Tips for real estate transactions with solar panels

Northern Wasatch Association of RealtorsAdvice, Update

As energy prices rise and solar power becomes more affordable, more Utahns are considering installing solar panels on their homes. In fact, the national Solar Energies Industries Association ranks Utah No. 6 on its list of “Top 10 Solar States.” With the benefits of lower utility bills and improved air quality through clean energy, it’s easy to see why more than 35,000 Utah homes and businesses have installed solar panels. As solar becomes more popular, you may consider installing your own system or think about buying a home that already has solar. Either way, it’s important to ask a lot of questions and make sure you understand exactly what you’re buying. Along with the tips and information in this article, …

WHAT ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS WANT REALTORS TO KNOW

Northern Wasatch Association of RealtorsAdvice

Real estate transactions can be unpredictable, especially if the previous property owner has passed away and the transaction involves the trust or estate of the deceased. As estate planning attorneys, we have encountered multiple deceased-owner cases where realtors have taken their eye off the ball and landed their clients and themselves in an unnecessary mess of one kind or another. However, the good is that all realtors can take some very basic precautions, utilizing tools already at their disposal, and come up smelling like roses at the closing table. Here’s how. Ask good questions, be a good listener and use the preliminary title report as the foundation for a successful transaction. On the seller side, make sure that the people …

Which remodeling projects are best?

Northern Wasatch Association of RealtorsAdvice

According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, Americans spent $340 billion on remodeling in 2015. With the significant time and money invested into remodeling, it’s important to strategically select projects. Homeowners aiming to enhance quality of life may have different priorities than those wanting to increase their property’s resale value. New research makes those decisions a little easier. The National Association of Realtors partnered with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to create the 2017 Remodeling Impact Report which details the returns of 20 interior and exterior remodeling and replacement projects. Researchers measure payoff in three ways: 1) how much is added to the home’s resale value 2) how much the project appeals to buyers and 3) how …