In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, we’re tackling one of the trickiest parts of selling a home getting the price right. Wendy Starling of Starling Real Estate joins us to explain why the market ultimately determines a home’s value and how sellers can set realistic expectations from the start. She shares how agents analyze comparable sales, pending listings, and active competition to guide pricing decisions, and why even beautiful upgrades or emotional attachment don’t always translate into a higher sale price. From simple staging tips to smart return-on-investment updates, Wendy walks us through what truly moves the needle when selling in today’s market.

In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, we explore what really goes on behind the scenes in a real estate transaction. From understanding how commissions are structured to why title reports matter, the discussion breaks down key steps that help buyers and sellers navigate the process confidently. This conversation with Cheryl Lyon with Coldwell Banker also looks at how interest rates impact the market, comparing today’s environment to past decades, and offers practical takeaways for anyone preparing to buy or sell a home in Utah’s ever-changing market.

In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, we talk with Amy Atkinson of Presidio Real Estate about why the current market feels refreshing compared to the whirlwind years of the past. Amy shares how buyers now have the time to tour multiple homes, think through their decisions, and even negotiate closing costs again. She explains how intuition often guides clients to “know their house,” clears up misconceptions about interest rates, and offers creative strategies like house hacking to make ownership possible. Amy also reflects on her own first purchase at age 20 a leap into homeownership that taught her the value of simply taking that first step.

In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, we talk with Janalyn Howard of Keller Williams, who shares why she sees real estate as solving puzzles each client and transaction bringing a new challenge. She explains why everything in a deal is negotiable, the real impact of rising foreclosures on families, and how early preparation makes all the difference when buying or selling a home. Janalyn also reflects on her own first home purchase, a tough experience that taught her lasting lessons about inspections, guidance, and being prepared.

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming b]ut having the right guidance makes all the difference. In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, we’re joined by Kobra Golzarfar with Ran Life, a professional who knows both sides of the deal as a loan officer and now a realtor.

Kobra shares what every first-time buyer needs to understand before making the leap from the myths about renting versus owning, to when “buy now and refinance later” really makes sense. We also cover practical ways to strengthen your financial position, the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved, and why budgeting for more than just the mortgage is crucial.

Whether you’re just starting your home search or helping clients navigate theirs, this episode is packed with insights that will help you approach the process with confidence.

If you’re 62 or older and exploring ways to stretch your retirement income, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) commonly known as a reverse mortgage could be a game-changer. In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, we’re joined by Tyler Eaton, a reverse mortgage specialist with PMR Loans, who breaks down how this FHA-insured program allows seniors to tap into their home equity without making monthly mortgage payments. Whether you need extra cash flow, want to eliminate an existing mortgage, or simply want to stay in your home longer, Tyler shares how a HECM can provide flexibility, financial peace of mind, and protection for your heirs.

Learn more or connect with Tyler at: https://www.pmrloans.com/loan-officer/tyler-eaton

Many homeowners feel financially stuck clinging to a low interest rate while juggling rising expenses, car payments, and consumer debt. But what if that 3% mortgage isn’t the whole picture? In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, Michael Wolters walks us through the powerful concept of the “blended rate,” revealing how tapping into home equity can help pay off high-interest debt and create long-term breathing room even in a higher-rate market.

You’ll hear a real-life story of a family of six crammed into a three-bedroom home, overwhelmed by student loans and car payments, who discovered a path forward by selling, paying down debt, and moving into a space that actually fit their life. We also explore why curiosity is one of the most underrated skills in real estate how asking deeper questions about a client’s lifestyle, goals, and pain points can unlock opportunities they didn’t realize were possible. From creative buying partnerships to budget breakdowns, this episode is packed with insights for both real estate professionals and anyone feeling “stuck” in their current situation.

Listen in to learn why now might be the perfect time to take action and why being curious is the first step toward a smarter, more strategic move.

Connect with Michael: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwolters/

If you’ve been told you need 20% down to buy a home think again. In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, mortgage expert BreeAnn Motta from Goldenwest Credit Union explains the truth about low-down-payment loans, how to qualify, and what first-time buyers really need to know before they start house hunting.

You’ll Learn:

• Why 3% down is possible, and who qualifies

• What PMI is, when it goes away, and how to lower it

• The difference between FHA and conventional loan programs

• Why taking a short online class could open more loan options

Don’t let old myths or confusion about loans hold you back from owning a home. Now that you know 3% down is possible, it's time to explore your options. Your first home might be closer than you think.

Contact BreeAnn Motta:

Website: https://www.gwcu.org/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/breethemortgageofficer/

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make but are you making it with your eyes wide open? In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Miller, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who brings something rare to the table: a master’s in accounting. Stephanie shares what most buyers and sellers overlook financially, why getting pre-approved is only the beginning, and how to avoid costly surprises especially when reviewing HOAs or preparing to sell.

Whether you’re house hunting, listing, or just dreaming, this episode will help you move forward with strategy not just emotion.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most people don’t really know what they can afford
• How to uncover financial blind spots before making a move
• The hidden risks of skipping a pre-listing title report
• Red flags in HOA budgets that could cost you
• How to balance emotional wants with financial realities
• Budgeting for homeowners insurance and post-move customization

Whether you're planting roots or chasing new horizons, the smartest move you can make is an informed one. Stephanie reminded us that real estate isn’t just about finding the right house it’s about understanding your financial foundation and planning for what comes next. Before you fall in love with the listing, make sure you’ve done the math. Because the right home isn’t just a destination it’s a step toward the life you're building.

Connect with Stephanie Miller:

Website: https://www.spartanreut.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StephMiller.Realtor

It's been five years since the 2020 housing boom, and many homeowners are still sitting pretty on ultra-low interest rates but that doesn't mean they love the space they’re in. In this episode, we're joined by designer and staging expert Heidi Jessop of Spaces by Heidi to talk about how to fall in love withyour home again-without moving a single box.

From primary bedrooms turned personal retreats to mixing masculine and feminine aesthetics, Heidi shares practical ways to refresh your space, work within your budget, and stay ahead of design trends (hello, natural stone and goodbye stark white everything). Whether you're navigating different tastes with your partner or trying to figure out your own personal style, this episode will inspire you to create a home that feels like you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to reimagine your space without starting over
• What design trends are in (and out) for 2025
• How to discover your personal style even if you don’t think you have one
• Budget-friendly tips that still feel luxurious
• Why the primary bedroom deserves more love
• How working with a designer can actually save you time and money

Connect with Heid:

• Website: https://spacesbyheidi.com
• IG:https://www.instagram.com/whitepinestaging
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacesbyheidi