The House That Started It All Could Kickstart What’s Next

The House That Started It All Could Kickstart What’s Next

The House That Started It All Could Kickstart What’s Next

Remember how exciting it was to buy your first place? It felt like crossing a long-awaited finish line. It gave you a place to build your life. Maybe it’s where you lived when you got married. Or where you welcomed a child or a pet into the family.

But that was just the beginning.

For most people, your first house was never meant to be your forever home. It’s a stepping stone for what comes next.

And if your life looks different today than it did when you got the keys, you’re not stuck. Moving may be more realistic than you think.

Starter Home Inventory Is Still Relatively Low

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to move up, here’s something worth knowing. Starter homes remain one of the hardest types of homes to find. And that’s good news if you’re thinking about selling your first place.

Historically, we haven’t been building enough homes for first-time buyers. And even though homebuilders have shifted more attention toward smaller, entry-level homes lately, the Census shows there’s a long way to go to re-build supply (see graph below):

a graph showing a growing trend

That means your current house is in demand – and that’s a dream scenario for sellers. But that’s only half the story. You also need somewhere to go.

There Are More Move-Up Homes on the Market

Here’s where this gets interesting. While the supply of starter homes remains tight (the green line), data from Redfin shows that the number of homes for sale has been climbing overall (the blue line):

a graph of sales and prices

As Nadia Evangelou, Principal Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Too much of the inventory available today remains concentrated at higher price points, leaving a shortage of options for entry-level and middle-income buyers.”

That means you may have more choices for your move up than you’d expect. Whether you’re hoping for another bedroom, a home office, a bigger backyard, or simply more room for this next stage of life, today’s market may finally be giving you the chance to find it.

At the same time, your current house may be exactly what someone else has been looking for because homes like yours are still in short supply. That’s a unique advantage for move-up buyers. And it could help you sell for a stronger price. As Zillow says:

“Starter home value appreciation has outpaced other types of homes nationally, mostly because they’re so in demand.”

Your Biggest Advantage May Be Your Equity

Here’s the cherry on top. There’s one more thing your first home has been doing behind the scenes, and that’s building equity. Every mortgage payment you’ve made and every year your home’s value has grown has quietly increased your ownership stake in your house.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $295k in equity built up. While your number may be different, once you sell, it could become the down payment on your next home or help reduce the amount you need to borrow at today’s rates.

Put it all together and your move up becomes a lot more realistic than you think:

  • The house you’re selling is in demand.
  • The house you’re buying may be easier to find.
  • And the equity you’ve built can help bridge the gap between the two.

Your first home did exactly what it was supposed to do. It gave you a place to start.

Now, it may be the thing that helps you take the next step.

Bottom Line

Your first home was never meant to be your forever home. It was meant to help you build a life and build the financial foundation for whatever came next.

If your current home no longer fits the life you’re living today, let’s connect. You may be closer to your next chapter than you realize.

Affordability Is Returning To The Utah Market

Affordability Is Returning To The Utah Market

Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment.

But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle.

That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you’d expect based on what’s changed recently.

Buying Is More Affordable Than Renting in Many Areas 

In a lot of places today, owning a home actually costs less each month than renting a 3-bedroom home. And recent data from ATTOM shows that’s true in nearly 58% of counties across the U.S. (see chart below).

And that’s after you factor in things like insurance and typical maintenance costs. 

a blue and grey circle with white textIn other words, even though it may feel like a bit of a shock, the numbers show rent often stretches monthly budgets more than owning does. That’s thanks to slower home price growth, more homes for sale, and monthly mortgage payments starting to ease as rates come down.

Affordability Still Varies by Region

Now, even though nationally the balance has shifted, that doesn’t mean buying is more affordable in every market or for every renter.

While buying is more affordable than renting in nearly 58% of counties nationwide, that share looks different depending on your region (see graph below):

a graph of a market

The biggest improvement is happening in the Midwest and South. But if you’re living in the West, things could still feel tight.

The takeaway? How affordable buying is really depends on where you live. And the only way to know how this plays out where you live is to look at the numbers locally.

So, What’s Still Holding Buyers Back? 

Maybe you’re nodding along so far but thinking, “Okay, but I still can’t afford the upfront costs.” If that’s your reaction, you’re not the only one.

For many renters, the biggest hurdle isn’t the monthly payment alone. It’s the down payment, too.

But you’re not out of options. Here’s the part most people don’t hear enough about: there are thousands of down payment assistance programs available across the country, and many buyers qualify without realizing it.

And the average benefit? Roughly $18,000.

That kind of support can help cover part of your down payment or closing costs, which means you may not need to save nearly as much as you think to get started.

When you combine that with monthly payments that may work better than expected, especially as rates continue to ease and prices cool, buying may feel far more realistic than it looks at first glance.

Bottom Line

The point isn’t that everyone should rush out and buy a home tomorrow.

It’s that renting isn’t always the more affordable option people assume it is – and buying may be more realistic than it feels once you look at the full picture.

If you’re renting and feeling stuck in the “someday” loop, it might be worth a simple conversation. Just a chance to see what’s possible and whether it makes sense for you.

If you’re renting, you’ve probably heard that buying just isn’t affordable right now. But the reality is, affordability is starting to return in many parts of the country. In a growing number of counties, it’s more affordable to buy than rent a 3-bedroom home (even with factoring in insurance and typical maintenance costs). And after years of feeling priced out of buying, that’s a really good thing. But some regions are rebounding faster than others. If you’re renting and stuck in the “someday” loop, let’s have a quick conversation about what’s possible where you live. It doesn’t mean everyone should buy tomorrow. But it’s worth finding out if the math’s changed where you are. #RentVsBuy #FirstTimeHomebuyer #UtahRealtyPlace #UtahRealty

Understanding Dementia and Your Loved One

Understanding Dementia and Your Loved One

  1. Learn about their specific diagnosis (Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, vascular, frontotemporal) so expectations and plans match the condition and stage.

  2. Accept that changes in memory, behavior, and personality are caused by brain disease, not stubbornness or lack of effort.

  3. Focus on remaining strengths and abilities instead of what has been lost; build care around what they can still do.

  4. Remind yourself regularly that the goal is comfort, safety, and dignity, not “fixing” or arguing someone back to their old self.

  5. Expect the disease to change over time and be willing to adjust routines, expectations, and living arrangements as needed.

2. Communication Tips

  1. Approach from the front, make gentle eye contact, and greet them by name before speaking.

  2. Use short, simple sentences and ask one question or give one instruction at a time.

  3. Give extra time for them to respond; silently count to 10 before repeating or rephrasing.

  4. Keep your tone calm, warm, and reassuring, even when you must say “no” or redirect.

  5. Use positive phrasing (“Let’s sit over here”) rather than negative commands (“Don’t stand there”).

  6. Avoid arguing or correcting details; join their reality and gently steer the conversation instead.

  7. Support words with body language—smile, nod, point, or demonstrate what you’re asking.

  8. Reduce background noise (TV, radio, multiple people talking) when you need their attention.

  9. Validate feelings first (“That sounds scary,” “I can see you’re upset”) before offering solutions.

  10. Use touch appropriately—holding a hand, light shoulder touch—if they find it comforting.

3. Daily Routines and Independence

  1. Keep a predictable daily routine for waking, meals, activities, and bedtime to provide security.

  2. Do tasks “with” them instead of “for” them whenever safely possible to preserve independence.

  3. Break activities into small, clear steps (for example: “Pick up your shirt… put one arm in… now the other”).

  4. Lay out clothes in the order they should be put on and remove confusing choices from closets and drawers.

  5. Use visual cues—pictures on doors, labels on drawers, colored tape—to guide them through the home.

  6. Simplify grooming: electric razor, easy-to-hold toothbrush, short hairstyles that are easier to manage.

  7. Serve familiar foods and keep table settings simple to reduce confusion at mealtimes.

  8. Offer finger foods and easy-to-grip cups if utensils become difficult.

  9. Maintain a regular toileting schedule (for example, every two hours and before leaving the house).

  10. Accept that “good enough” is often truly good enough; perfection can cause unnecessary stress.

4. Safety at Home and Out in the Community

  1. Remove or secure hazards: loose rugs, cords, clutter, sharp objects, toxic cleaners, and medications.

  2. Install grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats in the tub/shower, and nightlights in hallways.

  3. Consider locks, alarms, or door sensors if wandering is a concern, and keep a recent photo available.

  4. Store car keys out of sight if driving is no longer safe, and involve the doctor in this conversation.

  5. Use simple technology where helpful: GPS ID devices, medical alert systems, or phone trackers.

  6. Let trusted neighbors or local authorities know about your loved one’s condition and risk of wandering.

  7. Keep the environment well lit and minimize shadows or mirrors that might cause fear or confusion.

  8. Avoid overstimulation when out—choose quieter times at stores, restaurants, and appointments.

  9. Dress them in comfortable, easy-on/off clothing and supportive shoes to reduce fall risk.

  10. Keep emergency information handy: list of medications, allergies, diagnosis, and emergency contacts.

5. Managing Behavior, Emotions, and Difficult Moments

  1. Look for triggers behind behaviors (noise, pain, hunger, boredom, constipation, infection, fatigue) before reacting.

  2. Redirect rather than confront: offer a snack, a walk, music, or a simple task when agitation starts.

  3. Keep your own voice low and body language relaxed; your emotional state often sets the tone.

  4. Avoid asking “Why did you do that?” and instead think, “What need are they trying to express?”

  5. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar, which can worsen agitation or sleep problems.

  6. For repeated questions, answer briefly, then provide a written or visual reminder they can refer to.

  7. During sundowning (late-day confusion), keep evenings calm, lights on, and activities quiet and familiar.

  8. Use music, spiritual practices, or comforting rituals that have meaning for them to ease anxiety.

  9. Do not use physical force unless absolutely necessary for immediate safety; step away if you feel you might lose your temper.

  10. Involve healthcare professionals when new or severe behaviors appear, as infections or medication issues are often the cause.

6. Meaningful Activities and Quality of Life

  1. Build daily engagement with simple, success-oriented activities: folding towels, sorting objects, watering plants.

  2. Use life story and past roles (parent, mechanic, teacher, farmer) to design activities that feel familiar and purposeful.

  3. Incorporate gentle physical activity—short walks, stretching, chair exercises—most days, as tolerated.

  4. Spend time with old photos, favorite music, familiar movies, or cherished hobbies to spark connection.

  5. Keep social contact going with a small circle of patient, understanding visitors rather than large gatherings.

Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know.

If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many.

Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you are. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, puts it this way:

“Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”

To show just how divided the landscape is, here’s a look at where sellers are expected to have the upper hand, and where first-time buyers may finally find their opening this year.

Where Sellers Are Poised To Win Big in 2026

Zillow identified the following metros as some of the strongest seller markets for 2026, based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are expected to sell:

a wooden house and a stack of coinsIn markets like these, buyers are going to be competing for limited inventory, which gives sellers more leverage.

Homeowners in seller’s markets this year can expect:

  • Stronger buyer interest
  • Shorter time on market
  • Better odds of selling close to (or above) asking price

That doesn’t mean every listing is guaranteed success. But it does mean sellers who prepare well and lean on an agent’s expertise should be very happy with their results in 2026.

Markets Where There’s More Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

On the flip side, here’s a look at where buyers have the power – in particular, first-time buyers, since they’ve had the hardest time breaking into the market lately. Realtor.com highlights the top metros where first-time buyers are expected to have better opportunities in 2026:

a girl riding a skateboard in front of a houseThese markets stand out for a mix of:

  • More affordable home prices
  • Better housing availability
  • Strong local amenities and economic health

For first-time buyers, that combination matters. It’s what could finally turn “someday” into “this could actually work.” In buyer’s markets, they should expect:

  • Less intense competition
  • More room to negotiate
  • A clearer path to getting an offer accepted

What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List

Not seeing your city on the list? Don’t stress. This is just a national snapshot, not a judgment on your local market. The goal here is just to show you how different the market really is depending on where you are.

And remember, you can buy or sell no matter how your local market leans. You just need an agent’s help to figure out the right strategy to get it done. For example:

  • A seller in a more buyer-friendly metro may need to be aggressive on their price and prep.
  • A buyer in a seller-leaning area may still need to come prepared with their best offer.

To find out where your market falls and what you should expect, you’ll want the help of a local expert.

Bottom Line

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Let’s connect.

Marty Gale

Buy or Sell with Marty Gale

"Its The Experience"

Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™

Licensed Since 1986

CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST (CLHM)

PSA  (Pricing Strategy Advisor)

General Contractor 2000 (in-active)
e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001
Certified Residential Specialist 2009

Certified Negotiation Expert 2014

Master Certified Negotiation Expert 2014
Certified Probate Specialist Since 2018

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Certified Divorce Specialist CDS

 

Contact me! 

 

 

January Buyers

January Buyers

You may not want to put your moving plans into hibernation mode this winter, because the savings this time of year are real.

LendingTree found January buyers paid about $23k less than May buyers for the same size home.

And that’s largely because the price per square foot drops off in the winter due to less buyer competition.

That’s only one of the perks of buying now versus waiting until the busier spring season.

Curious what acting now could save you in our market? Let’s talk.

#BestTimeToBuy #HomeBuyingTips #KeepingCurrentMatters

Marty Gale

Buy or Sell with Marty Gale

"Its The Experience"

Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™

Licensed Since 1986

CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST (CLHM)

PSA  (Pricing Strategy Advisor)

General Contractor 2000 (in-active)
e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001
Certified Residential Specialist 2009

Certified Negotiation Expert 2014

Master Certified Negotiation Expert 2014
Certified Probate Specialist Since 2018

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Certified Divorce Specialist CDS

 

Contact me! 

 

 

Doug and Camille – Google Review

Doug and Camille – Google Review

Marty & Laurie Gale are the Prince & Princess of Patience & Problem Solving when it comes to real estate! Not only did they help find the perfect buyer for our home, they also went the extra mile in getting us the right new home for us that enabled me to retire early with peace of mind. When it came to the back and forth of negotiating, timing and handling the details of both the sale of our previous home as well as the purchase of our new home … let’s just say it was complicated and we couldn’t have done it without Marty & Laurie on our side and there every step of the way! I highly recommend to have Marty & Laurie Gale with Utah Realty help you sell your current home and get you into your new home.

A++++ Where is the button for 10 stars?!

Doug & Camille Jessop

Property types
Houses
1 Million Reasons To Buy a Home

1 Million Reasons To Buy a Home

Marty Gale

Buy or Sell with Marty Gale

"Its The Experience"

Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™

Licensed Since 1986

CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST (CLHM)

PSA  (Pricing Strategy Advisor)

General Contractor 2000 (in-active)
e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001
Certified Residential Specialist 2009

Certified Negotiation Expert 2014

Master Certified Negotiation Expert 2014
Certified Probate Specialist Since 2018

Senior Real Estate Specialist

Certified Divorce Specialist CDS

 

Contact me! 

 

 

How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list.

Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to hold firm, there’s another lever you can pull. That’s seeing if you truly need all of your desired features. Because the truth is, a small compromise could be the difference between feeling stuck and getting the keys to your next home.

The data shows more buyers are using that strategy to offset affordability hurdles in today’s market. A recent study from Cotality found most buyers (70%) ended up compromising on one or more items from their original wish list. But before they started searching, only 33% expected to compromise at all:

a blue and grey pie chartWhat changed? They realized something during the search. The things you can’t change matter far more than the things you can update later.

You can:

  • Install hardwood floors
  • Put in those marble countertops
  • Upgrade the bathrooms down the line.

You can’t as easily:

  • Add land
  • Tack on more bedrooms or bathrooms
  • Move the house closer to people you care about

In the end, things like the location, layout, and overall bones matter far more than the cosmetic features you can change later. And that realization is power.

A Simple Step That’ll Open More Doors

So, if you’re hitting a wall in your search or you’re browsing online and just not seeing “it,” here’s an easy exercise that can reset the whole experience. Write down everything you want in a home, then sort it into three buckets:

  • Must-Haves: Your non-negotiables. The things that make daily life workable: the number of bedrooms, the length of your commute, accessibility, safety, or being close to your family or support system.
  • Nice-to-Haves: Features you’d absolutely enjoy but aren’t truly essential. Some examples: a fenced-in backyard, dual closets in the owner’s suite, or a stamped patio.
  • Dream Features: The extras that would truly be over the top. They’re the things you think about when you say “one day, I want to have…” It’s great if you get them, but totally fine if you don’t (for now).

Once you divide your list, you’ll notice something. Your wish list can either limit your options or open them up.

Sometimes you’re treating “nice-to-haves” like “must-haves.” Loosen that up even a little, and suddenly more homes come into range – including homes you may have scrolled past that could actually work for your lifestyle.

Small Flexibility, Big Payoff

Your next home doesn’t need to check every box. It just needs to check the right ones.

Maybe that means considering a house that needs light cosmetic updates. Maybe it means choosing a slightly smaller yard for a better location.

These aren’t sacrifices. They’re worthwhile trade-offs that get you into a home. Just remember, anything cosmetic can be upgraded over time. But getting the right bones, the right layout, the right location? That’s what sets you up for the long run.

An Agent Helps You See the Possibilities

If you’re not sure what to hold firm on and where you can flex, that’s where a trusted agent can be a game changer. They’ll help you spot the opportunities, walk you through what features you truly shouldn’t budge on, and determine which ones you can add later – when the time is right.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to find a home that fits both your budget and your life, let’s take a look at your wish list together. With a local expert on your side, it’s easier to see where a little flexibility can open up a lot more opportunity.

Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge

Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge

Why Selling Your House This Winter Gives You an Edge

Spring gets all the attention, but it’s not always the best time to sell a house. Yes, more buyers show up, but so do a lot of other sellers.

Winter is different. With fewer homes on the market, your house has a much better chance of standing out. And that one advantage can make a big difference.

Winter Is When Your Listing Stands Out

History shows the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the winter months. It’s a trend that’s predictable almost every year.

Data from Realtor.com shows this pattern clearly. Inventory dips in the winter (the green circles in the graph below), then climbs again as soon as spring approaches:

a graph with green circles and numbersAnd based on the latest data available, it looks like that pattern may be true again in 2025. The graph shows the supply of homes for sale is starting to come down as we head into the end of the year. And if history is any indicator of where it goes next, it’ll continue to fall just like it usually does.

Here’s why knowing this gives you an edge.

While inventory is higher now than it’s been in the last few years, there are still not as many homes for sale as there’d be in a normal market (2017-2019). And we may even be poised for inventory to dip a bit as the weather cools.

That gives you an opportunity. If you work with an agent to list now, you’ll sell while other homeowners are taking their homes off the market and before the number of homes for sale climbs this spring.

Less competition from other sellers now = more attention on your house this season.

Why wait until everyone else lists in the spring when you can get ahead of the crowd?

Winter Buyers Are Serious Buyers

Another big perk is the buyers looking right now usually need to move.

They’re not just browsing for fun. They’re relocating for work, dealing with a lease ending, making a big life change, or simply ready to move forward sooner rather than later. As U.S. News explains:

“. . . buyers who are trudging through wintry weather often have a good reason for being out in the cold – they need to move. Whether it’s a relocation for a new job, a divorce or the arrival of a new baby, buyers who brave the elements are usually serious and able to make quick decisions.”

That means fewer weekend wanderers and more highly motivated, qualified buyers walking through your door.

And since we know inventory usually drops this time of year, odds are they’ll have a little less to choose from compared to the fall. If you price and prep your house right, maybe your house will be the one that catches their eye.

Bottom Line

Winter might not get the same buzz as spring, but that’s exactly why it works in your favor. Less competition from other sellers, more motivated buyers, and a chance for your house to truly stand out.

If you’re thinking about selling, this season can give you a real advantage. Let’s connect and talk through what listing now could look like for you.

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