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 · Buyer Guide

Utah First-Time Home Buyer Programs & Grants 2026

Utah buyers can access up to $20,000 in SB 240 assistance, UHC down payment loans, and veterans grants — and most don't know they qualify. Here's every program available in 2026 and how to stack them.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Rate Buydowns in Utah County 2026: New Build or Existing Home — Is It Worth It?

Builders offer buydowns. Sellers offer credits. Both can lower your rate — but both come with a break-even problem. Here's how Utah County buyers should evaluate a rate buydown on any home purchase.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Can Your HOA Raise Its Fees in Utah? What the Law Says and How to Protect Yourself

Yes — Utah HOAs can raise fees, and there's no state law capping how much. But your CC&Rs and Utah's 2025 HOA reform law give you more protection than you think. Here's what to know.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Build From Dirt vs. Quick Move-In in Utah: Which New Construction Is Right for You?

Building from dirt takes 8–12 months and gives you everything you want. A quick move-in closes in weeks but gives you what the builder chose. Here's how to decide which is right for your timeline, budget, and life.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Are Condos a Good Buy in Utah County? 2026 Market Data, FHA Issues, and What Buyers Need to Know

240 condos sold in Utah County in 2026. Median price: $314,532 — the most affordable entry point in the region. But condos have financing risks most buyers miss until they're under contract. Here's the full picture

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What Is a Contract for Deed? What Utah Buyers Need to Know Before Signing One

A contract for deed lets you buy a home without a traditional mortgage — but the seller keeps the deed until you've paid in full. The CFPB has warned it's one of the riskiest home financing arrangements available.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Utah County Property Tax Exemptions for Homeowners: The Complete 2026 Guide

Most Utah homeowners qualify for a 45% property tax exemption — but new construction owners often miss it. Here's every tax relief program available in Utah County, who qualifies, and what to know about capital gains.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

Capital Gains Tax vs. 1031 Exchange: What Utah Homeowners and Investors Need to Know in 2026

Selling a home in Utah? You may owe nothing in capital gains — or you may be able to defer taxes entirely with a 1031 exchange. Here's an honest guide to both strategies, including the rental-then-sell.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Seller Financing in Utah: How It Works, When It Makes Sense, and What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know Before Signing

Seller financing in Utah: how it works, what the due-on-sale clause means for buyers, and how to protect yourself when the seller still has a mortgage.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Utah County vs Salt Lake County: Cost, Commute, and Quality of Life Compared

Choosing between Utah County and Salt Lake County? Here's a data-driven comparison of home prices, school ratings, safety, commute, and lifestyle — everything relocating families actually want to know.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Fishing, Paddleboarding, and Swimming Holes Near Utah County: 2026 Guide

Every reservoir, pond, and lake in Utah County — what you can do, current fees, species, and what can close them. Updated for summer 2026.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

How to Price Your Utah County Home Right in 2026 — Before It Sits

3,262 Utah County homes sold in 2026. Homes that sat 90+ days took a median $25,000 price cut. Homes sold in 14 days or less? Zero. Here's what the MLS data says about pricing your Utah County home right.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What Is a Short Sale in Utah County? A Buyer's Guide for 2026

Short sales in Utah County can get you a median discount of $25,000 — but the median wait is 156 days. Here's exactly what they are, whether they're worth it, and how to get one closed in 40–60 days.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

I Can't Afford to Sell My Utah County Home — But What If Staying Is Costing You More?

The average Utah County homeowner is paying over $21,000 a year in hidden costs beyond their mortgage. Before you decide you can't afford to sell, make sure you're counting all the costs of staying.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah School District Spending Flagged: Luxury Blankets, Pizza, and Baseball — What Utah County Parents Need to Know

Alpine School District spent $22K on luxury blankets. A new Utah Taxpayers Association report flags spending across Utah County districts — here's what parents should know.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Best Pools for Kids in Utah County 2026: Prices, Hours, Tips, and Everything You Need to Know

From a $5 wave pool to a FlowRider surf machine, Utah County has some of the best public pools in the state. Here's the complete 2026 guide with prices, tips, and insider advice for every major pool.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What Every Utah County New Construction Buyer Needs to Know Before They Sign

Model homes lie. Design centers surprise. Landscaping deadlines bite. Here's what Utah County new construction buyers actually wish they'd known before signing with a builder.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah Data Centers Are Exploding: What It Means for Utah County Residents in 2026

A massive hyperscale data center just got approved in Utah — and it's not the first. Here's an honest look at what the data center boom means for communities like ours.

May 2026 Read More →