FEBRUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER

Is it Spring yet? We are so close! I always feel like if I can make it through February I’ve practically made it to summer. I'm having a hard time adjusting back to winter mode with the mild January and early February we had. However, one of the things I love about Utah is the constant change of season. Hopefully you've been able to take advantage of this amazing late season snow.

TIPS FROM HOME INSPECTORS

As part of the home buying process, most people choose to have a professional home inspection. I thought I would share with you a few things that are often identified in a home inspection--all of which are things you can do to your home to make it safe, add value, and keep it in good condition. I always encourage my clients to make sure these items are in good working order before they list their house to make the inspection report as clean as possible.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors

Yes, I have been in a number of homes without working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These are an easy purchase that can be installed by almost anyone. They range from simple, battery-powered devices to sophisticated smart home components that can be hard-wired to the home. Also, most home security systems have optional fire and carbon detection systems that can be incorporated in the home security package. Whichever method you choose, make sure you test them occasionally. Here is a link to purchase a combined carbon monoxide and smoke detector that can be easily installed.

Water Heater Expansion Tank and Straps

In case we ever have the "big one," water heater straps could save you a lot of time and money. The straps are easily purchased at a hardware store and will keep your water heater from tipping over. The expansion tank is usually installed by a plumber. Its purpose is to deal with thermal expansion of water as it heats up inside the water heater - to prevent water pressure from getting too high. This will add longevity to your water heater and the pipes. Here is a link to purchase water heater straps, and here is a link to purchase a water heater expansion tank. Of course, there are many different brands and price points, and each of these can also be purchased at local home improvement stores. Shop around to find the ones that work for you.

GFCI Electrical Outlets

These should be installed by an electrician and are a safety precaution. Electrical current is supposed to flow out of the outlet, to a device, and then back into the outlet to complete the home circuit. When a conductor, such as water (or yourself), creates a new circuit to a different ground, problems arise. A ground fault can cause a circuit to spark or heat up to the point that a fire occurs. Irreparable damage to whatever device was plugged into the outlet is also common. Worst of all, if the reason for the ground fault involves you becoming the short, severe electrical shocks and burns are the end result. An inspector always recommends these be installed near faucets in bathrooms and kitchens. These can be purchased at any home improvement store.

Gutter Downspout Extenders

These are good to put in before Spring really hits, especially with all of the new snow that has come in the past few weeks. Water that pools near a home's foundation not only can lead to water in the basement but the foundation settling in that corner of the house. You can find several types, colors, and sizes here. These are also available at any home improvement store.

HOME SPOTLIGHT

One of my colleagues just sold this amazing Guy Dreier designed home at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Guy Dreier is the son of noted Swiss architect Eduard Dreier. Both father and son have designed some of Salt Lake's most iconic and beautiful homes. Their distinctive, modern style provide natural light throughout the space, with clean but inviting lines. This home sits on 6.75 acres with breathtaking views of the valley and mountains. Touring these gorgeous homes is one of my favorite parts of this job. For a tour of this home, click here. Keep scrolling for a preview of my upcoming listing--a spectacular Eduard Dreier home in Olympus Cove.

CURRENT LISTINGS

5350 Pioneer Fork Road, Emigration Canyon $1,295,000

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, March 3rd from 12:00 - 3:00.

This immaculate home in Emigration Oaks is mountain living at its finest. A theatre room, large master, incredible mountain views throughout, and easy access to some of the best local trails, are just a few of the qualities this home has to offer. Wrap-around decks and picturesque landscape views out nearly every window. Unlike many homes in this area, this yard has a flat spot that is perfect for a play structure and yard games. Check out the full listing here and the video tour here.

2970 Devonshire Circle - $1,340,000

This spectacular home is located in one of Salt Lake's most desirable neighborhoods - St. Mary's. The beauty of Devonshire Circle is the incredible views of the city and Capitol from the front of the property and the privacy of the mountains in the back. This home has 6,800 square feet of beautiful living space, including 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. It has a gorgeous pool area perfect for entertaining, and even includes a separate pool house that has a loft, kitchen, sauna, and shower. The home sits on .65 acres and has high quality craftsmanship throughout. We anticipate putting this home on the MLS in the spring and it won't last long. If you would like to schedule a showing now, please contact me.

COMING SOON - Eduard Dreier Masterpiece in Olympus Cove

Coming this summer, I'll be listing an updated Eduard Dreier masterpiece near the top of Olympus Cove. Modern architecture with extraordinary views, and updates throughout. When this home hits the market, it will truly be one of Salt Lake's shining stars. If you'd like a private showing before it hits the market, please let me know. Anticipated list price will exceed $2,000,000.

SLC - HAPPENINGS

Here are a few events that caught my eye happening in and around Salt Lake in the next few weeks.

Salt Lake Tribune Home & Garden Show

Check out the latest in kitchen design, garden projects, outdoor living spaces, play areas for kids, gazebos, and other amazing ways to incorporate outdoor living to your home. March 9-11 at the Mountain America Expo Center (formerly Southtowne expo center). Click here for details.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17th is the 40th Annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Salt Lake. The parade runs down 300 South, from 500 East to the Gallivan Center, and starts at 10:00 a.m. This is a great activity for the whole family, and the post-parade party will be held at the Gallivan Center. For more information, click here.

Run SLC Race Series

The next leg of this graduated race series is March 3rd at Salt Lake Running Company. This 10K race goes through the historic Salt Lake City neighborhoods near Liberty Park. This is another excellent way to start training for the race season, or to take the first steps to accomplishing your goal of finishing your first marathon this year. Click here for information.

Playworks Utah Race to Reduce Bullying

This family-friendly 5K at Historic Wheeler Farm is a perfect way to get the whole family involved supporting a great cause. It is scheduled for March 24th at 9:00 a.m., and there are plenty of sponsorship opportunities if you are interested. Check out details here.

HEALTHY LIVING - TIME TO PAMPER

I usually post different workout-related features in this section, but this time I thought I would post a reminder and incentive to pamper you or your significant other sometime in March. My favorite nail salon, Topcoat Nail Bar, located at 1311 South 900 East, is offering 20% off pedicures for my newsletter subscribers. Go to www.topcoatslc.com and use the code pediswithmimi in the note section when signing up for your appointment. This salon is fantastic, and is just down the street from my new Windermere office at 1059 East 900 South if you'd like to stop by after your pedicure to say hello.

New Recipe

This is a new recipe that I just discovered. These muffins contain no flour and no sugar and are a quick and easy way to use up ripe bananas. The best part is that they are full of protein so they make a delicious, filling snack for you and your family. Enjoy!

Chocolate Banana Protein Muffins

3 ripe bananas
2 eggs
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 scoops chocolate protein powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tin.

Blend oats in blender to make a powder. Add this and remaining ingredients into a food processor until thoroughly mixed together. You can use an electric mixer if you don't have a food processor.

Bake 18-20 minutes in muffin tin or until toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Neighborhood News provides people with relevant, housing market statistics and information by zip code — This monthly email provides data about homes that have been sold or are currently on the market according to your zip code, including sale price information. It's a great way to stay current on your neighborhoods position in the market.

If you are interested, please email me your zip code.

Mimi Sinclair
Realtor®

801.580.6089
mimi@winutah.com
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Instagram: @mimisinclair.realestate