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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!
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March 20, 2020
How will the Coronavirus impact the Housing Market? Update March 16, 2020
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March 13, 2020
5 of the Best Coffee Shops in SLC
One may judge a city by its coffee shops. We’re not talking about the Starbucks and Dunkin’s of the world. We’re focusing on the smaller chains and local treasures that reside there. Finding a good coffee shop is like finding the perfect home. Once you find it, you know it’s the one for you.
Here are a few favorites in Salt Lake City that you could try.
Coffee Garden
878 E. 900 S., Salt Lake City, UT
Coffee Garden has an industrial-contemporary style with hints of artistic flair.
It has a distinctly home-like feel, which is likely why it has been deemed the “neighborhood living room.” They have been in the same location for 27 years, and it is the oldest coffee house of their style in Salt Lake City.
“We taught Salt Lake City what good coffee is supposed to taste like,” said owner Alan Hebertson. This is likely why it is such a popular destination for the coffee lovers all around. It has a small, quiet section perfect for a client meeting or work session. It’s quite popular among students at the university as well as a spot to study.
Their most popular drinks are their espresso-based drinks. This author has to agree because their Americano was divine. Their baked goods are another large draw, as the majority are made in-house.
They do not host any events, preferring to make sure the shop is open to all. They frequently support local artists and donate to schools and other events in the 9th & 9th area.
Campos Coffee Roastery & Kitchen
228 S. Edison St., Salt Lake City, UT
Campos Coffee Roastery & Kitchen is an Australian-born shop, with an open and bright modern-industrial feel. The large windows, skylights, and plant life create a lively and enlightening atmosphere for any client meeting, work session, or meeting with friends.
Hillary Merill, Operations Manager let us know about the large, specially-created front windows that can be opened for the optimal indoor/outdoor experience. The windows were designed and built by a company that makes airline hangers, significantly contributing to the industrial vibe.
Campos is a major coffee chain in Australia, but is currently in start-up mode in the U.S., with the only two locations, this one in Salt Lake, and the other in Park City.
Cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks are also the most popular here due to the specific training that baristas receive on how to make the perfect cup. Another popular drink is the Australian Iced coffee, which is an Iced coffee made with gelato and whipped cream. They also feature many single origin single pours from limited release coffee beans.
Community events like public cuppings, summer BBQs and more are on their way, so you will want to keep up with them on social media to make sure you know as soon as these events get underway.
Sugar House Coffee
2011 S. 1100 E., Salt Lake City, UT
Sugar House Coffee is a hip and artsy space in the heart of Sugar House.
This shop makes our go-to list because of the warm and inviting atmosphere. Art and inspirational quotes line the walls, and the space is nearly always full of an exceedingly diverse group of people, from students to yoga enthusiasts and businesspeople.
Emily Potts, the general manager of Sugar House Coffee considers the place “the ‘Cheers’ of coffee shops,” as they aim to make everyone feel warm and comfortable. The mission of the coffee shop is to “[provide] the community with a public gathering space where everyone is safe to share their story.”
They succeed in bringing the community together by being a part of the Sugar House Art Walk, hosting live jazz music nights twice per month, a monthly book club, and a monthly open mic.
Why not try a warm and inviting drink like the Karmel Sutra, a white caramel mocha, as it is their most popular drink, and pair it with one of their food options. Food options include many vegan and gluten-free selections using products from other local businesses wherever possible.
Three Pines Coffee
165 S. Main St, Salt Lake City, UT
Three Pines Coffee is an ultra-small coffee shop with a retro vibe. It is ideally located on Main Street and is perfect for a pick-me-up when strolling the heart of downtown SLC.
Once inside, you are immediately drawn by their neon signage, vintage coffee machine and shelves full of vinyl. Look closely and you will spot the record player.
The shop is less than 500 sq. ft. and only seats about 13 people, creating an intimate coffee experience for those who decide to drink in-house. The owners, Nick Price and Meg Frampton say that the small size “allows us to really focus on the essentials,” like their coffee.
Their drip coffee is generally their most popular, with an espresso with milk following close behind. They like to “keep things simple, pure, and straightforward … [They] put a lot of time into achieving the optimum extraction and … best possible balance in flavor.” As the weather warms up, the most served beverage becomes their house-made cold brew.
Other local ingredients include locally-sourced whole milk, house-made almond milk, and house-made vanilla syrup.
The Rose Establishment
235 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City, UT
The Rose Establishment is another modern-industrial chic location just outside the Gateway in downtown SLC.
This shop has a small, yet inviting atmosphere, bringing modern touches to a building with a deep history. The space originated as a meat packing plant, and had a lot of lives since then, serving as a restaurant, plant shop, and even a personal residence before it’s current reincarnation.
Shaylee Syme, General Manager of The Rose Establishment says that their lattes and house-made signature drinks, as well as old-school standards (like a London Fog) with Rose Establishment twists make up some of the most popular drinks.
Their high quality coffee and food are some of the greatest draws.
The Rose Establishment will be starting up a gallery stroll in the next few months, and will be hosting other community events such as wine evenings. They are also available for private events. You could even host your wedding there!
Sugar Bean – Honorable Mention
1240 E. 2100 S. Suite 150, Salt Lake City, UT
Sugar Bean Coffee gets an honorable mention as Windermere Utah’s favorite in-building coffee shop. Sugar bean is located in the Redman building in Sugar House, sharing a home office with both Windermere Real Estate and Windermere Commercial Real Estate. When you come in for a cup, stop by to visit with our agents or say hi to our friendly staff.
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March 5, 2020
Finally! The Foothill Trail System Master Plan
On March 3, The Salt Lake City Council adopted the Foothills Trail System Master plan to improve and create trails within the system.
The plan aims to improve and create environmentally sustainable, accessible, safe, and low-maintenance trails from the North Salt Lake boundary to Emigration Canyon.
This plan has been in the works since 2016, when a public input process gathered public support and feedback. This feedback helped to guide how the plan was developed and will influence trail development projects for the next 10 years.
The vision of the plan is for “The Foothills Natural Area [to] provide a variety of recreational trail experiences for all ages and abilities while managing the Foothills’ environmental resources for future generations.” according to the Salt Lake County Public Lands webpage.
Once the plan is fully implemented, the trail system will include:
- 65 miles of new trails and 41 miles of existing trails, for a total system length of 106 trail miles.
- A mix of multi-directional and one-way trails, some with shared-uses and others dedicated to a single use, like walking or biking.
- A growing network of improved trailheads with information kiosks.
- Wayfinding signage located at every trail intersection.
- Three ‘Habitat Study Areas’ where biological impact assessments will be conducted to inform trail alignments and mitigate disruption of native species.
You can learn more about the details of the plan on the Public Lands Webpage.
Further responses to key three issues brought up in February 2020 can be found on the Salt Lake City Council’s website.
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February 28, 2020
More Than a Yard: Finding the Right Home for Your Pooch
For many house hunters, a dream home isn’t complete without being a good fit for the family dog. Some might see the fenced in yard, and consider the box checked. However, if you are looking for your next home, you may want to look a little deeper to be sure the fit is right before signing on the dotted line.
It’s worth taking a little extra time to consider your pooch in a little more depth. Here is a quick checklist of considerations to be sure you find the right fit for your canine companion:
What’s in a Yard?
A fenced yard is, of course, ideal for many dog owners. It gives you the ability for off-leash play, a must for meeting the exercise needs of active breeds such as Border Collies or Labradors. But not all yards are the same. Here’s a quick checklist of what to look for:
- Check the fencing to be sure it is secure. Factor in any repair costs into the cost of the home since they will need to be addressed right away.
- Are there flower beds with potentially toxic plants that will need to be moved outside of the fenced area? Examples include many spring bulb favorites such as daffodils, tulips, and crocus, as well as some bushes such as azaleas.
- Is there a nice shady spot so your pooch can find shelter from the heat on a hot summer day?
- Is there access to water for an outdoor bath?
- Will delivery people be able to access your main entrance when the dog is outside without entering the fenced part of your yard? It is easy to overlook, but this can become a major annoyance if you do a lot of online shopping.
Indoor Space Considerations
It won’t always be a beautiful sunny day, even in your dream home. Make sure your new home will have enough space for a little indoor play on rainy days and during colder winter months. A long hallway can make a great runway for a game of fetch when getting outside just isn’t practical.
Likewise, consider the needs of aging or injured dogs. Does the layout of the home require going up and down stairs to get to the most used areas of the home? This can be a major problem for some special needs dogs, and a deal breaker for some pet owners.
Finally, most dog trainers recommend that every dog has a little space to call their own during times of stress. This may be as simple as a corner of the living room with a comfy dog bed or crate. If you have a puppy, however, a space that can be puppy-proofed and cordoned off (with appropriate flooring for potential accidents during potty training) is in order.
Go for a Walk
It may be impractical to include a dog walk for every home you look at while searching for your dream house. However, once you are down to a short list, it is time to actually take your dog on what is likely to be the daily walk route. Make sure this is a walk you would feel comfortable making every day, or even letting the kids take.
Be on the lookout for hazards: A dangerous intersection, a portion of the walk that requires walking in the road, or a neighbor who lets their dog run right up to the curb with invisible fencing (a recipe for territorial fights with leashed dogs passing by). A drive through is unlikely to reveal these walk spoiling annoyances. In addition, look for evidence of good lighting for evening or early morning walks.
Nearby Canine Amenities
If you are moving to a new part of town or relocating to a new state altogether, it is worth doing some research to find out where the pet services are located. Depending on the services you tend to use, it can make a big difference in your quality of life to be able to take advantage of nearby conveniences.
Think about what services you are likely to use most, and check on Google Maps to locate:
- Veterinarians
- Dog boutiques (particularly important if you buy specialty food)
- Grooming services
- Doggy daycare and boarding
- Pet sitting and dog walking services
- Dog-friendly restaurants (BringFido.com is a great research tool for this)
- Dog parks and dog-friendly paths for long walks
Flooring
Although luxurious hardwood flooring adds a great deal of ambiance to a home, it will have the opposite effect if it gets scratched up from the nails of a rambunctious canine. Large and even medium sized dogs can easily create unsightly scars in hardwood floors that can only be fixed by a professional who will need to sand away the wood than stain and refinish it. It’s a costly fix!
Modern carpets can generally hold up to doggy traffic. However, think about where you will be coming in and out of the house with your pooch to be sure you have a place to wipe muddy paws first on rainy days. A mudroom or garage entrance can easily stow a few extra towels for the job.
Tile and high-quality laminate flooring are the most durable as both will resist scratching and are easy to clean.
Consider Pet-Friendly Condos and Planned Communities
If you have a truly pampered pooch, one way to go the extra mile is to ask your realtor about dog-friendly communities in your area. Many condominium complexes, for example, have pet services right on site. Pet grooming, pet-sitting, dog walking services, and even a fenced in dog park and/or pool is available in some areas.
Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor
Make sure to let me know upfront that you have a canine member of your family to consider during the house hunt. If there are certain “musts” such as a fenced yard, or proximity to veterinary services, be sure to put that on the table upfront so that I can help find a home that works for you and your furry friend!
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February 12, 2020
3 Unconventional Ideas for Valentines Day in Salt Lake City
Every year in the days after Christmas, stores across the country suddenly change from red and green garlands to festoons of pink and red. The season of love descends upon us all in a deluge of chocolates, floral arrangements, and jewelry created to proclaim undying love. Couples can be heard in the aisles snickering to their partners about how perfect they expect this year’s Valentine’s Day to be. And while our social media feeds are filled with jokes about forgetting to get chocolates, or not finding someone to “be mine,” of course, we all have ideals about how we’d like to treat our partners on what’s supposed to be the most romantic day of the year.
This year, with a little careful planning, there’s still enough time to craft an experience that will enchant your partner – and maybe make up for last year’s last minute bouquet of half-wilted roses? Here’s what we had in mind for this Friday night:
#1 – Hike Up Millcreek or Neff’s + Dinner at Table X
On odd numbered days, Millcreek Canyon allows pups to be off-leash! Andy and I take Penny on this hike almost 3 days a week so if you’ve never hiked this area, it’s a must-see. Millcreek and Neff’s trails are filled with trees, wildlife, and at this time of year, enchanting winter scenery. You can take a look at the trails and hear about people’s experiences here.
And for dinner at Table X? It’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Table X is part French potager garden, part indoor culinary dream. Table X has won the Salt Lake Magazine’s award for Best Dining Restaurant 3 years in a row. You can get a closer look at their menu and learn their story, here.
These great ideas are just a few that our local experts can recommend. Your favorite agent is available for everything from helping you buy and sell, to making sure you know the ins and outs of your community.
Whether you’ll be treating yourself, or spending time with the one you love, we wish you a fabulous Valentine’s day.
#2 – The Kura Door Spa + Dinner at Pallet or Eva’s in Downtown SLC
This suggestion comes from 9th and 9th agent Monica Draper. The Kura Door Spa is a holistic Japanese spa that offers a ride range of services, from Ofura bath, skin care, nail treatments, massage and waxing. They also happen to have a highly-coveted couple’s massage retreat. You can make your reservation online, but be aware that Valentine’s Day is a high-demand time of year.
Both Pallet Bistro and Eva’s Bakery are delicious options for the discerning diner. Pallet offers an exceptional selection of cocktails and fare. Eva’s Bakery has more of a casual Parisian bread shop vibe, and you can more about their story and offerings here.
Photo Courtesy of Manoli’s
#3 – Pedicures at Best Nails + Dinner at Manoli’s
This excellent suggestion is brought to you by Sugar House agent Kathy McCabe. Now, if you’re of the opinion that you’re too “masculine” to get a pedicure with your partner, that’s probably because you aren’t accustomed to taking time out for your own pampering. Best Nails is the perfect place to experience a great, first pedicure with the love of your life by your side.
And, when you’re done having your nails trimmed and your legs massaged, you can satisfy your hunger by heading over to Manoli’s on 9th. Described as “a fresh interpretation of Greek cuisine,” Manoli’s has something to satisfy every palate.
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February 6, 2020
How to Know if it’s Time to Downsize
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?
- Think about how much your identity is wrapped in your house.
- 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?
- Will moving into a smaller home feel like a step backward?
- How will other life events affect my living in a smaller home?
- 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?
- 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?
- It’s important to have a plan for how you’re going to sell or give away the things you don’t need.
- 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, call me!
