Purchasing your new home!

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • September 7, 2017

What Happens When Someone Googles Your Name?

by Paula Higman

Things People Should Find When They Google Your Name……

First and foremost.

The instant barometer of your brand.

Because if you don’t exist on Google, you don’t exist. And ideally, you’d like people to see as many of the following hits at the highest possible ranking.

Blog posts. Articles. Newsletters. Whitepapers. Ebooks. Tweets.

You speaking on stage. You in action. You behind the scenes. You doing what you do. You being you. All of which show people why you’re awesome. These things help your customers get to know YOU.

On Social Media sites. On your own sites. On sites where you contribute content. They give people a snapshot of you. Just few bits of personal information, but presented in a way that makes the mundane memorable.

S.O.F.A.T. = a person people can STUMBLE upon, become OBSESSED over, FALL in love with, become ADDICTED to and TELL their friends about.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • August 26, 2017

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

by Paula Higman

Celebrity sightings so far: Bruce Willis, Robert Kraft, Jeff Gordon, Don Cheadle, Nick Cannon, Aisha Tyler, Mark Robins, Paul Crowe and Sharif Hadley.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

FAX: 1-435-214-7091

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

REAL ESTATE • August 21, 2017

U.S. Dollar Strengthened

by Paula Higman

As the U.S. dollar has strengthened over the past few years, foreign buyers of U.S. homes have responded to the squeeze in different ways. Buyers from some countries have adjusted their sights lower and responded by shopping for less expensive homes, while others have likely dropped out of the market altogether allowing their better-heeled countrymen to seek more expensive places.

And still others seemingly haven’t adjusted their behavior at all.

Compared to the start of 2015, the U.S. dollar now buys about 30 percent more Mexican pesos, about 25 percent more British pounds, about 15 percent more Brazilian reals, about 10 percent more Chinese yuan, and about 7 percent more Euros or Canadian dollars. These movements mean that homes have become more expensive for international shoppers, above and beyond the added expenses that all buyers – foreign and domestic – have had to cope with as home prices themselves rose.

As the US dollar strengthens relative to these currencies, it’s reasonable to expect two things to happen. First, foreign shoppers could begin to shop for less-expensive U.S. homes. And second, more budget-conscious buyers seeking more modest homes to begin with might drop out of the market entirely. Our research indicates that while both of those are happening to some degree among some buyers, not all international home shoppers have responded in the same way to changing exchange rates, and that some groups tend to be more price-sensitive than others.

Fluctuations in exchange rates don’t appear to matter much to buyers from Europe and the United Kingdom. Regardless of the relative strength or weakness of the euro or British pound, these buyers generally shopped for the same kind of homes they always had, targeting a price percentile roughly 15 to 20 percentage points above the typical U.S. buyer.

Our northern and southern neighbors from Canada and Mexico responded similarly to one another to a strong U.S. dollar, and home shoppers from both nations appear to be particularly sensitive to currency exchange rates. As the loony and peso weakened, the cost of homes considered actually rose, suggesting shift among shoppers toward fewer but more affluent Canadian and Mexican home shoppers in the United States.

Chinese shoppers also appear to be sensitive to currency exchange rates, but in a different way: As the yuan weakened relative to the dollar, Chinese home shoppers began to shop for somewhat less expensive homes. Between early 2015 and early 2017, the yuan moved from around 6.2 yuan per dollar to about 6.9 yuan per dollar, which is associated with about a budget tightening of about $22,000 by the median Chinese home shopper in the United States. The Chinese government also recently started outright prohibiting certain international home purchases.

The case of Brazilian shoppers is less conclusive: There is no statistically significant relationship between the real/dollar exchange rate and the target price of Brazilian home shoppers over the period we studied. Unlike the other currencies we examined, which generally weakened over the past two plus years, the real first weakened and then strengthened. In both mid-2015 and early 2017, the real/dollar exchange rate was at similar levels. But in 2015, Brazilian home shoppers targeted a much lower price point than during the more recent period.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

FAX: 1-435-214-7091

Mail to: paula@higmanluxuryrealestate.com

Internet: http://fb.marketinggrape.com/higman-luxury-real-estate

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

REAL ESTATE • August 13, 2017

Qualifying for a Mortgage Just Got Easier

by Paula Higman

Fannie Mae recently made an industry-shaking announcement: the company is increasing the allowable debt-to-income ratio to 50%, up from 45%, on July 29th. That means that in just a few weeks more buyers who were previously on the edge of securing a loan, including first-time, millennial, and lower to moderate income households, could now qualify for a mortgage insured by Fannie Mae.

Fannie Mae is hoping this change will help people with student loans, car payments, and credit card debt. The debt-to-income ratio takes a person’s monthly gross income and then divides it by monthly debt payments. This ratio is then used by lenders to determine if a potential borrower can afford monthly mortgage payments. Other factors also play a role in approving a potential borrower’s application, including their credit score, cash reserves, down payment amount, and household income.

While this is exciting news for potential buyers, it is important to remember that Fannie Mae insures mortgages and does not make the loans. Individual lenders have their own criteria when approving mortgage applications. However, it is possible that Fannie Mae’s announcement could influence lenders to follow suit and raise the allowable debt-to-income ratio.

With nationwide real estate inventory at historic lows, this new announcement has the potential to make our highly competitive market even more spirited.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • August 13, 2017

Homeownership Outpacing Rental Market

by Paula Higman

At 63.7 percent, the homeownership rate is almost a full percentage point up from last year at this time, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Housing Vacancies and Homeownership report. With homeownership ahead of renter households for the first two quarters, it is clear that the trend toward owning a home is not a passing phase.

Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at Trulia explains, “For only the second time in 11 years, and for the second consecutive quarter, the number of owner-occupied households grew faster than renter households over the year. The fact that we now have two consecutive quarters where owner households outpaced renters is a strong sign this trend is reversing.”

The biggest share of homeowners comes from those aged 65 or older with 78.2 percent of owned homes. Those aged 34 and younger have the smallest share of owned homes with 35.3 percent. The rental vacancy rate was also higher than the homeowner vacancy rate, with rental properties at 7.3 percent vacant and homeowner properties at 1.5 percent. The median asking price for housing for sale in the second quarter was $177,200, while the median asking rent for rental properties was $910.

Paula Higman
paula@higmanluxuryrealestate.com
1-435-602-8228

REAL ESTATE • August 13, 2017

High Asking Prices Aren’t Scaring Buyers Away

by Paula Higman

Even with record breaking asking prices nationwide, home sales are still on fire this summer. Listings are moving 6 percent faster than they did in July of last year. In July, princes were 10 percent higher than one year ago, with the national median sale price at $275,000 and the national median days on market at 64 days. Creating an even more competitive market, there are 11 percent less homes on the market than this time last year.

Normally there is a nationwide slow down by the middle of summer, with prices dropping, but 2017 is proving to be an exceptional year. Javier Vivas, manager of Economic Research at realtor.com further explains, “After a strong start to the buying seasons, homes are not only selling faster than last July, but faster than last year’s peak months. However, quick sales don’t necessarily mean more sales, particularly when there isn’t enough inventory as is currently the case. Home prices also remain stubbornly high, failing to show hints of the usual seasonal cooldown. Low- and moderately- priced homes are being snatched up especially quickly, keeping many would-be buyers from being able to get into the market.”

With the market not showing any sign of slowing down, buyers should be ready to jump when they come across a great deal.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

REAL ESTATE • August 13, 2017

No Park Silly Market 8.13.17

by Paula Higman

REAL ESTATE • August 8, 2017

Trademarking your business name

by Paula Higman

1. Trademarks are an effective communication tool. In a single brand or logo, trademarks can convey intellectual and emotional attributes and messages about you, your company, and your company’s reputation, products and services. Your trademark doesn’t need to be a word. Designs can be recognized regardless of language or alphabet. The Nike “Swoosh” design is recognized globally, regardless of whether the native language is Swahili, Chinese, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or English.

2. Trademarks make it easy for customers to find you. The marketplace is crowded and it’s hard to distinguish your business from your competitors. Trademarks/brands are an efficient commercial communication tool to capture customer attention and make your business, products and services stand out.

Customers viewing a trademark immediately know who they are dealing with, the reputation of your business and are less likely to look for alternatives. Your brand could be the critical factor in driving a customer’s purchase decision.

3. Trademarks allow businesses to effectively utilize the Internet and social media. Your brand is the first thing customers enter into a search engine or social media platform (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest) when looking for your products and services.

Higher traffic on a website or social media platform translates into higher rankings, bringing even more traffic, more customers and more brand recognition.

4. Trademarks are a valuable asset. Trademarks can appreciate in value over time. The more your business reputation grows, the more valuable your brand will be.

Trademarks provide value beyond your core business. Trademarks can lead the way for expansion from one industry to another, such as from personal care to clothing or eye ware. If you desire it, your trademark can lead to the acquisition of your business by a larger corporation.

Trademarks are a property asset, similar to real estate, that can be bought, sold, licensed (like renting or leasing) or used as a security interest to secure a loan to grow your business.

5. Trademarks can make hiring easier. Brands can inspire positive feelings in people’s minds. As a result, employment opportunities are more attractive to candidates. Employee retention can be higher if employees have positive feelings for the brand and the products and services offered.

6. Trademarks are a bargain to obtain. The United States Patent and Trademark Office charges as little as $275 to obtain trademark registration, only a few hundred dollars after five years and another few hundred dollars every ten years.

7. Trademarks never expire. Your trademark will not expire as long as you are using it in United States commerce. Some of the most recognized brands in the United States today have been around for over a hundred years. Mercedes was first registered in 1900. Pepsi-Cola was registered in 1896.

Brands are a critical asset. Do your due diligence before investing a lot of time and money in launching a new brand. Be sure the brand fits your company. Obtain a clearance search to make sure your new brand is available and doesn’t infringe on anyone’s prior rights.

Failing to research a brand before adopting can lead to denial of registration by the USPTO or, worse, a cease and desist letter from another brand owner. Spending the time and money up front to determine whether a brand is available will help avoid the very high costs of a dispute or litigation.

Keep in mind that the more you differentiate your brand from others in your industry, the easier it’ll be to protect. Choose a name and logo that distinctly identify your business and will protect it from competitors.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • August 7, 2017

Second Most Important home buying Decision You’ll Make: is finding the right Agent for you

by Paula Higman

You’ve come upon that time in your life when you need, or want, to make a move. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading from your starter home, or downsizing now that all the kids are out of the house, working with a real estate agent is likely the best move you can make.

There are two sides to any real estate transaction: the buyer and the seller. Your relationship with your agent is going to differ slightly depending on which side you’re on. Further complicating matters is the likely scenario in which you are both selling and buying a home, usually represented in both transactions by the same agent.

Understand home financing better. One of the most valuable benefits of working with an agent is their help with understanding how much you can afford for a new home. Aside from recommending trusted lenders, real estate agents are spectacular resources for insights into neighborhood specific information and trends.

Your real estate agent might have great information on HOA obligations for a specific building or development, and could save you huge headaches from upcoming fees or special assessments. For first-time homebuyers, agents can be invaluable in helping you understand all of the added costs of owning a home, such as: taxes, insurance, maintenance, and the like.

Get the most up-to-date property listings, comparisons, and benchmarks. There are dozens of resources to search for homes, but the most up-to-date and reliable data is always going to come from the MLS or directly from the broker. While you, and millions of others, can lean on all of the resources available publicly online to get an idea of the market, your real estate agent is going to be able to keep you updated to-the-minute on the status of properties.

They will be your best resource for information on how long a home has been on the market, if it’s been listed more than once, how it compares to neighboring properties, and any insights from previous inspections.

Get marketing & guidance from a seller’s perspective. Your agent will provide comparative market analysis that will be a strong estimate of the home’s value for pricing based on comparable sales in the area, condition of the property, and state of the market.

Skilled agents will also provide valuable exposure to court prospective buyers. Only licensed agents and brokers can add your listing to the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for syndication to other agents and even web portals.

Ultimately, your representative will help guide you through the complex selling process. They will verify that any buyers you are working with are pre-screened, pre-qualified, and generally capable of completing the transaction. The agent will work with the buyer to negotiate the final price, as well as any adjustments that are requested based on inspection results (with your direction being the final say). They will also handle any earnest money deposits from buyers and prepare certain documentation within their domain such as purchase contracts.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

REAL ESTATE • July 26, 2017

Heber City, UT

by Paula Higman

Heber City, Utah’s real estate is extremely hot right now. We could put a listing on the market right now and we could easily receive 10 offers. I wouldn’t recommend taking the highest bid, to my clients

Instead, we as Professionals working for our clients would take the cash offer because wee want to ensure that there were no hang-ups along the way toward closing,

Appraisals, are not keeping up with the sales prices. If the appraisal doesn’t match the contracted price, buyers usually can’t get the mortgage and then never make it to settlement.

They’re kind of putting a glass ceiling where we can’t raise our prices any higher than we have comps to support it, so we REALTORS are definitely going with more cash offers than we used to,

First-time buyers are feeling the brunt of the competition. They tend to be more mortgage-dependent and many also using low down-payment loans, which tend to have stricter underwriting standards. When appraisals come in even the slightest bit under the contract price, the mortgage financing can fall through.

Anytime prices move up fast, the actual appraisal process, because they’re looking back in history, not forward into the future, they are lagging behind,

From the buyer’s perspective, it’s a tough situation where they want to rely on the value of the home, on the appraisal, yet they know that if they decide to back away there are other buyers waiting to pounce.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • July 14, 2017

Engel & Völkers Gives Network the EDGE

by Paula Higman

Engel & Völkers today announced the launch of its Extensive Domestic & Global Exposure (EDGE™) platform, a diversified suite of preferred and premium partnerships designed to maximize exposure of Engel & Völkers’ property listings to qualified, targeted buyers worldwide.

“In today’s real estate landscape, it’s important that we continue to empower our advisors by aligning with strategic partners who provide the greatest opportunities to give our network and consumers a competitive edge in selling homes efficiently,” said Anthony Hitt, CEO of Engel & Völkers North America. “EDGE goes beyond a standard syndication function by truly marketing our listings to relevant consumer segments in ways in which they want to be marketed.”

EDGE is inclusive of primary digital and mobile platforms reaching over 500 million consumers each month, from first-time homebuyers to the most affluent clientele – a reflection of Engel & Völkers’ breadth of service experience. This reach goes above and beyond Engel & Völkers’ existing linked and fully integrated website structure that cross-markets properties in the more than 30 countries in which it serves.

In addition to broad, yet strategic listing exposure benefits, EDGE provides specific advertising, lead generation, editorial, language translations and consumer insights that are easily sharable with Engel & Völkers advisors and clients. Engel & Völkers advisors have access to metrics that can help drive and refine strategy for their specific listings and be shared with clients to clearly show the extensive exposure being provided through the program.

“Now is the right time to enhance our current syndication offerings into something much more robust, exclusive to our network and via a platform that we can enhance and evolve with the changing needs of our advisors and clients,” said Jill DeSilva, SVP of Marketing & Platform Development for Engel & Völkers North America. “We will always lead with personal experience and leverage the right technologies to enhance the white glove service that’s synonymous with Engel & Völkers.”

Partnerships with Juwai.com and RealEstate.com have been incorporated into the EDGE platform in addition to the realignment of existing relationships Engel & Völkers maintains with premier online portals and digital partners inclusive of Zillow Group, Realtor.com, JamesEdition, Mansion Global, ListHub and The Wall Street Journal, among others.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • July 8, 2017

Discover Park City

by Paula Higman

Park City, Utah has been ranked the #1 city in the United States for “the best general health” and the
#1 city for highest percentage of exercise among residents.

Citydata.com, 2013 consensus research

REAL ESTATE • July 6, 2017

Park City, Utah – Bus system goes electric

by Paula Higman

Park City, Summit County launch fleet of electric buses

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Park City and Summit County have launched their new electric bus fleet called the Electric Xpress.

The fleet includes six buses that run only on electricity.

They received a federal grant of $3.9 million for transit last August, and in 11 months’ time they have the E-buses on the ground and working as of Friday.

“There are very few cities that have been bold enough to take on a new technology and embrace it the way Park City does,” said Proterra CEO Ryan Popple.

Proterra is the electric bus company.

“These vehicles are powered by a very powerful, energy-dense electric motor that is capable of climbing the hills in Park City and driving in the snow,” Popple said.

Darren Davis, Park City Transit Manager, said the buses will help them achieve goals.

“We are trying to do something that really supports our sustainability goals,” Davis said.

Davis said Park City is on track to meet its zero-carbon footprint by 2022. Summit County plans to cut its carbon emission by 50 percent by 2032.

“It kind of sets the stage for the nation,” Davis said. “Hope they follow our lead.”

A regular diesel bus only gets about four miles to the gallon, while the Proterra electric buses are six times more efficient, according to Proterra.

The E-bus route is from Kimball Junction to the Old Town Transit Center. It will run seven days a week from 7 a.m. to midnight, and it is a fare-free ride.

REAL ESTATE • June 29, 2017

10 Reasons Not To Sell Your Home Without The Higman Team

by Paula Higman

So you’re thinking of selling your home without a listing agent and saving 1.5-3% in potential commissions. It doesn’t seem that hard, right? Take some pictures, get it on the MLS or online, and buyers will come running with offers.

While some people have the time and experience to effectively sell without an agent, most FSBO home sales fail. It’s no surprise that the percentage of US homes sold by owner has seen a steady decline.

Here are 10 top reasons not to sell your home by owner.

1. When you decide to FSBO (For Sale By Owner) be prepared to sacrifice a lot of time. From staging the property and taking perfect pictures to getting the description and marketing right. You’ll also spend time showing the property, entertaining lookie-loo’s and door-kickers, and talking with agents who won’t take you seriously.

2. When you sell by owner you may think you’re saving money but in reality you’re often spending a lot of money up front with no guarantee of any return. Listing agents spend a calculated amount of money up front to make sure a listing sells and ultimately pays both you and them both fairly.

3. Choosing to FSBO doesn’t really save you money. On average, homes sold by agents get $230k compared to $180k for FSBO. When you find the right agent they will price your property to get the most money in the shortest time, a combination that can mean 10-30% more net profit. When you are considering saving 1.5-3% on a listing commission you should take that into consideration.

4. Listing agents do not charge anything upfront to sell your home. If they spend thousands and can’t sell it for the price you want, they are out those thousands, not you! This is perhaps one of the greatest things about using an agent. There is an extremely low risk and cost to doing so!

5. The perception of FSBO sellers is that they are not serious about selling their properties and are often just testing the market or seeing if they can get some far fetched price or perfect buyer that isn’t realistic. They are often not taken seriously in the real estate community because they don’t see the value in representation by an agent or broker.

6. You might be ready to post your home on Facebook and Craigslist a few times, but you don’t have the ultimate home selling tool – the MLS. The multiple listing service can be accessed by licensed real estate agents, and is the way to get your home listed on sites like Realtor.com, Zillow, and Trulia. A large majority of home buyers begin their search on sites like these, and you want your home to be seen by as many buyers as possible to get the best price. It’s no surprise that homes sold via FSBO have seen a steady decline as online real estate has become the norm.

7. When you sell your home without an agent, any mistakes you make can cost you greatly. Agents have something called E&O (Errors & Omissions) Insurance. This protects them when mistakes are made in contracts. When you sell on your own, others can make sure to exploit every little mistake you make.

8. When you decide to sell your home yourself you are telling other agents that you don’t understand their value in a multi-billion dollar industry. Agents often see FSBO sellers as easy marks to negotiate against because they have the upper hand. They control the buyer/offer and can negotiate their own commission. They can also pick your property and price apart because they have the expertise to do so. They don’t need to worry about treating you unfairly because the chance of them dealing with you again is slim to none. More often than not they will simply ignore your listing altogether to avoid the hassle.

9. Pricing your home incorrectly when you list it can be the worst mistake, and can greatly affect days on market and final sales price. Pricing too high will mean fewer people see it, resulting in fewer offers. Price it too low and you’re conveying that something is wrong with the property or that you are desperate to sell. More days on market will also signal to buyers that something is wrong and can ultimately mean less money upon final sale.

10. When you FSBO you attract investors and low-ballers who see your inexperience and ignorance as a prime opportunity. What may seem like a lot to you may be a steal to them. An experienced agent will understand this and negotiate the most money possible for you.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

FAX: 1-435-214-7091

http://www.tourbuzz.net/700358

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • June 29, 2017

4 Urgent Reasons You Should Sell Your Home in 2017

by Paula Higman

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about selling your home, it might just be time to hop off. Now. To put it in other terms: 2017 is poised to be the year of the home seller, real estate experts say. So what are you waiting for?

“Sellers have been in the driver’s seat for the last two years, but this year is shaping up to be even better for several reasons,” says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist of realtor.com®. “Nothing is bad for sellers today.”

A combination of factors is coming together to make 2017 a prime seller’s market for most of the nation. Here’s what’s driving it:

Reason No. 1: Mortgage rates are still low

It’s all about rates, baby. Low mortgage rates translate to lower monthly costs. Lower costs entice buyers, which is good for sellers.

Although mortgage rates have been ticking up since mid-October to slightly over 4%, the rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage—the most popular home loan—are still hovering near 30-year lows. For now.

“We expect them to hold at this (4%) level for a while and continue to adjust up,” says Danielle Hale, managing director of housing research for the National Association of Realtors®. “Mortgage rates rarely move in a straight line. They could be in the 4.6% to 4.8% range by the end of the year.”

What does that have to do with home sellers? Well, potential buyers who are armed with that knowledge might hustle to close on a home before a rate hike.

What if you’re nowhere near ready to put your house on the market? That’s OK. Even if rates nudge up by the end of 2017, they’re still expected to be low enough to seduce buyers. The tipping point is when rates reach 5%, experts say. That’s when they could put the brakes on the robust real estate market.

Reason No. 2: Inventory is shrinking

Remember in Econ 101, when you learned that low supply and high demand lead to rising prices? The same is true—in spades—for residential real estate. When inventory shrinks, available homes become more valuable. As Martha Stewart would say, that’s a good thing for sellers.

Let’s put it in perspective: In 2007, just before the housing crash, existing home inventory peaked at 4.04 million homes for sale, according to NAR data. Fast-forward to November 2016: There were only 1.85 million homes for sale, 9.3% lower than the year before—and a whopping 54% lower than the 2007 peak.

“Quite simply, sellers this year have the least competition,” Smoke says.

And get this: Not only are there fewer homes for sale, but the time those homes have spent on the market has decreased year over year as well. If priced correctly, the typical home should move quickly, Smoke says. And that’s another boon for sellers.

“Many potential sellers don’t want to think about having to prep a home for showings and deal with an indefinite period of having to keep things in perfect shape,” he says. “Fast-moving inventory limits that pain.”

Reason No. 3: Home prices are rising

Lower inventory and greater demand have pushed up home prices. The median existing-home price in November 2016 was $234,900, up 6.8% from November 2015, when it was $220,000, according to the NAR. And that’s no fluke. That was the 57th consecutive month of year-over-year gains.

Higher prices particularly benefit the seller whose property value plunged during the recession, sometimes to less than he owed. Thanks to rising prices, many homeowners whose property was underwater can now sell without suffering a big loss.

“2017 will be a rare ‘balanced market’ for buyers, because even though mortgage rates are edging up, many sellers have recovered enough equity to be able to afford to sell,” says Colby Sambrotto, president and CEO of US Realty.com.

Reason No. 4: Job markets are strengthening

As unemployment decreases and wages (finally) increase, consumer confidence will climb. Increased confidence will spur buyers to jump into the market—which is, you guessed it—more good news for sellers.

These pieces of the puzzle create a “virtuous cycle,” Smoke says. It’s not a term he coined, but it’s one he hasn’t had a chance to use in many years.

“These things are all connected,” Smoke says. “If people are confident, they’re more likely to buy big-ticket items like houses and cars. And then they spend more money on other things. It reinforces the economy, creating a virtuous cycle.”

The only ‘bad’ news for sellers

If you sell your home today, you mostly likely will buy another. Then, all the economic factors that worked in your favor as a seller will work against you as a buyer.

Sellers have a few options. You can rent for a while, and hope that prices come down in the future. But whatever you save on the price of a house you could surrender when mortgage rates climb to 6%—as predicted for 2019 and 2020, Smoke says.

The take-home lesson: Don’t wait, because mortgage rates won’t.

“There are opportunities for a seller-turned-buyer who wants to downsize in this market,” Smoke says. “You can lock in financing rates that you’ll never see again, and very likely make the trade-off work.”

REAL ESTATE • June 26, 2017

Essential Money Tips for the Beginning Life Planner

by Paula Higman

Essential Money Tips for the Beginning Life Planner

The best way to begin any life plan is to take stock of your current finances, how you want to spend them now, and how you want to spend them in the future. Of course, to figure out where you’re going in life you might have to do some soul searching. But once you’ve decided the general framework for the rest of your life, it’s time to start saving, investing, and planning for life’s many contingencies.

First, save for the unexpected

No matter what your current income level or age, the first step to any solid financial life plan is to set aside money for life’s unexpected curveballs. Those in the industry call this an emergency fund, and you can create a dedicated savings account just for things like job loss, car repairs, medical expenses, home repairs, and more. For example, you may want to think about where you live now and plan for where you want to live in the future such as moving to a safer neighborhood or purchasing a larger or smaller home.

Some suggest having up to eight months or even a year’s worth of living expenses in your emergency fund, but that’s simply not reasonable for most young people. Shoot low first – maybe $1000. That’s enough to cover some basic troubles, if not a catastrophic event. A good, attainable goal is to eventually build up six months of living expenses. Set up the savings account to auto-deduct $50 or so from each paycheck. This way, you’ll eventually get used to living day-to-day on a little less, and that emergency fund will increase without you even having to pay it any attention.

Next, think about investment

Investing is scary, but it’s vital to building money for long-term goals.

“True investing doesn’t happen without some action on your part. A ‘real’ investor does not simply throw his or her money at any random investment; he or she performs thorough analysis and commits capital only when there is a reasonable expectation of profit. Yes, there still is risk, and there are no guarantees, but investing is more than simply hoping Lady Luck is on your side,” notes Investopedia.

It’s important to do your research and figure out what type of investments – from stock and bonds to real estate and mutual funds – are right for you. Check out this great primer on how to get started.

Start putting money into your 401K as soon as possible as employee-match programs are pretty much like getting free money,

“If your employer offers to match a percentage of your 401K contribution – and most do – maximize that benefit by contributing to the match limit. Employers who offer to match your contribution will typically do so up to 3-6 percent of your annual salary. So, if you make $50,000 and your boss matches your 401k up to 5 percent, be sure to contribute $2,500 over the course of the year,” says The Balance.

Of course buying a home is a critical investment as well, so explore your financial options in that area too. See if there are any grants or other home-buying assistance you qualify for such as special loan programs or incentives offered by the government.

Prepare for your children’s expenses

For most people, having children is an inevitability. While investing for your own future is important, you must realize that your future children’s future IS your future, and you can start preparing for that even before they are born.

“Unlike retirement, which you conceivably have four decades to save for, if you wait until your kids are born to start saving for college, you’ll have a shorter window of time to build up a sizable education fund. And while you can start out with more aggressive investments in your college fund, like stocks, as you get closer to your children’s 18th birthdays, you’ll need to shift your investments into more conservative options, which typically mean lower returns,” says the Motley Fool.

All of this points to starting to save for your kids’ college as early as possible.

Article Source | Jackie Waters

Written by Christian Sanchez on June 20, 2017. Posted in Uncategorized

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REAL ESTATE • June 25, 2017

Spirit Animal

by Paula Higman

The butterfly is one of the most emblematic totem animals symbolizing personal transformation. If you see the butterfly as your totem or spirit animal, pay attention to the areas in your life or personality that are in need of profound change or transformation. Perhaps, this animal totem guides you to be sensitive to your personal cycles of expansion and growth, as well as the beauty of life’s continuous unfolding. An important message carried by the spirit of the butterfly is about the ability to go through important changes with grace and lightness.

REAL ESTATE • June 25, 2017

Outdoor Concert Series

by Paula Higman

Well it’s outdoor concert season in Park City 🙂 headed over to Billy Blanco’s tonight hit me up almost every night of the week and I’ll see you at any of the concerts around town! Cheers!

REAL ESTATE • June 24, 2017

Cobblestone Community

by Paula Higman

Gorgeous home for sale in Heber City, Utah

Virtual Reality Tour:

http://www.tourbuzz.net/806702

Adjacent Land:
https://app.immoviewer.com/portal/tour/1125256

REAL ESTATE • June 24, 2017

Beautiful Cabin in Sundance Utah

by Paula Higman

Beautiful Cabin in Sundance Utah

Virtual Tour:

https://360-grad-immobilien.com/tour/1110961?accessKey=5848

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

FAX: 1-435-214-7091

Mail to: paula@higmanluxuryrealestate.com

Member of the Park City Board of REALTOR®

Member of the National Board of REALTOR®

ENGEL &VÖLKERS

PARK CITY –

890 Main Street Suite 5-101
Park City, UT 84098 USA

REAL ESTATE • June 24, 2017

Freeloader Friday

by Paula Higman

Freeloader Friday: free things to do this weekend

Hiking and Biking

With over 150 miles of public trails surrounding Park City, there is no excuse to not take advantage of them and experience Park City like never before. Also, many popular resorts such as Deer Valley, Canyons, and Park City Mountain Resort run their ski lifts so guests can bike down the runs.

Water Activities

Water sports and fishing are popular activities to partake in when in Park City. The Jordanelle and Rockport Reservoirs offer boat rentals and the Echo Reservoir offers whitewater rafting on the Weber River. These reservoirs are popular for water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing. However, if you want to take it easy on the water, fishing is also a very popular activity at these reservoirs, and the waters are usually open during some of the colder months as well. Don’t forget about kayaking, canoeing and wave runners while you’re out on the water.

Golfing in Park City

Ready to take it easy in Park City? Start the day off with a round of golf on any of the great Park City golf courses. Soak in the great views of the mountains and the blue skies while you enjoy a round of 18 on one of the premier golf courses in the intermountain region. The Park City Golf Club is in a prime location that offers temperatures about 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas. Park City has a plethora of great golf courses all able to offer a great start to your day. For a complete list of courses visit our golf page.

Outdoor Activities

There are many outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy a hayride or a horseback ride through Park City taking in the sites and scenes of this beautiful state. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the sites and scenes from thousands of feet in the air by taking a hot air balloon ride over Park City. If staying on the ground is right for you, there are many state parks throughout the area to experience the scenery and breathtaking views. Also, don’t forget about the five national parks that Utah is home to. Any activity you choose, you will be surrounded by a great view and will be creating memories that last a lifetime.

Resorts

Many resorts offer activities right on their property to entertain guests, and during the summer it is no different. From rollercoasters to ziplines, guests will have many options to choose from. Take a Gondola ride, 8,000 feet above the ground to see Park City like never before or enjoy a night under the stars at an outdoor concert at an amphitheater. After a long day in the sun, relax at the spa while reminiscing about your great day.

REAL ESTATE • June 22, 2017

Slip ‘n Soar – Summer Kick-Off

by Paula Higman

Slip ‘n Soar – Summer Kick-Off
Hosted by Utah Olympic Park

June 24th

REAL ESTATE • June 19, 2017

Monday’s in Park City Utah

by Paula Higman

Every Monday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Jans fly fishing experts in Park City, Utah offer free fly casting lessons and equipment tips starting at 5:00 p.m. at the ponds in lower Deer Valley, next to the gazebo.

Join in on the for a FREE women’s only road ride every Monday night at JANS Park Ave.

This “no drop” ride is all about fun. Beginners are encouraged to join these

instructional rides. Come learn new skills and techniques, meet new friends and enjoy an

evening on the road! Ask about bike rental discounts for ride participants.

Higman Real Estate Team

Paula Higman

Director of Luxury Sales

Engel & Völkers U.S. Holding, Inc.

Mobile: 1-435-602-8228

FAX: 1-435-214-7091

Mail to: paula@higmanluxuryrealestate.com