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Last week I posted a blog, Should I Sign That Buyer Agency Agreement?. This week I'd like to continue the discussion of things buyer's need to be aware of. In the State of Utah the Buyer Agency Agreement references Buyer's Due Diligence. What exactly is buyer's due diligence?

This is a question I get a lot from my buyer's as we are discussing the details of the agency agreement. And I always respond, "that's a great question, let's talk about it." I then whip out the copy of the Buyer's Due Diligence and we proceed to go through it line by line.

Buyer's Due Diligence is something that every buyer needs to be aware of. And in addition to being aware of it, they need to actually check the property out before purchasing. This is your right as a buyer,…

This morning I read a great blog from a real estate agent in Ogden, Utah that examines the Buyer Agency Agreement:

We've all had it happen before. As buyers we call to inquiry about a property and schedule a time to see the home later in the evening. When the appointment rolls around, we meet the friendly REALTOR for the first time. Prior to entering the house the agent whips out a two page contract and asks us to sign it before going inside. As buyers, we are caught off guard and very skeptical to sign anything at this point. So we either sign it or we don't, either way we don't place much value on it.Jared Wangsgard, TubeUtah Real Estate Blog, Oct 2008

Many buyers wonder what the purpose of the Buyer Agency Agreement is.  This is probably because…

I was talking with one of my colleagues this morning and he told me of a guy he was speaking with yesterday.  This client said he had wait to purchase a home because he didn’t quite have 20% for a down payment yet.  Many consumers right now would like to purchase a home, but they are worried that they can’t get financing. So what’s the real story with getting a loan?

It’s true that banks have tightened up their lending procedures.  What the news doesn’t tell you is who they aren’t lending to anymore.  The root of the problem with the banks right now was caused by the subprime market.  The subprime market was established for people who otherwise would not be extended credit.

What do you need to do to qualify for a mortgage loan?

• You need to…

I’m sure by now that almost everyone in the country has heard of the gloomy outlook on the national economy.  After watching the news I don’t blame anyone for being scared about their financial future.  So here comes some good news, yes I did say good news.

Yesterday on YAHOO! Real Estate, Brad Reagan and Elizabeth O’Brien wrote a great article that can give us all some hope after all of the bad news we’ve be inundated repeatedly with in the past year.  The article, Home Prices: Now for the Good News, references seven of the markets that look best for a rebound.  And guess what, Salt Lake City is among the list.  What does this mean for you? Well, this can give you some added confidence in our local market.  Here in Utah we haven’t seen the booms that…

For most Americans the American Dream is to own a home.  Buying a home is a big step in anyone’s life.  This is probably the biggest investment you will ever make and also the most rewarding.  Although, we hear in the news almost daily of all of the foreclosures across the country happening.  Were these people in foreclosure really ready to purchase a home when they did?

Buying a home is a big deal, so you should not treat it lightly.  So here are a few tips for when you purchase a home.

• Purchase within your means.  This is your first home.  Don’t expect it to be everything that your parents have.  This is the most important concept when buying a home.  Do not spend more than you can afford.
• Understand the details of your financing.  Many…

While I was attending college here in Logan, Utah I talked to other students who were attending Utah State University from all over the country, and world for that matter. People told me all the time that there was nothing to do in Logan. I was shocked to hear this. I’ve lived in this area most of my life and I know there is an adundance of things here in the valley. Logan has great things to offer for almost anyone.

For the outdoor enthusiast Logan is a paradise. Logan is located in Beautiful Cache Valley and surrounded by mountains in every direction. If you enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, snow skiing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, or water skiing then Logan is a great place to live. With all of these great activities so…

Getting into your first home is a big step and often a hard one.  Owning a home brings great benefits that many people would love to have.  Are you one of the many people in the United States that is still renting and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to own a home?  Now is a good time for you to get into a home.  It may still be a stretch, but it is worth checking into.

This past year, the Government approved a $7500 Tax Credit for first time home buyers.  This is a great option available for buyers.  If you bought a home after April 9, 2008 you may be eligible for this credit.  This credit combined with low interest rates and a large inventory make now a great time to buy for first time home buyers.

I’ve received many calls from people who have…

If you have turned on the news at all recently you’ve probably heard doom and gloom regarding foreclosures, banks going under, and the overall economy going to hell in a hand basket.  Yes, it is scary stuff.  In reality though, economies naturally work just like a roller coaster.  My point is, don’t let the current economic downturn get you down.

Should I buy now? That is the question that is plaguing a lot of people’s minds.  Watching the news these days could scare just about anyone from investing in anything.  Keep in mind that real estate has no national market.  Each local area has its own real estate market.  Here in Logan, Utah we still have a strong market and strong local economy.  Yes, our growth has slowed, but we are still…