Trumpeting Elephant

Hear ye, Hear ye, a message from my honored guest blog author (and hard working husband, personal finance consultant, and one true love) John Alden Whitehead… Many of you know that I work for Ivory Homes as a construction superintendent. Normally I’m the guy out in the field supervising the construction of new homes but today I’m trying to help get the word out to our friends and family about the great deals that our company is offering on new homes right now. You personally may not be looking to buy a new home right now, which is fine, but you may know someone else that is! My hope is that before any prospective buyer makes this very important decision that they would give Ivory a chance to show them why we’ve been the leader in the Utah housing market for 22 straight years.

Everyone is aware that last year was challenging in the housing market. However, Ivory has been able to successfully weather the storm. Ivory Homes had the 4th best year in the company’s history in 2008 by closing 718 homes. We also increased our market share by 47%. That being said, we recognize that we need to work harder than ever and are determined to do all we can to grow our business this coming year. To accomplish this, we have decided that our entire company needs to take a more proactive role in helping generate additional sales.

2009 will most likely be the year where housing prices in Utah will be lower than they’ll ever be again. With Ivory’s recent price cuts, home pricing is similar to what it was 5 years ago (in 2004). Many of you have heard that interest rates are going down to lower than ever. Right now in the mortgage market some people are qualifying for rates anywhere from 4 7/8% to 5 3/8% depending on the day. For those who close on an Ivory Home this year, rates are even better! By financing with Ivory Mortgage, our buyers are guaranteed a 4.5% fixed interest rate over the life of the 30-year loan.

You also may have heard that to help stimulate the economy, the government is offering a $7,500 tax refund for 1st time home buyers who close on a home before July of 2009. To take advantage of that opportunity a person would need to begin the process very soon.

The following example illustrates how monthly mortgage payments for a new Ivory home owner in this particular neighborhood are approximately 40% lower than they were just a few years ago.

There are many ways you or someone you know can get more information about possibly purchasing an Ivory Home.

1. Visit any of our MODEL HOMES and speak with a sales consultant. That would be the best way to find out specific pricing in any of our locations and they can answer any of your questions about buying a home. Be sure to let them know that you know John Whitehead so you can get the best deal possible.
2. Log on to our website at http://www.ivoryhomes.com/
3. Listen to a personal experience had by one of our recent buyers, Jill Stevens (Miss Utah 2007), when building her Ivory Home. http://www.myivorystory.com/
   Request your copy of our CATALOG OF HOMES to be mailed to you.
4. Find out more information about the LOCATIONS we are building in.
   Sign up for our free monthly email newsletter Ivory Insider.
   Email me at johnw@ivoryhomes.com and I’d be happy to answer any questions I can.

Thank you for taking the time to consider who you know that may benefit from what Ivory, and this current “buyers market” have to offer. Also, if you are thinking about refinancing, rates are in the low 5’s and Ivory Mortgage can work out a great deal to help any of you who currently have a mortgage with a high interest rate.

Anyway, if you know of someone we can help, please respond with their contact info. As you know, I’m not in sales (ie. I get no commission if any of you end up referring someone who ends up buying a home), but I am committed to doing my part and would appreciate your help.

Thanks,
John Whitehead

The elephant has trumpeted, so don’t delay. Pass on this message today!

Out With The Old

Since I am a wanna-be fly lady, I decided to take her challenge called the "twenty seven thing FLING!" I have done this in the past and found it to be invigorating and satisfying. It is, however, sometimes emotionally hard for me to "let go" of things. I didn't know what a pack rat I could be until my dejunking husband went on his first clean out spree. We have worked out one way to satisfy both of us when it is time to get rid of something but I may not be quite ready. We take a picture! Here are a few from the past...

Left: Me holding cases to camping chairs (John thinks they are useless) and his little league trophy.

Right: Me with an interactive writing poster that Brad Wilcox HIMSELF complimented me on when he popped in to my classroom one day.

I am sentimental. What can I say? So to ring in the new year I let my desire for order (as opposed to C.H.A.O.S.) overrule as I rummaged through the house looking for items that fit this motto: "If you don't love 'em or use 'em, loose 'em!" Here is what I came up with.

Oh, yes, and we are getting rid of one more thing...

I must say there was some role reversal when it came time to decide whether to part with this trusty ol' beast. After spending almost a full Saturday under the hood preparing to sell our '90 Suburban- covering himself with plenty of grime and a war wound between the eyes in the process- John has had a hard time moving on. Thanks Honey!

Christmas Greetings

Thought I'd post this on the blog for history's sake...

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
(Whitehead Remake ‘08)

Said the Whiteheads to our friends and fam,
We’re wonderin’ how you be!
We are making holiday plans;
Our house is filled with such glee.

Our son, William, creating day and night,
K’nex and Legos are his delight!
He is learning to Choose The Right.

Says our little Caroline filled with joy,
“Do you know where I go?
To a classroom filled with girls and boys.
We play at recess in the snow.

Bus stop! Bus stop! It’s the place to be.
I am five now. I’m feelin’ free;
And I’ve even learned how to read.”

Says dear Desirée, “Dancin’s my thing.
I put on a sweet show;
Wearing leotard, gloss, pearls, and rings.
While Dad practices piano.”

Our son, Nathan, is beautiful to hold.
Grins and sleeps and does what he’s told!!!!
He is learning now he can roll.

For Mom and Dad not too much news to share;
We work and try to also play.
Pray for those we love everywhere;
That all may cherish every day.

And find the Child born that Christmas night.
He has brought such goodness and light.
May our hearts be filled with his light.

With Love,

The J .& J. Whitehead Family