Well apart from doing some Real Estate stuff, I spent the day prepping some walls and a ceiling for painting.  It wasn't a lot of work, it is just something that I don't do all that often any longer.  When Darcy managed properties before I got my Real Estate License, I painted a lot of the units that she managed.  In fact, that was how I paid for my Real Estate Licensing School. There is nothing wrong with that type of work and I still enjoy doing it; I enjoyed it back then also.  I just remembered that my body has some muscles that are busy reminding me that I don't do this type of thing often enough.  I should get some more work for them over the next few weeks, as Darcy wants to paint the inside of the house.  I am also very glad that it is the inside that she wants to paint, I didn'... 12/15/2008

Well, although it is officially a week away, Winter arrived in Cedar City.  We ended up with about 5 inches of snow last night, with snow forecast for everyday through Thursday, I think that it is safe to say that the total will go up.  One good thing about Cedar City, is that we are close to Brian Head Ski resort and to St. George and golfing. St. George is nearly 2500 feet lower in elevation than we are in Cedar City, so they don't often get snow.  When they do it usually is gone in a day or two.  There are also a number of very good golf courses that during non storm weeks allow for golfing during the winter, so it is possible to come and ski one day and play golf the next.  Something to consider if you are wondering what to do with some vacation time during the Holiday Season. Cedar... 12/14/2008

Judging by the blizzard that hit Cedar City tonight, it may be a great time to get the ski gear out and get the skis waxed!  I shoveled about 4 inches of nice powder down here on the Valley Floor, so I have no idea how much they received in Brian Head.  I know that we were only forecast for around an inch of snow here in Cedar City tonight, and Brian Head was forecast for about a foot.  I doubt that they will get more than 4 times the forecast amount, but it should be a nice storm for them. There was talk on the radio earlier this week that they were planning on opening another run this weekend to compliment the 2 runs that were already open.  If they got a good storm out of this, like we did, it should really be nice skiing!  Anyway, if you don't have plans for the Christmas break and ... 12/13/2008

Today was a busy day, not a Real Estate busy day, but a busy day none the less.  We decided to do the last of our Christmas Shopping.  To accomplish this, we drove to St. George.  The one drawback to living in Cedar City is that we have a choice of Walmart and some smaller stores.  We went to Barnes and Noble and Sears, (we have a small Sears franchise in Cedar City, not a department store) a couple of other stores in the Mall in St. George, then Costco. I think that basic combat training should be required for entrance into Costco during the Holiday Season.  I thought that I was going to get run over a half a dozen different times.  I hope that I move that fast in 30 years while pushing a loaded Costco cart!  It was fun, the whole family went as we were shopping for the extended family... 12/13/2008

Well, our prolonged fall was cut off last night as we got our first real snow storm of the season.  The accompanying cold temperatures seem to verify this today.  We didn't really get much snow, which was disappointing, because it appeared to really be an impressive storm last night, with near white out condition for several minutes. One thing to remind people, take extra care now that winter seems to be gripping most of the nation now.  I say this because we live near an ambulance center and with the increase in siren activity, along with the sight of red and blue flashing lights both last night and this morning.  Remember if it is snowing there is a real good chance that the roads will be slippery and stopping will be more difficult. Years ago I worked in the trucking industry, one of... 12/09/2008

Today was a great lesson for me.  I learned that sometimes it is better to hire someone that really knows what they're doing than it is to do it yourself, even if you know how to do it.  We had a couple of large drywall repairs that needed some attention.  We had a water damage sag in the ceiling, and some other areas that needed to be repaired. It isn't that I don't know how to do drywall, I just don't do it very often, and to be honest, it isn't something that I like to do.  The guy that is doing the repaired showed up to start at about 11:30 AM this morning now, some 4 hours later, he has nearly completed his work.  It would have taken me an entire weekend at least! It brings home the lesson that occasionally, you are better off paying for some things.  It saves you in the long run! ... 12/08/2008

 Beautiful Cedar City - Utah - by: Robert Swetz  While a friend of mine was working on my car in Cedar City Utah, me and my wife took his 4x4 on a winding road very close to Cedar City.  If you look real close at this photo, you can see a small area of homes on the bottom left hand corner. That is part of Cedar City, Utah.    In the photo above there are some very big expensive homes with beautiful views of the Cedar City Valley.  In the photograph above we ran into some snow that very beautiful and I captured this shot!  Then on the drive home we ran into a huge area of Christmas lights in St George, Utah. My wife insisted I stop and take a few photographs.  photographs above taken in Cedar City, Utah 12-7-2008 by: Robert Swetz and duplicating in any form is in violation of copyright ... 12/07/2008

I know that there are people that think that I am a nut for taking time to remember an event that occurred more than 20 years prior to my birth.  To me, it is still relevant, not that I think that we should distrust Japan nor any other nation.  It is, like September 11th, a time to reflect on the values and things that I hold dear, as well as what happens when we let down our guard. Several years ago Darcy and I were in Hawaii on a calm peaceful morning.  It was a Sunday in January.  Although the Island of Oahu has changed a great deal, I was still amazed on that Sunday 5 years ago, at how calm and relaxed it was.  It is so beautiful, and the weather was incredible.  It was easy to understand how people were taken off guard some 67 years ago.  I remember that experience this afternoon a... 12/07/2008

December 13th at 5:30 PM is the ceremonial lighting of the Mayor's Christmas Tree.  The will take place in the Mayor's Park on the South West Corner of Main and Center Streets.  This will be followed by the Electric Light Parade on Main Street at 6:00 PM.  This is part of the fun of living in a place like Cedar City, there are a lot of opportunities to get out and celebrate something!  We are not the Festival City for nothing!  Some of the parades aren't exactly what you would compare to Macy's Thanksgiving Parade nor the Rose Parade, but they are fun and people put their hearts into them.  The community spirit is what sets Cedar City apart from other cities it's size in the area, not there is a lot of competition!  Anyway, come on up and enjoy a parade!  While you're at it check out th... 12/06/2008

Fireworks last night really ushered in the Christmas Celebration here in Cedar City.  They were shot from the center of town at the Heritage Center Parking structure.  Today is the Parade at 2PM and Santa will be available for the children to visit.  It seems a little strange to have all of these great festivities going on with no snow on the ground, but we will take what we can get!  For More Information on the entire Celebrations go to: http://www.christmas-festival.org/ Have a Great Weekend! 12/06/2008

This time of year it is easy to get caught up in the Season and forget about working like you normally would.  I really believe that is counter productive to us not just for this month, but for January and the way banks are working, probably February as well.  The past year and a half have shown us that Real Estate isn't a business that can be turned on and off like a faucette.  It is something that has to be worked at consistently in order to have any sustainable success.  I really like the blog posts that have been written about goals and business planning, they have been informative and in a lot of instances, a great reminder of things that need to be done.  The key is not to spend so much time planning that we forget to do anything.  Action is the most important part of the plan, ra... 12/05/2008

There is a huge and attractive selection of real estate available for buyers in Cedar City, UT, including homes, houses, property, foreclosures, bargains, short sales, land, acreage, new construction, multi-units and more.  I have never seen a better time to buy in my 25 years of selling real estate in Cedar City, UT.  Interest rates are near historical lows.  Mortgage loans are available with low and no downpayments.  Don't forget the possible $7500 benefit for first time home buyers.  The lending industry as well as the real estate market seem to have gone through necessary corrections that I believe will benefit everyone.  The government seems to be doing everything in their power to make buying homes easier for the buyer.  It seems like it just couldn't get any better than buying re... 12/02/2008

Just a reminder to my Active Rain friends here in Utah that beginning January 1st, we have to use the new REPC.  Until the first of the year we can use either the new REPC or the one that is being replaced.  It may be a good time to start to familiarize yourself with the changes contained in the new version.  If you're like us, and haven't had hundreds of opportunities to use the new REPC, you make be like us, and should take the time to get the information that has changed down to a science. After January 1st we will have to use the new REPC, so it is up to us to be familiar with it so that we appear to be the professionals that we are!  Have a Great Week! 12/02/2008

Well, the Holiday weekend is over and like many others we spent the day getting caught back up on things that had been neglected in our absence.  We did our routine Real Estate things, letting owners of expired listings know that we would be glad to offer our expertise in the marketing of their properties.  We also had a BPO to complete and another that we turned down, (conflict of interest, we know the homeowner.) It was good to get back to work, even if it felt like we were running up a steep, muddy, hill.  We may not have reached the summit, but we made a good go of it.  The thing that never ceases to amaze me with a trip anywhere, is the incredible volume of laundry that has to be done once we return.  I had no idea that I owned that many clothes!  I also didn't think that it was po... 12/01/2008

I have been one of the top REALTORS in Cedar City as well as in the nation for 25 years and have approximately 100 properties, homes, lots, etc. on the market for sale.  Therefore, I get a good feel for market changes.  I am noticing a pick-up in the # of showings for my listings which is unusual for November and December.   When more of my listings are getting more showings by real estate agents in the Cedar City and Iron County areas, I believe that the market is picking up.  I called one of my friends who is also a top REALTOR in our area, and she agreed with me that the market is picking up.  She mentioned that she and I would feel the change sooner because of the large number of house and property listings that we have on the market.  I currently have an investor that I've been wor... 12/01/2008

Well our journey to California is over for now.  I really enjoyed my time there.  The weather other than a few showers on Wednesday must have been ordered by the Chamber of Commerce!  It was spectacular!  I didn't even take a jacket with me, so that should tell you how nice it turned out to be.  While it is always fun to go away and see new places and visit family, it is also good to come home.  I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed! I really do have to say thanks to Darcy's parents, they really took good care of us while we were there!  I realize during the Holidays just how much I miss my own parents and would love to just give them a call to see how they are doing.  I do believe that there will be a chance to see them again in Paradise, but it doesn... 11/30/2008

This is getting to be addictive.  I haven't even opened the MLS this morning!  Today is day 4 of spending time with family and not really doing a lot of Real Estate.  It is true, that sometimes to move forward, you have to take a step back.  I can't really speak for Darcy, but it has been refreshing to take a short Real Estate break. Today is another day to spend with family, we are driving from Victorville to Riverside to meet with Darcy's Aunt and her family.  It is going to be fun, we are meeting at the Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch.  It should be good.  I know I hate Italian food.  (Sarcasm intended)  Anyway, I hope that if you are working that you're successful!  If you're taking a break, Have fun!  Be safe and have a great Weekend! 11/29/2008

Darcy and I are taking the day off, now that everyone is showered and getting moving.  It is our wedding anniversary and we are planning to just spend the day together, away from Real Estate.  It helps that we are in California with family.  Tonight we are planning on going to dinner, Darcy is surprizing me, so I can't say where, because I don't know. To those that braved or are braving Black Friday, Good Luck!  I hope that everyone enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving!  Anyway this is enough time for today on Active Rain.  Have a Great Weekend! 11/28/2008

Yesterday, Darcy and I decided to look around at the houses for sale in Victorville, California.  We looked online prior to setting out.  I can say that I wish that I had money to invest!  There were some incredible bargains!  Not all of the houses that we looked out were REO's either, some still are owner occupied.  It was eye opening, having my inlaws living here, we have an idea what the high point was price wise.  To see some of these nice newer homes priced where they are now, makes me realize how lucky we have been so far. There were so many that looked like great deals, we compared it to a liquidation sale on a store that was going out of business sale.  I feel for the people that have lost their homes.  I just really wanted to say, eventhough this isn't our market, nor even our ... 11/27/2008

PLEASE JOIN ME IN TAKING TIME FROM THE WORLD TO EXPRESS THANKS FOR OUR MANY BLESSINGS IN THIS LIFE!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Janet Naisbitt-Bagley, REALTOR, www.homesincedarcity.com.  Please call 435-865-1019, 435-559-7772, 800-934-3742 for all your real estate needs whether buy or selling. Email:   naisbitt@inxsnet.com 11/26/2008