This is when many people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?

Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling.

Focus on Your Why

To lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are finally ready to buy your first home. Whatever your reason, it’s important to keep it front and center.

Your why is what helps you stay focused. Share your motivation with your agent, and they’ll use their expertise to help support that goal, no matter what the market looks like. With a great agent by your side, you’ll have someone to guide you, problem-solve, and keep you moving forward until you can check that goal off your to-do list.

Get Clear on What You Need

Then, it’s time to figure out what your next home needs to have. How many bedrooms do you need? If you don’t have a designated home office, is that a deal-breaker? What about a big fenced-in backyard? Knowing your must-haves and nice-to-haves makes the search a lot smoother.

Since affordability is still tight, having a clear idea of your essential items is important. Maybe you can flex a bit on location if it’s got everything else you’re looking for. Go over those essential items with your agent, and they’ll help you focus on the homes that check the boxes that matter most while staying within your price range.

Know Your Numbers

Before you jump in, take a look at your finances. How much have you saved? What monthly payment feels comfortable? Getting clear on your budget early will help you know what’s possible.

The best way to do this is by partnering with trusted real estate professionals, like local agents and lenders. They’ll help you:

• Plan for your down payment and look into down payment assistance programs
• Understand the equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next move if you’re selling
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know what you can borrow

Lean on a Pro To Guide You

It can be hard to know where to start, but you don’t have to do it alone. A real estate agent knows what you need to do to get ready to buy or sell and how to navigate the process, and can answer your questions every step of the way. As Bankrate puts it:

“. . . now more than ever, it’s smart to lean on the guidance of an experienced local real estate agent. If you want to enter the housing market in 2025, whether as a buyer or a seller, let a pro lead the way for you.”

Remember, buying or selling is a significant milestone and a great goal for this year. You’ll feel confident and ready to take on the market with the right expert on your team.

Bottom Line

If buying or selling a home is part of your goals for 2025, now’s the time to get started. Focus on your why, know what you need, and connect with trusted pros to make it happen. Let’s team up and make this the year you accomplish your real estate resolutions.

Planning to buy a home soon? Why not go for something brand-new? Because data shows many more buyers are seeing the appeal of new home construction these days, you may find out it’s what you want, too.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains that newly built homes accounted for 15% of all homes sold last year. That’s a significant increase and is the highest percentage in 17 years (see graph below):

NAR surveyed recent buyers to get a closer look at why so many people are opting for a brand-new home. And here are the top reasons why new builds gained so much popularity (see graph below):

 Avoiding Renovations or Problems with Plumbing or Electricity (42%)

According to buyers, the first benefit is the peace of mind that comes with getting everything brand-new. Because, let’s face it, buying a home right now is pricey. And with inflation also putting a pinch on your wallet, you want to do everything you can to cut down on additional costs. Enter new builds.

A home that was just built is less likely to have unexpected repairs, which means less maintenance you’ll need to budget for upfront. Plus, since many builders include warranties on their homes, that’s an added layer of protection for your wallet on some of the home’s major systems.

Ability To Choose and Customize Design Features (27%)

You may also personalize parts of the build to your unique tastes. That can be as small as which knobs go on the cabinets and which light fixture goes in the dining room to as big as floor plans and siding color. So, if you’re not finding a home you like, it may be time to build one.

The Amenities of New Home Construction Communities (25%)New development offers amenities like parks, pools, fitness centers, and community spaces. These features could help you feel more connected to your neighborhood and be a great lifestyle perk.

Lack of Inventory of Previously Owned Homes (15%)

Since the supply of existing homes (homes that were previously lived in) is still lower than the norm, more people are asking their agents if they can see what builders have available – and builders aren’t disappointed. New builds make up a more significant portion of the homes available for sale than the norm. So, checking out these homes can open up your pool of options. And don’t worry – builders are not overbuilding. They’re just catching up after years of underbuilding.

Energy Efficiency (14%)

Not to mention, newly built homes usually have the latest energy-efficient materials and technologies. This feels good and can lead to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint. In a U.S. News Real Estate interview with Kevin Morrow, Senior Program Manager at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), this topic came up:

“The more energy-efficient mechanics of the house also help reduce utility bills for new home buyers . . . Newly-constructed homes often include green systems and appliances—like high efficiency stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters, furnaces, or air conditioning units—that homes built years ago might not.”

Smart Home Features (11%)

The integration of innovative technologies is last on this list. Tech-savvy buyers often want the latest advancements, and new home construction usually delivers.

The Importance of Using Your Agent

Newly built homes are becoming a top pick for buyers, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re feeling motivated to see what’s out there, remember you must have your real estate agent.

Builder contracts often have some complex terms and complicated fine print. If you bring your agent, you’ll have someone to advocate for you, make sure you’re getting quality construction, and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Bottom Line

Imagine skipping the hassle of renovations and having the freedom to choose the exact design features you want. If this sounds good to you, let’s connect to make sure you have an agent to help you negotiate with the builder so you can confidently buy a new home.

Utah offers several programs designed to help first-time homebuyers overcome financial barriers. These programs focus on down payment assistance, affordable mortgage options, and educational resources. Here’s an overview of key assistance programs available in Utah:

1. Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) Programs

The Utah Housing Corporation is a primary source of assistance for first-time buyers in Utah. Their programs are designed to help with down payments, offer competitive mortgage rates, and support low- and moderate-income households.

Key Programs:

• FirstHome Loan Program:
  • Specifically for first-time homebuyers.
  • Provides affordable fixed-rate loans with down payment assistance.
  • Income and purchase price limits apply.
• HomeAgain Loan Program:
  • Designed for repeat buyers but available to first-time buyers as well.
  • Offers down payment assistance with slightly more flexible requirements.
• Score Loan Program:
  • Targets buyers with lower credit scores.
  • Requires a slightly higher interest rate but still offers down payment assistance.

Down Payment Assistance:

• UHC programs provide loans for down payments and closing costs.
• Assistance is structured as a second mortgage with low monthly payments.

2. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans

While not Utah-specific, FHA loans are popular among first-time buyers.

• Require a lower down payment (as low as 3.5%).
• More flexible credit score requirements (typically 580+).
• Buyers in Utah often pair FHA loans with state assistance programs.

3. USDA Rural Development Loans

For buyers in rural or suburban areas of Utah, USDA loans offer:

• Zero down payment.
• Low interest rates.
• Income limits apply, and the property must be in a USDA-eligible area.

4. Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans

If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, VA loans offer:

• Zero down payment.
• Competitive interest rates.
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement.

5. Homebuyer Education Courses

Many assistance programs require completing a homebuyer education course. These courses teach budgeting, mortgage basics, and home maintenance.

Examples:

• Utah Housing Corporation’s Online Courses.
• NeighborWorks America: Offers HUD-certified courses and counseling.
• Community Development Corporations (CDCs): Local organizations provide workshops and individual coaching.

6. Local Programs by Cities or Counties

Certain cities or counties in Utah offer their own homebuyer assistance programs. Examples include:

• Salt Lake City Down Payment Assistance Program:
  • Provides loans of up to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs.
  • Zero-interest deferred loans (repayment due upon sale or refinance).
• Provo Housing Program:
  • Assistance for low-income families purchasing homes in Provo.
  • Offers affordable housing options and grants.
• Ogden Home Sweet Ogden Program:
  • Provides down payment assistance for homes purchased in designated revitalization areas.

7. Tax Benefits for First-Time Homebuyers

• Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC):
  • Available through UHC.
  • Allows eligible first-time buyers to claim a tax credit on a portion of their mortgage interest.

How to Access These Programs

1. Contact Utah Housing Corporation:
   • Website: www.utahhousingcorp.org
   • Provides detailed program guides and participating lender information.
2. Work with Approved Lenders:
   • Many assistance programs require working with lenders certified by the administering organization.
3. Consult Local Housing Authorities:
   • Reach out to city or county housing departments for localized assistance.

There’s a misconception that you must put 20% of the purchase price down when buying a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive. And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. Thousands of programs offer an average benefit of nearly $17,000. To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, contact a trusted lender and check downpaymentresource.com.

Ideally, when you sell your house, it will go smoothly: you will get top dollar for it, sell it quickly, and everything will go smoothly.

Many people don’t realize that even in today’s market, where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even prevent a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as one in three sellers took their home off the market before it sold.

And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell will vary, some general themes come through. If you’re having trouble selling your home, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way and how an expert agent can help you solve these issues.

1. Priced Too High

It’s no surprise that price plays a significant role when you sell. In today’s market, overpricing a home in a high-mortgage rate environment is the biggest thing that keeps homes on the market longer than the norm. As. U.S. News Real Estate says:

“Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high.”

While it’s tempting to push the price higher to get more for your home, overpricing can turn away potential buyers. It can also make your house sit on the market for too long. And the longer it sits, the more skeptical buyers will be that there’s something wrong, even if there isn’t.

Buyers today have so many tools and resources to view homes in your area and compare prices. So, if your house is priced too high, you’ll risk driving away potential offers.

To determine if this is happening with your listing, ask your agent what they hear at open houses and showings. If the feedback is consistent, it may be time to reevaluate your asking price. 

2. Not Freshened Up Before Listing

You only get one chance to make a great first impression on a buyer. That’s why sprucing up your house can be the difference between selling or sitting.

First, take into account your home’s curb appeal. There may be easy ways you can clean up the landscaping to make it tidy, inviting, and make an impact. As an article from Realtor.com notes:

” . . . for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover. You want to make sure potential buyers’ first impression of your home is a good one—and inspires them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more.”

But don’t stop at the front door. Small touches like removing personal items, reducing clutter, and cleaning the floors give buyers more freedom to imagine themselves in the home. And inexpensive upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or updated listing photos to match the current season can go a long way toward achieving that wow factor.

When in doubt, lean on your real estate agent for expert advice on whether you need a new game plan to close the deal.

3. Limited Access

Another big mistake you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times buyers can view your house. Because at the end of the day, if buyers can’t take a look around, your chances of selling decline — drastically.

And here’s something else: No matter what market you’re dealing with, buyers from outside the area are often highly motivated. Still, they don’t have as much flexibility or time as local buyers. So, make your house available to give it the best visibility.

Bottom Line

You deserve to check selling your house off your list of goals this year. So, if your home isn’t getting enough attention or your listing is getting stale, don’t be afraid to ask your trusted real estate agent how you can revamp your approach.