Saturday, December 23, 2023

FROM THE SECRIST TEAM

"This is a very special time of year to reflect on the blessings in our lives and we want you to know how much we appreciate your friendship and loyal business. We thank you for

always thinking of the Secrist Team when you buy, sell and when you trust us by referring your family, friends and neighbors to our care!

We are incredibly grateful for the successes of this year and we have you to thank!

May you homes be blessed with peace, love and cherished memories this Christmas and in the coming New Year!"

The Secrist Team

Linda Secrist, 801-455-9999

Brett Butler, 801-31-6435

Lisa Herron McKinney, 801-455-9900

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Trending vs. Trendy: What's the Difference?

Similar to the fashion industry, trends in home design go in and out of style. While the fashion industry has fast cycles, the home industry moves at a slower and more deliberate pace. Designing a space takes a thoughtful plan, a creative process, and a refined eye. It makes sense that you want to be discerning and selective when designing a room in your home. Avoiding trends will help ensure you create a timeless design that won’t make your home feel dated in just a few short years. However, some design elements may seem questionable. You may see these elements all over social media, but they have been used in home design for many decades. These elements may be currently trending but certainly are not trendy. Read on for examples of these design elements.

White Subway Tile

White subway tile may get a bad rap because it’s been used in nearly every new build or construction bathroom project over the last decade. However, it’s a classic, tried and true material that will keep your bathroom feeling current long after the wave of white subway tile has passed.

How to make it feel current: Lay the white subway tile in different patterns, such as herringbone or a grid pattern, or select a more textural white subway tile while still laying it in a classic, off-set pattern.

White Kitchens

Colorful kitchen cabinets or cabinets in warm wood tones are being favored in many kitchen remodels. These saturated and warm spaces are a fresh way to visually revamp this hardworking area of the home. Many before and after photos show the white kitchen as the before and the colorful, punchy space as the after, with the headline that white kitchens are out. However, a white kitchen is like a classic white button-down — it will always be in style.

How to make it feel current: Select a warm, creamy shade of white instead of a crisp and cool white tone.

Wall Murals

Wallpaper has been the recent go-to design choice to inject color, personality, and texture into a space. Recently, many design enthusiasts have gravitated towards enveloping areas in wall murals instead of wallpaper. Murals can be painted directly onto the wall or can be a wallpaper that looks like a mural. Wall murals are currently having a moment in homes that welcome color, personality and lean towards maximalism; however, they have been around for centuries and are even one of the oldest forms of art.

How to make it feel current: Lean into a wall mural by applying it to a room’s four walls and selecting a complementary paint color for the trim and ceiling.

Checkerboard Floors

Images of checkerboard floors are all across social media, making this design feature feel trendy. However, checkerboard floors are a tried and true, classic flooring selection. You can be creative with the checkerboard pattern combinations, such as using warmer colors like light tan and creamy white or a warm gray with a heavily veined white tile.

How to make it feel current: In addition to creatively pairing different shades of marble, consider painting a checkerboard pattern on wood floors.

Animal Print

Animal print is another frequently used pattern on stair runners, carpets, rugs, and pillows. While this pattern is prevalent in many design schemes and social media photos, this organic print will have staying power long after the influx of photos has ended.

How to make it feel current: Using animal print as a neutral in your design scheme, and use it with other classic design elements, such as stripes, plaid, or floral.

lindasecrist.com

Linda Secrist’s Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Real Estate • Holladay Real Estate • Sandy Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2022! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

#land #home #house #mcm #wcw #uthahomesforsale #Openhouse #homebuying #utahluxuryhomes #luxury #luxurylifesyle #buyahome #utahrealestate #utahrealtor #no1realestateagent #homesforsaleinutah #bestrealtor #skiutah #utahlistings #mlslistings #skiutah #funthingstodoinutah #relocatetoutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #utahskiresorts #worldclassskiresorts #utaheconomy #utahinvestments #stagingyourhome #villaatdimpledell #searchutahhomes #luxuryhomesforsaleinutah #mainfloormaster #homesforsaleinsandyUt #homesforsaleinpepperwood #homesforsaleindraper #searchallutahhomes #utahhousingmarket #slchousingmarket #hometrends #luxuryhomes #modernhomes #openfloorplans #relocate #relocation #seller #buyer #saltlakerealestate #buyingahome #mainfloorliving #homestyle #homedesign #number1 #sellingahome #silicon #slopes #lindasecristandassociates #lindasecrist #saltlakerealestate #utah #UT #Newhomes #Utahhomes #Realestate #Openhouse #tour #sale #rambler #shop #linda #Secrist #Associates #Events #MLS #Parkview #Villas #Luxurylifestyle #Saltlakeolympics #winterolympics #skiutah #thegreatestsnowonearth #Sundancefilmfestival #siliconslopes #winter #Snowbasin #Ski #Skiing #resort #opening #Mountains#Deervalley #concert #outdoor #hometour #newdevlopment #mainfloorliving #property #realestate #downpayment #save #relocate #relocation #Zionsnationalpark #BryceCanyonNationalPark #TheSecristTeam #Beautiful #Canyons #Mountains #Canyonlands #Ski #Skiing #thesecristteam

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Large House or Small House?

When searching for your next home, one of the first things you’ll have to decide is what size it should be. You might dream of owning a large house, but that might not fit your budget, or it might not be necessary right now. Under some circumstances, you’ll be better off buying a small house, then adding on later.

Think About What You Can Afford

A large house will be expensive. You’ll have to make a significant down payment if you want to avoid private mortgage insurance. You’ll also have high monthly mortgage payments, and you’ll have to pay for property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and repairs.

You might not be able to afford all those costs right now, but you might expect your income to rise in the coming years. If so, it can make sense to buy a small house and plan to expand in the future, when you’re more financially secure.

If you buy a small house, live there for several years, and build equity, you’ll be able to use some of that money to pay for an addition. A home equity loan or line of credit can make it possible for you to have your dream home without struggling to make ends meet.

Consider Your Family’s Current and Future Needs

A small house might serve your family fine now and for the next few years. You might plan to have children in the future, but you might not know when you want to expand your family or how many kids you want to have. You might not be sure if you want to have children at all. Buying a small home can give you flexibility.

Think About How Building an Addition Would Impact Your Life

Any major home renovation or remodeling project will be disruptive. Building an addition will likely mean that you’ll be unable to use certain parts of your house, possibly for weeks at a time. You’ll have to deal with noise, dust, times when the electricity or water get shut off and loss of privacy if you work from home and contractors are around during the day.

Constructing an addition can be particularly stressful if you have young kids. They probably won’t fully understand what’s going on, and the stress might make it hard for them to sleep and negatively impact their behavior and performance in school. You’ll also have to figure out how to keep your kids away from tools and other safety hazards.

You can avoid all those stressors by purchasing a large house that will fit your family’s current and future needs. That way, you won’t have to worry about building an addition later.

Choose the House That’s Right for Your Family

Buying a big house can help you avoid the stress of building an addition in the future, but it might create unnecessary financial stress now. Think about your personal circumstances and find a home that will work for your family and your budget.

lindasecrist.com

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Holiday Markets In Utah

8 Utah Holiday Markets to Visit this Season

Whether you’re shopping for gifts or for yourself, these local holiday markets are a fun way to explore local goods and get in the holiday spirit.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — and that means it’s probably time to start your holiday shopping. One of the best ways to get that done is by visiting one of Utah’s many holiday markets, which gather local artisans to sell things from Christmas decor to Christmas gifts.

It can be easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holiday season, but taking time to buy thoughtful presents, shop local and support small businesses is a great way to slow down and make your gift-giving more meaningful.

Usher in the holiday season at Utah’s first-ever Nativity Market

If you’ve somehow already completed your Christmas shopping, these markets are still fun to visit, either to window shop or to buy yourself a holiday present.

1. Bountiful Davis Art Center Winter Art Market

Nov. 17–Dec. 23

This market features dozens of local artists selling art and gifts, and everything sold at the market is designed or produced locally. Many artists also contribute a original ornament to the art center’s yearly ornament tree, which will be on display. If you’re at BDAC from Dec. 2–9, you can also view their annual gingerbread festival.

2. Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place

Nov. 29–Dec. 2

Inspired by Germany’s famous Christmas markets, this is Utah’s most elaborate holiday market, with the whole village transformed into a winter wonderland. Explore shops, booths and food trucks, and enjoy entertainment such as live music and a lantern parade.

3. Craft Lake City Holiday Market

Dec. 1–2 (tickets required; children under 12 get in free)

According to the market’s website, over 150 local Utah artists are slated to display their wares at this year’s event. There will also be food trucks, performances, a Santa photo op and a gift drive for local children in foster care.

4. Love Local Holiday Market

Dec. 2 (tickets required; children under 5 get in free)

Hosted by Wasatch Community Gardens, this event is a great way to get some shopping done, support local vendors and learn about community agriculture. Local artisans and farms will be selling their goods, and you can also admire the decorated tree forest and bid on one to take home.

5. Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House & Art Fair

Dec. 2–3

The Richard K. Hemingway Orangerie will have 19 local artists selling “jewelry, glass art, pottery, fiber art, wall art, natural soaps and more,” but once you look though their goods, make sure to head into the garden itself — admission will be free!

6. Salt and Honey Holiday Makers Market

Nov. 10–Dec. 31

This store is open year-round on Salt Lake City’s 9th and 9th, but it gets a festive makeover every year for the holidays. Local vendors sell things from vintage clothing to national park-inspired candles, so you can shop for the whole family here.

7. Utah Museum of Fine Arts Holiday Market

Dec. 2–3

If you appreciate the arts, set aside a couple of hours to explore not only this market but also the Utah Museum of Fine Arts’ incredible collection. Current exhibitions include “Tatau: Marks of Polynesia” and “Shaping Landscape: 150 Years of Photography in Utah.”

8. Wheeler Farm Holiday Market

Nov. 24–26

Enjoy goods from local artisans and bakers at this annual event at Wheeler Historic Farm. Admission to the market is free, but for just $3, you can take a wagon ride through the farm to see festive light displays and greet Santa.

Written By Ariel Harmer

Published by Deseret News, Nov 24, 2023, 10:50am MST

lindasecrist.com

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE SECRIST TEAM

The Secrist Team wishes you a blessed Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends. We want you to know how grateful we are for you, our loyal clients and friends. May your hearts be full of gratitude, hope and faith on this day and always.

lindasecrist.com

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

WINTER IS COMING!

Things You Should Do to Get Your Lawn Ready for Winter

Before bitterly cold temperatures set in and your grass goes dormant, get your lawn in shape. Taking the right actions in the fall can help grass survive tough winter conditions and thrive in the spring.

Decide How to Deal With Leaves

If your yard has deciduous trees, the grass probably gets covered with a bed of leaves each fall. Allowing leaves to stay there can keep the grass from getting enough sunlight. If the leaves get wet, they can make the lawn susceptible to disease.

There are several ways to handle fallen leaves. You can rake them, collect them in bags and dispose of them, but there are easier solutions that can save you time and energy and benefit your lawn. You can collect leaves and use them for compost, or you can chop them up with a mulching mower and leave the clippings on the ground so nutrients can enrich the soil. Whether you decide to rake or mow leaves, do it when the leaves and the ground are dry.

Give Your Grass the Right Amount of Water

When your lawn isn’t actively growing, it doesn’t need as much water. You’ll have to adjust your watering schedule in the fall to accommodate your lawn’s changing needs.

Prevent Weeds

In autumn, use a pre-emergent herbicide so weeds can’t get a foothold. Treating your lawn before winter means it won’t be covered with weeds next spring.

Fill in Bare Spots

If your yard has any bare spots or areas where grass is sparse, spread seed in the fall, then give the lawn plenty of water. That will help it become established and develop strong roots before winter.

Aerate

When soil is compacted, aerating can help. The process involves creating holes in the ground so water, air and nutrients can get down to grass roots.

If you have cool-season grass, aerate the lawn in early fall, then follow up with fertilizer. If you don’t have an aerator attachment for your lawn mower, you can rent an aerator.

Fertilize

If you have a cool-season species of grass, apply fertilizer in the autumn. That will encourage the grass to store nutrients in the roots, which will help the lawn make it through winter and then turn a vibrant green once spring returns.

Cut the Grass Short Before Winter

Continue to mow your lawn until it’s no longer growing. Each time you cut the grass in the fall, lower the setting on the mower so the grass is a little shorter than it was the last time. Trimming the grass down in the fall makes it less susceptible to snow mold and increases air circulation, which keeps excess moisture from accumulating.

Consult a Local Expert

Weather patterns vary from one region to another, and different grass species have different needs. If you have questions or need advice, contact your local extension office or a landscaping professional in your area.

lindasecrist.com

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

SKI MAGAZINE RANKS 2 UTAH RESORTS IN TOP 5 NATIONALLY

A surprise Utah ski resort was named Ski Magazine’s ‘Best in the West’

Resort Guide 2024: The Top 30 Resorts in the West

Ski Magazine recently calculated a likely-to-return score ranked from 1-30, with one being the most likely, and used it all to shape SKI’s 2024 Resort Guide. Below are the Top 30 resorts in the West, as determined by you—our readers, fans, and followers.

Undiscovered Powder Mountain is a true throwback to how skiing used to be, with uncrowded slopes, great snow, and prices that let everyone in on the fun.

Last Year’s Ranking: 18
Strengths: Snow, Value, Access, Terrain Variety
Weaknesses: Lifts, Dining, Nightlife
Likelihood to Return: 1/30

Well, this one took the SKI staff by surprise. Powder Mountain has been popping into and out of the survey for the last several years, a gritty ski area with old, slow lifts, limited dining, throwback lodging, and not a speck of nightlife to be found. The ski area’s rise to the top of the survey comes at a time when enough skiers are looking for just what Pow Mow has to offer: Massive adventure at a good price without all the noise. Is it for everyone? Not if you’re looking for five-star dining or a rocking après scene. Survey participants love pretty much everything about Powder, but especially how they limit daily lift ticket sales, how the food in the lodges doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and how they can find powder on the slopes days after a storm. Grievances were shared about the parking situation, and there are a good number of people calling for a few more high-speed lifts mixed in with the fixed-grip chairs. But overall, the less change that comes to this diamond in the rough, the more satisfied customers it’s likely to keep. “Love the fact that we can find powder four or five days after a storm. Cannot beat the low cost of the tickets. No lift lines.“

Most Insightful Reader Comment

“The lifts are slow, the day passes are limited, and we like it this way. We don’t want Powder Mountain. to change a thing. Keep it slow and old.”

No. 2: Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Snowbasin’s great on-mountain attributes are complemented by its pristine lodges and delicious dining.

Last Year’s Ranking: 14
Strengths: Snow, Access, Lifts, Grooming
Weaknesses: Lodging, Après, Nightlife, Local Flavor
Likelihood to Return: 8/30

[
Skiers high in a bowl at Snowbasin Ski Resort, Utah in cloudy flat light.

With all the issues in the Cottonwood Canyons last season, Snowbasin became the de facto destination for lots of Salt Lake City skiers who chose to ski rather than sit in traffic. Most of them liked the experience, and that showed in this year’s rankings. Snowbasin is a bit of an anomaly among the rest of the resorts in the Top 10 in that it doesn’t have any lodging at its base. Accordingly, its scores in the traditional destination resort categories are low. But it makes up for it with high scores in many of the categories that core skiers cherish, including fast lifts, meticulous grooming, good snow quality, and enough different types of terrain to satisfy all comers. “Quiet during the week. There are rarely lift lines after the initial morning opening,” said one Snowbasin regular. “Great terrain with many options.” With all the new interest come all of the complaints about crowded slopes and lift lines, which Snowbasin was not immune to last season. Management now has the tricky job of keeping their original fanbase happy while catering to new visitors. No easy task.

Most Insightful Reader Comment: “I love the amazing variety of terrain, plus it’s easier to get to than Snowbird/Alta. Great local mountain with a fun tailgate parking lot. Ikon Pass holders get blamed for crowding and parking, but this year it’s been more a function of Little Cottonwood Canyon having to close for avy mitigation. They’re already adding another lift to take some pressure off one of the best parts of the mountain. I’d like to see a little more variety in dining, especially grab-and-go options for those of us who don’t really like to stop for lunch.”

No. 3: Sun Valley, Idaho

Steeped in history and with some of the best fall-line skiing in the country, Sun Valley is a must-visit for everyone who call themselves skiers.

Last Year’s Ranking: 1
Strengths: Guest Service, Grooming, Lifts, Dining, Lodging
Weaknesses: Access, Value, Challenge
Likelihood to Return: 3/30

After a three-year streak, Sun Valley drops a bit to No. 3 in this year’s survey, which is still a very good showing for the central Idaho destination resort. Sun Valley is truly a place with its own character, from the shops and restaurants of walkable downtown Ketchum to the steep, fall-line groomers at the ski area. Surve-wise, Sun Valley scores very consistently across the board, notching its highest scores in the off-slope amenity categories such as Dining, Lodging, Après, and Guest Service.

On the slopes, the resort has one of the best lift networks in the industry as well as a mountain ops team known for laying down excellent corduroy. “Fantastic all-around resort, my absolute favorite,” said one SKI reader. “Recent terrain expansion and lift updates have really improved the already great experience.” Reader grumbles are pretty tame, with the usual complaints about the cost of lift tickets and on-mountain food that we see at most destination resorts these days. Oh, and it’s hard to get to, a fact that readers acknowledge but wouldn’t change, as it helps keep the crowds, especially important as Sun Valley begins its third season on the Ikon Pass.

Written & Published By:SKI MAG EDITORS

Updated Oct 25, 2023

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Are You Living In A Scary House?

If you’ve fallen behind on your home maintenance projects this autumn, you may be the scariest home on the block—without even realizing it. After a summer filled with travel, rest and hot temperatures, your home may need a little TLC to keep it in excellent condition for the change of seasons ahead. Read on for the essential autumn home maintenance tasks to avoid having a spooky home during the autumn and winter months ahead.

A Not Eerie Interior:

Deep clean carpets, rugs and upholstery

Autumn is ideal for deep cleaning the textiles in the house. The summer usually means more traffic in the home and sunscreen, dirt and other debris that may be brought inside and embedded in the upholstery. Removing all the summer grime will ensure you have a fresh slate for the upcoming cozy season.

Inspect the furnace

Fall is the best time to schedule an annual furnace inspection. Ensuring it’s in working order before the temperatures dip will be a relief when it’s time to turn on the heat. Additionally, the wait times may be longer if you wait until too late in the season to schedule an inspection.

Assess the humidifier

When the heat is on indoors and the air is cold outdoors, it can be a recipe for dry, itchy skin if the humidifier isn’t working correctly. Also, a dirty humidifier means the mold accumulated on the filter will recirculate in your home. Autumn is an ideal time to inspect the humidifier, clean the humidifier pads and make any necessary repairs.

Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors

As you spend more time inside, testing the smoke and carbon dioxide detectors and replacing the batteries is essential. These should be inspected twice a year, so fall and spring are the best times. Be sure to keep extra batteries easily accessible if they start beeping in the middle of the night.

A Less Sinister Exterior:

Drain and seal the outdoor spigots

Once you’ve watered your mums for the final time this season, it’s time to drain the outdoor water fixtures, disconnect the hoses and attach the outdoor spigot covers. If you don’t drain the outdoor spigots and disconnect the hoses, there is a risk of the pipes bursting when the water freezes over the winter.

Repair exterior cracks

While you may plan on scheduling exterior maintenance projects, such as driveway cracks, in the spring, making these repairs in the fall, before the freezing winter temps set in, can be beneficial. If you notice any cracks in the driveway, repairing them before the temperatures drop can help protect the cracks from expanding. When a crack freezes, it can then expand and damage the driveway.

Clean the gutters

During the summer and fall, leaves, seeds and other debris accumulate in the gutters. Have the gutters cleaned so the autumn leaves don’t start to overflow. Before the first snowfall, clean out this debris to help the water drain efficiently.

Assess air leaks

Checking your house for leaky windows and doors will reduce energy consumption this winter. Damage or gaps to the weatherstripping or caulk can cause the hot air to escape, resulting in a colder house and higher heating bills.

lindasecrist.com

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

be HAPPY!

Utah Named the Nation’s Happiest State

A yearly study conducted by WalletHub

reviewed each state across 30 key metrics including depression rate, social and career well-being, job security, economy, and weather. The 30 key metrics were split into three categories – emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community environment – and Utah came out on top in two of them.

“Happiness comes from a combination of internal and external factors,” wrote WalletHub author Adam McCann. “We can influence it somewhat by approaching situations positively or choosing to spend time with people we love [or] doing activities we enjoy.”

WalletHub’s study also found Utahns are the most giving with their time, ranking first in the nation for volunteer rates. According to WalletHub, Utahns volunteer three times more than Florida, which donates the least amount of time in the nation for volunteer work.

The 2023 rankings show Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey follow Utah in the nation’s top five happiest states.

The unhappiest state in America? According to WalletHub, that would be West Virginia followed by Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky.

Written by: Derick Fox

Published & Posted by ABC4 News on: Sep 12, 2023 / 06:51 AM MDT

lindasecrist.com

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Are You Closing on a Home?

What to Avoid Before Closing on a Home

Homebuying involves many steps and procedures, contributing to an efficient and thorough process. Scheduling an inspection, final walk-through, booking movers and preparing for the closing are all essential steps in the homebuying process. However, there are also some crucial things that you should avoid doing before you close on a home. Read on for insight into what every homebuyer should avoid before closing a home.

Selecting the first mortgage lender you meet

If you’re financing a home purchase through a mortgage loan, shopping around for mortgage lenders is essential. Talking with several lenders can give you the best idea of rates and what you should pay for a house. You can use this information to compare your down payment and the monthly payments you’re willing to make.

Extending an offer without a pre-approval letter

Before you begin house shopping, a pre-approval letter can give your offer the edge it needs, especially in competitive markets. If you extend an offer and still need to be pre-approved by a mortgage lender, the seller may decline your offer in favor of a buyer who already has their pre-approval letter.

Putting an offer on a home you can’t afford

When you’re buying a home, your mortgage lender may offer you a loan you qualify for but can’t comfortably afford. You should know what you’re comfortable paying monthly and stay within that range, regardless of what the lender offers. Knowing your monthly expenses, such as memberships, car payments and tuition payments, in addition to homeownership expenses, such as maintenance and insurance, will help to determine the ideal offer price for you.

Skipping the inspection process

In competitive markets, skipping the home inspection or shortening the closing period may be tempting. However, the home inspection is one of the most critical parts of the homebuying process, as it can protect you from any significant issues the home may have. When these issues are discovered during the inspection process, either the seller will cover the cost of the repairs, or you, as the buyer, can decide to walk away from the deal.

Making large purchases

Until you’ve signed the closing papers and the home is officially yours, avoid making large purchases, such as a car, furniture, or a vacation. These larger ticket items can impact your credit score and available credit, affecting the mortgage loan you initially qualified for and ultimately impacting the home sale.

Cosigning a loan

Cosigning a loan can be a red flag for a borrower. You’re signing that you will be responsible for the other person’s debt. The lender may see that number and determine it’s too high, coupled with the mortgage’s principal and interest amount.

Salt Lake Real Estate

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Improve Your Listening Skills

3 Simple Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills

Are you having trouble communicating with your partner, friends or colleagues? Do you forget what your friend just told you only minutes after the conversation ended? In a world geared toward multitasking, it can be hard to drop fully into a conversation and just listen. Below are three tips to help you be more present in your conversations.

Ask questions

Don’t just smile and nod. Make your conversation partner feel more heard by asking questions that are relative to what they’re saying. Ask for more details to dig deeper and listen fully.

Repeat what you heard

Every few minutes, repeat what you heard so you know you’re retaining important information. This will also help you avoid accidental miscommunications.

Wait to offer a solution.

When we’re listening to a friend with a problem, our go-to response is often to fill silence with a solution, but sometimes, we just need to feel heard and understand. You can even ask your friend if they’re looking for a solution or just space to vent.

lindasecrist.com

Thursday, September 7, 2023

9 Beautiful Small Towns in Utah

9 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Utah You Should Visit

Park City, USA - July 25, 2019: Ski resort town in Utah during summer with downtown colorful historic buildings and cars

Utah overflows with natural beauty, and is also well known for its range of recreation opportunities, from an exhilarating adventure in one of its "Mighty Five" national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands) to scenic drive through the aspen forests or even a visit to Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the country. A trip to Utah would be incomplete without a stop in one of its most beautiful small towns, with activities ranging from a stroll along charmed main streets to a breathtaking sunrise in Bryce Canyon. Whatever the trip entails, adventure awaits in the small towns of Utah.

MORE IN UTAHDiscover 8 of the oldest founded towns in Utah.

Park City

Park City sits in the center of the Wasatch Mountains, boasting breathtaking scenery, an enticing cultural scene, and of course a charming mountain town atmosphere. In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking are popular activities, with the Park City Mountain ski resort within the town's limits. Throughout the rest of the year, visitors enjoy mountain biking, fishing, and golfing. The hamlet's historic main street is another delightful spot, featuring restaurants and shops such as Java Cow Café & Bakery, Flight Boutique, and Deer Valley Signatures. After an eventful day exploring the town and its adventures, be sure to enjoy a taste of craft whiskeys and vodkas at the High West Distillery and Saloon.

On top of all that, Park City is just under 45 minutes away from Salt Lake City, meaning travelers can enjoy the charm of the small town alongside the excitement of the big city.

Springdale

Springdale is one of the most underrated towns in Utah, situated just outside the boundaries of Zion National Park, making it a hub for outdoor adventurists and park-goers alike. The park's red rock monoliths line the town's horizon, making for a postcard-worthy backdrop. Visitors can spend days exploring the thousand-foot-deep red rock canyon, hiking, camping, canoeing, rock climbing, and stargazing. Sunrises and sunsets are especially breathtaking as the warm orange rays bring the multicolored sandstone to life. Though the town only houses 500 residents, it is chock full of interest, with gorgeous art galleries such as Worthington Gallery, as well as unique stops like Springdale Candy Company, and charming restaurants like Oscar's Cafe.

PUBLISHE & WRITTEN BY: worldatlas.com

Salt Lake Real Estate crist.com

Saturday, December 23, 2023

FROM THE SECRIST TEAM

"This is a very special time of year to reflect on the blessings in our lives and we want you to know how much we appreciate your friendship and loyal business. We thank you for

always thinking of the Secrist Team when you buy, sell and when you trust us by referring your family, friends and neighbors to our care!

We are incredibly grateful for the successes of this year and we have you to thank!

May you homes be blessed with peace, love and cherished memories this Christmas and in the coming New Year!"

The Secrist Team

Linda Secrist, 801-455-9999

Brett Butler, 801-31-6435

Lisa Herron McKinney, 801-455-9900

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Trending vs. Trendy: What's the Difference?

White Subway Tile

White Kitchens

Wall Murals

Checkerboard Floors

Animal Print

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Should You Buy a Large House or Buy a Small House and Build an Addition?

Think About What You Can Afford

Consider Your Family’s Current and Future Needs

Think About How Building an Addition Would Impact Your Life

Choose the House That’s Right for Your Family

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

8 Utah Holiday Markets to Visit this Season

1. Bountiful Davis Art Center Winter Art Market

2. Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place

3. Craft Lake City Holiday Market

4. Love Local Holiday Market

5. Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House & Art Fair

6. Salt and Honey Holiday Makers Market

7. Utah Museum of Fine Arts Holiday Market

8. Wheeler Farm Holiday Market

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Things You Should Do to Get Your Lawn Ready for Winter

Decide How to Deal With Leaves

Give Your Grass the Right Amount of Water

Prevent Weeds

Fill in Bare Spots

Aerate

Fertilize

Cut the Grass Short Before Winter

Consult a Local Expert

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Last Year’s Ranking: 18

Strengths: Snow, Value, Access, Terrain Variety

Weaknesses: Lifts, Dining, Nightlife

Likelihood to Return: 1/30

Most Insightful Reader Comment

No. 2: Snowbasin Resort, Utah

Last Year’s Ranking: 14

Strengths: Snow, Access, Lifts, Grooming

Weaknesses: Lodging, Après, Nightlife, Local Flavor

Likelihood to Return: 8/30

No. 3: Sun Valley, Idaho

Last Year’s Ranking: 1

Strengths: Guest Service, Grooming, Lifts, Dining, Lodging

Weaknesses: Access, Value, Challenge

Likelihood to Return: 3/30

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

How to Avoid Living in a Scary House This Autumn

A Not Eerie Interior:

Deep clean carpets, rugs and upholstery

Inspect the furnace

Assess the humidifier

Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors

A Less Sinister Exterior:

Drain and seal the outdoor spigots

Repair exterior cracks

Clean the gutters

Assess air leaks

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

A yearly study conducted by WalletHub

Thursday, September 28, 2023

What to Avoid Before Closing on a Home

Selecting the first mortgage lender you meet

Extending an offer without a pre-approval letter

Putting an offer on a home you can’t afford

Skipping the inspection process