Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Heber City, UT



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.



  
      

 

Regardless of price point, our team is united in their efforts to support the client, support each other, and get the job done in the best way possible. Paula Higman Real Estate is a unique team of talented and diverse individuals with a passion for success and client satisfaction.

Contact Paula Higman Real Estate today and let us take this journey with you to marketing and selling your home for the best value, to the biggest luxury real estate market out there.

 

Ensure that you have the best representation when buying and/or selling. Contact Paula Higman Real Estate Park City at 435-602-8228 For a property tour and more information about Heber City and the surrounding areas.



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Saturday, July 8, 2017

Discover Park City





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













Thursday, July 6, 2017

Park City, Utah - Bus system goes electric

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.


Thursday, June 29, 2017

10 Reasons Not To Sell Your Home Without The Higman Team

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
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




Monday, June 26, 2017

Essential Money Tips for the Beginning Life Planner

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
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Sunday, June 25, 2017

Spirit Animal








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.

Outdoor Concert Series

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!

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Cobblestone Community

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

Beautiful Cabin in Sundance Utah

Beautiful Cabin in Sundance Utah



Virtual Tour: 

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

 http://www.tourbuzz.net/700358


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

Freeloader Friday

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.


Monday, June 19, 2017

Monday's in Park City Utah

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
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

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Savor the Summit - Park City Utah

Not to be missed.....


Savor the Summit 2016


Claimed to be the Largest outdoor dinner party in the state of Utah.

This is not your average dinner party!  Park City Utah's Savor the Summit returns every year to the Historic Main Street Park City for the largest dinner party in the state of Utah.  Always held on a Saturday, this year this event will take place on June 17th, 2017 at 6 p.m., over 25 restaurants will be serving their specialities to over 2,000 participants, Al Fresco, as the sun sets behind Main Street.  Park City's biggest outdoor dinner party will be offering dinners as a unique celebration of fabulous food, drink and live music while seated in the middle of Main Street. Park City's best restaurants will showcase their culinary talents in an open air community celebration.  It is a summer solstice party of wine, dining and music set in a unique mountain setting.   Make your reservations early with your favorite restaurant. This event seems to sell out fairly quickly.



Monday, May 22, 2017

Home Sales Expected to Soar Through 2018

 What Buyers Need to Know




By now just about every would-be buyer out there knows there simply aren't enough homes for sale these days to appease the hordes of competition. But despite the shortages, rising prices, and bidding wars, more homes are expected to be sold this year than in more than a decade.
In 2017, the number of sales of existing homes (which have previously been lived in) is expected to rise about 3.5%, to 5.64 million, according to the midyear forecast from the National Association of Realtors®. The group predicts that existing-home purchases will rise an additional 2.8% in 2018, to 5.8 million.
"The combination of the stock market being at record highs, 16 million new jobs created since 2010, pent-up household formation, and rising consumer confidence are giving more households the assurance and ability to purchase a home," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in a statement. "However, prices are still rising too fast in many areas and are outpacing incomes."

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Historic properties: Investing for the future in a slice of the past


Many owners of historic properties in Park City relinquish the home after decades in their family’s ownership because they can no longer afford the ongoing costs of upkeep or transformation. Others simply have other plans for their lives, preferring for example to live in a city or other state. The historical homes for sale in Park City are usually well known within the community.  Historic properties have come onto the market in greater numbers in recent years. Interested buyers therefore have good prospects of finding a suitable property. 

Like the interested buyers themselves, motives for buying a historical piece of property vary to a great extent. Frequently, it is private individuals with an entrepreneurial background who are fulfilling a dream when acquiring such a property. Such a purchase is very strongly linked to emotions.  Investors and project developers have very different motivations. They are looking for historic properties with commercial purposes in mind, including usage as a restaurant, hotel, conference and seminar centre, holiday apartments or an event venue. The potential for appreciation in value of historic properties is very differentiated. Besides its overall condition and conservation status, the main criterion – as with all properties – is the location. 










Keep it secret: why some homes still have hidden rooms

Secret rooms and hidden passages might sound like the stuff of fairy tales, but more homes than you might think still feature such clandestine spaces. Some date from as far back as the 16th century in Europe, when they were used as wine cellars, safes or maid’s quarters. Sometimes, they were even used to hide outlaws and runaways from the authorities.



The three steps to consider when planning a secret room

1. Function: modern reasons for having a secret room vary. You may choose to install a panic room, which can provide a hidden, safe space in your home in case of an emergency. Alternatively, a hidden room can be used to keep valuables and money, or you could just use it as your private haven away from the world.
2. Location of your secret room: take a look at the floor plan of your property and really consider where a secret room might work and where it will be the least disruptive to the structure of your home. Empty walk-in closets and pantries both make convenient choices.
3. The doorway: one of the key components of a secret room is the hidden door. Libraries often make a great starting point, as bookshelves provide the perfect disguise for a hinged door. Another common choice is a free-standing closet or armoire – all you need to do is take out the back, and fit the closet over the door to your secret room.
Whether you intend your secret room to be a safe or a reading room, it could make a valuable addition to your home, and is also fairly simple to install.

Friday, May 19, 2017

We believe our Team is the BEST in the business

Hello, Dropping in to let you know that we at Paula Higman Real Estate Team cha help with all your buying and selling of real estate needs. With fast closings we have great options! Let me know if we can help you out with that! The Paula Higman Real Estate Team typically gets you more money! 2.24% more, that will definitely get you more money in your pocket!

Paula Higman Lead Agent
Engel & Völkers - Park City
paulahigman.evusa.com

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Family that plans together stays together....

Written by: Paula Higman


Do you ever ask yourself what will bring our family together?

Whether your kids are young and living at home, away at college or with families of their own, it is important to stay connected.
Bring a smile to the beautiful faces of your family by reminding them how much you care. Sweet notes into backpacks, briefcases and bags, with I love you's. For kids who are in college or away from home, send a weekly card just so they know you've been thinking about them and how proud you are of what they are achieving. Always support those you love, in whatever endeavor they choose to conquer.
Rituals and traditions placed into your weekly or monthly routines, will be life long memories.
Experiences, things you do together with your family. They do not need to cost a lot of money, a lot of things are absolutely free, take advantage of these things and bring your family together.








#paulahigman
#OwninParkCity
#LIVEandPlayparkcity
#dontjustplayherelivehere
#callparkcityhome

#myjourneytoparkcity

Monday, May 15, 2017

I was wrong, Mother Nature is still confused.

Written by: Paula Higman

I could have sworn spring was upon us, but I was wrong.....

This Wednesday, Snow during the morning will give way to lingering snow showers during the afternoon. High 37F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snowfall around one inch. 

FURNITURE GROUPINGS

Written by: Paula Higman

There's a common belief that rooms will feel larger and be easier to use if all the furniture is pushed against the walls, but that isn't the case. Instead, furnish your space by floating furniture away from walls. Reposition sofas and chairs into cozy conversational groups, and place pieces so that the traffic flow in a room is obvious. Not only will this make the space more user-friendly, but it will open up the room and make it seem larger.



#paulahigman

Saturday, May 13, 2017

PARK CITY UPCOMING EVENTS

Written by: Paula Higman



HOT TUNA - ACOUSTIC DUO
May 18th - 20th * Egyptian Theatre

RUNNING WITH ED
May 20th * Assorted Locations throughout Park City

BEAUTY & THE BEAST - LIVE MUSICAL
May 25th - June 4th * Egyptian Theatre

MONOPHONICS
June 3rd * O.P. Rockwell

MONSTER DRAWING RALLY
June 1st * Kimball Art Center

PARK SILLY SUNDAY MARKET
June 4th - Sept 17 * Historic Main Street

THE KINGSTON TRIO
June 8th - 10th * Egyptian Theatre

ROUND VALLEY RAMBLER
June 17th  * Round Valley

SAVOR THE SUMMIT
June 17th  * Historic Main Street

MARC COHN
June 22nd - 24th * Egyptian Theatre

HISTORIC HOME TOUR
June 24th * Park City Museum

Q2 Market Report 2021

  Similar to the way we treat our real estate services, at Paula Higman Real Estate we look at reporting differently. Our Market Report is c...