Each region of the United States puts its own unique spin on American English. Go to Texas and you’ll likely be greeted with a hearty, “How y’all doin’?” In Boston you might be advised to “pahk the cah in Havahd Yahd.” What about the friendly Midwestern states, like Minnesota? “Oh ya, you betcha.” Linguistically, Utah is considered part of the Rocky Mountain Region and our dialect has some distinct characteristics. Let’s consider some examples. What the heck is fry sauce and why is it so dang good? There’s a lot of lingo to unpack in this question. Heck is commonly used in place ..read more

Credit: Staff Sgt. Cory Payne ”“I feel the need – the need for speed.” The Arches, a salty lake, and the highest concentration of Latter Day Saints are synonymous with Utah. But did you know in 2022, Utah received over six billion dollars to allocate to defense spending? What isn’t as highly known is the history, presence, and overall economic impact the Department of Defense (DOD) has on the Beehive State. Utah is home to six military installations. As a military spouse and Realtor, it is my duty to address an issue of utmost importance, housing affordability for our troop ..read more

Choosing to refinance can be a significant financial decision, especially if you refinanced or bought a home when interest rates were at recent historic lows. Let’s be honest: thinking of giving up the low rate of the century can be painful! But holding on to a rate should never get in the way of living your best life. A refinance can actually be extremely beneficial when adapting to unexpected life situations or meeting new long-term goals. Here are some situations where it might be worth considering refinancing even if you have an already low rate. Change of Circumstance If your credi ..read more

How is your life impacted by zoning regulations? You might be surprised by the far-reaching effects that zoning ordinances have on our living environments. They impact where we live, how we get around, and the people we bump into. Decisions about the types of buildings constructed, whether existing properties can be augmented or repurposed, and if new structures can replace existing ones also depend on these regulations. Unfortunately, zoning is often complex and opaque, buried within PDF documents and varying largely between municipalities. We aim to clarify the basics of zoning and off ..read more

We had a lovely turnout for our annual Laird Park Easter Egg Hunt! We couldn’t be happier about Mother Nature looking out for us—the wind didn’t pick up until every last egg was found. This year, our team of helpers placed 1,500 candy eggs, and 1,500 toy eggs all around Laird in anticipation of all of our neighborhood bunnies! The Salt Lake Strummers once again delighted the crowd with their joyful tunes, while friends and neighbors enjoyed warm donuts from the Donut Kabob truck, and delectable crepes from La Crepe D’or. It was so fun to watch as kids enjoyed the craft table set up by o ..read more

As a homeowner, you can probably attest to the fact that regardless of the age of your home, there is always something to be maintained, serviced, fixed, or replaced. Though any real estate professional will advocate for regular and timely upkeep, it is not always immediately feasible, and the reality is that some things truly can wait. If you have no plans to sell or rent your home any time soon, those “can wait” items may be a matter of how important their functionality or visual appeal is to you (or your neighbors, ahem). But as the old adage goes, “a stitch in time saves nine”–meani ..read more

When selling your home, it’s critical to stand out. That’s why Niche Homes prepares every listing to shine with our professional staging services–the art of showcasing a home at its best. In this blog post, we’ll explore why staging is so important when listing a house and how it can significantly impact the selling process. First Impressions Matter The old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” definitely holds true in real estate. When potential buyers walk through the front door, they should immediately feel a connection to the space. Home staging ensures th ..read more

Questions and Considerations for Selecting Your Real Estate Agent There are thousands of real estate agents currently working in Utah and most people have connections to a few of them. While it would be convenient to call an acquaintance and pay them to work with you, we advise making this important decision very thoughtfully. A highly-qualified agent will guide through the complex real estate landscape and partner with you in a transaction that will have a lifelong impact. Here are some questions to consider when making this important decision. 1. Experience and Expertise Starting ..read more

The Media Depiction vs. Reality Headlines are written to intigue readers with powerful statements that dramatize reality. Throughout 2023 the media focused on interest rate hikes, unprecedented home prices, and low inventory–often coming to the disheartening conclusion that homeownership is out of reach for many Americans. While the statements about rates, prices, and inventory are fundamentally true, we found reassurance in the context of historical market fluctuations. These are all obstacles that have been faced and overcome before. As we move into 2024, we can see the light at the en ..read more

Insurance, Inspection, Title, and Maintenance You have found the place, that special place! It might be a bungalow, cottage, penthouse, townhome, two story cape cod, or a rambler, and to you, it is HOME! A home is typically the largest purchase someone will make in a lifetime. Over 70% of homeowners believe it is also their largest investment, so protecting and taking care of it becomes a top priority. How do you protect this asset you call home? Four words sum it up: Insurance, Inspection, Title, and Maintenance. Insurance Basics Homeowners insurance is a must have, by far the most ..read more