In partnership with
Money Management Making You Mad?
Most business owners hit revenue goals and still feel cash-strapped.
Not because they're not making money. But because their money flow is broken, their decisions feel urgent instead of strategic, and their systems feel fragile instead of solid.
The Find Your Flow Assessment pinpoints exactly where friction shows up between your business and personal finances.
5 minutes with the Assessment gets you clarity on:
where cash leaks
what slows progress,
whether your current setup actually serves you
No spreadsheets, or pitch. Just actionable insight into what's not working and why.
Educational only. Not investment or tax advice.
Utah County Market Shift: The Return of Negotiation
One noticeable change in Utah County real estate lately is the return of real negotiation.
After years of “list it and wait for ten offers,” more sellers are now offering concessions—things like interest rate buy-downs, closing cost credits, or flexibility on timelines—to keep deals moving. Buyers are no longer rushing blindly, and sellers are adjusting accordingly.
Homes that are priced correctly and marketed well are still selling. Homes that feel “aspirationally priced” are sitting longer and quietly reducing.
This shift is creating opportunity on both sides:
Buyers have room to ask questions—and ask for help.
Sellers who plan strategically are still winning, often with cleaner contracts and stronger buyers.
In short: the market didn’t stall. It matured.
Lending Update: Flexibility Is Back (Quietly)
One of the biggest lending shifts we’re seeing right now is a renewed willingness from lenders to get creative—within the rules.
Temporary interest-rate buydowns (like 2-1 or 1-0 buydowns) are showing up more often again, frequently paid for by sellers as part of negotiations. This is helping buyers manage payments in the early years while still locking in a long-term loan.
We’re also seeing:
More openness to seller-paid closing costs
Increased attention on assumable FHA and VA loans when available
Appraisals feeling less aggressive, reducing last-minute deal stress
Jumbo and portfolio lenders loosening slightly for strong buyers
For buyers, this means affordability isn’t just about the rate—it’s about the structure of the loan.
For sellers, it means offering the right concession can be more effective than cutting the price.
The takeaway: financing isn’t frozen. It’s adapting.
Seller’s Tips
Seller Update: The First 14 Days Matter More Than Ever
In Utah County right now, we’re seeing a sharper divide between homes that sell quickly and homes that stall—and the difference is usually what happens in the first two weeks.
Buyers are watching longer. They’re tracking price changes. They’re comparing concessions. Once a listing passes the 14-day mark without strong activity, buyers start assuming there’s “room” to negotiate—even if nothing is actually wrong with the home.
What’s new is how sellers are responding:
Strategic pre-planned concessions are outperforming later price drops
Homes launching with clear incentive messaging are getting more showings
Sellers who adjust early are protecting value better than those who wait
In short, the market is rewarding sellers who treat the launch like a campaign, not a placeholder.
What this means for sellers:
The goal isn’t just to list—it’s to create momentum early. A strong first impression now carries more weight than a slow, reactive adjustment later.
Buyer’s Corner on the Market
Buyer Update: You Don’t Have to Rush—But You Do Have to Be Ready
I f
One noticeable change for Utah County buyers right now is the return of choice without chaos.
Inventory has improved in many price points, and buyers are no longer competing against ten offers the first weekend. That said, the best homes—well-priced, well-located, and move-in ready—are still selling quickly.
What’s new is the pattern:
Buyers are taking more time on average before making offers
Sellers are more open to concessions, especially on financing
Strong, well-prepared buyers are negotiating from a position of confidence
The mistake we’re seeing? Buyers confusing “less frantic” with “no urgency.” When the right home appears, hesitation can still cost the opportunity.
The advantage right now:
You can ask smarter questions, structure better terms, and avoid panic—as long as you’re prepared to act when it counts.
Thinking About Real Estate—or a Better Brokerage Fit?
We’re seeing more people in Utah County quietly exploring real estate as a career, along with experienced agents rethinking where they’re planted. If that’s you, the Collins Team is built for agents who value real guidance, collaboration, and long-term growth—not pressure or empty promises. Whether you’re brand new and want to learn the business the right way, or you’re licensed and looking for a brokerage that actually supports you, we believe good agents thrive in the right environment. Real estate is challenging work, but with the right systems, mentorship, and culture, it can also be deeply rewarding.
Join a Legacy of Excellence in Real Estate
At eXp Realty LLC/Collins Team, we redefine the real estate industry with innovation, integrity, and unparalleled expertise. Be part of a team that leads the way
Myth vs Reality: Buying & Selling in Today’s Market
Myth: Buyers should wait until prices drop or rates fall.
Reality: The “perfect moment” rarely announces itself. Today’s buyers who are prepared are negotiating terms, concessions, and financing structures that didn’t exist a year ago.
Myth: Sellers need to price high and “see what happens.”
Reality: The strongest offers are going to homes priced correctly from the start. Overpricing now often leads to longer days on market and quieter negotiations later.
Myth: Interest rates matter more than anything else.
Reality: The structure of the deal—concessions, buydowns, and flexibility—often matters just as much as the rate itself.
Myth: If a home doesn’t sell immediately, something must be wrong.
Reality: Today’s buyers are more deliberate. Homes that are marketed well and adjusted early are still selling successfully.
That’s it for today.
Keep showing up, keep cheering each other on — and as always, keep busy.
Lori Collins, Associate Broker DRE#14213653-AB00/Jeff Collins, Salesperson, DRE# 1421190-SA00
The Collins Team/eXp Realty LLC