Brown Sugar Cake With Fresh Peaches

You might be wondering what this has to do with Real Estate?? Well really nothing except it doesnt take a gourmet kitchen to cook this. So moving along...I found this great cake while blog stalking a couple of weeks ago and finally decided to make it. WOW!! Is it GOOD!! I ate a small piece right after I made it and then had a piece the next day after it was refrigerated all night. I think I prefer it cold but it is all a matter of preference. TRY IT!! It is a great time of year to make it with Local peaches in season right now. Hope you enjoy!! Let me know...
Thanks to Makeandtakes.com for the recipe. Oh, and for the record, I used enough peaches to cover the whole cake on both layers and I also used my home-made peach jam I made last year.

Brown Sugar Cake with Fresh Peaches
by Lindsey Johnson

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup (12 Tbsp.) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups whole or 2% milk

Frosting and filling:
2-3 ripe, but firm peaches, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup peach jam
Creamy Almond Frosting (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (For high altitude–375 degrees F.)

Grease and flour two 8″ or 9″ round baking pans* and line with parchment or waxed paper.

Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the shortening and sugar until very light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and add the eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl down after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.

Starting and ending with the dry ingredients, add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Only beat until combined. Remove bowl from mixer base and scrape the sides and bottom with a large silicone or rubber spatula to make sure all the ingredients are completely incorporated.

Divide the batter evenly between the baking pans.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. The tops will be lightly golden and springy to the touch. (Insert a cake tester into the center–only a few moist crumbs should cling to the tester.)

Let cool for a few minutes in the pan, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Creamy Almond Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2-3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract, optional
about 2 Tbsp. heavy cream (or a few teaspoons milk)

Beat the butter at high speed with an electric mixer. Add 1 cup of the powdered sugar and the extracts (if using). Beat until light and fluffy. Add the remaining powdered sugar alternating with the cream (no more than 1-2 tsp. at a time), until you reach the desired texture. The frosting should be light and creamy.

Assembly:

Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving platter. Spread half the frosting on the layer, arrange 2/3 of the sliced peaches over the frosting and spread 2/3 of the jam over the peaches. Top with second layer. Spread remaining frosting over the cake layer and top with the remaining peaches and jam.

Pumpkin Decorating Time

Pumpkins!! We all love them!! It is so fun to go to the pumpkin patch and pick out that perfect pumpkin to take home and carve. Some of you even grow your own. I have before but didnt have too great of success. Kind of like my garden this year but thats a whole other post. Pumpkins are not only for carving but can be used for decorating either inside or out. Check out these pictures for some great decorating ideas. Thanks to a great blog I was looking at who had these awesome iseas. Click on the link below for more pumpkin ideas. Thanks Centsational Girl!! The link:
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/09/pumpkins-on-parade/#more-1426

How To Fight The Property Tax Assessor

Property taxes: How to beat 'emDo you feel like you are
Getting overcharged? Appeal your property tax bill the smart way.

Mortgage Rates
30 yr fixed mtg 5.27%
15 yr fixed mtg 4.72%
30 yr fixed jumbo mtg 6.13%
5/1 ARM 4.57%
5/1 jumbo ARM 4.92%

(Money Magazine) -- You know that your home's value has tanked. So why doesn't the blasted tax man?

Home prices fell 27% from the 2006 peak to the end of 2008, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Index, while the amount municipalities collected in property taxes rose 12% from 2006 to 2008.

There's a simple fix: Dispute your home's assessment -- and win. Simple, but not always easy. Municipalities are flooded with homeowners seeking tax reductions, and many towns are reluctant to deliver "because they can't find money anywhere else," says Leslie Sellers, president-elect of the Appraisal Institute.

That means your argument has to be airtight. Follow these steps to help the assessor see it your way.
Learn what you're up against

Each municipality's assessor reevaluates properties periodically, usually every one to three years. (Those who do so every five to 10 years often adjust assessments annually based on market factors.)

You can appeal your assessment in any year, as long as you do so within a certain amount of time after you get your tax bill -- typically within 30 to 90 days. Don't get a bill because you pay through mortgage escrow? Call town hall and ask for a copy.

In a few areas, your assessment must be off by a minimum percentage for you to make an appeal (in New Jersey, it's 15%). Call your assessor to see if such a limit applies.
Make like Nancy Drew

First, check the accuracy of your official property record, available online or in the assessor's office. Factual errors aren't uncommon. Prove that, say, your house has three bedrooms rather than four, and your tax can get lowered immediately.

Also gather info on comparable homes using real estate sites like Zillow.com or with the help of a realtor. I think Zillow rates properties a little high. Look for homes like yours within a mile of your address that sold within two months of the municipality's assessment date (usually Jan. 1) for less than your home's assessed value. (Forget about foreclosure sales -- most towns won't consider them.) If your home is older or smaller than the "comps" you found, adjust the price down; if you recently renovated, adjust up. Collect five solid comps -- more is overkill.

Next, informally discuss your findings with the assessor. He or she is probably inundated by angry homeowners, so stand out by being pleasant. "If you establish a rapport, it will be harder for him to tell you no," says Melinda Blackwell, a property tax attorney in Dallas. Can't get a meeting, or the meeting goes nowhere? Time for a formal appeal.
Test-drive a hearing

While some municipalities allow online appeals, most require in-person hearings, usually at the county level. File your appeal as quickly as possible so that you'll be at the front of an increasingly long line. (In Clark County, Nev., for example, 6,019 homeowners appealed their property taxes this year -- more than triple the number in 2006.) Can't get a date until after taxes are due? Pay up; you'll get a refund if you win.

While you're waiting, sit in on a hearing to see the format. When your turn comes, you don't need anyone to represent you. Just give board members a packet with copies of your tax statement, data on your five comps, and any additional evidence. For example, if you're arguing that your house's assessment should be lower than that of your neighbor's because yours has a leaky roof, include photos of both roofs and repair cost estimates.
If you lose ...

... and the annual amount you're being overcharged is at least a few thousand dollars, it may be worth it to make an appeal at the state level. In roughly half of states, you must do so through a state review board; in the rest, you file a complaint in state tax court.

You'll need a property tax attorney (or a property tax consultant if you're appearing before a board). To avoid hourly fees of $150 to $400, ask if your pro will take your case on contingency. Most demand half of your first year's tax savings. But remember: If you win, those savings should accrue for years to come.
If any of you have questions or need a little help just leave your information in the comment section or contact me directly.

The Flowers Are Blooming

It’s finally feeling like summer has arrived. I love summer, in fact I love all the seasons of Utah. We live in a beautiful State. With this beautiful season comes the beautiful blooms of all the flowers. My front porch is in full bloom and also are my favorite ORANGE flowers blooming in my yard. To some summer is just another season and just another time of season for the OTHER ORANGE flowers blooming around town. The OTHER ORANGE flowers grow like weeds and are sprouting up everywhere. Yes the ORANGE CONES are sprouting even in the middle of the road. Yes it is now road construction season in Utah too.

This year is like pretty much any other in most ways, but it seems a bit worse. We don’t have to worry about ice and snow hampering our way to work, but we do have to wait in a long line to squeeze through one lane. Which season is more frustrating? At least during road construction, we have a guide.

My Orange flowers wont last too long and hopefully either will the OTHER ORANGE flower. This won’t go on forever, of course. Sooner or later, the cold weather will return and the orange cones will wilt like any flower. Remember both will pass as the seasons change. But for now take your time and look at all the beautiful blooms all around us in this GREAT STATE OF UTAH!! Take time to smell the flowers.. the real ones and not the ORANGE CONES!!(In fact avoid the Orange Cone if you can, I believe they are in the POISON IVY family!!)

Making Money On Loan Modifications

There are many distressed home owners out there and by distressed I mean struggling to make mortgage payments. There are also a lot of struggling real estate agents trying to make their mortgage payments. I get at least one email a week outlining how I can get rich by helping home owners with loan modifications.

A loan modification, or loan mod as the spammers or scammers call them are when the borrower can renegotiate the payments with the lender. There isn't any need to pay for help with a loan modification because the borrowers can do it on their own or they can get help for free through a few non profits organizations. If any of you need the information or phone numbers for these, just let me know and I will send them to you. Remember it is FREE help.

As for real estate agents who want to get rich doing "loan mods" please make sure that the program you are getting involved with is legal in Utah, some of the for profit loan modification services are not legal. Different states have different laws and the mortgage and real estate industries are regulated at the local level.
Watch out for the following warning signs:

**Calls offering you buyback or lease-to-own options

**Offers to provide "Walk-Away" services

**Requests for your social security number

**Counseling that requires fees for services

**Offers for quick and easy fixes


From looking at my email I would say that the number of scams out there are at an all time high. Please be careful and if your real estate agent offers to help with a loan modification ask a lot of questions. Like I said I have information and phone numbers I can refer you to if you need help with your loan.

DUCKS LOVE THE RAIN

Well it seems like it has done nothing but RAIN, RAIN, RAIN for the last 2 weeks. I think the only person who enjoys all this rain is a DUCK. This happens to be a Mallard duck, your nature lesson for the day. At least someone is happy about the rain... if it keeps up I might wish I was a duck so I could just swim to go show houses!!

7 Maintenance Points for Spring...

When you fall in love with a house, it is so easy to overlook its bad points and the flaws in maintenance.

Still you have to be practical if you are making a major home purchase or if you just want to properly maintain your home.

Even if the house looks well maintained, you should give it this quick 7-point review.

1 Trees. Check them out. Dying trees and dead branches are an emergency waiting to happen. The first spring storm that comes around might give you some very serious damage. Look for bent branches, if you had a heavy snow storm in the winter. Look for tree roots peeking through the soil as it can suggest a shallow-rooted plant.

2 Pavement condition. To put it simply, cracks happen. Still, you should evaluate the pavement condition and ask yourself if it appears generally solid.

3 Gutters. They should be clean.

4 Air conditioner condenser. The first thing you think about when you look at a house is no doubt NOT the air conditioner condenser. But it is worth taking a look. The condenser should be free of debris, leaves and dirt.

5 Deck integrity. Look for areas of wood rot, chipping or raised fibers on the wood. Observe the overall strength and stability of the deck.

6 Garage door operation. Simply: Does the door open and close? That is not something you want to find out after you move in.

7 Downspouts. Look to see that rain is directed away from the foundation of the house.

You will know best how each of these points should be weighted. For example, you might expect a newer home to have a pristine driveway. Meanwhile, an older home packed with charm but might have a driveway with a crack or two. You'll have to decide how important each point is.

FREE Tickets to Spring home expo @ UVU

If anyone wants FREE TICKETS to the Spring Home Expo at UVU on April 24-25, 2009, let me know. Just leave your address in the comment section and how many you want (No LIMIT) and I will mail them to you. Held at the McKay events Center April 24-25, 2009. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Leave your address or call me. Thanks!!

4 Reasons to STOP renting

Last year's Housing and Economic
Recovery Act offered new homeowners
a $8,000 tax credit if they bought a
home before June 30. According to that
plan the $7,500 tax credit would be repaid
over 15 years with annual payments
of $500 added from the borrower's income
tax bill. The credit is an excellent
deal, since it offers home buyers what
amounts to an interest free loan.
But the Congress and President
Barack Obama have vowed to sweeten
that deal by extending the credit and
delaying repayment.
For first time homeowners, this promises
to be a one-time bonanza during the
best time in history to
buy a home.
Here are just some of
the reasons why the cost
of housing will probably
never be more economical.
1 Inventory of new homes is tightening.
That means there are fewer new
homes for buyers to buy. It's basic economics:
When the supply goes down,
the price goes up.
2 Congress is moving to close off the
dribble of foreclosures on pre-owned
homes. Again, with fewer houses going
on the market via foreclosure, the supply
of homes will go down and price increases
will soon follow.
3 Interest rates are fantastic right now.
The best borrowers can now get 30-year
mortgages at rates under 5 percent.
4 Obama's promised new stimulus
packages will likely extend and sweeten
deals for homeowner.
The fact is that now might be the best
time in your life to buy a home.

$14,000 Do you qualify ? $8000 + $6,000

$8,000 Tax Credit - At A Glance

If the mortgage interest, property tax, and slew of other homeownership tax deductions weren't enough, Congress has added yet another homeownership incentive: A dollar-for-dollar tax credit of $8,000 when you purchase a home. Want to know if you qualify? Here's an overview of this newest tax break:

Amount of Credit

Ten percent of the cost of the home, not to exceed $8,000.

Eligible Home Buyers

Home buyers (including spouses) who have not owned a principal residence in the three years prior to the purchase. Those who do not own their principal residence but own a vacation home or other property also qualify for the credit if they are purchasing a principal residence.

Eligible Properties

Any single-family home, town house, condominium or co-op that will be used as a principal residence.

Income Limits

Taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of up to $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for couples qualify for the full credit. A partial credit is available to taxpayers who make more than those amounts, not to exceed $95,000 for singles and $170,000 for joint filers.

Qualifying Dates

The credit is available to those who purchase a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009.

Refundable

The credit will reduce any tax liability owed for the year. If there is excess, the money will be refunded. For example, if you owed $1,000 in taxes and used the $8,000 credit, you could receive a rebate check of $7,000.

Recapture

There is no repayment for purchases made after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009. However, if the home is sold before three years, the entire amount is recaptured upon the sale.

$6,000 Home Run Grant... Now Signed!!

What is the $6,000 Home Run Grant?

The Home Run Grant is a mortgage assistance program that grants $6,000 to home buyers who purchase a newly-constructed, never-occupied primary, single-family residence in Utah. The Home Run Grant is funded by the Housing Relief Restricted Special Revenue Fund, established by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, the Utah State Legislature, and Utah Housing Corporation.

When is the Home Run Grant program being launched?

The governor has signed the bill into law and the program is now launched.

Who is eligible to receive a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

• Home buyers must meet the following income restrictions:
• Single person, $75,000
• Married couple, $150,000
• If more than one unmarried person is taking title to the Eligible Home, each such single person is subject to the $75,000 income limit.
• Home buyers must occupy the purchased home as a primary, permanent residence no later than 30 days after closing.
• If home buyers need a mortgage loan to purchase the home, the loan must be a fixed interest rate, amortizing mortgage loan with a term of 30 years or less. Cash buyers can also qualify by contacting Utah Housing Corporation directly.

How does a home buyer get the Home Run Grant funds?

To get a first-come, first-served written commitment for the Grant, home buyers must:

• Enter into a written contract to purchase a newly-constructed, single –family home.
• Contact a lender to obtain final underwriting approval for any needed financing.
• Have their mortgage lender furnish required documentation to Utah Housing Corporation for the Grant.
• Utah Housing will reserve the $6,000 Grant for 30 days.

What homes can be purchased with a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

Homes must be recently-constructed, single-family residences that have a Certificate of Occupancy or a Final Inspection. They cannot be previously-occupied. Eligible property types include single-family detached homes, condominiums, planned unit developments (PUD), twin homes, town homes and manufactured homes permanently affixed to a foundation.

How does a home buyer apply for a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

Home buyers should tell their home builder, realtor and mortgage lender that they want to apply for a Home Run Grant. Mortgage lenders are the key link between the home buyer and the Home Run Grant. The mortgage lender assists the home buyer to provide necessary information to secure the grant from Utah Housing Corporation. The home buyer does not work directly with Utah Housing Corporation (unless it is a cash buyer).

What type of loan can home buyers use to purchase the home?

If home buyers need a mortgage loan, it must be a fixed interest rate loan with a term of 30 years or less. Loans may be obtained from any lender qualified to make mortgage loans under Utah law. Examples of qualifying loans include:

* Conventional

* FHA, VA, or Rural Housing

* Utah Housing Corporation’s FirstHome and FirstHome Plus

What mortgage lenders can assist homebuyers to secure a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

Any mortgage lender qualified to make mortgage loans under Utah law can assist home buyers to secure the Home Run Grant.

Do I have to be a first time home buyer to get a Home Run Grant?

No. Home Run Grants are available to all home buyers who meet the income restrictions of $75,000 for singles, $150,000 for couples and, if more than one single person takes title, the $75,000 limit applies to each such single person.

Can the $6,000 Home Run Grant be combined with the new $8,000 federal tax credit?

Yes, if a home buyer is a first-time home buyer and meets the independent criteria of both the federal and Home Run programs, they may take advantage of both. The $6,000 Home Run Grant is available to both those who are first-time home buyers as well as those who previously owned a home. The $8,000 federal tax credit is available only to first-time home buyers.

How many Home Run Grants are available to home buyers?

A total of approximately1,600 grants are available. Each grant is $6,000. Only one grant can be used for the purchase of each home. Home Run Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified home buyers. The approximate number of remaining grants will be posted on the UHC web page at www.utahhousingcorp.org.

How are Home Run applications submitted?

Home Run applications are submitted through a home buyer’s mortgage lender. Home buyer applications cannot be made directly to Utah Housing Corporation unless the Buyer is paying cash for the Home.

Is the Home Run Grant taxable?

The Home Run Grant may be taxable as income under federal and state tax laws. UHC has requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about whether or not a Home Run Grant will be taxable. UHC does not give tax advice and home buyers should review the ruling and other pertinent tax information in connection with the preparation of their 2009 tax returns.

If I have additional questions, who do I contact?

Contact an Approved Home Run Lender

What is your Credit Score?

Credit Score 700:
8 steps to a high credit score and new home


First-time home buyers, especially
young people, may have never seen their
credit score or even considered their
credit worthiness, but when they want to
buy a home, that changes.

These days, a credit score of 700 is
usually considered a good starting point
for a home loan. However, FHA
loans may be more lenient.

But the most important thing is to
start immediately to establish, build or
improve your credit.

Here is our One-Year plan for better
credit that works for everyone, not
just first-time homebuyers:

1** Go to annualcreditreport.com and
look over your free annual report from
each of the three credit reporting agencies.
Look for errors. Then immediately
take steps to correct them.

2** Pay your bills on time. You must
never be late even once.
One of the most common comments bill
collectors hear from young borrowers is:
I have the money, I just forgot to pay the
bill. Stop forgetting. You must establish
an ironclad history of paying your bills
on time.

3** Work on getting your credit balances
below 50 percent of your maximum
credit limit. That raises your score.
If you balances are below 30 percent, it
raises your score again.

4** If you don't have a credit card, look
into establishing a secured card. With a
secured card, you send the card company
a deposit and then they send you a credit
card. You can only use the card for the
amount on deposit. But when you get the
card, you should use it. Buy something,
and then make your payments perfectly.

5** Don't apply for a store account
every time the clerk says you can save 10
percent. Each time you fill out an application,
the company hits your credit report.
Inquiries like these count against
your credit. Don't make applications for
credit unless you actually need it.

6** If you have unused credit accounts,
don't close them if you are planning to
apply for a mortgage. That can actually
make your score drop.

7** During your credit improvement
year, don't buy a car. Lenders don't want
to see buyers committed to several large
credit accounts. Never finance a car before
you try to take a mortgage.

8** Plan to open three new credit accounts
during your credit improvement
year, even if they are secured accounts.
Be sure to space your new accounts by
three months. Use each account and pay
each off COMPLETELY every month.
This is the kind of credit management
that improves your
credit score AND
teaches you how to manage
credit.




Mitt Romneys Deer Valley Home For Sale...Only 10 million dollars any takers??

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More incentives to BUY NOW!!!

Ut Assoc Realtors A bill that would provide $6,000 grants for buyers of new homes now moves to the Utah House.

ksl.com - Senate OKs bill to help buyers of new homes

Source: www.ksl.com

The grants only apply to newly constructed homes; however, the program is not limited to first-time buyers. Income restrictions would be $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples. Here's a link to the text of the bill: http://le.utah.gov/~2009/bills/sbillint/sb0260.htm

Waiting to buy is no guarantee you'll get the best deal.

I should keep waiting to buy a house - right? - Salt Lake Tribune

Source: www.sltrib.com

Spring is the time for renewal

So finally on March 20, Spring arrives with the
promise of birds, gardens, green grass, and rain.
Most people love Spring and the sense of renewal it
brings with it.
No wonder Spring is the best time to sell a home
and (of course) the most popular time to buy one.
This year is no different. We are seeing the usual
influx of Spring buyers and sellers. This year promises
to be a Super Spring for both buyers and sellers.
Although there is still a generous supply of homes on
the market and some great values out there, we expect
to see a slight tightening of the market and, with it,
rising home prices later in the year. If you are ready to
buy, don’t delay! Ruthann Bales 801-225-4415
ruthiesdemos@yahoo.com

Spring is the best time to sell your home!!!

New jobs, retirement, and maybe just a taste for
change, these are some of the life circumstances
that make you want to sell your home.
Here's the good news: There are buyers out there,
and if you want to snag one, you have to
start with the beginner steps and move on
to the advanced ones.
Traditional selling tips still apply:
**Start now. Spring is usually the best
time to sell, but there will be no other
timing advantages. Fix up and clean up.
Don't do expensive renovations, but paint
it and make it completely clean.
**Declutter. All of it. Keep only enough furniture to
make the house livable and put the rest in storage.
That includes knickknacks, family photos, and more.
**Clean out your drawers and closets. You want
your closets and cabinets to be spacious. More advanced
steps include:
**Set a realistic price. The housing market changes
naturally over time. A good price involves many factors
including knowing recent sales prices in the
neighborhood and understanding what features of your
home increase its value. A good real estate agent can set
the price and make it attractive enough to attract serious
buyers to your property.
**Promote your property. The agent pays the
usual marketing costs, such as newspaper want ads,
but you should offer to pay for more expensive promotions
if you feel they are valuable.
**Look for local blogs. If you know local bloggers
who are read by people in your area, consider
offering the blogger a fee to put an ad on his blog.
The fee need not be much for the blogger to accept
your offer.
**Look for local Web sites. Remember, a huge number
of individuals in your area have blogs and Web sites
that attract local people. Find them. Advertise in them if
possible.
**Be sure your house is shown on real estate Web
sites. Trulia, Zillow, Cyberhomes, Eppraisal, Realtor and
Utahrealestate.com are some of the best ones.
**Accept a reasonable offer. A house is only worth
what someone is willing to pay for it.