What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)  Courtesy of Utah Realty

What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) | MyKCM

Whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts when it comes to buying a home. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase homes with down payments below 20%, you can never have too much information about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

What is PMI?

Freddie Mac defines PMI as:

“An insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that is required for all conforming, conventional loans that have down payments less than 20%.

Once you’ve built equity of 20% in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your mortgage payment.”

As the borrower, you pay the monthly premiums for the insurance policy, and the lender is the beneficiary. Freddie Mac goes on to explain that:

“The cost of PMI varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.” 

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average down payment for all buyers last year was 13%. For first-time buyers, that number dropped to 7%, while repeat buyers put down 16% (no doubt aided by the sale of their homes). This just goes to show that for a large number of buyers last year, PMI did not stop them from buying their dream homes.

Here’s an example of the cost of a mortgage on a $200,000 home with a 5% down payment & PMI, compared to a 20% down payment without PMI:What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) | MyKCMThe larger the down payment you can make, the lower your monthly housing cost will be, but Freddie Mac urges you to remember:

“It’s no doubt an added cost, but it’s enabling you to buy now and begin building equity versus waiting 5 to 10 years to build enough savings for a 20% down payment.”

Bottom Line

If you have questions about whether you should buy now or wait until you’ve saved a larger down payment, let’s get together to discuss our market’s conditions and help you make the best decision for you and your family.

0 Comments

The Latest Unemployment Report: Slow and Steady Improvement

The Latest Unemployment Report: Slow and Steady Improvement

The Latest Unemployment Report: Slow and Steady ImprovementLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest Employment Situation Summary. Going into the release, the expert consensus was for 1.58 million jobs to be added in July, and for the...

2020 Homebuyer Preferences

2020 Homebuyer Preferences

2020 Homebuyer PreferencesSome HighlightsA recent study from HarrisX shows the current health crisis isn’t slowing down today’s homebuyers.Many buyers are accelerating their timelines to take advantage of low mortgage rates, and staying home has enabled some to save...

Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First Home

Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First Home

Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First HomeIn June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):“The...

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This FallThe health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services altogether. This pause in the economy has greatly impacted the workforce and as a result,...

Mortgage Rates Fall to 50 year low

Mortgage Rates Fall to 50 year low

Mortgage Rates Fall Below 3% Some Highlights Mortgage rates hit another all-time low, falling below 3% this week. If you’re ready to buy a home, now is a great time to truly get more for your money at this historic moment. Let’s connect today to determine your best...

Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?

Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?

Utah Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?Hiring an Expert with 34 Years of experience might just be what you need to rise to the top!   With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated...

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low In a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Of the respondents, 51% said they are...

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market Pending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking this metric in January 2001. So, what exactly are...

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas?

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas?

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas? The pandemic has caused consumers to re-examine the components that make up the “perfect home.” Many families are no longer comfortable with the locations and layouts of their existing homes. The allure of city...

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market Pending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking this metric in January 2001. So, what exactly are...

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate Earlier this month, realtor.com announced the release of their initial Housing Recovery Index, a weekly guide showing how the pandemic has impacted the residential real estate market. The index leverages a weighted...

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market?

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market?

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market? As the health crisis started making its way throughout our country earlier this spring, sellers have been cautious about putting their homes on the market. This hesitation stemmed primarily from fear of the spread of the...

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No.

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No.

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No. On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) announced that the U.S. economy is officially in a recession. This did not come as a surprise to many, as the Bureau defines a recession this way:...

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic Recovery

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic Recovery

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic RecoveryWith more U.S. states reopening for business this summer, and as people start to return to work, we can expect the economy to begin improving. Most expert forecasts indicate this economic recovery will start to happen in the...

Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics

Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics

Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics  Last Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most experts predicted the unemployment rate would jump up to approximately 20% from the 14.7% rate...

June is National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month

National Homeownership Month  Some Highlights National Homeownership Month is a great time to reflect on how we can each promote stronger community growth. Homeownership helps families build financial freedom, find greater happiness and satisfaction, and make a...

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment Statistics

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment Statistics

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment StatisticsTomorrow morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the latest Employment Situation Summary, which will include the most current unemployment rate. It will be a horrific number. Many analysts believe...

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand As we enter the summer months and work through the challenges associated with the current health crisis, many are wondering what impact the economic slowdown will have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, supply and...

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time LowsSome HighlightsMortgage interest rates have dropped considerably this spring and are hovering at a historically low level.Locking in at a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home...

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the EconomyAll eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing...

Adapting Your Home As a Senior

Adapting Your Home As a Senior

Adapting Your Home Adapting with Age Most of us would prefer to age in our current home. But as health and aging issues make more areas of the home hard to access or pose a greater risk of injury, doing so can be difficult. We can begin to feel trapped and that...

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work

A Day When Americans Can Return to WorkSome HighlightsTaking a moment to reflect upon what we’ve heard from historical leaders can teach us a lot about getting through the many challenges we face today.We're all eager for the day when every American can safely return...

Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon

Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon

Unemployment: Hope on the HorizonTomorrow, the unemployment rate for April 2020 will be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It will hit a peak this country has never seen before, with data representing real families and lives affected by this economic...

Caremongering Spreads Goodness, Not Fear

Caremongering Spreads Goodness, Not Fear

Caremongering Spreads Goodness, Not Fear As news of Covid-19 started gearing up, Allison Bradley felt heartbroken when she spotted seniors running errands and grocery shopping around her town, Kelowna, B.C. “My goodness, you are risking so much by being out here. It’s...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

More Temporary Bumps in the Road to Recovery

​ We know there are bumps in the road when it comes to today’s economy and the housing market, and that’s to be expected under the current conditions. The good news is, experts are forecasting that home prices will continue to rise. DM me to discuss your plans in this...

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.As we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While we look for signs that we’ve reached a plateau in cases of COVID-19, the...

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 YearsFor nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way of life that has put our daily lives on pause. On the other hand, many...

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned...

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today With the release of the latest Economic Pulse Flash Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), results show that people selling their houses today are holding strong on price. According to the most...

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?A big challenge facing the housing industry is determining what impact the current pandemic may have on home values. Some buyers are hoping for major price reductions because the health crisis is straining the economy.The...

New Technology Is Powering the Real Estate Process

Technology Is Powering the Real Estate Process Technology is the driving force behind many of today's real estate transactions. Let’s connect to discuss how working together to go digital can give you an edge when buying or selling your home.

Keys to Selling Your House Virtually

Keys to Selling Your House Virtually

Keys to Selling Your House VirtuallyIn a recent survey by realtor.com, people thinking about selling their homes indicated they’re generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers inside if done under the right conditions. They’re less comfortable,...

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for LongThere are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million...

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.Utah Single Family Inventory has  risen from 5775 to 5940 from April 5th to April 16th.Utah County Single Family Inventory April 5th was 1401,  April  16th up a little to 1466Salt Lake County Single Family Home...

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it's logical to...

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. That doesn’t stop during the current pandemic. If you’ve had a major life change recently, whether with your job or your family situation, you may be in...

Why Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than Ever

Why Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than Ever

Why Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than EverFor years, we’ve all heard about the most desirable home features buyers are looking for, from upgraded kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, master suites, and more. The latest on the hotlist, however, might surprise...

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks. The next announced unemployment rate on May 8th is expected to be in the double digits. Because the health crisis brought the economy to a screeching halt, many...

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy RecoverSome HighlightsExpert insights are painting a bright future for housing when the economy bounces back – and it will.We may be facing challenging economic times today, but the housing market is poised to help...

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are Saying

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are Saying

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are SayingAs our lives, our businesses, and the world we live in change day by day, we’re all left wondering how long this will last. How long will we feel the effects of the coronavirus? How deep will the impact go? The human...

Does the News have you Scared

Does the News have you Scared

Don’t Let Frightening Headlines Scare YouThere’s a lot of anxiety right now regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The health situation must be addressed quickly, and many are concerned about the impact on the economy as well.Amidst all this anxiety, anyone with a...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

According to the Salt Lake Board of Realtors®Salt Lake home sales year-to-date are roughly the same as they were last year at this time. While everyday life has changed, the current economic quarantine could be short-lived, according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist...

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis Some HighlightsThe COVID-19 pandemic is causing an economic slowdown.The good news is, home values actually increased in 3 of the last 5 U.S. recessions and decreased by less than 2% in the 4th.All things considered, an...

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis In times of uncertainty, one of the best things we can do to ease our fears is to educate ourselves with research, facts, and data. Digging into past experiences by reviewing historical trends and understanding the peaks...

Two Big Myths in the Homebuying Process

Two Big Myths in the Homebuying Process

Two Big Myths in the Homebuying Process The 2020 Millennial Home Buyer Report shows how this generation is not really any different from previous ones when it comes to homeownership goals: “The majority of millennials not only want to own a home, but 84% of...

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last Time

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last Time

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last Time With all of the volatility in the stock market and uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), some are concerned we may be headed for another housing crash like the one we experienced from 2006-2008. The...

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home The residential real estate market has come roaring out of the gates in 2020. Compared to this time last year, the number of buyers looking for a home is up 20%, and the number of home sales is up almost 10%. The increase in purchasing...

Equity Gain Growing Across Utah and in Nearly Every State

Equity Gain Growing Across Utah and in Nearly Every State

Equity Gain Growing in Nearly Every State Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they’re accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level March 2020

Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level on record Thursday, pulled down by fears that the spread of coronavirus could weigh on the U.S. economy. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.29 percent from 3.45 percent last week and down from 4.41...

10 Steps to Buying a Home

10 Steps to Buying a Home

10 Steps to Buying a Home Some Highlights: If you’re thinking of buying a home and you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a guide with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to...

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time. The housing market has started off much stronger this year than it did last year. Lower mortgage interest rates have been a driving factor in that change. The average 30-year rate in 2019, according to Freddie Mac, was 3.94%....

Income Rates Over Time

Income Rates Over Time

Some Highlights: With interest rates hovering at near historic lows, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been, and how much they’ve changed over time. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage interest rates are currently hovering near a five-decade low. The...

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat One thing helping homeowners right now is price appreciation, especially in the entry-level market. In the latest Home Price Insights report, CoreLogic reveals how home prices increased by 4% year-over-year and projects...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Whats Trending in Outdoor Kitchens?

  Outdoor kitchens have been popular for years. Not only do they give you an excuse to enjoy beautiful weather outdoors but they’re also great for entertaining. Having a nice outdoor kitchen can even improve the overall value of your home! While these kitchens...

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think​ With home values appreciating, there's a good chance you have more home equity than you think. Let's connect to explore how you can use your equity in your next move.

The #1 Misconception in the Homebuying Process

The #1 Misconception in the Homebuying Process

The #1 Misconception in the Homebuying Process After over a year of moderating home prices, it appears home value appreciation is about to reaccelerate. Skylar Olsen, Director of Economic Research at Zillow, explained in a recent article:  “A year ago, a combination...

The Many Benefits of Aging in a Community

The Many Benefits of Aging in a Community

The Many Benefits of Aging in a Community There’s comfort in being around people who share common interests, goals, and challenges. That comfort in a community doesn’t wane with age – it actually deepens. Whether it’s proudly talking about grandchildren or lamenting...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Adapting Your Home

Adapting with Age Most of us would prefer to age in our current home. But as health and aging issues make more areas of the home hard to access or pose a greater risk of injury, doing so can be difficult. We can begin to feel trapped and that selling our home is the...

Trusted Professionals Make Homebuying Easier

Trusted Professionals Make Homebuying Easier

How Trusted Professionals Make Homebuying Easier to Understand In the spring, many excited buyers get ready to enter the housing market. Others continue dreaming about the homes they’d like to buy. The truth is, many potential buyers continue to dream longer than they...

The Overlooked Financial Advantages of Homeownership

The Overlooked Financial Advantages of Homeownership

The Overlooked Financial Advantages of Homeownership There are many clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, building net worth, growing appreciation, and more. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to make a plan for how homeownership can...

Reasons to Fall in Love with Homeownership

Reasons to Fall in Love with Homeownership

Reasons to Fall in Love with Homeownership Some Highlights: There are many benefits to love about homeownership, and they’re not all financial. Being a part of a neighborhood, driving academic achievement, and improving mental health are just a few of these...

How the Housing Market Benefits with Uncertainty in the World

How the Housing Market Benefits with Uncertainty in the World

How the Housing Market Benefits with Uncertainty in the World It’s hard to listen to today’s news without hearing about the uncertainty surrounding global markets, the spread of the coronavirus, and tensions in the Middle East, just to name a few. These concerns have...

The #1 Reason to List Your House Right Now

The #1 Reason to List Your House Right Now

The #1 Reason to List Your House Right Now The success of the U.S. residential real estate market, like any other market, is determined by supply and demand. This means we need to look at how many potential purchasers are in the market versus the number of houses that...

Underwater with Two Mortgages? Here are 5 Ways to Refinance

Underwater with Two Mortgages? Here are 5 Ways to Refinance

Underwater with Two Mortgages? Here are 5 Ways to Refinance Having a second mortgage or home equity line can make refinancing an underwater mortgage nearly impossible, but one of these five strategies might bail out your refinance. The mortgage market is awash in...

Homeownership Rate on the Rise to a 6-Year High

Homeownership Rate on the Rise to a 6-Year High

Homeownership Rate on the Rise to a 6-Year High Regardless of the lack of inventory on the market, the U.S. homeownership rate has climbed to a 6-year high. The United States Census Bureau reported that it increased to 65.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019, representing...

How Pricing Your Home Right Makes a Big Difference

How Pricing Your Home Right Makes a Big Difference

How Pricing Your Home Right Makes a Big Difference Even though there’s a big buyer demand for homes in today’s low inventory market, it doesn’t mean you should price your home as high as the sky when you’re ready to sell. Here’s why making sure you price it right is...

The Top States Americans Moved to Last Year

The Top States Americans Moved to Last Year

The Top States Americans Moved to Last Year Some Highlights: Americans are on the move, and the most recent Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns Survey tracked the 2019 traffic flow from state-to-state. Idaho held on to the top spot of ‘high inbound’ states for the...

Great News for Renters Who Want to Buy a Home

Great News for Renters Who Want to Buy a Home

Great News for Renters Who Want to Buy a Home Rents in the United States have been skyrocketing since 2012. This has caused many renters to face a tremendous burden when juggling their housing expenses and the desire to save for a down payment at the same time. The...

Does “Aging in Place” Make the Most Sense?

Does “Aging in Place” Make the Most Sense?

Does “Aging in Place” Make the Most Sense? A desire among many seniors is to “age in place.” According to the Senior Resource Guide, the term means, “…that you will be remaining in your own home for the later years of your life; not moving into a smaller home,...

First-Time Buyers Are Searching for Existing Homes This Year

First-Time Buyers Are Searching for Existing Homes This Year

First-Time Buyers Are Searching for Existing Homes This Year In the latest Housing Trends Report, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) measured the share of adults planning to buy a home over the next 12 months. The report indicates the percentage of all...

American Dream Grant

American Dream Grant

Homeownership matters. That is why the Salt Lake Board of Realtors® this year is giving away down payment housing grants. This is just one way for us to help our community. The next grant is for single parents. The deadline to apply for this grant is March 20.

Attention Utah Home Buyers

Attention Utah Home Buyers

2020 Homebuying Checklist Some Highlights: If you’re thinking of buying a home, plan ahead and stay on the right track, starting with pre-approval. Being proactive about the homebuying process will help set you up for success in each step. Make sure to work with a...

The 2 Surprising Things Homebuyers Really Want

The 2 Surprising Things Homebuyers Really Want

The 2 Surprising Things Homebuyers Really Want In a market where current inventory is low, it’s normal to think buyers might be willing to give up a few desirable features in their home search in order to make finding a house a little easier. Don’t be fooled, though –...

2020 Expert Forecast in Numbers

  The expert forecast is looking bright when it comes to the 2020 housing market. Let’s connect to talk about how these numbers can bring you one step closer to homeownership this year.

Homes Are More Affordable Today, Not Less Affordable

Homes Are More Affordable Today, Not Less Affordable

Homes Are More Affordable Today, Not Less Affordable There’s a current narrative that owning a home today is less affordable than it has been in the past. The reason some are making this claim is because house prices have substantially increased over the last several...

2020 Luxury Market Forecast

2020 Luxury Market Forecast

2020 Luxury Market Forecast By the end of last year, many homeowners found themselves with more equity than they realized, and at the same time their wages were increasing. When those two factors unite, it can spark homeowners to think about making a move to a larger...

Buying  a Home  Early in Life Can Increase Future Wealth

Buying a Home Early in Life Can Increase Future Wealth

Buying a Home Early Can Significantly Increase Future Wealth According to an Urban Institute study, homeowners who purchase a house before age 35 are better prepared for retirement at age 60. The good news is, our younger generations are strong believers in...

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day | January 10  2020 Some Highlights: On January 10th of each year, “National Cut Your Energy Costs Day” encourages consumers to reduce their overall energy costs by improving home efficiency. According to Freddie Mac, a typical U.S....

There’s a Long Line of Buyers Waiting for Your House

There’s a Long Line of Buyers Waiting for Your House

There’s a Long Line of Buyers Waiting for Your House If you’re following what’s happening in the housing market right now, you know that many people believe the winter months aren’t a good time to sell a home. As realtor.com Senior Economist George Ratiu recently...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Plus Fifty Today

Do you know where is your market is going? In 2020: More than one-third of the U.S. population reached age 50. 17 million baby boomers (20 percent) were age 60 or older. Generation X moved into middle age and began knocking on the door of age 58 Today demographic...

Spring Real Estate Market is Here Ready or Not?

Spring Real Estate Market is Here Ready or Not?

The New Spring Real Estate Market is Here. Are You Ready? Which month do you think most people who are considering buying a home actually start their search? If you’re like most of us, you probably think the surge happens in the spring, likely in April. Not...

Demand for Smaller Homes is on the rise

Demand for Smaller Homes is on the rise

Big Demand for Small Homes Movies, tv shows, and celebrities often have us dreaming of owning large homes, but the reality for most people is quite different. Since 2015, the square footage of newly built houses has been shrinking, according to Yahoo Finances. This is...

3 Benefits to Buying Your Dream Home This Year

3 Benefits to Buying Your Dream Home This Year

3 Benefits to Buying Your Dream Home This Year Outside of a strong economy, low unemployment, and higher wages, there are three more great reasons why you may want to consider buying your dream home this year instead of waiting. 1. Buying a Home is a Great Investment...

4 Top Renovations for Maximum ROI

4 Top Renovations for Maximum ROI

Top Renovations for Maximum ROI Some Highlights: If you’re planning on selling your house in 2020, these are the top renovations that will give you the highest Return on your Investment. Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying in your current home, it’s...

2020 Real Estate Projections That May Surprise You

2020 Real Estate Projections That May Surprise You

The 2020 Real Estate Projections That May Surprise You This will be an interesting year for residential real estate. With a presidential election taking place this fall and talk of a possible recession occurring before the end of the year, predicting what will happen...

Utah Realty Wishes you a Wonderful 2020

Utah Realty Wishes you a Wonderful 2020

Utah Realty had the best year ever in 2019! Thanks to all our clients, friends, Chambers and Connections!  Here’s to a Wonderful 2020! We hope 2020 is a great year for you, both personally and professionally!

Expert Insights on the 2020 Housing Market

Expert Insights on the 2020 Housing Market

Expert Insights on the 2020 Housing Market When closing out another year, it’s normal to wonder what’s ahead for the housing market. Though there will be future inventory issues, we expect interest rates to stay low and appreciation to continue. Here’s what three...

Here are the top 5 reasons not to FSBO (For Sale By Owner)

Here are the top 5 reasons not to FSBO (For Sale By Owner)

Why You Shouldn’t “For Sale By Owner” Rising home prices coupled with the current inventory in today's market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their homes on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might be hard to...

When a House Becomes a Happy Home

When a House Becomes a Happy Home

When a House Becomes a Happy Home We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the size or shape of a living space, the feeling of a home means different...

Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020?

Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020?

Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020? [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights: Interest rates will be lower than they have been since before 1980 at 3.8% and are projected to remain steady throughout 2020! According to CoreLogic, home prices will appreciate at a rate of...

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter – Utah Realty

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter – Utah Realty

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter Some Highlights Winter is a great time to list a house, since inventory is traditionally low, and most sellers are holding off until spring to put their homes on the market. Waiting for warmer weather when more competition is...

5 Reasons to Sell This Winter -Utah Realty

5 Reasons to Sell This Winter -Utah Realty

5 Reasons to Sell This Winter Below are five compelling reasons to list your house this winter. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of...

7 Reasons to Put Your House For Sale This Holiday Season

7 Reasons to Put Your House For Sale This Holiday Season

7 Reasons to List Your House This Holiday Season Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to list their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack...

Top 10 Highest Single Family Home Prices Utah

Top 10 Highest Single Family Home Prices Utah

Top 10 Highest Median Single-Family Home Prices along the Greater Wasatch Front Salt Lake County home prices climbed to an all-time high in the third quarter, according to the Salt Lake Board of Realtors®. The median single-family home price in the...

Veterans Day 11-11-19

Veterans Day 11-11-19

  Today, on Veterans Day, we salute those who have served our country in war or peace, and we thank them for their sacrifice. This year marks the 75th anniversary of VA Home Loan Benefit offerings through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Protected Class

Things you should not have your clients put in a letter to a buyer or seller. Protected Class A group of people with a common characteristic who are legally protected from employment discrimination on the basis of that characteristic. Protected classes are created by...

Utah Realty Presents VA Home Loans by the Numbers

Utah Realty Presents VA Home Loans by the Numbers

Utah Realty Presents VA Home Loans by the Numbers Some Highlights: The Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loan is a benefit that is available to more than 22 million veterans and 2 million active duty service members to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. In...

The #1 Reason to List Your House in the Winter

The #1 Reason to List Your House in the Winter

The #1 Reason to List Your House in the Winter Many sellers believe spring is the best time to put their homes on the market because buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. What they don’t realize is if every homeowner believes the same thing, then...

Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process

Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process

Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage. For many, the mortgage process can...

Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS

Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS

Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS  Some Highlights: Many potential homebuyers believe they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home. This stops many people from even trying to jump into homeownership! Here are some facts...

What credit Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage

What credit Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage

What FICO® Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage? While a recent announcement from CNBC shares that the average national FICO® score has reached an all-time high of 706, the good news for potential buyers is that you don’t need a score that high to qualify for a...

What Is the Cost of Waiting Until Next Year to Buy?

What Is the Cost of Waiting Until Next Year to Buy?

What Is the Cost of Waiting Until Next Year to Buy? Some Highlights: The “cost of waiting to buy” is defined as the additional funds necessary to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time. Freddie Mac forecasts interest rates will...

Is Your House “Priced to Sell Immediately”?

Is Your House “Priced to Sell Immediately”?

Is Your House “Priced to Sell Immediately”? In today’s real estate market, more houses are coming to market every day. Eager buyers are searching for their dream homes, so setting the right price for your house is one of the most important things you can do. According...

What Will Home Prices Look Like Over the Next Few Years

What Will Home Prices Look Like Over the Next Few Years? September 19th, 2019 Home prices will continue to rise throughout 2023. This means that now is a great time to sell! If you're thinking of listing your home, let's get together to determine your best move.

4 Reasons to Sell This Fall In Utah With Utah Realty

4 Reasons to Sell This Fall In Utah With Utah Realty

Utah Realty 4 Reasons to Sell This Fall Some Highlights: Buyers are active in the market and often competing with one another for available listings. Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply found in a normal housing market. Homes are still selling...

Three Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home

Three Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home

The Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard quite a bit about rising home prices. Today, expert projections still forecast continued growth, just at a slower pace. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising home prices is...

American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High

American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High

  Fannie Mae just released the July edition of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes information regarding consumers’ confidence in the real estate market from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and condenses it into a single number. Therefore,...

How to Increase Your Equity Over The Next 5 Years

How to Increase Your Equity Over The Next 5 Years

How to Increase Your Equity Over the Next 5 Years Many of the questions currently surrounding the real estate industry focus on home prices and where they are heading. The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) helps target these projected answers. Here are...

What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market

What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market

What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market We’re halfway through the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the experts predict for the second half of 2019. Here’s what some have to...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Salt Lake City Median House Prices

Wasatch Front median home prices bottomed in 2011, years after The Great Recession ended. Since then, home prices (all housing types) have been on the rise. The median price of Wasatch Front homes sold in the first quarter of this year was $308,000, 75 percent higher...

The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition

The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition

Some Highlights: Interest rates are projected to increase steadily heading into 2020. The higher your interest rate, the more money you will end up paying for your home and the higher your monthly payment will be. Rates are still low right now – don’t wait until they...

Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp?

Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp?

Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? Some Highlights: According to the US Census Bureau, “millennials” are defined as 18-36-year-olds. According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time home buyers is 32. More and...

4 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

4 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

4 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster Since June of last year, we have seen an increase in the inventory of homes for sale month per month. Every spring and summer, the inventory increases because people want to sell their home. For those with children, they may want to be...

10 Steps to Buying a Home This Summer

10 Steps to Buying a Home This Summer

10 Steps to Buying a Home This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights: If you are thinking of buying a home, you may not know where to start. Here is a simple list of 10 steps that you will go through to purchase a home. Make sure to ask your agent for details about...

Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved

Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved

Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved! In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out....

Your 6-Month Mortgage Rate Forecast

Both mortgage interest rates and home prices are projected to rise throughout 2019. If you plan on buying a home this year, the time is now! Let's get together to discuss your plans today!

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Summer with Utah Realty

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Summer with Utah Realty

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Summer with Utah Realty Here are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this summer makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Index  from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand...

Utah Gen X Time For Your Dream Home

Utah Gen X Time For Your Dream Home

Time for Your Dream Home, Gen X! During the housing market crash, Gen X homeowners lost more wealth than other generations. However, things are changing now! A strong economy, increasing home prices, and the recovery of the housing market are helping this generation...

3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today in Utah!

3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today in Utah!

3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today! A lot is happening in the world, and it’s having a direct impact on the housing market. The reality is this: some of it is positive and some of it may be negative. Some we just don’t know yet. The following three areas of...

2 Myths Holding Back Utah Home Buyers

2 Myths Holding Back Utah Home Buyers

2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers Freddie Mac recently released a report entitled, “Perceptions of Down Payment Consumer Research.” Their research revealed that, “For many prospective homebuyers, saving for a down payment is the largest barrier to achieving the goal of...

What is Important to Boomers when Selling their House

What is Important to Boomers when Selling their House

What is Important to Boomers when Selling their House? If you are a “baby boomer” (born between 1946 and 1964), you may be thinking about selling your current home. Your children may have finally moved out. Your large, four-bedroom house with three bathrooms no longer...

The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home – Utah Realty

The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home – Utah Realty

The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful and compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept...

June is National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month

Some Highlights: June is National Homeownership Month! Now is a great time to reflect on the many benefits of homeownership that go way beyond the financial. What reasons do you have to own your own home?

Housing Affordability Index Today

Housing Affordability Index Today

The Ultimate Truth about Housing Affordability Courtesy of Marty Gale Utah Realty  There have been many headlines decrying an “affordability crisis” in the residential real estate market. While it is true that buying a home is less affordable than it had been over the...

Utah Realty Blog of the day – Impact of home staging

Utah Realty Blog of the day – Impact of home staging

The Impact Staging Your Home Has On Your Sale Price. Utah Realty educational blog of the day Some Highlights: The National Association of Realtors surveyed their members & released the findings of their Profile of Home Staging. 62% of seller’s agents say that...

Top Days to List Your Home for Sale in Utah by Utah Realty

Top Days to List Your Home for Sale in Utah by Utah Realty

Top Days to List Your Home for Sale Some Highlights: ATTOM Data Solutions conducted an analysis of more than 29 million single family home and condo sales over the past eight years to determine the top days to list your home for sale. The top five days to list your...

Are Older Generations in Utah Really Not Selling Their Homes

Are Older Generations in Utah Really Not Selling Their Homes

Are Older Generations Really Not Selling Their Homes? Many studies suggest one of the main reasons for the inventory shortage in today’s market of homes for sale is that older generations have chosen to “age in place” over moving. The 2019 Home Buyers & Sellers...

Searching for your Utah Dream Home

Searching for your Utah Dream Home

Starting the Search for Your Dream Home? Here Are 5 Tips! In today’s real estate market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. In...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Utah Home Prices

Salt Lake City's Home Prices Keep Climbing   Salt Lake home prices have increased nearly 47 percent over the past five years, and more than 371 percent since 1991, according to a recent report by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Nationwide, home prices have...

Utah Realty Presents A Tale of Two Markets

Utah Realty Presents A Tale of Two Markets

Utah Realty Presents A Tale of Two Markets [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights: An emerging trend for some time now has been the difference between available inventory and demand in the premium and luxury markets and that in the starter and trade-up markets and what those...

Cost of Renting vs Buying – Utah Realty

Cost of Renting vs Buying – Utah Realty

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying This Spring Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a...

Your Fabulous New Dream Home is Now Available

Your Fabulous New Dream Home is Now Available

Your Fabulous New Dream Home is Now Available Over the last several years, many “baby boomers” have undergone a metamorphosis. Their children have finally moved out and they can now dream about their own future. For many, a change in lifestyle might necessitate a...

How Quickly Can You Save Your Down Payment

How Quickly Can You Save Your Down Payment

How Quickly Can You Save Your Down Payment? Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save...

Low Inventories Leave You Choices That Take Some TLC

Low Inventories Leave You Choices That Take Some TLC

With Inventory Low: Will Your Dream Home Need Some TLC? According to a new survey from Move.com, the wave of first-time homebuyers hitting the market this summer has resulted in an interesting statistic. Nearly 60% of buyers searching for a home this spring are...

Utah Realty can Knock out a Great Deal for You

Utah Realty can Knock out a Great Deal for You

Selling Your House: Here’s Why You Need A Pro In Your Corner! With home prices on the rise and buyer demand still strong, some sellers may be tempted to try to sell their homes on their own rather than using the services of a real estate professional. Real estate...

Homeowners – Now Is A Good Time To Sell Your House

Homeowners – Now Is A Good Time To Sell Your House

Homeowners: Now Is A Good Time To Sell Your House Every month, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases their Seller Traffic Index as a part of their Realtors Confidence Index. In the latest release, NAR reported that homeowners have been reluctant to sell...

Buyer Demand Surging in Utah as Spring Market Begins

Buyer Demand Surging in Utah as Spring Market Begins

Buyer Demand Surging in Utah as Spring Market Begins Last fall, some predicted that the 2019 residential real estate market would be a disaster. There was even belief we might experience a housing crash like the one that occurred during the last decade. However,...

Are Low Interest Rates Here to Stay

Are Low Interest Rates Here to Stay

Are Low Interest Rates Here to Stay? Interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage have been on the decline since November, now reaching lows last seen in January 2018. According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, rates came in at 4.12% last...

3 Questions You Need To Ask Before Buying A Home

3 Questions You Need To Ask Before Buying A Home

3 Questions You Need To Ask Before Buying A Home If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is...

Why should I use a Realtor® to sell my home

Why should I use a Realtor® to sell my home?  By Marty Gale Does selling my home myself save me money?   I recently received a call from a Mortgage originator (Loan Officer) that is a friend of mind. What prompted me to write this article was a discussion he had...

home price appreciation each month for over a year

home price appreciation each month for over a year

Home Value Appreciation Stops Falling, Begins to Stabilize The percentage of home price appreciation on a year-over-year basis has decreased each month for over a year. The question was how far annual appreciation would fall. It seems we may now have the answer. In a...

Utah Buyer Demand Will Be Strong for Years

Utah Buyer Demand Will Be Strong for Years

Home Buyer Demand Will Be Strong for Years to Come There has been a lot written about millennials and their preference to live in city centers above their favorite pizza place. Some have even gone so far as to say that millennials are a “Renter-Generation”. And while...

Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand

Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand

Why Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand One of the many benefits of owning your own home is the freedom to find your ‘furever’ friend. By pointing out the aspects of your home that make it ‘pet-friendly’ in your listing, you’ll attract these buyers, rather than...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Selling Your Family Home is a Type of Loss

Selling Your Family Home is a Type of Loss It’s easy to tell yourself that your house is just a building made of walls and ceilings and light fixtures and flooring, but when it comes time to sell, you may start to feel the sting of grief. After all, you don’t know if...

3 Graphs About Today’s Real Estate Market

3 Graphs About Today’s Real Estate Market

3 Graphs that Show What You Need to Know About Today’s Real Estate Market The Housing Market has been a hot-topic in the news lately. Depending on which media outlet you watch, it can start to be a bit confusing to understand what’s really going on with interest rates...

Now is the Time to Move-Up

Now is the Time to Move-Up

Looking to Upgrade Your Current Home? Now’s the Time to Move-Up! In every area of the country, homes that are priced at the top 25% of the price range for that area are considered to be Premium Homes. In today’s real estate market there are deals to be had at the...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Utah Home Prices Top Three In the Country

Utah home prices increased 9.80 percent in the fourth quarter year-over-year, giving the state the third fastest growing home prices nationally, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Idaho was No. 1, with prices there rising 11.93 percent. North Dakota was...

what credit score do you need to buy a house in utah

what credit score do you need to buy a house in utah

What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy A House? There are many misconceptions about the credit score needed to buy a house. Recently, it was reported that 24% of renters believe they need a 780-800 credit score to be considered for a mortgage. The reality is they are...

Housing Crash in Utah

Housing Crash in Utah

3 Reasons Why We Are Not Heading Toward Another Housing Crash With home prices softening, some are concerned that we may be headed toward the next housing crash. However, it is important to remember that today’s market is quite different than the bubble market of...

first time buyer?

Ready for some Baby Steps Start looking for homes at https://Utah RealtyPlace.com/buying Let Marty be your guide to a new home! After all his is the most interesting Realtor in Utah! https://youtu.be/lqHiZgEy074    

How To List Your Home for the Best Price

How To List Your Home for the Best Price

How To List Your Home for the Best Price If your plan for 2019 includes selling your home, you will want to pay attention to where experts believe home values are headed. According to the latest Home Price Index from CoreLogic, home prices increased by 4.7% over the...

Why It Makes No Sense to Wait for Spring to Sell

Why It Makes No Sense to Wait for Spring to Sell

Why It Makes No Sense to Wait for Spring to Sell The price of any item (including residential real estate) is determined by the theory of ‘supply and demand.’ If many people are looking to buy an item and the supply of that item is limited, the price of that item...

The Difference Having a Professional on Your Side Makes

The Difference Having a Professional on Your Side Makes

The Difference Having a Professional on Your Side Makes In today’s fast-paced world, where answers are a Google search away, there are some who may wonder what the benefits of hiring a real estate professional to help them in their home search are. The truth is, with...

Utah Housing Loan Changes

Utah Housing Loan Changes

Did you know? Utah Housing has made some changes to our Loan Programs; these changes will become effective with Mortgage Purchase Agreements (interest rate locks) issued on or after February 11, 2019.  https://utahhousingcorp.org/   HomeAgain: May include an...

How Did Covid-19 pandemic affect Salt Lake County home sales

Average Home Mortgage Rates Over Time

With interest rates still around 4.5%, now is a great time to look back at where rates have been over the last 40 years. Rates are projected to climb to 5.0% by this time next year according to Freddie Mac. The impact your interest rate makes on your monthly mortgage...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This