If you’ve been told you need 20% down to buy a home think again. In this episode of the Salt Lake Real Estate Podcast, mortgage expert BreeAnn Motta from Goldenwest Credit Union explains the truth about low-down-payment loans, how to qualify, and what first-time buyers really need to know before they start house hunting.

You’ll Learn:

• Why 3% down is possible, and who qualifies

• What PMI is, when it goes away, and how to lower it

• The difference between FHA and conventional loan programs

• Why taking a short online class could open more loan options

Don’t let old myths or confusion about loans hold you back from owning a home. Now that you know 3% down is possible, it's time to explore your options. Your first home might be closer than you think.

Contact BreeAnn Motta:

Website: https://www.gwcu.org/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/breethemortgageofficer/

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make but are you making it with your eyes wide open? In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Miller, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who brings something rare to the table: a master’s in accounting. Stephanie shares what most buyers and sellers overlook financially, why getting pre-approved is only the beginning, and how to avoid costly surprises especially when reviewing HOAs or preparing to sell.

Whether you’re house hunting, listing, or just dreaming, this episode will help you move forward with strategy not just emotion.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most people don’t really know what they can afford
• How to uncover financial blind spots before making a move
• The hidden risks of skipping a pre-listing title report
• Red flags in HOA budgets that could cost you
• How to balance emotional wants with financial realities
• Budgeting for homeowners insurance and post-move customization

Whether you're planting roots or chasing new horizons, the smartest move you can make is an informed one. Stephanie reminded us that real estate isn’t just about finding the right house it’s about understanding your financial foundation and planning for what comes next. Before you fall in love with the listing, make sure you’ve done the math. Because the right home isn’t just a destination it’s a step toward the life you're building.

Connect with Stephanie Miller:

Website: https://www.spartanreut.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StephMiller.Realtor

It's been five years since the 2020 housing boom, and many homeowners are still sitting pretty on ultra-low interest rates but that doesn't mean they love the space they’re in. In this episode, we're joined by designer and staging expert Heidi Jessop of Spaces by Heidi to talk about how to fall in love withyour home again-without moving a single box.

From primary bedrooms turned personal retreats to mixing masculine and feminine aesthetics, Heidi shares practical ways to refresh your space, work within your budget, and stay ahead of design trends (hello, natural stone and goodbye stark white everything). Whether you're navigating different tastes with your partner or trying to figure out your own personal style, this episode will inspire you to create a home that feels like you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to reimagine your space without starting over
• What design trends are in (and out) for 2025
• How to discover your personal style even if you don’t think you have one
• Budget-friendly tips that still feel luxurious
• Why the primary bedroom deserves more love
• How working with a designer can actually save you time and money

Connect with Heid:

• Website: https://spacesbyheidi.com
• IG:https://www.instagram.com/whitepinestaging
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacesbyheidi

Pricing your home is like Goldilocks. Too high, buyers walk away. Too low, and you leave money on the table. So how do you get it just right?

That’s the question we tackle in this episode with Donna Pozzuoli, a seasoned Utah real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties. With over four decades f experience, Donna shares her proven strategies for helping sellers get the best possible return—without the stress or guesswork.

What You’ll Learn:

• What a “cream puff” home is—and why it sells faster
• Donna’s two-step process to pricing a home accurately
• How minor updates can lead to a major return
• Why overpricing can hurt your chances (and help your competition)
• Realistic timelines for selling in today’s market
• How interest rates are influencing buyer expectations
• Why pricing strategy matters more now than ever

Connect with Donna Pozzuoli:

Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.pozzuoli

Website: https://www.bhhsutah.com/agent/donna-pozzuoli/

For Utah Sellers:

If you’re planning to list your home this year, this episode is a must-listen. Donna breaks down the realities of today’s market and shows you how to price smart from day one. Share this episode with a friend who's thinking about selling.

The real estate market has shifted. What once was standard is no longer the norm. Whether you're buying your first home or selling one filled with memories, the landscape in 2025 is different—and the financial stakes are higher than ever.

In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Felis, a real estate expert with 22 years of experience at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties. Peter offers clear, honest insight into the current market—what’s changed, what to expect, and how buyers and sellers can make smart, educated decisions without ending up house poor.

From adjusting to higher interest rates to dealing with limited inventory and emotional price tags, this conversation is packed with practical advice for navigating today’s real estate realities.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why the new normal in real estate demands a new mindset
• How rising interest rates and low inventory affect both buyers and sellers
• The emotional side of moving—and how to balance sentiment with strategy
• Why waiting for the “perfect” market could cost you
• Peter’s story of building his first home—and what he learned
• Steps you can take today to get ready to buy or sell

Connect with Peter:

Instagram: @buyingandsellingsaltlake

Website: Peter’s Realtor Profile

Losing a loved one is never easy, and when a parent passes away, families not only experience grief but also face overwhelming decisions—especially when it comes to the family home. Whether it is filled with memories or a financial burden, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference.

In this episode, we are joined by Isabel Hutchings from Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, a real estate expert with 35 years of experience. Isabel specializes in guiding families through estate sales, ensuring they make informed decisions during an emotionally challenging time.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why an appraisal is the first step to avoid family disputes over home value
• How to navigate emotional vs. financial factors when selling a family home
• What to do if there is no will or trust in place and why probate can be costly
• The role of an executor and how to appoint one
• Deciding whether to sell a home as-is or invest in repairs
• The importance of a title search, including hidden debts, medical liens, and co-signing surprises
• Clearing out a family home and practical tips for managing the process
• State-specific differences in estate sales and probate

Isabel also shares the incredible story of her great-grandmother, an immigrant, businesswoman, and real estate pioneer in Utah.

If you are currently navigating an estate sale or want to prepare for the future, this episode is packed with valuable insights to make the process smoother and less stressful.

Connect with Isabel Hutchings:

Instagram: @isabelsellsutah_lv

Website & Listings: bhhsutah.com/agent/isabel-hutchings

For dog owners, finding the right home isn’t just about square footage—it’s about ensuring your furry family members feel at home too.

In this episode, we talk with Darcee Oliva, The Dog-Friendly Realtor from Presidio Real Estate South Valley. Darcee specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate real estate with pets in mind, ensuring that every home is the perfect fit for both two-legged and four-legged residents.

In This Episode:

• How a buyer’s dog influences the home search process
• What to look for in a pet-friendly home and neighborhood
• Tips for sellers with pets—staging, showings, and keeping stress low
• Must-have features for the ultimate dog-friendly home

Connect with Darcee:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtordarcee/?hl=en

Website: http://www.presidioteam.com/darceeoliva

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtordarcee

Whether you're house hunting with a Great Dane or selling with a Chihuahua, Darcee has expert insights to make the process smooth for you and your pets. Tune in now.

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Imagine winding up a quiet dirt road, the crisp mountain air filling your lungs as towering pines sway around you. The stress of the city fades as you step onto your cabin porch, taking in the peaceful silence. For many, this is a dream—but for Stacey Deittman, it’s a way of life.

Stacey Deittman is a Cabin & Mountain Property Specialist with Realty One Group Signature, helping buyers and investors find their perfect mountain retreat. Growing up with a family cabin, Stacey experienced firsthand how these properties create lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and offer a much-needed escape from the demands of daily life.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The realities of cabin ownership—what it truly takes to maintain and enjoy a mountain property year-round
• The financial benefits of owning a cabin versus continuously renting Airbnbs or vacation homes
• The difference between rustic off-grid cabins and luxury mountain retreats—and which type might be the best fit for your lifestyle
• Important considerations before buying a cabin, from accessibility and utilities to financing challenges and HOA regulations
• The lifestyle impact of owning a mountain property and how it changes the way families connect and unwind

For Stacey and her family, the decision to invest in a cabin wasn’t just about real estate—it was about choosing adventure over convenience, peace over hustle, and connection over distraction. She shares how buying a mountain home changed her family’s lifestyle, giving them a retreat where time slows down, technology takes a backseat, and nature becomes the centerpiece of their experiences.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a cabin or wondered whether it’s a smart investment, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the right decision.

Connect with Stacey:

📍 Instagram: Stacey Deittman Realtor

🌲 Website: staceydeittman.com

Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a full-time mountain retreat, now is the time to start exploring your options. The mountains are waiting.