When my friends need a recommendation on a restaurant I am usually the first person they call.  I have eaten at almost every restaurant in Cache Valley and I consider myself a connoisseur of sorts.  Occasionally I like to point out a few of my favorites.  If you like good old fashioned hamburgers then you need to take a drive out to Richmond, UT and visit L.D.'s Cafe.  This is one of my favorite places to eat in all of Utah. Everything about the hamburger is fresh and cooked to pure perfection.  For the best sandwich in the valley Logan Heroes on Main St. in Logan makes a great one.  They also have some of the friendliest service you'll find.  Le Nonne in the heart of Historic Logan is a hidden jewel.  They serve some of the finest Italian Cuisine in Utah.  They are a bit pricey, but I ... 10/23/2008

This morning I read a great blog from a real estate agent in Ogden, Utah that examines the Buyer Agency Agreement: We've all had it happen before. As buyers we call to inquiry about a property and schedule a time to see the home later in the evening. When the appointment rolls around, we meet the friendly REALTOR for the first time. Prior to entering the house the agent whips out a two page contract and asks us to sign it before going inside. As buyers, we are caught off guard and very skeptical to sign anything at this point. So we either sign it or we don't, either way we don't place much value on it.Jared Wangsgard, TubeUtah Real Estate Blog, Oct 2008 Many buyers wonder what the purpose of the Buyer Agency Agreement is.  This is probably because most real estate agents do not take th... 10/23/2008

Day of week Date Time Topic Wednesday 22-Oct-08 9 A.M. Listing Exposure - Alan - Who, What, When Thursday 10/23/2008 9:30 A.M. Listing Packets, Procedures, Advertising Timeline. Monday 10/27/2008 9:30 A.M. Lead Management System, Top producer, Outlook. Wednesday 10/29/2008 9 A.M. New REPC Thursday 10/30/2008 9:30 A.M. WFRMLS auto hotsheet, Beta, CMA, Stats Monday 11/3/2008 9:30 A.M. FSBO Program, Packets Thursday 11/6/2008 9:30 A.M. Bonneville Title / HUD / ALTA  Thursday 11/13/2008 9:30 A.M. Expired Listings Monday 11/17/2008 9:30 A.M. Personal Brochures, Website, Business Cards, Image, Branding. Thursday 11/20/2008 9:30 A.M. Mailings, Email Campaigns. Monday 10/24/2008 9:30 A.M. Postlets, KSL, Classified Flyers Monday 12/1/2008 9:30 A.M. Handling Objections Thursday 12/4/2008 9:30 A.... 10/22/2008

I was talking with one of my colleagues this morning and he told me of a guy he was speaking with yesterday. This client said he had wait to purchase a home because he didn’t quite have 20% for a down payment yet. Many consumers right now would like to purchase a home, but they are worried that they can’t get financing. So what’s the real story with getting a loan? It’s true that banks have tightened up their lending procedures. What the news doesn’t tell you is who they aren’t lending to anymore. The root of the problem with the banks right now was caused by the subprime market. The subprime market was established for people who otherwise would not be extended credit. What do you need to do to qualify for a mortgage loan? You need to have established credit and have a history of paying... 10/22/2008

I’m sure by now that almost everyone in the country has heard of the gloomy outlook on the national economy. After watching the news I don’t blame anyone for being scared about their financial future. So here comes some good news, yes I did say good news. Yesterday on YAHOO! Real Estate, Brad Reagan and Elizabeth O’Brien wrote a great article that can give us all some hope after all of the bad news we’ve be inundated repeatedly with in the past year. The article, Home Prices: Now for the Good News, references seven of the markets that look best for a rebound. And guess what, Salt Lake City is among the list. What does this mean for you? Well, this can give you some added confidence in our local market. Here in Utah we haven’t seen the booms that markets like California, Arizona, Nevada,... 10/21/2008

For most Americans the American Dream is to own a home. Buying a home is a big step in anyone’s life. This is probably the biggest investment you will ever make and also the most rewarding. Although, we hear in the news almost daily of all of the foreclosures across the country happening. Were these people in foreclosure really ready to purchase a home when they did? Buying a home is a big deal, so you should not treat it lightly. So here are a few tips for when you purchase a home.  Purchase within your means. This is your first home. Don’t expect it to be everything that your parents have. This is the most important concept when buying a home. Do not spend more than you can afford. Understand the details of your financing. Many of the people facing foreclosure right now were in loan p... 10/20/2008

The other day I posted about all of the things to do in the Logan area.  Yesterday I went on a hike up Logan Canyon.  For my hike I drove up to Tony's Grove Lake.  There are many trails that lead off of the lake.  For this hike I decided to go around the lake and up around the rim of the valley.  It was a gorgeous day.  Only pictures could describe this beauty.  So, I thought I'd share a couple photos to illustrate the beauty here. Enjoy...   10/20/2008

  Robert Brown | Cornerstone Real Estate Professionals | 435-760-1113 Eastridge Dr., Logan, UT beautiful Cliffside rambler has breathtaking valley views. 6BR/5BA Single Family House offered at $315,000 Year Built 1999 Sq Footage 3,662 Bedrooms 6 Bathrooms 5 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size .48 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This beautiful Cliffside rambler has breathtaking valley views. Vaulted ceilings, 2.5 car garage, 2 furnaces, 2 water heaters, and lots of tile make this home a must see. Sale subject to third party approval.Get more info at www.robertjbrown.infoI am available Monday thru Saturday and most evenings. As you see homes that you are interested in, just give me a call and we can set up a time to see it.Thank you, and let me know if you hav... 10/18/2008

While I was attending college here in Logan, Utah I talked to other students who were attending Utah State University from all over the country, and world for that matter. People told me all the time that there was nothing to do in Logan. I was shocked to hear this. I’ve lived in this area most of my life and I know there is an adundance of things here in the valley. Logan has great things to offer for almost anyone. For the outdoor enthusiast Logan is a paradise. Logan is located in Beautiful Cache Valley and surrounded by mountains in every direction. If you enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, snow skiing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, or water skiing then Logan is a great place to live. With all of these great activities so close you may have a hard time fittin... 10/18/2008

Getting into your first home is a big step and often a hard one. Owning a home brings great benefits that many people would love to have. Are you one of the many people in the United States that is still renting and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to own a home? Now is a good time for you to get into a home. It may still be a stretch, but it is worth checking into. This past year, the Government approved a $7500 Tax Credit for first time home buyers. This is a great option available for buyers. If you bought a home after April 9, 2008 you may be eligible for this credit. This credit combined with low interest rates and a large inventory make now a great time to buy for first time home buyers. I’ve received many calls from people who have questions about this tax credit. Here are the... 10/16/2008

If you have turned on the news at all recently you’ve probably heard doom and gloom regarding foreclosures, banks going under, and the overall economy going to hell in a hand basket. Yes, it is scary stuff. In reality though, economies naturally work just like a roller coaster. My point is, don’t let the current economic downturn get you down. Should I buy now? That is the question that is plaguing a lot of people’s minds. Watching the news these days could scare just about anyone from investing in anything. Keep in mind that real estate has no national market. Each local area has its own real estate market.Here in Logan, Utah we still have a strong market and strong local economy. Yes, our growth has slowed, but we are still gaining value on our homes. Here are a few reasons why now is... 10/15/2008

There will be an Open House in Logan for this home this Saturday between 1:00 and 3:00. Contact Toni Dorigatti 881-3587 for more details. 09/23/2008

Here's an update for the condo market in Logan Utah as of August 20, 2008: Active Condos There are currently 62 active condos listed on the MLS with an average asking price of $135,796 and an average market time of 98 days.  28 of these are in the 140K to 160K range (can you say Bridgerland Meadows?) and have been on the market an average of 109 days. Under Contract Condos There are 10 under contract condos with an average price of $137,340 and an average market time of 70 days. Sold Condos Over the last 12 months there have been 92 sold condos in Logan with an average price of $120,921 and an average market time of 43 days. 41 of these have been in the 90K to 130K range.....mostly the Blackhawk and Yorkshire Village condos. Summary: With a large number of new construction condos still ... 08/20/2008

Kaleb Kunz | Cornerstone Real Estate Professionals | 435-760-1466 49 Kensington Pl, Logan, UT Clean updated Yorkshire 2 bedroom townhome. Immaculate shape! Great community! 2BR/1.5BA Townhouse offered at $115,500 Year Built 1998 Sq Footage 1,224 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 0 sqft HOA/Maint $85 per month DESCRIPTION Bring all offers! This townhome has tile flooring in the kitchen. Very clean carpet and fresh, tasteful paint throughout. The 2 bedrooms are VERY large and there is plenty of storage in the garage and home. Central air, new hardware on cabinets and a very large laundry room. Yorkshire Village has 2 playgrounds, tennis & basketball courts and a private clubhouse. The landscaping is well kept and the common areas are everywhere... 07/10/2008

Although Real Estate in Logan Utah is slightly down from last years numbers, compared to Real Estate in Utah, and in most of the Nation it is "relatively healthy." Home sales in Cache County are down by about 15% compared to 2007's numbers. This number is substantially better than home sales in Davis County, Salt Lake County, and Utah County where home sales are down by about 35%. In addition, while home prices are actually down in most portions of the Wasatch Front, they are still up for Logan Homes. Many potential home buyers fear that if they buy now, prices will go down. In my opinion this won't happen in the Logan area. They won't go up fast, but they aren't going to be going down in value either. The current economic data indicates that mortgage rates will likely be going up in th... 06/10/2008

Check it out.  Logan Utah is ranked nationally for housing appreciation. 15th infact. This is more of a reflection of the struggling state of the housing economy nationally than it is of the stellar appreciating Logan Utah Real Estate market. Nevertheless, relative to most of the nation our market is very stable and it is a great time to buy homes or land in Logan Utah.  Here are some stats as reported by the office of federal housing enterprise oversight: Houses in Logan  appreciated a little over six percent from the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2008. In the last five years, Logan home prices have appreciated nearly thirty three percent, which is a fairly gradual and healthy rate of appreciation. As a state, Utah ranked second among the states for one-year appreciatio... 05/23/2008

In the Logan Area, we have several programs that have been designed specifically for the First Time Home Buyer.BRAG AssistanceThe Bear River Associaton of Governments will give $2,000 in unpaid settlement costs to applicants who complete the USU Family Life Center Homeowner Education Workshop atleast a month prior to buying a home. This is an all day workshop held the second Saturday's (and sometimes the third or fourth as well) every month at the USU Campus Credit Union. It is covers all aspects of financing and purchasing a home and I would highly recommend it regardless of if you will qualify on the extra monies. This must be repaid when the home is sold.To make a reservation call the USU Family Life Center (435) 797-7224.Welcome Home Own In LoganThis is a First time homebuyer progra... 01/08/2008

Interest Rates on 30 year fixed rate mortgages are the lowest they've been in over two years. I've even seen some mortgage quotes for as low as 5.5%. This makes a huge difference on your monthly payment. A 1% interest difference on a $150,000 loan is $125 a month. Just a few months ago the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate was inching close to 7%. In addition to increased affordability on home loans, there is also increased home selection. Although home prices haven't actually gone down in Cache Valley, there is more inventory and more selection than there was during the summer. You are more likely to get a desirable home in your price range than you were six months ago.During the cold winter months there are fewer people who want to buy real estate (less competition for you). Homes a... 12/08/2007

As reported in the Enterprise (www.slenterprise.com)Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. plans to construct an $11 million, state-of-the- art "biocenter" for the manufacture of single-use bioprocess containers and related products at the site of its existing bioprocess production business unit in Logan.The investment by the Waltham, Mass.-based firm is in response to the increasing demand for disposable bioprocessing technology among customers in the life science research, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.Bioprocess containers serve cell-culture applications as well as the production of protein-based drugs, and are used in the mixing, storage and transportation of bioprocessing fluids and for bioreactors used to grow cells, proteins and other biochemically active substances. Single-... 12/06/2007

I recently received this from a friend of mine that is a lender. I thought you might find it useful and informative. I'll break it up into nine sections, so please check back in a few days for the next part. If you missed the previous  parts please read them as well. I think you will find them informative. I apologize I'm not sure where it came from originally, so if you have seen this before and know where it came from please let me know so I can give credit to them.  Some bankers and mortgage brokers may not be happy to hear me tell you these things. But you need to know them so you don't get unpleasantly surprised or pay too much when you finance your home.•2.   Not accurately determining whether you should elect a 15 or 30 year loan... or some other financing schedule.This question ... 05/03/2007