Tips for Winter Driving

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Winter Driving

Winter is the most difficult driving season. Not only do you have snow and ice to deal with, but there are fewer hours of daylight as well. Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially the tires, battery, and exhaust system. Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. On front-wheel drive cars, it is best to put snow tires or "all-season" tires on all four wheels, not just the front. Be sure the windshield washer container is filled with a freeze-resistant cleaning solution. Always carry emergency supplies in case you become stranded. (See below for a suggested list.) A Citizens Band (CB) radio and/or cellular phone can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency. Remember to pull of the road to talk on a cellular phone.

Driving Tips:
Know your vehicle. Not all cars respond the same to icy, slippery roads. For that reason, knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it responds in various weather conditions is important. Your owner's manual will provide vital information about your vehicle's braking system, tire traction, and safety tips. Drivers should maintain winter driving techniques and caution even when roads appear clear. For those driving SUVs or 4-wheel drive vehicles, please remember that these vehicles react to ice just like any other vehicle. Overconfidence in your vehicle's abilities can lead to serious problems.

• Utah law requires the use of seat belts and child safety seats in all vehicles. Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is prohibited. Laws are strictly enforced.
• Clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, trunk, turn signal lights, tail and headlights, windows, mirrors, and fenders.
• Plan your route and be familiar with the maps/directions to avoid confusion.
• Check the weather reports and adjust your starting time.
• Inform others of your route and expected time of arrival.
• Always fill the gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance, and stop to fill-up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping the gas tank as full as possible will minimize condensation.
• Drive with extra caution. Start slow and easy from a stop and steer smoothly. No abrupt turning, braking or accelerating.
• Increase your following distance. The distance needed to stop on ice is twice as long as that you would need to brake under normal driving circumstances.
• Drive slower than the posted speed limit; remember that it is calculated for ideal weather conditions.
• You have better visibility using your LOW BEAMS when driving in a snow storm or fog.
• Use extra caution when driving on bridges, overpasses, tunnels, or areas without direct sunlight. Those areas often have black ice - a thin clear layer of ice which allows the dark underlying road surface to show through. Black ice forms when the temperature is around (even slightly above) freezing and the road is damp/wet from high humidity, fog, daytime snow melt, rain, or snow. Signs of black ice include a shiny road surface or when you no longer see spray from the tires of other vehicles but the road still looks wet.
• KNOW YOUR BRAKES. Your owner's manual will provide information about your braking system. Find out which type of brakes your vehicle has and follow the safety steps below.
  
  
  
  1. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) offer significant advantages on slick roads, if used correctly. To operate ABS effectively, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Never manually pump ABS brakes yourself. Apply only steady pressure continuously until you come to a complete stop.
  2. If you don't have ABS, you should gently apply pumping pressure to your brakes during slippery conditions. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Standing on your brakes will only cause wheel lock, and may result in your car spinning out of control.
  
  
  
  

• HANDLING SKIDS
  
  
  
  1. FRONT WHEEL DRIVE: Once you feel your car begin to skid, slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, until you feel your wheels regain traction control. (Do not attempt to brake!) As your vehicle's tires grab the road, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want your front wheels to go.
  2. REAR WHEEL DRIVE: When you begin to spin, remove your foot from the gas pedal. Slowly steer in the direction you want the car to go. If you are still skidding out of control, counter-steer until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction. Never apply steady pressure to the brakes.
  
  
  
  

If you become stranded:

(Items in bold should already be packed in the vehicle as part of your emergency supplies. See below for a complete emergency supply list.)

• If your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as possible and turn on the warning/flashing lights. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by passing cars.
• Don't panic. Use common sense.
• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
• To attract attention light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away or hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
• If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia, use the woolen items, blanket, newspapers, and large bags to keep warm.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
• Bottled water may freeze. Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Vehicle Emergency Supply List:

1. Battery jumper cables
2. First aid kit
3. Shovel
4. Basic tool kit (pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench) and pocket knife
5. Sleeping bags or blankets
6. Extra winter clothing (caps, socks, mittens, and boots)
7. Bottled water & non-perishable food - nuts, candy, nutrition bars, etc.
8. Windshield scraper
9. Flashlight and transistor radio with extra batteries for each
10. Candle and matches
11. Bag of sand
12. Bright colored cloth
13. Wireless phone, if available

RE/MAX.com adds foreclosure listings FREE

RE/MAX.com adds foreclosure listings FREE

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Homebuyers will now be able to search through more than 1 million foreclosed properties and access agents specializing in short sales and foreclosures, all in one location. RE/MAX International Inc. said it’s the first national real estate franchise to offer U.S. foreclosure listings on its Web site, www.remax.com.

Remax.com visitors can now access more than 1.3 million real estate owned (REO) properties in the U.S. through RealtyTrac.

“We strive to provide consumers with the most information, properties, videos, articles and resources to help them navigate today’s market,” said Kristi Graning, senior vice president, information technology and eBusiness for RE/MAX International. “Remax.com is now the perfect combination of resources on one Web site, where visitors can search for foreclosures and connect with a uniquely trained RE/MAX agent who specializes in short sales, REOs and foreclosures.”

Homebuyers across the country, including those looking to take advantage of the recently enhanced homebuyer tax credit, can search foreclosures by accessing the foreclosure tab in the featured property search box on remax.com.

Sourced by government agencies and national news media, RealtyTrac is the No. 1 foreclosure listing service. It collects extensive foreclosure data from more than 2,200 counties, covering more than 90 percent of U.S. households.

As part of the partnership, RE/MAX agents also have access to an advanced subscription of RealtyTrac’s service and foreclosure information which allows them to better serve clients. The comprehensive subscription offers agents more detailed information including properties in default and properties scheduled for public foreclosure auction, along with tax assessment information, comprehensive lien and loan history and neighborhood home sale trends.

“We are very pleased to be working with RE/MAX, one of the world’s leading real estate brands, and we’re excited to give consumers another way to access foreclosure data,” said Rick Sharga, senior vice president for RealtyTrac. “We believe we can have a positive impact on the national housing market by providing consumers with vital foreclosure information and giving homebuyers an opportunity to find the perfect home with the right agent.”

Many RE/MAX agents are qualified to manage foreclosures and distressed property. More RE/MAX associates have earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation than agents from any other national real estate network. The CDPE training, through the Distressed Property Institute, gives RE/MAX agents the expertise to assist buyers and sellers of REO and distressed properties.

For more information on RE/MAX International, or to search for property listings, visit http://www.remax.com. For more information on RealtyTrac, visit http://www.realtytrac.com.

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure

Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them?

Don't ignore the letters from your lender

Contact your lender immediately

Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency

Toll FREE (800) 569-4287

TTY (800) 877-8339

If you are unable to make your mortgage payment:

1. Don't ignore the problem.

The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.

2. Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem.

Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.  

3. Open and respond to all mail from your lender.

The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems.  Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action.  Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.

4. Know your mortgage rights.

Find your loan documents and read them so you know what your lender may do if you can't make your payments.  Learn about the foreclosure laws and timeframes in your state (as every state is different) by contacting the State Government Housing Office.  

5. Understand foreclosure prevention options.

Valuable information about foreclosure prevention (also called loss mitigation) options can be found online.

6. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide.  Housing counselors can help you understand the law and your options, organize your finances and represent you in negotiations with your lender if you need this assistance. Find a HUD-approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287 or TTY (800) 877-8339.

7. Prioritize your spending.

After healthcare, keeping your house should be your first priority.  Review your finances and see where you can cut spending in order to make your mortgage payment.  Look for optional expenses-cable TV, memberships, entertainment-that you can eliminate. Delay payments on credit cards and other "unsecured" debt until you have paid your mortgage.

8. Use your assets.  

Do you have assets-a second car, jewelry, a whole life insurance policy-that you can sell for cash to help reinstate your loan? Can anyone in your household get an extra job to bring in additional income?  Even if these efforts don't significantly increase your available cash or your income, they demonstrate to your lender that you are willing to make sacrifices to keep your home.  

9. Avoid foreclosure prevention companies.

You don't need to pay fees for foreclosure prevention help-use that money to pay the mortgage instead. Many for-profit companies will contact you promising to negotiate with your lender.  While these may be legitimate businesses, they will charge you a hefty fee (often two or three month's mortgage payment) for information and services your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor will provide free if you contact them.

10. Don't lose your house to foreclosure recovery scams!

If any firm claims they can stop your foreclosure immediately if you sign a document appointing them to act on your behalf, you may well be signing over the title to your property and becoming a renter in your own home!  Never sign a legal document without reading and understanding all the terms and getting professional advice from an attorney, a trusted real estate professional, or a HUD approved housing counselor.

* This information was from the hud.gov website* 

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***If you find that you can't save your home. Call us and we can help you do a short sale to avoid foreclosure. We average about 100 listings per month and are able to close most of them! Call Austin Heywood at 801-572-6161 or email max2@listingyourhome.com ***

What is a CDPE?

What is a CDPE?

The prospect of foreclosure can be financially and emotionally devastating, and often homeowners proceed without guidance of any kind. The developers of the CDPE Designation believe that the best course of action for a homeowner in distress is to speak with a well-informed, licensed real estate professional. They have the tools needed to help homeowners find the best solution for their situation. Often, when other options have been exhausted, CDPEs can help homeowners avoid foreclosure through the efficient execution of a short sale.
While enduring financial difficulties is challenging for any family, the process of finding a qualified real estate professional should not be. Selecting an agent with the CDPE Designation ensures you are dealing with a professional trained to address your specific needs. A Certified Distressed Property Expert® is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today’s market, specifically short sales.

CDPEs don’t merely assist in selling properties, they serve and help save their clients in need.

3 Must Have Qualifications for a Short Sale

3 Must Have Qualifications for a Short Sale

While the misconceptions of what qualifies a seller for a
short sale are many, the reality is actually very simple.
Following is an explanation of the three major items that
banks will be looking for to consider a seller for a short sale. While
there will be much more information required, this is an excellent
place to start. A seller who does not meet all three of these
thresholds will not qualify.

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1. Financial Hardship

First and foremost a lender will want to see that your client is
experiencing a ‘financial hardship’. A financial hardship is a verifiable
issue that has caused your client to miss payments or have financial
difficulties.

Financial hardships can be issues such as:

• Mortgage Payment Adjustment
• Job Loss
• Too Much Debt
• Business Failure

A simple definition for ‘financial hardship’ is:
A material change in-between the day the mortgage was signed
and today that has affected the borrower’s ability to pay.

2. Monthly Shortfall
Almost every lender will want to see that a potential short sale
client cannot afford to pay their mortgage. The way that this is
demonstrated is on a financial worksheet that is essentially a
monthly profit and loss statement. While this may sound difficult in
reality determining whether a client has a monthly shortfall or not is
actually relatively easy.
The equation is:
Total Monthly Income – Total Monthly Expense = Monthly Shortfall
If your client does not have a monthly short fall but will have one
soon due to a payment increase or pending layoff, etc. then they
still can qualify for a short sale as long as this issue is verifiable.

3. Insolvency
In order to qualify for a short sale, your client cannot have the
means to pay down his mortgage. This means that the mortgage
company wants to see that your client owes more
than he has in cash (know as being insolvent). Your
client does not however have to be completely
broke—this is a common misconception, the lender
will want to see that over time the borrower will not
be able to pay their obligation.

Alex Charfen, Co-Founder of the Distressed Property Insitute

What Should I Look for When Walking Through a Home?

What Should I Look for When Walking Through a Home?

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Is there enough room for both the present and the future?

Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Could you add more?

Is the house structurally sound? Roof? Foundation? Etc.

Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?

Is the yard big enough?

Do you like the floor plan?

Do you like the community?

Where does the home’s value compare to other homes in the area?

How long will you live there? What will the neighborhood’s value be then?

How do the schools compare?
Will your furniture fit? Is there enough storage?

Imagine living in the home… how does it feel? During each season?

Things to Remember when Buying a Home…

Things to Remember when Buying a Home…


After Pre-Qualifying for a mortgage, don’t make major purchases on credit or use your available cash for down payments. The lender will be required to pull your credit report a second time right before you close.

Be sure to ask about Home Warranties and Home Inspections. These will save you major headaches down the road!

Before you even look at even one home, pre-qualify with a mortgage lender so you don’t set your expectations too high or too low when viewing properties.

Assess your needs v. wants on a sheet of paper. Divide the paper into two sides: on one side make a list of features that you HAVE to have and on the other a list of features that would be nice to have.

Keep a record of all your documents from beginning to end, this will help you in preparing your taxes and when you decide to sell your home.

Be realistic when negotiating with the seller, evaluate recent trends in the market and the average sale price v. listed price in the area. Your agent will show you data on the MLS for comparisons. Remember… you and the seller set the price, not your agent or theirs.


If you know you have credit complications, it is a good idea to meet with a qualified mortgage lender to assess your situation and create a strategy for cleaning up your credit, your lender will advise you on what steps to take in order to qualify sooner for a loan.

Short Sale Myths

Short Sale Myths
A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who must sell and owe more on their homes than they are worth. Unfortunately, a number of myths about short sales have developed, and it is important to understand the reality of this process should you find it meets your current needs.

Myth #1 – The Bank Would Rather Foreclose than Bother with a Short SaleThis is one of the most common misconceptions. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on your property because the foreclosure process is incredibly costly. Banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered. Overwhelmingly, banks receive more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure.
The qualifications for a short sale include:
Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
Monthly Income Shortfall – “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.

Myth #2 – You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short SaleWhile this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency.
If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

Myth #3 – There is Not Enough Time to Negotiate a Short Sale Before My ForeclosureThis is a myth that probably hurts homeowners the most. Many do not realize that foreclosure is a process, and that there is time to make decisions that may result in better outcomes.
The foreclosing party—in most cases a lender—can stall a foreclosure up to the final day of the process. Today, many lenders will stall a foreclosure with as little as a phone call from you explaining that you are trying to sell, and almost all lenders will stall a foreclosure with a legitimate contract. For real estate professionals who understand foreclosures and short sales, there is time available until the foreclosure process is complete.

Myth #4 – Listing My Home as a Short Sale is an EmbarrassmentIt is understandable to have reservations about letting the world know that you owe more on your home than it is worth. However, according to recent estimates, more than one out of eight homeowners in the U.S. is in the same situation. You are to be congratulated for admitting you need help, taking action, and finding a professional who can work with you toward a solution.
With recent estimates showing 40-60% of U.S. sales will be short sales or foreclosures, you are not alone.

Myth #5 – Short Sales are Impossible and Never Get ApprovedThis is a complete falsehood. Are short sales more difficult to execute? Yes. Do you, as a homeowner, need to learn about a new process? Yes. Are they impossible? Absolutely not.
For example, agents with the Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) Designation receive thousands of short sale approvals on a monthly basis. These professionals have undergone extensive training in methods to help homeowners in distress and process short sales. While there are no guarantees in any transaction, more and more short sales are being approved regularly. This is far from an impossible process.

Myth #6 – Banks are Waiting on a Bailout and Not Accepting Short SalesYou may have heard this, but the reality is that banks (and the U.S. government) are trying to do anything they can, within reason, to avoid foreclosing on properties. It is preposterous to believe they would deny a short sale in hopes that some future legislation would pass and pay them for losses.
Today, more banks are aggressively pursuing short sales and working with agents who understand how to process them. Freddie Mac recently hosted a national training Webinar for real estate agents where they expressly stated the organizational goal of “eliminating distressed assets through modification or short sale.”

Myth #7 – Buyers are Not Interested in Short Sale PropertiesThis is a myth that potential sellers hear all the time. Thankfully, this is just not true. In fact, many agents are getting calls from buyers who say they only want to look at foreclosure and short sales.
For buyers, short sales and foreclosures have become synonymous with “good deals.” More specifically, international buyers are targeting these properties. Listing with an experienced agent who is educated in the short sale process will provide you with a great chance of quickly seeing a contract on your property.

In conclusion, Agents with the CDPE Designation have been trained in all aspects of the short sale process, and know how to deal with the parties involved in foreclosures. Finding a CDPE can explain what options you have, and get you on the path to recovery.

Some Things to Remember Before You Move…

Some Things to Remember Before You Move…

 Send your forwarding address to the local post office and send change of address card to:- Insurance companies - Magazines - Merchants - Clubs - Friends - Charge accounts- Credit cards - Book/CD clubs - Catalogs - Veterans Administration
Keep file of vital papers and reminders
Get estimates from moving companies, select a moving company, confirm date and decide who will pack.Paid packers typically come the day before moving day.
Start sorting. Decide what to move, what to sell, give away, discard. Take cuttings or give away extra house-plants.
Inventory possessions. List dents and scratches and, if possible, list value and year of purchase. Photo or video records are ideal.
Transfer insurance:- Life - Automobile - Hospitalization - Household goods, personal possessions
Arrange sufficient cash or traveler’s checks to cover cost of moving expenses and services. Transfer companies usually require certified funds or cash.
Have your bank recommend an affiliate in your new city and transfer bank accounts and empty safe deposit box.
Disconnect and obtain any deposits or letters of credit:- Electric - Water - Gas - Phone - Cable
Stop service on the following:- Newspaper - Garbage collection - Bakery - Milk - Lawn - Laundry, diapers - Other
Notify principal of your children’s school about your intended move.- Request a letter from him/her covering the status of your children in school.
Notify your church pastor that you are leaving.
Obtain birth and baptism records of your children.
Obtain all medical records of shots, dental records and eyeglass prescriptions.- Have your drug prescriptions filled.
Check with your attorney about will revisions, if moving out of state.
Have appliances serviced for the trip:- Service power mowers, boats, etc., drain all gas and oil- Automobiles - Refrigerator
Pick up personal items:- Shoes being repaired - Off-season stored clothing - Dry cleaning and laundry - Film
Return all borrowed items, library books. Collect anything borrowed from you.
Pack cleaning supplies, hammer, nails, screwdriver, pliers, masking tape, tape measure, flashlight and batteries, cloths, scissors, light bulbs, aspirin, soap, toilet paper and first aid supplies, in a separate carton, to take with you.
Keep basics handy and in well-marked boxes:- Comfortable clothes - Phones - Cosmetics/toiletries - Alarm clocks - Iron - Cleaning supplies - Extension cords - Toolbox and flashlight - Linens and towels
Save the phone book from your former city residence.
Carry jewelry and documents yourself.
Verify insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
Let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule you will travel, including overnight stops. Use him/her as message headquarters.
Leave the keys for your old property with your Sales Associate or Title Co.
Collect children’s games and activities for the trip.
Plan meals and snacks, to minimize shopping. Have “quick-fix” foods ready or plan to eat out/carry in.