Colleen Santos Realty
MISSION STATEMENT: To help my clients achieve home ownership, live providently and plan successfully for their financial future through the wise use of credit and the medium of real estate. I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes for more than 2 decades. I love real estate and especially love helping people navigate the sometimes-complex process of buying a home. It is my passion to help clients get their finances in order to meet their short and long-term goals.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
HAPPY NOVEMBER!
As leaves are changing colors and the nights are colder, jackets come out of the closet...what update projects are your doing to your home? Here is advice for the 10 best Return On Investment projects.
Remodel or Replace?
The Top 10 ROI Opportunities in Home Improvement Projects
The Top 10 ROI Opportunities in Home Improvement Projects
The goal of improvements from a seller’s standpoint is to attract buyers and achieve top dollar on a listing; but finding the balance between updates and return isn’t always that simple.
In a seller’s market, spending (significant amounts of) money on improvements for resale may not translate to added value, and as the tide turns to a buyer’s market sellers should turn to their licensed agent for advise on the best ROI improvement investments.
Typically, national numbers don’t really mean anything to the individual homeowner and improvements that pay off (or don't) depend on the same three factors that affect home prices: location, location, location. Sellers should turn to their local agents for regional or city ROI numbers and advice.
That being said, there are some interesting national trends that may impact homeowners locally. Note that these projects are broken down into mid-range and upscale categories to account for building materials and finishes.
Subtle changes pay off
The #1 trend in this year’s numbers is that the subtle changes make for the biggest return on investment. The two highest percentage returns nationally came from low-ticket improvements under $2,000: attic insulation came in at 107.7%, followed by entry door replacement (steel) at 90.7%.
Look outside first
Projects that spoke to curb appeal had overall larger returns than improvements inside the home. Garage doors garnered 76.9% ROI for mid-range and 85% for upscale replacements. Entry door replacements in both mid-range and upscale (fiberglass) received greater than 77% ROI. Windows at both levels gained at least 73% ROI, and siding was also a winner at 76.4%. The bronze medalist in the Top 10 is stone veneer — as it’s become so authentic-looking for a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
Replacements win
Projects that involved a total replacement — such as windows and doors — scored high among the real estate professionals surveyed. The takeaway for homeowners is that a broken or seriously outdated door should probably be replaced, even if the return is not 100%. The same goes for old single-pane windows, as well as curb appeal as that is first impression of a well-maintained home.
Biggest upsets
Year over year, the trends show that mid-range and upscale additions (except decks) saw less than 62% returns overall. This doesn’t make one of these projects unnecessary per se, if it makes life in the home better, just don’t expect to make big money here. However, there are two reasons to add on regardless of return. First, the homeowner simply needs more room well before they are prepared to sell. Second, the home was disproportionate to those around it (for example, a one-bath in a neighborhood full of two- and three-bath homes).
You guessed it
Most people might guess that a buyer’s number one request would be updated kitchens and bathrooms. What’s surprising here is that a minor kitchen remodel at $20,830 could make the Top 10, but a minor bathroom remodel, which cost $18,546, had a surprisingly low 64.8% return. A closer look reveals that in the kitchen remodels the cabinets were simply refaced but all the appliances were replaced with stainless, energy-efficient models. In the bathrooms, on the other hand, the replacements were pretty standard fare. Both the bathroom and kitchen remodels with spends over $50,000 returned less than 65%. Unfortunately, because these rooms are highly personal, spending a lot on one specific style could actually turn buyers off.
Getting what you paid for
Although all but one project on this Cost vs. Value report showed a profit-generating ROI, one could argue that not updating key rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, and front exteriors produces a greater negative result. Regardless of the update one chooses to make, it's important to gain advice from your Realtor as they are the experts and can help you make strategic and cost-effective choices.
Sourced from Inman: Remodel or replace? Top 10 ROI opportunities in popular home improvement projec
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Yummy idea for your left over Pumpkin seeds.
Have a Happy Halloween.
Colleen Santos
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
SILICON
SLOPES, UTAH (August 14th, 2018)
-- Recent housing statistics for Salt Lake and Utah Counties,
as reported by the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS®, revealed
continued demand and increase
in median sales price.
At the close of the second quarter of 2018, the number of single-
At the close of the second quarter of 2018, the number of single-
family home sales in the Silicon Slopes Market Area increased
by 6%, vacant land by 5%, while the condominium sector was
slightly down compared to last year’s sales. Demand continued
to rise on a gradual level, with single-family homes
accounting f
or 49% of the total dollar volume, condominium sales for 40%,
and vacant land for 11% of the market share.
Single Family Homes
In Salt Lake County, Year-over-year, the number
of single-family
home sales was up 9%, while the median price of
$300,000
increased to $327,800.
In Utah County, by market area, Lehi had the
highest number
of sales – 610, but not the highest %
increase. That went to
Draper (Utah Co.) with a 67% increase from last
year. Mainly
due to new construction.
Alpine reported a 31% increase in the number of home sales
with a 26% increase over last year – with
the median price
climbing to $621,000. In the popular Vineyard a new market
area in the Silicon Slopes sales volume was down
7% and up
25% in median sales. This is a positive
sign for a solid growth
curve for the market area of new
homes.
Sales throughout Utah County continued at a strong pace, with
Sales throughout Utah County continued at a strong pace, with
an average 12% median price increase. There were
20 more
homes sold in Saratoga Springs compared to last
year, with a
median sales price of $318K – up 3%. Highland stayed flat
over the year with 1% less sales volume and a 0%
median price change.
To find out more info
about your specific area and home, please call me at 801-319-8915
Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. All information
provided by the Salt Lake and Utah County Board of REALTORS®.
Friday, August 3, 2018
August is the last chance for sun and fun before school resumes, so it makes sense that many sales this month are geared toward things that students need.
Laptop computers, small appliances, dorm-room organizers, storage containers and other back-to-school merchandise are hot bargains in August and ones that downsizing retirees, new grads with tiny apartments and consumers with tiny budgets also can take advantage of.
It’s not all back-to-school, however. August also ushers in sales on certain foods, cars and outdoor furniture. Look for bargains on these goods this month.
In August, you can find super-cheap deals on pencils, pens, notebooks and backpacks. Office supply stores, dollar stores and drugstores are stocking up on all office and classroom supplies – from rulers and ring binders to staplers and scissors.
Office supply stores, especially, will have low-priced specials, such as notebooks for 99 cents.
Prices on school supplies will drop even more in September because stores will be ready to clear out inventory, says Daniel Butler, a former vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation. But in August, you’ll find “more selection and more stores carrying them,” he says.
Expect sales on backpacks, clothes and shoes, too, as parents seek to update their kids’ wardrobes for the new school year.
In addition, many states offer sales-tax holidays on back-to-school clothes, shoes, supplies and laptop and tablet computers in August.
“If you’re making a big purchase, that can add up,” says Karl Quist, president of PriceBlink, a price-comparison and coupon service.
Whether you’re furnishing a dorm room, trying to get organized for school or making the most of a small living space, you’ll find some big price cuts on practical goods in August.
Small personal items such as hair dryers, curling irons, and small refrigerators and irons will be reduced by 20 to 30 percent, Butler says.
You’ll spot similar deals on bins, hampers and organizational gear.
You’ll also find deep discounts on sheet sets in twin and full sizes in colors and patterns designed for teens and 20-somethings.
August is one of the best months to buy summer clothes and bathing suits. You can find deeper discounts at Labor Day sales in September, but you won’t find the selection you’ll see this month.
Retailers really want to move merchandise in August to make way for fall and winter clothes, so you might see more than 50 percent off summer duds, Quist says.
If you’ve been wanting to make your outdoor living space more comfortable, or colorful, you have opportunities to do it at a discount this month.
You can find deals on patio sets, chairs, tables, benches, cushions and umbrellas. The prices started dropping in July, “but you want to hold off until August for the best prices,” Quist says.
You’ll find a better selection than you will at Labor Day sales in early September, and you can get deals of up to 50 percent off.
Deep discounts on outdoor furniture will extend through Labor Day, says Kendal Perez, a money writer and former savings expert for Coupon Sherpa.
“Labor Day sales start in August,” Perez says. “It worked so well for Black Friday that (retailers are) trying it out for other months.”
August is one of the best months of the year to buy a car because the new models start to arrive at dealerships in the fall. Expect prices on 2018 models to come down.
“This is when you will begin to see that shift,” says Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com. “(Price cuts) almost always focus on the outgoing model year.”
Montoya says it’s an especially good time to buy a sedan. “SUVs are vastly outselling sedans, so there are plenty of great deals on sedans,” he says. “Also, if a model is not selling particularly well or about to be replaced with a newer model, you can potentially get a really good deal.”
Another reason to buy a car in August: rising interest rates. “It’s an incentive to buy sooner rather than later,” says Montoya, noting that “there seems to be a drought of zero-percent financing” because rates are headed upward.
However, rebates are still common, Montoya says. They are often advertised as “bonus cash” or “customer cash.” Ask about “loyalty cash” if you already own a brand and are looking to stick with it, Montoya says.
August markdowns on laptop computers aren’t as good as they are for blowout shopping days like Black Friday. “But they’re usually enough to make it worth your while” to buy now, says Butler.
Look for markdowns of about 25 percent, he says.
Another bit of good news: “A lot of times when laptops are on sale, accessories are on sale,” Quist says. Or you may see bundles, with computer cases or sleeves included.
In the produce department, stone fruits like peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and cherries will be abundant, so expect price cuts.
Plums have “a later season” and will be hitting their peak harvest this month, with prices dropping, says Chris Romano, chief operating officer of Veggie Noodle Co. in Austin, Texas, and former coordinator for produce and floral for Whole Foods Market.
Pluots, a cross between a plum and an apricot, are also having a moment this month. Prices are in line with plums, but you’ll see some slashed an extra 25 to 30 percent, Romano says.
August kicks off California’s grape harvest. “There will be a lot of promotions on grapes, and a lot of varietals start showing up” in stores, green markets and farm stands, Romano says.
Offseason prices on grapes are $3 to $4 a pound, but they start falling significantly at the beginning of summer, he says. By August, you can buy a pound of grapes for less than $2.
No matter which variety you select — red, green or black — grapes are great in August. “They love hot weather,” Romano says.
Monday, June 25, 2018
12 Things
Successful People Never Reveal About Themselves at Work
(This article is spot on. Memorize these tools for success at work.)
Don’t send your career careening in the wrong direction. Here’s what not to divulge at the office.
Revealing the wrong aspects of yourself at work can have a devastating effect on your career. In this article, originally published on LinkedIn Pulse, Dr. Travis Bradberry explains how to navigate this difficult landscape.
You can’t build a strong professional network if you don’t open up to your colleagues, but doing so is tricky, because revealing the wrong things can have a devastating effect on your career.
Sharing the right aspects of yourself in the right ways is an art form. Disclosures that feel like relationship builders in the moment can wind up as obvious no-nos with hindsight.
The trick is to catch yourself before you cross that line, because once you share something, there is no going back.
TalentSmart has tested more than a million people and found that the upper echelons of top performance are filled with people who are high in emotional intelligence (90 percent of top performers, to be exact). Emotionally intelligent people are adept at reading others, and this shows them what they should and shouldn’t reveal about themselves at work.
The following list contains the 12 most common things people reveal that send their careers careening in the wrong direction:
1. That they hate their job.
The last thing anyone wants to hear at work is someone complaining about how much they hate their job. Doing so labels you as a negative person who is not a team player. This attitude brings down the morale of the group. Bosses are quick to catch on to naysayers who drag down morale, and they know that there are always enthusiastic replacements waiting just around the corner.
2. That they think someone is incompetent.
There will always be incompetent people in any workplace, and chances are that everyone knows who they are. If you don’t have the power to help them improve or to fire them, then you have nothing to gain by broadcasting their ineptitude. Announcing your colleague’s incompetence comes across as an insecure attempt to make you look better. Your callousness will inevitably come back to haunt you in the form of your co-workers’ negative opinions of you.
3. How much money they make.
Your parents may love to hear all about how much you’re pulling in each month, but in the workplace, this only breeds negativity. It’s impossible to allocate salaries with perfect fairness, and revealing yours gives your co-workers a direct measure of comparison. As soon as everyone knows how much you make, everything you do at work is considered against your income. It’s tempting to swap salary figures with a buddy out of curiosity, but the moment you do, you’ll never see each other the same way again.
4. Their political and religious beliefs.
People’s political and religious beliefs are too closely tied to their identities to be discussed without incident at work. Disagreeing with someone else’s views can quickly alter their otherwise strong perception of you. Confronting someone’s core values is one of the most insulting things you can do.
Granted, different people treat politics and religion differently, but asserting your values can alienate some people as quickly as it intrigues others. Even bringing up a hot-button world event without asserting a strong opinion can lead to conflict.
People build their lives around their ideals and beliefs, and giving them your two cents is risky. Be willing to listen to others without inputting anything on your end, because all it takes is a disapproving look to start a conflict. Political opinions and religious beliefs are so deeply ingrained in people that challenging their views is more likely to get you judged than to change their mind.
5. What they do on Facebook.
The last thing your boss wants to see when she logs on to her Facebook account is photos of you taking tequila shots in Tijuana. There are just too many ways you can look inappropriate on Facebook and leave a bad impression. It could be what you’re wearing, who you’re with, what you’re doing or even your friends’ commentary. These are the little things that can cast a shadow of doubt in your boss’s or colleagues’ minds just when they are about to hand you a big assignment or recommend you for a promotion.
It’s too difficult to try to censor yourself on Facebook for your colleagues. Save yourself the trouble, and don’t friend them there. Let LinkedIn be your professional “social” network, and save Facebook for everybody else.
6. What they do in the bedroom.
Whether your sex life is out of this world or lacking entirely, this information has no place at work. Such comments might get a chuckle from some people, but it makes most uncomfortable and even offended. Crossing this line will instantly give you a bad reputation.
7. What they think someone else does in the bedroom.
A good 111 percent of the people you work with do not want to know that you bet they’re tigers in the sack. There’s no more surefire way to creep someone out than to let them know that thoughts of their love life have entered your brain. Anything from speculating on a colleague’s sexual orientation to making a relatively indirect comment like, “Oh, to be a newlywed again,” plants a permanent seed in the brains of all who hear it that casts you in a negative light.
Your thoughts are your own. Think whatever you feel is right about people; just keep it to yourself.
8. That they’re after somebody else’s job.
Announcing your ambitions at work when they are in direct conflict with other people’s interests comes across as selfish and indifferent to those you work with and the company as a whole. Great employees want the whole team to succeed, not just themselves. Regardless of your actual motives (some of us really do just work for the money), announcing your selfish goal will not help you get there.
9. How wild they used to be in college.
Your past can say a lot about you. Just because you did something outlandish or stupid 20 years ago doesn’t mean that people will believe you’ve developed impeccable judgment since then. Some behavior that might qualify as just another day in the typical fraternity shows everyone you work with that, when push comes to shove, you have poor judgment and don’t know where to draw the line. Many presidents have been elected in spite of their past indiscretions, but unless you have a team of handlers and PR types protecting and spinning your image, you should keep your unsavory past to yourself.
10. How intoxicated they like to get.
You might think talking about how inebriated you were over the weekend has no effect on how you’re viewed at work. After all, if you’re a good worker, then you’re a good worker, right? Unfortunately not. Sharing this will not get people to think you’re fun. Instead, they will see you as unpredictable, immature and lacking in good judgment. Too many people have negative views of drugs and alcohol for you to reveal how much you love to indulge in them.
11. An offensive joke.
Offensive jokes make other people feel terrible, and they make you look terrible. They also happen to be much less funny than clever jokes. A joke crosses the line anytime you try to gauge its appropriateness based on how close you are with someone. If there is anyone who would be offended by your joke, you are better off not telling it. You never know whom people know or what experiences they’ve had in life that can lead your joke to tread on subjects that they take very seriously.
12. That they are job hunting.
When I was a kid, I told my baseball coach I was quitting in two weeks. For the next two weeks, I found myself riding the bench. It got even worse after those two weeks when I decided to stay, and I became “the kid who doesn’t even want to be here.” I was crushed, but it was my own fault; I told him my decision before it was certain.
The same thing happens when you tell people that you’re job hunting. Once you reveal that you’re planning to leave, you suddenly become a waste of everyone’s time. There’s also the chance that your hunt will be unsuccessful, so it’s best to wait until you’ve found a job before you tell anyone. Otherwise, you will end up riding the bench.
Let me know what you think of this list. Do you disagree with any of these items? Did I miss any? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, as I learn just as much from you as you do from me.
Friday, June 8, 2018
How to Ask for a Raise and Get It
(Best of success on getting that raise!)
Prepare for your raise conversation by gathering specific performance data. Examples include your contribution to projects or deals that brought revenue to the business, efficiencies you suggested that saved your team time, clients you helped save, and awards or accolades that you received. Bonus tip: Make a habit of proactively sharing your achievements with your boss on a regular basis. This will help your manager see you as a high achiever worthy of a promotion long before a raise discussion occurs.
Compare your current salary from an objective source to see if you have room to negotiate. Online salary research tools such as Glassdoor, Monster or PayScale can help you check salaries of similar roles in your area.
Consider your timing to ensure the request is appropriate. Good times to ask include at your annual performance review or on the heels of a project where your work was remarkable. Avoid asking during exceptionally hectic times or during the busy season.
Make an appointment with your manager to present your case once your preparation is complete. Say something simple and direct like: "I'm excited about growing with this company and I'd like to discuss my future and salary, when would be a good time for you?"
Ask calmly and confidently in your meeting. Begin by expressing gratitude over your current pay and enthusiasm for your future. Specify the salary you desire and use the data you've gathered to explain your reasoning. Point out that while your current role is the priority, you want to ensure you set yourself up properly for future achievement. Whether your raise is approved or not, it's key to enlist your manager in helping you achieve career goals over the long term.
Following a successful raise conversation make sure you're clear on any additional responsibilities and deliverables, so you can sustain or surpass the performance level you present as the justification of your increase.
If raises aren't in the budget this time around, suggest an interim performance appraisal or check-in to review the situation. Ask for recommendations on how to improve in your current role and next steps that would bring higher income and implement this feedback. This could also be a moment to ask for perks instead of a raise: more vacation time, a title change, half-day Fridays, flex-time or working from home, which can all help bridge the gap.
Taking these steps when asking for a pay increase can simplify the legwork, boost your confidence and increase your odds of a favorable answer!
Sources: Glassdoor, Forbes
What to Do if Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed
By Miriam Cross, Kiplinger.com
How airlines (might) help. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to compensate passengers only when they're bumped from an oversold flight (see Know Your Rights on Flights). Federal rules also govern how long planes can linger on the tarmac before an airline has to feed the passengers or let them off. Rules for all other kinds of delays and cancellations are spelled out in the carrier's contract of carriage.
For disruptions that airlines consider beyond their control -- which can include bad weather, fuel shortages and labor disputes -- the airlines typically offer you a seat on the next available flight or, depending on how long the delay is, a refund. For problems considered within their control -- including crew shortages and maintenance issues -- you'll fare better. For example, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue both provide credit for future flights in case of a long delay. (JetBlue passengers who experience a delay of six hours or more get a $250 credit.) Some airlines might arrange ground transportation as an alternative to flying. Alaska, American, Delta, Spirit and United, among others, may comp one night at a hotel -- typically when an overnight holdup lasts at least four hours. Food and beverage vouchers may also be part of the deal. In general, low-cost carriers offer fewer amenities.
Being assertive and resourceful will help speed up the process as well. "Rather than asking the gate agent, 'What will you do for me?' it's better to have a solution in mind," says Ed Perkins, contributing editor at SmarterTravel.com. For example, airlines generally rebook you on the next available flight, but some airlines may agree to transfer your ticket to another carrier, so pull out your smartphone and look up alternate routes.
While waiting in line to speak with an agent, call the customer service number (or a phone line reserved for loyalty program members, if you are one) and simultaneously reach out to the airline's social media team to get first crack at an empty seat. It's always best to resolve the problem while it's happening rather than requesting a voucher or other compensation by complaining after the fact. Even if an airline is stingy with perks, you may still be able to negotiate, say, loyalty-program miles by asking for them, says Paul Hudson, president of consumer organization Flyers Rights.
If you're rerouted on a new flight, be aware that many airlines count certain nearby airports as the same destination. And if a significant delay (as defined by the airline) or cancellation would upend your trip completely and you decide to forgo rebooking, you can ask for an "involuntary refund" of the unused portion of your ticket, even for nonrefundable tickets. Don't expect the airline to tell you about this option, says Hudson. You may have to ask to speak with a supervisor to discuss an involuntary refund.
Airlines have become more flexible about waiving change fees for customers when bad weather is forecast, says Anne McDermott, editor of FareCompare.com. You may not pay a difference in fare, either. But your window to reschedule is usually short.
If you have faced unfriendly skies in the past 12 months, an app called Service (www.getservice.com) may help. It scans your in-box for past flight delays or cancellations and submits claims for "good will" compensation on your behalf, typically in the form of vouchers or miles. The app is free, but you'll fork over a 30% cut of any compensation.
Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2018 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Kiplinger.com.