FAQs

Utah law requires sellers to fill out a Property Disclosure form covering the home's condition, known defects, water damage, HOA details, and more. I'll walk you through it line by line so you know exactly what you're buying before you commit.

Yes. I hear about homes before they hit the MLS through my network of agents, builders, and homeowners across Salt Lake County. If you're after something specific, tell me and I'll put that network to work for you.

A contingency is a condition in your contract that has to be met before the sale closes. The three most common ones protect you if the home inspection turns up problems, your financing falls through, or the home appraises below your offer price. They're your safety net.

Escrow is a neutral third party, typically a title company in Utah, that holds your money and documents until every condition of the sale is met. Your earnest money deposit goes in at the start and gets applied to your down payment or closing costs at the end.

Prequalification is a rough estimate based on what you tell the lender. It's a starting point, not a commitment. Pre-approval means the lender has verified your income, assets, and credit. In Salt Lake County's market, sellers expect pre-approval. I can connect you with a trusted local lender if you need one.

When you find the right home, we'll look at comparable sales to land on a smart offer price. I'll draft the purchase contract, explain every term, and negotiate on your behalf. You won't be flying blind at any point in the process.

Absolutely, it's some of my favorite work. I'll explain every step in plain language, help you understand your financing options, and make sure you feel confident at each stage. No jargon, no pressure, no rushing.

Very common and very manageable. We can time your sale and purchase to line up, or look at bridge loan options if you need to move before your home sells. I'll help you map out a plan that keeps things moving without the stress of carrying two mortgages.

Typically 30 to 45 days from an accepted offer. Cash purchases can close in one to two weeks. The timeline depends on your lender, inspection results, and how quickly both sides satisfy the contract. I stay on top of every moving piece so nothing slips through the cracks.

Focus on the big stuff: roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. A good inspector will flag everything, but not every item is worth fighting over. I'll help you figure out what to negotiate, what to let go, and what's actually a dealbreaker.

Buyers in Utah typically pay 2 to 3 percent of the purchase price in closing costs. That covers lender fees, title insurance, escrow, and prepaid taxes. I'll give you a clear estimate upfront so there are no surprises at the closing table.

Lower than most states. You're looking at roughly 0.5 to 0.7 percent of your home's assessed value per year. If it's your primary residence, the homeowner exemption reduces your taxable value by 45 percent, which makes a real difference. I can help you estimate what to expect for any specific home.

Spring, roughly March through June, is the most competitive season in the Salt Lake Valley. Inventory climbs, buyer activity peaks, and sellers see the most offers. Summer stays active then things cool in fall. Winter brings fewer listings and less competition, which can work in a buyer's favor. If you're selling, spring gives you the best shot at top dollar. If you're buying, winter can be your window.

A structural supply problem, mostly. Population growth driven heavily by out of state migration from California, Washington, and the Pacific Northwest continues to outpace new construction. Utah's strong job market and lower cost of living compared to coastal cities keeps demand steady even when rates move. In well located neighborhoods, that pressure rarely fully releases.

Silicon Slopes is the tech corridor running along I-15 from Lehi through Draper and South Jordan and it's been a major driver of price appreciation in the south valley. Tech job growth brings high income buyers who push up prices in surrounding neighborhoods. Draper in particular has seen some of the strongest long-term appreciation in the county tied directly to that growth. If you're buying near the corridor, expect strong competition and faster appreciation than the county average.

Canyons School District covers Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, and much of the east bench and south valley and is consistently ranked among Utah's top districts. Corner Canyon High School in Draper regularly ranks number one or two statewide. Jordan School District covers Herriman, South Jordan, West Jordan, and Riverton with strong schools as well, particularly at the high school level. For buyers prioritizing schools, district boundaries are worth mapping before you start your search. I can help with that.

Yes, canyon access is a genuine premium in Salt Lake County. Homes in Cottonwood Heights and upper Sandy that sit 10 to 15 minutes from the canyon mouths consistently command higher prices than comparable homes further from the mountains. For buyers who ski, hike, or spend time in the canyons year round, that proximity holds its value well. It's not just a lifestyle preference. It's a long-term asset.

Herriman and South Jordan have led the county in growth for several years, both driven by new construction, strong schools, and prices that are still lower than the east bench. Daybreak in South Jordan is one of the most ambitious master planned communities in the country and continues to expand. West Valley is also seeing significant reinvestment and population growth, with improving infrastructure and strong value per square foot.