Kandy Clayton

It never fails that during and at the end of each transaction I have a co-op Agent tell me what a pleasure it was to work with me and my Team. I don't take these compliments lightly and am grateful for the pleasant relationships I have built with these agents over the years. I also know that by continuing to treat people with kindness and respect, they will want to show my properties and write offers every opportunity they get.

On the other hand, I have found my kindness abused by seemingly aggressive agents who would like to tell me how to do my job and what my client can and can't do. Very politely I explain what the requirements are and that their client agreed to these requirements when they signed the Addendums.

On the flip side, I received a number of buyer referrals this year that did end up buying REO properties. Need I say, I was not treated nearly as well as I treat others. Now I know you may be thinking, this is another Agent bantering about REO Agents doing a poor job in hopes of securing more listings. While I love the idea of more listings, that is not the purpose of bringing this subject to light.

I remember at Five Star last year a number of Agents whining and complaining to a panel about what a poor job the REO Agents in their marketplace do. No one wants to hear that, and the panel quickly addressed the topic and said that they would not listen to any of it. That was not the purpose of the panel/forum.

I have read nightmare stories of Buyer's Agents experiences and how REO Agents are such villains. I just figured they were all jealous of the Agents being assigned listings, but I gotta tell ya, after a few of my experiences this year, there may be more truth to that than I ever imagined.

While I realize with the heavy flow of business some of us saw the last two years, that from time-to-time calls were not returned promptly or we didn't immediately respond to a request for more information as quick as someone would have liked. (It was typically due to their inability to read MLS Remarks). However, is it really necessary to treat a co-op Agent like they are a complete idiot? FYI Listing Agents I have sold more than one REO in my life! On both the Listing Side and the Buying Side!

How about inspection repairs? How often does an Agent come to you requesting repairs on behalf of their Buyer when all of our client's have "As Is" clauses? Do you tell them to go pound sand? I sure hope not, because in not so nice of terms, that's precisely what I was told. Is it really so hard to realize we are dealing with human beings with feelings on the other side. Real live Buyers who are emotionally invested in the process, and in short supply I might add. And, while I believe it is our duty to protect our Asset Managers from these emotions and turmoil, I do not believe it necessary to treat the co-op Agent and ultimately their Buyers with anything but respect.

MARKET WATCH: Salt Lake City, Utah (Salt Lake County)

The true impact of our economic conditions has undoubtedly created homelessness. However, I was alarmed to learn of the true figures. During the 12 months ending May 2010, employment fell by 27,000 jobs, or 4.3 percent, to 602,600 jobs. The average unemployment rate increased from 4.8 to 6.7 percent during the same period. (We all know these numbers are not accurate and those numbers represented are very low). These numbers reflect Salt Lake County only. A recent story from KSL documents these numbers and also paints a bright side, which I numbers I do not agree with. http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3901253

New data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shows Utah's homeless population increased by 16 percent to nearly 16,000 people. Nationwide record job losses and foreclosures helped push more than 170,000 families into homeless shelters in 2009, up nearly 30 percent since 2007.

It's been said that a program in the stimulus bill, the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, or HPRP, (does this sound similar to HAMP & HAFA)? HPRP reportedly has helped 357,000 people nationwide by moving some from homeless shelters into their own apartments and by providing rent payments to prevent others from becoming homeless. 17 percent of HPRP money has been spent, but many of the organizations that distribute the money already have exhausted or committed their two- and three-year allocations. Some organizations were turning needy applicants away because of a funding shortage.

According to Reis, Inc., the 2nd Quarter 2010 vacancy rate in Salt Lake County increased to 7.1 percent, up from 5.9 percent a year ago. During the same period, the average apartment rent remained relatively unchanged at $747. Where do you think these people are going that are loosing their homes and jobs? Foreclosures are up and so are vacancies!

The only answer I can come up with is that people are doubling up or living in their cars. More than one family in each residence is going to be a trend we continue to see in the next few years. Mom's and Dad's . . . Clean out those basements!

For some reason, be it the profession I have chosen, or the country I live in, or maybe just my naivety, I have a very strong opinion that Americans should absolutely never be homeless, hungry or go without healthcare. The thought of so many people, so many young children going without the simple necessities that America has been know to provide for so many other countries is beyond maddening.

Winter is coming and I have great fears of what effect this may have on the homeless. Foreclosures are at an all time high, however just a very small percentage are on the market. These homes are sitting vacant, the homeowners have already left. Where are they now?

For those of you that have experienced these conditions or situations, my heart goes out to you. So few people have gone untouched by this economy and it could be me or anyone of us next. You just never know. However, all should know that this is the new face of homelessness in America. It's no longer the male who couldn't get or keep a job, or the Vet that was disabled and unable to find work. Our homeless are now more than ever middle class hard working men and women, many with families with small children. When will this madness end?

For those of you with the means, please donate. Our largest local shelter is The Road Home and donations are taken at: http://www.theroadhome.org/give

When I came across this news, I knew it would be important to many Utah residents and anyone looking to relocate here, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it. There are big plans to give Utah residents cheaper health insurance in the near future. The state's insurance carriers are currently working on cheaper health insurance plans that will be ready to go on the market by early next year.

One plan includes NetCare, which is a basic policy that is designed to help Utah residents keep health coverage between jobs who have been laid off. The plan is also designed to cost a third to half as much as the average group premium. This will make it a much cheaper alternative to COBRA. For those of you who don't know what COBRA is, it's an insurance option that companies offer their departing employees.

The NetCare plan will only be offered to those employees who are transitioning off their employer's health care plan and will only last up to 12 months. Anyone needing an extension on the NetCare coverage will have to reapply as an individual and be reevaluated.

Some perks to the NetCare plan will include up to 20% discounts in reductions in premiums and deductibles for making healthy lifestyle changes since the plan will focus on wellness. Preventive care is also another perk. The copayment will only be $5. Prescription copayments will be $15 for generic and 50% for brand-name drugs.

Most all health care plans that will be submitted to the state are similar to this. However, this is where the similarities end. There are also around 80 other plans expected to be submitted and all will be different.

It sounds like this will be a lot of decision making for anyone needing health coverage, but the state is doing a great thing by offering its residents cheaper health insurance.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City Real Estate

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Everyone likes to get out and have fun from time to time. Therefore, I have found some awesome August events in Salt Lake City, Utah that would be great for the whole family to enjoy. So, view this list of events and find where you will have fun this month.

August 7 ~ Chrysalis at the Avalon Theater with Pristine from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm at 3605 South State Street, Salt Lake City. Admission is $10.

August 7 ~ Open House: Thin and Healthy Utah is coming to A New You to offer total weight loss solutions. This is a free event from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at thinandhealthyutah.com.

August 7 ~ Shark Week at the Living Planet Aquarium (725 E 10600 S, Sandy) from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday - Friday. Come learn everything about sharks throughout the entire week.

August 8 & 9 ~ Cool Summer Nights at Clark Planetarium from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm at 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City. Come join in for a salute to amateur astronomy. Admission is Free.

August 11 ~ Musical Comedy Murder Mystery "The Phantom Killer" at 600 South West Temple, Salt Lake City from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This is a musical comedy murder mystery with incredible singing. Tickets are $35.50 each.

August 12 ~ Movie Under the Stars featuring "Iron Man" from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at 350 N. State Street, Salt Lake City. Admission is free.

August 15 ~ Utah Battle of Improvs One night, one trophy, a million laughs. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door at 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

August 17 - 21 ~ Vacation Bible School at Christ United Methodist Church from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at 2375 E 3300 S, Salt Lake City. Come join us for a week of fun activities as we learn some awesome bible stories and Native American traditions. Vacation Bible School is always free to attend.

August 28 & 29 ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Family History Expo 2009 at South Towne Exposition Center from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at 9575 South State Street, Sandy. Admission is free.

August 31 ~ D-12 in Utah with Potluck from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at 4959 South State Street, Murray at the Murray Theater. Admission is $12.

It sounds like all these events will be a lot of fun to attend. Hopefully, many of you will get to enjoy them all. But, if not, there is still plenty to keep you occupied during your free time.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

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Many Utah teachers strive to do their very best to teach our children throughout the school year. And recently, two teachers in Utah were recognized for their hard work with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. This is the highest award any teacher can receive in the United States.

Teachers Natalie Robinson and Vickie Ahlstrom are both from the Alpine School District. Natalie Robinson teaches fifth and sixth grade students at Alpine Elementary School and Vickie Ahlstrom teaches sixth grade gifted students at Sego Lily Elementary School in the City of Lehi, Utah. They were among 87 elementary teachers that were selected from across the nation for this honor.

Both of these dedicated teachers will receive $10,000 in cash and a fully paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The Alpine School District itself is a high ranking school district in Utah. The district is located in the northern part of Utah County, covering the communities of Lehi, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Highland, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, American Fork and Orem. There are 46 elementary schools, 10 junior high schools, 7 high schools and 3 alternative schools in the school district.

Teachers interested in winning this prestigious award must first be nominated. Then, they must complete an online application, write about how they exhibit excellent teaching and submit a video of themselves in the act of teaching. It is then up to selection committees at the state and national levels to narrow the field of applicants. The final decision rests on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Good luck to any teachers applying for the upcoming school year.

Realtor® Kandy Clayton ~ Salt Lake City Utah Real Estate

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