News and Posts

Happy Halloween

Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

Relocation Trends: Why High-Net-Worth Buyers Are Choosing the Mountain West States

High-net-worth buyers are increasingly relocating to the Mountain West states—Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado—attracted by tax advantages, privacy, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation. Luxury real estate has evolved from rustic cabins to sophisticated estates, including mountain chalets, lakefront homes, gated communities, and modern custom builds. North Idaho is emerging as a notable luxury market offering value and year-round appeal. This shift reflects a new definition of luxury focused on space, nature, and lifestyle.

Continue to full article

Buying or Selling: What’s Your Agent Strategy?

Visit Real Estate offices early and ask questions to gauge their professionalism and fit.
Understand seller motivations to make offers with attractive terms that could win deals.

How to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed

Self-employed individuals can qualify for a home loan, but they may face additional challenges in proving income stability. To improve approval chances, consider non-conforming loans, make larger down payments, raise credit scores, and lower debts. Lenders require documentation like tax returns and business licenses. It's essential to shop around for lenders familiar with self-employment. Non-qualified loans may offer more flexible criteria. Maintaining separate business and personal expenses can also enhance creditworthiness.

Continue to full article

Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home in Utah (2025)

Here is an overview of affordable cities in Utah for homebuyers in 2025, highlighting median prices, cost of living, and unique features for each city. This provides an at-a-glance guide to communities where your housing dollar might stretch further.

Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home in Utah (2025)

City	Median Home Price	Why It’s Notable	Other Details
Ogden	~$370,000–$373,000	Historic downtown, walkable, mountain views	Utah Housing programs apply, strong community ties
Logan	~$378,000–$383,000	University town (Utah State), low cost of living	10.5% below state average, good for students & young pros
Tooele	~$385,000	Spacious, overlooked commuter city	USDA loan eligible, large yards, growing amenities
Spanish Fork	~$404,000–$425,000	Suburban, family-friendly, outdoor activities	Lower-than-average rents, active events calendar
Provo	~$425,000	College town, scenic, close to SLC	Cheaper than Utah average, vibrant community
Eagle Mountain	~$430,000–$520,000	New builds, growing, affordable for Utah County	Lower property taxes, many new homes
Layton	~$450,000–$535,000	Central for SLC/Ogden commuters, good schools	Access to Air Force Base, larger lots
Saratoga Springs	~$490,000	Newer communities, Utah Lake views	Great for tech commuters, family-focused
Orem	~$532,000	BYU proximity, lots of new developments	Lower-than-state-average prices, suburban feel
St. George	~$515,000	Warm weather, outdoor paradise	Great for retirees, near Zion/Bryce NP
Roosevelt	~$323,000	Lowest median price, rural charm	12% below national average, very affordable

Highlights from Recent Reports:

Ogden: Topping affordability lists, Ogden is a favorite for first-timers because of its lower prices, active downtown, and access to ski resorts and hiking.
Logan: A true college town with low-cost living, abundant jobs, and outdoor activities nearby.
Tooele: Offers the lowest entry point near the SLC metro—large lots and USDA-eligible mortgages make it attractive.
Spanish Fork & Provo: Family-friendly, strong job market, parks, good public schools. Provo sits below the state’s median, making it popular for budget-conscious buyers.
Eagle Mountain & Saratoga Springs: Both cities are growing fast, with new construction and incentives for first-time buyers. They provide great alternatives to Lehi or more expensive Utah County options.
Layton and Orem: Popular for commuters, with good schools and a blend of new and established neighborhoods.
St. George: Once considered pricier, now stands out for value relative to Southern Utah’s climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Roosevelt: Most affordable median on the list—ideal if rural, small-town living suits your needs.

Will the Housing Market Rebound? Predictions for 2025 and 2026

The U.S. housing market is expected to see gradual growth through late 2025 and into 2026, with no major price drops on the horizon.
Existing-home sales rose 2% in July 2025, inventory is up 15.7% year-over-year, and the median price is holding steady at $422,400.
Mortgage rates, a key driver of affordability, are projected to dip from ~6.4% in late 2025 to potentially 5.8–6.0% in 2026, which could bring more buyers into the market.
Home prices are forecasted to rise modestly, with regional differences playing a big role in affordability and opportunity.
Inventory levels are at their highest since 2020, giving buyers more choices than in recent years.

Global Real Estate: $19.5T by 2031

The global residential Real Estate market will reach USD 19.5T by 2031, growing at 9.2% CAGR.
Urban growth in emerging nations will drive increased demand for residential Real Estate by 2030.

Salt Lake County Shines as Top Choice for New Families

Childcare costs as a percent of median household income: 21.34%
Housing costs as a percentage of median household income: 20.84%
Percentage of population under age 10: 13.12%
Number of children under age 10: 155,636
Ratio of total population to primary care physicians: 1,311
Population living within a half mile of a park: 73.18%

Top 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers should identify their current and future needs, understand the true cost of homeownership including taxes and maintenance, and start saving early for down payments and closing costs. Building and managing credit wisely is crucial. Research mortgage options and get preapproved before house hunting. Take time to make informed decisions, negotiate offers, and prepare thoroughly for closing to ensure a smooth process.

Continue to full article

Time to Sell? Key Market Signals

Outgrowing or underusing your space signals it might be time to sell and move on.
A strong seller’s market boosts sale price, speed, and overall success of your listing.

Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home in Utah (2025)

Highlights from Recent Reports:

Pin It on Pinterest