Resort-like Amenitites! Clubhouse with a gym, kitchen, gathering space; outdoor pool, hot tub and pickleball court.
Thoughtfully designed floor plans that feature all main floor living, no-step entry villas, spacious layout with plenty of storage, two suites, with the primary featuring a no-step shower.
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REALTOR
President Claire Larson Woodside Homes of Utah LLC
First Vice President
J. Scott Colemere Colemere Realty Assoc.
Second Vice President Morelza Boratzuk RealtyPath (South Valley)
Treasurer
Jenni Barber Berkshire Hathaway (North SL)
Past President
Dawn Stevens Real Broker, LLC (Canyons Luxury)
CEO Curtis Bullock
DIRECTORS
Jodie Osofsky
Summit Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Janice Smith
CB Realty (Union Heights)
Eric Santistevan Engel & Volkers (Holladay)
Kristel Gough Summit Sotheby's (Draper)
Lori Khodadad
CB Realty (Union Heights)
Kim Farber Eleven11 Real Estate LLC
Russ Orchard Century 21 Everest
Donna Pozzuoli BHHS UP (N. Salt Lake)
Mo Aller Equity RE (Advantage)
Linda Mascher Realtypath LLC (Advisors)
Sheri Linn Ramsay Real Broker, LLC
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Fear Says Why Me, Faith Says Try Me
Your mind can be your greatest strength— or your biggest weakness.
You’ve probably heard the saying: “Your mind will give up before your body does.”
It’s true. Our minds crave comfort. They pull us back toward what feels safe, often disguising that pull as fear—fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and sometimes, surprisingly, even fear of success.
But here’s the thing: fear and faith can’t occupy the same space. Growth only happens when we step out of fear’s shadow and into faith—faith in ourselves, faith in possibility, faith in what could be.
A friend once told me about something called the Hope Experiment. In the 1950s, researcher Curt Richter placed rats in water to see how long they’d keep swimming. The first group gave up after about 15 minutes and drowned. A second group was placed in the water too, but this time, they were rescued right before they drowned. When that second group was put back in, they swam for nearly 60 hours.
Why? Because they had hope.
Having experienced rescue once, they kept going—believing that relief would come again.
The study is both fascinating and controversial. It shows the staggering power of belief—but it also raises questions about the ethics of how that knowledge was gained. Still, the lesson resonates: hope is fuel.
That story stuck with me. It reminded me of Napoleon Hill’s timeless words in Think and Grow Rich: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
I’ve often wondered if part of my resilience comes from being a little naïve. My mindset has rarely been “Why me?” and more often, “Try me.” Life will always bring challenges. We don’t get to choose whether or not difficulties come our way—but we do get to choose how we face them.
A “why me” mindset makes the weight of struggle even heavier. A “try me” mindset transforms struggle into growth. I can’t count the number of times I was sent to sell homes in communities that “nobody wanted” or that were deemed “unsuccessful.” I never hesitated, because in my mind, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. Those were the very places where I helped make the dream of homeownership possible for so many. They became vibrant neighborhoods—though some of the nay-sayers insisted I was “just lucky.”
Every challenge carries an opportunity—if we allow hope and faith to lead instead of fear.
So I’ll leave you with this question, one I ask myself often: What would you do if you didn’t believe you could fail?
Claire Larson President
Happenings
House Prices Rise in 46 States
In the News
U.S. house prices rose 2.9 percent between the second quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2025, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s House Price Index (FHFA HPI®). New York recorded the largest increase over the past year, while Utah ranked 32nd with prices up 2.86 percent. The District of Columbia saw the biggest decline, with house prices falling 7.56 percent. Overall, prices increased in 46 states during the oneyear period. Four states and the District of Columbia posted declines.
Real with Realtors®
The Salt Lake Board of Realtors® hosted Realtors® and their guests for dinner and a Real Salt Lake match at America First Field on Sept. 27. The event honored Realtors® who became new major investors in RPAC (Realtors® Political Action Committee).
Generation X is nearing retirement but still grappling with heavy student-loan burdens that have outpaced many borrowers’ best efforts, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis.
Rick Betancur, 55, is emblematic of the crisis. He borrowed about $74,000 for graduate school decades ago; today, that amount has ballooned to roughly $300,000. Despite making payments over many years roughly equal to his original balance, he still struggles under the weight of accrued interest and has difficulty saving for retirement. Across the country, more than 6 million Gen X borrowers (ages 50–61) now carry the highest average student-loan balance of any generation — about $47,857.
RPAC is a voluntary fund supported by Realtors® to help elect pro–real estate and pro–homeownership candidates at the local, state, and federal levels, safeguarding the industry’s interests. On the field, Real Salt Lake defeated Austin FC 3–1.
The debt strain is compounded by other financial pressures: many are juggling credit cards, auto loans, mortgage payments, and caring for both aging parents and children. Some borrowers say their dreams of homeownership or career growth have been derailed. Federal policy shifts over decades — such as forbearance, deferments, changes to income-driven repayment plans, and interest accrual during pauses — have exacerbated the problem.
With recent legal and administrative changes, many longtime borrowers face renewed payment obligations, collections actions, and uncertainty over their options.
For many Gen Xers, their student debt is more than a financial burden — it’s a long shadow entering their retirement years.
Is It a Buyers’ Market? You Might Already Be in One Without Realizing It
Sellers outnumber buyers by a wide margin, and that translates into real opportunities for those who are prepared.
By The Lighter Side of Real Estate
One of the most common questions in real estate is: “When will it finally become a buyers’ market?”
It’s a fair question. For years, home shoppers have watched sellers hold the upper hand, especially during the pandemic years when bidding wars were the norm. Many buyers have been waiting for a clear, unmistakable sign that the tides have turned.
It’s not a new question, though. There are always people
wondering when the “bubble” might pop, or if the market is going to crash, imagining that only then will it be the perfect time to buy a house.
But buyers’ markets don’t usually arrive with a giant neon sign flashing “Buy Now!”
In fact, the latest data shows that a buyers’ market is already here—and it may be the strongest one in over a decade.
The Numbers Say Buyers Have the Edge
Recent housing market data shows that in August 2025, there were over half a million more homes for sale than there were buyers in the market. Sellers outnumbered buyers by roughly 35%.
There isn’t a strict definition of what qualifies as a buyers’ market, other than there being more homes for sale than buyers to purchase them. But by any reasonable measure, the current data points to the power being squarely in buyers’ hands. In fact, the latest figures suggest this may be the strongest buyers’ market seen in more than a decade. For the first time in years, buyers have more leverage. Instead of competing against dozens of offers or waiving every contingency just to get in the door, today’s buyers are in a stronger position to negotiate, ask for concessions, and take a little more time before making an offer.
Here’s Why It Might Not Feel Like a Buyer’s Market…
If the latest numbers point to the strongest buyers’ market in over a decade, you might be wondering why it doesn’t necessarily feel that way. If you’re not picking up those buyer-friendly vibes, you’re not alone.
Here are some reasons why some buyers may not be feeling like the current market conditions are in their favor:
• Prices still feel high. Home values haven’t plunged. While the breakneck pace of price growth has cooled, prices in many areas remain near record levels.
• Mortgage rates are still elevated. At just over 6%, today’s rates are far from the historic lows of the pandemic years. Higher borrowing costs make monthly payments feel steep, even when buyers have more negotiating power.
• The economy feels uncertain. Talk of rate cuts, inflation pressures, and recession risks all leave consumers cautious about making large financial commitments.
• Not everyone qualifies. Many buyers who were already stretched thin by high prices and rates are sidelined. A buyers’ market only helps if you can participate in it.
• Perception lags reality. People expect a buyers’ market to arrive with a dramatic price crash. But it often looks more like increased balance and opportunity—things that are easy to miss if you’re waiting for fireworks.
However, even if it doesn’t feel like it, today’s conditions create real advantages for buyers who are prepared to step in and make the most of them. And the fact that many buyers don’t see it as a buyers’ market can give an extra edge to those who do.
Who Stands to Benefit Right Now?
Not every buyer is positioned to take advantage of today’s conditions. But for those who are, this market creates opportunities that haven’t been seen in years. Certain buyers are better positioned to take advantage of today’s market, and they often share some common characteristics:
1. They’ve been waiting for a sign. If you’ve been holding off because you didn’t want to buy in the middle of a sellers’ frenzy, this may be the window you were hoping for.
2. They can spot motivated sellers. Not every homeowner is desperate to sell, but some are. Buyers who look closely at the options on the market and zero in on homes with room to negotiate are the ones who can walk away with a deal.
3. They’re confident in their income and job stability. Peace of mind about your financial
footing makes it easier to move forward while others hesitate.
4. They can afford the payments comfortably. Even with mortgage interest rates at their current level, buyers who can manage the monthly payment today are in a strong position, especially knowing that refinancing may be an option if rates dip in the future.
5. They’re willing to act when others don’t. In any buyers’ market, hesitation leaves opportunity on the table. The buyers who step forward while others sit on the sidelines often come out ahead.
You don’t need to meet every one of these points to benefit from the current market. But if a few feel familiar, it could be your signal to start exploring homes and see what advantages might be waiting for you.
Even if the current conditions don’t feel dramatic, the data shows buyers do have leverage. But keep in mind that real estate market conditions can vary widely not only by region but also by price point and property type. What’s true nationally may not match the reality in your city, neighborhood, or even the specific price range you’re shopping in.
That’s why the best next step is to speak with a trusted local agent. They can help you determine whether now is a good time for you to buy, and how to make the most of the opportunities in your market.
The Takeaway:
Buyers have been waiting years to hear that it’s a buyers’ market. Well, the latest data suggests that time has come… but a lot of buyers either aren’t aware of it or feel like they aren’t able to take advantage of it.
Sellers outnumber buyers by a wide margin, and that translates into real opportunities for those who are prepared. If you’re financially ready, flexible, and willing to negotiate, now may be one of the most favorable environments you’ve seen in years.
A buyers’ market rarely announces itself with flashing lights. More often, it arrives quietly—and the people who benefit most are the ones who recognize it early and take action.
Soure: The Lighter Side of Real Estate. Check out their content marketing services at lightersideofrealestate.com.
Safety and Crime Rates Are the Top Two Concerns for Homebuyers
By The Lighter Side of Real Estate
When people start imagining their next home, their “wish list” of what they want it to have usually includes things like the number of bedrooms and baths, a particular style of home, maybe a yard…or not a yard for those who’d rather avoid mowing. Some buyers dream about fully updated kitchens and bathrooms, while others are perfectly happy with a fixer-upper so they can make it their own.
Having an actual list of wants and must-haves is smart. It keeps you (and the process) focused and helps you know where you can bend and where you need to draw the line.
There are common themes, but no two lists are exactly
alike. Even couples buying together often have wildly different visions, which is one of the many reasons why real estate agents joke about being part-time therapists as they help partners negotiate their wish lists.
But one thing most buyers agree on and tops the list of must-haves might surprise you—it’s safety.
Safety and Low Crime Are the Top Two Priorities for Home Buyers
According to a recent Redfin survey, home buyers certainly do care about things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, or a spacious yard:
• 64% of buyers list the number of bedrooms as a must-have
• 63% care about overall square footage
• 62% want a yard or outdoor space
• 60% want a particular style of home
• 58% prioritize bathrooms
But surprisingly, the two features that rise to the very top are less about the house itself and more about the world around it.
Personal safety is non-negotiable for 78% of buyers, and 74% say they won’t compromise on living in a lowcrime area. Even though the percentages are close, they represent slightly different concerns—one is about how safe you feel inside your home, and the other is about the environment around it—but together they anchor almost every decision buyers make.
In other words, while a shiny kitchen or a backyard pool is nice, most buyers aren’t willing to overlook a neighborhood that feels unsafe or a home that doesn’t protect their well-being. And the numbers show that when making tough compromises, safety and crime consistently outrank nearly everything else on a typical wish list.
Why Agents Can’t Just Tell You If a Neighborhood Is “Safe”
When you’re house-hunting, it’s natural to want to know if a neighborhood is “safe” or “good,” and many buyers will ask their agents if an area is or not. However, if you ask, don’t be surprised if your agent seems hesitant or deflects.
The reason isn’t that they don’t know the area, it’s because they legally can’t provide that information.
While you can certainly rely on your real estate agent for a lot of help and advice, telling you whether an area is “safe” or not can be a tricky topic. For the most part, agents can’t advise you on whether an area or neighborhood is safe, due to rules, regulations, and liability.
For example, real estate agents are bound by the Fair Housing Act. Labeling a neighborhood as “safe” or “unsafe” could inadvertently lead to—or be interpreted as—discrimination based on race, religion, or other protected characteristics. It might even be seen as steering clients toward or away from certain areas, a practice that’s illegal under fair housing laws.
Even if agents were permitted to give their opinion on whether an area is safe, the concept is highly subjective. One person might consider a neighborhood safe based on crime statistics, while another might prioritize factors like street lighting, community engagement, or personal experiences. That subjectivity makes it hard for agents to provide consistent, objective guidance.
While they can’t directly answer whether an area is safe, agents can point you to resources so you can make an informed decision yourself. Let’s look at some of the useful things they often suggest when someone asks about neighborhood safety.
How to Get a Feel for Whether an Area Is Safe for You
Since your agent can’t simply tell you whether an area is safe, it falls on you to do a little digging. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to get a real sense of a neighborhood before you make a decision.
Here are some practical steps you can take to assess safety for yourself:
departments and independent sites provide up-todate crime data for neighborhoods.
· Visit the local police station. Officers can often give you a general overview of the area and answer non-discriminatory questions about trends.
· Drive through the neighborhood at different times of day. Mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends can all feel very different.
· Spend a night or two in the area. If possible, rent an Airbnb or stay with friends nearby to experience the neighborhood firsthand.
· Talk to neighbors. People who live there can provide valuable insights on day-to-day safety, community engagement, and neighborhood culture.
· Observe local amenities and activity. Well-lit streets, maintained parks, and active community spaces can all be positive signals.
· Check online community groups or social media. Local forums, neighborhood apps, and social media groups often share updates about events, concerns, or issues in the area.
While no single step can give you a complete picture, combining several approaches will give you a well-
rounded sense of whether a neighborhood feels right for you.
Safety is one of those factors that might not make it onto your written wish list, but it’s still likely very important to you. Starting this research early— before your full-blown home search—arms you with knowledge and a true feel for an area. That preparation can save time, reduce surprises, and help you focus on homes in neighborhoods where you really feel comfortable living.
The Takeaway:
When it comes to buying a home, what tops your wish list might not be the fanciest kitchen or the biggest backyard—it’s feeling safe where you live. Since agents can’t directly tell you whether a neighborhood is “safe,” it’s up to you to do a little homework. From checking crime stats and visiting the area at different times, to talking with neighbors or even spending a night there, these steps help you get a real sense of a community. Starting this research early gives you confidence, saves time, and makes it easier to focus on homes in neighborhoods where you truly feel comfortable calling home.
Source: The Lighter Side of Real Estate. Check out their content marketing services at lightersideofrealestate.com.
What Is a Government Shutdown, and What Happens Next?
Each day that passes during the shutdown, potential real-life impacts will be felt in America’s housing market.
By Michael Rauber
The Oct. 1 deadline for Congress to pass a stopgap spending measure or reach a larger spending agreement has come and gone, and a government shutdown has officially begun. The shutdown will affect housing, mortgage and other programs critical to the real estate economy. Services deemed essential, such as the U.S. Postal Service, will continue to operate.
The shutdown meaicies, and current policyholders will
be unable to renew their coverage. On Sept. 29, the National Association of Realtors® issued a targeted Call for Action, asking Federal Political Coordinators to reach out to their members of Congress and highlight the importance of NFIP to homeowners.
In addition to the Call for Action, NAR sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to find a path forward and end the shutdown as soon as possible,
whether that be in the continuing resolution or as a standalone extension. NAR also issued guidance to its members on how a government shutdown could impact real estate.
What Happens in a Shutdown?
Since 1980, there have been 14 government shutdowns, with the most recent lasting 34 days from December 2018 to January 2019. According to the Congressional Budget Office report, the last government shutdown, which was a partial shutdown, cost the economy $11 billion, and $3 billion of that money was never recovered.
Every agency has its own plan for shutdowns. Many federal departments and agencies furlough workers until the shutdown ends. Those agencies will stop or reduce the services they provide. Their help desks may have little or no staffing. Employees deemed essential
must keep working without pay until funding is passed.
In a previous NAR survey of members on the impact of government shutdowns on their business, 75% said the shutdown had no impact on their contract signings or closings. However, 11% reported an impact on current clients, and 11% reported an impact on potential clients.
How Does a Shutdown End?
To end a government shutdown, Congress must either pass appropriations bills for the fiscal year or pass temporary spending bills known as continuing resolutions that fund government operations until a specified date. Although the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 21, that measure failed in the Senate. Negotiations on a spending bill will continue in the Senate until an agreement is made.
“NAR is committed to working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to reopen the government and reauthorize NFIP without delay,” said NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “This is about keeping real estate transactions moving and ensuring families have the stability and protection they deserve.”
“According to NAR research, the NFIP supports roughly half a million home sales annually, generating 1 million jobs and contributing $70 billion to the U.S. economy,” McGahn said. “Each day that passes during the shutdown, potential real-life impacts will be felt in America’s housing market, which accounts for nearly 20% of the U.S. economy.”
Michael Rauber is manager of advocacy communications at the National Association of Realtors®.
Why Clients Struggle to Sell — and How You Can Help
One
in five said that getting a house ready — repairs, cleaning, staging — was
the hardest part of selling a house.
By Clever Real Estate
Ask any real estate professional what clients fear most when selling a home, and the answer is often simple: everything. A recent survey of 1,000 homeowners confirms it — 88 percent say they feel anxious about selling and more than one in ten admit nothing could ever make them feel confident about the process, according to Clever Real Estate. That anxiety is striking, especially when paired with another data point: home sellers who used a Realtor® averaged $46,603 more in profit than those who went without an agent. For Realtors®, this isn’t just trivia. It’s a roadmap to better client service. From lowball offers to the emotional
difficulty of letting go, the data highlights the challenges agents must navigate if they want to guide clients through a smoother, less stressful transaction. Selling a home isn’t just about dollars and square footage. For most Americans, it’s an experience wrapped in emotion, uncertainty, and an oftenoverwhelming to-do list. That level of apprehension may sound extreme, but the details explain why. Between repairs, timing, lowball offers, and the looming reality of moving on from a place filled with memories, homeowners see selling less as a smooth business transaction and more as a stress-ridden balancing act.
When homeowners were asked what worried them most, the No. 1 answer wasn’t money, inspections, or even finding a new place — it was stress itself. Forty-two percent of sellers said “the stress” was their biggest fear. Close behind came the financial strain. Forty percent worried about costs like repairs, staging, and closing fees. And 85 percent feared being pressured into accepting a low offer, with over half saying they were “very concerned” about that happening. Home inspections were another common pressure point, with 58 percent convinced an inspection would uncover serious problems that could derail the sale.
Even the timing of a sale has homeowners on edge. Some fear they’ll be forced to move too quickly, while others dread watching their home sit unsold for weeks.
Preparing to Sell: The Hidden Burden
If you ask sellers what part of the process drains them most, many won’t point to negotiations or paperwork. They’ll point to the prep work. One in five said that getting a house ready — repairs, cleaning, staging — was the hardest stage of all.
The financial toll of that prep weighs heavily too. Nearly three-quarters of homeowners said the cost of repairs and updates would be difficult to manage, especially those still paying a mortgage. And almost half admitted they worried that skipping upgrades could prevent their home from selling altogether.
That’s why so many consider an alternative: selling to a cash-buyer company or investor. More than half said they’d entertain the idea just to avoid open houses, repairs, and months of showings — even if the final price tag came in lower.
The Emotional Roller Coaster
Beyond logistics and finances, there’s the emotional pull of leaving a home. A house isn’t just walls and a roof; it’s family dinners, backyard barbecues, the place you brought a new baby home to, or where you saw a child off to prom.
The survey found:
• 45 percent of homeowners expect to feel sadness when they sell.
• 44 percent cite stress about the move itself.
• One in three anticipate a sense of loss.
Women were more likely than men to anticipate negative emotions, and almost 9 in 10 homeowners said they’d miss something about their home — from the yard to the neighborhood, to simple quiet moments within familiar walls.
Still, not all feelings are negative. About a third also expect to feel relief once the process is over. For many, it’s a bittersweet mix of anxiety, nostalgia, and hope for what comes next.
Why So Many Delay Selling
It’s no wonder that only 22 percent of homeowners plan to sell in the next five years. Among those who don’t, 91 percent admit something is holding them back.
The reasons vary:
• Some don’t want to leave their neighborhood.
• Others dread packing and moving.
• Many worry about affordability — whether they can find or finance a new place.
• And nearly a quarter don’t want to give up a low mortgage rate they already have.
In fact, nearly half of current homeowners have mortgage rates below 4 percent, which makes moving even harder to justify. More than a third said they’d only feel comfortable selling if interest rates dropped.
Doubts About Agents
Even when homeowners decide to sell, many secondguess whether they can trust an agent to guide them. Nearly 80 percent expect to use a traditional or discount agent, yet almost as many worry about choosing the wrong one.
Their concerns are telling: high commissions, lack of attention, being pressured into bad decisions, or agents who seem more motivated by their own paycheck than the seller’s best interests.
What’s surprising is that many sellers said they’d still stick with an agent even if that agent made big mistakes — lying, being unprofessional, or worse. Once they commit, homeowners often feel stuck.
What Would Ease the Stress?
Despite all the tension, sellers aren’t hopeless. The survey shows clear ways to ease the process:
• Having a guaranteed or cash offer in hand.
• Securing a new home before selling the current one.
• Transparent breakdowns of costs.
• Extra help with inspections and renovations.
• And, perhaps most important, guidance from a trusted real estate professional.
Each of these steps makes the journey feel less like walking a high wire without a net and more like crossing a sturdy bridge.
Closing Thought
Selling a home may always carry a measure of stress — after all, it means letting go of a space tied to identity and memory. But with the right support and a clear plan, homeowners don’t have to feel like they’re bracing for disaster. They can approach the process with a little more confidence, knowing the fears they carry are common, shared by nearly every seller before them.
Hockey Night
Few things bring people together like hockey — especially when it’s for a great cause. On October 4 at the Delta Center, the Salt Lake Board of Realtors® hosted new major investors in the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) — those contributing $1,000 or more — for an exciting matchup between the Utah Mammoth and the San Jose Sharks. RPAC plays a vital role in protecting and strengthening the real estate profession by supporting leaders who champion private property rights and smart housing policy. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to RPAC; your support keeps our advocacy strong and has us close to reaching our goal this year. Final score: Mammoth 6, Sharks 4.
Photos: Marcus Jessop and Ashley McClelland
How to Lead Through Any Market
The brokerages that focus on people will be the ones still standing strong when the dust settles.
By Jill Butler
Let’s be honest: The last few years in real estate have been a roller coaster. Contract changes, consolidation, Department of Justice inquiries, rising interest rates, low inventory, constant uncertainty. Being a broker right now sometimes feels like juggling knives while riding a unicycle.
It’s tough out there. Tough to be a broker. Tough to be an agent. And the reality is it’s tough to be a practitioner in any market because change in this industry really is constant.
And yet, that’s exactly why leadership matters more than ever.
The best brokerages I’ve seen (and strive to build myself) have one thing in common: They create an environment that fosters both high support and high achievement.
Neither works in isolation. Too much “support only” and you get kumbaya circles where everyone feels good— right up until the bills arrive. Too much “achievement only” and you risk building a mercenary culture—agents with doors closed, competing instead of collaborating, and missing out on the magic of shared knowledge.
So how do we, as leaders, create that sweet spot?
1. Think Like a Talent Manager.
Our job isn’t just to manage—it’s to develop careers. That means coaching agents to build the right skill set, identify their lead pillars and create business plans that work. It means asking questions like, “Where do you want to be in three years?” and then helping them reverse-engineer the steps to get there. Be the trusted guide who keeps them focused on the long game, not just the next transaction.
When agents leave a brokerage, it’s often because they bought someone else’s vision for their future. Maybe they were promised leverage, more time or bigger growth. Don’t let someone else out dream you. Help your agents imagine what’s possible inside your walls— and then equip them with the tools and resources they need to get there.
3. Build Real Connections.
This one sounds obvious, but it’s the glue. Create peer-to-peer connections between staff, agents and leadership. Agents don’t stay just for the splits or the technology. They stay for the people they feel connected to. Culture isn’t built on posters and slogans—it’s built on conversations, masterminds and those “you’ve got this” hallway moments.
4. Stop Chasing Every Agent. Find the Right Ones.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need every agent. You need your right-fit agents, the ones who see the value in what you offer and can thrive within your system. Figure out what problem you solve best—whether that’s white-glove client service, leverage to give them time back, strong leads or a culture of collaboration—and then surprise and delight your people by doubling down on it.
When you get the right agents in the right environment, momentum builds. And once momentum is rolling, leadership feels a lot less like juggling knives and a lot more like coaching a championship team.
Here’s the leadership litmus test I use: Would I want my own kid to work in this brokerage culture? If the answer is yes, then I know we’re building something that lasts.
The next decade won’t belong to the brokerages with the flashiest tech stack or the lowest split. It will
belong to the brokerages that marry excellence with empathy—who build cultures where achievement and support coexist, where agents thrive personally and professionally, and where vision outpaces fear.
So, here’s the challenge: Lead boldly, love your agents well, and never underestimate the power of culture Because with the complexity of this industry, the brokerages that focus on people—agents, staff and clients—will be the ones still standing strong when the dust settles.
Jill Butler founded RedKey Realty Leaders St. Louis in 2012, an independent real estate agency created on a foundation of love, service, and fun. Reprinted from Realtor® Magazine Online, October 2025, with permission of the National Association of Realtors®. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
1. Location of known Office of Publication: 772 E. 3300 S., Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
2. Location of known Headquarters of General Business offices of the Publisher: 772 E. 3300 S., Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
3. Publisher: Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 E. 3300 S., Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
4. Editor: Dave Anderton, Salt Lake Board of Realtors, 230 W. Towne Ridge Parkway, Suite 200, Sandy, Utah 84070
5. Owner: Salt Lake Board of Realtors, 230 W. Towne Ridge Parkway, Suite 200, Sandy, Utah 84070
6. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None.
The National Association of Realtors® announced the 10 finalists for its 2025 Good Neighbor Awards today. These awards honor NAR members who make extraordinary differences in their communities through volunteer work by giving time, money, energy and expertise to uplift people. Now in its 26th year, the Good Neighbor Awards have recognized 260 agents who are REALTORS® who have made an impact in 44 states, Puerto Rico and 17 countries worldwide.
“Each of these finalists reminds us that the heart of real estate is people and communities,” said NAR President Kevin Sears. “Their efforts go far beyond helping clients buy or sell a home. They are building hope, opportunity and stronger communities every single day.”
Five winners, as determined by judges, will each receive a $10,000 grant and national media exposure for their charity. Five honorable mentions will receive $2,500 grants. The public can vote for their favorite finalist as a Web Choice Favorite between October 7 and November 6 by visiting realtor.com/goodneighbor. The top votegetter will take home $2,500 for their charity, and the
second- and third-place finishers will each receive $1,250. Both the winners and the Web Choice Favorites will be announced on November 10.
The 10 NAR Good Neighbor Awards finalists are as follows:
Brian Boven (Rockford, MI)
Homes Giving Hope
In five years, Brian Boven has secured five houses that enable 18 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently with support. Working alongside his co-founder and his wife, Sara, Brian helps Homes Giving Hope facilitate life skills training and instill the confidence and sense of community that these adults need to live their best lives.
Cindy Bradley (Knoxville, TN)
Sacred Ground Hospice House
After the death of her husband, Cindy Bradley turned her personal loss into a gift for families who are facing end-of-life care. She founded and funded the only hospice center in her area, and in four years it has cared
for nearly 800 patients who spent their last days in a compassionate, comfortable home environment.
Kimberly Clifton (Tucson, AZ)
Tierra Antigua Hope Foundation
Kim Clifton’s mission is to help people living at or below the poverty line, especially when it means keeping families together. Working in partnership with child welfare programs, she responds to immediate needs for critical items like car seats, cribs and beds, which are required to place children with family members instead of foster care. She also supports teens graduating from the foster system at age 18.
Betsy Herald (Boston, MA)
Great Dog Rescue New England
Betsy Herald co-founded a shelterless dog rescue organization by cultivating a wide network of foster families across New England to care for dogs until they are adopted. She has helped save more than 29,000 dogs and raised $1 million for medical care, food and transport. To coordinate so many adoptions, the organization employs women who are leaving abusive relationships.
Jantrice Johnson (Murfreesboro, TN)
We Give/Back to School Bash
For Jantrice Johnson, what began as a simple back-toschool supply drive has grown into a community-wide mission. Since 2014, her nonprofit We Give has reached more than 10,000 vulnerable students across Middle Tennessee. From school supplies to haircuts, she serves children experiencing poverty and homelessness, while ensuring they are treated with dignity and compassion.
Ken Larson (Duluth, MN)
Northern Lights Foundation
Ken Larson has rallied the Duluth community to ensure that families and children feel supported during their darkest days. His foundation, which honors the memory of the daughter he lost as a newborn, has provided grants to more than 300 families with a child facing a life-threatening illness.
Ray Manzoni (Mount Sinai, NY)
ALS Ride For Life
Ray Manzoni has been a champion for ALS patients and their families since 1998, when he decided to support a friend who had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease. Since then, Manzoni has helped raise millions and has advocated for patient services like respite care, specialized vans, and home renovations to accommodate wheelchairs.
Scott Matthias (Greenwood Village, CO)
Knock Knock Angels Colorado
Scott Matthias co-founded Knock Knock Angels Colorado to help veterans overcoming homelessness by providing all the furniture, dishes, linens and decorations they need to make their house a home. Following a model created by 2020 Good Neighbor Award Winner Vickie Lobo in California, Scott has helped complete full home
makeovers and provided household goods to hundreds of people making a fresh start.
Stacey Ruwe (Spring Lake, MI)
Soup For All Inc DBA Homeless Prevention Partners
When a job loss, illness or sudden hardship pushes a family to the edge of eviction or foreclosure, Stacey Ruwe delivers emergency housing aid – often within 48 hours. Her personal approach helps prevent homelessness for about 60 families each year, and she coordinates other assistance – like utility payments and food – for 1,000 families annually through a vast community network.
JacQuan Winters (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation
JacQuan Winters launched his nonprofit after the heartbreaking loss of his 11-year-old sister to suicide. His foundation is the only organization in West Alabama focused solely on youth mental health and suicide prevention. He has authored children’s books and visited hundreds of classrooms to teach coping skills and resilience. The foundation’s outreach programs have reached 20,000 children.
Nominees were judged on their personal contributions of time as well as financial and material resources to benefit their causes. NAR’s Good Neighbor Awards are supported by primary sponsor Realtor.com®.
“The Good Neighbor Awards finalists exemplify the steadfast commitment of agents who are REALTORS® to elevate lives and fortify communities, and it’s why Realtor.com® remains a devoted, long-standing sponsor,” said Mickey Neuberger, Chief Marketing Officer of Realtor.com®. “We invite everyone to cast their vote for their Web Choice Favorite and celebrate these remarkable individuals whose profound impact inspires us all to make a lasting difference.”
About the National Association of REALTORS®
The National Association of REALTORS® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes – from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation – visit facts.realtor.
About Realtor.com®
Realtor.com® pioneered online real estate and has been at the forefront for over 25 years, connecting buyers, sellers, and renters with trusted insights, professional guidance and powerful tools to help them find their perfect home. Recognized as the No. 1 site trusted by real estate professionals, Realtor.com® is a valued partner, delivering consumer connections and a robust suite of marketing tools to support business growth. Realtor.com® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc.
August 2025 Housing Watch
Salt Lake County
Active Listings Up, Sales Down — But Relief May Be Ahead
Salt Lake County’s housing market cooled a bit in August. Just over 1,100 homes sold, a 2.2% dip from the same month last year. Year-to-date sales tell a similar story: 8,131 homes sold from January through August, about 3.4% fewer than in 2024.
Nationwide, though, sales ticked up. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported a 1.8% increase in August compared with last year. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explained the split: “Sales have been sluggish over the past few years due to elevated mortgage rates and limited inventory. However, mortgage rates are declining, and more inventory is coming to the market, which should boost sales in the coming months.”
That inventory story is already playing out locally. Active listings at the end of August reached 3,278 — nearly 24% higher than last year. Homes are also taking a bit longer to sell, with the typical property on the market for 40 days, up from 30.
Prices remain on the rise. The median price for all housing types in Salt Lake County climbed to $555,000, up 4.7% from last August. Single-family homes hit $626,000, while condos and townhomes held steady at $425,000.
The Rate Factor
As of late September, the average 30-year mortgage rate sat at 6.3%. That’s still high by historical standards, but down from peaks earlier this year. And when rates fall, even modestly, buyers notice. Lower borrowing costs can ease monthly payments and bring hesitant first-time buyers into the market. They also loosen the grip of the “lock-in effect” that’s kept many homeowners from moving — people don’t want to trade their low mortgage for a higher one.
To put it in perspective: on a $500,000 home with a 30-year loan, the monthly payment at 7% is about $3,328. Drop the rate to 6% and the payment falls to roughly $2,998 — a savings of about $330 every month. That difference doesn’t just make homeownership more comfortable; it also boosts buying power. With the same monthly budget, a buyer who could afford a $500,000 home at 7% could stretch to around $555,000 at 6%.
If rates continue to slip, the combination of growing inventory and more affordable financing could put some much-needed energy back into the market this fall and winter.
“Mortgage rates are declining, and more inventory is coming to the market, which should boost sales in the coming months.”
Lawrence Yun Chief Economist National Association of Realtors®
Salt Lake County
Local Market Update for August 2025
NO. OF SALES
Pamela Abbott
Judy Allen
Suzanne Allred
George Anastasopoulos
Brent Anderson
Clay Anderson
Diane Anderson
Sue Avalos
Margaret Averett
Laurence Bailess
Les Bailey
Brent Barnum
Veda Barrie-Weatherbee
Edward Belka
Ken Bell
Raymond Bennett
Richard C. Bennion
Steven Benton
Gregg Bohling
Russell Booth
Virginia Bostrom
Robert Bowles
Mary Ann Brady
Stephen Bryant
Barbara Burt
Hedy Calabrese
Gary Cannon
Tracey Cannon
Julie Carli
Carol Cetraro
Scott Chapman
Garn Christensen
Byron Christiansen
David Clark
Deborah Clark
Terry Cononelos
Jeffery Cook
Philip Craig
Robert Davis
Brian De Haan
Babs De Lay
Lynn Despain
Jerard Dinkelman
Darlene Dipo
Sally Domichel
Rebecca Duberow
James Dunn
Carol Edgmon
Douglas Edmunds
Bijan Fakhrieh
Robert Farnsworth
Jack Fisher
Gale Frandsen
David Frederickson
Howard Freiss
Brent Gardner
Heidi Gardner
Paul Gardner
Linda Geer
Sheila Gelman
J. Carolyn Gezon
Richard Grow
Klair Gunn
James Haines
John Hamilton
Mark Handy
Grant Harrison
Michael Hatch
Thomas Haycock
Bill Heiner
Jeffrey Helotes
Marvin Hendrickson
Terry Hill-Black
Lynda Hobson
Sheryl Holmes
Carol Howell
Gary Huntsman
Blake Ingram
Kent Ingram
Esther Israelson
Kevin Jensen
Ron Jenson
Jeffrey Jonas
Steve Judd
David Kenney
Henry Kesler
Douglas Knight
Peggy Knight
Randall Krantz
Leah Krueger
Gary Larson
Teresa Larson
Vann Larson
Fred Law
Michael Lawrence
Shauna Leake
Kaye LeCheminant
Daniel Lindberg
Michael Lindsay
Mildred Llewelyn
Don Louie
Ted Makris
Margaret Malherbe
Al Mansell
David Mansell
Dennis Marchant
Susan Mark-Lunde
Paul Markosian
Ronnald Marshall
Susie Martindale
Christopher McCandless
Curtis McDougal
Miriam McFadden
John McGee
Russell McKague
Andrew McNeil
Elizabeth Memmott
Uwe Michel
Gordon Milar
Kyle Miller
Preston Miller
David Moench
Gary Monk
H.Craig Moody
Randal Moore
Thomas Morgan
Charles Mulford
Melanie Mumford
Jacqueline Nicholl
John Nielson
Robyn Nielson
Victor Oishi
Joseph Olschewski
Brent Parsons
Joan Pate
Yvonne Pauls
Derk Pehrson
Douglas Pell
Robert Plumb
David Read
George Richards
W. Kalmar Robbins
Emilie Rogan
Marie Rosol
Christopher Ross
David Sampson
Mark Schneggenburger
Gary Shiner
Jeff Sidwell
Kent Singleton
Debra Sjoblom
Elizabeth Smith
Kenneth Smith
Rick Smith
Skip Smith
Lorenzo Spencer
Kenneth Sperling
Anna Grace Sperry
Robert Spicer
Trudi Stark
Lee Stern
Sandra Straley
Gary Strang
John Strasser
Kevin Strong
Thomas Swallow
Sonny Tangaro
Joan Taylor
Rosanne Terry
Martin Vander Veur
Craig Vierig
Hilea Walker
H. Blaine Walker
Dana Walton
Jerry Webber
William Wegener
David Weissman
Jeffrey Wells
Jeff White
Clayton Wilkinson
Thomas Wilkinson
Kimball Willey
Douglass Winder
Robert Wiskirchen
James Witherspoon
Linda Wolcott
Cynthia Wood
Sherrill Wood
Margene Wrigley
DISCOVER THE ADVENTURE-READY, CITY-SAVVY 2025
BMW X3.
When you pair “adventure ready” with “city savvy,” you’ll find a vehicle that lives at the intersection of downtown avenues and mountain roads: the BMW X3.
With a reimagined design and sporty handling, the latest iteration of this icon doesn’t just tackle any journey with ease; it draws attention while doing it.
And it wouldn’t earn the X3 name without versatility at its heart and a premium interior that makes it unmistakably BMW.
Visit BMW of Murray or BMW of Pleasant Grove for exceptional offers on the BMW X3.
BMW of Murray
4735 S. State Street
Murray, Utah
801-262-2479
bmwofmurray.com
BMW of Pleasant Grove 2111 West Grove Parkway
Pleasant Grove, Utah 801-443-2000
bmwofpg.com
RECOGNIZING ONE OF OUR BEST
REAL ESTATE PIONEER, REALTOR®
½ Started her Career, 1972
½ Made the Million Dollar Club, SLBR, 1978
½ President/Founder of the Utah CRS Chapter, 1981
½ Director of the Salt Lake Board, 1980–1984
½ Education Instructor
½ Lifetime Member, Million Dollar Club, 1984
½ CRS Person of the Year, 1987
½ Salt Lake Board President's Circle, 1987
½ Sandy Chamber of Commerce Peak Award
½ Opened Distinctive Properties Brokerage, 2001
½ Salt Lake Board Broker of the Year, 2009
½ Merged With Windermere, 2009
½ Windermere Meraki Award, 2018
Watch Darlene's Career Highlight Video
Please join us for a celebration of her career
October 28th | 3–5pm | Windermere Draper Office 693 E 12200 S, Suite 200, Draper, UT | Please RSVP: rsvp@wincre.com
We're proud of the company we keep winutah.com/joinus
