Utah County Real Estate Blog | Kat Ashby

Real Estate Insights from

Utah County

Hyperlocal real estate writing for Utah County and the Wasatch Front — from someone who actually does the research.

Utah County · Market Update

Utah County Home Sales: August 2026 Market Report city-by-city

707 homes closed across Utah County in August. Prices held, homes sat a little longer, and sellers paid out more than $5 million in concessions. Here's the city-by-city breakdown.

September 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Is Buying a Home the Right Move in 2026? A Utah County Buyer's Guide

Higher rates, more inventory, real negotiating power — is 2026 actually a good year to buy in Utah County? Here's how to find your real answer.

August 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home

Your credit score may be closer to mortgage-ready than you think. Here's what actually helps before you buy, what to avoid, and why to talk to a lender early.

August 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Home Inspection vs. Appraisal: What's the Difference?

An inspection tells you the home's condition. An appraisal tells the lender its value. Here's the difference every Utah buyer should know, and why you likely need both.

August 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Homeowner Tips

Utah County Property Watch: Free Deed Fraud Alerts

The Utah County Recorder's Office will email you any time a document is recorded against your property. It's free, and signing up takes about two minutes.

August 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

For Sale By Owner in Utah: When FSBO Works and When It Doesn't

Roughly 6% of homes sell without an agent, and a big share of those sellers already had a buyer lined up. Here's when FSBO makes sense in Utah and when it costs you.

August 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Market Update

Utah County Home Sales: July 2026 Market Report

849 homes closed across Utah County in July at a median of $540,000. Sellers paid out $6.8 million in concessions. Here's the city-by-city breakdown.

August 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Market Update

The New Housing Law and the 350-Home Investor Ban: What It Means for Home Buyers

The new federal housing law bars large investors from buying more homes, but the rule is narrower than the headlines suggest. Here's what it actually says, and what it changes for you.

July 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

New Construction vs. Existing Home: Which Should You Buy in Utah County?

New build or existing home? Both have real advantages in Utah County. Here's an honest look at what you get with each, so you can pick what fits.

July 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves: How to Prioritize When Buying a Home in Utah County

Unless you're building custom, buying a home means some flexibility. Here's how to sort your must-haves from your nice-to-haves so you find the right one.

July 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

How Does a Home Appraisal Work? A Guide for Utah County Buyers and Sellers

An appraisal can make or break your deal, but most people don't know how it actually works. Here's the whole process, plain and simple, for Utah County.

July 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Closing Costs in Utah County: What Buyers Actually Pay

Closing costs add 2 to 5% on top of your home's price and catch a lot of buyers off guard. Here's what they cover in Utah County and how to keep them down.

July 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

52 Weeks of Home Maintenance: One Small Task a Week for Utah County Homeowners

A full 52-week home maintenance checklist, one small task per week. Keep your Utah County home in great shape all year and stop small problems from becoming expensive repairs.

July 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

New FHA Rules 2026: What They Mean for Utah County Buyers

HUD just changed 14 FHA rules. Most are behind-the-scenes, but a couple could make closing simpler if you're buying with an FHA loan in Utah County.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

Competing With New Construction: How to Sell Your Existing Home in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs

Selling an existing home in Eagle Mountain or Saratoga Springs when builders are your competition? Here's how to price strategically, show better than new construction, and use what you have that builders can't offer.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat in Summer? What Utah County Homeowners Need to Know

Is 78 degrees really the best thermostat setting for summer? Here's what the federal recommendation actually says, what HVAC experts recommend for Utah County's climate, and how to save money without sweating.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Utah Property Tax Exemption: What Utah County Buyers Must Do After Closing

Utah's 45% primary residence exemption can save you over $1,600 a year in property taxes — but you have to apply within 90 days of closing. Here's exactly what Utah County buyers need to do.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah County Fireworks Rules 2026 (City-by-City Guide)

Fireworks rules in Utah County change city by city, and 2026's fire season raises the stakes. Here's where they're legal and where they're banned, every town.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah County Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke (2026 Guide)

How wildfire smoke affects Utah County air quality, what the AQI numbers mean for your family, and simple ways to protect your home on bad days.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

Utah REPC Changes 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Utah's REPC is getting its biggest update in years. Here's what's changing, what moves to the front page, and what takes effect January 1, 2027.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Means for Utah County Home Buyers CITY: utah-county TAG: Buyer Guide

Congress passed one of the biggest housing bills in two decades. Here's what the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act actually does — and what it means for buyers and sellers in Utah County right now.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah School Phone Ban 2026: What It Means for Families in Utah County

Utah's new school phone ban takes effect July 1, 2026. Here's what it means for K-12 students in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and Lehi — and what relocating families should know.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

How to Buy Your First Home in Utah County in 2026

51.6% of millennials own homes. The ones who aren't there yet aren't giving up — they're adjusting. Here's what's actually working for first-time buyers in Utah County right now.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Wildfire Risk in Utah County: How Fires Start, Spread, and Get Contained

Wildfires are a real part of life in Utah County. Here's how they start, how fast they spread, and how professional crews actually contain them — with local examples from Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.

June 2026 Read More →