What’s it really like to buy your first home in Utah? In this episode of The Dirt on Real Estate, host Will Bennett, Licensed Utah Realtor, sits down with Drew—a first-time home buyer who just closed on a townhome in Utah County. Drew shares what the process was like, what caught him off guard, and what he and his wife would do differently next time.

From navigating mortgage pre-approval to managing expectations and compromises, this episode walks through the entire journey of buying a first home in today’s competitive Utah Real Estate market. You’ll hear practical tips on finding the right home, communicating with your real estate agent, and what to expect during closing—including why you may never speak directly to the seller.

Drew also offers advice for other young buyers facing big life changes—like a new baby—and trying to time a home purchase just right. If you're a first-time buyer or helping someone who is, this episode is packed with relatable insights and lessons learned.

Whether you’re planning your first move or already in the thick of it, this episode delivers real stories and expert perspective to help you feel confident buying your first home in Utah.

____________

Questions about Utah Real Estate?

Call or Text me: 435-395-9135

Email me: wbennett@gutahrealestate.com

Video: https://youtu.be/ppYDdcNYpKo

TheDirtonRealEstate.com

Buying a home in Utah? Don’t overlook the closing process. In this episode of The Dirt on Real Estate, host Will Bennett, Licensed Utah Realtor, sits down with escrow officer Robyn Johnson from Union Title to walk you through the ins and outs of title insurance, escrow, and earnest money—three critical pieces of the real estate puzzle that many first-time buyers don’t fully understand.

You’ll hear Robyn explain what title insurance really covers, how it protects you from hidden ownership issues, and why it's a one-time cost that offers long-term peace of mind. She also shares how escrow works behind the scenes to keep your transaction on track, coordinate with lenders and agents, and ensure your closing day goes smoothly.

Learn why earnest money is more than just a deposit—it’s your commitment to the deal—and what happens if a deal falls through. Robyn shares real-life stories from her 28 years in the Utah Real Estate world, from unexpected title issues to heartwarming closings with new parents buying their first home.

Whether you're getting ready to close on your first home or just trying to understand what happens after your offer is accepted, this episode offers expert insight and actionable advice to help you feel more confident and prepared. Buying in Utah? Make sure you know the dirt before you sign on the dotted line.

____________

Questions about Utah Real Estate?

Call or Text me: 435-395-9135

Email me: wbennett@gutahrealestate.com

Video: https://youtu.be/ZCham58tHJY

TheDirtonRealEstate.com

Union Title: https://uniontitle.net/

Thinking about buying your first home? In this episode of The Dirt on Real Estate, host Will Bennett, Licensed Utah Realtor, sits down with mortgage expert Casey Bentley to walk you through the mortgage pre-approval process—a crucial first step in home buying. Learn what lenders look for, how to boost your credit, and how down payment assistance programs can make homeownership more accessible, especially in today's competitive Utah Real Estate market.

You’ll hear Casey break down the four key elements lenders evaluate—credit, income, debt, and down payment—and why getting pre-approved early can help you take advantage of limited-time programs and avoid last-minute surprises. The episode also covers how pre-approvals affect your home search, the documentation you’ll need, and how to work backward from your ideal monthly payment to find the right home price range for your budget.

You'll also get timely updates on interest rates, when to lock in your rate, and the difference between what you can afford and what you should spend. Whether you're just starting your search or already talking to agents, this episode offers practical tips and expert advice to help you navigate Utah Real Estate with confidence. Plus, find out why “date the rate, marry the home” might be the smartest mindset for today’s buyers.

____________

Questions about Utah Real Estate?

Call or Text me: 435-395-9135

Email me: wbennett@gutahrealestate.com

Video: https://youtu.be/BeYasgWdZ8g

TheDirtonRealEstate.com

Casey Bentley: https://www.instagram.com/bentleyadvisers?igsh=cHQxamd5bXdmbTVm