Blog

Spring Gruv Upgrade

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 04, 2020

This week we are reviewing home upgrades that can increase the value of your home and Park City's Spring Gruv starting March 6th - see you on the mountain.

One of the main things to consider when choosing an improvement project is how much value it could potentially add to your residence as well as the overall cost of the project. This week RIS Media's Housecall shares 3 Inexpensive Upgrades That Can Increase the Value of Your Home:

Invest in Home Security Upgrades - More than 1 million home burglaries take place in the U.S. each year. Investing in a wireless security system is a great way to protect your home and your possessions. Some homeowners think that these systems are expensive, but, in reality, there are many different wireless systems on the market that are relatively inexpensive. Taking the time to research all of the systems at your disposal is crucial. Consult with home security professionals to avoid missteps. They can help you choose the right security system and get it installed quickly.

Upgrade Your Appliances - Over time, kitchen appliances become outdated and unappealing. Rather than letting old appliances impact the value and appeal of your home, take action. Today's market is filled with appliance options that are both affordable and energy-efficient. While an energy-efficient appliance may cost more initially, it will save you a lot of money on energy bills in the long term, which is why they're a great investment.

Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a New Look - Another great way to make your kitchen more appealing and modern is by giving the cabinets a facelift. Instead of completely replacing your cabinets, think about painting them and adorning them with new hardware to save money. Before you choose a color for both your paint and hardware, consider the type of decor you already have in the space.

Spring is upon us and Scott from the Park Record shares Park City Mountain Resort finds its Spring Grüv. Skiers and snowboarders may take flight during the pond skimming competition at Park City Mountain Resort’s annual Spring Grüv. This year’s celebration will run from March 6 through April 5, and the pond skimming will be held on April 4. parkcitymountain.com

Park City Mountain Resort will continue its annual love affair with warmer weather when it catches the Spring Grüv. This year’s celebration will run from March 6 through April 5, and, as it has in the past, will feature live music, outdoor activities, après events and, of course, pond skimming, said Sarah Stutman., Park City Mountain brand experience manager

“We’re really lucky to have such an incredible spring season in Park City and Spring Grüv is meant to celebrate that,” Stutman said. “The snow has been great this winter and there’s still a lot more of the season left to enjoy… (and we) hope everyone will join us for some spring fun on the mountain during that time.”

Some of the family-friendly activities will include outdoor movies, meeting the mountain safety team avalanche dogs, fireworks, cookie decorating and the offering of free donut s’mores, she said. Most of the activities are free and open to the public, according to Stutman.

“All of the events being hosted in our base areas are complimentary, (but) the annual pond skimming competition does require a registration fee for competitors, and spectators will need a lift ticket to get to the pond, located outside of Red Pine Lodge. At the top of the Red Pine Gondola.”

The annual pond skimming competition, which will feature 100 costumed contestants who will attempt to skim on skis or snowboards across a 100-foot pond, will take place Saturday, April 4, one week before the resort closes for the season, Stutman said.

“It’s hard to imagine a more entertaining event for both the spectators and participants,” she said. “Our prestigious team of judges will then award prizes for Best Costume, Best Splash and Crash and overall Best Male and Female contestants.”

The following set of rules will help keep people safe and grüving through the competition. No teams allowed, Minimum age is 10 years old, No nudity, thongs, or bare butts allowed, No full-face masks or costumes that inhibit full visibility, No fire allowed in costumes, No animals allowed, Must compete on skis or snowboards. No sleds, sit-skis or ski bikes allowed, Costume must be able to fit inside the Red Pine Gondola with the doors closed, Poles may be used but must be dropped before skis touch the pond, No pre-runs; each competitor gets one run to be judged.

“Every year the competitors come dressed to impress,” she said. “We’ve seen Mary Poppins, Aladdin on his magic carpet, flying squirrels, sharks, snowmen, Sesame Street characters and more. Every year, we award a prize for the best costume and can’t wait to see what people come up with this season.” Live music is another Spring Grüv draw in the days leading up to pond skimming, Stutman said.

This year’s musical guests include Changing Lanes, Fuse ‘N Rock and the Michelle Moonshine Trio, to name a few, she said. The full schedule can be found at ParkCityMountain.com. Park City Mountain worked with Mountain Town Music, a local nonprofit, to find the bands, according to Stutman.

“We have a great and longstanding partnership with Mountain Town Music to help bring the best of Park City’s music scene to the mountain and worked with them on our Spring Grüv programming,” she said. “Spring Grüv is all about celebrating the longer days and enjoying the mountain with family and friends, we look for music experiences that capture that excitement and energy.”

Spring Investments

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 15, 2019

Spring is here and summer is on the way and it’s time to get back in the saddle again. Park City Magazine shares Back in the Saddle Again - Take to the trails with early-season mountain biking tips from a pro. Former mountain bike pro, PMBIA certified instructor, and owner of MTB-focused business Women in the Mountains, Erica Tingey shares tips on how to seamlessly get back into fitness after a long winter.

Start slow. Give yourself some space and expect that you’re going to be slow on your first ride out—and that’s OK, Tingey says. “Find a trail that’s not challenging for your first ride back,” she recommends. “I start in Round Valley because there are not any long, sustained climbs.” She also recommends riding the RTS Loop Trail near the Utah Olympic Park, so you can do a few laps. “Find a loop and ride it a few times to feel yourself improving, and to feel your blood vessels and muscles opening up.”

Re-train your vision. Without even realizing it, when you’re in mountain bike shape, your eyes naturally look far ahead to anticipate the terrain and any obstacles. Over the winter, it’s easy to lose that skill, Tingey says. “When you’re getting back into riding, try to look ahead a little bit more than you naturally would. It takes self-control to do this, and to anticipate what’s coming up. The tendency is to look down—force your eyes up.”

Loosen up.“No matter what you’ve been doing over the winter, riding always feels different,” Tingey says. “Your hands might get that itchy feeling from bouncing. And when you’re nervous or tired, you tend to grip too tight, and it’s really hard on your upper body. See if you can loosen up on the climbs and the descents.”

Start with an athletic stance. When you get tired—which can happen quickly during the early season—your posture is one of the first things to decline. Start the year with good habits and think about holding an athletic stance with your core tight, your spine strong, and your neck up. “It might be hard to hold a good posture for all three laps,” Tingey says, “but it’s a good clue to know that when you can’t hold a very good posture, you should call it a day. If you’re not riding in a strong position, you’re setting yourself up for more accidents.”

Turn your fear into excitement. If you’re a bit more skittish on technical sections than you were last year, try to put your nerves to good use. “When I was racing, instead of saying ‘I’m not nervous,’ I’d say, ‘I’m excited to be on my bike,’” Tingey says. “Turn it into positive self-talk. As in ‘I’m OK to get off my bike and walk it.’” She also notes that there’s a difference between trying and doing. “Think Yoda: There is no try.”

Just get on a saddle. If the trails are still too muddy, grab your road bike and to get used to being back in the saddle. “Using your road bike is a way to get some miles in and get used to being back in that position,” Tingey says.

Don’t forget a maintenance check. Whether it’s you or your trusty mechanic, do a thorough check of your bike before hopping on. Check the bolts with torque wrench, clean and lube the drivetrain, and test the front suspension (Tingey says to put a hand on each brake, engage, and stand behind the bike and shock it down—does it feel like it’s going up and down at the same rate as last year?). And, of course, put air in your tires, but maybe a little less than you think. “This year, try three psi less than you ever have and just see if you can get away with it,” advises Tingey.

A reminder: Wait until the trails are dry. “Riding muddy trails ruins it for everyone else for the rest of the season,” Tingey says. “It leaves ruts that aren’t magically fixed from a summer of riding. They are stuck for the rest of the year. You’re really ruining it for yourself and it’s also really hard on your bike.”

Where to find trail updates: Check the Mountain Trails Foundation’s website and Facebook page for the latest trail conditions; Basin Recreation also frequently updates the status on its Instagram and Facebook pages.

Forbes has shared The Best Cities In Utah To Own Investment Property - Based on the Census Bureau’s annual estimates of resident population, from July 2010 to July 2018, Utah’s state population increased by 13.9%, second only to the District of Columbia, and No. 1 out of all 50 states in terms of growth. Utah is an interesting state when it comes to buying and owning investment property. People and businesses have been flocking to the state, and many of its major cities have seen swelling numbers of renters. Major universities, healthcare companies and financial firms like Ally Bank can be found in Utah’s main cities, all of which help boost the economy, and increase the number of residents and appeal of the city to potential investment property owners.

1. Logan, Utah - With 61% of its occupied housing filled by renters, Logan is a fast-growing city whose population is expected to double by 2050. A key feature that makes Logan conducive to investment property owners is the presence of Utah State University, with a student population of nearly 28,000, many of which are renters or looking to rent in off-campus residences. In addition to them, professors, university staff and employees, as well as employees of businesses closely associated with the university, add to a large supply of renters and potential renters in the city. Logan also has the highest gross rental yield of major cities in Utah, i.e. cities with more than 10,000 total occupied housing units.

  • Percentage of renter households: 61%
  • Number of renter households: 10,039
  • Median property price: $235,000
  • Median rent: $1,588
  • Annual rental income: $19,056
  • Gross rental yield: 8.1%
2. Ogden, Utah - Located north of Salt Lake City, about a 30-to-40-minute drive up Interstate 15, Ogden is another great place for potential investment property owners. Property prices are affordable in terms of buy-in, and rents are comparatively high enough to produce a gross rental yield of 6.3%, behind only Logan’s 8.1%.Like Logan, Ogden is a college town, home to Weber State University, which has an undergraduate population of 27,111, according to U.S. News and World Report. The university’s students and staff provide a large pool of potential renters of your investment property in Ogden. In fact, according to the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Weber State University is the No. 4 largest employer in Ogden, behind the Department of Treasury, Weber County School District, McKay-Dee Hospital Center, and ahead of Autoliv, the world’s largest automotive safety supplier, according to their website.
  • Percentage of renter households: 44.6%
  • Number of renter households: 13,442
  • Median property price: $229,900
  • Median rent: $1,207
  • Annual rental income: $14,484
  • Gross rental yield: 6.3%
3. Midvale, Utah - A majority of occupied homes in Midvale are renters, which bodes well for rental property owners. According to Census data from the 2017 American Community Survey, the number of renter-occupied housing units has risen by over 29% from 2010 to 2017. Compare that to the U.S. overall, which has seen an increase of 12.7% over the same period of time. Several major companies have operations in Midvale, with some of the largest employers including Overstock.com, the staffing agency TEKsystems and the financial company SoFi, according to the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for 2018.
  • Percentage of renter households: 58.5%
  • Number of renter households: 7,293
  • Median property price: $308,900
  • Median rent: $1,503
  • Annual rental income: $18,036
  • Gross rental yield: 5.8%
4. South Salt Lake - South of Interstate 80, and bisected by the north-south Interstate 15, South Salt Lake is cheaper than Salt Lake City proper, and has a better gross rental yield than the latter city. This is because the median property price is less than $300,000 — whereas in Salt Lake City, it’s $425,000 — while the median rent is still high enough to yield solid rental income over the course of the year. According to South Salt Lake’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for 2018, the biggest private employer is Marriott Vacations Worldwide, a leading timeshare company and publicly traded, which was originally a division of Marriott International before being spun off into its own firm.
  • Percentage of renter households: 58.6%
  • Number of renter households: 5,185
  • Median property price: $291,900
  • Median rent: $1,394
  • Annual rental income: $16,728
  • Gross rental yield: 5.7%
5. Orem, Utah - Orem is an interesting case for potential investment property owners looking to get into the Utah market. According to Census data, from 2017 to 2017, the number of renters increased by 16.4%, while at the same time, the number of owner-occupied homes actually declined: From 17,013 in 2010 to 16,200 in 2017. Like other Utah cities on this list, Orem benefits from being home to Utah Valley University. This public university has an undergraduate population of close to 37,000, according to U.S. News. Besides this vast pool of potential student renters, Utah Valley University is the largest employer in Orem, according to the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
  • Percentage of renter households: 41.1%
  • Number of renter households: 11,318
  • Median property price: $315,038
  • Median rent: $1,449
  • Annual rental income: $17,388
  • Gross rental yield: 5.5%
6. Provo, Utah - Along with Orem, Provo comprises the Provo-Orem metropolitan area, which has a combined population of 617,678, according to Data USA. The Provo metro area boasts an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.8% in Feb. 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, from Feb. 2014 to Feb. 2019, unemployment in the Provo metro are has averaged 3.1%. Over that same period, the national unemployment rate averaged 4.8%. For investment property buyers, Provo benefits from a high percentage of renters, due no doubt in part because it’s home to Brigham Young University, one of the largest private universities in the country.
  • Percentage of renter households: 59.2%
  • Number of renter households: 19,475
  • Median property price: $309,000
  • Median rent: $1,334
  • Annual rental income: $16,008
  • Gross rental yield: 5.1%
7. Salt Lake City, Utah - The population of Utah’s capital has grown from 184,488 in 2010, to 194,188 by 2017. That’s a little over a 5% increase, and similar to the increase in renter-occupied housing units over the same period: 5%, from 37,735 to 39,626. This trend, along with the majority of the city’s residents being renters, bodes well for potential investment property owners in Utah.
  • Percentage of renter households: 51.5%
  • Number of renter households: 39,626
  • Median property price: $425,000
  • Median rent: $1,598
  • Annual rental income: $19,176
After scrambling for venues last year, the Park City Institute announced its St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Summer Concert Series will continue this year in The Eccles Center for the Performing Arts. Park City Institute Executive Director Teri Orr announced the new location during an unveiling of the series at the Kimball Art Center.According to an Institute press release, the series is as follows: 

 — The Brothers Osborne, July 7. The Grammy Award-nominated duo features T.J. and John Osborne, who have climbed the country charts with the hits “Stay a Little Longer” and “Rum,” while collecting CMA and ACM awards along the way.

 — The Punch Brothers, July 30. The quintet of mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny and violinist Gabe Witcher formed in 2006. The band’s latest album, “All Ashore,” won the 2019 Grammy for Folk Album of the year. Thile is known for his work in Nickel Creek, and is also the host of the weekly NPR broadcast “Live From Here.”

 — Taj Mahal Quartet, and Marc Cohn featuring special guest vocalists, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Aug. 13. Taj Mahal is a two-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, film composer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with artists such as Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Wynton Marsalis.

Cohn, mostly known for the hit “Walking in Memphis,” has performed for Park City Institute three times and as a songwriter has been praised by Time Magazine as “one of the honest, emotional voices we need in this decade.”

The multiple Grammy-winning Blind Boys of Alabama formed in 1939 at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind and have since performed for three presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

 — Gone West, Aug. 16. This pop-infused country group features Colbie Caillat, her fiance Justin Young, Caillat’s longtime collaborator Jason Reeves, and Reeves’ wife, Nelly Joy. The band formed, in part, as a result of their experience working together on Caillat’s 2016 tour. The Park City Institute presented Caillat at the Eccles Center in a sold-out performance during that tour.

 — CAM, Aug. 24. Country singer CAM began her career as a songwriter for artists including Sam Smith and Miley Cyrus. Her 2015 Grammy-nominated song “Burning House” hit No. 2 on the U.S. and Canadian country charts, and sold more than 2 million copies. A vocal advocate for music education and inclusion, CAM holds a degree in psychology from University of California Davis, sits on the board of the Academy of Country Music and joined the Recording Academy’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion in 2018.

Spring Is Here

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 01, 2019

The snow may be back this morning in Park City, but here are some Tips for Reviving Your Lawn After Winter. Early spring is one of the best times of the year to make your home look great. This busy season coincides with an uptick in activity in the real estate market, making it that much more critical for you to get your lawn back in great shape.

Feed It Well - Spring is the most critical time to give your lawn a boost. Winter drags on in many areas of the country, which can deplete a yard come spring. If you find yourself in this situation, try applying a quick-release fertilizer to prepare your lawn for spring. This fertilizer will get to the roots and green up your yard in a few days. However, be cautious when applying a quick-release fertilizer, as putting too much in one spot can kill your grass.Other fertilizer options include slow-release fertilizers that'll feed your lawn over time. This kind of fertilizer usually comes in granules or pellets that sit on top of your soil. They dissolve over time and provide the best long-lasting energy option for lawns.

Water in the Morning - Fertilizer applications need moisture to work best. Watering your lawn in the spring may seem counterintuitive given the rainfall that some climates receive, but watering your lawn regularly is essential to help the grass grow strong. Consider watering your yard in the morning before 10 a.m., as this will allow the lawn time to soak up the water and dry out under the afternoon sun. Watering in the evening or at night may seem smart, but it can actually cause lawn care problems such as disease and fungi.

Ease Into Mowing - While your lawn may have grown a little throughout the winter depending on your location, lawns need some time to ease into the spring. Refrain from mowing your lawn on a low setting as temperatures go up. Short lawns expose the root system, which can create a stressful situation for the grass. Consider doing a light mow early on in the season to take off the tips of the blades. Doing so will ease your lawn back into the growing season and will help keep it looking great.

Start Fighting Weeds - Homeowners looking to put their home on the market should combat any weeds in their lawn. There are many weed and feed chemicals to help prevent weeds. These mixes often include different fertilizers, so be sure to read the directions so that you don't give your lawn too much. Locate any problem areas in your yard and consider applying weed control to those areas, as well.

Seed Thin Spots - It's common for bare spots to appear after a long winter. Immediately care for areas of the lawn that have thinned or are completely bare. These spots can cause problems, not only with weed growth, but also in presenting a beautiful lawn to a prospective buyer. Rake out these spots in your yard and apply a good amount of seed. Give these spots extra water a few weeks after you seed them to encourage new grass roots to take hold.

There are many ways to help your lawn come back after a long winter. Mow the grass on a high setting until it has had time to recover, fertilize and water the lawn to boost growth, and be sure to keep weeds away by using preventive measures. Follow all the tips listed above and your lawn will be back to its former glory in no time.

When you are not working on your yard, here are some Fun early spring activity recommendations in the Salt Lake area from KSL. Here are some recommendations to take advantage of the improving weather, no matter if it is in your town or the mountains.

Go on a low elevation hike. The sun is higher in the sky, melting the snow at lower elevations. These locations are mostly snow-free and conveniently located near the valley floors.

  • The Bonneville Shoreline Trail: Following the shoreline of the now dried-up Lake Bonneville, you can easily do a small section of this trail from one of these convenient access points (the trail extends for over 100 miles along the Wasatch Front).
  • Ensign Peak: This short climb above downtown and Capitol Hill affords beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains.
  • Antelope Island State Park: Besides breathtaking views of the Great Salt Lake and desert landscapes that are uniquely Utahn, the park features excellent access to wildlife, including large animals like bison and, its namesake, the antelope. Antelope Island State Park is about a 1-hour drive north of Salt Lake City and has a $10-per-vehicle access fee.
See the sights. Explore these cultural, historical, and entertaining sites that Salt Lake City has on offer.
  • Temple Square: Located in the historic center of Salt Lake City, there are so many things to do at Temple Square you may need to visit more than once. Among other activities, this destination features tours, activities specifically for kids, the world’s largest genealogical library, and free performances by The Tabernacle Choir. You won’t be bored and admission is free.
  • Liberty Park and the Tracy Aviary: Located minutes from downtown, Liberty Park features great walking paths, playgrounds for children, and the Tracy Aviary. The aviary features daily events like live bird feedings and bird species from condors to colorful macaws. Liberty Park is free to access and daily admission to the aviary costs $11.95 for adults and $7.95 for children.
Other resources for activities. If none of these activities pique your interest, these online resources offer a virtual treasure trove of ideas.

Visitsaltlake.com: If you are looking to stay close to Salt Lake City, this website showcases dozens of activities in the area.

Visitutah.com: This Utah Office of Tourism website features some of the major attractions and adventures throughout the state.

Timeout.com: This website offers a list of 11 bona fide activities in Utah.

If you missed reading the First Quarter Market Review last week - CLICK HERE to view our electronic version.

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Staging Your Home

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 02, 2018

Judy and I have worked with our clients in assisting in the staging of their homes for years. Before your first open house and listing on the MLS let us see how we can help. This week we would like to share eight tips for staging your home.

Focus On The Curb Appeal - The first thing that potential buyers will see is the outside of your house. The lawn, landscaping, front porch, front door, and driveway are the first impression your home is going to make, so spruce up the lawn, plant some flowers, paint the front door, reseal the driveway, whatever it takes to make a good first impression.

Time For Some Deep Cleaning - This is crucial in home staging and is more than just picking up and vacuuming. Clean the spaces in the home that haven’t been cleaned for a very long time (or ever), including baseboards, vent covers, ceiling fans, and the fireplace.

Brush On A Fresh Coat Of Paint - A fresh coat of paint in main rooms or throughout the house can bring a home back to life. Renew the space with neutral, crowd pleasing colors. This can also help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home.

Give Each Room A Purpose - A spare room can make fantastic guest bedroom, home office, or gym. Each room should be transformed into a usable space where the buyers can envision what they can do with the room.

Update The Kitchen Fixtures - Luckily, minor changes in the kitchen can make the space feel more modern and updated. Consider replacing old light fixtures with modern ones or swap outdated hardware.

Brighten The Bathrooms - Light colors or white make things appear fresher, cleaner, newer, and more spacious. Brighten up your bathroom with a fresh coat of paint or with new white towels, shower curtain, and bathmat to give your bathroom a clean and relaxed feel.

Bring In The Light - Curtains are beautiful, but they can darken and date a room. Potential buyers want to see the home in all its glory; so, pull up the blinds, open the curtains, and make sure the windows are spotless to let as much light in as possible.

Highlight The Positives - Every house has its own stand-out features, whether its unique woodwork, great flow, or a stunning backyard. Boost the appeal of your home by playing up the positives.

MAY EVENTS

Now - 10/21: Real Salt Lake, Sandy

Now - 9/3: Salt Lake Bees, Salt Lake City

Now - 5/5: 2018 Tulip Festival , Thanksgiving Point

5/3: The Eagles, Salt Lake City

5/5: Salt Lake City Open Streets 2018, Salt Lake City

5/9: P!NK Beautiful Trauma World Tour, Salt Lake City

5/16: Stars on Ice, Salt Lake City

5/19: Lantern Fest 2018, Tooele

6/1: Historic 25th Street Car Show, Ogden

6/2 - 6/3: 2018 Utah Pride Festival, Salt Lake City

6/1 - 6/3: Ogden Music Festival, Ogden

6/1 - 6/11: 2018 Uintah County Fair, Vernal

DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT

FAIRWAY SPRINGS GOLF AND SKI VILLAS - Tucked just off the main Canyons corridor, you’ll find the ski and golf oasis of Fairway Springs. Although just steps from the Frostwood Gondola, Canyons golf course, dining options, and award-winning spa services, Fairway Springs feels like its miles away from the resort hustle. Quiet and serene, these three bedroom townhomes embody the sense of a true home with a private garage, spacious gathering room, and gourmet kitchen well suited for entertaining. Hiking and biking trails abound just outside your own front door. Inside, fresh design concepts blend clean lines, rich textures, and refined finishes to create true mountain luxury. High integrity construction such as a heated driveway, top-of-the-line appliances, vaulted ceilings, and soaring windows make these properties an exceptional value. There’s room here at Fairway Springs! Room to see the sky and wide-open spaces, and room for you and all those that make up the center of your world. *Clients who close before June 30th 2018 will receive a $75k furniture credit and a year of HOA dues.
SOARING HAWK - Soaring Hawk is a new & spectacular lifestyle community that offers both custom homesites and single-family residences overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Valley® Resort. This community features a private entrance, a year-round and multi-use trail system, and is ideally located minutes from downtown Park City, award winning ski resorts, and is only 40 minutes to Salt Lake International Airport.  *Currently under construction.

Mud Season

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Apr 11, 2018

The flowers are beginning to bloom and the days are getting warmer. The Park City mud season is upon us as the ski resorts have closed for ski season, restaurants and local businesses are taking a break and the trails are a little too muddy for hiking just yet. Did you miss the 22nd Annual Spring Grüv this year? Here is a quick recap of the epic jumps from that day. Perhaps the continuous rain and cool temperatures last Saturday kept you indoors, but it only seemed to spur on the 100 or so competitors at Park City Mountain Resort’s 22nd annual Pond Skimming Competition, part of the Park City Mountain resort's Spring Grüvcelebration.

While the 2018 version may not have had as many spectators as past years, it wasn’t short on action. Scores were given based off things like crowd reaction, air and style. Some of the best costumes included a dragon, a waiter, a wizard and a giant piece of pizza. It was a great day.

Back in real estate news - Business Insider recently published that the San Francisco housing market is so dire that people are leaving in droves. The San Francisco Bay Area is on the brink of an exodus as a low supply of homes and high demand drive housing prices— and the cost of living — to new heights. A recent report from the real-estate site Redfin found that San Francisco lost more residents than any other US city in the last quarter of 2017.

LinkedIn crunched its data of over 146 million American workers in their system to identify the US cities where the most LinkedIn members moved to from the San Francisco Bay Area in the past year and found that Salt Lake City is one of the top 10 cities for their relocation. Dubbed the Silicon Slopes, the area from Salt Lake City to Provo is filled with top tech companies, including Adobe, EA, Overstock.comand the cloud software startup Domo.

Tech workers who flock to Salt Lake City for its lower taxes, flexible regulatory environment, and natural amenities may find they can actually afford a home near the office. The National Association of Realtors reported that the salary needed to buy a home in Salt Lake City was $59,521 in the last quarter of 2017. In San Francisco, it's at least $173,783.

UPCOMING APRIL EVENTS

4/11 - 4/27: Hamilton - An American Musical, Salt Lake City

4/12: Justin Timberlake The Man of the Woods Tour, Salt Lake City

4/12 - 4/21: 2018 Ogden Restaurant Week, Ogden

4/20: Sips Under the Sea: Bacon, Draper

4/20 - 4/29: Park City Follies, Park City

4/27 - 4/28: Salt Lake Off Road Expo, Sandy

A Fresh Start to Spring

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 27, 2018

We are always looking to share the latest in news regarding our lovely town and the state of Utah. This week inman recently posted The Best US cities for A fresh Start and Salt Lake City makes the top ten. If you’ve ever had to move to another city for a job, you’ll know just how difficult relocating your life can be. But some parts of the country may be better suited for a fresh start — places like Buffalo, New York; Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; and Austin, Texas; are among some of the most receptive, a new study by online lending exchange LendingTree indicates.

To come to these findings, the study’s authors looked at eight elements that would impact a person’s launch in a new city, including the cost of housing, median income and rates of health insurance coverage at 50 of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. To calculate a resident’s chances of landing a good job, the study also examined the number of adults between 35 and 64 who are single, enrolled in school and covered by some form of health insurance along with additional factors including employment, median income and school enrollment.

Spring is here and now it is time to start planning your summer activities by adding the Deer Valley concert line-up to your calendar. Now in its 15 year, the festival's six-week summer schedule starts on June 30 with a Patriotic Celebration featuring vocalist Rachel Potter that will include 13 full orchestra concerts at the Snow Park Amphitheater, as well as four chamber concerts at St. Mary's Catholic Church that begins on July 11 with Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 featuring violinist Kathryn Eberle.

Park City Mountain is ready to slide into their 11th annual Spring Grüv, a 16-day event that features live music, family-friendly activities, entertainers and the 22nd edition of the resort's annual pond skimming contest - the fun begins March 24th.

As we work our way through the annual mud season here are 13 Easy Spring Upgrades You Can Do in A Weekend. With thoughts turning to warmer weather this seemed like a good time to round up a few little projects you can do to improve your backyard, or just add a little curb appeal to your home. Projects range from painting your front door and porch steps to organizing the garage and adding a fire pit to your patio area.

Spring In Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 21, 2018

Spring is here and as the snow comes and goes the flowers are beginning to bloom in our town. Our flower today comes atop a lovely muffin from Five 5eeds in Park City on Snow Creek Drive.

There are a number of fun activities happening the remainder of this month and we have listed out a few for you and your families as wells as the links to more information on each event.

 

3/22 - 3/31: Easter Bunny Train, Heber City

3/24: Pink Park City, Park City Mountain

3/24 - 3/25: Holi Festival of Colors, Spanish Fork

3/24 - 4/2: Spring Gruv, Park City Mountain

3/30: The Comedy Get Down Tour, West Valley City

3/31: Easter Egg Hunt!, Salt Lake City

4/1: Easter at Snowbird, Snowbird

4/1: Annual Easter Celebration, Park City Mountain

4/1: Easter Bunny visits Deer Valley, Deer Valley Resort

We are proud to be a part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Property team for many years now. This year the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties received numerous brokerage, office, team, and individual awards at the annual network Sales Convention in San Antonio, Texas on March 5th and 6th 2018. The Utah Properties brokerage was celebrated as the 14th highest performing brokerage while Park City’s Saddleview Office the 3rd highest dollar volume office in the network and Salt Lake City’s Old Mill Office the 7th highest transaction volume for an office in the network.

“Our Berkshire Hathaway professionals are true industry leaders.” said Owner and CEO, Steve Roney. “This year’s convention and honors confirm the caliber and accomplishment of Utah Properties. I look forward to continuing to excel as a brokerage and team.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties is an independently owned real estate brokerage dating back to 1976. With offices throughout northern Utah, the company has a long-standing track record of market dominance and dependability. Under the Berkshire Hathaway name, our agency holds the #1 position in Utah’s real estate marketplace and maintains an historic commitment to community-driven service.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, CA, is a real estate brokerage network built for a new era in residential real estate. The network, among the few organizations entrusted to use the world-renowned Berkshire Hathaway name, brings to the real estate market a definitive mark of trust, integrity, stability and longevity. The brand was just recognized for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power’s 2017 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. Visit www.berkshirehathawayhs.com.

 

Home Value in Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 07, 2018

Last week we shared that Utah has been ranked the #3 Best State by US News. With that on our minds we wanted to focus this week's blog on Homeownership and increasing the value of your home. Let's start with 12 things you can do now to prep for spring. This leads us to a great article published in Park City Home Magazine.

FIVE WAYS HOMEOWNERS CAN BOOST THE VALUE OF THEIR HOME IN PARK CITY When contemplating home upgrades or preparing your home for sale, it helps to identify the renovation projects that not only look good but will boost the value of your home at the same time. Overall, potential buyers are drawn to newer, cleaner, refreshed properties. Here are the five tried and true ways homeowners can boost the value of their home in Park City.

Freshen Up the Paint This may seem like a no-brainer, but a fresh coat of paint will always make a home feel updated and renewed. Modern, current paint colors can have a vast effect on a home’s appeal. Whites, greys, light blues, and sage-greens are in-style for 2018 and can give your home an updated feel. Contemporary, neutral paint can also give potential buyers the ability to see themselves living in the home.

Update the Windows Natural light enhances ambiance and updating windows can boost a home’s value. Homes that feature 70’s style round, half-moon, or hexagon shaped windows may cause buyers to contemplate pricey renovations or will turn them off from the home completely. Additionally, if your windows are old, drafty, or fog up due to failing seals, fixing these problems will increase the value. Updating window coverings from heavy drapery to hidden or electronic shades can go a long way in adding value and a contemporary feel to the home. Lastly, adding windows to increase natural light can improve a home’s value.

Renew Kitchens and Bathrooms When it comes to home renovation and updates the two most important spaces in a home are the kitchen and the master bedroom/bathroom. In the master bedroom, focus on brightening the room and creating a fresh, inviting feel. Clean, modern paint colors and neutral fresh carpet or renewed hardwood floors can make a huge difference. In the master bathroom, potential buyers are trending toward light and bright features such as subway tile, marble, and clean lines over dark woods and granites. In the kitchen, making minor changes such as painting the cabinets in a modern color, updating the tile, or replacing old-fashioned, brass light fixtures and hardware with more current styles and contemporary pieces can increase the value of a home.

Add Smart Technology Features As we move farther into the age of technology, home trends are following suit. Many potential buyers see a lot of value in smart technology features such as electronic window shades, smart thermostats, slim TVs, and more. That being said, one electronic feature that used be popular but has been falling out of trend is pre-wired sound systems. With wireless speaker systems on the rise, buyers are bringing their systems into their new homes or upgrading as needed.

Revive Curb Appeal -First impressions can make a big impression. Enhance landscaping, clean up the walkway to the front door, and repair or seal driveway cracks. A fresh coat of paint including window frames and the front door can make an older home feel new again. If paint is not in the budget, power washing the outside of the house, so long as it doesn’t strip the paint, and the front walkway or driveway can also refresh the appearance. Lastly, updating the porch sconces and lighting can make a home look more current and inviting.

Whether you are looking to spend a little or a lot, there are many ways to add value to your home in Park City. However, for any major physical changes to the home, its best to hire a designer to help make sure the improvements are truly up-to-date and generic enough to appeal to a wide audience. For recommendations on designers or for more advice on ways to boost the value of your home reach out we are here to assist.

This week's Development Spotlights are Hyatt Centric and Juniper landing.

Hyatt Centric Park City is located at the vibrant base of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, Hyatt Centric Park City Residences offer whole-ownership residences in one of Park City’s famed slope side resort hotels. These luxury residences function as second homes with all the amenities of a hotel suite. As a AAA Four Diamond ski-in/ski-out mountain resort, Hyatt Centric offers owners on-mountain access to the largest ski resort in the United States. Floor plans feature large family gathering spaces, an abundance of bedrooms, and functional designs. The full-time, caring and attentive Hyatt Centric staff meet all the needs of owners and ensure that your visit feels like a true vacation.
Juniper Landing is ideally located just steps from the Frostwood Gondola and nestled between the 9th and 10th fairways of the Canyons Golf Course. These new contemporary residences present quality interiors and superb craftsmanship with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ski runs. No matter the season, you can bask in alpine beauty, explore miles of pristine trails, indulge in local dining, shopping and entertainment, or simply rejuvenate in your treasured mountain retreat. Features and amenities include Thermador™ appliance packages, and a brand-new courtyard with heated Jr. Olympic size salt water pool, fire pit and hot tub, and a fitness center with sauna and steam room.

MARCH EVENTS

Now - 4/11: Utah Jazz Basketball, Salt Lake City

Now - 4/7: Utah Grizzlies Hockey, West Valley City

3/9: The Cowboy Train, Heber City

3/8 - 3/9: Rob Schneider, West Jordan

3/9 - 3/10: Get Lucky, Salt Lake City

3/15 - 3/18: 2018 International Sportsmen's Expo, Sandy

3/16: Bon Jovi: This House Is Not For Sale Tour, Salt Lake City

3/16: St. Paddy's Train, Heber City

3/16 - 3/17: Wanda Sykes, Salt Lake City

3/17: 2018 Salt Lake City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Salt Lake City

3/22 - 3/31: Easter Bunny Train, Heber City

3/24: Pink Park City, Park City Mountain

3/24 - 3/25: Holi Festival of Colors, Spanish Fork

3/24 - 4/2: Spring Gruv, Park City Mountain

3/30: The Comedy Get Down Tour, West Valley City

3/31: Easter Egg Hunt!, Salt Lake City

4/1: Easter at Snowbird, Snowbird

4/1: Annual Easter Celebration, Park City Mountain

4/1: Easter Bunny visits Deer Valley, Deer Valley Resort

Spring In Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
May 24, 2017

Spring is here and even with our snow capped mountains temperatures are reaching the 70s during the day. With Spring means that each Wednesday, Canyons Village at Park City will once again host Park City's Farmers Market in the Cabriolet parking lot. Stop by for fresh produce, fresh baked bread and arts and crafts from local vendors. Canyons Village Cabriolet Lot 1815 Canyons Resort Drive. This also means that the The Last Friday Gallery Stroll is coming up giving locals and Park City visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while exploring Park City’s exciting art scene. During the Last Friday Gallery Stroll—6:00–9:00 p.m. on the last Friday of each month—members of the Park City Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits and art events.

Park City is back in the news making the top ten for America's Greatest Places You Absolutely Have to Visit During Spring By Jay Gentile. Park City, Utah - Spring shoulder-season deals make this time of year the cheapest to visit Utah's most well-known resort town. While it has a reputation for celebrity sightings during Sundance, in spring it's just another laid-back mountain town up for pretty much anything. Strolling or riding the free trolley down its picturesque Main St is a must, and there is perhaps no finer activity than basking in the spring sun over a few pints of craft beer on the rooftop of local hangout No Name Saloon. Nearby Salt Lake City is one of the most underrated (and cheap) destinations in America, while the surrounding Wasatch Mountains are as good a place as any to lose yourself in nature.

National Geographic also has Park City in their top picks for America’s 20 Best Mountain Bike Towns - The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) designates destinations as “ride centers” when they offer something for every rider, from backcountry epics to beginner-friendly singletrack. Of the 37 in the world, the first gold-level status was awarded to Park City. Beyond the sheer quantity of trails—about 400 miles of singletrack—Park City’s active and productive bike community has helped link them in a highly functional, user-friendly network.

Park City’s trail options include long, flat cruises, intermediate rolling terrain, and alpine singletrack with challenging climbs and thrilling descents. There are even lengthy tours like Mid-Mountain and Wasatch Crest. Plus, Deer Valley, Canyons Resort, and Park City Mountain Resort (now one property) all offer lift-assisted riding, which makes access to the higher alpine trails even easier. Gravity aficionados flock to Canyons Bike Park for its freeride trails (the lifts also access 20 miles of cross-country trails).

Park City even joins the most recent edition of VOGUE in Ed Droste Trades Sunny LA for 2 Mountain Retreats - Simon and I headed up to Park City, Utah to stay at the masterful Washington School House Hotel. As luck would have it, we were upgraded to the top-floor penthouse. Our brains essentially exploded upon arrival and learning that an ambassador for the city had created a killer itinerary for us, including top-notch food at High West Distillery and endless days of skiing both at Park City Mountain (it has recently been overhauled and is now massive) and the more old school Deer Valley.

Have a great week - Ramon and The Gomez Team

Spring Skiing In Park City

By Ramon Gomez, Jr.
Mar 22, 2017

RamonSpring Skiing is here and we are making the most of our time on the mountain. After hitting the slopes I read a great article yesterday I wanted to share by Jordi Lippe-McGraw for the Huffington Post - 5 Things Every East Coast Skier Should Know About West Coast Skiing. Jordi said "Our go-to spot was Killington, Vermont, and I have very fond memories of hitting the slopes with my dad, enjoying family meals by the fire, and taking a dip in the hot tub.But, aside the occasional side trip to upstate New York or Connecticut, this was the only skiing I ever knew. That was until I took my first West Coast ski trip to Park City, Utah. After hearing about the record snow fall the area got this year (and the lack of snow New York got), I decided to book a quick three-day getaway to the famous resort area. My assumptions were it would be pretty much the same as east coast skiing, so I should know what to expect. Right? Boy, was I wrong. Here are five things every east coast skier should know about west coast skiing: The Snow Is Scientifically Proven To Be The Best, Gourmet Meals Are The Norm At Ski Lodges, the Hotel Rooms Are Basically Luxury Homes, It’s Not Miserably Cold On The Slopes and You Can Ski All Day Without Doing The Same Trail Twice." Click here to read the entire article.

Park CityIt seems a lot of people are writing about their first trips to Park City and I wanted to share this one too - 8 Best Things to do in Park City, Utah by Andrea Traynor. Andrea describes herself as the Indulgent Traveling Mom and here are her 8 best things to do in Park City: Ski and snowboard in champagne powder, Eat at Tupelo, Vessel Kitchen + Deer Valley’s Seafood Buffet, Bobsled at Olympic Park, Go snowmobiling, Visit High West Distillery, Take the free trolley, Be fabulous in the Veuve Clicquot yurt, Stay at Black Bear Lodge and Read on for all of the details!

Here are a few events going on around Park City - have a great week!

Groundbreaking: Innovations in Clay March 22 - April 16 at the Kimball Art Center    

Why Did the Moose Cross the Road? Making Highway Crossings… March 22 at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter    

Story Time Art for Tots March 23 - May 25 at the Kimball Art Center    

Table of 12 Wine Tasting March 23 - April 2 The Market at Park City    

 Annie March 23 - April 2 at the Egyptian Theatre    

The Infamous Stringdusters March 23 Park City Live    

 

 

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