Category: Buying a Home

Practical guidance for Utah homebuyers, from preparation and financing through offers and closing.

  • December 2019: The Buyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low

    The reality of what we’re seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today’s strong seller’s market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes. In most areas of the country, first-time buyers have been met with fierce competition throughout their homebuying experience. Some have been out-bid multiple times before…

  • Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now

    Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings.…

  • Have You Outgrown Your Home?

    It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home. The good news is, it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your needs. According to the…

  • Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?

    Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage. What Are Closing Costs? According to Trulia, “When you close on a home, a…

  • Millennials Are on the Move as First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Some Highlights: According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32. With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong. More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are…

  • Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget?

    At this time of year, many families come together to celebrate the season. It’s also the time when many realize their homes are just not quite big enough to host all of their guests and loved ones. Are you one of those homeowners dreaming for a larger space to call home? You may have enough…

  • Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Some Highlights: Existing Home Sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.46 million. The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is now at a 3.9-month supply. Inventory remains low due to high demand from buyers who are still looking for a house to…

  • The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home

    There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream. Realtor.com reported that: “Buying remains the more attractive option in the long term – that remains the American dream, and it’s…

  • The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Some Highlights: With interest rates around 3.66%, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been over the past few decades. Comparatively, they’re pretty low! According to Freddie Mac, rates are projected to increase to 3.9% by this time next year. The impact your interest rate has on your monthly mortgage payment…

  • The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting and buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice is clear. Every market is different. Before you renew your lease, find out…

  • This is Not 2008 All Over Again: The Mortgage Lending Factor

    Some are afraid the real estate market may be looking a lot like it did prior to the housing crash in 2008. One of the factors they’re pointing at is the availability of mortgage money. Recent articles about the availability of low-down payment loans and down payment assistance programs are causing concern that we’re returning…

  • Buyer Demand Growing in Every Region

    Buyers are out in full force this fall, increasing the demand for homebuying in all four regions of the country. According to the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, “Home showing activity was up again nationwide with a 4.6 percent rise in traffic, as the traditionally slow fall season began with a marked boost in buyer interest.”…