Is Buying a House Like Taking on Student Loan Debt?

When people hear the word “debt,” their minds often go straight to student loans. For many, that’s a story filled with mixed emotions—some folks feel their degree was worth every penny, while others carry regret for loans they didn’t really need. So, is buying a house today kind of like taking on student loan debt? […]

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House in Utah?

It’s the question I hear almost every week: “Is now a good time to buy a house in Utah?” And I get it — with interest rates higher than we’ve seen in years and Utah home prices that have been climbing steadily, it feels like a loaded question. But the truth? The answer depends less on […]

Rent Increases Are Silent Wealth Killers in Utah

Every year, thousands of Utah families face the same letter in the mail: your rent is going up. Maybe it’s only $50 this year, $75 the next. At first glance, a 4% annual increase doesn’t feel like much. But when you zoom out and do the math, it’s easy to see why rent increases are […]

Mortgage Rates Hit 2025 Lows: Is Now the Time to Lock In or Wait for More Drops?

Mortgage rates 2025 have hit their lowest levels yet, giving Utah homebuyers and homeowners a unique opportunity to lock in savings or plan for refinancing. If you’ve been watching mortgage headlines lately, you’ve probably noticed the buzz: rates have dipped to their lowest levels of 2025, hovering around 6.5% for a 30-year fixed. That’s down […]

Labor Day Weekend in Utah: Celebrate, Explore & Enjoy

What events should you absolutely check out in Utah over Labor Day weekend (September 1–2, 2025)?From vibrant festivals to family-friendly fields and cultural celebrations, here’s your curated local guide—featuring six top events including the scenic Sunflower Festival at Cornbelly’s. Sunflower Festival at Cornbelly’s – Spanish Fork When: What to expect:Over 15 acres of vibrant sunflower […]

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Utah: What You Really Need to Know

Buying Your First Home in Utah If you’re a first-time buyer in Salt Lake County or Utah County, you’ve probably asked: “How much do I need for a down payment?” The good news is—buying a home in Utah may be more affordable than you think. Several programs exist to help you with down payment and […]

Jerome Powell Jackson Hole Mortgage Rates: Fed Signals Possible Cut in September

This morning at the Jackson Hole Symposium, Jerome Powell’s update on mortgage rates gave markets the signal they were waiting for: the Fed may be ready to cut rates at their September 17th meeting. Key Takeaways from Powell’s Jackson Hole Speech Market Reaction: Mortgage Rates Move Lower This is good news for mortgage rates. Even […]

Anthony VanDyke and Carter Campbell Recognized as Top Loan Officers in Draper, Utah

Houzd Mortgage proudly announces that Anthony VanDyke and Carter Campbell rank as the Top Loan Officers in Draper, Utah, according to FastExpert. Commitment to Clients and Community Anthony and Carter each bring more than 18 years of mortgage experience. They combine deep market knowledge with a client-first approach. Over the years, they have helped hundreds […]

What If I Can’t Refinance in Year 2 of My 1-0 Buydown?

You’ve probably heard me talk a lot about the 1-0 buydown lately — and for good reason.It’s one of the most underused tools buyers can use in today’s market to lower their interest rate (and payment) for the first year of their mortgage. But I get this question a lot recently: “What happens in Year […]

Utah Rent vs Owning 2025 — How Buying Can Save You Money

If you’ve been following the Utah rent vs owning conversation, you’ve seen the same story repeat: rent rarely goes down. You might get a small discount when a new apartment opens, but once that lease renewal shows up, your payment almost always goes up. Forecasts for 2025 show rents climbing another 2–3% by year’s end. […]