Housing is the biggest expense for most people, and right now, according to housingwire.com, affordability is at its worst level in over 30 years. Inventory is low, mortgage rates have doubled, and for many, the real question isn’t "Where should I live?" but "Can I even afford to move?" I have many clients who purchased their homes with mortgage rates between 2.75% and 3.25% and a few have told me that they will never move because even if they cashed out all of the equity they have achieved over the past 5-7 years and invested it into a newer home, they would have a higher monthly mortgage payment than they do now! 

When it comes to selling a home, every dollar counts. Yet, over the past two years, home sellers who chose to sell off the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) collectively left more than $1 billion on the table, according to a recent Zillow study.

As we look ahead to 2025, the real estate market is poised for continued evolution. While challenges like elevated mortgage rates and inventory shortages persist, Utah’s market—especially in Wasatch County, Park City, and Utah and Salt Lake Counties—remains dynamic and resilient. Let’s dive into key predictions and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and investors.

As we close the book on 2024, the real estate market has proven to be another whirlwind of change and adaptation. From significant shifts in federal policy to evolving buyer and seller behaviors, this year was marked by resilience and transformation. Below I will give my thoughts and ideas at what shaped the industry in 2024, with a special focus on Utah, the impact of the presidential election, federal interest rate cuts, and a glimpse of what could lie ahead for 2025.

Presidential elections can bring a lot of uncertainty and change. While most people focus on the political outcomes, there is another area of life where elections can have a significant impact—real estate. Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or investor, understanding how election cycles affect the housing market can help you make better decisions during these critical times.

Let’s take a look at how presidential elections typically influence real estate prices and what you should keep in mind as we approach the next election.

As we move into the summer of 2024, the real estate market continues to evolve, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. With interest rates, home inventory, and market sentiment shifting rapidly, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and strategic in your real estate decisions.

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, selling your property, or investing in real estate, understanding the trends and forecasts for the year ahead is key to making the right moves.

When Steven and Jen first dipped their toes into the real estate market years ago, they weren’t entirely sure where the journey would lead them. Like many first-time home buyers, they had concerns about making the right choices, managing finances, and whether the timing was right. But now, after several successful investments, they’ve learned a thing or two about navigating the ebbs and flows of the market.

Their story, one of patience and persistence, is a reminder that while the housing market can feel unpredictable, it’s still full of opportunities. And now, as we head into 2024, many people like Steven and Jen are wondering: What’s next for the housing market?

Today, I’m diving into a topic that hits home for many—homebuyer regrets. A recent study found that a staggering 90% of millennial homeowners have regrets about their first home purchase. But wait, it gets even more surprising—93% of all buyers in 2023 expressed regrets about their home purchases. With the current state of the housing market, these regrets are likely to persist. So, let’s explore why this is happening, what you can do to avoid these pitfalls, and the most common mistakes buyers make.

n this article, we will be diving into one of the most fascinating real estate markets out there—Old Town in Park City, Utah. This place is a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, and it’s a goldmine for anyone interested in real estate. So, if you’re thinking about selling a property here, stick around. I've got some essential insights and tips that will help you navigate this unique market like a pro.

Today, I will dive deeper into my outlook for 2024, decipher Warren Buffett's intriguing market moves, analyze key factors influencing prices, and offer strategic advice for potential homebuyers…

In the realm of Utah real estate, the year 2023 has proven to be a puzzle, with perplexing data leaving both industry insiders and potential buyers, sellers, and renters scratching their heads. Mortgage rates surged to an alarming 8%, affordability hit record lows, and home sales were at their lowest since 1993. On the flip side, home prices have soared to unprecedented heights, reaching a new peak in September 2023. As a Utah real estate broker, I find myself at the crossroads of deciphering these market dynamics, contemplating the contrasting predictions of financial giants like Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, and strategizing for the upcoming year.  I have researched at length and in this blog, I will explore and attempt to unravel the intricacies of the current housing market, examine the echoes of the 1980s recession, and delve into the crystal ball to glimpse the potential scenarios that may unfold in 2024.

Whether you're leveling up your business and need more space or you're making moves from residential leasing to commercial buildings, understanding the lease process and the language it comes with is crucial for your cash flow. So, let's get into i

Tyler Okeson has been actively leasing his 18 properties on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and other hospitality channels since 2017. Having navigated challenges and witnessed significant success, he's mastered the art of the trade, propelling him to the forefront of his local short-term rental market.  I appreciate Tyler taking the time to sit down with me and share with all of us what we should think about and how we avoid the pitfalls that he has made so that we too can be successful investors in this real estate niche.

Embarking on the journey into the nightly rental market, whether through Airbnb or other vacation rental platforms, holds the promise of a lucrative venture—if you navigate it wisely. In the first part of this two-part series, I will delve into essential steps to kickstart your journey in the nightly rental business.

In my articles, I've recounted some experiences from my years of collaboration with real estate investors. Throughout this period, numerous requests have come in, urging me to unveil the workings behind the formidable curtain of the short-term rental market.  Below, I will work to pull back the curtain of the “Great and Powerful Oz” to see the inner workings of the successful nightly rental owner.  I will begin with the outline below of how to get started…

In the world of real estate, success is often measured by the number of deals closed and the commissions earned. However, as a real estate professional, I've come to realize that success isn't solely about financial gains. It's about building relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring a smooth experience for both buyers and sellers.  I'd like to share a difficult decision I recently made: the choice to let go of certain clients on a multi-million-dollar luxury home. While it might seem counterintuitive, sometimes parting ways with clients can be the best decision for everyone involved. In this article, I share the story of why I made the difficult choice to part ways with a promising client partnership, even when the potential for a lucrative deal seemed clear at the outset and the lessons I have learned along the way.

Selling your home can be a rewarding and successful experience when approached with the right strategies. By setting the right price, enhancing curb appeal, staging effectively, marketing aggressively, and being responsive to potential buyers, you can increase your chances of selling your property quickly and for top dollar. Remember to seek guidance from a trusted real estate professional to navigate the process with confidence and achieve your selling goals. With proper planning and execution, you'll be well on your way to a successful home sale.

Media stories have run rampant about another housing market crash. With affordability challenges and recurring recession discussions in all markets around the country, it's understandable why worries have surfaced. However, a closer look at the data reveals that today's housing market is significantly different from the conditions that preceded the 2008 housing crash. I have discussed this in other articles, but now more than ever, we need to revisit the differences…

For many individuals, summer involves visiting the same vacation spot each year. It's an enjoyable, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience. If you find yourself in this category, now is the perfect time to contemplate your plans and determine whether purchasing a vacation home would be a wiser choice compared to renting one again.

There has been a surge in online news about an unfair tax on mortgage borrowers with higher credit scores. Some sources have suggested that intentionally lowering one's credit score could lead to a better deal, but this claim is entirely false. Lowering credit scores does not result in better mortgage rates and the attempts to do this by missing mortgage, auto, or credit card payments will absolutely cause you more grief and higher payments in the future.

Mortgage rates continue their upward trajectory as the Federal Reserve continues their pointed and aggressive response to stubborn inflation, with weekly U.S. average at 6.73% as of 3/8/23. This means that would-be homebuyers are continuing to face challenges of affordability and low inventory.