🏡 Good morning, neighbors! 🐝

More homes to choose from, bigger price reductions, and buyers willing to walk away—this fall’s market is giving families plenty to think about. In today’s Home Sweet Buzz, Todd breaks down what’s happening close to home, answers the “buy first or sell first?” question, and explains why repairs matter before you list. Plus, our Mortgage Minute looks at a different way to negotiate your next purchase.

🏡 HOME SWEET BUZZ is proudly presented in partnership with Todd Porter & Tammy Swain | SURE Synergy United Real Estate Group

🏡 The Price of a “Yes” Has Nearly Tripled

By Todd Porter

Last spring, Davis County homes under contract had been reduced an average of about $6,700 before a buyer signed. This week, that number is $18,097.

That’s a 170% increase—and it tells us something about where today’s negotiating is happening.

These figures measure the difference between a home’s original asking price and its list price when it went under contract. They aren’t discounts off the final sale price. They show how far sellers adjusted their expectations before finding a buyer.

Here’s this week’s picture:

• 1,120 homes for sale across Davis County—the highest weekly count this year.

• 288 homes under contract, compared with 465 on April 30.

• Active listings have already been reduced an average of $19,975, and they’re still waiting.

Bountiful’s shift is even bigger

Back in April, Bountiful’s 46 homes under contract had been reduced an average of just $483. This week’s 24 pending homes had been reduced an average of $28,296.

The average wait before getting a buyer’s signature also stretched from 23.5 days to 87 days.

But here’s the encouraging part: the 58 homes that closed countywide this week sold for 99.1% of their final asking price.

Much of the price adjustment is happening before the offer arrives, through public reductions. Once sellers reach a number buyers will accept, the gap between that final asking price and the closing price can be much smaller.

What should sellers do with that information?

Tammy and I see this every week. Most sellers aren’t being unreasonable. They’re working from a neighbor’s spring sale or an online estimate that hasn’t caught up with their competition.

Our approach comes down to three things:

1. Find your price before you list. Our EPIC Home Value System looks at what buyers are agreeing to pay now, in your neighborhood, for homes like yours.

2. Address what buyers will discount. Fix & List can help with needed updates, while Certified Turnkey Home™ helps buyers understand the home’s condition upfront.

3. Make your launch count. Pair a well-supported price with strong marketing from day one, including our reach through Real Estate Essentials on ABC 4, Hulu, Telemundo and MoveTube.

No plan can guarantee a quick sale. But starting with current information gives you a stronger position than testing yesterday’s price and reducing it through the holidays.

For buyers: Homes that have been sitting and taking reductions may offer room to discuss closing costs or a rate buydown. The opportunity depends on the home and the seller’s situation.

Wondering where your home fits? Text 801-755-1882 for a no-pressure equity check. Tammy and I will help you look at the numbers before you make your next move.

If for any reason, property tax concerns, estate planning, wealth evaluation, you are wondering what the present value of your home; scan this QR code or go to https://sureut.com/epicreport and we will promptly provide you with our detailed professionally engineered EPIC Report:

💬 Heather from Kaysville asks:

“We’ve outgrown our place and found two homes we love in Farmington. With so many homes for sale and fewer buyers, isn’t selling first the only safe move? And if we sell first, where do we live?”

👉 Todd and Tammy answer:

Heather, that’s the move-up homeowner’s dilemma: you don’t want two mortgage payments, but you don’t want to move twice either.

Selling first is one option, but it isn’t your only option. The right sequence depends on your financing, your home’s readiness and what the seller of your next home will accept.

In Kaysville, there are 74 homes for sale and 21 under contract this week. But among the five homes that closed, the typical one found a buyer in six days and sold for 99.4% of its original asking price.

That’s a small sample, but it shows that some homes are still moving quickly.

On the buying side, Farmington has 80 homes for sale and 17 under contract. Active listings have been reduced an average of 3.77%. A seller whose home has been sitting may be willing to consider a home-sale contingency, which makes your purchase dependent on selling your current home under agreed terms.

Here’s where Tammy and I would start:

First, get a realistic value for your Kaysville home. You need a current number to plan your purchase budget.

Next, get your home ready. If a seller considers your contingent offer, being prepared to list promptly can strengthen it.

Then, talk with your lender before writing an offer. Find out whether you qualify to carry both homes temporarily and what any bridge financing would cost.

From there, we can explore a contingent purchase or selling first with a negotiated rent-back, allowing you to remain in your home temporarily after closing. Either arrangement requires agreement from the other party.

The goal is to line up your sale, purchase and financing before you commit. You may have more flexibility than you think—and planning ahead can help you avoid an unnecessary double move.

Got a Real Estate question?
👉 Submit a question for next week’s edition 
Call us at 801-755-1882, and let’s build your
custom plan to win in this market.

💰 A Lower Price—or Help With Closing Costs?

Shopping for a home before the holidays? Look at both the asking price and how much cash you’ll need to close.

Freddie Mac’s October 22 report puts the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 7.32%, down from 7.40% last week. That’s a little relief, although your individual quote will vary.

With Todd reporting more Davis County listings and bigger price reductions, here’s a question to bring to your lender: Would a lower purchase price or a seller credit help me more?

A lower price reduces what you pay for the home. A negotiated seller credit can help cover eligible closing costs, preserving cash for moving expenses and your financial cushion heading into the holidays. Credits must fit your loan program’s rules.

Your next step: Ask your lender to compare both options side by side—including the monthly payment and total cash needed at closing. The CFPB also recommends comparing Loan Estimates from multiple lenders. A little homework now can help you choose a mortgage that fits your budget.

📚 Learn more: Freddie Mac’s weekly rates • Understanding your Loan Estimate

🏡 This Week’s listings & Open Houses
in Davis County

🏘️Your Weekend Open-House Report

Scan or click the QR Code below for a complete list of
open houses happening around Davis County.
👇👇👇👇 

Buyers Aren’t Negotiating Repairs Anymore.
They’re Walking.

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

📱Call/Text: 801-755-1882
📧 Email: [email protected]