Local real estate analysis from Chris Sloan,
president of the Utah Association of REALTORS®

Look for more insights from Chris every Saturday
in the real estate section of the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.

Lawmakers pass bill creating $6,000 home buyer grants

The Utah Legislature passed a bill that would create a new state program that would provide $6,000 to buyers of a newly constructed, never-occupied home.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, March 14, 2009)

How to make the most of a buyer's market

Buyers have all the advantages these days; learn how to use them to get the best price and terms.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, March 7, 2009)

Buying a home: Does it make sense for you?

A look at the classic rent vs. buy decision in light of today's home-buying incentives.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 28, 2009)

Enhanced tax credit provides big incentive to home buyers

President Obama signs a bill that creates an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. The best part is the credit does not have to be repaid.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 21, 2009)

Considering buying a short sale? Read these tips first

Real estate transactions called short sales are becoming more common these days. Here's what you need to know if you want to buy a pre-foreclosure property.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 14, 2009)

Economic expert says housing market working to stabilize

The director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research says he expects real estate sales and new construction starts to find a bottom in 2009.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 7, 2009)

Help is available to prevent foreclosures

What to know if you're having a hard time paying your mortgage.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 31, 2009)

Mortgage options available despite credit freeze

Credit standards are tighter these days, but there are still programs available for borrowers with low down payments or less-than-perfect credit.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 24, 2009)

Take advantage of newest homeownership tax breaks

The tax benefits of homeownership have always been incredible, but for 2008 filers there are even more homeownership-related tax breaks to choose from.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 10, 2009)

The real estate landscape in 2009

Expect to see low home prices and mortgage rates in 2009. Some economists are also expecting stabilization in the real estate market by the end of the year.
See article (appeared in Deseret News/Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 3, 2009)