Buyer Tips

This is why waiting out our market may not be the best strategy for you.

Why Was Your Offer Rejected? If you make an offer on a home on The Wasatch Front, there’s always a chance it will get rejected. To decrease the chances of getting your offer rejected, we are going to give you four different reasons why your offer could get rejected. Your offer price was too low. […]

Why Should You Get a Home Inspection? I find most folks are willing to take a used car to a mechanic to look it over before they purchase the car. They probably spend about $150 to do this, and the car may cost between $5,000 and $10,000. So, why wouldn’t you consider having your home […]

Fall is a fantastic season for house hunting in Salt Lake City. As the leaves change, unique opportunities arise for buyers to find their perfect home. Here are key reasons why fall could be the ideal time to make your move. Negotiating Power:Many homes listed in spring and summer haven’t sold, giving buyers more negotiating […]

Three ideas to encourage buyers to act and help them win in today’s market. Are you wanting to buy a home but are thinking about waiting until the market shifts and/or interest rates go down? If so, you are not alone. We’ve been hearing from a lot of buyers lately that they’re a little reluctant […]

Who Pays Closing Costs in Salt Lake City? Today, we’re going to talk about closing costs. What are they, and who pays them? Closing costs are fees that are associated with the closing of the transaction. That’s when the title of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. Closing costs are incurred […]

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your life. It’s not just an investment in property but in your future and lifestyle too. So, it’s crucial to find a home that not only meets your present needs but also supports your long-term goals and aspirations. However, with so many […]

Navigating the Utah real estate market, especially in Salt Lake City, can be challenging. Knowing the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved is crucial when looking at houses for sale in Salt Lake City. Pre-qualification is an initial step where you provide a lender with an overview of your financial situation, including income, assets, and debts. […]

Discover the seamless blend of expertise and joy with The Stern Team, your trusted partners in Salt Lake City real estate. As the premier real estate agents in the area, we’re committed to empowering young buyers like you with the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate the evolving market landscape. Concerned about inheriting outdated properties? […]

Making the decision to purchase a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. There are many things to consider, and it can be overwhelming to think about what you should and shouldn’t do when buying a home. To help, here are four tips from our Salt Lake City realtors that every home […]

What to Expect When You’re Inspecting Today I am joined by Fred Larsen from Pillar to Post Home Inspection to answer some common questions about home inspections. So what should you expect when you’re inspecting? The most common issues found during home inspections are water related. Water can get into the house by grading and draining […]

What Should You Know About TRID? Today, we’ll talk about the TRID Mortgage Disclosure Form, which affects both buyers and sellers. This new integrated disclosure rule is the Federal Government’s attempt to clean up and simplify the mortgage closing process. It helps make things easier to understand for buyers. The rule has a good basis, […]

What Sets Realtors Apart From Normal Agents? Some people think that all real estate agents are Realtors. What makes a Realtor different than a real estate agent? A career in real estate is complicated enough, and many brokerages require their agents to become Realtors, but it’s not legally required. So, your Realtor is a real estate […]

Navigating real estate in Salt Lake City can be complex, especially with mortgage insurance. The Stern Team, top real estate agents in Salt Lake City, explains what mortgage insurance is and how it works, ensuring informed decisions in your home-buying journey. What Is Mortgage Insurance? Mortgage insurance protects lenders if borrowers default on payments. It’s […]

Buying a home involves numerous financial transactions and terms that may seem daunting at first. One such term is “earnest money.” In this blog post, we’ll break down what earnest money is, why it’s important, and how it fits into the home buying process. What is Earnest Money? Earnest money is a deposit made by […]

Understanding earnest money is crucial for buyers in the Utah real estate market. The Stern Team, top real estate agents in Salt Lake City, explains its importance. What Is Earnest Money? Earnest money is an upfront deposit made by buyers to show commitment to purchasing a home. It assures the seller of your intent. A […]

When diving into the Salt Lake City real estate market, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies that can impact your property purchase, like easements. What is an Easement? An easement grants a limited right to use a property for a specific purpose without owning it. For example, utility companies may need an easement to run […]

Navigating the world of home buying can be overwhelming, but with the right help, your dream home is within reach. The Stern Team, your top real estate agents in Salt Lake City, are here to explain how a mortgage broker can be your key to success in the Utah real estate market. What Is a […]

Understanding Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): A Guide from The Stern Team Understanding your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is crucial when navigating the real estate market in Salt Lake City. The Stern Team, top real estate agents in Salt Lake City, explains what DTI is and why it matters in your home-buying journey. What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio […]

What Is a Bridge Loan? What is a bridge loan? Bridge loans are popular when you are purchasing another home before selling your current one. In that scenario, there are two common ways to find the down payment for the new home. One way is financing through a bridge loan and the other is a […]

Navigating the Salt Lake City real estate market? The Stern Team is here to guide you through the crucial aspects of homebuying. In our latest post, we shed light on “What Homebuyers Must Earn to Afford the Typical U.S. Home.” Understanding the financial aspects of homeownership is vital. The Stern Team believes in empowering homebuyers […]

Buying a home is a monumental investment that requires a lot of time, effort, and money. If you’re considering purchasing a home in Salt Lake City, you want to make sure you’re making a wise investment. That’s where home inspections come in. Home inspections are an important part of the buying process that can help […]

Are you someone who has been preapproved for a mortgage and is now wondering what might happen if interest rates increase? If so, this article is for you. By continuing to read, you’ll learn about the impact of fluctuating interest rates on your mortgage after preapproval. It’s crucial to be aware of this potential situation, […]

What Does Reduced Home Affordability Mean for You? Home affordability is shrinking rapidly, according to research by Arch Mortgage Insurance.  In the first quarter, affordability (defined as the size of the monthly mortgage payment needed to buy a home) dropped by 5%. This was mainly due to the increase in mortgage rates. As a consequence, more people […]

As a prospective home buyer, understanding the factors that determine home values is imperative to ensure that you make a sound investment decision. Location, demand and supply, upgrades, and the economy are some of the crucial elements that influence the worth of a home. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into these factors […]

In Salt Lake City’s dynamic real estate market, prospective buyers are rethinking traditional approaches in response to economic shifts. According to a recent RE/MAX survey, 80% of those eyeing a home purchase in the next year are reassessing their strategies. From contemplating fixer-uppers to exploring tiny homes, buyers are embracing innovative avenues to homeownership. Fixer-uppers, […]

Unlock the secrets of selling your Salt Lake home with The Stern Team—your premier choice for top real estate agents and best realtors in Salt Lake. Explore the pros and cons of cash offers, demystifying the process for savvy sellers. Pros: Cons: Ready to navigate the pros and cons of cash offers? Watch our video […]

What Are the Biggest Issues Facing Buyers Today? Purchasing a home for the first time is no easy task. Today, I’d like to share a list of the six biggest obstacles facing first-time homebuyers: 1. Down payment. Unless you’ve won the lottery or are independently wealthy, you’re probably going to need a mortgage. If you happen […]

Unlock the secrets of HOA fees with The Stern Team—your Salt Lake real estate experts. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, understanding HOA fees is crucial. What Are HOA Fees? In HOA communities, ongoing fees range $100 to $1,000+, impacting loan eligibility and debt-to-income ratios. What do HOA fees cover? Covering common […]

Buying a home can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be an expensive one. As Salt Lake City Real Estate Agents, it’s our job to help you prepare to purchase your dream home or to refinance your current mortgage. Therefore, it’s important to note that there are costs that come with finalizing the […]

One of the most exciting and nerve-racking moments in your life is buying a home. You get to find a place to call your own and create new memories with your family. However, before you can recline in your armchair and enjoy your comfortable new abode, you have to consider the financial aspect of your […]

What All Homebuyers Must Know About New Construction Properties Have you thought about buying a new construction home? If so, there are five points you need to be aware of:  1. New construction homes aren’t always listed on the MLS. Quite often, home builders have agents working as on-site salespeople in order to increase their control […]

What a Roofing Certification Can Do for You Today I’m joined by a very special guest, Travis from VIP Roofing, to help me discuss roofing inspections and certifications.  So, what is a roofing certification? Ultimately, a roofing certification gives you a document verifying the condition of your roof. It will give you an idea of […]

When it comes to navigating the Salt Lake City real estate market, having a buyer’s agent by your side can make all the difference. The Stern Team, top real estate agents in Salt Lake City, are here to explain the invaluable role of a buyer’s agent and why they are essential for your home buying […]

As a home buyer, one of the top concerns on your mind should be how to protect your finances from the constant threat of inflation. And, with the current economic climate and varying inflation rates, now more than ever, it’s crucial to lock in strategies that will safeguard your savings from the waves of inflation. […]

Watch Out For These Real Estate Scams It can be a scary world out there—though a majority of people are good and honest, some like to try taking advantage of others. The real estate market is no exception, so today we’ll be looking at the scams we want to make sure you’re aware of: 1. […]