PARK CITY REAL ESTATE

Along with the many outdoor sporting activities available to those visiting or living in Park City, there are other engaging events held in Park City proper. One you and the family may want to catch this summer is the Park Silly Market.

What Is Park Silly

The Park Silly Market in Park City, Utah, is an open-air, eco-friendly weekly market. This market is run by a 501(c)3 charity which aims to bring the community and visitors together. Along with the fresh produce you would expect from a farmer’s market, the Park Silly Market offers:

• Live music
• Performers
• New vendors weekly
• Children activities
• Hand-crafted items
• Food vendors

You can check out the market for yourself on any Saturday through September 23. However, the Park Silly Market will not be held on August 5, 12, and 19.

Best Ways To Enjoy Park Silly

Due to the growing popularity of the Park Silly Market, not only are locals and Park City visitors attracted to the event, but also those from the surrounding areas. To make sure you and your family are able to enjoy this event, we have some recommendations.

• Dress in layers – As Park City is located high in the Wasatch Mountain Range, the weather can be volatile. So, even though the forecast may say it will be in the 80s, bring a jacket just in case.
• Watch for animals – Leashed dogs are welcome at the Park Silly Market. While event organizers encourage dog owners to be responsible, it is best that you keep an eye out for our canine friends.
• Plan your parking – Parking fills quickly at the Park Silly Market. You can park for free at the Park City High School and ride the free City bus to the market.

For more details specifically about the Park Silly Market, be sure to check out their website.

Find A Home With Access To All Park City Has To Offer

If you have fallen in love with Park City and want to find the perfect home here, contact Brad Jensen. He has decades of experience working with high-end Park City real estate and can find you the right place which suits all of your needs.

Before you begin investing in short-term rental properties in Park City, Utah, there are a few things you should consider, such as the supply and demand, city regulations, and the long-term management of these properties.

Consider Potential Investment Properties VS. Current Vacation Rentals

Park City has become internationally known as the ideal place for winter sporting events as well as high-profile events like the Sundance Film Festival. Due to the popularity of the area and the high volume of visitors, rental properties can be a great investment. However, before you jump in and look for the right properties to invest in, you should consider a few things.

The right location is key to attracting short-term renters. No matter how beautiful your vacation rental is, if it is in a bad location, you will have low traffic.

Look at the location of your potential rental and research the rental prices offered by surrounding rental properties. Compare rental pricing in the area you’re considering purchasing a rental property. What are hotels charging? What are Airbnb rentals charging? Are you able to rent your potential investment out at a competitive rate while still making a profit?

Research Park City Rental Regulations

Park City Rental Requirements – To maintain a rental property in Park City, you will need to obtain a business license. You will also need to have a yearly review of the property to make sure it is a safe environment, which will include the checking of safety measures like smoke alarms and CO2 detectors.

HOA Considerations – Some Park City HOAs have strict rules on how the properties can and cannot be used. Do a thorough investigation of any property which has an HOA to ensure your vacation rental property can be compliant with their regulations.

Once these considerations are taken care of, you may want to consider a 1031 exchange opportunity with the current owner of the property. As long as the real estate in question is not a primary residence, you may be able to pick up your new investment with few to no taxes being applied if you swap one of your investment properties with the current owner of the investment property you are interested in acquiring.

Commit To Managing Your Rental Properties

Beyond the initial investment, your vacation rental properties will need to be properly managed. Some options to consider:

• Take many high-resolution pictures of your properties and their various amenities, so potential guests can have a clear picture of what they will be renting.
• Have a cleaning crew to care for your property post-rental.
• Invest in resettable door locks with codes you can generate for a specific renter. This step will prevent you from needing to have a property manager let them in.
• Furnish the property with attractive furnishings which can withstand a continual rotation of guests.

You can also work with a vacation rental management company and allow them to take care of many of the day-to-day upkeep of your rental properties.

If you have more questions about real estate in Park City, contact Jensen and Company.

A vital element in preparing your home to go on the market is to take time to declutter and simplify your home’s decor. Brad Jensen from Jensen and Company has had decades of experience helping people sell their homes in Park City. When working with any new listing, we offer the following bits of advice for decluttering:

Remove Personal Effects From Your Decor Before Listing

A key step in preparing your home for listing is to remove personalized touches from the home (staging it for potential buyers). While a personalized house is great to show guests your style, a blank slate makes it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Pull out a box and start putting away items like:

• Family photos
• Vinyl wall decals
• items of the refrigerator
• collectibles
• keepsakes

Start The Packing Process Early By Renting A Storage Unit

Another effective decluttering trick is to start the moving process early. Start by packing up personal effects and unnecessary furniture. This will help to open up your living spaces and present a more spacious home. Once these items are out of the way, see what else you can go without while your home is listed:

• Clean up overstuffed bookshelves by packing away some of the items to display a better-organized shelving unit.
• Remove items from clothing closets to show off a more spacious walk-in.
• Pack away towels and linens in your linen closets that you won’t be needing for a while.
• Clean out the kitchen pantry.
• Re organize the refrigerator contents.
• Pack away kitchen appliances you don’t use frequently.
• Store excessive kitchen accessories like tupperwear, dishes, utensils, cups, and mugs.

Try The KonMari Method As You Declutter Your Home

A relatively new and popular way to declutter your home is by using the KonMari Method. Pioneered by Marie Kondo, this method of decluttering your belongings encourages you to keep only the things that “spark joy” in your life. While you’re decluttering your home to sell it, maybe you could declutter your life to improve it at the same time.

If the KonMari Method isn’t for you, there are other decluttering steps you can take.

• Change any newspaper or magazine subscription to paperless to avoid excess paper clutter. You can also apply this to bills and statements, making it all accessible online.
• Take 10-minute intervals and clean out areas which may not often be examined, like the linen closet and bathroom cabinets.
• Donate gently-used clothes you no longer wear.

You can entrust the sale of your home to Jensen and Company. Brad Jensen has worked in Park City for almost 30 years, successfully helping people sell and buy the homes they’ve always wanted.

To consult with Jensen and Company or if you have any questions, please contact us.

For families who live in Park City, Utah, during the school year, your children are likely acutely aware that school is starting again soon. When their school starts will depend on which school your children attend.

Schools In Park City, Utah

Children who attend the public Park City School District will have different start dates depending on their grade level. The first days of school are:

Grades 1-12 start August 23

Kindergarten starts August 27

Preschools start September 4 and 5

The schools which these start dates apply to are:

• Trailside Elementary
• Parley’s Park Elementary
• McPolin Elementary
• Jeremy Ranch Elementary
• Ecker Hill Middle School
• Treasure Mountain Junior High
• Park City Learning Academy
• Park City Center For Advanced Professional Studies
• Park City High School

There are also a wide variety of private schools in Park City. If your children attend these schools, they may have a different first day of school than the public school children.

• Park City Day School – August 23
• Picabo Street Academy – Year-round enrollment drop-in
• Little Miners Montessori – August 28
• Soaring Wings International Montessori School – August 27

As your children begin school again, there is a free local skiing program for school-aged children which your younger kids can look forward to participating in.

Free Skiing For Young School-Aged Kids In Park City

Vail Resorts is offering Utah school-aged children who are in kindergarten through fifth grade an exciting opportunity this year. Children in these school groups can receive the Vail Resorts Epic Schoolkids Utah Pack. This pack allows the recipients to enjoy five free days of skiing and riding on Park City’s world-class slopes. To be clear, the benefits of this free program are:

• Five free days of skiing and riding at the various Vail Resorts in Park City.
• One free first-time ski or ride lesson with equipment rental.
• Open to any Utah resident children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Naturally, there are some restrictions on this program. To learn more about these restrictions, be sure to read about the Epic Schoolkids Utah Pack here.

If you are considering purchasing a home in the Park City area but aren’t sure which area is the best for your needs, contact Jensen and Company. Whether you have a young family and want to know where the most family-friendly areas are or if you are looking for a mountain retreat, Brad Jensen can help you find what you need.

After working in Park City real estate for decades, Brad Jensen has seen his fair share of stunning and inspiring homes. But even Jensen and Company was impressed by homes featured on Bob Vila’s “Home of the Week” series. As a website which normally focuses on advising homeowners on how to address issues with their home, Bob Vila likes to feature a “House of the Week” to give insight to a variety of available architectural styles. Below are 10 of our favorite homes featured in this series.

1. Old-World Charm

This charming cottage is located in Croatia and has held onto much of its old-world charm even as time has marched on. The modern fittings of a stove top and other appliances do not detract from the interior stone walls, mortared stone slab floors, and natural wood rustic feel. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

2. Contemporary Urban Inspiration

Blending contemporary urban design into a forest retreat in Oregon, this home was designed not to be a permanent residence. Instead, this home is meant to be a weekend retreat for those who want to regain their connection to nature. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

3. Treehouse Dreams

Speaking of connecting with nature, why not connect with nature and your inner child? The lofty tree house of your childhood dreams can be found in Montana, near Glacier National Park. No need to worry about the stability of this home. It has been carefully engineered and continually monitored. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

4. Stunning And Sustainable

This stunning home is certainly an eye-catcher! Its unique curving construction is not commonly seen in homes and gives the house a sense of serene movement. Also, this Mayne Island Cabin in British Columbia is built entirely with eco-friendly and sustainable materials. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

5. Western Appeal

Set in the mountains of South Dakota, this Western-style cabin is a call back to a simpler time. Complete with areas to board horses, visitors to this home will be surrounded inside and out with Western paraphernalia and rustic charm. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

6. Regal Victorian

Located in Chatham, New Jersey, this regal and imposing Victorian home has held onto its classic architecture, even if the colors are not strictly period-specific. From the preserved molding details to the intricate porch railing, this home is sure to inspire those who love a classic. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

7. Desert Escape

Nestled in the Mohave Desert in Yucca, California, this sleek home is half made with windows, to truly allow guests to become immersed in the austere desert-scape. Many little surprises are tucked around the house, like the cowboy tub, outdoor shower, jacuzzi, and many other spots to relax. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

8. Carriage House

Inspired by old carriage barns, where the carriage handlers lived above the horses and carriages, the bottom floor of this carriage house is dedicated to a large garage and a half-bathroom. The second story is an open, charming space with gabled ceilings and large windows to let in plenty of natural light. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

9. Undersea Fantasy

No need to grow fins and gills to live out your undersea dreams when you can visit this home in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Beautiful and bright, the interior walls and counters in the house follow the lovely curves of the outside of the home. Shell accents are repeated throughout the home to bring home the feeling of being in an underwater palace. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

10. Minimalist Architecture

Designed by the architect Toshihiro Oki, this home was built with an eye to keeping the horizon unbroken by the house and the beach clearly visible from the home. That is why there are large panels of glass only broken up by light beige walls. See more images of this home in the resources list below.

The majority of the homes here are vacation homes, designed to allow people to relax and reconnect with nature. If these homes have inspired you to find your dream vacation home in Park City’s beautiful, mountainous area, be sure to contact us for help finding the perfect place.

Resources

1. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/576484?
2. http://pmckean.com/portfolio/neal-creek
3. http://www.montanatreehouseretreat.com/gallery/
4. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1720832
5. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3343283
6. https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3-Edgehill-Ave-Chatham-NJ-07928/2106183259_zpid/
7. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3489531?
8. https://www.yankeebarnhomes.com/post-and-beam-project/bennington-carriage-house/
9. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/530250
10. http://toshihiro-oki.com/bellport-house

Summit Sotheby’s International Realty
7085 Glenwild Dr, Park City, UT

 

Thanks to a new partnership between Summit Sotheby’s International Realty and the luxury community of Glenwild, Brad Jensen and Company has relocated to a new office at the entrance of Glenwild. This move will provide exciting opportunities for everyone.

The Glenwild Community

The Glenwild golf and ski club are surrounded by acres of gated, private homesteads. With currently just under 200 homes, this high-end community can provide exclusive access to excellent golfing and private club enjoyment. Some of the other amenities available to the Glenwild community are:

• Dining options at the clubhouse, with options for both fine and casual dining
• Full tennis courts
• Performance Center gym for dynamic and functional workouts
• Multi-lane swimming pool with poolside seating
• Full-service spa which sources all-natural products

There are also various activities available depending on the season, as Glenwild hosts many social events, including wine tasting dinner and more family-oriented activities.

New Real Estate Options Through Glenwild

Jensen and Company strives to bring you the best real estate options available in Park City and the surrounding areas. We are excited to grow our working relationship with the Glenwild community as well. This private community currently has 16 homes available, with prices starting at $1.3 million and reaching $6.95 million for a stunning 9,800 square foot home.

These homes have been constructed to add to and preserve the natural beauty of the Wasatch Mountains. The gated entrance to the private community ensures a calm and peaceful residential area. Enjoy the private golf club and golf coarse with only the other residents of the Glenwild community.

Ask Brad Jensen About Glenwild

Brad Jensen is not new to working with those seeking high-end real estate. He has been the top realtor in Park City for decades, assisting individuals in selling their luxury real estate as well as in their search for new property. Over the years, he has expanded his reach beyond Park City proper and also works with real estate in Deer Valley.

With our move to the Glenwild Lifestyle Center, Brad can provide you with even more options when it comes to finding your perfect home. If you are interested in what properties are available in Park City or have any other question, feel free to contact us today.

At Jensen and Company, we know there are still more efforts our community can make to preserve the natural features around us – and that includes our water usage. Take a look at these water-saving solutions to see which ideas you could implement in your home this summer.

Conserving water + saving money on your water bill = a win-win for all of us.

Upgrade Water-Utilizing Appliances

There are multiple appliances through your home which can send extra gallons of water swirling down the drain. Check these appliances for water efficiency:

• Washing machine – Top-loading washing machines can often use 30%-50% more water than a water-saving front-loading washing machine, especially if the top-loading washers are over five years old.
• Refrigerator – When checking your refrigerator, check to see if the water dispenser leaks. A steady leak can not only add to your water bill but can also ruin the finish on your fridge. Also, be sure to check the water line which connects your fridge to the central plumbing in the kitchen. If this line springs a leak, it can ruin the cabinetry it runs through and can cause your water bill to skyrocket.
• Dishwasher – If you are interested in a water-saving dishwasher, look for the ones with an Energy Star label. These dishwashers often only use 4 gallons of water per use.

Upgrading to Energy Star and water-efficient appliances will also help to sell your home if the appliances are included in the sale.

Replace Fixtures With Water-Efficient Models

When it comes to the fixtures in your home, like your bathroom faucets, toilets, and showerheads, you can replace them with more efficient versions. Fix these features right away if you notice a leak. Continuous water running can make your water bill add up quickly.

As you consider new fixtures which will help you save water, you should look for the WaterSense symbol. This symbol means the fixture meets the water-saving criteria set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Toilets, in particular, can waste vast amounts of water. This problem can become even more pronounced if you are entertaining family or friends. If you don’t want to replace your toilets, you can easily have a float boost or tank boat added to the toilet tank. These devices require your toilet tank to use less water.

Change Water Consumption Habits

Along with upgrading your appliances and fixtures, there are some simple water consumption habits you can change to achieve more water-saving this summer.

• Wait until the dishwasher is completely full before running it.
• As you set your washing machine cycle, skip the permanent press cycle, as it can use an extra 5-7 gallons of water on a simple rinse cycle.
• Go to a car wash instead of cleaning it at home and adding to your water usage.
• Focus on taking shorter showers. Timers can help remind you to end the shower so you can lower your water bill.
• Cover your outdoor pool when not in use to help prevent evaporation and the need to refill it.

Evaluate Your Landscaping Needs

If you have a landscaped yard, you may be losing a good deal of money to watering your landscaping in the summer. One way to concern water is by watering before 9:30 am. This results in more water seeping into the ground rather than evaporating due to sun exposure. If your Park City Property is sloped, take precautions to make sure you aren’t overwatering, allowing the majority of your water to run off into the street.

More natural landscaping is ideal for many Park City homes, allowing native plants to grow that require less water and maintenance. These plants include:

Dwarf Mountain Lover

Kinnikinnick

Jackman Pontentilla

Gro-low Fragrant Sumac

Little Bluestem

Snowberry

Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Serviceberry

Box Elder Manitoba

Quaking (Aspen Tree)

Narrowleaf Cottonwood

For more specific real estate advice concerning Park City, Brad Jensen from Jensen and Company is here to help you. Feel free to contact us today to work with the top real estate agent in Park City.

Sometimes referred to as “forced savings”, equity in your home is important to build if you are working to build wealth via real estate. Equity in your home amounts to investment money for more real estate, larger real estate, or simply a great addition to your savings accounts and investment portfolio. Below are five ways to increase your home equity.

1. Allow your home to appreciate based on the growth of the market.

This is a particularly passive way to build equity – allowing your home to grow equity based on the growth of the local housing market.

One of the more passive ways to allow your home to build equity is to allow it to appreciate in value. According to the most recent report by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the national value of homes have increased by 8.7% since April of 2017. This means that the raised value of your home boosts your home’s equity.

2. Make home improvements that will provide a positive return on the home.

To speed up the growth of equity, make structural improvements on the home. This includes the following improvements and updates:

• Landscaping and outdoor entertainment space
• Added square footage (added bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, garage space, etc)
• More efficient work spaces (primarily kitchen, bathrooms, garage)
• Large gather and entertaining areas

Depending on the state of the home, fresh paint, new flooring, and updated appliances can also increase the value of your home (or at least the amount of offers you have to choose from once you’ve listed). But before putting together a whole remodel plan, you may consider speaking with your realtor and your accountant to pick out the home improvements that will give you the most positive return on your home.

3. Make a larger initial investment than necessary upon purchase.

A 20% down payment is required in most cases to avoid paying insurance on your home loan each month. However, home loans are also available for as little as 3% down in some scenarios. But if you’re considering what it takes to build equity and see a greater return on your real estate investment, a larger down payment is always best. This will decrease your monthly mortgage payment, allowing you to put more towards the principle amount for a shorter life of the loan – and with a shorter term loan, you pay a whole lot less in interest.

4. Opt for a short-term loan when possible.

Most mortgages are based on a 30-year adjustable home loan. The benefit to a longer-term loan is a smaller monthly mortgage payment – but that’s about it. When possible, aim for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage to pay less interest and more principle every month.

Refinancing your loan is also an option if you plan on paying off the full amount of the loan before selling OR if you can obtain a significantly lower interest rate. If your mortgage interest rates can be dropped by at least 1.5%, this equity building route is worth considering.

5. Pay more than 12 mortgage payments per year.

The amount of “extra” mortgage payments you make each year for a quicker route to paying off your loan is going to vary for everyone. The general rule of thumb is that paying a 13th mortgage payment each year is a great way to avoid interest and shorten the life of your loan.

Paying more than the minimum mortgage amount each month is also a possibility. But you must earmark the additional payment to go specifically towards the principle of your loan or else it will be applied to the interest and you won’t make the necessary headway for increasing your equity.

If you’re purchasing rental or other investment property, aim for a price range which you can make double the mortgage payment every month.

There may be instances where you receive extra money outside of your regular income, such as inheritance, work bonuses, Christmas money, and other occasions. If there are no pressing needs, you can put this extra money toward your home mortgage, giving your home equity a boost.

Consider Which Options Are Best For Your Personal Financial Investments

There is no general rule of thumb for speeding up the growth in equity for your real estate. Each scenario will be unique, with many variables to consider. Speak with Brad Jensen about your Park City real estate about increasing your home equity whether you’re ready to make a new purchase or planning on selling in the future.

Brad Jensen has lived and worked in Park City for decades. He has seen trends come and go, markets rise and fall, and homeowners succeed in selling their real estate for top dollar. For more specific real estate advice on Park City, UT, properties, contact Jensen and Company.