Real Estate Information Archive

As spring quickly approaches; you’ll find the fresh air and warmer days create an upswing in the Salt Lake City Real Estate market.  If you’ve been considering selling your Salt Lake City home this year; now is a great time to prepare your home to do so!  Even if you feel that your home is in great condition; you’ll want to make sure it’s freshened up and ready for the steady stream of buyers that the spring market brings.

The national housing marketing is leaning slightly towards buyers, which means your home needs to be in top shape to compete in today’s market.  Don’t feel that you have to make major updates before selling your home however, as even the smallest changes can make a large difference. 

You want to make sure that your home is at least up to par with those homes for sale in the surrounding area.  If most homes in your area have granite countertops; you’ll want to follow suite, but don’t go overboard.  Italian marble may be beautiful, but if your home is so overdone that it no longer fits your Salt Lake City neighborhood chances are you won’t get the return on investment for which you were hoping.  

Below are five key projects that will enhance your home, provide a better return on investment and draw in Salt Lake City home buyers.

1. Revive the Kitchen- The kitchen is one of the most important rooms for those looking to buy in the Salt Lake City area.  Think through some of the small changes you can make to a kitchen, from a fresh coat of paint to changing out the hardware.  Stainless steel appliances are something most buyers request, while granite is always a nice finish.  Lighting can be another great update to make as it can add to the overall mood and look of your kitchen.

2. Do a Bath Remodel- While a complete overhaul of your master bathroom would have a great return on investment; this costly remodel might not be possible.  Instead, update any bathroom in your home with new lighting, cabinetry or fixtures.  Even replacing the bathtub or flooring will create fresh look to the space without having to redesign the entire bathroom.

3. Paint, Paint, Paint- Classic or neutral paint does not have to be boring.  While you don’t want to be too dramatic with paint; this simple update can be a cost effective way to enhance a room.  If you’re unsure of a color, get a professionals’ opinion.  Buyers will not only notice paint color, but the savvy Salt Lake City buyer will also be aware of a bad paint job.  If you’re painting skills are not up to par, your best bet is to hire a professional painter to get the job done.  This update will still be an inexpensive option for making the interior of your home appealing to buyers.

4. Refurbish the Basement- Oftentimes the basement is the most wasted space in a home.  Having a finished basement with an entertainment area will add value as you enhance this extra living space and give it purpose.

5. Spruce Up Curb Appeal- Whether it’s repainting the front door, adding a walkway, planting new shrubs or replacing the siding; make sure your home’s curb appeal is in top shape is vital in the Salt Lake City Real Estate market.  First impressions of your home will set the tone for potential buyers.

If you have questions about how to begin the home selling process; please let me know!  It can seem like an overwhelming task, but taking it piece by piece and having a Salt Lake City Real Estate agent on your side who knows what will attract buyers in the area will ensure the process runs smoothly.  I have years of experience in selling homes in Salt Lake City and would enjoy talking with you on how I can get your home sold!  Feel free to contact me today!

Cindy Wood
Salt Lake City Real Estate Expert

Salt Lake City Real Estate
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If you’ve been waiting for warmer weather and the spring real estate market to buy a home in Salt Lake City; you’re not alone!  Many tend to take the cold winter months to focus on the holidays and staying warm in their current homes.  Yet, as we make our way through February,  the Salt Lake City Real Estate market begins to stir from its’ slower season. We’ll begin to see new homes budding onto the market and homes being picked from the market just as quickly!

Whether you’re already a resident of Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas, or you’re planning on relocating to this great city within the coming months; there are a few ways to get a jump start on the Salt Lake City home buying process.  As spring approaches, the competition for finding that ideal home in Salt Lake City will increase and you don’t want to miss out on a great deal.  Being prepared is key to home buying success.  Below are nine ways that you can streamline buying a home in Salt Lake City to ensure you stay ahead of other buyers and find the home that best fits your needs and lifestyle!


1.  Start Your Search Online- Instead of spending your time perusing neighborhoods for open houses or for sale signs, get online to streamline your search.  There are many beautiful homes available in Salt Lake City which you can view online.

2.  Get Pre-Approved- Finding the home of your dreams and then shopping for a loan is a risky move, as most home sellers won't even look at an offer that's not accompanied by a pre-approval letter.  Getting pre-approved ensures you know your exact budget and can save you from a bidding war if many are vying for the same home.

3.  Look for Motivated Sellers- Don’t settle for sellers who aren’t willing to budge on a home at the top of your price range; there are too many other great Salt Lake City homes out there that will have motivated sellers.

4.  Prioritize Your Housing Needs- Finding a home fast means being flexible.  The longer the list of requirements, the harder it will be to find a home.  Keep your list short and to the point.  Focus on the key elements you’re looking for and let the extras fall as they may.

5.  Find a Great Agent- This may seem easy, but finding an agent that truly knows the Salt Lake City Real Esate market, and can show your properties that are right in your price range and meet your style and needs can be challenging.  Of course, I’d love to help you in your home search and know that my experience and proven success will make the home buying process an easy one, but my point is to do your homework and really research local agents.  

6.  Steer Clear of Short Sales- While short sales seem to be flooding the market across the country; if you’re looking for a quick buy, short sales are not the way to go.  There is a long process involved with these homes and complications are almost always in the cards.

7.  Negotiate Repairs- If an inspection reveals that the home you want to buy requires repairs, taking the responsibility off the seller can help you close the deal quicker. After obtaining estimates, ask the seller for a credit rather than asking them to complete the repairs themselves.

8.  Have Cash Ready for Closing- You don't want to be scrambling for funds at the last minute, so be prepared for this important date. A day or two before closing on your Salt Lake City home, you'll get the final settlement statement, detailing the terms of your loan and all the closing costs. Be sure to get a certified or cashier's check made out for the total amount you owe at closing, including the down payment since you can’t use a personal check.

9.  Have a Plan B- Because not every transaction goes smoothly, be sure you have a property or two as a backup; you don’t want to have to start from scratch!


I hope these tips are helpful as you begin your Salt Lake City home search!  If you have any questions about the Salt Lake City Real Estate market; please let me know!  As a Salt Lake City Real Estate agent, I’m very familiar with the area and the homes that are available and would be happy to help you each step of the way!

Cindy Wood
Salt Lake City Real Estate Expert

Salt Lake City Real Estate
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Below are the Salt Lake City Real Estate Dynamics for last month!  We're excited to provide this for you each month so you can stay up to date on the Salt Lake City Real Estate market.  Wondering if now is a good time to buy or sell?  We'd be happy to talk with you about these statistics!

There are 6509 residential homes listed “For Sale” in the Salt Lake County market.
In the last 30 days 537 homes sold.
That’s a 12 month supply of homes if no other homes come on the market.
During the last 30 days 1256 additional homes came on the market.

824 of these homes are priced above $400,000.
During the last 30 days 57 of these homes sold.
That’s a 14 month supply in this price range if no others come on the market.
During the last 30 days 126 additional homes in this price range were listed.

1355 of these homes are priced at $250,000 to $400,000.
During the last 30 days 112 of these homes sold.
That’s a 12 month supply in this price range if no others come on the market.
During the last 30 days 256 additional homes in this price range were listed.

2462 of these homes are priced at $150,000 to $250,000.
During the last 30 days 212 of these homes sold.
That’s a 12 month supply in this price range if no others come on the market.
During the last 30 days 495 additional homes in this price range were listed.

1941 of these homes are priced under $150,000.
During the last 30 days 164 of these homes sold.
That’s a 12 month supply in this price range if no others come on the market.
During the last 30 days 399 additional homes in this price range were listed.

Housing sales remain “stagnant” as inventory increases continue to outpace sales. The hypercompetitive Buyer’s market marches on, with incredible competition between homes “For Sale.”  Price, condition and location remain paramount, with PRICE being the most critical factor in gettin showings and sales.

The good news!... Between 500-600 homes are selling each month. Yours can be one of them! Are you willing to price your home competitively in order to get it SOLD?

Feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you may have about the Salt Lake County Real Estate market!

Cindy Wood
Salt Lake City Real Estate Expert

Salt Lake City Real Estate
View Salt Lake City Listings
Visit Our Website
Contact Me