I've had several clients lately who are asking about purchasing a property for their kids to live in while they go to school here at Southern Utah University.  There are some fantastic advantages to this, detailed in this article  http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=766535.  The story is from Colorado, but the principles are the same for Cedar City investments.  There's a great way to put parents and kids on the same loan, called a "kiddie condo" loan.  It's actually an FHA loan, with fantastic government-backed rates and low down payment.

Best,

Jennie.

With so much information to wade through in the national media - a lot of it negative - it's nice to hear some good news!  The local paper printed this article  http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS01/807060306/1002 about the local housing market.  Guess what?  We've got some great deals right now! 

There are over 350 homes on the market right now under $200,000.  That's affordable!  Coupled with low interest rates and 100% loan programs available, it's a great time to buy in this area!

Call our office if you'd like a list of properties in your price range, including foreclosures and short sales.

Best,

Jennie.

I am very excited to announce a new subdivision that is creating buzz already!

Park View Estates is a 467-lot subdivision right outside Cedar City in the city of Enoch.  Affordable homes!  One model starting at $126,000 up to over $300,000.  It's got 48 acres of city-maintained parks, easy access off of Minersville Highway, meandering sidewalks, and a real neighborhood feel.  Fantastic panoramic views and a commitment to being environmentally friendly make this subdivision the best thing we've seen in Southern Utah in a long time. 

Call the office for a complete packet and information - you'll love what you see!

Best,

Jennie.

I recently did a radio show with Bryan Dangerfield from the Cedar City Economic Development Office.  What great information!  Talking with Bryan got me even more upbeat about Cedar City and Iron County's future.  You can hear the whole broadcast next Friday, May 23rd, at 4:00 pm on 590 am radio.

Let me share with you some of the highlights.

The main goal of the Economic Development Office at the city is to recruit hi-tech, hi-wage, hi-quality businesses to our area.  And did you know many of these businesses are relocating here from the East Coast?  I found that interesting.  Many of them are coming here for the access to the west coast and the Southern California market, which we have through our outstanding rail service as well as I-15.

I asked Bryan if there were any businesses that the city said, "No" to, and he said yes, they have turned away a number of businesses that would have had a negative impact on the environment.  Some who would have put up big smokestacks or used too much water have not been welcomed.  The city is actively recruiting companies with a low environmental impact and a good community fit.  Kudos to them!

Other interesting points Bryan brought up were the cost of living and the major developments coming up.

Did you know that according the the ACCRA, the cost of living in Cedar City/Iron County is:

*Composite:  91.7%

*Groceries:  95.6%

*Housing: 89.6% (even after our banner years!  It's still a great deal!)

*Utilities:  82.4%

*Transportation:  96.0%

*Health care:  88.6% (with our outstanding levels of medical treatment available!)

*Miscellaneous goods and services: 93.8%

Add to this our beautiful scenery, Southern Utah University, access to cultural and arts events - we are very lucky!

Bryan also talked about Port 15, Iron Bull Mining and Milling, the new businesses at Aviation Way, the UNEV Pipeline, and other businesses looking to relocate here that would bring 300-400 jobs with them. 

What a great city!

Best,

Jennie.

I know not everyone gets as excited as me about local real estate statistics, but these are good!

Did you know that in the under-$200,000 range there are 77 homes that have closed in the Cedar City and Enoch areas this year?  And that there are 48 under contract?  And that those number closely correspond with the 125 that were under contract or closed at this time last year?

The national media continues to report negatively about the real estate market, but I hope you all realize how great the market is here locally in Cedar City and the surrounding areas.  Homes in Cedar City continue to be a great investment, interest rates are low, and consumers purchasing power has never been better!

Cedar City homes and real estate offer great opportunity!  The weather is turning warm, and what better way to spend a weekend than looking at homes?  :)

Best,

Jennie.

www.SouthernUTrealestate.com

We've decided that we need to be more effective at getting the word out to folks that our market here has got some amazing opportunities.  Our inventory is terrific, interest rates are at historic lows, and there are some fantastic loan programs we get to take advantage of because of our rural location.

Watch this spot for upcoming events, including a $200,000 and under tour of Cedar City, Short Sale classes for buyers and sellers, and a Connections program that will be extremely beneficial for our clients!

Best,

Jennie.

www.SouthernUTrealestate.com

I get so excited to live in Cedar City.  There are so many things to do!  I'm always amazed at the quality and quantity of cultural events that make there way here.  The Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company is giving a performance tonight at the Heritage Theater as part of the Cedar City Music Arts series.  It's great to have access to things like the Utah Symphony, the Nevada Ballet, acts from Branson, Mo., and so many quality performances that you typically wouldn't find in a town this size. 

I hope everyone can take advantage of the Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Summer Games, the July Jamboree, the 4th of July Parade, the Livestock Festival, and the list goes on!  Call our office if you need info on any of this.

Best,

Jennie.

www.SouthernUTrealestate.com

Everyone wants a GOOD DEAL!

This is a great market for good deals.  There are townhomes for $120,000 or less, short sales and foreclosures, and fabulous interest rates and loan programs.

*  $199,900 in Rocking Horse, includes a theater room, finished basement, great floor plan and super location.  Unbelievable deal!

*  $214,900 in Cedar Meadows - short sale, so opportunity for big reduction.  4 beds/2 baths, all wood floors.

*  $149,900 fixer-upper in Buena Vista.  If you want to put a little elbow grease into this, you'll have instant equity, and a gorgeous home.

Stay tuned for more great deals and tips!

Best,

Jennie.

www.SouthernUTrealestate.com

We've been talking a lot in our office lately about how the national news is so depressing and scary, but here in Southern Utah our real estate market is doing really well!  We keep hearing statistics that say housing prices are down, housing starts are down, housing sales are down. . . and there are places where that's the case, just not here in Cedar City.

Our average sales price is still over $200,000, and the number of homes sold compared to last year is only off a few points.  If you are thinking about buying, NOW IS THE TIME!!  Interest rates are at historic lows, our inventory is fantastic, and there are hundreds of affordable homes on the market right now. 

As an example, one of our agents just sold a really cute, brand-new townhome to some first time homebuyers, they didn't have to put anything down, and their payment is just over $600 a month!  This is what they were paying in rent monthly, plus they get all the benefits of homeownership - including the tax breaks.

There are great things happening in our area right now- call to get an update!

Best,

Jennie.

www.SouthernUTrealestate.com

The weather is turning warmer, and we can see Spring around the corner!

www.SouthernUTrealestate.com