What are you being for Halloween??

Are you showing off your LSU pride for Halloween? 
Or are you zombies or witches??
Or better yet, are you creative & coming up with some unique costumes?? 

Or is your pumpkin carving ready to take over the world?? 

Send us some pictures of your pumpkins or your gang all dressed up & ready to trick or treat. 

We'll choose the best photo & send a prize your way - so send them to us!

We'd love to see all the fun!! 

LAYTON PD WARNS CITIZENS ABOUT THE USE OF "REPLICA" TOY GUNS

On October 24, 2013 at about 6:00 p.m., Layton Police Dispatch received two 911 calls from tenants at the Hidden Cove apartments. One of the callers reported seeing two adult males approaching an apartment building wearing dark clothing and carrying shotguns. The males were believed to have gone into one of the apartments, and the caller said she heard screaming coming from that apartment.

The first officer arriving on scene took a tactical position outside the building while waiting for other officers to arrive. Shortly after his arrival, the officer saw two males dressed in black jogging down the stairs from an upper floor apartment. The officer could see one of the males was carrying what appeared to be a black shotgun. The officer took cover behind a large tree and waited for the males to get to the bottom of the stairs. The officer again confirmed one of the males was still holding the same black shotgun. The officer pointed his gun at the male with the shotgun and yelled at him to drop the gun. The male immediately complied, and both males put their hands in the air. The officer said the gun sounded like plastic when it hit the ground. The males told the officer it was an "airsoft" toy gun. 

Officers inspected the shotgun and confirmed it was a toy replica of a shotgun, which included a realistic shotgun shell that propelled plastic pellets. The officer said the gun did have a small amount of orange color on the tip of the barrel, but the officer said he didn't see the orange on the barrel until the gun was on the ground. The officer determined these males were playing a "joke" on some friends in one of the apartments. 

The officer counseled the males and their parents about how others perceived their actions. Both males and their parents were apologetic and understood this incident could have ended with deadly consequences. Recently, a 13-year-old boy in Northern California who was carrying a toy pellet replica gun of an "AK-47" assault rifle was shot and killed by a deputy who stated the boy refused to drop the gun. This was a tragic event for the boy's family and for the deputies involved. The incident here in Layton could have very well ended the same. 

There are many toy guns manufactured to look just like real guns, and there are real guns being manufactured and altered to look like toy guns. Officers may not be able to tell if the gun is a toy or the real thing. Officers are not obligated to wait until a subject fires a gun at them or someone else before they make a decision to use deadly force against the subject with the gun. 

The Layton Police Department is urging citizens to keep themselves and their children from displaying "replica" toy guns in public. If you are confronted by an officer while holding a gun (replica or real), you MUST follow the officer's instructions. Do not try to reason with the officer by indicating the gun isn’t real. We all need to do our part to ensure the safety and welfare of our community. 

Lt. Shawn Horton
Layton Police Department

Pumpkin carving ideas

Pumpkin carving has got to be one of the worst things about Halloween - at least in my book. But here are a few great examples of some creative people. We love the baby's first halloween pumpkin! So cute.

Share with us your carvings - we'd love to see what you come up with!

Pumpkin Walk - Ogden, Utah

Pumpkin Walk & Contest, Magicians & More!!!

Monday, October 28th magicians & performers entertain you as you stroll up & down Historic 25th Street to view all the pumpkins! Bring your pre-carved and/or decorated pumpkins to Historic 25th Street to show off your talents & compete for great prizes! No candles or flames, please. Flameless candles will be provided for all carved pumpkins.

Register your pumpkin between 4:30-5:30pm at Union Station, 2501 Wall Ave. Judging will take place between 5:30-6:30. Prizes will be awarded at Union Station plaza at 7:30pm.

A little humor!

Pumpkin Pie Cheese Ball - what's not to love?

Now, it's becoming common knowledge that I (Betsy) am a pumpkin-aholic...so here's the latest. I saw this one the other day & was drooling over the recipe. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm thinking this one needs to be done quickly!
If you try it first, let me know how you like it. I mean, what's not to like?? Pumpkin...good. Cream cheese...good. Gingersnaps...eh? My kid says...way good.

And I'm thinking 'Nilla Wafers to dip with...yummy. The possiblities are endless.

Pumpkin Pie “Cheese” Ball
Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, slightly softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (see Notes for substitute)
1 1/2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies
graham crackers, apples, and additional gingersnaps for dipping

Instructions
1. With a mixer blend the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the powdered
sugar and brown sugar and blend well. Add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until
combined.
2. Spoon mixture onto plastic wrap in a ball shape. The mixture is wet so it won't quite be a ball but do
your best to make a ball or pumpkin shape. Wrap mixture tightly with plastic wrap and place in the
fridge for 4 hours or until firm.
3. Once ball is frozen remove from the freezer. Place gingersnap crumbs on a large plate or platter.
Unwrap the ball. It may look scary but will look fine once the crumbs are on it. Roll the ball in the
crumbs, pressing the crumbs into the ball. I noticed that if I let the ball sit for a minute before rolling it
had enough moisture to make the crumbs stick. Wrap ball in clean piece of plastic wrap and store
in the freezer until serving.
4. To serve: Remove from the fridge about a half hour before serving. The ball can be stored in the
refrigerator for a day or two and will be in a softer state. Any longer than that, it should be stored in
the freezer.
5. Cut into wedges and serve with graham crackers, apple slices, or gingersnaps. Graham crackers
are our favorite because it really tastes like pumpkin pie.

Fantastic home - Roy, Utah

Delightful one owner home with main floor living. Newer 65 gal water heater! Spacious bath with separate jetted tub/shower, large master, lots of closet space, wonderful laundry room with extra cabinets, sink. Formal living room/office. Basement just needs carpeting and light fixtures. Garage fully finished. Amazing shaded, custom park-like backyard. A must see!!

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Steps to Winterizing Your Home - it's that time of year already!!

Autumn is in full swing, which means it’s a good time to start winterizing your home. 

Start off the season by getting your furnace inspected and cleaned if necessary. It’s wise to change the filters on your furnace every month, for better energy efficiency. You may also want to consider getting a programmable thermostat if you do not have one.

The fireplace in your home may need attention, too. Keep out pests by putting a cap or screen at the top of the chimney and consider hiring a chimney sweep if it’s been a while since the chimney was cleaned. Get your firewood ready, and store it in a dry place, away from the exterior of your home and make sure the damper opens and closes properly.

Now it’s time to begin winterizing your home outside. Check the doors and windows of your home. Put weatherstripping around doors and caulk windows to keep cold air out. Seal any exterior cracks. Put up winter screens or storm windows, if you have them.

One more thing you want to do is to clean out the rain gutters around your home. Clean out debris with a hose. It’s a good idea to put leaf guards on the gutters and extensions on downspouts to keep water away from your home, as well. Check your foundation for any entry points small animals could squeeze through and seal them up. The last thing you need when it’s cold is a rodent problem.

Winterizing your home also includes preparing your garden tools. Drain gasoline from your lawnmower and check to make sure your snow blower is in working order. If your rakes or snow shovels are getting worn out, it may be time to replace them. After cleaning and drying, store summer gardening tools so they will stay in good shape over the changing seasons.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year - the colors pop & the temperature is perfect. It never lasts very long here in Utah, so let's work on our to do lists! 

source race2utah.com

Annual Client Holiday Party!

Save the date!!! We're starting to plan our annual client holiday party. This year it will be December 5, 2013 from 4-8 pm. More info to follow - it's going to be a great night!!!

Check out this new listing in Clinton, Utah

Beautifully cared for 4 bedroom, 2 bath home. Updating includes: heating/A/C, some windows, some flooring, 50 gallon water heater, disposal, extra attic insulation, garage door opener, master bath flooring, shower, & sprinklers. Room to add 3rd bath down. HUGE 4 foot storage area under family room. Unique waterfall landscaping with garden boxes & fruit trees.

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Need to fill the fall break? - Ogden, Utah

Looking for something fun to do while the kids are home for fall break? Or just need a little Halloween-ing? Check out the Creatures of the Night at the Ogden Nature Center this weekend from 5-8pm.

Two crazy nights of outdoor fun -- without fright! Live owls, spiders & snakes! Trail-side adventures, nature crafts, carnival games, face painting, fortune telling, jack-o-lanterns lit trail, food & more!!!

For more info, check it out here.

Beautiful views from this home - South Ogden, Utah

Delightful Rambler with incredulous views!! Wonderful woodwork, vaults, stained glass, custom fireplace, Napoleon Gourmet wood burning stove, kitchen with greenhouse window, double ovens, pull out drawers, deep double sink, great rm with fireplace, one family room down could easily convert to 2 more bedrooms. Large family room, kitchenette for entertaining, exercise room. Home warranty. Ready for you to add personal touches!!

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How big is your brave??

It was time for a little jolt in the positive energy here at the Tiger Ladies Real Estate. So, hope you will indulge me.

One of my all time favorite movie lines is from We Bought a Zoo. "Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery and I promise you something great will come of it."

This one has become a mantra for me!! I'm always telling the teenagers this one - take the risk, be brave. Good things will happen.

So, Show me "How big your BRAVE is!!" I want to hear your story of embarrassing bravery & the good that came from it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwTr_CRw3GY

Why it Might Be Cheaper to Buy Now

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Mortgage rates are nearing the 5 percent mark, prompting many home buyers to rush to take advantage of rates while they’re still low. 

“Most people agree it is only a matter of time before rates hit 5 percent,” Peter Grabel, a mortgage loan originator at Luxury Mortgage Corp. in Stamford, Conn., told realtor.com®. “The housing market has clearly turned the corner in most areas. I think a year from now, people will look back and realize that this was a great buying opportunity.”

Some forecasts show rates could edge even higher to 5.5 percent or even 6 percent in 2014. The Federal Reserve has announced that it will soon start tapering its $85 billion monthly bond-purchasing program, which is expected to send mortgage rates rising from recent record lows. 

Currently, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are averaging 4.2 percent, according to Freddie Mac. 

In a recent blog post, realtor.com® illustrates the effect of rising mortgage rates on buyers’ pocketbooks: 

1. Example: A buyer gets a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 5 percent interest rate on a $300,000 loan.
   Monthly payment: $1,610.46
   Total payment: $579,569.69
   Total interest: $279,769.69
2. Example: A buyer gets a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6 percent interest rate on a $300,000 loan.
   Monthly payment = $1,798.65
   Total payment = $647,515.44
   Total interest = $347,515.44

The buyer with a 6 percent interest rate would pay about $67,746 more over the life of a loan than the buyer who was able to get an interest rate at 5 percent. 

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2013/10/10/why-it-might-be-cheaper-buy-now#.UlhLte7ijGQ.email

Golden Spike Realty Food Drive - Layton, Utah

Please help our office, Golden Spike Realty collect Canned and Non-Perishable goods to donate this Holiday Season. Drop food items off at any local Golden Spike Realty Office. Thank you in advance for assistance.

If you have any questions, give us a holler!! 

Price slashed on this great home!!! Farmington, Utah

"PRICE SLASHED on this beautiful home located in quiet cul-de-sac. Seller relocated--move in condition. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths (plumbed & framed for 3rd bath in basement). Formal living rm, spacious semi formal dining, large family room w/f/p, 2 patios, fully fenced, new 2 tone paint. NOTHING LIKE IT IN THIS PRICE RANGE!!!

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Looking for a fun way to welcome in the fall??? Check this out! 

The annual non-scary Dinosaur Park Carnivore Carnival invites visitors to explore the Park's eight acres of dinosaurs – lit up and decorated in Halloween style, trick-or-treat and play at volunteer-run carnival games (no sales this year), learn about ancient carnivores at paleontology presentations, and show off your costume at our nightly costume parade. The Carnivore Carnival is open October 11 & 12, 17, 18 & 19, and 24 & 25 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm. Admission is $5 for children and $3 for adults. Park members receive 50% off. Avoid the lines by calling (801)393-3466 ext 56 to purchase ticket in advance.

For more information check them out on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/events/396421083817568/

Gov’t Shutdown Pushes Mortgage Rates Down - it's not all bad news! Take advantage of these interest rates

Gov’t Shutdown Pushes Mortgage Rates Down

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2013

As a result of the federal government shutdown and declining consumer confidence, fixed mortgage rates fell for the third consecutive week, Freddie Mac reports, ending at their lowest averages in nearly four months.

Retreating interest rates are generally good news for home buyers, however, the University of Michigan reports that overall consumer sentiment is at its lowest since April.

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Oct. 3: 

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.22 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week’s 4.32 percent average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 3.36 percent. 
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.29 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week’s 3.37 percent average. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 2.69 percent. 
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 3.03 percent, with an average 0.6 point, dropping from last week’s 3.07 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.72 percent. 
• 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.63 percent, with an average 0.4 point, holding the same as last week. A year ago at this time, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.57 percent. 

The shutdown is having some impact on federal housing and mortgage programs. The Federal Housing Administration's Office of Single Family Housing is endorsing new loans, however, the IRS is closed and has suspended the processing of all forms, including requests for tax return transcripts. Lenders often require such documentation from mortgage applicants, but some are adopting revised policies during the shutdown that will allow for processing and closings with income verification to follow. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also adopted relaxed provisions on loans requiring a Form 4506T, allowing closings that are subject to tax transcript verification before the GSEs purchase the loans.

A recent Bloomberg survey of professional forecasters suggests that a partial federal shutdown lasting one week would shave 0.1 percentage points off of GDP growth in the fourth quarter and even more if the shutdown lasts longer. IHS Inc. estimates that the shutdown is costing the U.S. roughly $300 million per day in lost output.

What does the Government Shutdown mean to you & me?

The Federal Government shutdown may affect certain home loans in the short term.

Note: The biggest issue will be with the ordering of Tax Transcripts (4506-T) from the IRS. With IRS offices closed, this will impact all loan types.

· FHA Loans: The approval process may be slowed due to limited FHA staff to respond to questions and complete reviews.

· VA Loans: With the Department of Veterans Affairs continuing to operate as normal, VA Loans will not be adversely impacted in any way.

· USDA Loans: No new loans or guarantees will be made.

· Internal Revenue Service: The IRS will not process any forms, including tax transcripts, which are required for loan closing.

· Social Security Administration: The SSA will likely not be able to verify Social Security numbers, which is required for loan closing.

· FEMA Flood Insurance: It is likely that mapping issues or amendments will be impacted.

· Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Fannie and Freddie will not be directly affected, except to the extent that they rely on verification and other functions of HUD, the IRS, and the SSA.