Your Neighborhood Homes Sold Price Report   If you want to know what homes are actually selling for in today’s market, the easiest way to find out is to look online. But housing data on websites can be months old and value estimates as much as 30% higher or lower than actual sales prices. Too, looking at the asking prices of homes for sale doesn’t always tell the whole story, when what you want are actual transactions data.

Home sales down, prices rise to pre-recession level Sales of single-family homes in Salt Lake County fell 4 percent in the first quarter, the first time home sales showed a quarterly decline in five years (first quarter year-over-year).   In the January through March period, 2,158 single-family homes were sold by Realtors®, 100 less homes sold compared to the same quarter in 2013. The first quarter decline follows a robust 2013 selling year.

I just took my home off the market because it didn’t sell. What can I do now to try to sell it again? The biggest things to consider are the home’s price and its condition. You may have set the price too high, keeping buyers and real estate agents away.

Good news:  Home burglaries are down, thanks in part to the Neighborhood Watch and similar organizations.   Here’s the best advice for protecting your home:   Deter.   Have good locks on your doors and windows.

Your home is your solitude, but it can also be the ultimate stresser.   When it comes to home safety, electrical issues, plumbing problems, and other damage, you can have a good impact on avoiding a big headache!   Trim trees around your house-Mother Nature can come in and do some damage to roofs if you have gangly and overly hanging branches Purchase no-burst hoses for your washing machine Turn off your water before going on vacation, or at least have a family friend or relative come checkup on it if you are insistent on keeping your water on. Regularly monitor your foundation and check for wall crack Check your fire alarm battery regulary Put a splash pan under water heaters or washes to catch potential leaks Install surge protectors to prevent data loss and protect you microprocessors If you live in an earthquake-prone area, strap your water heater.

If you're looking to sell your existing home and you are shy on cash you likely can't make a lot of expensive home improvements for showings, fret not!  There are lots of basic cosmetic changes that can dramatically improve the look of your home.   My first suggestion is to seriously clean your house and “make it sparkle!” Here are a few more tricks of the trade to help you get the most for your money: Clear off kitchen and bathroom counter tops. Put away appliances.

If you don’t know where to turn for reliable answers or need to sort through your options, turn to these experts for advice: Your REALTOR® can determine the current value of your home, and can discuss your options if you owe more than your home value.   Knowledgeable agents can also explain more about current government programs available. A Foreclosure Counselor will help you evaluate your current financial situation, by reviewing your monthly income and expenses.