PARK CITY REAL ESTATE

The advances in home technology are amazing. You can create an entire integrated experience using various devices that will turn your home into a smart home. Most incredible of all, it isn’t that expensive to do and actually adds potential value to your home.

Here are some ideas borrowed from Pinterest that show how people just like you are increasing the value of their house and making it smarter.

Smart Locks

There is nothing more important than the safety and wellbeing of your family. You can help to ensure it by installing a smart lock. They work by connecting to an app on the phones of anyone authorized to enter the house. It unlocks a reinforced deadbolt when they approach the door so there are no keys to deal with.

Worried about a phone being lost or the battery dying? Many models give users the ability to remotely lock and unlock the door so another member of the household can let them in.

Smart Thermostats

There are several models available from many different manufacturers, but what all smart thermostats have in common is that it gives you total control over your home’s climate. It also has the added benefit of limiting the resources you use, making it a better option for the environment.

The temperature can be monitored and changed from your phone and others can be added to the network. It can also be controlled from the unit on your wall. It watched humidity and shows you how much energy you are using over time. All features are programmable.

Smart Fridge

Smart fridges have been all the rage at recent technology expos. They monitor what is in your fridge, what is expiring or running out and the temperature within, auto adjusting or giving you recommendations. It also connects to other devices and products and lets you watch TV, browse the web and more.

Smart Garden

Auto watering sprinkler systems have been around for awhile outdoors. Now you can bring the same system indoors with self-watering indoor plant boxes or full wall greenhouse systems. They are made to give each plant the perfect amount of water and some also provide UV light for the right amount of sun based on each plant’s needs.

Find out more at Jensen and Company.

Being in the real estate business, we have had many people come to us looking for help selling their house after they have made the attempt to go the process on their own. The ensuing mess isn’t pretty, which isn’t surprising. Selling a home is incredibly complicated and there are many factors that can make it a stressful, confusing process.

If you are considering selling your house, you can save a lot of headaches (and a lot of money) by going to a realtor from the beginning and giving them your listing. Here are ten reasons to hire a realtor to sell your home for you.

1. They can let you know about necessary or beneficial upgrades to your home.
2. They know the loopholes, tax breaks and selling tricks to make you more money.
3. They can help you set the right price based off of your home’s current value.
4. They know the market at any given time, which customizes your sales plan.
5. They are prepared to market your listing and get the maximum visibility for your home.
6. They are operating without sentimental rose-colored glasses.
7. They know the scams and can protect you and your investment.
8. They can keep you from making paperwork mistakes.
9. They can help advise you on the process of buying a new home with the proceeds.
10. They can negotiate based off of the results of your inspection.

Isn’t a Realtor Expensive?

A realtor will take a percentage of the selling cost based off of commission. Working with Jensen and Company, you can expect a 6% commission rate.

Ultimately, realtors will save you a lot of time and money. They can let you know about warranties. They market to a broad audience so that your real estate is shown to as many potential buyers as possible. Plus, their experience in the local market and knowledge of current trends and listings give the seller a huge leg up on the competition. They can help you to increase the market value and appeal of your house before putting up the official listing.

Finally, there are the mistakes. Filling out the paperwork, dealing with the bank, finding an inspector, making upgrades and renovations, dealing with scammers, accepting bids…all of these can lead to costly errors on the part of non-professionals. Having a realtor there to deal with it for you minimizes those risks.

Find out more at Jensen and Company.

You had high hopes when you put your home on the market. Everything was fixed up and upgrades were made to attract buyers. You agonized over each minor detail and made sure your home was immaculate. But now the expiration date on your listing has come and gone and the house is still firmly in your possession. Why didn’t it sell the first time around?

While there is no way to know with 100% certainty why your listing fell through, you can begin by looking at some of these common reasons that homes don’t sell before you attempt another try.

The Condition Wasn’t Up To Par

It can be tempting to sell your home as-is, with possible dings in the wall here and there, or red wine stains in the carpet from a dinner party in 2012. After all, you can knock a bit off the asking price and they can take care of it!

The problem is that a lower price means nothing if your home is lacking in attraction – especially when compared to other homes for sale in the area. Remember that Park City is a luxury housing market. When buyers see the price point on your home, they’re going to have high expectations from your listing.

Whether your house needs some landscaping, a new coat or paint or some serious renovations, it is worth getting it done before listing again. Jensen and Company has an excellent eye for these things. We can help you analyze what still needs work and if the investment will be returned in the sale.

The House Isn’t Staged To Sell

Staging can have a huge effect on potential buyers as they walk through your home. Consider hiring a professional staging company to come in and reorganize things a bit. They’ll focus on removing clutter and arranging furniture to show off the most efficient use of space in your home. They’ll also take things out of the home that will affect the buyers’ ability to see past your things and your living space to imagine it being a space all their own.

The Price Was Too High

Considering the price you bought your home for, the current rise in the Park City housing market, and all the upgrades you’ve made to improve your home, figuring out a fair selling price is a tough game. Though you might see your home and all the investments you’ve made to be worth a certain amount, others might not agree. Working with an experiences Park City realtor like Jensen and Company guarantees a fairly priced home to sell.

The Agent Is All Wrong

Sometimes it comes down to the agent you use when trying to sell your real estate. They might not be bad, but they may not be right for you, your home, and the surrounding area. Brad Jensen has successfully sold real estate in the Park City area for over 30 years. His ties to Summit Sotheby’s International Realty offers more marketing tools and a larger audience. You can trust his team’s experience as listing agents to find the best buyer for your real estate.

Find out more at Jensen and Company.

You’ve found the perfect house now it’s time to make an offer. Here are some basic musts to integrate into your offer.

1. Set Your Price

It takes two to tango and we want to make this a good dance. Buyers want the lowest price possible and sellers want the highest price for their listing. It may take some negotiation but in the end the final price can offer a win/win situation for both parties. If the home you are making an offer on really is the perfect home, it would serve you to offer or come in real close to what the seller is asking. Make sure to include details of the closing costs.

2. Write a Good Faith Check

Earnest money shows that you’re serious about the deal and will follow through on your offer. An amount in the neighborhood of 1-2% is typical however, the more you hand over, the more serious you look to the seller. If you back out, depending where you are within the contract, the Seller may keep your earnest money. (This is a good reason to have an informed realtor on your side). On the flip side, when the deal goes through the money can be put toward helping with the down payment, closing costs or other expenses.

3. Proof of Funding

Getting pre-approved for your loan is necessary and sharing the pre-approval letter with the seller is advantageous. Before you even begin to think about making an offer have your financing approved be able to prove to the seller that you’re qualified to purchase the home.

4. Set a Timeline

Detail in your offer the following milestones and when you expect them to occur. This ensures that the seller and the buyer won’t be kept waiting for the other party to act.

• When the sale will take place
• Move in date
• Inspection date
• Deadlines for responding to requests
• A date of offer expiration
• What’s included and excluded

Both parties work together on this part to clearly agree what stays with the house and what doesn’t. This is all negotiable and it helps to have it in your final offer. Things to consider are outbuildings, appliances, playsets, etc.

Other Common Contingencies

Due Diligence – This includes: Review of Seller Disclosures, HOA review, Home Inspection, and other inspections like sewer, well, hazard.

Financing and Appraisal – this includes a review of the loan and appraisal.

Walk-Through– Traditionally, buyers are allowed to walk through the home just before closing to check on all requested repairs and updates and to ensure the condition of the home hasn’t changed since the inspection.

If you’re eager to move into the home, we would suggest an early closing date. We do not recommend pushing for early occupancy as it comes with many liabilities. If you have more questions about selling or buying a home in Park City, give us a call!

St. Paddy’s Day is just around the corner and we have some recommendations for your Saturday March 17th pub stroll down Park City’s Historic Main Street. Whether local, vacationing or real estate shopping you and your friends will love what’s in store for St. Patrick’s Day at these local pubs. We’ve highlighted a few local favorites spanning less than a quarter mile distance on Historic Main Street. Start on the south end and make your way north.

Wasatch Brew Pub

This cozy casual setting provides a great start to your night with some locally brewed unique craft beers. Try the Nitro Polygamy Porter, the Apricot Hefeweizen and Jalapeno Cream Ale. Pair these delicious beers with classic appetizers with a twist. We recommend Hefeweizen Flash Fried Calamari and the Wasatch Fish & Chips. Doors open early so you can start your pub crawl at lunch time!

O.P. Rockwell Cocktail Lounge & Music Hall

Stop in for a drink at this venue. O.P. Rockwell’s is known for its great live music and dancing. Nothing is on the schedule for March 17th yet but don’t let that keep you from stopping in and having an exceptional cocktail made by one of the many knowledgeable bartenders there.

The Spur Bar And Grill

This Western style saloon features a warm atmosphere with a fireplace and a rooftop patio. Serving up classic American pub grub you’ll find an awesome saloon burgers (try the Spur Burger), wings and brick oven pizza served daily. All cocktails are made from local spirits along with a large selection of beer and wine on tap. Enjoy live music nightly from 10PM-Midnight. St. Patrick’s Day will feature Rage Against the Supremes. If you’re looking for local recommendation try any of the wings, the Buffalo Deviled Eggs appetizer, Jazz Hands chicken and waffle sandwich and a Bootlegging cocktail.

Flanagan’s on Main

Flanagan’s is a classic Irish tavern and a local hotspot for St. Patrick’s day especially. Voted best pub in Utah four years straight 2013-2016 and best late night menu in Park City 2017 by Mountain Express Magazine. Here you’ll find happy hour food and drinks, Irish specialties and VIP booths. Enjoy live music nightly. Recommended menu items include the Potato Leek soup in a bread bowl, Whiskey Chicken Boxty, Corned Beef Boxty, Bangers and Mash, Bourbon Banana Bread Pudding.

Rock & Reilly’s

This Irish rock pub is a hit but reservations are usually encouraged. Rock & Reilly’s is a high-energy watering hole featuring delicious bar bites, games, a photo booth and tasty beers and cocktails. Recommended bites include the Irish Nachos, Mac & Cheese, Short Rib Grilled Cheese and the famous Drunken Brownie. Bring your friends and enjoy a night of dancing and shots of premium tequila together.

No Name Saloon & Grill

Make this historic landmark your last visit for the night. Open until 2AM the No Name Saloon and Grill will pack a punch for your pub crawl. This lively venue is one of the most iconic buildings on Park City’s Main Street and is consistently voted the “Best Bar in Park City” by loca Park Record Newspaper. Enjoy the heated rooftop patio and fun music all night long. Try the Onion Rings with any of the famous Buffalo Burgers. Sip on one of the many local brews while playing a game of shuffleboard.

All across the country on March 2, 2018 children, educators, parents and volunteers will be celebrating the National Education Association Read Across America. Schools, libraries, and community centers participate in this nationwide celebration by bringing books and kids together.

This annual reading motivation and awareness program began in March 1998 as a day to celebrate reading. What began as a small idea to spark interest in books and reading for children has grown to a program supported and sponsored by more than 50 national nonprofit partners. In addition, 3.2 million teachers, education faculty, school administrators, retired educators and prospective educators alike also support this program in their local area.

For five years running now, Park City students have participated in the fun as many members of the community volunteer their day reading to classes. Teachers decorate their rooms and selves in lively Dr. Seuss decoration. Students can be found at many local schools cuddled up in a blanket with a pillow under a fort or in a tent as they spend the day reading to one another.

Park City’s Read Across America celebration is generously funded and made possible from the Park City Education Foundation. As one of the favorite days of the year, foundation members, educators, parents and volunteers alike team together to show students how fun reading can be. As the kids crack open books and get lost in the fictional stories together they create memories with one another and members of the communities. Volunteers range from the fire department to employees from Park City Mountain Resort. The mentorship these volunteers provide to our local children is just one of the many acts of service that make our community here in Park City so outstanding.

According to National Education Association, “The substantial relationship between parent involvement for the school and reading comprehension levels of fourth-grade classrooms is obvious, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Where parent involvement is low, the classroom mean average (reading score) is 46 points below the national average. Where involvement is high, classrooms score 28 points above the national average – a gap of 74 points. Even after controlling for other attributes of communities, schools, principals, classes, and students, that might confound this relationship, the gap is 44 points.”

So mark your calendar for March 2 and invite a child into the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss as we celebrate his birthday, reading, and imagination together! Jensen and Company will be sure to join in on the fun.

Brad Jensen has been in the business of real estate for three decades. His expertise of the Park City area has benefited clients since 1988. Here are 5 reasons to list your Park City home for sale with Brad Jensen.

1. Brad Jensen has over 30 years of Park City experience.

Having lived in Park City for 30 years, Brad knows the micro markets inside and out. He’s watched Park City bloom and grow for many years. Whether you’re in Deer Valley, Park Meadows, Old Town, Deer Vista, or any other surrounding areas he can help navigate you through any real estate endeavor in any market of Park City. Because of his years of experience, wealth of knowledge and client satisfaction, Brad has been awarded many real estate industry awards including Realtor of the Year.

2. Brad Jensen works closely with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty.

Summit Sotheby’s International Realty became Utah’s exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty company in 2008 when originally organized. In the first year alone, Summit Sotheby’s produced $135 million in sales. Just recently in 2016 Summit Sotheby’s produced over $1.52 billion in sales. Being the market leader in Utah’s best-known luxury market, Park City, goes to show the grit and hustle behind Brad’s work with his clients.

3. Brad Jensen has marketing resources reaching a global market.

Brad’s experience paired with his Summit Sotheby’s network makes it possible for you to sell anywhere in the world. It is always more ideal to find a professional to work with based off of recommendations from friends and colleagues. With Brad’s relationships with Summit Sotheby’s International Realty sales associates across the globe he can assist you in finding someone who has a proven track record and is best equipped to help you sell if your real estate is in another part of the globe. He can also market your Park City real estate to potential buyers from around the world, instead of just local and statewide listings.

4. Clients come back to Jensen and Company again and again.

Take a look at featured testimonials about Jensen and Company and you’ll see why clients have been completely satisfied with their experience. Brad understands the emotions on either side of buying or selling and has earned the confidence of many clients through this knowledge. This speaks for itself as many clients come to Brad as a referral from a previous happy client.

5. Brad Jensen can offer your Park City listing maximum exposure.

Jensen and Company and Summit Sotheby’s International Realty provide maximum exposure for their clientele. Brad is dedicated to your success as a seller and clients can attest that Jensen and Company covers all the details. Extraordinary measures are taken with an active approach in promoting your property. Brad combines the use of traditional marketing such as brochures, print advertising and open houses along with digital media technology. Listings are featured in the New York Times, Wallstreet Journal, Luxury Real Estate, Realestate.com, Park Record, Salt Lake Tribune and many other prominant places.

Long ago in the 1800s Park City had its humble beginning as a silver mining town during a boom that made 23 millionaires in the US. Park City grew into the early 1900s but the demand for silver declined and so did the population of the town. Park City rebounded during the 80s and 90s following the build of Park City Mountain Resort and has expanded into a tourist hot-spot bringing in around $530 million to the Utah Economy.

Learn About History

The Historic District sits at the top of Main Street and spans 9 blocks. Conveniently accessible from I-80 and only 35 miles from Salt Lake City and SLC International Airport makes this once little ghost town a frequent destination for locals and out-of-state visitors. Forbes Traveler Magazine named Park City as one of the 20 ‘prettiest towns’ in the US in 2008.

Enjoy Historic Architecture

Many of the old miner’s homes and downtown stores are still in place after nearly a hundred years of use. In fact, Sixty-four buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In a historic town where buildings once housed boarding houses, saloons and a few ghosts here and there you can now find swanky boutiques, restaurants, and galleries.

Great Shopping and Restaurants

Rumor has it Park City has the most restaurants per capita. With over 70 venues to choose from locals know Park City’s main street as a premier dining destination. The decadent and diverse dining scene can be enjoyed after a day full of shopping and browsing through Main Street boutiques carrying goods ranging from ski gear to fine jewelry, bookstores, clothing, antiques and much more.

Visit The Art Galleries

With over 30 art galleries in Old Town, you can spend hours perusing featured art from world-renowned and local artists alike. Classic paintings from Picasso and locally crafted jewelry provides an inspiring stroll up Main Street enriching the city’s history with Park City’s specialty of art.

Parking is a cinch with three free parking structures and plenty of on-street metered parking spots. Park City also provides free city-wide public transportation seven days a week between 10AM and 11PM with many routes connecting to the Old Town Transit Center conveniently getting you to the Historic District.

Park City is a true four-season resort town with 8,300 residents and a outdoor paradise drawing thousands more every year to visit. Consider scenic Park City for your next real estate purchase and start living your Northern Utah ski-country dream!