Cheryl Staley — May 2016 Newsletter

WINDERMERE NEWS MAY/JUNE 2016

SALT LAKE COUNTY REAL ESTATE

APR 2016 STATISTICS | 4.1.16 – 4.30.16

NEW LISTINGS.......................................................................1,710 MEDIAN LISTING PRICE................................................. $259,900 MEDIAN SOLD PRICE...................................................... $258,000 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET...................................................... 10 Provided by the Wasatch Front Regional Multiple Listing Service

How to Avoid a Bad Moving Company

8 Goodies to Plant for Your Utah Garden

About 16.5 million households—or 38.7 million Americans—move annually. But Americans need to carefully screen those who help them move to make sure all goes smoothly in relocating their belongings.

U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted these three warning signs when choosing a moving company:

The price is significantly lower than competitors.

Don’t just go with the cheapest quote. You may want a deal, but carefully consider what’s behind that lowerpriced quote from a moving company — that could be 20 to 30 percent lower than any other companies’ offers.

“While finding an affordable mover doesn’t mean you’re about to get scammed, if you feel like you’ve landed an unbelievable deal, it probably is unbelievable,” U.S. News & World Report notes. The quote may be lower, but some consumers later complain that prices mysteriously triple on moving day, items are stolen or missing, or they find lots of damage.

RADISHES

LEAF MUSTARD

TOMATOES

ZUCCHINI (AND OTHER SUMMER SQUASH)

PEAS

CORN

BEANS

LETTUCE

The required deposit is high.

Movers may ask for a deposit fee, but that fee shouldn’t be above 10 percent of the job cost, says T.J. Peterson, social media coordinator for Oz Moving and Storage, based in New York. Oz Moving and Storage, as comparison, charges a flat $50 deposit. “It’s not unreasonable for a mover to ask for a deposit of $100 or $200 to cover their costs if you change your mind, but if a mover wants more upfront – like 25 percent of the cost of the move – don’t pay it,” warns Nancy Conner in her book, Buying a Home: The Missing Manual.

There’s very little information about the company.

Finding a moving company in the Yellow Pages may give you some assurance that it must be legitimate since it’s advertising there, but don’t assume by just an ad. To check if the company is reputable, ask for itsDepartment of Transportation numbers. “If a company cannot prove [it is] registered with the state and United States Department of Transportation, that’s a warning sign,” Peterson told U.S. News & World Report. Also, consumers should be leery of any company that doesn’t have any Better Business Bureau profile or no reviews.

“A few hiccups for any reputable company is not a warning sign,” Peterson says. “It is an inevitable side effect of being in business.” But nothing about the company should be more of a warning sign.

Edited from original article on RealtorMag.com

Ways to Make Moving Easier Peak moving season is underway. While moving can be a stressful undertaking, here are ways to make the process more organized

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Document all of your cords: “Take photos or make notes on how all of your media equipment is set up: television, sound equipment, modems and computer equipment,” says Lior Rachmany, CEO of Dumbo Moving + Storage in New York City.

Update your address: Streamline the change of address process by using Updater, which can save time and money by forwarding mail and also updates numerous businesses including alumni associations, charities, and professional organizations with the new address. Updater even shares moving announcements with friends and family.

Create a pet plan: The moving process can be stressful for pets too. Consider leaving pets with a friend or a boarder until the move is complete. If that’s not an option, this checklist lists 10 tips for keeping pets safe during a move.

Schedule touch-up paint jobs: If you’re renting, you will need to see if you’re responsible for paint job touch-ups before moving out. If that’s the case, schedule a painter before the move. “Once you have a moving date set, get a painting bid and plan for the painter to be the last person in before you turn the keys over,” suggests Brendon DeSimone, author of Next Generation Real Estate. “Waiting until the last minute could be a logistical nightmare.”

Recruit some help. Not using a mover? Make sure you repay family and friends for their help in some way (pizza is always a good incentive!)

Packing 101 •

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Plan a “first night in the new house” box: The last thing you’ll want to do after moving all day is to dig through numerous boxes to find your toothbrush. Designate a box for your toiletries, medications, deodorant, and a change of clothes so they’re easy to find.

Your suitcases are your friends: Use your large suitcases as easily transportable storage! Fill them up with clothes, towels, and light-weight items.

Be mindful of important documents: Don’t toss your birth certificate or other important but easy-to-lose documents in random boxes. Make a folder with anything important and carry it with you.

Unpacking • •

Strategize your layout: Put labels on items for movers so they don’t put them in the wrong room. You can also make signs showing where large items need to be.

Save all receipts: “In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes,” says Rachmany of Dumbo Moving + Storage. “If you’re moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.” Try to keep track of all moving costs for your accountant.

Originally posted on RealtorMag.com

Cheryl Staley Realtor®

c: 801.455.6650 o: 801.449.9400

1240 East 2100 South, Suite 600 Salt Lake City, UT 84106

CherylStaley@comcast.net

The real estate market is very hot right now: interest rates are below 4%. Great time to make a move or buy investment property. If you would like to know what your home is worth, please let me know, and I will do a valuation for you.

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LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Free Comic Book Day •

May 7th

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At participating comic book shops!

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http://freecomicbookday.com

Living Traditions Festival •

May 20th-22nd

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Library Square (Salt Lake City)

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http://livingtraditionsfestival.com/

Ragnar—Wasatch Back •

June 17th-18th

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Logan, UT to Midway, UT

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http://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/relay/ wasatchback

Utah Arts Festival •

June 23rd-26th

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Library and Washington Square (Salt Lake City)

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http://uaf.org/