If you’re thinking of moving out to a new place and you would like to live in a place that is accessible to numerous facilities and a booming economy, then you should try settling in Utah, particularly in Saint George city.

Saint George is a perfect place for those who love a warm climate throughout the year;  Saint George  has  mild winters. St. George is a well known place for golf and a lot of golf courses can be found in the city. If you are fond of golf, and you have plans of moving to another place, then you should consider Saint George homes so that you can easily access these great golf courses anytime you wish.

Aside from these great golf courses, Saint George is also the gatewate to  Zion national park where families can spend the day and enjoy the scenic spots. Those who love nature will surely enjoy visiting various state parks located around Saint George.  In addition to Zion National Park the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument are all within a days drive of St. George.  

Those who would like to escape the hustles and bustles of the city life but still want to enjoy a higher standard of  living, Saint George is a great place for you. Aside from the beautiful sceneries of state parks and historic sites, Saint George also has a center for commerce and education. This city houses the Dixie State College of Utah as well as multiple High Schools.

The cost of living in St. George is slightly lower then most  other states, which is why this Saint George is ideal for those who are still starting their own families or those who would like to start anew. From townhouses to multi million dollar homes, Saint George should definitely be added to your list if you are planning to buy a new home.

Know that you have let me know why I think moving to St. George is a great idea let me here why you think St. George is great.   Just post a comment below!

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Sorry about the picture but I couldn’t help but think about this guy running around yelling about free money from the government at 3 am in the morning.  Anyways on to the REAL story. 

I cannot believe the media hasn’t picked up on how big this story is.   The first time home buyer credit is now an everybody who has owned for the last 5 years or first time home buyer credit.  Thats right, if you have owned your home for at least 5 years and meet the income requirements you are entitled to $6,500 dollars in Tax credit money.   First time home buyers you still get $8,000 but the big story here is the $6,500 dollar credit being given to people who move up. 

The basics of this are you have to meet the requirements for income and the home you purchase cannot be for more then $800,000.  You also have to live in the home for at least 3 years after the purchase.  

One side note, the IRS has had a ton of fraud with these so if you are planing on trying to game the system i would strongly encourge you to not do so.  You may be asking for an audit. 

If you have any further questions about the tax credit or anything Real Estate related please call or email me.

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Nestled at the northern edge of the Mojave Desert and just below the Pine Valley Mountains lies St. George, Utah.  In all of its beauty, St. George has some of the most beautifully designed and constructed homes in the nation.  With picturesque views and panoramic blue skies blanketing the red sandstone cliffs, St. George’s magnificent luxury homes are a step above the rest. 

One of the newest communities is The Escapes at Entrada, offering affordable luxury in a primary, secondary, or vacation luxury home.  Naturally blended landscapes and fine exterior pieces of art are just a couple of the beautiful aspects of these smaller luxury homes.

Bordering the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve sits a luxury home community unparalleled in design excellence.  Northbridge Estates features homes built only on one side of its streets so as not to hinder any of the pristine views of the natural beauty surrounding this gated community.  Each of the lots are built on different grades and feature walk-out basements. 

At the entrance to Snow Canyon State Park sits a community like no other.  It is a small development of luxury homes where each property is within walking distance of the many trail heads that wind through the state park.  Close to a dozen golf courses, shopping, and natural scenic beauty, The Springs at Snow Canyon is the perfect luxury community for any type of family.

Located on the prosperous south bluff in St. George, Utah, Stone Cliff exemplifies a comfortable lifestyle by offering homeowners a heightened way of life. Stone Cliff offers a way of living that enhances the more elegant side of St. George.  Close to all of the amenities that St. George has to offer, this luxurious area is a best bet for the discerning buyer.

Whisper Ridge of St. George, Utah offers simply magnificent luxury homes in an area where a Spanish Ranch flavor takes hold.  Located in a pristine desert environment, Whisper Ridge luxury homes, built by designer C. Blake is a place to let your cares fly away leaving behind the peaceful hush of luxurious living.

Constructed for the 2009 Southern Utah Parade of Homes, a design by K. Welch Construction, a 15,000 square feet luxury mansion sits amongst the beauty and splendor of St. George.  This luxurious home built in Old World French style has eight bedrooms and six bathrooms spread over three opulent floors.  It is a work of pure elegance and charm and a must see for anyone seeking luxury.

St. George has luxurious homes at prices and floor plans to suit the taste of anyone seeking refuge in this mild climate and scenic landscape of southern Utah.  Luxury awaits you in sunny St. George. 

St. George Luxury Homes

Nestled at the northern edge of the Mojave Desert and just below the Pine Valley Mountains lies St. George, Utah.  In all of its beauty, St. George has some of the most beautifully designed and constructed homes in the nation.  With picturesque views and panoramic blue skies blanketing the red sandstone cliffs, St. George’s magnificent luxury homes are a step above the rest. 

One of the newest communities is The Escapes at Entrada, offering affordable luxury in a primary, secondary, or vacation luxury home.  Naturally blended landscapes and fine exterior pieces of art are just a couple of the beautiful aspects of these smaller luxury homes.

Bordering the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve sits a luxury home community unparalleled in design excellence.  Northbridge Estates features homes built only on one side of its streets so as not to hinder any of the pristine views of the natural beauty surrounding this gated community.  Each of the lots are built on different grades and feature walk-out basements. 

At the entrance to Snow Canyon State Park sits a community like no other.  It is a small development of luxury homes where each property is within walking distance of the many trail heads that wind through the state park.  Close to a dozen golf courses, shopping, and natural scenic beauty, The Springs at Snow Canyon is the perfect luxury community for any type of family.

Located on the prosperous south bluff in St. George, Utah, Stone Cliff exemplifies a comfortable lifestyle by offering homeowners a heightened way of life. Stone Cliff offers a way of living that enhances the more elegant side of St. George.  Close to all of the amenities that St. George has to offer, this luxurious area is a best bet for the discerning buyer.

Whisper Ridge of St. George, Utah offers simply magnificent luxury homes in an area where a Spanish Ranch flavor takes hold.  Located in a pristine desert environment, Whisper Ridge luxury homes, built by designer C. Blake is a place to let your cares fly away leaving behind the peaceful hush of luxurious living.

Constructed for the 2009 Southern Utah Parade of Homes, a design by K. Welch Construction, a 15,000 square feet luxury mansion sits amongst the beauty and splendor of St. George.  This luxurious home built in Old World French style has eight bedrooms and six bathrooms spread over three opulent floors.  It is a work of pure elegance and charm and a must see for anyone seeking luxury.

St. George has luxurious homes at prices and floor plans to suit the taste of anyone seeking refuge in this mild climate and scenic landscape of southern Utah.  Luxury awaits you in sunny St. George.

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Pine Valley, Utah is located at the headwaters of the Santa Clara River, some 45 picturesque miles from the county seat of St. George. A very significant landmark is located in Pine Valley; the country’s oldest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Pine Valley Chapel. Ebenezer Bryce, a ship maker, designed it in 1868 using an upside down boat scheme. It is still in use today.

Pine Valley, Utah lies on the western end of the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Area, the state’s second largest wilderness area. There are currently 23 threatened species that call the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Area home.

At an elevation of 6,500 feet above sea level, Pine Valley summers are a bit cooler than they are in the lower parts of Washington County. The winters are cooler as well with nighttime lows dipping below the freezing mark and remaining below freezing during a small part of the winter months.

There are more than 600 single-family dwellings in the Pine Valley area with an additional 200 building lots available. Of the single-family residences, only about 35% are occupied by full-time Pine Valley, Utah residents. The rest of the dwellings are mainly used as second homes and summer dwellings. There are 20 vacant agricultural plots available for development in the area as well.

The beauty of the natural wilderness areas and quality of a peaceful life are what draws people to this area. Quickly, Pine Valley is becoming a retirement hot spot for those that want to live in an area where scenic beauty abounds. Residents come here for the wide-open spaces, beautiful mountains, and small town living.

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St. George, Utah has enjoyed a population explosion in recent years, expanding the need for new homes in and around the area.  St. George has new home construction builders that can design a home to suit your taste and your family’s needs. 

Trophy Homes – Trophy Homes is one of the newer homebuilders serving St. George, Utah.  They are keenly focused on building beautiful single-family and multi-family new homes in St. George and other Utah communities such as Cedar City and Pleasant Grove. 

S&S Homes – Also new to the St. George new construction scene, S&S Homes specializes in new single-family homes located in several developments throughout the St. George area including Copperleaf, Escalara, Estrella, The Highlands, and The Trails.  Their designs are simply delightful

Ence Homes – Located in St. George, Utah; Ence Homes specializes in single-family, new construction custom-built homes.  Ence Homes has several options available in offers a 10-year warranty on new homes.  Ence Homes has been involved in the development of several new home communities in the St. George, Utah area.   

Sun River St. George – Sun River St. George is a homebuilder for the Sun River golf course community in St. George, Utah.  The Sun River St. George community is provides single families as well as retirees an active and affluent lifestyle.  More than 15 different designs are available from Sun River Homes and they will even build to suit your desires.

Gemstone Homes – Gemstone Homes builds affordable communities like Rainbow Canyon, Sky Ridge, Emerald Ridge, and  The Estates at Bloomington.  Single-family new homes by Gemstone Homes range in price from $175,000 to $300,000.  Whether you want a ranch style, multi-level, or town home, Gemstone Homes has over 25 designs to suit your taste.

Sunwest Development – Sunwest Development builds new luxury homes in the St. George, Utah area.  Sunwest Development highlights the attention to detail in new home building.  New homes by Sunwest Development start at $175,000 of affordable luxury, but if you want more design freedom and larger living space, they can certainly accommodate.  Sunwest Development builds luxury homes in several of the gorgeous communities in St. George, Utah.

Pride Homes, Inc.- Located in St. George, Utah, Pride Homes, Inc. builds new single-family homes for Utah homeowners.  Pride Homes, Inc. specializes in customized single-family homes in many communities in and around the St. George metropolitan area.  Have a design or idea in mind, Pride Homes can put your dreams to work and build a custom home that you will love.

There are abundant building lots in St. George, Utah and the scenic surrounding area.  The only problem you will encounter is deciding which view you wish to wake up to every morning.  Choose one of the fine builders and make your dreams come true in sunny St. George.

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Selling your home quickly and for the top dollar you can get is important to you, but do you know how to prepare your home for viewing?  These easy and low-cost tips will get potential buyers to notice your home.  Staging is the means by which you make your home as appealing as possible.  Here are some of the key essentials in staging your home to sell:

Visit a Model Home – Check your local phone directory for contractors that may have display homes.  Pay attention to the fine detail and make a note of those things that you wish to do to stage your home in the same manner.   Note the wall colors, cleanliness, smells, and sounds.  This will help you when you are ready to begin the staging process in your home.

Check Your Home Room – by – Room – The entryway is the area of the first impression for the buyer.  It should be well lit and inviting.  Pay attention to the way your home smells.  There should be a homey aroma when first entering.  Cookies or fresh baked bread are great smells, garlic, onions, and fried foods are not.  The kitchen should be free from odors and brightly lit.  This area, if not sparkling clean and shiny, can turn a buyer’s head the moment they enter the room.  Also, remove any items that are cluttering the counter tops to give the buyer an indication that there is adequate storage space.  Remove magnets and pictures from the refrigerator front.  Next, look at your bathroom.  Be certain there are no signs of mold and mildew.  Remove soap scum on all surfaces; remove the plunger and toilet brush as well as any personal care items that can be seen.  In the bedrooms, make the beds, dust furniture, and remove any clutter from the floors such as clothing and shoes.  Your closet floors should be empty as well to allow your buyer to see the potential storage space.  Garage and storage sheds should be completely clean with all boxes removed and oil or grease stains cleaned up.

Cleaning – Your home needs to shine.  Check your carpeted areas thoroughly and remove any stains that may be hanging around.  Clean close to baseboards to remove darkened areas where dirt can accumulate.  Wash your home’s windows inside and out.  Make sure the garbage is always taken out.  Wipe down all surfaces such as countertops, cabinet fronts, and appliances.  Clean the inside of your refrigerator and oven.  Although these appliances may be going with you, some potential buyers may see a dirty refrigerator or stove as a sign of how well you have maintained your home.
 

Get Rid of the Clutter –  You may love those trinkets that are sitting four-deep on your shelves but potential buyers may not.  Ridding your home of clutter should be looked at as packing in advance for your eminent sale.  Box up any old magazine, newspapers, trinkets and baubles, figurines, books, and anything else that has been sitting around collecting dust.  Rent a small storage unit in which to place the boxes until you have moved into your new home.

Make Minor Repairs – Take a good look around your home in every corner.  Make note of all the little things that need to be fixed and then start fixing them.  Pay special attention to leaky faucets or tiles that may be peeling up or coming loose.  Check your baseboards for cracks.  Eliminate the squeak on door hinges by using lubricating oil. 

Paint – Your home should be painted in neutral colors to allow the potential buyers to visualize their own preferences for each area of your home.  Basic white or eggshell colored paint are excellent choices.  Clean up any splatter or runs and cover floors to avoid spills and messy clean-ups.

Remove Personal Items – Put away family portraits or any item that has your or your family’s name on it.  Buyers want to visualize themselves in your home as the owner and leaving personal items in visual range can hinder this process.  Again, think of this process as packing your belongings up for your big move.

With the right planning and hard work, your home will sell more quickly than if you had not taken the time to stage it to sell.  If you make note of all the things you have looked for when purchasing a home and put those things to work for you, your potential to sell is much greater.

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When driving through your own or any neighborhood, what is the first thing you see?  You see the outside of the homes in the area; the yard, the trees, the shrubs, the exterior of the home.  Curb appeal of your home when planning to sell should be the first priority when staging your home for sale. 

First, let us look at the cleanliness of the yard itself.  When preparing to sell, there should be no garbage or refuse in the yard.  Your yard should be as clean as your indoor floor surfaces, free from clutter and any obstacle that could be seen as an eyesore.

Curb appeal also includes any old or broken down vehicles that may be sitting in your driveway.  If you have space in the garage, pull, push, or tow the vehicle into that area, but do not stop there.  Cover it with a car tarp or other cover that could potentially put a damper on the sale.

Manicure the lawn.  Keep the grass mowed to about 2 – 3 inches in height.  If the ground covering appears to be getting too dry or turning brown, water the grass evenly so that it will maintain a lush green look.   If there are bushes, trim them in a square or rounded pattern that is even in height with the rest of the same kind of shrubs.  Keep privacy hedges trimmed at just above eye-level or at approximately 5 ½ to 6 feet.  Edge the lawn using an edger or grass trimmer that has an edging feature.  Remove any dirt or overgrown grass from sidewalks, walkways, and driveways.

It is also essential to plant new seed in any area that has dead grass or ground covering.  If the area without ground covering is under an evergreen type of tree, add a thin layer of mulch to add appeal to the area.  For an even more manicured look, place the mulch inside of lawn edging material, available for purchase at any hardware or lawn care store.

Landscaping is also very important.  Plant small shrubs and annuals around your home. Clean up garden areas and add a thing layer of mulch to perennial gardens and around trees.  Fill in any small holes that may have formed in your lawn and plant new seed over the area. 

If your yard has fencing and is in need of repair, it is a good time to do so.  A fresh coat of paint will do wonders for the overall appearance of a fence.  Replace any nails or screws that have come loose or worked their way out. 

Next, assess the exterior of your home.  Power washing and / or painting should be completed to rid the home of mold or mildew in areas that do not receive an adequate amount of sunlight.  Paint window wells and repair any cracks in the basement or foundation walls. 

Clean the guttering and remove any loose clutter such as leaves and sticks that may be lying on the roof.  If your guttering is in need of repair, replacement pieces and parts can be picked up at your local hardware store at a reasonable cost. 

Most importantly, remember that the yard and your home’s exterior is the first impression that you will make on a potential buyer.  Most buyers see the outside of the home as an indication of how the inside is kept.  Increase your curb-appeal to attract the right buyer and increases your chances of selling your home quickly.

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Purchasing a home is one of the biggest steps you will take in your life.  It can also be a daunting process, but it does not have to be.  The first step and agreeably one of the most important is to be pre-qualified or pre-approved. 

Pre-qualification is nothing more than the lender checking your personal and financial information that you have provided in your pre-qualification loan packet and has deemed that you are a good candidate for repaying a loan.  During this process, the lender will take a look at your overall financial and personal picture including your current income and financial obligations to help determine how much you can afford comfortably. 

The process of getting pre-qualified is much the same as applying for a loan and acts as a dry-run to the same process.  It may take mere minutes or as much as a few hours and is not the same as a mortgage contract.  It simply tells the lenders if you are or are not a good candidate to pay back the pre-determined amount that the lender assesses you to be able to afford. 

Pre-approval, on the other hand, is taking that pre-qualification status to the next level and one step closer to actually signing a mortgage contract.  The process is much the same as a pre-qualification, but the lender issues a letter to you stating that you are approved for a certain amount with a set amount of time to sign a mortgage contract; a loan. 

Becoming pre-qualified or pre-approved gives you the advantage of negotiating leverage.  A seller, by knowing that you have been qualified for a loan, will be more likely to take your offer seriously and go through with the sale.  The seller sees the status as a quick sell. 

One other advantage of achieving the pre-qualified or pre-approved status is that you will not be tempted to purchase a home that you cannot afford.  Your pre-qualification or pre-approval lending officer has a great advantage of experience in what home buyers can afford and their advice, the amount they qualify or approve you for, is based on that experience along with current economic factors. 

The process is easy.  Contact a lending institution and state that you wish to complete a pre-qualification for mortgage packet.  You will need to have your income information as well as any information regarding your current assets and liabilities.

The lender will then verify all of this information by contacting your employer to verify income, your bank to verify average availability of funds and assets, and will then perform a credit history.  This process for the pre-qualification or pre-approval normally does not come with any cost to you, but on the rare occasion that it does, the amount you have paid can be refunded to you when you close on your home loan.
One other advantage of becoming pre-qualified or pre-approved is that it reduces the amount of time it takes to actually get into the home that you have selected.  With a pre-approval, the loan paperwork is essentially complete and closing is your final step.

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Move over Florida, there’s a new kid on the block and everyone wants to get to know him. The “kid” is St. George, Utah, the second fastest growing city in the nation and the newest most popular place for retirees.

With sunshine, little snow, and recreation galore, St. George is the perfect spot for retirees to settle into shopping, enjoy the arts, or improve their golf game. In a land known as “Utah’s Dixie”, the sun shines an average of 300 days a year, making St. George the place that retirees want to be.

Whether you are a novice or a master of the game, there is a golf course or putting greens around every corner. Choose from one of a dozen golf courses designed by such golf Masters as Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, and Bruce Summerhays. With low greens fees and year round openings, St. George is among the finest golfing communities in the nation.

The world comes to St. George each year for two weeks in October with the Huntsman Senior Games. Serious athletes from around the world in sporting events such as archery, basketball, bridge, cowboy action shooting, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, trap shooting, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball come to St. George to compete.

But these games are for more than just the athletes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are game sponsored activities that take place in St. George along with the event. Anyone can attend the opening ceremonies, concert, dinner-dance, health screenings, educational seminars about staying fit and healthy, and a talent show.

St. George offers one of the best state of the art medical hospitals in the state.

St. George, Utah is a great place to enjoy a fine quality of living. Although the metropolitan area has an expected 2010 population of 175,000 residents, the naturally beautiful topography and neighboring communities gives St. George that small town feel with all of the convenience that a larger city has to offer. The cost of living is reasonable as well with the average prices of groceries, utilities, housing, recreational activities, entertainment, and other healthcare costs well below other popular retirement areas such as Fort Meyers, FL, Sarasota, FL, and San Diego, CA.

There are homes available in a variety of sizes, styles, and price ranges; something to suit every taste and budget. Single family homes, condominiums, villas, town homes, and multiple family residences are abundant and affordable.

It is no wonder why St. George is on the Kiplinger’s List of Best Cities for Retirees. Come to St. George, Utah, the place where the sun takes its winter vacation.

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Everyone loves fun and there’s plenty to be had in St. George, Utah. Whether you enjoy the arts, golf, concerts, sporting events, or aquatic fun, there are so many recreational choices that everyone will surely find something that they love to do.

The St. George Recreation Center houses area four racquetball courts, a 3,500 sq ft. court for basketball or pickleball, rollerblading, dances or other purposes, a fitness center, game rooms, and class rooms.

Golf lives abundant in St. George with its mild weather all year round. Professional quality golf courses can be found all over the city with courses designed by such golfing greats at Jack Nicklaus, Johnny Miller, and Bruce Summerhays. In a part of the country that enjoys an average of 300 sunny days a year, St. George has quickly become the premier spot for golfers to improve their game or just relax on the greens while taking in the breathtaking scenes of red cliffs and Pine Valley Mountains.

If you love the water, St. George’s outlying area is home to the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center, host of a 5,800 sq. ft leisure pool, a water walk, and water slides. The aquatic center offers swimming classes for people from 1 to 100. Also located in St. George, is the city pool where people can enjoy the facilities for public swims or book a private party at very affordable rates.

Located within and just outside the city, sixteen trailheads dot the map where people of all ages can enjoy a leisurely hike through some of the country’s most beautiful natural areas. Picturesque beauties of the red cliffs and Pine Valley Mountains to the north offer a splendid jaunt through an area that is abundant with nature and hundreds of animal species. Pack a picnic lunch and grab your camera, you are certain to find pristine areas to capture through your lens.

St. George is home to wonderful cultural and arts centers, activities, and events. The city’s Art Museum was once home to a beet seed company that was abandoned in the late 1970’s. The people of the city came together to refurbish this beautiful historic building, turning into the city’s fine arts museum that hosts exhibits from artists in St. George as well as national exhibits.

Regularly scheduled events are always taking place all over the city such as art tours of the area’s architecturally beautiful homes, Pioneer Tours hosted by famous characters from St. George’s rich history, Concerts in the Park which are free to all who attend, and an annual Arts Festival featuring over 100 artists from all over the world.

There is always something to do in St. George. With the mild weather, year-round, events and activities are just around the corner.

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