Author: Jacob Barlow

My friend posted the following on facebook and it got my thinking…

We all live in boxes.
It’s kind of silly how ridiculously often I daydream about living in a box that’s more like this.
(The only thing I would change is I don’t like that white gate pattern above the white screened porch. But everything else is luscious to me.)
My dream would be to buy an old fully restored farmhouse. But even if I built a new from scratch, I would build it in the old world style.
Houses in England are what I love the most.
How about you? I love an English cottage so much that I’ve wondered if it was passed down to me genetically to have an affinity for their look. That’s how strongly I feel about them!
What types of houses draw your eye?

My response was:

This will be a fun post for me to follow. I have several jobs that involve a lot of driving around and every time I’m driving around I catch myself just in awe – just staring at every home I see and being in love with it.
Victorian’s from the 1890s-1910s are my very favorite but every style I love for different reasons. I’m just obsessed with homes.

• I’m a real estate agent, studying what’s on the market and getting paid to show people and help them find what they love.
• I sell custom wood doors, visiting most of the huge mansions being built in Utah and a lot of them in other states and seeing what people with basically unlimited money come up with.
• I deliver amazon, walking up to hundreds of doors every week and getting a close up view of homes all over the Wasatch front.
• I run a website and youtube channel where I document historic buildings and homes.

For a home lover I have the perfect life.

I really do love it, I feel like my life revolves around my passion and all of my work is just me out loving and enjoying what I love.

Pre-Listing Activities

1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
3. Review pre-appointment questions
4. Research all comparable currently listed properties
5. Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases
6. Research “Average Days on Market” for this property of this type, price range and location
7. Download and review property tax roll information
8. Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value
9. Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out
10. Research property’s ownership & deed type
11. Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions
12. Research and verify legal description
13. Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions
14. Research property’s current use and zoning
15. Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records
16. Prepare listing presentation package with above materials
17. Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property
18. Compile and assemble formal file on property
19. Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value
20. Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed

Listing Appointment Presentation

1. Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
2. Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market
3. Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace
4. Present CMA Results To Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds
5. Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
6. Discuss Goals With Seller To Market Effectively
7. Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service
8. Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and REALTOR.com
9. Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends
10. Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers
11. Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan
12. Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
13. Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature Once Property is Under Listing Agreement
14. Review current title information
15. Measure overall and heated square footage
16. Measure interior room sizes
17. Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available
18. Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements
    Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
19. Review house plans and make copy
20. Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file
21. Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller
22. Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
23. Verify current loan information with lender(s)
24. Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements
25. Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
26. Review current appraisal if available
27. Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable
28. Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager – mandatory or optional and current annual fee
29. Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable
30. Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
31. Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
32. Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
33. Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills )
34. Well Water: Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report
35. Natural Gas: Research/verify availability and supplier’s name and phone number
36. Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased
37. Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond
38. Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
39. Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
40. Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale”
41. Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items
42. Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller if property is vacant
43. Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller
44. Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application
45. When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale
46. Have extra key made for lockbox
47. Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
    1. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file
    2. Verify all rents & deposits
    3. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
48. Arrange for installation of yard sign
49. Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form
50. “New Listing Checklist” Completed
51. Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability
52. Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
53. Load listing into transaction management software program
54. Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database
55. Prepare MLS Profile Sheet — Agents is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data
56. Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database
57. Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy – including proper placement in mapping function
58. Add property to company’s Active Listings list
59. Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours
60. Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photography

Marketing The Listing

1. Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input
2. Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls – weekends included
3. Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows
4. Prepare mailing and contact list
5. Generate mail-merge letters to contact list
6. Order “Just Listed” labels & reports
7. Prepare flyers & feedback faxes
8. Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability
9. Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review
10. Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers
11. Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes
12. Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable
13. Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents
14. Advise Network Referral Program of listing
15. Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks
16. Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network
17. Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable
18. Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites
19. Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
20. Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
21. Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required
22. Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers’ agents after showings
23. Review weekly Market Study
24. Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale
25. Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing
26. Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

The Offer and Contract

1. Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers’ agents.
2. Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes
3. Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
4. Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer
5. Fax/deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible
6. Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
7. Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
8. Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date
9. Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
10. Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company
11. When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent
12. Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.
13. Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests
14. Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller
15. Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent
16. Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender
17. Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file
18. Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing
19. Change status in MLS to “Sale Pending”
20. Update transaction management program show “Sale Pending”
21. Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios
22. Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed
23. Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
24. Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates
25. Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
26. Order septic system inspection, if applicable
27. Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale
28. Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender & buyer
29. Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender & buyer and property listing file
30. Verify termite inspection ordered
31. Verify mold inspection ordered, if required

Tracking the Loan Process

1. Confirm Verifications Of Deposit & Buyer’s Employment Have Been Returned
2. Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter
3. Add lender and other vendors to your management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale
4. Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
5. Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller

Home Inspection

Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller
Review home inspector’s report
Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program
Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract
Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements
Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed

The Appraisal

1. Schedule Appraisal
2. Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser
3. Follow-Up On Appraisal
4. Enter completion into transaction management program
5. Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

Closing Preparations and Duties

1. Contract Is Signed By All Parties
2. Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
3. Update closing forms & files
4. Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
5. Select location where closing will be held
6. Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties
7. Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates
8. Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s Final Walk-Thru prior to closing
9. Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
10. Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)
11. Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
12. Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent
13. Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
14. Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
15. Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing
16. Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors
17. Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
18. Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
19. Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent
20. Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems
21. Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing
22. Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable
23. Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
24. Close out listing in your management program

Follow Up After Closing

1. Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested
2. Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
3. Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.

I don’t know who wrote this list – I just saw it being shared around facebook without any credit. If you did, thank you.

Thinking of Buying or Selling a home in this hot real estate market? There are a minimum of 87 possible legal documents amounting to hundreds of pages of forms, notices, agreements, disclosures and contracts that may or may not be applicable in your purchase or sale. See the list below!
Realtors® are trained on if, when and how to use any one of these 87 different legal documents in a variety of different circumstances. I’ve observed way too much frustration over the years, headache, liability and lost money when people try to figure this out on their own or who don’t have an experienced professional at their side.
Give your Realtor® a call and let them walk you through all of this.

1. Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC)
2. Addendum/Counter Offer to REPC
3. Deposit of Earnest Money with Title Company Addendum
4. REPC Commercial
5. New Construction REPC
6. Change Order Addendum
7. Transaction Documents Receipt
8. Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement & Agency Disclosure
9. Non-Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement & Agency Disclosure
10. Limited Agency Consent Agreement
11. Exclusive Right to Seller Listing Agreement
12. For Sale By Owner Agreement & Agency Disclosure
13. Unrepresented Buyer Disclosure
14. Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure
15. Seller’s Property Disclosure – Land
16. Addendum to Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure
17. Seller’s Financing Addendum to REPC
18. Buyer Financial Information Sheet
19. Buyer Due Diligence Checklist
20. FHA/VA Addendum to REPC
21. Assumption Addendum to REPC
22. Lead Based Paint Addendum to REPC
23. Disclosure & Acknowledgment – Lead Paint
24. Secondary “Back-Up” Addendum
25. Subject to Sale of Buyer’s Property Addendum
26. Option to Keep House on Market “Time Clause” Addendum
27. Subject to Seller Securing Replacement Property Addendum
28. Third Party Approval of REPC Addendum
29. Third Party Approval of Property Addendum
30. 1031 Exchange Addendum
31. Park City Landscaping & Maintenance of Soil Cover
32. Disclosure of Interest Addendum
33. Interest-Bearing Deposit Addendum to REPC
34. FIRPTA Addendum to REPC
35. REPC for Land
36. Short Sale Addendum to REPC
37. Secondary “Back-Up” Contract for Short Sale Addendum
38. Acknowledgement of Third Party Approval Addendum
39. Short Sale Disclosure
40. Addendum – Multiple Offers
41. Multiple Offer Disclosure form
42. Seller’s Notice to Buyers of Multiple Offers
43. Addendum to Listing Agreement (Subagency)
44. Addendum to Exclusive Buyer-Broker Agreement (Subagent)
45. Addendum to Non-Exclusive BB Agreement (Subagent)
46. How to Complete the Assignment & Assumption of REPC
47. Assignment & Assumption of REPC
48. Assignment of Interest Addendum to REPC
49. Simultaneous Closing Addendum to REPC
50. How to Complete Simultaneous Closing Addendum
51. Lease Agreement with Option for Option for Purchase
52. Addendum to ERTS & Agency Disclosure
53. Addendum to EBB & Agency Disclosure
54. Addendum to ERTS & Agency Disclosure Lease Option
55. Buyer’s Notice of Cancellation of REPC
56. Confirmation of Receipt of Earnest Money
57. Addendum to ERTS – Short Sale
58. Contingent Cancellation Addendum
59. Reinstatement of REPC Addendum
60. Resolution of Earnest Money Dispute (Mutual Release)
61. Seller’s Notice of Cancellation of REPC
62. Short-Term Lease Back Agreement
63. Seller’s Notice to Back Up Buyer of Termination of Primary Contract
64. Seller’s Notice of Withdrawal of Counteroffer
65. Buyer’s Notice of Withdrawal of Offer/Counteroffer
66. Closing Costs Addendum
67. Personal Property Transfer Agreement Instruction Sheet
68. Personal Property Transfer Agreement & Bill of Sale
69. Addendum to Personal Property Transfer Agreement
70. Inventory List of Personal Property
71. Single Party Compensation Agreement
72. Residential Rental Agreement
73. Addendum to ERTS & Agency Agreement (Residential Lease)
74. Representation & Compensation Agreement (Lease)
75. Resolution of Due Diligence Addendum to REPC
76. Cancellation & Termination of EBB Agreement
77. Cancellation & Termination of ERTS Agreement
78. Solar Panel System Addendum
79. Wire Fraud Alert Disclosure
80. Buyer’s Notice to Seller of Termination of Buyer’s 3rd Party Contract (Subject to Sale)
81. Seller’s Notice to Buyer of Accepted Offer (Multiple Offer Addendum)
82. Seller’s Notice to Buyer of Substantial Completion (New Construction)
83. Seller’s notice to Buyer of Accepted Offer (Time Clause Notice)
84. Request to HOA For Documentation
85. Real Estate Brokerage Payment Addendum to REPC
86. Covid-19 Addendum
87. Buyer’s Notice to Seller of Removal of Conditions (Time Clause Notice).

(shared by Curtis Bullock on facebook.)

Welcome to my website! Keeping things simple here – I am excited to help guide you to your goals in real estate whatever they are. What YOU want matters and I’m just here to make it happen.
I work all over Utah, if you know me you know I am always all over the place for both work and fun so if you have a real estate need in Utah I’m here for you.

A couple of quick links here, or just enjoy the blog:

• Visit BarlowUtah.com to browse real estate listings in Utah for free.
• Visit this page to see who I know and trust to help you with your real estate related needs.

If you need anything feel free to call or text me (801) 310-5008.

Or set up a time on my calendar here.

If we’ve worked together I’d love a review on my google business page, thank you! https://g.page/barlowutah/review

Part of the reason I became a real estate agent is I just have a huge passion for homes, I thought if I could make a living doing what I love – looking at homes – how cool would that be? I can’t count how many times I’ve stopped to stare at this beauty in Heber City, Utah

I just love this house in Sandy, Utah and thought I’d share.

I took this picture when this house was almost complete years ago after doing a walkthrough in it. It’s always been one of my favorites.

Located at 14258 South Canyon Vine Cove in Draper, Utah

A gorgeous home I was able to have a small part in, located at 3331 Alpine Lilly in Southern Highlands in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:

1. Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.
2. Incremental negotiations: Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.
3. “Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.
4. Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.
5. Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

I recently joined a few facebook groups for realtors in hopes of having some nice inspiration and just being around like-minded people online but I was surprised by what I found.

I found constant posts complaining about everything from other agents to their own clients – complaining that the client won’t just hurry and pick a house and is too picky or any number of things that I happen to think are part of the job.

I’ve always believed that people who are unhappy in their job should find a new one because we all deserve to be happy. To me, being an agent means my job is to help you, my client, get what you want. It doesn’t matter if I think it’s a good thing to want or not if you want it I want to help you get it. I’ve seen a few posts in the groups complaining that a buyer wanted to back out of a deal and the agent was asking other agents how to convince them to stick with it and buy the home, how to “get them” to buy it. That is sad to me – I don’t ever want to “get” someone or “convince” them to do something they aren’t in love with the idea of doing.

It has been eye-opening to see what they say when their clients aren’t around, that’s for sure.