Spring is one of the busiest times for real estate, especially in Utah. If you are a homeowner planning to put your home on the market don’t wait for the temperatures to rise and the snow to melt to get ready to sell.
Tamara Zander, a full-time licensed real estate professional with Zander Realty, has a few tips for getting your home in perfect shape to list and earn top dollar.
In 2025, most Daybreak sellers see stronger demand in late spring and early summer; however, you can win in other seasons by pricing strategically, prepping well, and launching with a polished marketing plan.
2025 Market Snapshot (What’s Different Now)
- Rates hover in the mid‑6% range. The weekly Freddie Mac survey shows the 30‑year fixed at about 6.30% as of Sept. 25, 2025—down from 2024 highs but still above pre‑pandemic norms.
- Inventory improved. Utah’s for‑sale inventory has risen year over year, giving buyers more options and making pricing discipline essential.
- Salt Lake City cooled slightly on speed. In August 2025, SLC homes sold in a median ~36 days, a bit slower than last year.
- Leaning toward buyers. National brokerage data shows summer 2025 as one of the strongest buyer‑leaning markets in over a decade, so standout presentation matters.
Why this matters: When supply rises and rates stay elevated, the best‑priced, best‑presented listings win the most showings and the strongest offers.
Seasonality Still Favors Spring—But Strategy Wins All Year
| Season | Pros | Cons | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Largest buyer pool; yards show well; families plan summer moves. | More competing listings; buyers scrutinize value. | List early with fresh photos, clean landscaping, and tight pricing. |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Relocations peak; long days boost showings. | Vacations slow some weekends; heat wilts curb appeal. | Water landscaping; offer twilight tours; highlight nearby amenities. |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Serious buyers; pleasant weather; less competition. | School schedules limit touring; days on market can extend. | Lean into “move‑in before holidays” messaging and flexible close dates. |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) | Lower competition; corporate transfers continue. | Fewer casual buyers; light and weather challenge photos. | Stage for warmth; use pro lighting; price to spur action in 2–3 weeks. |
Pricing in a 2025 Buyer‑Leaning Market
Set the Anchor Right
- Target the price bracket where your home outperforms nearby comps.
- Watch local days‑on‑market and price reductions; avoid chasing the market down.
- Use threshold pricing (e.g., $599,900 vs. $603,000) to capture more search filters.
When to Adjust
- If you miss 10–14 days with light showings, refresh photos, tighten copy, and take a decisive price step—not tiny nibbles.
- Pair adjustments with a weekend relaunch, open house, and buyer‑agent email.
Prep That Moves the Needle
- Curb appeal: Clean beds, fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and a scrubbed entry.
- Minor fixes: Patch/paint, tighten hardware, replace tired bulbs, service HVAC.
- Light staging: Declutter 30–40%, neutral linens, balanced art; add pops of color.
- Pro visuals: Hire photography + quick lifestyle video; capture nearby parks, pools, trails and Downtown Daybreak.
Launch Plan: Make the First 7 Days Count
- Day 0–1: Publish, syndicate, and notify buyer agents.
- Day 2–3: Host a twilight or weekend open house; optimize your feature sheet and QR to floor plan.
- Day 4–7: Retarget interested buyers; offer a limited‑time lender credit or rate buydown option if needed.
Financing tools: Ask your lender about temporary rate buydowns and seller credits; these remain common in 2025.
Local & National Signals to Watch
- Mortgage rates: Track the weekly survey from Freddie Mac.
- Salt Lake City trends: Check median price and days‑on‑market updates on Redfin’s SLC page.
- Utah supply: Watch statewide inventory and monthly metrics from the Utah market overview and UAR monthly reports.
- Buyer vs. seller balance: National brokerage research shows summer 2025 tilting toward buyers.
Next Steps in Daybreak
Curious how your home stacks up? Start with the Daybreak Story to see what attracts buyers here, explore neighborhood amenities, and visit the Info Studio for maps and model‑home context you can highlight in your listing.
