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Happy 4th of July!
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
Advertising information may be obtained by calling (801) 467-9419 or by visiting www.millspub.com
Managing Editor Dave Anderton
Publisher Mills Publishing, Inc. www.millspub.com
President Dan Miller
Office Administrator Cynthia Bell Snow
Art Director Jackie Medina
Graphic Design
Ken Magleby Patrick Witmer Sales Staff Paula Bell Dan Miller
Salt Lake Board: (801) 542-8840 e-mail: dave@slrealtors.com Web Site: www.slrealtors.com
in articles are their own and do not necessarily reflect positions of the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS® Permission will be granted in most cases, upon written request, to reprint or reproduce articles and photographs in this issue, provided proper credit is given to The Salt Lake REALTOR as well as to any writers and photographers whose names appear with the articles and photographs. While unsolicited original manuscripts and photographs related to the real estate profession are welcome, no payment is made for their use in the publication.
Views and opinions expressed in the editorial and advertising content of the The Salt Lake REALTOR are not necessarily endorsed by the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS . However, advertisers do make publication of this magazine possible, so consideration of products and services listed is greatly appreciated.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SALT LAKE BOARD OF REALTORS ®
July is a month bursting with BBQs, outdoor adventures, fireworks, and patriotic celebrations!
For my family, this holiday carries a deeper, more personal significance. We immigrated to the United States in 1980. My parents left behind their friends, extended family, and established careers in pursuit of a single, powerful dream: a better life for their children. None of us spoke English when we arrived, yet we wore smiles on our faces and carried gratitude in our hearts.
In 1984, we proudly became U.S. citizens—a day marked by overwhelming joy and pride. For us, American citizenship was more than a milestone; it was a dream fulfilled. And yes, becoming die-hard New England Patriots fans was part of the package!
One of my parents’ biggest hopes in coming to America was owning a home. In Beirut, Lebanon, that dream would have remained just that—a dream. But only one year after arriving, in 1981, they made it a reality. Despite FHA interest rates soaring to 19% at the time, they bought our first home. The rate didn’t matter. Homeownership did.
I share this story to highlight the enduring power and promise of homeownership. Even today, countless families are chasing that same dream. Over the past few years, fluctuating interest rates, rising home prices, and economic uncertainty have caused many potential homeowners to hesitate—waiting for the “perfect” moment.
But here’s the truth:
Our role as real estate professionals is to lead with confidence. Our duty is to educate and empower.
Our mission is to illuminate the long-term value and stability of owning a home.
Let’s remind our clients and communities that dreams—like the one my parents had—are still alive and achievable. Let’s be the steady guide that turns “maybe one day” into “we did it!”
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Independence Day.
May freedom, opportunity, and the American Dream continue to
Claire Larson President
REALTOR
Happenings
Salt Lake City is Nation’s 30th Most Expensive Housing Metro Area
Eight of the top 10 most expensive housing markets in the U.S. are in California, according to the latest National Association of Realtors® (NAR) quarterly price index. In the first quarter, Salt Lake City ranked as the 30th most expensive metro area out of 228, with a median home price of $557,000.
Utah RRC Holds Summer Soiree
At the top of the list was San Jose, Calif., where the median price soared to $2.02 million, while Decatur, Illinois, was the most affordable, with a median price of $138,000. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun attributed the high prices in certain metros to years of underproduction in housing supply and noted that low homeownership rates in those areas often reflect more unequal wealth distribution.
In June, the Utah Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) hosted its annual Summer Solstice Soirée at Tiburon restaurant in Sandy. The RRC confers the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation to Realtors® who meet rigorous standards in experience, education, and completed transactions. According to the National Association of Realtors®, CRS designees earn nearly three times more in income, transactions, and gross sales than non-designee Realtors®. “RRC is the gateway to earning your CRS designation,” said Jen Mascaro, president of Utah RRC. “It’s a game changer when you take the time to earn your CRS. The designation has taught me to recognize the value Realtors® provide to their clients and how to better organize my business. It trains you to become a solution finder.” For more information, visit CRS.com.
In the News
This summer’s selling season isn’t shaping up the way many had hoped, according to Inman News. Just 28% of listings are selling above asking price—the lowest level recorded since the summer of 2020. Similarly, only 36.7% of homes are going under contract within two weeks, also marking a low not seen since mid-2020. These indicators, among others, suggest that in many parts of the country, the market is shifting in favor of buyers.
However, high mortgage rates, elevated home prices, economic uncertainty, and tariffs continue to keep many buyers on the sidelines.
In Utah, active listings reached 10,782 statewide in the first quarter of this year— up 49% from 7,246 listings in Q1 of 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As mortgage rates remain high, many markets are slowing as buyers become pickier amid expensive borrowing costs. In this type of market, buyers have more leverage, and they may be looking to get more bang for their buck,” writes Luke Babich of Clever Real Estate.
When buyers do decide to act, they’re looking for beautiful, turnkey homes that are move-in ready. They’re no longer settling for whatever is available—and that mindset extends to their choice of agent. Today’s buyers expect knowledgeable, attentive professionals who understand their needs and can help them navigate an increasingly complex housing market.
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Bold Living, Smart Design: Inside
the 79th Annual Salt Lake Parade of Homes
Imagine a home so efficient it can be heated with the energy of a single hair dryer—that’s the kind of innovation on display in this year’s Salt Lake's Parade of Homes. Each summer, the Salt Lake Home Builders Association (SLHBA) invites Utahns to step inside some of the most cutting-edge and inspiring homes in the state. This year’s 79th annual Parade of Homes— running August 1–16, 2025—offers more than just a stroll through beautifully staged residences. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.
From wellness-inspired interiors to passive house engineering, the Parade serves up a stunning range of experiences for homebuyers, industry pros, and design lovers alike. The Salt Lake Board of Realtors® asked Eden Nelson, Parade Director, what’s in store this year.
What emerging architectural or interior design trends are most prominent in this year’s Parade? This year’s Parade reveals a range of forward-looking architectural and interior design trends. A notable movement is toward multi-generational living, with homes like Elysium @ Gracey Lane offering private loft apartments and basement ADUs. The emphasis on wellness and spa-inspired living is also strong, featuring infrared saunas, cold plunges, and owner’s suites that feel like personal retreats.
Utah homeowners are increasingly prioritizing recreation and entertainment at home—many Parade homes include racquetball courts, theaters, golf simulators, and full gyms. Aesthetic trends lean toward organic modernism, incorporating natural materials, vertical plant walls, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Design styles like modern mining and farmhouse also
remain popular, seen in standout entries like Serenity and Charleston Place.
How are homes selected for the Parade?
Selection for the Parade is highly competitive and guided by a set of key criteria. Homes are chosen based on their architectural uniqueness, innovative features, and the builder’s reputation and good standing within the SLHBA. The goal is to showcase a diverse portfolio that captures the imagination of every kind of homebuyer—from the minimalist to the luxury enthusiast.
How many people typically tour the Parade? What makes the event so popular?
Last year’s Parade saw over 78,000 digital home scans, and organizers anticipate even greater engagement in 2025. The event’s popularity stems from its deep roots—Salt Lake hosted the nation’s very first Parade of Homes in 1946—and from its ability to continually showcase cutting-edge design, luxury features, and broad affordability across the lineup.
Parade homes have even caught the eye of major media, with some being featured on HGTV. But at its core, the Parade remains a celebration of community connection and the enduring appeal of well-crafted homes.
Talk about Cross Construction’s 14,715 sq. ft. passive home in Bluffdale. What features make this home stand out? How are builders addressing energy efficiency and sustainability?
Among the show-stoppers this year is Project One by Cross Construction, a 14,715 sq. ft. masterpiece in Bluffdale built to Passive House standards. Recognized as the world’s largest passive home, this architectural feat blends sustainability with stunning design.
What exactly is a Passive House? These ultra-efficient structures—certified by PHIUS or PHI—use up to 85% less energy than conventional homes. They’re so wellinsulated and airtight that they can be heated with the equivalent energy output of a single hair dryer. Project One also features standout amenities: a Hobbit-inspired playroom, racquetball court, spa retreat, and dedicated theater, showing how function and luxury can coexist in a low-energy footprint.
What are the most in-demand features among Utah buyers?
This year’s homes reflect the priorities of today’s Utah homebuyers, including:
• Gourmet kitchens and butler’s pantries
• ADUs and multi-generational layouts
• Energy-efficient systems and EV-ready garages
• Home theaters, gyms, and sports courts
• Expansive outdoor living spaces with pools, decks, and kitchens
Buyers want spaces that are both beautiful and highly usable, with flexibility and personalization as core values.
What events surround the Parade?
In addition to home tours, several can’t-miss events will elevate the Parade experience:
• Chef’s on Parade – July 29
Early access to four featured homes while sampling creations from local chefs. Attendees vote for the best culinary talent. Tickets: $75 at saltlakeparade.com
• Realtor® Day – July 30
Realtors enjoy deeply discounted access, plus a vendor fair, food trucks, games, raffle prizes, and DJ entertainment.
• Parade Premier Party – July 31
A charity event at one of the most dazzling homes in the Parade, featuring live music, gourmet food from Park City Culinary, fireworks, and more. Limited tickets available online.
• Parade Grand Opening – August 1
Hosted at the Terraine cluster site, this public launch party includes food trucks, live music, and no extra ticket required.
What is the Terraine community?
Located in West Jordan, Terraine is a master-planned community with a strong sense of place and a commitment to sustainable living. Described as “the village that thinks it’s a camp,” Terraine combines modern design with natural landscapes and a thoughtful approach to environmental stewardship. The community hub, The Shed, serves as a basecamp,
work-from-home station, event space, and welcome center—featuring rotating art exhibits and inviting seasonal spaces. From sledding hills and meadow trails to native landscaping and drought-tolerant gardens, Terraine invites residents to live well and do good.
Why the expansion into Tooele County?
For the first time in years, the Parade features four homes in Tooele County. The expansion reflects:
• High demand for new housing in Utah’s outer suburbs
• Larger lot availability
• Scenic views and growing infrastructure
Tooele’s inclusion represents the Parade’s evolving geographic reach and the state’s broader housing growth trends.
Are there any noteworthy first-time builders or innovative features among the 2025 homes?
Several first-time builders are leaving their mark this year:
• Hamlet Homes is debuting two homes featured on a hit HGTV show.
• Bya Interiors Design & Build is showcasing a model that doubles as a design studio/showroom.
• Cross Construction is breaking records with its world’s largest passive home.
• Kirk D Pearson Construction impresses with a tiny home ADU and garden bathroom, showcasing small-scale innovation.
What are the biggest challenges home builders in Utah are facing today?
Utah builders continue to face significant challenges, including:
• Rising material and labor costs
• Navigating increasingly complex regulations and permitting processes
Despite these hurdles, the quality and creativity of homes in the Parade show how resilient and adaptable the industry has become.
What do today’s buyers want most?
In 2025, buyers are clearly prioritizing:
• Flexible floorplans like lofts, ADUs, and multi-gen setups
• Luxury finishes, from spa-like bathrooms to chef’s kitchens
• Outdoor living amenities including pools, pickleball courts, and large patios
This shift toward personalization, well-being, and multifunctional living reflects a deeper evolution in how Utahns view “home.”
The 79th Annual Salt Lake Parade of Homes
Homes
City Point Homes Draper | 8,236 sq. ft.
Interiors Design &
Cross Construction
David Weekley Homes
West Jordan | 3,730 sq. ft.
Gordon Milar Construction
Sandy | 7,617 sq. ft.
Destination Homes
South Jordan | 4,350 sq. ft.
GTM Builders
Grantsville | 3,522 sq. ft.
Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives in Salt Lake City
Hamlet Homes
Grantsville | 5,478 Sq. ft.
Ivory Homes
Holladay | 5,091 sq. ft.
Hamlet Homes
Grantsville | 5,461 Sq. ft.
Ivory Homes
West Jordan | 4,080 sq. ft.
THANK YOU
To our incredible Realtor partners.
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We’re honored to work alongside you and excited for all we’ll accomplish together moving forward.
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Erda | 5,730 sq. ft.
Sego Homes
West Jordan | 1,852 sq. ft.
Rainey Homes
West Jordan | 4,864 sq. ft.
Symphony Homes
Riverton | 7,501 sq. ft.
369 Homes
Toll Brothers
Wright Homes Herriman
Realtors® Tee Off for Advocacy at Annual RPAC Golf Tournament
Members of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors® participated in the annual RPAC Golf Tournament at Thanksgiving Point in June. The event featured 18 holes of golf, lunch, and a variety of prizes. Proceeds supported the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC), which advocates for the election of pro-Realtor® candidates at both the local and national levels. The winning women’s team included Laura Fidler, Lisa Jungemann, Sharon Spratley, and DeAnna Robbins. Chris Kyler, Milo Merrill, and Carter Merrill made up the winning men’s team.
Photos: Dave Anderton
Contract Signings Ticked Up Slightly, Capping Off a Sluggish Spring
May saw a boost in housing transactions across all U.S. regions, with potential buyers in the West seeing the biggest percent jump.
By Eliana Block
The weather is warming up, and the housing market may be, too, following a slow start to what’s typically peak homebuying season.
Pending home sales—a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings—experienced a subtle increase of 1.8% in May compared to April and were up 1.1% from a year ago, the National Association of Realtors® said. This slight rise may point to the market becoming less volatile following a 6.3% decrease in contract signings in April and 6.1% increase in March.
“Consistent job gains and rising wages are modestly helping the housing market,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Hourly wages are increasing faster than home prices. However, mortgage rate fluctuations are the primary driver of homebuying decisions and impact housing affordability more than wage gains.”
The latest uptick in sales contracts follows another mildly encouraging sign for the housing market: Existing-home sales inched up 0.8% in May. While the gain was modest for the typically active spring selling season, it marked the first month-over-month increase since February for completed, existing-home sales, NAR’s research showed.
Yun noted that if mortgage rates decrease in the second half of the year, he expected home sales nationwide to rise even more, given strong income growth and a record-high number of jobs.
The average 30-year-fixed rate was 6.77% for the week ending June 26, according to Freddie Mac.
Aside from mortgage rates, inventory—which is up 20% nationally from a year ago—is also affecting contracts.
“The Northeast’s housing shortage is boosting home prices, with more than a quarter of homes selling above list price,” Yun said. “Conversely, more inventory in the South gives home buyers greater negotiation power. Price declines in the South should be considered temporary given the region’s strong job creation.”
According to NAR’s Pending Homes Sales Index, May saw a boost in housing transactions across all U.S. regions, with potential buyers in the West seeing the biggest percent jump:
• Northeast: Pending home sales rose 2.1% in May compared to the prior month but dipped 0.5% relative to last year.
• Midwest: The middle of the country saw a 0.3% uptick in contract signings month-over-month and a 2.6% gain year-over-year.
• South: Buyers signed 1.0% more contracts in May relative to April and 2.0% more versus 2024.
• West: Pending home sales climbed 6.0% over last month’s estimates but fell about 1.2% short of last year’s. Eliana Block is a business writer for Realtor® Magazine. She can be reached at eblock@nar.realtor.
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Court: Landlords Have Constitutional Right to Repayment
The Federal Circuit’s decision underscores the rights of property owners to pursue compensation claims arising from the CDC eviction moratorium.
By Michael Rauber
In a major development for property rights advocates, a new court ruling reaffirms that landlords have the right to pursue compensation claims for losses suffered during the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eviction moratorium.
On June 6, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied the federal government’s petition for a rehearing in Darby v. United States, a case claiming the CDC’s eviction moratorium was unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment.
The decision marks a significant victory for property owners. By upholding the Darby ruling, the court maintains the legal framework that protects housing providers against uncompensated government takings.
Darby v. United States
The roots of the case trace back to September 2020, when the CDC, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, imposed a nationwide moratorium on residential evictions. While intended to curb the spread of the virus, the order placed significant financial strain on many mom-and-pop housing providers, who were left without income.
The case was brought by the Georgia and Alabama Associations of Realtors® and other property providers, with legal advocacy support from the National Association of Realtors®. In July 2021, the Darby plaintiffs sued the U.S. government, claiming the CDC’s eviction moratorium was an unconstitutional taking of property without compensation.
Stock
Although the Supreme Court later ruled the CDC had exceeded its authority, the government argued claims couldn’t arise from unauthorized actions. The Federal Circuit disagreed, holding that the moratorium could still be considered authorized for takings analysis, allowing housing providers to pursue compensation.
NAR’s Legal Advocacy at Work
NAR played a critical role in this case, filing an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs and forcefully arguing that the CDC moratorium constituted a per se taking. NAR made clear that the eviction ban had widespread, devastating financial consequences for housing providers, especially independent owners of small rental properties. ®
When the CDC’s moratorium was originally struck down, NAR issued a statement: “No federal agency should have the authority to override property rights and create sweeping policy without Congressional action.”
What Comes Next?
While the Federal Circuit’s decision is a meaningful win for property owners, the legal battle may not be over. The denial of the government’s rehearing request was
not unanimous, and the government may still petition the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.
Regardless of the outcome, this ruling ensures that property owners will have their day in court—and underscores the enduring importance of protecting constitutional property rights.
“NAR is the largest private property rights organization in America, and this mission remains a cornerstone of our legal advocacy efforts. As this case develops, NAR will continue to monitor proceedings closely and advocate on behalf of its members and property owners across the country,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
“The Federal Circuit’s decision underscores an essential principle: even in times of crisis, the constitutional rights of property owners must be respected,” McGahn said. “That’s why NAR strongly advocated for more than $50 billion in rental assistance payments during the pandemic. This solution helped those tenants truly in need while also protecting the rights and livelihoods of mom-and-pop housing providers.”
Michael Rauber is manager of advocacy communications at the National Association of Realtors®.
From Homeowners to Renters: Boomers Seek Flexibility
Many boomers don’t want to follow the pattern of past generations and downsize when they transition homes.
By The National Association of Realtors®
Today’s boomers are trading mortgages for mobility, often with more space and better amenities.
If they decide to sell their home, baby boomers— those born between 1946 and 1964 and estimated to number about 76 million—might not want to reinvest their equity in another property. Many favor renting, according to Freddie Mac. Among the reasons:
• Greater affordability and better control over monthly expenses through a lease instead of mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance
• Readily available services from on-site management, such as package delivery or plant watering, as seen in communities by Optima, Inc.
• More freedom to lock up and travel
• Greater opportunity to invest capital in non-real estate assets
• Flexibility to move if desired
• Preference to own only one property, typically a vacation or primary home
• Proximity to children and grandchildren
“The younger generation’s location may be based on the strongest job growth,” said Chris Nebenzahl, vice president of rental research at John Burns Real Estate Consulting.
Some don’t consider renting until it’s suggested, said Jean-Marie Minton, SRES®, with Keller Williams Realty
Evolution. “I do it as part of due diligence to discuss options so they make the smartest decision,” she said. Her parents relocated in their mid-70s to a 55-and-up rental community and sold their longtime family home. Now 93, her mother still lives there, surrounded by others but remaining independent.
It’s important to understand such preferences. Because of their accumulated possessions and desire to house family and friends, many don’t want to follow the pattern of past generations and downsize when they transition homes. Some seek equal or more space, which various rental communities will offer.
Boomers also prefer different amenities than millennials and Gen Z. They may favor walking trails and dog parks over plunge pools and climbing walls. Earning the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation can give professionals an edge in meeting boomer needs. While rental supply has recently boomed, long-term undersupply could become a challenge, Nebenzahl added.
Boomers span an 18-year age range, so no rental unit suits all preferences. Several prototypes offer both pros and cons.
Traditional Apartments with Amenities
This rental model typically features newer units in a multistory building with elevators and amenities. For a
lower-cost option, the property may be comprised of older, low-rise, garden-style buildings.
Pros
• Location: New buildings are often walkable to restaurants, shops, transit, and sometimes universities. For example, RMK Management Corp.’s Central Station in downtown Evanston, Ill., is near public transit and Northwestern University. Safety features such as buzzers or concierges add appeal, said architect Anthony Vivirito, LEED AP, associate at The Architectural Team (TAT). Proximity to healthcare facilities is another plus, said Desen Lin, assistant professor of finance at Cal State Fullerton.
• Layout and Design: Many units are single-level and feature open floor plans with quality finishes, said Diana Pittro, executive vice president at RMK Management Corp.
• Amenities: Fitness studios, wellness programming, pools, dog parks and community spaces offer convenience. At Optima Verdana in Wilmette, Ill., the pool has retractable glass walls for year-round use. The Residences of Wilmette offer terraces with kitchens and fire pits. Anthem Everett in Everett, Mass., designed by TAT, includes communityfocused retail and public space enhancements. Optima’s in-house concierge provides services like grocery delivery and housekeeping.
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• Move-in Ready: Having a turnkey unit saves time and renovation costs, said Kerry O’Brien, broker and owner of O’Brien Realty.
Cons
• Rent: High operational costs drive up rent. Some amenities may not appeal to boomers.
• Noise: Younger residents may make communal areas busier than boomers prefer.
• Square Footage: Many units are studios or one- to two-bedrooms, which may not suit boomers who want room for family. Older buildings may lack ADA-compliant features.
Build-to-Rent (BTR) Homes
Build-to-rent (BTR) homes are residential properties— typically single-family homes or townhouses— constructed specifically for long-term rental rather than sale. These homes are often situated within professionally managed communities that offer amenities such as pools, fitness centers, parks, and walking trails, providing renters with a lifestyle akin to homeownership but without the associated responsibilities like maintenance or property taxes. This housing model appeals to individuals seeking more space and privacy than traditional apartments offer, without the long-term commitment of purchasing a home.
Emerging after the Great Recession, this model appeals to those who want the feel of a single-family home without owning. Though originally popular with millennials and Gen Z, BTR homes also attract boomers.
Pros
• Space: These homes often have multiple bedrooms, yards and second stories, but no ownership costs.
• Camaraderie: Clubhouses and shared spaces foster community among residents of all ages.
• Appeal Across Ages: Developers like Capstone Communities, which began with student housing, found the model also works for boomers, said Executive Vice President John Acken.
Cons
• Location: Often in suburban areas, these communities may feel isolating. Capstone aims to incorporate walkability into its designs.
• Too Much Space: Large homes may not appeal to all boomers.
• Younger Neighbors: A youthful resident mix might not suit everyone.
Active Adult Living
Originally introduced by Del Webb in the 1960s with Sun City, Ariz., these age-restricted communities offer homes and extensive programming for retirees. Today, they serve a broader 55+ population, though the average age trends between 72 and 75, said Rockland Berg, AIA, principal at three architecture.
Pros
• Age-Appropriate Design: Communities like Everleigh Cape Cod near Hyannis, Mass., feature lounges, yoga studios, libraries and arts rooms. Accessibility helps residents age in place, said Vivirito.
• Programming: These communities offer pickleball, walking trails, health lectures and more. At Vita Luxury Apartments on Grant in Merrillville, Ind., RMK staff host speaker events and vaccine clinics. “Aging well is best when done with purpose,” Berg said.
Cons
• Location: Often located in the “smile states,” they may be far from family.
• Limited Age Diversity: Some may prefer a more age-diverse environment.
• No Health Care: Unlike continuing care retirement communities, active-adult communities don’t offer advanced care, requiring additional planning if needs change. “It’s often done in a crisis,” Berg said. Whatever option boomers choose, remind them it doesn’t have to be permanent. Some may return to homeownership because renting is often a transitional phase, Pittro said. “Very seldom do these renters stay in excess of five to seven years,” she said.
Salt Lake County home sales slipped slightly in May, with a total of 1,199 units sold across all housing types—a 1.88% decline from the 1,222 homes sold in the same month last year, according to data from UtahRealEstate.com.
Despite the overall dip, single-family home sales in Salt Lake County saw a modest increase, rising to 844 units sold—up 5.76% from a year earlier. Conversely, multi-family home sales (including condos and townhomes) fell sharply to 334 units, representing a 15.66% year-over-year decrease.
In Davis County, just north of Salt Lake, the housing market showed a slight improvement. Home sales rose 2.54% year-over-year in May, reaching 364 units compared to 355 sales a year ago.
On the national stage, existing-home sales dipped by 0.7% compared to May 2024, totaling 4.06 million units. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors®, attributed the national slowdown to high mortgage rates, stating, “The relatively subdued sales are largely due to persistently high mortgage rates. Lower interest rates will attract more buyers and sellers to the housing market. Increasing participation in the housing market will increase the mobility of the workforce and drive economic growth.”
The median price of a single-family home in Salt Lake County was $625,000 in May—down just 0.20% from a year earlier. Multi-family homes saw a more notable decline, with the median price falling to $427,000, a 2.95% drop.
“If mortgage rates decrease in the second half of this year, expect home sales across the country to increase due to strong income growth, healthy inventory, and a record-high number of jobs.”
Lawrence Yun Chief Economist National Association of Realtors®
According to The Wall Street Journal, the 2025 spring housing market—typically the busiest season—has underperformed. High home prices near historic highs and mortgage rates holding above 6.5% have discouraged many would-be buyers, leading to longer time-on-market metrics and slower sales velocity.
One key development favoring buyers is the increase in available listings. Statewide, Utah saw 10,782 active listings in Q1 2025, marking a 49% increase compared to 7,246 listings in Q1 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Salt Lake County specifically, May brought a surge in new listings, which rose to 1,926—up 8.02% from 1,783 a year prior. However, under-contract listings fell slightly to 1,504, a 0.79% decrease from May 2024, indicating a slight softening in immediate buyer activity.
Salt Lake County
Local Market Update for May 2025
Pamela Abbott
Barton Allan
Judy Allen
Suzanne Allred
George Anastasopoulos
Brent Anderson
Clay Anderson
Diane Anderson
Kay Ashton
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 Bostrum
Robert Bowles
Mary Ann Brady
Janet Brennan
Steve Brown
Stephen Bryant
Barbara Burt
Hedy Calabrese
Gregory Call
Gary Cannon
Tracey Cannon
Julie Carli
Carol Cetraro
Scott Chapman
Garn Christensen
Byron Christiansen
David Clark
Deborah Clark
Terry Cononelos
Jeffery Cook
Philip Craig
Dan Davis
Robert Davis
Brian De Haan
Babs De Lay
Lynn Despain
Jerard Dinkelman
Darlene Dipo
Sally Domichel
Rebecca Duberow
James Dunn
Randy Eagar
Carol Edgmon
Douglas Edmunds
Michael Evertsen
Bijan Fakjrieh
Robert Farnsworth
Alan Ferguson
Jack Fisher
Gale Frandsen
David Frederickson
Howard Freiss
Brent Gardner
Heidi Gardner
Paul Gardner
Linda Geer
Sheila Gelman
J.Carolyn Gezon
Larry Gray
Richard Grow
D.Brent Gudgell
Klaire Gunn
James Haines
John Hamilton
Mark Handy
Grant Harrison
Stephen Haslam
Michael Hatch
Thomas Haycock
Bill Heiner
Jeffrey Helotes
Marvin Hendrickson
Terry Hill-Black
Lynda Hobson
Ted Holmberg
Sheryl Holmes
Rhys Horman
Carol Howell
Gary Huntsman
Blake Ingram
Kent Ingram
Esther Israelson
Jackson Jensen
Kevin Jensen
Ron Jenson
Jeffrey Jonas
Steve Judd
David Kenney
Kay Kenyon
Henry Kesler
Douglas Knight
Peggy Knight
Wayne Knudsen
Karl Koenig
Randall Krantz
Leah Krueger
Kathryn Kunkel
Gary Larson
Teresa Larson
Vann Larson
Fred Law
Michael Lawrence
Clark Layton
Shauna Leake
Kaye LeCheminant
Daniel Lindberg
Michael Lindsay
Martin Lingwall
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
Margene Wrigley
Henry Youngstrom
Elizabeth Memmott
Uwe Michel
Gordon Milar
Kyle Miller
Preston Miller
David Moench
Richard Moffat
Gary Monk
H.Craig Moody
Randal Moore
Thomas Morgan
Thomas Mulock
Charles Mulford
Melanie Mumford
Jacqueline Nicholl
John Nielson
Michael Nielson
Robyn Nielson
Van Nielson
Victor Oishi
Joseph Olschewski
Brent Parsons
Joan Pate
Yvonne Pauls
Derk Pehrson
Douglas Pell
Robert Plumb
Noel Quinton
Helen Rappaport
David Read
George Richards
W.Kalmar Robbins
Stan Rock
Emilie Rogan
John Romney
Marie Rosol
Christopher Ross
David Sampson
Mark Schneggenburger
Gary Shiner
Jeff Sidwell
Kent Singleton
Debra Sjoblom
Elizabeth Smith
Kenneth Smith
Rick Smith
Skip Smith
Jeffrey Snelling
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
Peter Vietti
Hilea Walker
H. Blaine Walker
Richard Walter
Dana Walton
Sally Ware
Jerry Webber
William Wegener
David Weissman
Jeffrey Wells
Wayne Whetman
Jeff White
Darlene Whitney-Morgan
Clayton Wilkinson
Thomas Wilkinson
Kimball Willey
Douglass Winder
Robert Wiskirchen
James Witherspoon
Linda Wolcott
Cynthia Wood
All in, for Community.
On Friday, June 6th, Windermere offices nationwide closed their doors to give back to the community. In Utah, we lent our time to Roots Charter School in West Valley, restoring classrooms, landscaping, and helping out on their farm.
