Real Estate Information Archive

No, I'm SERIOUS. This is month's "This Month In Real Estate" shows how the concept of "starting high, then lowering later" with your home listing price may SOUND good...., but ultimately just costs you money. 

Properly pricing a home is equal parts SCIENCE....and ART. Check out the vid now: 

I could write a book on how many times my personal Home Selling clients have made this little "boo-boo"...included my own danged parents!

They'll kill me if they ever see this, but we were selling a home in Washington for them. Trying to avoid a loss, (as any self-respecting person would), my Father started HIGH. We went through 6 months of reductions and along the way turned town an offer that was $30k more than the final sales price!!!! Oops. 

Have you ever had a similar experience? 

Ahh yes, the St. George Parade of Homes. That time when the Northern folks flee the cold and smog of Wasatch Front inversions, local folks view their dream homes, and about 200 million FSBO's (For Sale by Owners) throw a sign in their yard with dreams of selling their home for more than it's worth!

Not only that, I've always said that if you don't hate your own home now, you will after the parade! At least my wife feels that way after she leaves these beauties and lands back at the "dreary" Larkin Residence. 

Which begs the question: Do more homes sell during the Parade of Homes, or NOT? Are people really here to BUY St. George Real Estate, or just spectate? We've been asked this about 5x in the past few weeks, so we did the research for you. Here's what we found (video). 

Are you going? 

10,000 SF? 2.5 acres? In Little Valley? For under $500k? YES. After years of area residents wondering if the home was some type of “compound”, a Little Valley area home is now occupied by a new Owner. And it only took us 68 showings (yes, we actually track that...find out how here: Showing Feedback System)

                                         "She's a big un'!"

We received all sorts of bizarre questions while marketing the property. The most typically asked was, ‘is that some type of bizarre multi-family compound?', and....(drum roll please), 'Is that a Polygamist house?' No, we’d reply, it’s just a home!” 

I'll admit it, the "hugeness" (is that a word?) of the home, and the way it sits up off the road made it quite a sight. Boasting nearly 10,000 SF living space on 2.5 acres with a massive 5-car garage and a huge Fort-Knox style wood beam gate to the backyard, the home was featured in an MSN Real Estate Article titled “Bargain Mansions” last fall. You can view that article here: 10 Bargain Mansions 

And a bargain it was. This Little Valley home ended up selling right around $450k. You just don't run across that much space in this area for that price. The sheer size made it non-functional for most Buyers, resulting in a sweet deal for the new owners. 

Curiosity killing you? The home can be viewed right here: http://www.gostgeorge.com/Property/2206-E-2800-S-St-George-Utah

It’s tough to beat huge cookies and Root Beer floats. It’s even tougher to beat them served by St. George Mayor Dan McArthur and his St. George, Utah City Council. It’s TOUGHER YET to beat them served in the historic Opera House with a band playing Pioneer Music in the background!

So my beloved hometown is 151 years old. 151 years!

St. George City again marked the day as they have in the past with free rides on SunTran Shuttle, free admission to all St. George City recreation facilities, including Sand Hollow Acquatic Center, St. George Arts Museum, St. George Rec Center, free rides on the Town Square Carousel, and of course – free Root Beer Floats and Cookies served by Mayor and City Council!

My personal favorites? Riding SunTran from a stop just outside our Neighborhood to the Arts Center, walking to Town Square, enjoying the Carousel with my kids, then grabbing SunTran at the Library to head home.

My kids loved every minute of it. Who knew public transportation could be so cool? SIMPLE PLEASURES!

For me, there’s more to St. George City than great real estate! I love this City. I love what they’ve done downtown with Town Square and the Carousel…YES, the “controversial” Carousel.  My Father and I were both born and raised here. He’s now 72 years old and has traveled the globe, as well as lived in 2 foreign countries and he continues to maintain that there just isn’t any place better to live and raise a family.

Here’s to 151 more years!

Well....BILLIONS of dollars and 4 years later, the Presidential Election came...and went. There's no question that St. George...and the entire State of Utah for that matter, are predominantly Conservative, Right-leaning, Republican areas. And as such, MANY locals have expressed utter dismay over Presidential Election results.

I cannot tell you how many facebook posts, emails and tweets I saw from friends saying, "I'm sick to my stomach, we're ruined!" Then there were those on the other side who were simply elated...interesting how life works isn't it? 

Regardless of your political affiliations, this type of sentiment CAN, but doesn't NEED to affect local consumer confidence. In this week's piece, Obama and Romney don't know anything about St. George, Utah...but we do!.

Jeremy Larkin talks about why the the future of St. George Real Estate is bright regardless of who's in office. THESE ARE "GLAD TIDINGS" about the future of this local market - PLEASE PASS THE WORD ALONG to your friends!

PS - we've already got folks contacting us concerned about what election may results may do to their property values long term. We've opened up a brand new resource page for you to look at values in your neighborhood IMMEDIATELY. Enjoy by clicking below:

Dick's Sporting Goods Came to Town!

Many things to a GREAT MAN at NAI Commerical, Ryan Garrett, for providing this incredible data! As you may know the Larkin Group specializes in Residential and Land and we work with great referral partners like Ryan on the Commercial end. Not only is Ryan smart and professional, he's a darn handsome dude...just ask the ladies!

Digressing back to something a little less "fun", let's talk Southern Utah Commercial Real Estate. To view the full report, click here: Southern Utah Commercial Real Estate Report.

Here are some highlights Ryan shared with us: 

Mid-way through 2012 and Southern Utah continues to strengthen! Washington County has seen the unemployment rate improve from a seasonally adjusted 8.0 percent at year end to 7.6 percent.  St. George's population grew by 2.6 percent between 2010 and 2011, and is ranked 11th in the U.S. Census Bureau's list of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation.  Overall, Utah's 1.9 percent population growth rate put it behind only Texas in the ranking.  It is encouraging to see mild-to-moderate, sustainable growth. 

Exciting additions in our Market Report include Dick's Sporting Goods (45,000 SF), Family Dollar Distribution Center (80,000 SF), which will start with 100 employees and grow to 400 in subsequent years, the Red Rock Wake(boarding) Park, the first of its kind in Utah, and Lifetime Products that purchased a 9,500 SF retail building on St. George Boulevard.  If you have ever enjoyed playing "dunk ball" by adjusting your 10' basketball standard, you can thank Lifetime Products as the inventor of that fun.  I am fortunate to have represented them in their St. George purchase across from Café Rio.

Other Noteworthy Events:

• The Dixie Drive Interchange at Exit 5 on Interstate 15 will open July 25th.  This new interchange will greatly improve the efficiency and flow of traffic for Southern Utah motorists.

• St. George completed the roadway widening of Red Hills Parkway (formerly Skyline Drive) from Bluff Street to 1000 East that now includes 4 lanes, a median, and a non-motorized trail way so our recreational lifestyle can be better accommodated.

• Land developers have been aggressively picking up 10-20 acre pieces and moving through the process to develop residential lots.  Confidence is picking up.

Some Other Opportunities:

• Retail land, off I-15 at Exit 8 for purchase, .50 - 2.14 acres, nestled between Olive Garden, Iggy's Bar & Grill, Marriott Courtyard, Target and Marriott Towne Place Suites--adjacent to Dick's Sporting Goods, Old Navy, Gap Outlet, Chick-Fil-A (Red Rock Commons)--FOR SALE!

• Frontage Commercial Land, Dixie Drive, at $4.24 per SF (lowest price in St. George)--FOR SALE!

These are only a sampling of the quality properties currently available. For additional info on Southern Utah Commerical Real Estate, please contact Ryan Garrett at NAI Utah - rgarrett@naiutahsouth.com / 435-862-7926 OR reach out to The Larkin Group directly: larkin@gostgeorge.com / 435-787-9821

The Boulders St. George is upscale, but not stuffy, classy, but not over the top. The area offers high appeal to families, but Grandma would be equally at home. The location feels private and somewhat rural, but sits just 5 minutes from all major retail, Regional Medical Center,  restaurants and big-box stores. The Boulders St. George is, quite simply, one of the great real estate locales of Southern Utah.    Boulders St. George

“Custom homes” would be the best descriptor of the style of the Boulders St. George. This gorgeous, all-brick, family-style home is no exception. Some folks may prefer to be in a community of in-line production-style homes where the Buyer gets to choose their carpet, paint and perhaps roof tile. Not for me, and if you’re reading this – probably not for you! I’ve always loved the upscale communities where a 2-story Tudor can comfortably sit side by side with a walkout Tuscan. The Boulders St. George is that place.

This home on 1541 S. Boulder Cove Circle sits in a quiet, low, make that NO traffic cul-de-sac and affords fantastic views north toward Snow Canyon and the heart of St. George City. You’ll love two kitchens and the flexibility it provides for guests, parties, or a separate living are for family or friends. The color palette of this Boulders St. George beauty is neutral, meaning that: a. all of your stuff probably matches, and b. you won’t have a hard time customizing to your own tastes. The home of course offers granite kitchen, alder cabinets, and something that seems to have been lost on most new-home builders: STORAGE! The large craft/laundry room will are a great final touch – my wife would KILLER for that! (So don’t tell her..please.)

Full Boulders St. George View Home Virtual Tour

Is recreation your thing? Don’t worry, you don’t have to worry about installing your own indoor/outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and basketball courts – The Boulders St. George did it for you! Amazingly, monthly association dues are just a paltry $40 per month! If you’re looking for even more facilities, local Summit Athletic Club is just 2 minutes away, as are City Parks, hiking/biking trails, and more.

The Boulders St. George may be one of the greatest places to reside in St. George, Utah, and 1541 S. Boulder Cove Circle is truly a great home.

1541 Boulder Cove Circle Specs:

·         6 beds, 4.5 baths

·         3867 SF of living space

·         .35 Acre lot

·         3-Car Garage

·         Full access to Boulders St. George amenities for $40.00/month.

Looking for more info? Photos? St. George Real Estate Guidance? Just ask! Email michelle@gostgeorge.com , or call the Larkin Group at 435-674-1442.  With just a few hours’ notice we can schedule a private tour of this beautiful custom home in the Boulders St. George. 

St. George HUD homes are becoming something MORE normal than less. I say this because a just a few years ago we really didn't see any quantity of HUD homes in the St. George real estate markets. Heavens...we didn't see many St. George foreclosures PERIOD!

This St. George HUD home, marketed by The Larkin Group at Keller Williams Realty, is a "Park Model" unit located in the "Dixie Downs Resort" subdivision on North Dixie Downs Road. Dixie Downs Resort is an EXTREMELY quiet, low-traffic area, and according to subdivision CC&R's is a "55 and older" community. Be sure of course to check with the local HOA for exact details. 

Make this St. George HUD home your year round or 2nd home in active 55+ resort community. Clean, cozy 1 bedroom mobile home. You'll be close to shopping, restaurants, golf, state park, and great hiking. Sold as is where is.

Directions: From Sunset Blvd, north on Dixie Downs Dr. to Dixie Downs RV Resort. Take an immediate RIGHT and then Left -- lot 164 is just past clubhouse on left side. 

It's important to note that when purchasing a St. George HUD home all bidding is done online via www.HudHomeStore.com. Contact your preferred Real Estate Professional for assistance - it's worth the trouble as HUD paperwork can be a bit tricky. Go to www.bidselect.com or www.hudhomestore.com to learn more about this home & how/who can bid. Case # 521-623617

​For additional pictures, details or free home search, click here: St. George HUD HOMES. 

St. George HUD homes may be just what the Doctor ordered for St. George Home Buyers (UTAH home Buyers actually) with great credit, steady employment, but who lack large down payment resources. 

In an effort to meet the needs of the current home buying marketplace, HUD is offering a $100 down payment on St. George HUD homes where offers are at or above current list price. 

I know what you’re thinking: “Oh so there’s a catch. I have to offer list price or ABOVE!” Before you get bent out of shape, let me assure you that 75% of St. George HUD homes are being listed BELOW market value! For instance, one of the Larkin Group’s personal St. George HUD home listings in Bloomington Hills was just reduced to $133,200 yesterday.  It’s a 5 bed, 3 bath, 3075 Basement home! That home will almost assuredly see a “bidding war” this week. See it here: Bloomington Hills HUD HOME. 

St. George HUD Home $100 Down Purchasing Requirements

• Purchasers must be owner/occupants
• Utilize FHA insured financing
• Offer full list price or above
• Any offers exceeding appraised value require the buyer to provide the additional funds at closing.

Remember that offering on a St. George HUD home is done much differently that what you’ve probably experienced in offering on other St. George foreclosures. The process is handed online via what we refer to as a “sealed bid”, so be sure to contact your FHA Lender or HUD approved Real Estate Agent for further information. 

As always, you’re welcome to use our FREE home search tool to search for other St. George HUD homes.