banks give bad advice

Some may do it intentionally; some may just not have the systems in place to train their reps well. Some may be in fear of liability and only provide generic info. Either way, they all do it. They give bad, invalid or changing advice and info. This is unfortunate, disruptive and causes fear in the worried borrower. You need to be ready for this. You need to patient with this and you need to have a truthful person on your side to direct you to the truth. The worst “bad info” department at a bank will be the loan modification department. Many will tell you over the phone that they will help. When you then go onto their website or receive their loan modification packet you can read that they don’t do loan modifications. Why are they providing you with the info and the form then? Federal requirements to allow you to apply for a loan modification. They can take the application, they can provide the application and they don’t have to actually give you the loan modification. Unfortunately that makes it easier for scam artist's to take your money and promise to help. Please don’t be a victim of this common practice. IF you have tried that process you know what I mean. Once you understand that there is an investor on your loan you can directly go to the website for that investor to get the truth about timelines, policies and practices.

What can I do to update a space for little money that will have a big impact?

Lighting-The fixture or even just the bulb. Soft and pretty light can transform a space. Replacing or refinishing a fixture can transform the very style of a space.

Hardware-Cabinet pulls, door knobs & such. Replacing or adding cabinet pulls changes the entire function and look for a very small price.

Accents-Toss pillows, rugs, lamp shades & such. Taking down dated or disproportioned accents and adding those better sized for a space can change a room by tricking the eye to see more space or higher ceilings.

Window Treatments- Sometimes removing and sometimes adding. Something as simple as removing a dated window treatment or adding a simple modern panel can freshen up a room.

Paint-Changes everything. A bad color or sheen can change the way you feel in the space. The way light moves about in a space. A light reflective paint shade with a good undertone for the light in the space can brighten the entire feel.

Rates are unbelievable

If you have been considering a move I recommend making it. Rates are unbelievable. Our Salt Lake Valley market is revitalized also. The days of short sale dominated market may be behind us.