Buying a home

Let's find your place in Utah.

Tell me what you're looking for and I'll set up your search. Rather talk first? Grab a time on my calendar.

Start the buyer questionnaireBook a call

Questions? Call or text 801.440.6368

5.0 on Zillow

5.0 on Google

Salt Lake Realtors Top 500, 2023 and 2025

Licensed since 2012

In their words

Why buyers work with me

I came to negotiate

“And when it comes to negotiating? She is a BULLDOG.”

Stacey, Google

First home? You'll always know what's next

“She made the home buying process fun and simple!”

Megan, Zillow

Moving to Utah? I've got you before you land

“From our first zoom phone call, we knew we had gotten lucky!”

Dennea, Zillow

Building new? I read the builder's contract

“She went through that contract with a fine tooth comb and held the contractor to the agreements.”

Joshua, Zillow

Two-story home with a covered front porch

The process

How buying works in Utah

  1. Get your finances ready. Pre-approval, or proof of funds if you're paying cash, plus your down payment.
  2. Shop. I set you up on an automatic MLS search so new listings that fit land in your inbox right away.
  3. Make an offer. We write it on Utah's Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) and negotiate the terms.
  4. Inspect and appraise. You do your inspections, and your lender orders the appraisal.
  5. Close. Review your closing statement, wire funds, do a final walk-through and get your keys.

REPC deadlines to know

  • Earnest money goes to the brokerage within a few days of acceptance. Your REPC lists the exact date.
  • Start your loan application within 5 days.
  • Inspection period is typically 15 days unless the contract says otherwise.
  • Closing with a mortgage is usually 30 to 45 days out.
Start the buyer questionnaire
Brick bungalow with a front walk in Salt Lake City

Costs

What it costs to buy

  • Earnest money: usually 1 to 2% of the price. The brokerage holds it and it counts toward what you owe at closing.
  • Down payment: depends on your loan. Ask your lender how it changes by loan type.
  • Closing costs: usually 3 to 6% of the loan. Sellers and builders sometimes help with these.
  • Inspections: a standard inspection runs around $450. Radon and others are extra if you want them.
  • Appraisal: ordered by your lender and paid by you.

Never trust wiring instructions sent by email. Call to confirm before you send anything.

Talk through your numbers
Single-family home with a big front lawn on the Wasatch Front

Financing

Get pre-approved first

A pre-approval shows what you can spend, and it goes in with every offer.

  • Talk to lenders early, but get the letter when you're ready. It's good for 30 to 90 days.
  • Ask about loan type, down payment, rate vs. APR, rate locks and closing costs.
  • Paying cash? You'll need proof of funds from your bank or advisor.
  • Once you're under contract, no job changes, big purchases or new credit. Don't buy furniture until after closing!
  • I'm happy to share lenders I trust. You're free to use anyone.
Start the buyer questionnaire

Ready when you are

Start with a few quick questions.

I'll use your answers to set up a search that fits.

Start the buyer questionnaireBook a call

Or call or text 801.440.6368

Modern newer home with a green lawn

New construction

Builder incentives and new builds

  • Many builders are offering rate buydowns, closing cost help or upgrades. A 2-1 buydown lowers your payment for two years, then you pay the full rate.
  • Incentives often require the builder's lender, specific homes or a closing deadline. You still have to qualify at the full rate.
  • The salesperson in the model home works for the builder. In many cases builders pay your agent, so having your own costs you nothing extra. Arrangements vary.
  • Ask about the warranty (usually 6 months to 2 years), the landscaping package, HOA rules and any escalation clause.
  • Call me before your first visit. Some builders require your agent to be there when you register.
Read my fall 2026 builder update
Sunset over the Wasatch Mountains

Relocating

Moving to Utah?

  • Wasatch Mountain Realty is a preferred corporate relocation specialist for ADP.
  • Not sure where to land? Start with your commute, schools, and whether you want mountains, downtown or more yard.
  • Park City is a 30 to 40 minute drive from Salt Lake. The Cottonwood Canyons are 20 to 30.
  • Ten ski resorts sit within an hour of the Salt Lake airport.
  • Can't tour in person? Send me the MLS numbers you like and I'll take it from there.
Moving to Utah? Start here
Aerial view of a valley neighborhood along the Wasatch

Working with me

What working with me looks like

  • 3rd generation Realtor and Associate Broker at Wasatch Mountain Realty, a father and daughter brokerage.
  • Salt Lake Realtor 500 and Realtor Hall of Fame. SRS and PSA.
  • I've lived along the Wasatch Front for over 20 years and have sold real estate here since 2012.
  • Send me the homes you like and I'll call the listing agents and set up showings.
  • I walk you through every step so you're never wondering what's next.
Book a call

Let's get started

Your Utah home search starts here.

Answer a few questions or grab a time to talk. Either way, I'll take it from there.

Start the buyer questionnaireBook a call

Or call or text 801.440.6368