Utah County Real Estate Blog | Kat Ashby — Page 2

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 · Local Living

Will the Utah Housing Market Crash? Here's What the Data Actually Shows for Utah County

People keep saying the Utah housing market is about to crash. Here's what 25 years of data, population growth, Silicon Slopes, and Utah's birth rate actually say about where home values are headed.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What to Do When Your Utah County Home Appraises Below the Purchase Price

Your Utah County appraisal came in below the purchase price. Here are your 5 options — pay the gap, renegotiate with the seller, split it, challenge the appraisal, or walk away with your earnest money.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Is Utah County Running Out of Water? Here's What Just Happened in Vineyard

Utah County is in a drought emergency — but a new water source in Vineyard just changed the picture. Here's what the new facility can do and what it means for growth and home values.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Home Buying Programs for Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement in Utah County 2026

If you serve or have served — as a veteran, firefighter, police officer, EMT, or active military — there are home buying programs built specifically for you. Here's every one available in Utah County in 2026.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Free Things to Do With Kids in Utah County This Summer: 2026 Family Guide

Summer break is here and the budget doesn't have to take a hit. Here's the verified 2026 guide to free things to do with kids in Utah County — which splash pads are actually open, free museums, city festivals, and hidden

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Utah's Housing Affordability Crisis: What the Starter Homes Push Means for Utah County Buyers

Only 9% of Utahns can afford the median-priced home. Gov. Cox is pushing 35,000 starter homes by 2028. Here's what the housing affordability crisis actually means for buyers in Utah County right now.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah HOA Homeowner Rights in 2026: What Every Utah County Resident Needs to Know

Utah's HOA laws give homeowners more protection than most people realize — solar panels, political signs, a free Ombudsman, and a strict fine process. Here's what every Utah County resident needs to know.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Market Update

Utah County Real Estate Market Update: June 2026 Report by City

835 homes sold across Utah County in May 2026. Median single-family price: $605,000. Here's the June 2026 market report — every city, prices, days on market, and what the data means.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah Fireworks Ban 2026: Where to Watch Shows in Utah County

Personal fireworks are banned across Utah through July 5, but the big shows are still on. Here's where to watch fireworks in Utah County this 4th of July.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Townhome vs. Single-Family Home in Utah County: Is the $174,000 Price Gap Worth It in 2026?

The median single-family home in Utah County costs $174,350 more than the median townhome. For some buyers, the gap is the only math that matters. Here's when it makes sense — and when it doesn't.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Neighborhood Spotlight

Saratoga Springs vs. Eagle Mountain: Which Utah City Is Growing Faster in 2026 — And What It Means for You

Saratoga Springs added 4,682 residents last year — 8.4% growth. Eagle Mountain added 4,169 at 6.8%. Both lead Utah. Here's what rapid growth actually means for families moving there.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Why Every New Home Builder Has Bad Reviews — and What That Actually Means for Utah County Buyers

Toll Brothers, Edge Homes, Richmond American — they all have bad reviews. Here's why that's not the whole story, what actually drives quality in new construction, and how to protect yourself.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What to Do Before and After Closing on a Home in Utah County

Closing on a Utah County home soon? Here's what to set up before you get the keys — and the first things to do once you do. The practical stuff that makes move-in day actually go smoothly.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Radon Testing in Utah County: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in 2026

Utah has 5x more homes with high radon levels than the national average. 1 in 3 Utah homes exceeds the EPA action level. Here's what every Utah County buyer and seller needs to know — including where to get a free test

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Meth Contamination in Utah Homes: What Every Home Buyer Needs to Know Before They Close

Utah is a high-use meth state. Contamination is odorless and invisible. Sellers don't have to disclose it if it's been cleaned. Here's what Utah buyers need to know — and how to protect yourself.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Mahjong Is Having a Moment in Utah County — and Our Mahjong Table Is Right Here for It

Mahjong searches surged 4,467% in 2025. Two Utah County women — Betty Parker and Amanda Beirdneau — are bringing beginner lessons, date nights, and community play to the Wasatch Front. Here's why the timing couldn't be b

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Hard Water in Utah County: Do You Need a Water Softener in Eagle Mountain, Lehi, or Saratoga Springs?

Eagle Mountain water hits 25–35 GPG — some of the hardest in the country. Lehi runs 15–28. Saratoga Springs averages 8.3. Here's what Utah County's hard water does to your home and what to do about it.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Why Do Home Sales Fall Through in Utah County? The Most Common Roadblocks in 2026

5–7% of accepted offers never make it to closing, per NAR. Appraisal gaps, inspection surprises, financing hiccups — most Utah County deals that fall through do so for predictable reasons. Here's how to prevent them.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Utah County vs. Salt Lake County: An Honest Guide for People Moving to the Wasatch Front

Utah County or Salt Lake County? Both offer excellent quality of life — but they're meaningfully different in price, commute, schools, and daily feel. Here's the head-to-head comparison using real 2026 data.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

Seller Financing in Utah: What Home Sellers Need to Know Before Saying Yes

A buyer offers you seller financing and it sounds like a win. Before you say yes, read this. Utah sellers are losing equity, getting stuck with buyer defaults, and in some cases losing their homes entirely.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Seller Financing in Utah: What Buyers Need to Know Before You Sign Anything

Seller financing sounds like a path to homeownership when banks say no — but even well-qualified buyers use it and get burned. Here's what every Utah buyer needs to understand before signing.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Will Shopping Around for a Mortgage Hurt Your Credit Score? Here's the Truth

Shopping multiple lenders for the best mortgage rate is smart — and FICO is designed to protect you when you do. Here's exactly how the rate shopping window works and why comparing lenders could save you $6,000.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

The #1 First-Time Buyer Mistake in Utah County: Shopping Without a Pre-Approval

In Utah's housing market, your offer may not even be considered without a pre-approval letter. Here's what pre-approval actually is, why it matters in Utah County, and what to do before you tour a single home.

May 2026 Read More →
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 in 2026.

May 2026 Read More →