By: Robert A. Hulme - Realtor - Loan Officer -Utah County, Including Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Highland, Alpine and Cedar Hills, Eagle Mountain, Payson, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Mortgage Xpress, Agent Once you have decided on a Loan Officer to represent you in obtaining a Home Loan, the first step that you need to take is the Uniform Residential Loan Application (Form 1003).  This loan application has been used for many years.  It is very complete and allows the lender to evaluate your ability to repay your home loan or mortgage. In today's Real Estate market with all the fraud that has taken place in the home buying process, the loan application has become a very important piece of information in helping determine whether fraud has taken plac... 12/22/2008

By: Robert A. Hulme - Realtor - Loan Officer As a Realtor who is represents the Home Buyer, I have found through the years, the Home Warranty to be a very important factor in the home purchase process.  The last thing a new home buyer wants to worry about after closing is the possibility of something breaking down.  There are many things that could go wrong, for peace of mind; it would be a good idea to get a home protection plan.  I believe it is especially important for First-time home buyers, with little experience maintaining a home. Generally the Seller pays for the Home Protection plan and Home Warranty coverage.  This is not only a benefit for the Home Buyer, but it also protects the Seller, because the home buyer won't be calling and bothering him when things go wrong. For an an... 12/15/2008

We still are having a low percent of new listings being SOLD.  Currently (19.38) % on a year over year, YTD comparison and we need positive % of listings sold, with positive price action to confirm market bottom. Please see data below.                                                                                  PRICE ACTION   Other good signs in addition to positive price action is lower DOM (days of the market) and lower new listings.             SUMMARY  Currently we are not seeing the needed positive price action to confirm a market bottom. This is NOT a good time for conservative buyers to purchase.  High risk tolerant investors and speculators are doing some bottom fishing. For more details or just to chat about market conditions please feel free to contact me   12/08/2008

When you first start shopping for a new home, usually you begin with a list of things that you must have.  Many times after you purchase your new home you find that your wish list of features did not quite add up to what you originally wanted. Most usually want basically the same house.  It might include 1200 - 1500 sq. ft., built within the last 5 years, open floor plan and vaulted ceilings.  Laundry Room on the first floor, garage, basement, Master Bedroom with a garden tub, Walk -In closet and a decent sized yard with some degree of privacy.  When you find it, you purchase it and you love it. Here is what happens within a week of moving in.  Both cars don't fit in the garage.  Two cars cannot park comfortably next to each other in the driveway and when you step out of the car it is i... 12/03/2008

Home Buyer - A Dozen things to do. By: Robert A. Hulme - Realtor - Loan Officer -Utah County, Including Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, Lehi, Highland, Alpine and Cedar Hills, Eagle Mountain, Payson, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Mortgage Xpress, Agent The largest personal finance transaction a person makes in his/her life is purchasing a Home.  It is crucial that you make the right preparations and do the proper research.  Regardless of the unique situations and special circumstances, there are a dozen things that you should do. Understand the Home Buying process Study the home buying process, this will allow you to make better decisions and act confidently.  The home buying vocabulary is an important part of this; make sure you understand all the terminology... 11/19/2008

Alpine has a serious real estate problem. Based on the recent sales numbers, the current inventory of homes for sale will be on the market for a very long time. In the first half of 2008, only 20 homes were sold in Alpine. There are currently 104 homes for sale in Alpine. So, at the pace of 3.3 homes sold a month it would take two and a half years to sell the current inventory. However, there are a few more variables involved. The homes that did sell in Alpine during the first half of the year had a median price of $442,242 and an average price of $500,292. The homes currently on the market have a median price of nearly $700,000 and an average price at more than $950,000. In addition, there will be new listings. Investers and homeowners who bought in Alpine will eventually have to sell.... 07/16/2008