasons to check out Dixie State’s Small Business Resource center.

Business Classes

Dixie State University offers short-term classes on business technology, accounting and grad school prep. These classes are open to students as well as the public. In a recent interview with St. George News, Dr. Kyle Wells, the Dean of the Udvar-Hazy School of business said,  “Past graduates are getting jobs that require additional skills in information technology. We are responding with a few key courses with plans to expand…

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A recent article in The Spectrum reported that St. George real estate is continuing to improve after the recession. People who had to give up homes and leave the market are now in a position to purchase real estate again and get out of rental properties.

Rental Properties

After the housing bubble burst in 2015, many people lost their homes and moved into rental properties. Because St. George doesn’t have a lot of rental properties, a shortage in St. George has driven up the price of rent. This could change as bank regulations loosen and people become emotionally ready to purchase a home again. St. George hopes to see more purchasing and less renting in 2015.

St. George Demographic

The largest demographic group moving to St. George has…

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Studies and surveys are showing home buyers are willing to pay more for greener homes. One of the reasons is due to energy savings. Energy efficient appliances and insulation help homeowners save every month on energy costs. One of the other major factors is that green homes are healthier. Families are willing to pay more when the homes will be healthy investments for their children. Here are some ideas to make your home healthier when preparing to sell.

Remove Toxins

If your home is old, you can have it tested for harmful products such as lead and other harmful substances. Removing lead paint and reducing toxins in the home can make it healthier for you and future home buyers. This can help up the sales value as well, since homeowners won’t…

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As we end 2014 and begin a new year, it seems like a good time for real estate predictions. Home prices have been rising lately, but will they continue? Here are some expert predictions for the real estate market in 2015.

Easier for Home Buyers

Homes have recently become a great idea for real estate investors because prices have been rising so quickly lately. October showed some of the highest home prices since 2008. While home prices will continue to rise, the rate at which they grow will probably slow down. This will lead to less real estate investors showing interest and make room for more home buyers. Instead of a 6% growth, we are more likely to see a 3% growth, which could mean a buyers’ market next year.

Millennials Become Home Buyers…

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A home inspection is an important part of any real estate transaction. Buyers should schedule home inspection to make sure there aren’t any unseen problems in a home. Sellers should enlist a home inspection so they can make any necessary repairs before placing the home on the market, therefore increasing your home’s value. Here are some things both parties should know about home inspections.

Home Inspectors Should Not Do Repairs

The American Society of Home Inspectors does not allow home inspectors to perform repair work. If your inspection turns up a problem with the home, you should hire a repair specialist. They will be able to give you the best possible service. Home inspectors may feel more inclined to find things “wrong” if they know they…

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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the biggest mortgage banks in the country. During the recession, the United State’s government backed the two banks with the understanding that Fannie and Freddie would tighten up on regulations, which was discussed in a recent blog post. Since things are getting better, these tightened regulations may be loosening up.

Down Payment Changes

One of the changes to this plan includes giving home loans with a lower down payment. Recently, banks have only been allowed to offer loans to people who could pay at least 5% down payment. Oftentimes, individual banks required that percentage be closer to 20%. Now, two new programs will offer loans with a lower 3% down payment requirement. Fannie’s program is called My…

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Increasing home value is a major concern for homeowners and real estate agents when it is time to sell. One thing you can do to greatly increase your home value is add a fresh coat of paint. A freshly painted home is a great selling point, as long as it is done well and with the right colors. Here are some tips for painting your home to sell.

Exterior - Make it Blend

Even if you liked your home standing out on the block, your buyers may not. It is a good idea to paint the outside of your house to match the rest of the street. A neutral color like white or brown usually works well, but you should make sure it matches the roof and the trim of the rest of your home. A fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home can do wonders for your curb…

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The kitchen is the most utilized room in the house. Everyone in the family converges there to eat, talk, relax, and cook. Unfortunately, this heavy traffic often means an unorganized and disheveled kitchen. Whether you have recently bought a home in St. George, or simply looking to revamp your current home, these tips can help you keep organized.

1. Keep Like Things Together

When you organize your kitchen, you want to keep things that work together in the same place. For example, you want pots, pans and potholders to be near the stove. Keep cereal, cereal bowls, and utensils together in the same area. Think of each section of your kitchen as a workstation, based on what your family uses the kitchen for most. You may have the prep area, cooking…

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When buyers come to look at your home, first impressions are going to mean everything. You want them to feel excited as soon as they pull into your driveway, which is why curb appeal is so important. It’s hard to invest too much time and effort into something into landscaping when you’re about to move away, however. It is important that any investments you make into your home is cost efficient. Here are some landscaping ideas to get you started.

1. Front Door

Have you or one of your neighbors painted your front door and it completely changed the look of the home? A new or freshly painted front door is one of the fastest ways to raise the value of your home. Make sure the color isn’t too bright, but that it matches the rest of the home.

2.…

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If you’re looking for some holiday fun in St. George this season, we have put together a list of some of the greatest local traditions. Many of these are annual traditions that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Christmas Light Spectacular

Hedgehog Electric has provided a map of some of the best Christmas light displays in the city. You won’t have to search around anymore! Additionally, they are also donating $1 to Habitat for Humanity for every Facebook “like” they get during the month of December. Go to their Facebook page, find their map, and like their page for some holiday cheer!

Christmas Performances

One of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season is to go see a performance around town. Plays and ballets are a great way to…

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