The St. George Real Estate Market

Wondering what to do in Southern Utah this summer? We asked the team what their favorite St. George activities, restaurants, and summer hikes are. Their suggestions are just the "tip of the iceberg" for all the fun things to do and see in sunny St. George!

"Where can I start? I love this area and all the things it has to offer! Our family loves to be outdoors and sporty. We can play and watch our sports year round here so we're often at the tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, football, and baseball fields, etc. We ATV often on the many trails, hike different trails, walking paths, swim in our pool, and wait every summer for our days out at Sand Hollow. When we're not outdoors, my kids lot The Grip, "The Rinq, House of Jump, and Fiesta Fun!

We're also a family who loves good food! Wednesday's at El Coyote Charro's are $1 taco days. They have the best tacos al pastor! Another favorite original is The Pizza Factory. Our secret off the menu favorite is to get chicken fettuccine alfredo - but get the chicken cooked in szechuan sauce...mmmm, did I mention they have the best bread twists in the world! Pair it with a Swig or Fiiz drink, then finish with a new local favorite, BYU Creamery ice cream! You can go up to the top of the next door cafe and see the horizon that makes me the happiest."

-Emily Anderson

"One of my favorite things to do in spring and early summer is to go walking on the trails down by Virgin River or go out to Gunlock Reservoir to watch the waterfalls.  When the grandkids are in town we like to take them down town off Main Street to the little stream that runs through the Historical area or to the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park. My husband & I love to eat crepes at the Crepery on top of Bluff Street for a weekend treat.  You can't go wrong with either a savory crepe or a sweet one! Another favorite breakfast stop is the Wagon Wheel in Washington City. Sand Hollow Resort or George's Corner at Ancestor Square is a great place to have a bite to eat while enjoying live music."

-Molly Maurer

"St. George is my favorite place to be as things warm up! My husband and I love hiking - you can find us in Snow Canyon, or the Red Cliffs Conservation area. Some of our favorite hikes include Babylon Arch, Purgatory Loop, and the Snow Canyon Red Mountain Trail. Once it heats up more we love kayaking at Sand Hollow. A day out playing isn't complete until we stop to get a smoothie at Orange Peel!"

-Chloe Collins

"Spring is my favorite time of year in St George, the weather thaws out and my family starts venturing outdoors more often. We love to explore hiking trails - and we’ve done a lot of them! Sometimes we’re in the mood for a popular one in Zion like Angel’s Landing or Canyon Overlook, and there’s plenty of great ones in Snow Canyon, but usually, we like to explore the ones off the beaten path. Recently we’ve discovered petroglyphs in the gorge, fish scales on the Fossil Canyon hike and dinosaur tracks scattered near the Red Cliffs area.

Summer is hard in St George when you’re an outdoor family! We do early morning activities and try to escape as often as possible to camping spots in Pine Valley, Cedar Mountain and even northern Utah. It’s the only way we’ve been able to survive the triple digit temps."

-Kristin Morgan

2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms under $300K? A property like this doesn't come around every day...

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Walk right into a welcoming living room with the kitchen just off the entry. And yes, the refrigerator is included!

Never run out of laundry room storage again with plentiful built-in cabinets

The cherry-on-top is the master bedroom with a private patio. Whether you use it for outdoor reading or an unconventional home office, you're sure to love the possibilities this space offers.

Want to call Canyon View Dr home? Text or call us today to schedule a tour or for more information: 435-200-1991

Single-level living on the east side of the city, move-in ready with all new carpet...

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Pull up to this home and fall in love with the lush front yard. Spend some time enjoying the St. George sunshine on the front patio, or step inside and take in the tall ceilings and warm natural light.

Take advantage of the kitchen counter space for your most complicated recipes. With the living room adjacent to the kitchen, you'll stay connected to the heart of the action while preparing meals

You'll love the large closets and windows in the bedrooms

Sliding glass doors leads to a wraparound patio and a grassy area perfect for kids, pets, or everyday relaxing

Want to call Ruby Place home? Text or call us today to schedule a tour or for more information: 435-200-1991

Only a year old, this single-level Warner Gateway home is perfect for a young family, a peaceful retirement, or an investment opportunity. Light colors and plenty of windows lend  timeless feel...

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Welcome home! The front door opens to an inviting seating area with large windows with mountain views, and a step ceiling that makes the space feel open and airy.

Kick your feet up and relax at the end of the day. The open floorplan ensures that your pasta will never boil over again, with the kitchen just a step away.

Getting ready for the day got an upgrade with this master bathroom. With miles of vanity space and a mirror stretching across the length of the room, you'll have plenty of room for the full morning routine.

After a long day or a long week, spend some time in the backyard with the grass under your feet and the sun shining on your face. Whether you host a barbecue or read a book in the shade, this yard has you covered.

Want to come home to this Lucy Lane gem? Give us a call today to schedule a tour or get more information about the home: 435-200-1991

Beautifully maintained walkout basement home in Silverstone at Green Springs has everything you need for a delicious desert life...

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The inviting entry is filled with natural light and opens to a spacious kitchen and entertainment area, complete with custom cabinetry, a gas fireplace, large windows, and more.

Enjoy the year-round St. George sunshine by taking meals on the covered balcony

The spacious master bedroom and en-suite bathroom provide a peaceful hideaway right in the heart of the home.

A second kitchen in the basement offers a host of opportunities, perfect for parties, hosting your friends for the big game, or affording independence to adult children who still live under your roof. 

Want to come home to this each night? Give us a call today 435-200-1991

If you're one of the lucky homeowners who are well-positioned to sell your home in today's intense real estate market, you've probably considered selling "For Sale by Owner." Many people have success selling their homes without a realtor, but it can be an intense process. In today's market especially, there is a high probability you will receive multiple offers on your home, depending on its condition, location, and the price range it's listed in.

There is much more to consider when reviewing multiple offers than just the offer price. 

With input from our broker, we've put together this list of 25 potential questions you'll need to be able to answer when reviewing offers and working through the transaction to closing. 

1. How much is the Earnest Money?

2. When does the earnest money become non-refundable for the buyer?

3. When will the transaction close?

4. Was the contract properly filled out and legally binding?

5. Are the correct signatures on the contract?

6. What is the offer price? What are the net proceeds to the seller?

7. Does the buyer have the right to do a home inspection?

8. What is the buyer's inspection deadline, if any?

9. Is there an appraisal contingency? If so, what is the deadline?

10. Is there a financing contingency? If so, what is the deadline?

11. Does the buyer have to first sell their home in order to qualify to purchase the new home? If so, by what deadline?

12. Who is paying the closing costs? Are they being split?

13. After the transaction closes, when is the seller required to deliver possession of the home?

14. What is the seller disclosure deadline? Do I have enough time to provide all the necessary legal disclosures? 

*Not sure what the disclosures are? We can help and get you copies of the documents you must fill out*

15. Who pays the HOA transfer fee?

16. What items are included with the sale? Can I remove my Ring doorbell, Nest thermostat, and backyard trampoline?

17. Are any items of personal property excluded from the sale?

18. What type of title insurance policy am I required to provide the buyer? How much will this cost?

19. Do I have to provide and pay for a home warranty plan?

20. Is there any additional earnest money that the buyer will deliver during the escrow stage of the transaction that could become non-refundable, making the offer stronger?

21. Will the buyer allow me to rent back if needed? How much will rent be?

22. What is the deadline to accept the offer?

23. Does the buyer's agent have enough expertise and experience to get the job done?

24. Where is the earnest money going to be held until closing?

25. If the appraisal comes in low, what happens?

If this list looks daunting - fear not! We would love to answer any questions you may have.

And if you've thought about selling but aren't sure if now's a good time, feel free to give us a call! We can share helpful information and statistics about sales in your neighborhood to help you decide how much you could sell your home for, and what you could net. 

Questions about listing your home, whether with an agent or For Sale By Owner? Don't be shy - call us today!

435-200-1991

Much to everyone's relief, the housing market made a stunning recovery in 2020, and is positioned for an even stronger 2021. Interest rates are at record lows, driving the skyrocketing homebuyer demand we've been seeing, and sellers are poised to win big!

With high buyer traffic and low inventory, sellers are at a strong advantage. If you want to sell your home on optimal terms, now is the time. In fact, nationwide, existing homes are selling for almost 15% more than they were a year ago, and only sitting on the market for an average of 21 days! 

If that's not enough, the National Association of Realtors recently reported that the number of homes currently for sale sits at about 1.28 million, which is down 22% from a year ago. This is an all-time inventory low, representing just over 2 months worth of supply at the current breakneck sales pace. In a normal market, we like to see 6 months of inventory available at any given time.

But nothing lasts forever, and the high-demand-low-supply scenario behind today's market could be changing soon. Many sellers wait to put their home on the market until the spring, which has historically been considered one of the best times to sell a home. But the old adage rings true, and just like "April showers bring May flowers," the spring listing rush can bring a flooded housing market.

If you wait to list your home until the spring, buyers will have more choices, you'll have less leverage as a seller, and it may be more difficult for your home to catch their eye. Don't wait to take advantage of the benefits the market is currently offering sellers.

If you're thinking of selling your home in 2021, now is the time. We can help you get high value offers on your home today. Not quite ready to list? No problem! We're happy to answer any questions you may have in the meantime. Call us at 435-200-1991 to get started.

For some, the thought of, “I need to move out of this house!” comes at a time when you feel trapped and need more space. For others, maybe your family has grown and you need extra rooms for the little ones to grow up in or you finally feel financially stable enough to take the leap of faith. No matter when the thought pops into your head, you should think about evaluating several different situations that you are currently in before looking to sell your house. Let’s talk about how to know when it is time to sell your home.

1. You Are Emotionally and Mentally Ready 

Look, selling your home is not a guaranteed easy process. You may find the home of your dreams but then another buyer outbids a value outside your price range. You may be stuck in escrow for weeks or months. You may think you are ready to relocate to an entirely new city or state but you’re not. However, you may also be excited and committed to finding a new home because you believe you’ve earned it. When you find yourself not second-guessing your decision to move and you are ready for the looming change, then you are ready. We love working with our clients who are on-the-fence but know deep down it is time for something new. Change is hard. The Shaffer Team recognizes this and we are here to help and support you along the way.

2. You’ve Got the Real Estate Market On Your Side

The state of the market will always remain a contributing factor when it comes to making a decision about selling your home. There are so many variables that go into making the market strong. Are home loan prices reasonable? Is buyer confidence high? Is there a good amount of homes being listed? Are homes selling fast? Well, if the answer to all of these questions are “yes”, then you know that the market is strong and that the market is on your side. The Shaffer Team prides themselves in staying on top of the state of the market. One thing we are so proud of when it comes to the St. George real estate market is that home prices in our area not only favoring home sellers but that there has been general home price growth for several years now.

3. Equity and Debt, No Sweat!

One of the biggest financial accomplishments that people experience is paying off their student loans or credit card debt. After debts are paid off and you feel secure in going beyond the idea of “making ends meet”, you are then able to invest and start building a sense of equity. Maybe you have debt but also have a substantial amount of equity. If you have reached this point in your life where you have personally determined you are financially stable, this will likely indicate that you are ready to sell your home. 

4. You Can’t Keep Up With Maintenance

There may come a time when you find yourself constantly feeling the desire to renovate outdated appliances, cabinetry, plumping, or general landscaping. At some point, all of your maintenance updates or modernization of your home will outweigh the costs of selling your home and finding a new space that is up to date in all aspects. If you are that someone who is tired of having to keep up with maintenance, then you are, without a doubt, ready to sell your house.

Contact Us

We hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during this historical time in our lives. The Shaffer Team consists of real estate professionals in Southern Utah, specializing in selling homes. We work with talented photographers, stagers, and lenders to ensure your home buying or selling process is efficient and smooth. We are committed to keeping you informed through the entire sales process and educating you on anything you may not understand. Call us to learn more about the area and to understand how we can help you find your dream home at 435-525-0079.

When it comes to buying a home, you basically have three options: buy a move-in ready home, build your home, or purchase a fixer-upper. Depending on how specific buyer needs are with a property, any of these three could be a great option. Some people shy away from purchasing a fixer-upper because of the notion that it will be a pocket-draining experience. But before we dissuade you one way over the other, let’s discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a fixer-upper.

PRO: Well, the first one worth mentioning is also the most obvious one. You pay a significantly lower price for the initial purchase of the house. This will also give you a smaller down-payment and if you intend on getting a home loan, your APR will most likely be lower given the burrowing amount is less.

CON: On the flip side, where you may be saving up-front costs to begin with, you may exceed your budget quickly with renovations. It is easy to overlook the costs of even little projects, so we recommend that you research what renovations will be needed and calculate that into your entire budget. This also includes maintenance updates or repairs such as plumbing, electrical, or appliances.

PRO: Similarly to building your home, buying a fixer-upper allows you to access the creative side of your brain and curate your dream living experience. You can break down walls to open up space without any guilt. Remolding your bathroom has never been easier. Is there an extra bonus room that you don’t want? Then add in another wall and give yourself an extra guestroom and a home office.

CON: On the contrary, your creative ideas may become too much of a project, meaning, you’re biting off more than you can chew. What you don’t want is for your home to become a permanent construction zone. How can you enjoy your new home if you aren’t able to finish it? Like any goal, we recommend that you assess if the project is realistic, timely, achievable, and specific.

PRO: Tackling the project of a fixer-upper can be a positive family bonding experience. Through sweat and tears, you and the entire team (even if it’s just two of you), will be able to create your ideal living spaces. The most rewarding thing you may experience is being able to create a life in the space that you worked so hard to complete.

CON: Like any challenge that takes a team to tackle, you can run into conflicts. When you buy a home that is complete or near-complete, you already know what you’re getting yourself into. You and your family have picked apart the things you like and don’t like and have made compromises. When you’re doing renovations and all possibilities are on the table, this can lead to stressful situations. In case a creative difference or conflict arises, be sure to have a project plan and commit to sticking to it.

The Bottom Line

Fixer-Uppers are ideal if you want to save on up-front costs when purchasing a home. It also gives you the ability to rebuild and renovate spaces if you are not set on building an entire home from scratch. Be sure to plan your budget accordingly as renovations can be expensive. Lastly, remember to renovate and fix up the home as a team!

Contact Us

We hope that everyone is staying safe and healthy during this historical time in our lives. The Shaffer Team consists of real estate professionals in Southern Utah, specializing in selling homes. We work with talented photographers, stagers, and lenders to ensure your home buying or selling process is efficient and smooth. We are committed to keeping you informed through the entire sales process and educating you on anything you may not understand. Call us to learn more about the area and to understand how we can help you find your dream home at 435-525-0079.