Salt Lake Local Restaurants to Support

by Cathy Sneyd

In these uncertain times, it is increasingly important to support small business owners. Plus, everyone still has those days when they have no desire to cook. It doesn’t matter whether there is a Stay-At-Home order or not. Luckily many of our favorite restaurants are remaining open for carry-out or delivery service.

As a reminder, ordering delivery and carry-out service is safe, as long as you follow proper precautions. There is no evidence that suggests food or food packaging being associated with COVID-19. To take extra precautions, you can wipe down food packaging, put the food on your own plate, and wash your hands thoroughly before eating to minimize risk.

Supporting these restaurants will also help these locally run and owned businesses remain open long after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.

Take a look at some of these local favorites:

The Pie Pizzeria

The Pie Pizzeria is a local favorite with locations across the Salt Lake Valley.

Many of their locations are still open, and you can call your nearest location to order pizza for delivery or curbside takeout. Visit their site to learn more.

Pig & a Jelly Jar

Pig & a Jelly Jar provides a twist on Southern comfort food with locations in Salt Lake, Holladay, and Ogden.

You can order online, and then head out to your choice of location for pickup. Another awesome addition is that you can donate money on their website to provide meals for Pig & a Jelly Jar to front line healthcare workers.

Proper Burger Co.

Proper serves classic American fare with vegan and vegetarian options available. They also have Proper Brewing Co. libations available for those who are interested.

They have their delivery and curbside menu available on their website. Online ordering is available.

Chile-Tepin

Chile-Tepin is a popular spot downtown for Mexican cuisine, named after the chile-tepin pepper, the only wild chile native to the U.S.

Chile-Tepin is open for Lunch and dinner. You can order online for pickup or delivery within 8 miles.

Sicilia Mia

Sicilia Mia is a popular locally owned and operated Italian restaurant open for lunch and dinner service.

They have online ordering available on their website.

Tsunami

Tsunami is a go-to sushi restaurant for many across the Salt Lake valley.

They are open for dinner only and have their curbside menu available on their website.

Sugarhouse BBQ

Sugarhouse BBQ offers signature style Memphis barbecue from their ideal location in the heart of Sugarhouse.

They are open for takeout and delivery and have online ordering available.

Midvale Mining Cafe

Midvale Mining company is another great spot for comfort food.

They are open for takeout orders You can find their menu on their website, with weekly specials on their Facebook page. You can call them to place an order at 801-255-5511.

Wingers

Wingers is a locally owned and operated franchise chain in the Western region. They serve classic American-style fare.

Find your closest location on their website and review their menu. Then call them to order takeout.

Spitz

Spitz serves Mediterranean street food across the American West, with 5 locally owned locations in Utah.

You can order for each location on their website for delivery and curbside takeout.

There are many more local restaurants that could use your support during these difficult times. You can find even more options over at www.supportutahdining.com.

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At Windermere Utah, we are proud to keep you up-to-date on the latest news, events, and listings. Be sure to keep checking back in here at the blog, and don’t forget to follow us on social media.

Living • April 8, 2020

5 Small Things You Can Do to Improve Your Home Office

by Cathy Sneyd

Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, many of us now find ourselves working from home. While it’s hard to complain about the commute, working from home can be an adjustment. For example, you may find yourself doing tasks around the house and suddenly you’ve missed several important emails. If you feel like you need some help being more productive while working from home, here are five tips to improve your workflow.

Add Light

The best kind of light is natural light. Try setting up your workspace by a window. If that’s not possible, add a desk lamp or floor lamp to brighten your space. Not only will it help with visibility; it brightens your mood, which helps you to be more productive.

Declutter

Remove distracting clutter. Take everything off your desk that you don’t need. Store it elsewhere or use shelves on your wall to display it.

If you find yourself cleaning throughout the day, set aside time specifically for these tasks. If you’re still waking up at the same time you did when working at the office—which studies show is a great strategy when working from home—using your would-be commute time to tidy up helps avoid those periodic distractions.

Bring the Outdoors In

Bringing plants into your home is beneficial for productivity and health alike. Greenery is a natural mood booster and gives life to a room. Plants naturally purify the air, helping you breathe easy as you make your way through the workday. Try arranging both hanging and potted plants to improve the mood around your workspace.

Change Your Chair

A chair that’s too tall, too short, or not comfortable is a fast track to back and shoulder problems that inhibit your workday and linger afterwards. Being in a stationary position for hours at a time requires the right kind of support to stay productive. Features to look for in a quality office chair include proper lumbar support, sturdy wheels, and an adjustable base that allows your shoulders to relax and your feet to rest flat on the floor.

Add Decor

It’s important to keep your home office professional and dedicated to your work. However, adding personal touches to the space will help you feel at ease. Position your work computer and phone front and center with any related work tools close by and handy. Adding pictures of loved ones, artwork, and inspirational quotes will help inspire you to generate ideas while working productively.

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At Windermere Utah, we are proud to keep you up-to-date on the latest news, events, and listings. Be sure to keep checking back in here at the blog, and don’t forget to follow us on social media.

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Originally Posted in Living by Sandy Dodge

Uncategorized • March 6, 2020

Sugar House Art Walk and Gallery Stroll

by Cathy Sneyd

March in Salt Lake is wonderful for so many reasons: warmer weather, longer days, the first blooms of spring, and of course, great community events to enjoy without the fear of getting overly chilled upon stepping outside.

It’s our pleasure to announce that the Redman Gallery will be hosting two events in the coming weeks, and we’d love to take a moment to extend our warmest invitations.

On the 13th we will have the quarterlySugar House Art Walk where we will again be featuring the iconic photography of Lee Cohen. The Sugar House Art Walk is an opportunity for businesses in the region to promote local art and music in the community. For updates and a full list of participants in this event, you can follow the Art Walk here.

Then, on the 20th, we will have our monthly Gallery Stroll, which will be a Women’s Group Show celebrating Women’s History Month.

The Redman Gallery is an alternative exhibit space located in the heart of Sugar House. The Redman building itself is of historical significance, and is home to impressive displays throughout the 6^th and 7^th floors (which also serve as offices to Windermere Real Estate). The gallery proudly features artists working in contemporary and traditional styles. Redman Gallery participates in the quarterly Sugar House Art Walk, as well as the monthly Salt Lake Gallery Stroll. The Redman Gallery is owned by Sophy and Grady Kohler. Exhibits are curated by Camilla Fowler, owner of MILL Art Consulting & Real Estate, and Realtor at Windermere Real Estate.

I hope you will come out and support our local artists! Please let me know if you would like any further information.

Uncategorized • March 6, 2020

Park City Local Market Update

by Cathy Sneyd

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THE BIG PICTURE – IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!
Since the great recession, the Park City Real Estate market has continued to grow and improve every year. Overall, 2019 closed volume is up 13% over 2018 for a phenomenal $2.7B dollars. Notable influences on our market include: An ever expanding geographic area of real estate including, extensive remodeling of older properties and many new construction projects. Park City currently offers a variety of real estate options for all kinds of buyers. Generally speaking, prices have been rising dramatically and a leveling off of prices, might be very healthy in the long run.

Read on to learn more about the diverse segments of our market.

SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES

For 2019 vs. 2018, transactions are up 4% to 1,102 and sales volume is up 14% to $1.6B. Average prices vary greatly by area, but are generally up across the board over the previous year. We continue the trend, of higher priced homes ($4M and up) taking longer to sell. Here are some average single family sale prices in a few popular areas:

❱ Old Town – $2.144M

❱ Deer Valley – $4.7M

❱ Park Meadows – $2.26M

❱ Silver Springs – $1.3M

OVERALL CONDOMINIUM SALES

Volume is up 24% to $865M and like SF homes average prices vary dramatically. Some areas have very few condos (Silver Springs and Jeremy Ranch), while others are primarily condos (Canyons Village and Deer Valley). Empire Pass in Deer Valley, resale condominium volume and average price is slightly down. We believe this is primarily due to the new, much higher priced, projects being presold in the area.

DEER VALLEY

Deer Valley continues to satisfy luxury home buyers in our market and Deer Valley Resort has many exciting new things going on! Even though sales volume is slightly down throughout Deer Valley, this is most likely a result of the exciting new projects that are sold but still under construction. There is much buzz and excitement about the remodel and update of the Snow Park Lodge this summer and other lodges after that. After many years of speculation, it appears that Deer Valley may be seriously considering building the long planned village on the Snow Park parking lots. There is also talk of a new condominium project next to a major lift in Deer Crest and the continuing negotiation to include Mayflower Resort as part of Deer Valley.

VACANT LAND SALES

Vacant Land Sales have decreased in the greater Park City area, however, this should change with the huge new subdivisions coming on in the Jordanelle area (Sky Ridge). The primary reason for this decrease, is the lack of new lots, as Park City is very close to build out and the Snyderville Basin is also running low on building lots. The general Heber Valley area also has very few lot sales because most of the lots are controlled by developers and are being sold with homes on them.

HEBER VALLEY AND WEST COUNTY

Heber City is a much smaller market than the rest of the Park City area, but a very important one. It serves as a more affordable place to live for people to have a primary residence or a vacation home. Midway is especially popular for vacation homes. The East County, which includes communities such as Woodland, Kamas and Oakley, is another area with lower prices than Park City and is becoming a haven for more primary residences and larger horse properties. This area has more of a rural feel than any other part of our market.

NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

New Construction projects are having a big impact on our market and will continue to in our future. Here are some prime examples:

❱ Park City Mountain Resort Village in the Park City limits. (See article on page one)

❱ Mayflower Mountain – A Billion Dollar ski area in Wasatch County overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir. A 20 year project comprised of commercial retail, condominium hotels, ski runs and lifts and a special condo/hotel for the Military.

❱ Canyons Village is only about 40% built out with very high density approved for the master plan. Over 7 large projects are under construction with presales already.

❱ Jordanelle projects are underway with numerous condominium projects and a 450 lot subdivision (Sky Ridge).

GOLF / RESORT COMMUNITIES

Golf & Resort Communities are also another positive influence on our real estate market. They are a unique blend of golf courses and activities for the whole family from bowling to fly fishing to hiking and camping areas to gun clubs. All of these communities have multiple club houses that cater to all age groups and some of them have numerous Golf Courses as well. Here are some of the prominent Golf Resort communities:

❱ Red Ledges

❱ Victory Ranch

❱ Promontory

❱ Tuhaye

LIVING IN PARK CITY

We live here because it is hard to beat 300 days of sunshine & 350+ inches of snow fall each year. There are over 500 miles of maintained trails and thousands of acres of open space to preserve beautiful vistas and prevent over development. Our High School ranks in the top 2% nationally. Our Ski Resorts are rated some of the best in the World, year after year. We are only 45 minutes to an international airport and an easy commute to a major metropolitan area, including “the Silicon Slopes,” a tech power house. The laid back vibes of our mountain town combined with pristine living and endless adventures right at our door step, make us happy to call Park City home.

All data was collected from Park City Multiple Listing Service, Inc. / Park City Board of Realtors 2019 Report.

Uncategorized • February 26, 2020

Three New Developments Coming to Park City

by Cathy Sneyd

During the winter months, Park City is bustling with outdoor recreation and wildlife, and is a paragon of healthy living and luxury. So, when it comes to new developments in the area, you already know the standards are set very, very high.

With three new projects well under way, we’d like to take a moment to walk you through some of these exciting locales on the off chance your might not have heard about them. Without further ado, let’s pumped for the newcomers on the scene!

The Mayflower Rendering Courtesy of Extell Development

The Mayflower

If you haven’t heard of The Mayflower (the resort, not the English ship from the 1600s) The Park Record has been covering this development since 2019. Utah Business also had some thorough insights as things continue moving forward, and are some of our favorite juicy details about this development:

“Most notably, a brand-new resort will transform the hills overlooking the Jordanelle reservoir. On the opposite side of the same mountain that hosts Deer Valley, the Mayflower resort will cover nearly 6,000 acres—almost three times the size of Deer Valley—and contain the world’s largest ski beach. (What’s a ski beach, you ask? An oxymoron, etymologically-speaking. But they’ll have the biggest.)

“Mayflower “could have up to 1,560 residential units, 800 hotel rooms, 95,000 square feet of workforce housing, and 250,000 square feet of commercial space,” per Salt Lake Tribune reportage, though the project has its share of controversy. On the plus side, it functions as a recreational military facility, with 100 rooms reserved for military members to use at a discount.”

There is a touch of controversy surrounding this project – mostly due to it’s location in the foothills of Jordanelle – so if you’re interesting in reading up on that, feel free to check out either of the articles we sited above.

// Courtesy of St Regis

The St. Regis (Expansion)

As described by Marriot, The St. Regis at Deer Valley strives to “create an atmosphere of exquisite, immersive experiences — with obsessive attention paid to every detail and desire — that transport you to a world of extravagant discretion. Our mountainside resort hotel in Park City, Utah redefines luxury with subtle sophistication and thoughtful accommodations.”

The fact that it is expanding means that there will be more of this fantastic resort community to love. CPE (Commercial Property Executive) published an article that details the cost of the St. Regis expansion, as well as some of the added features.

“Sonnenblick-Eichner Co. has arranged $60 million in financing for St. Regis Deer Valley, a AAA Five Diamond year-round destination resort in the Deer Valley ski area in Park City, Utah…

“…Deer Valley was purchased last August, before it was a St. Regis, by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners and Henry Crown & Co.

“Those two entities had just weeks prior finished combining Intrawest Resorts Holdings Inc., Mammoth Resorts and Squaw Valley Ski Holdings into one company, which owns 12 four-season mountain resorts with 6 millions skier visits and 20,000 skiable acres, along with “significant land available” for future development.”

We are waiting with baited breath to see the unveiling of what promises to be a sumptuous addition to an already stunning resort.

Courtesy of Pendry Residences

Pendry Residences Park City

Much like the Mayflower, The Pendry is a complete new-comer on the Park City scene. With a budget of $165 million, this resort promises “152 guestrooms and suites―condos too. Restaurants, spa, and a fitness center round out the package.” There isn’t much more to know just yet about what the aesthetic will be, and there haven’t yet been any renderings released to the public, so only time will tell which features will become favorites among the guests.

Uncategorized • February 20, 2020

Value For Your Money: Vacation Home or Income-Producing Investment?

by Cathy Sneyd

Whether you’re a skier who loves the mountain slopes of Utah, a lover of the beaches of Southern California, or a potential retiree seeking to escape the snow-laden Northeast for the wide-open, sunny lands of Arizona, there are homes available to meet a wide range of budgets. The biggest decision a potential second homeowner must make is whether they are going to solely own their vacation home or turn it into a vacation rental. Here are the advantages and disadvantages to both options:

Investment Property Windermere Real Estate Utah

Investing in vacation rentals

Pros:
- A good vacation rental property generally provides a healthy rental revenue which could potentially cover mortgage payments while also generating healthy additional profit.
- Using an online short-term rental service like Airbnb makes it convenient to manage your rental property. Their website interface makes pricing, marketing, and communication with potential guests quite straightforward and easy. Airbnb will also oversee the billing process for you.
- You may qualify for federal tax breaks and deductions related to your investment property. Everything from professional fees or commissions – including property management services- to cleaning and maintenance are potential tax write-offs.
Cons:
- Vacation rentals can be costly to manage, both in terms of time and money. These properties may require seasonal upkeep and special maintenance considerations. You may even incur costs to maintain or monitor the property even when it’s not actively being utilized.
- Vacation rental properties are particularly sensitive to seasonal fluctuations and economic downturns, which could leave you financially exposed if you suffer a lack of booking revenue.
- Many states and cities are cracking down on short-term rental services. In California, for example, the fight has been primarily local, reaching a fever pitch in the San Francisco Bay Area. Increasingly state and local municipalities are seeking to reign in short-term vacation rentals, which could put a damper on potential revenue from these properties.
- You may experience higher renovation and repair costs on a short-term rental. Most travelers expect the latest appliances and furnishings, so you will have to update every few years. Unfortunately, short-term renters are less likely to report any necessary repairs and guests are far less likely to treat the property with respect since there’s no sense of ownership or obligation.

Vacation Home Windermere Real Estate Utah

Owning a vacation home

Pros:
- Long-term profits: While assets fluctuate in value in the short term, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate because they are located in popular areas with a geographically limited supply.
- Familiarity: Returning to the same place time and after time can be comforting as you become familiar and comfortable with the location. It allows you the freedom to be yourself and the opportunity to expand long-term friendships with residents.
- Convenience: The ability to conveniently store items that are used exclusively at the second home simplifies travel and packing.
- Retirement head starts: Though we may love where we work and live, every place has its drawbacks. A common goal of retirement is to have a place to retreat for the times of the year we dislike the most at our main residence. Locating and buying a second home prior to retirement enables you to experience the benefits of a refuge before actual retirement, a time to correct and amend your plans if the reality is different than the dream.
Cons:
- Initial purchase costs: Most people have higher expectations for a property that they intend to own, rather than to rent. These expectations can translate into high prices.
- Home maintenance: As the homeowner, you are responsible for all home maintenance work.
- Travel time: A second home will be located hours from your primary residence, requiring either long auto trips or airline flights.
- Inflexibility: If you are paying a significant amount of money each month for a second home, you may feel that you need to constantly visit the property to justify your investment.

Whatever you chose to go with, you can be sure that your favorite Windermere agent is there to help you every step of the way.

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Uncategorized • February 20, 2020

How to Know if it’s Time to Downsize

by Cathy Sneyd

Choosing less space often has to do with a desire to live a life that’s simpler. Whether you’re retiring, want an eco-friendly, low-maintenance lifestyle or your children have moved away, downsizing might be the best option for you. Here are the advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the move and questions to begin asking yourself now.

Advantages

Increased cash flow.
- Spend less on your mortgage payment and you are likely to have more money leftover for other needs or desires.
More time.
- Cut down on time spent on household chores such as cleaning and vacuuming which will leave you with more hours in the day to do something more enjoyable.
Lower utility bills.
- Costs less to heat and air condition a small home.
- Less square footage decreases the amount of energy expended.
- Reducing energy is better for the environment and it helps keep your home green.
Reduced consumption.
- You would likely buy less since you won’t necessarily have the room for it.
Minimized stress.
- Homeowners who have successfully downsized often feel happier because they are no longer overwhelmed by the demands of a larger home.
- Less responsibility, less housework to do, increased cash flow and flexibility equals reduced stress.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Disadvantages

Fewer belongings.
- Moving into a smaller space would mean you would need to give away or donate furniture, books, kitchen supplies, etc.
No room for guests.
- Hosting holiday dinners might be out of the question for a smaller home.
Space restrictions.
- Less space means you could feel cramped.
Lifestyle changes.
- For long-term homeowners, downsizing means changing a lifestyle.

What to consider before downsizing

These questions are important to ask yourself because for some people, downsizing may not be the best option for them.

Does size matter to me?
1. Think about how much your identity is wrapped in your house.
2. Is it important for you to have a guest room or a second bathroom?
Will I miss some important things about a more spacious home?
1. Will moving into a smaller home feel like a step backward?
How will other life events affect my living in a smaller home?
1. Consider possible scenarios you may not expect such as adult children moving back home or if you plan to add a child.

The Cost to You

How much will it cost to replace the furniture?
1. When you move into a smaller home this means you might have to downsize your furniture to make room.
How much will it cost to get rid of the stuff I don’t need or won’t fit?
1. It’s important to have a plan for how you’re going to sell or give away the things you don’t need.
2. Consider things like family heirlooms. What are you going to do with all your antiques or treasures that your smaller home may not be able to accommodate?
How much will I get when I sell my current home, and will it help cover the cost of buying my new home?

If you know downsizing is the right option for you, you’re probably asking yourself, “Should I sell first and then buy or buy first and then sell?”. When you’re ready to discuss your options, let me know:)