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.
Courtney
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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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of the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS®
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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.
We Are HUMAN After All
In a world where automation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools dominate every aspect of life, one truth remains: human connection is irreplaceable.
From sunrise to sunset, we’re bombarded with digital noise— Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Zoom calls, emails, DocuSign, CRMs, SkySlope, and more. It’s nonstop. As real estate professionals, we’re told to build funnels, post reels, optimize content, and automate workflows. But here’s the thing—none of that replaces the power of genuine, in-person interaction.
Real estate is—and always has been—a people business. No chatbot can replicate the feeling of a firm handshake or the trust that builds in a face-to-face conversation. No email sequence can match the impact of someone looking you in the eye and saying, “I’m here to help.”
That’s the human advantage. That’s your edge.
Meeting someone in person communicates more than words ever could. It shows professionalism. It shows empathy. It shows that you care enough to invest your most precious resource: time.
So maybe it’s time to log off for a moment.
Walk the neighborhood where your latest listing is. Knock on doors and invite neighbors to the open house. Drop by a past client’s home just to say hello. Attend a community event—not to post about it, but to be present in it. Join that committee. Go to that luncheon. Make a real-life impression.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just in the business of closing deals—we’re in the business of building relationships. Technology can streamline the process. But it’s your human touch that makes the difference.
So go ahead. Step out from behind the screen. Be seen. Be heard. Be remembered.
After all, we are human.
Claire Larson President
REALTOR
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SALT LAKE BOARD OF REALTORS ®
as a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Happenings
Utah Named Best State in America
Utah has been ranked No. 1 in America by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. The state excels in fiscal stability, economic growth, infrastructure quality, education, and public safety. According to the report, central to Utah’s sustained success is its distinctive blend of collaborative politics and strong community ties, shaped by a prevailing culture that emphasizes volunteerism, civic engagement, and collective well-being. Utah consistently achieves bipartisan cooperation, enhancing its effectiveness in addressing statewide challenges. This balanced approach, combined with strategic investments in forward-looking infrastructure and educational initiatives, solidifies Utah’s reputation as a model state.
Utah’s Homeownership Rate Slips
Utah’s homeownership rate dropped to 67.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with 69.1% the previous year, ranking the state 31st nationwide, according to the Census Bureau. By comparison, New York had the nation’s lowest rate at 51.3%. The homeownership rate, defined as the percentage of homes occupied by owners rather than rented or vacant, indicates a state’s economic stability and wealth distribution. Utah’s rate has declined steadily since peaking at 77.6% in the second quarter of 2008, driven by rapidly increasing home prices that exceed income growth, as well as demographic factors. The state’s relatively young population (median age 31.5) often faces barriers to homeownership.
In the News
New AI Data Center
Developers CIM Group and Novva Data Centers have secured a $2 billion construction loan from JPMorgan Chase and Starwood Property Trust to build a 100acre AI-focused data center campus in West Jordan, Utah, according to The Wall Street Journal.
This marks one of the largest data center construction loans to date, reflecting the surging demand for AI infrastructure.
The facility will deliver 175 megawatts of continuous power—enough to supply approximately 175,000 homes—through a deal with the local utility. The first phase, which began in 2020 and opened in 2023, is already fully leased. The remaining development is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Utah was chosen for its low risk of natural disasters and supportive local government. To address regional water scarcity, the data center employs a water-efficient cooling system that recirculates water, minimizing evaporation. This project exemplifies a broader trend of data center expansion into non-traditional markets like Utah, as developers seek areas with ample power availability and favorable regulatory environments.
“Tech companies like to locate their servers near large population centers, major fiber-optic networks, and other tech and telecommunications company servers,” the Journal said. “But these markets in places such as northern Virginia, Atlanta and Chicago have run into power and land limitations and public opposition.”
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More Listings, Fewer Closings: Is a Market Shift Underway?
First-time buyers show signs of re-emerging as inventory climbs, but high prices and cautious sentiment keep sales subdued.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey
Sales of existing homes slowed last month, dimming hopes for a robust spring selling season. Despite the highest number of listings in years, buyers remain cautious.
The decline was slight: Existing-home sales—a measurement of completed transactions on singlefamily homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops— dropped by 0.5% in April compared to March. April sales were down 2% compared to a year ago, the National
Association of Realtors® reported/
“Home sales have been at 75% of normal or prepandemic activity for the past three years, even with 7 million jobs added to the economy,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “Pent-up housing demand continues to grow. Any meaningful decline in mortgage rates will help release this demand.”
One encouraging sign: First-time home buyers are beginning to reemerge. They accounted for 34% of
existing-home sales last month—their highest share since July 2020, according to NAR.
It’s Still a Seller’s Market
Higher inventory and more housing choices may be pulling some buyers off the sidelines, but many may remain hesitant due to elevated home prices and mortgage rates. In April, the median existing-home price was $414,000, according to NAR. While prices are still rising, the pace has slowed, with a 1.8% year-overyear increase in April.
Home sellers continue to hold pricing power, but that could change. “At the macro level, we are still in a mild seller’s market,” Yun said. “But with the highest inventory levels in nearly five years, consumers are in a better situation to negotiate for better deals.”
Inventory Is Improving, But Not Out of the Woods
Housing inventory has improved significantly in recent months, rising 20.8% from a year ago, according to NAR.
House hunters are finding more options, creating more competition among sellers.
However, according to a newly released NAR report, the uptick in housing inventories hasn’t been evenly distributed. In particular, the supply of affordable homes for low- and middle-income buyers remains well below demand.
Buyers Should Still Expect Competition
House hunters shouldn’t be too excited by the prospect of a shifting market, however. In some markets, multiple offers and bidding wars remain common. Last month, 18% of homes sold above list price last month, and 60% of properties sold in under a month, according to the latest Realtors® Confidence Index Survey, based on feedback from about 1,500 real estate professionals on their May transactions. On average, homes for sale received 2.4 offers. To gain an edge, 20% of buyers waived the inspection contingency and 20% of buyers also waived the appraisal contingency, the report notes. All-cash buyers also continue to drive competition, making up 25% of transactions last month, according to NAR’s report.
Regional Outlook for Home Sales
Here’s a closer look at how existing-home sales fared across the country in April:
· Northeast: Sales fell 2% compared to March, settling in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 480,000, which matches last year’s levels. Median price: $487,400, up 6.3% from one year earlier.
· Midwest: Sales rose 2.1% in April, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 970,000. That is down 1% from the previous year. Median price: $313,300, up 3.6% from April 2024.
· South: Sales were flat last month compared to the previous month at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.81 million. Sales are down 3.2% from a year ago. Median price: $365,300, down slightly by 0.1% from last year.
· West: Existing-home sales fell 3.9% in April, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 740,000. That is down 1.3% from a year ago. Median price: $628,500, down 0.2% from a year earlier.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for Realtor® Magazine and editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog.
Delaware, Utah, Colorado, Florida, and Arizona saw the biggest gains in housing affordability, while Montana, Idaho, California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii had the largest declines.
By The National Association of Realtors®
U.S. households earning $75,000 a year can only afford 21.2% of home listings as of March 2025 – up slightly from 20.8% a year prior and representing the biggest gain of any income group – demonstrating that the nation’s housing affordability gap persists, according to the National Association of Realtors® and Realtor. com® 2025 Housing Affordability & Supply report.
The report analyzes the shortage of affordable homes across different income levels in the current U.S. housing market. It provides a real-time, income-specific snapshot of housing affordability, examining what home buyers at various income levels can afford based on standard lending criteria.
For-sale housing inventory increased nearly 20% nationwide in March 2025 from one year earlier, and
while this gain marks progress, it remains far from prepandemic conditions.
“The housing market is at a turning point,” said Nadia Evangelou, NAR senior economist and director of real estate research. “More homes are hitting the market, and it’s encouraging to see the greatest housing-supply gains among middle-income home buyers.”
While households earning $75,000 a year experienced a slight improvement in accessibility to home listings between March 2025 (21.2%) and March 2024 (20.8%), the largest gain of any income group, they have less than half of the access to affordable homes than they had before the pandemic, when nearly 49% of listings were accessible. In a balanced housing market – where listings are aligned with what households at various
income levels can afford – these home buyers would need access to 48.1% of listings. To reach that threshold, the market needs nearly 416,000 more listings priced at or below $255,000.
Households that earn $100,000 annually are in a similar situation. They can currently afford 37.1% of home listings, up slightly from 36.9% in March 2024. That is far below the 64.7% they could afford in 2019 and well below the 60.7% target for market balance. This group faces a shortage of nearly 364,000 home listings priced under $340,000.
A household earning $50,000 annually can only afford 8.7% of home listings today, down from 9.4% one year ago. These low-income households represent one-in-three households, and in a balanced housing market, they should be able to afford to buy one-inthree listings. For balance, about 367,000 listings at a maximum price of $170,000 are vital.
Meanwhile, higher-income households have neartotal access to the housing market. Home buyers earning $250,000 or more can afford at least 80% of home listings.
“Shoppers see more homes for sale today than one year ago, and encouragingly, many of these homes have been added at moderate income price points,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com® chief economist. “But as this report shows, we still don’t have an abundance of homes that are affordable to low- and moderateincome households, and the progress that we’ve seen is not happening everywhere. It’s been concentrated in the Midwest and the South.”
As of March 2025, 30% of the 100 largest metropolitan areas are classified as “Areas Getting Closer to Balance,” where the availability of affordable homes improved significantly over the past year and is relatively strong across income levels. Substantial progress has been made in markets that were previously considered unaffordable, with the affordable home listings improving by more than 5% within the past year. These areas now have housing affordability gaps that are less than 10 percentage points below a balanced housing market.
Akron, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; Youngstown, Ohio; and Pittsburgh, Pa. exhibit housing conditions that closely align with healthy supply benchmarks. While they are
not yet fully balanced, Raleigh, N.C.; Des Moines, Iowa; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Columbia, S.C.; and Columbus, Ohio made substantial progress increasing the availability of affordable homes.
“For many first-time home buyers, navigating the current housing market still feels like window shopping,” added Evangelou. “Listing prices don’t match first-time home buyers’ budgets. If the promising trend of building smaller homes continues, that could be a meaningful step toward easing the housing affordability gap for more buyers.”
A sizable slice (44%) of the 100-largest metropolitan areas is classified as “Areas Stuck in the Middle,” where housing supply and demand are misaligned but not at crisis levels. Some markets made small-but-meaningful gains in one year – adding a modest number of affordable listings – but gains have not been substantial enough to shift the market.
Seattle, Wash. and Washington, D.C. experienced moderate increases in the share of homes considered affordable over the past year, with an average rise of 4 percentage points. While that marks progress, both cities still face some of the largest affordability gaps in the country, requiring households to earn more than $150,000 a year just to afford half the homes on the market. In contrast, Austin, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Denver, Colo., made substantial progress, boosting the share of affordable listings by an average of 20 percentage points. Notably, San Francisco, Calif. has also seen very significant improvement, with the supply of affordable listings surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
“Even in high-cost areas like San Francisco, we’re witnessing real progress,” explained Evangelou. “While
the housing market remains far from balanced, current for-sale home listings better align with home buyers’ incomes compared to pre-COVID-19 levels – a clear reminder that improvement is possible.”
Twenty-six percent of the 100-largest metro areas are classified as “Areas Falling Further Behind,” where the gap from a balanced housing market continues to widen, worsening housing affordability. In these metropolitan areas, the availability of affordable listings has either declined over the past year or remains more than 20 percentage points below what is considered a balanced housing market, highlighting a troubling trend in housing accessibility.
Despite being home to millions and some of the strongest local economies, Los Angeles, Calif.; Oxnard, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; New York, N.Y.; and Spokane, Wash. are among the furthest from housing-supply balance. Even with improvement since last year, these areas continue to face the most severe shortages of affordable home listings.
From a state perspective, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and West Virginia lead the nation in offering balanced housing market conditions. In most of these states, a household earning $75,000 – close to the national median – can afford more than 45% of the for-sale home listings. Although they are improving with additional inventory and moving in the right direction, Montana, Idaho, California, Massachusetts and Hawaii still need a plentiful supply of affordable home listings. Delaware, Utah, Colorado, Florida and Arizona showed the most improvement with significant year-overyear gains in housing affordability. Only the District of Columbia improved affordability compared to prepandemic levels.
About the National Association of Realtors®
As America’s largest trade association, 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.
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To our incredible Realtor partners.
Your insight, dedication, and tireless work are at the heart of so many dream homes becoming reality. You’re not just helping close deals; you’re helping open doors, build communities, and shape futures.
We’re honored to work alongside you and excited for all we’ll accomplish together moving forward.
Nicole ClowardRe/Max Complete
Abril BurgoyneReal Estate Essentials
Danna Bui-NegreteDistinction Real Estate
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The New York Times Gets It Wrong
A podcast implies that residential real estate practice changes that went into effect last year conflict with the intent of the NAR settlement agreement. It’s not so.
By Chris Kelly
A few weeks ago, New York Times reporter Debra Kamin was interviewed for the newspaper’s podcast, “The Daily,” suggesting that real estate commissions have not substantially declined since the National Association of Realtors® settlement resolving claims from sellers about broker commissions. The podcast draws fundamentally incorrect conclusions about why.
The piece implies that agents are actively working around the settlement to preserve a so-called “standard” commission structure, and even falsely states that sellers are no longer supposed to offer compensation to buyer’s agents. That assertion is not only misleading—it is factually wrong. The NAR settlement does not prohibit sellers from offering compensation; it simply changes how and where
that compensation can be communicated. The article also ignores critical market dynamics and oversimplifies complex consumer behaviors.
At its core, the confusion boils down to a misinterpretation of the settlement’s mechanics. Prior to the agreement, NAR rules required listing brokers to post in the multiple listing service (MLS) the precise amount of compensation they were willing to share with buyer’s brokers—it could be any amount—effectively turning that figure into a marketing tool visible to everyone. The settlement stripped away that MLS requirement. However, it allows compensation to be conveyed off MLS—for example, in the listing agreement itself or through direct communication between brokers. Far from reducing the ability of buyers and sellers to negotiate,
this change simply pushes those conversations into a more transparent, contractual setting. The old system bundled marketing and commission disclosure into one MLS field; the new regime separates them, cultivating clarity around professional fees without throttling negotiation.
Yet the Times podcast, and the March 15 article that preceded it, treats the persistence of cooperative commission offers as some kind of subterfuge: as though agents are scrambling to recreate a de facto “standard rate” behind closed doors. This narrative obscures a far simpler truth: Most consumers still see tremendous value in having an experienced professional guide them through the labyrinth of contracts, inspections, financing contingencies and closing logistics.
Real estate transactions remain high‐stakes affairs, and the expertise that agents bring—in negotiating, problem‐solving, and safeguarding their clients’ interests—continues to command a fee. If sellers choose to offer compensation to buyer’s agents, it’s because they recognize the importance of attracting qualified buyers and ensuring smooth, reliable transactions. There is no nefarious collusion here, just market participants making rational choices.
Moreover, the Times reporting fails to account for shifting consumer behavior under this new regime. With commission discussions decoupled from MLS listings, buyers and sellers are engaging earlier—often at the very first meeting—with clear, unvarnished conversations about fees. Rather than encountering a decimal point buried in a long list of property attributes, clients are now presented with a frank rundown of services to be provided and their associated costs. This upfront clarity helps prevent unpleasant surprises at closing.
The article also glosses over other market dynamics that influence commission levels. Inventory shortages, fluctuating mortgage rates, regional competition among brokerages, and evolving technology platforms all play critical roles in shaping what commissions buyers and sellers ultimately agree upon. In especially hot markets, where homes move rapidly and multiple offers are the norm, sellers may offer more generous buyer‐agent fees simply to differentiate their listing. On the flipside, in slower markets or price‐sensitive segments, sellers might negotiate lower fees or ask buyer’s brokers to assume part of the cost. These variations reflect the interplay of supply, demand and local competitive pressures—not some grand conspiracy to undermine regulatory reform.
It’s also telling that plaintiff attorneys and certain media commentators have jumped on the persistence of cooperative commission offers as evidence of a so‐called loophole. Their narrative tends to frame the settlement as a toothless reform, when in fact it represents one of the most significant overhauls in real estate practice in decades. The negotiated, bilateral compensation agreement is precisely what the settlement intended: a marketplace in which buyers, sellers and agents freely hammer out terms that reflect actual value delivered.
The very fact that commissions are still negotiated—rather than disappearing entirely—underscores that the value of real estate agents is recognized in the market. Far from being an artifact of outdated MLS rules, commission fees represent a recognition of the tailored expertise that agents provide: market analysis, pricing strategy, transaction coordination, contract drafting, vendor referrals and—perhaps most importantly—advocacy in the face of unforeseen challenges. Whether it’s a title snag, a home inspection issue or a last‐minute financing hurdle, skilled brokers play a critical role in steering deals to successful closings.
That said, with greater transparency comes greater responsibility. Brokerages and individual agents must familiarize themselves thoroughly with the settlement’s provisions, including the need for written buyer agreement, and ensure every compensation discussion is documented according to the new protocols. Training, compliance checklists and audit processes should be updated to reflect that MLS fields can no longer be used for commission disclosures. While these requirements may at first feel burdensome, they ultimately elevate the profession by emphasizing clear communication and ethical standards.
The Times’ portrayal of commission offers as an illicit workaround is both inaccurate and myopic. The NAR settlement did not outlaw seller‐funded commissions for buyers’ representatives; it simply redefined how those commissions may be communicated. What we’re seeing in the market today isn’t a regulatory blind spot being exploited, but rather agents and clients continuing to find mutual value in professional representation—and doing so within a framework designed to enhance transparency and consumer choice. If we embrace this new model with integrity and diligence, we’ll ultimately strengthen public trust in real estate professionals and reaffirm the critical role they play in one of life’s most important financial decisions.
Chris Kelly is the President and CEO of HomeServices of America, which owns the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise network.
Free Thermal Imaging & Radon Testing With Every Inspection
An Evening at the Ballpark
In May, the Salt Lake Board of Realtors® Government Affairs Committee hosted an RPAC Major Investor event at the brandnew Salt Lake Bees stadium in South Jordan. The event was attended by RPAC Major Investors, along with their families and clients. RPAC plays a vital role in promoting private property rights and fostering a business-friendly climate for our members. Opportunities like this are available to Major Investors throughout the year.
Photos: Dave Anderton
Shelter Costs and Fed Policy Loom Over Real Estate Recovery Timeline
After two years of historic lows, will home sales finally rebound?
By The National Association of Realtors®
National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said existing home sales will increase by 6% in 2025 and by 11% in 2026 during the “ Residential Economic Issues & Trends Forum” at the NAR 2025 Realtors ® Legislative Meetings. Yun forecasted that new-home sales will rise by 10% in 2025 and by 5% in 2026, the median home price will climb by 3% in 2025 and by 4% in 2026 and that mortgage rates will average 6.4% in the second half of 2025 and 6.1% in 2026.
“The housing market remains very difficult at the moment, as you know,” Yun told a ballroom of real estate professionals. “Part of the delay in recovery is because the Federal Reserve has changed its outlook and appears to be on pause for a longer period.”
In 2024, the Federal Reserve previously forecast that gross domestic product would increase 2.1% and inflation would rise by 2.4%, but it downgraded that forecast in March 2025, lessening its forecast for GDP to rise by only 1.7% and raising its inflation forecast to 2.7%.
The fast ascent of mortgage rates has really hurt the real estate market,” Yun added.
When it comes to the housing market Yun explained to the audience, “Your past clients are all happy. But for new home buyers, their monthly payment obligation has increased, and this is what’s killing the housing market. Mortgage rates are the magic bullet, and we’re waiting and waiting until those come down.”
Yun explained that inflation was at 2.3% in April, slightly higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2.0% implicit target, stating, “We’re not there yet, but we’re very close. The Fed will cut interest rates once inflation is fully under control.”
On inflation, Yun pointed out that shelter cost is the heavyweight.
“Only the tariffs’ impact is being discussed. What about other forces that are less discussed? There are other forces out there; for example, the shelter component is the biggest weight to the price component. The shelter cost is already coming down from its recent cyclical peak, and it’s trending downward,” he said.
Yun detailed that the U.S. has experienced better job growth since its pre-pandemic highs in 2020. He also
explained that wage growth (3.8%) is outpacing the consumer price index (2.3%).
Regarding the housing market, Yun stated, “Home sales have been very difficult over the past two years. We’ve had the lowest home sales in 30 years for two consecutive years.”
“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel based on recent rises in mortgage applications to buy a home,” Yun added optimistically. “Moreover, a solid majority of renters expressed desire to own a home.”
About the National Association of Realtors®
As America’s largest trade association, 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
6 Weird House Smells: Which Ones Are Concerning?
Find out when an unusual odor may be a sign of an urgent property issue.
By Courtney Klosterman
Unpleasant odors in a home can be more than just a nuisance. Sometimes, weird smells in the house can be early warning signs of underlying problems that may lead to bigger issues down the road.
Taking the time to identify and address the source of these smells can prevent them from becoming a nuisance and, more importantly, stop small problems from turning into costly repairs. Here are some home smells that may require immediate attention.
1. FISHY ODOR
Level of urgency: High
A fishy odor wafting through your house may seem harmlessly unpleasant, but you shouldn’t ignore it. This smell can have a surprising culprit: electrical issues.
When electrical components like wires or outlets overheat, the burning plastic insulation can emit a distinct fishy odor. It indicates potential overheating that could lead to electrical fires.
Common locations:
• Walls near light switches or outlets
• Around electrical panels, typically located in garages or basements
• Near appliances that have recently been overworked or are breaking down
Actions to take:
• Turn off and unplug any appliances that were recently in use.
• Do not use any outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch.
• Call a qualified electrician to diagnose the problem and make repairs. Don’t attempt to fix electrical issues yourself.
• Have electrical systems inspected annually, especially if the home is older.
• Replace any worn outlets or switches, as using outdated or damaged outlets and switches can increase the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.
• Unplug appliances when not in use to prevent overheating, such as toasters, space heaters and irons.
2. SEWAGE
Level of urgency: Moderate to high Sewage smells are unmistakable and unpleasant. In addition to putting a damper on summer entertaining, they could signal a potential problem with the plumbing system.
The urgency of sewage smells can range from moderate to high, depending on the problem. They could indicate backed-up plumbing, but stronger odors could mean a larger problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
Methane, one of the main gases in sewage, can become flammable or leak into the home, posing a serious
health risk. A buildup of the gas can occur due to several plumbing issues, including:
· Leaking or cracked pipes: Damaged pipes can allow sewer gas to escape into a living space.
· Blocked air vents: Vent pipes are crucial for venting sewer gases safely out of a home. Blockages in these vents can trap the gas indoors.
· Clogged drains: Severe clogs can prevent proper ventilation and lead to a build-up of sewer gas.
· Dry P-traps: The U-shaped pipe under sinks and drains, known as the P-trap, holds water to create a barrier between sewer gases and the home. If this water evaporates due to infrequent use, sewer gas can seep back up.
Common locations:
• Bathrooms, especially around the toilet or shower drain
• Kitchen drains
• Floor drains in basements or laundry rooms
• Around vent pipes on the roof or exterior of the house
Actions to take:
• Identify the source of the smell by checking drains for clogs, inspecting for leaks around pipes or toilets, and ensuring vent pipes are clear.
• If you’re comfortable with DIY plumbing maintenance, cleaning a sink’s drain trap could address the issue. Unscrew the slip nuts holding the trap in place, empty the trap, clean any debris and reassemble the trap with fresh washers to help ensure a tight seal.
• Run plenty of water down affected drains to flush out any debris.
• For persistent smells or leaks, call a licensed plumber to diagnose and repair the issue.
Preventative measures:
• Avoid pouring grease or food scraps down drains.
• Regularly pour boiling water down drains to prevent grease buildup.
• Have your sewer line inspected and cleaned professionally every few years.
3. AMMONIA
Level of urgency: High
While some cleaning products contain ammonia, a lingering ammonia smell that isn’t cleaning-related could indicate a couple of issues. A strong ammonia smell near your refrigerator could be a sign of a leak in the coolant lines or defrost pan. This is a high-urgency issue, as a refrigerant leak can damage the appliance and potentially cause a fire hazard. Washing machine hoses also can deteriorate over time, causing a leak that releases ammonia from the cleaning products used. A strong ammonia smell in crawl spaces or behind walls also could indicate a decomposing rodent or small animal, which you should take care of promptly to avoid attracting pests and creating unsanitary conditions.
Common locations:
• Kitchens near refrigerators or freezers
• Utility rooms or laundry rooms near washing machines
• Around floor drains
• Bathrooms near drains or toilets (less common)
• Behind sheetrock
• Inside crawl spaces where small animals could get in
Actions to take:
• Check for leaks around refrigerator coolant lines or defrost pans. Consider a smart-home upgrade, like a water leak detector, to get alerts to leak issues.
• You also can manually inspect washing machine
hoses and connections for leaks. Look for signs of animal decomposition near floor drains or crawl spaces.
• Turn off and unplug any appliances suspected of leaking.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
• For strong ammonia smells or suspected leaks, call a qualified professional.
Preventative measures:
• Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks or wear and tear and replace them when necessary.
• Maintain proper ventilation in crawl spaces and around floor drains.
• Seal any gaps or holes around pipes that could allow rodents to enter your home.
• Replace washing machine hoses every five to seven years.
4. ROTTEN EGGS
Level of urgency: High
A rotten egg smell is one of the most concerning odors in a home. This unpleasant scent is known to be an indicator of a gas leak, commonly caused by natural gas, propane or hydrogen sulfide. Ignoring this smell can pose serious risks, including fire hazards and health issues due to gas inhalation.
Common locations:
• Around gas appliances like stoves, water heaters or furnaces
• Near gas pipelines or connections
• In poorly ventilated areas or crawl spaces
Actions to take:
• Evacuate the house immediately and leave the doors and windows open while you wait for the gas company to arrive.
• Immediately call your gas company or a qualified technician to inspect and repair the gas leak.
• Do not turn any electrical devices, switches or appliances on or off, as they can ignite the gas.
• Turn off the main gas valve to your house if you can locate it safely. The valve is usually near the meter outside your house.
Preventative measures:
• Regularly have your gas appliances serviced by a qualified technician.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them monthly.
• Avoid using a gas oven or stove for space heating.
5. DAMP OR MUSTY
Level of urgency: Low to moderate
A persistent damp or musty odor in a house can be more than unpleasant but a sign of a moisture control problem. This smell is often associated with mildew growth, a relative of mold that thrives in damp environments. Leaky pipes, roofs or air conditioners can all create excess humidity and lead to overly damp environments.
While a musty smell in the house isn’t immediately harmful, ignoring the smell can lead to the spread of mildew and mold spores, which can cause allergies or respiratory issues. Luckily, getting rid of mold or mildew isn’t hard to do if you spot it early.
Common locations:
• Basements
• Attics
• Bathrooms (around showers or tubs)
• Kitchens (around sinks or under appliances)
• Closets
• Areas with poor ventilation
Actions to take:
• Locate the source of moisture or water intrusion that is causing the dampness and musty smell. Look for leaks around pipes, windows or the roof. Check for condensation on walls or pipes.
• Increase airflow by opening windows, using exhaust fans or installing a dehumidifier to reduce humidity.
• Repair leaky pipes, roofs or faucets.
• For small areas of mold or mildew, mix a solution of water and white vinegar and scrub the affected area. For extensive and clearly visible mildew growth, consult a professional remediation company.
• Regularly inspect and maintain the home’s plumbing, HVAC system and roof to prevent water damage and moisture buildup.
• Consider mold insurance, but review your home insurance policy to understand which types of mold issues are covered.
Preventative measures:
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens when in use. Open windows to allow fresh air circulation, especially after showering or cooking.
• Dry damp surfaces promptly. Don’t let wet towels or clothes pile up. Wipe down condensation on walls or windows.
• Regularly check around pipes, faucets, windows and the roof for signs of moisture buildup.
6. SWEET
Level of urgency: Low to moderate
A sweet smell in your home might seem pleasant, but it can indicate a serious issue, like a coolant leak from a refrigerator, air conditioner or heat pump.
Air conditioners and refrigerators rely on coolant to function. But coolant can be toxic if inhaled or ingested, so promptly addressing a leak is important. Besides possibly harming your health, it also could damage your appliances if not fixed.
The urgency depends on the location and strength of the smell. A faint sweetness near a refrigerator might be a low-urgency concern while a strong, syrupy odor near your air conditioner could be a high-urgency issue.
Common locations:
• Around air conditioning units or refrigerators
• Near heat pumps
• Under sinks or near cabinets (if there’s a leak behind them)
• If you suspect a coolant leak, turn off your air conditioner or refrigerator at the breaker box outside your home. Also, check for visible leaks around the appliances or under the cabinets.
• Do not touch or inhale the coolant chemicals, and avoid consuming any food or drinks that may have been exposed.
• Don’t attempt to fix suspected coolant leaks yourself. Call a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose the leak and make repairs.
Preventative measures:
• Schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioner and refrigerator.
• Inspect for leaks around these appliances periodically.
TIPS TO MINIMIZE ODORS
While unpleasant smells might be unavoidable sometimes, you can take proactive steps to minimize some and keep your home smelling fresh. Here are a few odor-busting tips to help:
1. Perform regular cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces to remove odor-causing bacteria
and grime. Pay special attention to areas like kitchens, bathrooms and garbage cans.
2. Use odor eliminators: Use sprays on fabrics and gels or packs for ongoing odor control in problem areas. You can also keep bowls of baking soda or white vinegar in high odor areas to absorb and neutralize mild smells.
3. Use natural ventilation: Open windows and doors whenever possible to allow fresh air circulation and remove stale odors.
4. Get an air purifier: Invest in HEPA air purifiers for rooms prone to lingering odors. These can help trap dust, allergens and odor particles.
5.
5. If other strategies don’t work, or you suspect a serious issue, like a gas leak, call a professional. A qualified plumber, HVAC technician or remediation company can diagnose the source of the odor and take the necessary steps to eliminate it safely and effectively.
Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert at Hippo home insurance. Reprinted from Realtor® Magazine Online, July 2024, with permission of the National Association of Realtors®. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
America’s Housing Market Keeps Rising—But at a Slower Pace
A few areas where home prices declined a year or two ago are now rebounding, including Boise, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle.
By The National Association of Realtors®
More than 80% of metro markets (189 out of 228, or 83%) registered home price gains in the first quarter of 2025, as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate ranged from 6.63% to 7.04%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest quarterly report. Eleven percent of the 228 tracked metro areas recorded double-digit price gains over the same period, down from 14% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
“Most metro markets continue to set new record highs for home prices,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “In the first quarter, the Northeast performed best in both sales and price gains by percentage. Despite the stronger job additions, the South lagged with declining sales and virtually no price appreciation.”
Compared to one year ago, the national median singlefamily existing-home price grew 3.4% to $402,300. In the prior quarter, the year-over-year national median price increased 4.8%.
Among the major U.S. regions, the South registered the largest share of existing-home sales (44.9%) in the first quarter, with year-over-year price appreciation of 1.3%. Prices also increased 10.3% in the Northeast, 5.2% in the Midwest and 4.1% in the West.1
The top 10 large markets (where large markets are defined as the 150 most populous areas) with the biggest year-over-year median price increases by percentage all experienced gains of at least 10%. A
total of six markets were in New York and Ohio. Overall, those top 10 large markets were Syracuse, N.Y. (17.9%); Montgomery, Ala. (16.1%); Youngstown-WarrenBoardman, Ohio-Pa. (13.6%); Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. (12.0%); Toledo, Ohio (11.1%); ClevelandElyria, Ohio (11.1%); Rochester, N.Y. (11.1%); GulfportBiloxi-Pascagoula, Miss. (10.5%); Trenton, N.J. (10.4%); and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pa.-N.J. (10.2%).
Eight of the top 10 most expensive markets in the U.S. were in California. Those markets were San JoseSunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. ($2,020,000; 9.8%); Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. ($1,450,000; 6.2%); San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif. ($1,320,000; 1.5%); Urban Honolulu, Hawaii ($1,165,100; 7.3%); San Diego-Carlsbad, Calif. ($1,036,500; 5.7%); Salinas, Calif. ($954,700; 6.2%); San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif. ($953,400; 4.8%); Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Calif. ($931,500; 2.5%); Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Fla. ($865,000; 1.8%); and Los Angeles-Long BeachGlendale, Calif. ($862,600; 4.8%).
“Very expensive home prices partly reflect multiple years of home underproduction in those metro markets,” Yun added. “Another factor is the low homeownership rates in these areas, implying more unequal wealth distribution. Affordable markets tend to have more adequate supply and higher homeownership rates.”
Nearly 17% of markets (38 of 228) posted home price declines in the first quarter, up from 11% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
“A few areas where home prices declined a year or two ago are now rebounding, including Boise, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle,” Yun said. “Similarly, some markets currently experiencing price declines –but with solid job growth – could see prices recover in the near future, such as Austin, San Antonio, Huntsville, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh and many Florida markets.”
Housing affordability slightly improved in the first quarter. The monthly mortgage payment on a typical existing single-family home with a 20% down payment was $2,120, down only $2 from the fourth quarter of 2024 ($2,122) but up 4.1% – or $84 – from one year ago. Families typically spent 24.4% of their income on mortgage payments, down from 24.8% in the prior quarter and 24.5% one year ago.
First-time buyers found marginally better affordability circumstances compared to the previous quarter. For a typical starter home valued at $342,000 with a 10% down payment loan, the monthly mortgage payment
declined to $2,079, down just $2 from the prior quarter ($2,081). That was an increase of $82, or 4.1%, from one year ago ($1,997). First-time buyers typically spent 36.8% of their family income on mortgage payments, down from 37.4% in the previous quarter.
A family needed a qualifying income of at least $100,000 to afford a 10% down-payment mortgage in 45.1% of markets, up from 43.8% in the prior quarter. Yet, a family needed a qualifying income of less than $50,000 to afford a home in 3.1% of markets, up from 2.2% in the previous quarter.
About the National Association of Realtors ®
As America’s largest trade association, 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.
APRIL 2025 Housing Watch
Salt Lake County
Prolonged Higher Mortgage Rates Slow Home Sales
Home sales in Salt Lake County declined in April as the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased. According to UtahRealEstate.com, total sales across all housing types reached 1,011 units, a 6.99% decrease compared to 1,087 units sold in April 2024.
Multi-family units experienced the sharpest sales drop, with 284 units sold—down 14.46% from the 332 units sold during the same period last year.
The median price for all housing types saw a slight decrease to $535,000, falling by 0.93% from $540,000 in April 2024. Single-family homes remained costly, with a median price of $610,000, down marginally by 0.81% from $615,000 the previous year. Conversely, the median price for multi-family housing rose 3.60%, reaching $445,500.
Listings under contract dropped to 1,400 units in April, a 4.18% decrease compared to 1,461 a year ago. Homes in Salt Lake County typically remained on the market for 29 days before selling, an increase from 23 days in April 2024.
Nationally, total existing-home sales—including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops—declined 0.5% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.00 million in April. Year-over-year sales were down 2.0%, from 4.08 million in April 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
“Home sales have been at 75% of normal or pre-pandemic activity for the past three years. ”
Lawrence Yun Chief Economist National Association of Realtors®
“Home sales have been at 75% of normal or pre-pandemic activity for the past three years, even with seven million jobs added to the economy,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Pent-up housing demand continues to grow, though it remains unrealized. Any meaningful decline in mortgage rates will help release this demand.”
Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.86% as of May 22, up slightly from 6.81% the previous week but down from 6.94% a year ago.
First-time homebuyers accounted for 34% of April sales, up from 32% in March and 33% a year earlier. NAR’s 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, released in November 2024, reported an annual first-time buyer share of 24%, the lowest ever recorded.
Cash sales represented 25% of transactions in April, slightly down from 26% in March and 28% in April 2024. Individual investors or second-home buyers accounted for 15% of purchases, unchanged from March but down from 16% the previous year.
Distressed sales—comprising foreclosures and short sales—made up 2% of total April sales, down from 3% in March and unchanged year-over-year.
