On May 11 the price for a 1-ounce First-Class Mail stamp will increase from 42¢ to 44¢. Prices for other mailing services — Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including Parcel Post), and Extra Services — will also change. The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Customers can use their Forever Stamps — regardless of when purchased — to mail 1-ounce letters after the price change, without the need for additional postage. Forever Stamps are widely available through Post Offices, commercial retail outlets such as grocery stores, and online.  If you do a lot of mailing go and buy some Forever Stamps.

Prices for mailing services will continue to adjust each May. Prices for most shipping services, including Express Mail and Priority Mail, were adjusted in January and will not change in May.

USPS Postage rates

AIR FORCE WEEK – SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JUNE 1-7 2009

Air Force Week is an extraordinary opportunity to meet the dedicated men and women in your United States Air Force. Come hear their compelling stories of service in support of the Joint Global War on Terror–both in the United States and overseas.
The week offers a multitude of activities that appeal to children and adults. Events include performances from the Air Force award-winning bands and drill team, exciting displays, earth-shaking flyovers, and remarkable hands-on experiences with Air Force unique equipment.
Air Force Week is also a chance for us to thank our servicemen and servicewoman. Come interact with members of the Air Force at various community events and listen to speeches from local dignitaries and Air Force leaders.
Every Air Force Week culminates in an air show featuring the world-famous Air Force Thunderbirds and other amazing demonstrations. These one-of-a-kind weeks occur in only three cities a year, so don’t miss out! 

Schedule of events for Air Force Week- Salt Lake City, Utah

Monday June 1

Tuesday June 2

Wednesday June 3

Thursday June 4

Friday June 5

Saturday June 6

Sunday June 7  (No events posted yet)

The State of Utah is handing out $6,000 to home buyers.  Administered by the Utah Housing Corporation.  After searching, googling, and researching this…  The Utah Housing Corporation’s website has the most information.  The following info is straight from the UHC’s website.

HOME RUN GRANT MONEY

Steps to obtain a Home Run Grant?

• Buyer signs a contract to purchase a newly-built, never-occupied, single-family home.
• Buyer applies for mortgage loan through an Approved Home Run Mortgage Lender (“Approved Lender”) and obtains written loan underwriting approval.
• Buyer furnishes Certificate of Occupancy or Municipal Final Inspection to Approved Lender.
• Approved Lender submits a Home Run Grant Request to Utah Housing with the required documentation.
• Approved Lender received from Utah Housing a written Home Run Grant Commitment authorizing the Grant for the Buyer.
• The purchase closing is scheduled at a title company.
• As soon as closing documents have been signed, the title company faxes required documents to Utah Housing to request that a wire of $6,000 be sent to the closing.
• The Home Run Grant Commitment must be dated prior to the closing documents.

 What is the $6,000 Home Run Grant?

• The Home Run Grant is a mortgage assistance program that grants $6,000 to home buyers who  purchase a newly-constructed, never-occupied, primary, single-family residence in Utah.  The Home Run Grant is funded by the Housing Relief Restricted Special Revenue Fund, established by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, the Utah State Legislature, and Utah Housing Corporation.

 Who is eligible to receive a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

• Home buyers (any person taking title) must meet the following income restrictions:
  • Single person, $75,000
  • Married couple, $150,000
  • If more than one unmarried person is taking title to the Eligible Home, each such single person is subject to the $75,000 income limit.
• Home buyers must occupy the purchased home as a primary, permanent residence no later than 30 days after closing.
• If home buyers need a mortgage loan to purchase the home, the loan must be a fixed interest rate, amortizing mortgage loan with a term of 30 years or less.  Cash buyers can also qualify by contacting Utah Housing Corporation directly.
• The Home Run Grant Program is effective for home purchases closed after a Home Run Grant Commitment has been issued for that specific transaction.  Unfortunately the grant funds may not be issued for homes purchased without the Home Run Grant Commitment.
• Persons who already own their lot are not eligible for the Home Run Grant.

What homes can be purchased with a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

• Homes must be newly-constructed, single-family residences that have a Certificate of Occupancy or a Final Inspection from an applicable municipality.  They cannot be previously-occupied.  Eligible property types include single-family detached homes, condominiums, planned unit developments (PUD), twin homes, town homes and manufactured homes permanently affixed to a foundation.

 How does a home buyer apply for a $6,000 Home Run Grant?

• Apply for a grant through an Approved Lender. Approved Lenders are the key link between a home buyer and the Home Run Grant and are listed on this website. The Approved lender assists a home buyer to provide necessary information to secure the grant from Utah Housing Corporation.  A home buyer does not work directly with Utah Housing Corporation (unless it is a cash buyer).     

How does a home buyer get the Home Run Grant funds?

To get a first-come, first-served written commitment for the Grant, a home buyer must:

• Enter into a written contract to purchase a newly-constructed, single-family home.
• Contact an Approved Lender and obtain final underwriting approval for any needed financing.
• Have your mortgage lender furnish required documentation to Utah Housing Corporation for the Grant.
• Utah Housing will reserve the $6,000 Grant for 30 days.

What type of loan can a home buyer use to purchase the home?

If a home buyer needs a mortgage loan, it must be a fixed interest rate loan with a term of 30 years or less.  Loans may be obtained from any Approved Lender qualified to make mortgage loans under Utah law.  Examples of qualifying loans include:

• Conventional
• FHA, VA, or Rural Housing 
• Utah Housing Corporation’s FirstHome and FirstHome Plus.

Do I have to be a first-time home buyer to get a Home Run Grant?

• No.  Home Run Grants are available to all home buyers who meet the income restrictions of $75,000 for singles, $150,000 for couples and, if more than one single person takes title, the $75,000 limit applies to each such single person. 

Can the $6,000 Home Run Grant be combined with the new $8,000 federal tax credit?

• Yes, if a home buyer is a first-time home buyer and meets the independent criteria of both the federal and Home Run programs, they may take advantage of both.   The $6,000 Home Run Grant is available to both those who are first-time home buyers as well as those who previously owned a home.  The  $8,000 federal tax credit is available only to first-time home buyers.

How many Home Run Grants are available to home buyers?

• A total of approximately 1,600 grants of $6,000 will be available. Only one grant can be used for the purchase of each home.  Home Run Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified home buyers.  The approximate number of remaining grants will be posted on the UHC web page at www.utahhousingcorp.org.

(There are 1,331 Grants remaining when I published this)

 Is the Home Run Grant taxable?

• The Home Run Grant may be taxable as income under federal and state tax laws.  UHC has requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about whether or not a Home Run Grant will be taxable.  UHC does not give tax advice and home buyers should review all pertinent tax information in connection with the preparation of their 2009 tax returns.

Here are the forms you will need.

• Home Run Grant Buyer/Seller Certification    (HR Form 160)
• Title Company Letter    (HR Form 163)
• Home Run Program Grant Request    (HR Form 161)
• Grant Funding Agreement

Approved Home Run Lenders.

If you have any questions…please post them here or get in touch with Marty Reynolds.  Contact Marty for free home buyer information.

Half-time during Utah Rush game

I will be posting frequently on my daughters comp soccer teams. Check back often for any schedule changes and updates on how the team is playing.  I hope to have more pictures and results of the games.  Thanks Coach Nesto and Ricki for your time with the girls!  Here is the schedule for Rampage 99 Black U-10 Div. 1 girls. 

Just click on the blue links for a map to the field.

(Updated as of 05/04/09)

v  Utah is America’s “Best State” – Forbes magazine in March ranked Utah America’s “Best State To Live,” with Utah scoring higher in quality of life categories than Hawaii, California and Florida.  The survey measured life satisfaction, work quality, healthy behavior, physical health, emotional health and basic access to necessities like food and shelter.

v  Utah is No. 1 in Economic Outlook – the American Legislative Exchange Council ranks Utah No. 1 in the nation in “Economic Outlook,” a forward looking study that examines a state’s tax burden, debt service and 13 other variables.

v   State Actions Could Create 60,000 Jobs For Utahns – Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and the Utah Legislature scored big for jobs, consumer spending and the future by investing $3.3 billion in roads and state buildings, according to the Salt Lake Chamber. 

v  Davis Counties Median Home Sales Price Is Falling, But Not Off A Cliff – The median sales price of all homes and condos peaked in June 2007 at $257,100.  When compared to February 2009 ($243,200) the median sales price has fallen 5.4 percent across Davis County, according to the Wasatch Front Regional MLS.

v  Salt Lake City Continues To Be The Place For Business – MarketWatch has ranked Salt Lake City No. 13 of the 50 Best Metro Areas for Business.  Cities were judged in eight categories, which included job growth, financial institutions, number of small businesses and population growth.

v  Utah Has A Low Unemployment Rate – Utah’s unemployment rate in February was 5.1 percent, 3 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

v  University of Utah Ranked No. 2 In Technology Companies Started – The Salt Lake Tribune reports that for the second year in a row, the University of Utah was ranked second in the country in starting technology companies based on research.  The rankings were by the Association of University Technology managers.  The “U” helped start 18 companies in 2007 from technologies based on its research.

CLINTON, UTAH

Wonderfull Clinton Utah Home.  Listed at $144,900.  Home is immaculate and well maintained.  4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1996 Sq.Ft.  Built in 1975 shows like new with many updated features.  Large yard and back deck for entertaining.

SOUTH OGDEN INVESTMENT PROPERTY

Calling all Investors!  This SOUTH OGDEN, UTAH fourplex is a dream just waiting to be added to your portfolio.  Built in 1951, all brick, each unit is approx. 915 sq.ft.  3 units have 2 bedrooms and 1 unit is a single bedroom.  A few years ago the downstairs flooded and as a result the owner completely remodeled the downstairs units… I am talking new everything, sheet rock, electrical, it is basically a brand new downstairs.  Upstairs units are in great shape.  One of the units has a long term renter and the other unit was just updated with new flooring, hardware, and paint.  There is a common laundry area downstairs. The rent rolls are as follows:

• 2 Bed unit $625.00
• 2 Bed unit $600.00
• 2 Bed unit $565.00 (Long term tenant)
• 1 Bed unit $550.00

GROSS MONTHLY RENT = $2,340.00

The fourplex is in a great location in SOUTH OGDEN.  Close to Weber State University, Skiing, Newgate Mall, The Junction, Fat Cats, & the best outdoor recreation on the planet.

RIVERDALE CITY RECREATION
RECREATION NEWS

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL REGISTRATIONS
It’s time to plan for baseball and softball season! All registrations will take place from March 2nd to March 28th at the Community Center, 4360 Parker Drive. Cost is $25 for coach pitch and girls softball and $35 for boys baseball. A $10 late fee will be imposed after March 28th. The following leagues are open:

• Coach Pitch for boys and girls Kindergarten through 2nd grades.
• Boys Baseball for boys 3rd – 12th grades.
• Girls Softball for girls 3rd to 9th grades.

The registration form can be filled out and printed by clicking here.
Volunteer coaches are needed.  If you are interested please call at 801-621-6084.

START SMART BASEBALL
Signups are now taking place at the Community Center for our Start Smart Baseball program. This program teaches kids 5/6 years old baseball basics. Classes will begin on March 17th. Cost is $25. Size is limited to 15 kids per class. Call 801-621-6084 if you have any questions.

INTRAMURALS
Two-Man-Carry begins March 23rd. It’s a kids favorite that is a mix of dodge ball and kickball. Cost is $5.00. For information call 801-621-6084.

COMMUNITY CENTER RESIDENT CARDS
Riverdale City has increased the Community Center fees for non-residents. The fees for Riverdale residents have remained the same. However, to continue to receive the resident rate, a resident card is required. Residents may obtain the free card at the Community Center by showing a photo ID and a proof of residency document (water bill, etc.). Residents with children living with them will need to accompany the child

There is a lot of information out there on choosing a domain name. I have been using www.iamutahrealestate.com.  People have given me some feedback, i.e. “that is a good name” “it’s to long” “easy to remember but to long” “you need something shorter”, you get the picture.  Last week I found a few other domain names.  I registered them & would like you to tell me, what domain name would be best!  Remember… I am a Real Estate Agent in Utah.  I am learning  everyday about this Web 2.0 world. 

Do I just use the one I have?  Go with a shorter domain name “martysold.com”?  or my name MartyReynolds.us?  The .com was taken so .us was the next best thing.  Take my online poll and leave me a comment.  I appreciate your time!!! 

Were you aware that Questar Gas & Rocky Mountain Power are offering rebates to upgrade your attic insulation?  Adding more insulation to your home reduces your heating and air conditioning expenses.  If your home qualifies, the rebates can cover 50-100% of your costs.  In some cases, even newer-built existing homes may qualify.

 For example, for an average 1500 Sq. Ft. attic space adding a new layer of R-30 fiberglass insulation (Approx. 12.4” layer).

Sunroc cost of materials and labor = $ 1050.00

*Estimated amount of Questar Gas rebate = – $ 525.00 (.35 Per Sq. Ft.)

*Estimated Amount of Rocky Mountain Power Rebate = – $ 525.00 (.35 Per Sq. Ft.)

Homeowner out-of-pocket after utility co. rebates = $ 0

 A friend of mine just did this and he was very happy with the results.  The company that he went through is Sunroc “A Clyde Company”.  To schedule an appointment, please call 877-777-0192. A Sunroc representative will inspect your current levels of attic insulation and explain how the rebates are claimed.  Sunroc will complete the work for you in one day and assist you by providing and completing all the necessary paper work and documentation to obtain the utility company rebates.

Click here to download the Questar Gas rebate application

Click here to download the Rocky Mountain Power rebate application

 Note: This installation service is not a mandatory offering and is not sponsored or endorsed in any way by the utility companies noted above.

* In order to qualify for both utility company rebates as shown in the example above, you must have gas space heating and an electric central air conditioning system. There are additional requirements specific for each utility company as approved by the Utah Public Service Commission. Rebates are subject to change at any time. We will verify your eligibility for each rebate at the time of your appointment with your Sunroc representative.