Utah County Real Estate Blog | Kat Ashby

Real Estate Insights from

Utah County

Hyperlocal real estate writing for Utah County and the Wasatch Front — from someone who actually does the research.

Utah County · Local Living

Utah School Phone Ban 2026: What It Means for Families in Utah County

Utah's new school phone ban takes effect July 1, 2026. Here's what it means for K-12 students in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and Lehi — and what relocating families should know.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Wildfire Risk in Utah County: How Fires Start, Spread, and Get Contained

Wildfires are a real part of life in Utah County. Here's how they start, how fast they spread, and how professional crews actually contain them — with local examples from Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What Is a Buyer Broker Agreement in Utah and Do You Have to Sign One?

Buying a home in Utah County? Here's what the buyer broker agreement is, why you're being asked to sign it, what comes with it, how commission works, and what happens if you're not happy with your agent.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

I Got an Offer But It's Subject to the Buyer Selling Their Home: What Utah County Sellers Need to Know

Got a contingent offer in Utah County? Here's what subject to sale means for you as a seller, how the Time Clause Addendum (UAR Form 18D) protects you, and how to balance the risk.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

How to Use a Seller Leaseback to Strengthen Your Offer in Utah County

Utah County buyers who offer a seller leaseback can gain a real negotiating edge. Here's how it works, what the risks are for you as the buyer-landlord, and when it makes sense to offer one.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Seller Tips

How a Seller Leaseback Works in Utah County When Your New Construction Isn't Ready

Your home is under contract but your new construction isn't ready. A seller leaseback lets you close on time, access your equity, and stay in the home while you wait. Here's how it works in Utah County.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Smart Home Upgrades That Increase Home Value in Utah County 2026

Smart home tech is everywhere in Utah County new construction. Not all of it adds value at resale. Here's what buyers are actually willing to pay more for in 2026.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

New Construction Home Inspection: The Most Common Findings in Utah County and What to Do About Them

A brand new home still needs an inspection. 65% of new construction homes have issues found during inspection. Here's what shows up most often in Utah County — including local data from Eagle Mountain neighborhoods.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Can I Rent Out My Basement in Utah County? What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Can you rent out your basement in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, or Lehi? The answer depends on your city, your zone, your HOA, and whether you have a permit. Here's what homeowners need to know in 2026.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Can I Airbnb or VRBO My Home in Utah County? What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Thinking about listing your Utah County home on Airbnb or VRBO? Most HOAs prohibit it — and if you get caught operating without a permit, the consequences are real. Here's what you need to know.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Will the Utah Housing Market Crash? Here's What the Data Actually Shows for Utah County

People keep saying the Utah housing market is about to crash. Here's what 25 years of data, population growth, Silicon Slopes, and Utah's birth rate actually say about where home values are headed.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What to Do When Your Utah County Home Appraises Below the Purchase Price

Your Utah County appraisal came in below the purchase price. Here are your 5 options — pay the gap, renegotiate with the seller, split it, challenge the appraisal, or walk away with your earnest money.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Is Utah County Running Out of Water? Here's What Just Happened in Vineyard

Utah County is in a drought emergency — but a new water source in Vineyard just changed the picture. Here's what the new facility can do and what it means for growth and home values.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Home Buying Programs for Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement in Utah County 2026

If you serve or have served — as a veteran, firefighter, police officer, EMT, or active military — there are home buying programs built specifically for you. Here's every one available in Utah County in 2026.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Free Things to Do With Kids in Utah County This Summer: 2026 Family Guide

Summer break is here and the budget doesn't have to take a hit. Here's the verified 2026 guide to free things to do with kids in Utah County — which splash pads are actually open, free museums, city festivals, and hidden

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Utah's Housing Affordability Crisis: What the Starter Homes Push Means for Utah County Buyers

Only 9% of Utahns can afford the median-priced home. Gov. Cox is pushing 35,000 starter homes by 2028. Here's what the housing affordability crisis actually means for buyers in Utah County right now.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Utah HOA Homeowner Rights in 2026: What Every Utah County Resident Needs to Know

Utah's HOA laws give homeowners more protection than most people realize — solar panels, political signs, a free Ombudsman, and a strict fine process. Here's what every Utah County resident needs to know.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Market Update

Utah County Real Estate Market Update: June 2026 Report by City

835 homes sold across Utah County in May 2026. Median single-family price: $605,000. Here's the June 2026 market report — every city, prices, days on market, and what the data means.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Local Living

Fourth of July 2026 in Utah County: Fireworks, Events, and What's New This Year

Fourth of July 2026 is extra special — America's 250th birthday. Here's the local guide to fireworks and events in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Provo, and across Utah County this July 4th.

June 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Townhome vs. Single-Family Home in Utah County: Is the $174,000 Price Gap Worth It in 2026?

The median single-family home in Utah County costs $174,350 more than the median townhome. For some buyers, the gap is the only math that matters. Here's when it makes sense — and when it doesn't.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Neighborhood Spotlight

Saratoga Springs vs. Eagle Mountain: Which Utah City Is Growing Faster in 2026 — And What It Means for You

Saratoga Springs added 4,682 residents last year — 8.4% growth. Eagle Mountain added 4,169 at 6.8%. Both lead Utah. Here's what rapid growth actually means for families moving there.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Why Every New Home Builder Has Bad Reviews — and What That Actually Means for Utah County Buyers

Toll Brothers, Edge Homes, Richmond American — they all have bad reviews. Here's why that's not the whole story, what actually drives quality in new construction, and how to protect yourself.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

What to Do Before and After Closing on a Home in Utah County

Closing on a Utah County home soon? Here's what to set up before you get the keys — and the first things to do once you do. The practical stuff that makes move-in day actually go smoothly.

May 2026 Read More →
Utah County · Buyer Guide

Radon Testing in Utah County: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in 2026

Utah has 5x more homes with high radon levels than the national average. 1 in 3 Utah homes exceeds the EPA action level. Here's what every Utah County buyer and seller needs to know — including where to get a free test

May 2026 Read More →