Whether you’re buying near Hill Air Force Base, moving to Salt Lake County, or settling elsewhere in Utah, here’s what to know.

What is a VA loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Private lenders provide the financing, while the VA guarantees part of the loan.

Key benefits include:

• No down payment for qualified buyers with sufficient entitlement and a supported purchase price.
• No monthly mortgage insurance.
• No prepayment penalty if you pay off the loan early.

However, you still need to qualify based on your finances and the property.

Who qualifies for VA loans in Utah?

Eligibility depends on your military service history and duty status. Veterans, active-duty service members, qualifying National Guard and Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify.

A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, confirms your eligibility for the benefit. Your lender can often help request it.

However, a COE does not guarantee loan approval. You must also meet credit, income, and occupancy requirements.

What credit score do you need?

The VA does not set a minimum credit score. However, individual lenders may set their own minimums.

Therefore, don’t assume one lender’s answer applies everywhere. Your income, debts, assets, and credit history all help determine what you can qualify for.

Do VA loans require closing costs?

Yes. Zero down payment does not automatically mean zero cash at closing.

You may still have appraisal, title, lender, and other closing expenses. Fortunately, you can negotiate for the seller to cover eligible costs, subject to program rules.

For example, a Utah buyer might negotiate seller-paid closing costs instead of requesting only a price reduction. That could help preserve savings for moving and home expenses.

What is the VA funding fee?

Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee unless they qualify for an exemption. The amount depends on factors such as your down payment and previous use of the benefit.

You can generally finance this fee into the loan. Borrowers receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability are among those who may be exempt.

Is there a VA loan limit in Utah?

With full entitlement, the VA does not impose a county loan limit. However, your lender must approve the amount, and the appraisal must support the purchase.

If you have remaining entitlement rather than full entitlement, county limits help determine how much you can borrow without a down payment.

Common questions about Utah VA loans

Can I use my VA benefit more than once?

Yes. VA benefits are reusable. Your next purchase depends on your available entitlement and whether you qualify for the new loan.

Can I buy a condo or a multi-unit home?

Yes. Eligible properties include condos in VA-approved projects and homes with up to four units. You must meet occupancy requirements and live in the property.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

No. VA loans serve eligible first-time and repeat homebuyers.

Get started with a VA loan in Utah

Start with your eligibility, a comfortable monthly payment, and an estimate of your closing costs.

Our Houzd Mortgage team can help you explore VA loans in Utah, review your COE, and compare financing options before you make an offer.

Contact Houzd Mortgage to get started with your VA loan pre-approval.

The post VA Loans in Utah: Requirements, Benefits, and How to Qualify appeared first on Houzd.

That’s how a recent conversation started with a business owner in Sandy, Utah.

If you’ve struggled to qualify for a self-employed mortgage in Utah, his experience may sound familiar. Your business is doing well, but the income a lender calculates doesn’t seem to reflect it.

The good news? Tax returns are not the only way eligible self-employed borrowers can document income.

A successful business, but a mortgage roadblock

This client owns a trucking company with three semi-trucks and drivers keeping them on the road.

His business was doing well. Like many business owners, he also worked with an accountant to take advantage of legitimate tax deductions.

Those deductions helped reduce his taxable income. However, they complicated his mortgage qualification.

Every lender he spoke with reviewed his tax returns and reached essentially the same conclusion: not enough qualifying income.

Conventional loans can work well for self-employed borrowers. Lenders evaluate business income, its stability, and applicable adjustments. Still, some borrowers need a different documentation option.

How a bank statement loan changed the conversation

Instead of stopping with his tax returns, we explored a bank statement loan.

These programs commonly review 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank statements to calculate qualifying income. For eligible borrowers, they offer an alternative to using tax returns for income documentation.

However, lenders do not simply count every deposit as income. They review eligible deposits and account for business expenses under the program’s guidelines.

That gave us another way to evaluate this client’s business and explore his home financing options.

Do bank statement loans always have much higher rates?

Here’s what surprised him: the bank statement option we reviewed had an interest rate nearly identical to the conventional option we compared it with.

That was his specific scenario—not a promise that every borrower will receive similar pricing.

Rates and costs depend on the borrower, property, down payment, and program. Therefore, compare the complete offer, including the APR, lender fees, and cash needed at closing.

The lesson is simple: don’t assume an alternative mortgage will be too expensive before reviewing the numbers.

How much down payment will you need?

A larger down payment can be an important trade-off.

For qualified borrowers with 20% down, some programs allow income documentation through bank statements rather than tax returns. However, 20% down alone does not guarantee approval, and requirements vary.

Expect the lender to review your credit, debts, business history, available funds, and ability to repay.

Can you get a self-employed mortgage without tax returns?

Yes, certain mortgage programs allow eligible borrowers to document self-employment income without tax returns.

However, “no tax returns” does not mean “no income verification.” Bank statements and other supporting records still need to establish qualifying income.

Before applying, gather:

• Recent personal and business bank statements.
• Information about your business and ownership.
• Records of your down payment and savings.
• Details about your current debts.

Your loan officer can then explain what the specific program requires.

Explore your self-employed mortgage options in Utah

Sometimes, “you don’t qualify” means you don’t qualify under the program that was reviewed.

That distinction matters.

Our Houzd Mortgage team helps business owners explore financing options based on their individual circumstances. If you’re looking for a self-employed mortgage in Utah, we can compare traditional financing with bank statement options.

Let’s review your business, your goals, and the numbers before you assume buying is out of reach.

Client experience reflects an individual scenario. Rates, down payments, documentation, and eligibility vary by program. Subject to credit, property, and underwriting approval.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post Self-Employed Mortgage in Utah: When Tax Returns Don’t Tell the Whole Story appeared first on Houzd.

If you’ve been waiting to buy a home in Utah because rates feel high, it may be time to revisit the full picture.

Your interest rate matters. However, so do the purchase price, down payment, and loan amount.

How can a higher rate produce a lower payment?

Your monthly principal-and-interest payment depends on three things: the amount you borrow, your interest rate, and your loan term. Therefore, comparing rates alone leaves out part of the equation.

Consider the May-to-October comparison below. Both options use a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20% down.

In the May example, a $660,000 purchase price requires a $132,000 down payment. That leaves a $528,000 loan. At 6.625%, the monthly principal-and-interest payment is approximately $3,380.

In the October example, the purchase price is $625,000, with a $125,000 down payment. The loan amount drops to $500,000. Even at the higher rate of 7.125%, the payment is approximately $3,368.

The rate went up. The payment stayed nearly identical. Meanwhile, the down payment dropped by $7,000.

These two purchase scenarios show how the math works; they do not represent a statewide change in Utah home values.

What should Utah homebuyers take away from this?

The point is bigger than a small monthly difference.

Looking only at higher mortgage rates could cause you to overlook a home that fits your budget.

For example, a property with a reduced asking price may deserve another look—even if rates have increased since you first considered buying.

That does not mean every home is a better deal today. Instead, it means you need updated numbers for the properties you’re considering.

Should you buy now or keep waiting?

Start with your budget and your reason for moving.

Maybe your family needs more space. Perhaps you’re ready to downsize, move closer to family, or stop maintaining rooms nobody uses.

Those needs do not disappear while you wait for a particular interest rate.

Before putting your plans on hold, compare:

• The home’s current purchase price.
• Your available down payment.
• Closing costs and any negotiated seller contributions.
• Your complete monthly housing payment.
• The savings you’ll have left after closing.

Also, remember that principal and interest are only part of your housing expense. Include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any applicable mortgage insurance or HOA dues when evaluating affordability.

Look beyond higher mortgage rates

Calling it a “bad market” does not tell you whether it’s a bad time for you to move.

Waiting may make sense. Moving may make sense. Either way, you deserve to make that decision using numbers that reflect your situation.

Our Houzd Mortgage team can review purchase prices, down payment options, and your full monthly payment so you can see what’s realistic.

You may still decide to wait. But let’s make sure you’re waiting because it fits your goals—not because a rate headline made buying seem out of reach.

The post Higher Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Mean Higher Payments appeared first on Houzd.

Seller concessions are negotiated contributions from a home seller toward a buyer’s eligible purchase expenses. They can help cover closing costs, prepaid expenses, or an approved mortgage buydown.

For buyers exploring seller concessions in Utah, the opportunity goes beyond getting a lower asking price. A seller credit could reduce the cash you need at closing or help lower your payment.

However, the maximum depends on your loan program, down payment, and property use.

What can seller concessions pay for?

Depending on your mortgage, seller contributions may cover:

• Loan origination and lender fees.
• Appraisal, title, and settlement costs.
• Prepaid interest and eligible insurance or tax expenses.
• Discount points for a lower interest rate.
• An approved temporary buydown, such as a 2-1 buydown.

The credit must appear in the purchase agreement and closing documents. Your lender then confirms which expenses qualify.

Although buyers often call all seller credits “concessions,” mortgage programs define and count them differently.

What are the maximum seller concessions?

The table below summarizes common purchase-loan limits.

For conventional loans, these standard limits use the lower of the purchase price or appraised value. The down-payment examples assume no additional financing changes the combined loan-to-value ratio. Special program exceptions may apply.

Why is the VA rule different?

The VA’s 4% limit is not a blanket cap on everything the seller can pay.

Ordinary buyer closing costs fall outside that limit. Meanwhile, items such as a seller-paid VA funding fee, certain prepaid expenses, and qualifying debt payoffs count toward it.

Therefore, a VA seller contribution can exceed 4% overall when the expenses are structured correctly. Your lender should review the breakdown before your agent writes the offer.

Does the maximum mean you can use that entire amount?

No. The percentage is a ceiling, not an automatic benefit.

For example, a $500,000 conventional purchase with 5% down generally allows up to $15,000 in financing concessions, assuming the appraisal supports the price.

However, you still need enough eligible expenses to use that credit. If your allowable costs total $11,000, you generally cannot collect the remaining $4,000 as spending money.

Before closing, your lender and agent can review whether an approved buydown or contract adjustment makes sense.

Are seller concessions better than a price reduction?

It depends on your goal.

A price reduction lowers the purchase price and generally reduces the amount you borrow.

A seller credit helps cover eligible expenses. That may preserve your savings or fund a buydown.

For example, if you have enough for the down payment but closing costs would drain your reserves, a credit may be especially useful. However, if reducing the loan balance is your priority, a lower price may fit better.

Compare both options using the cash needed at closing, monthly payment, and total costs.

Can seller concessions cover my down payment?

Generally, ordinary seller closing-cost credits cannot satisfy your required down payment. A qualifying family gift of equity is a separate arrangement with its own rules.

Also, the seller must agree to contribute. Loan guidelines establish what is permitted; negotiations determine what you receive.

Plan your seller concessions before making an offer

The strongest request starts with knowing how much credit you can actually use.

Our Houzd Mortgage team can work with you and your real estate agent to compare seller concessions in Utah, review program limits, and evaluate closing-cost or buydown options.

Before writing your offer, let’s run the numbers so you can ask for a credit that supports your goals.

Seller contributions are subject to loan guidelines, eligible expenses, appraisal, and underwriting approval. Limits may include contributions from other interested parties.

The post Seller Concessions in Utah: What Are the Limits? appeared first on Houzd.

Waiting could mean a lower payment. However, it could also mean shopping alongside more buyers who were waiting for the same thing.

Why lower rates can bring more competition

Lower mortgage rates make borrowing less expensive and increase purchasing power. As a result, homes that were out of reach may become affordable for more buyers.

Imagine several buyers watching the same Utah neighborhood. They all want to move, but each is waiting for rates to fall.

When rates drop enough, those buyers may restart their searches at the same time. Suddenly, a home that might have received one offer could attract several.

That is the risk of waiting: the rate you want may also be the rate that brings your competition back.

A rush is not guaranteed. Inventory, employment, and local demand also influence what happens. Still, lower rates can create more competition when buyer demand grows faster than the supply of homes.

A lower rate does not guarantee a better deal

Your interest rate is only one part of the purchase.

If competition increases, you may face:

• A higher purchase price.
• Fewer seller-paid closing costs.
• Less room to negotiate repairs.
• More pressure to make a quick decision.

By comparison, a less competitive market may give you more negotiating power. When sellers have fewer buyers to choose from, they may be more open to your terms.

For example, seller-paid closing costs could help preserve your savings. Depending on the loan, concessions might also help fund an interest rate buydown.

Therefore, compare the complete deal: price, payment, cash needed, and seller contributions.

Should you buy now or wait if the payment feels too high?

Wait if buying now would stretch your budget too far. A quieter market does not make an uncomfortable payment comfortable.

However, if the payment works and you find a home that fits your needs, waiting solely for a lower rate carries its own uncertainty.

Ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably afford the full payment, including taxes and insurance?
• Will I have savings left after closing?
• Does this home fit my plans for the next several years?
• What can I negotiate on this property today?

What if rates drop after you buy?

You may have an opportunity to refinance later. However, you must qualify, and refinancing involves costs. Even “no-closing-cost” options shift those expenses into the rate or loan balance.

Buy with a payment you can manage today. Treat a future refinance as a possibility.

Compare your Utah homebuying options

You do not need to predict the perfect market to make a thoughtful decision.

Our Houzd Mortgage team can help you compare buying now with waiting, including your payment, closing costs, and potential seller concessions.

Contact us to see what buying a home in Utah could look like for your budget.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

The post Should I Buy Now or Wait for Rates to Drop? appeared first on Houzd.

What if you could move before your house hits the market?

Picture getting your house ready for a showing: clean the kitchen, hide the laundry, load up the kids, find the dog and hope the buyers show up.

Now imagine doing that for several weeks.

For many homeowners, the challenge of moving isn’t finding another house. It’s figuring out how to buy and sell without turning everyday life upside down.

Buying first and selling later can change that experience. Instead of living around showings, you move into your next home. Then your real estate agent helps prepare your current house for the market.

How does a bridge loan work?

A bridge loan provides temporary financing between buying your next home and selling your current one.

The process generally looks like this:

1. Review your options. Your lender evaluates your equity, finances, and eligibility for both the bridge financing and your next mortgage.
2. Buy your next home. If approved, you use the financing as allowed by the program to help complete your purchase.
3. Move and prepare your current house. You and your agent coordinate repairs, cleaning, staging, and listing.
4. Sell and repay the bridge loan. Sale proceeds typically repay the bridge loan, subject to the loan’s terms and other closing obligations.

Why buy before selling your current home?

Give your home time to make a strong first impression

It’s hard to tackle paint touch-ups, carpet cleaning, and repairs while keeping a household running.

Moving out first can give you and your agent more flexibility to prepare the property. You can schedule work, arrange staging, and take listing photos without working around daily life.

Preparation doesn’t guarantee a higher sale price. However, it can help you present your home thoughtfully when buyers first see it.

Make showings easier to schedule

When you still live in the house, every showing requires coordination.

Dinner gets interrupted. Homework moves to the car. The dog suddenly has a very active social calendar.

An unoccupied home can make showing appointments easier to accommodate. As a result, buyers may have more opportunities to see it.

Reduce the pressure to coordinate two closings

Selling first can leave you searching for temporary housing if your next home isn’t ready.

Buying first may help you avoid an extra move. It can also give you more control over when you pack and settle into your new place.

For families moving within Salt Lake County or elsewhere along the Wasatch Front, that flexibility may be especially helpful.

Common questions about buying first and selling later

Can I buy a house before selling my current home in Utah?

Yes, some homeowners can qualify to buy before selling. A bridge loan may help, but your options depend on your equity, finances, and loan requirements.

Do I need to list my house before getting a bridge loan?

Listing requirements vary by lender and program. Confirm whether your current house must be listed or under contract before you make an offer.

Will I have two mortgage payments?

You may have overlapping mortgage obligations and other housing expenses. Your actual payments depend on how the financing works. Review a written breakdown of what you owe each month and at repayment.

What happens if my home doesn’t sell before the loan is due?

You remain responsible for repayment under the loan agreement. An extension or replacement loan may not be available. That’s why a realistic pricing strategy, cash reserves, and a backup plan matter.

Is a bridge loan the only way to buy before selling?

No. Depending on your situation, other options may include savings, eligible home equity financing, or an offer contingent on selling your current home. Each approach has different costs and requirements.

Could buying first and selling later work for you?

You don’t have to figure out the timing of two homes on your own.

Our Houzd Mortgage team can review your financing options and coordinate with your real estate agent. Together, we can look at the costs, timing, and plan for selling your current house.

Thinking about a move in Utah? Contact Houzd Mortgage to find out whether buying first and selling later could work for you.

Financing is subject to credit approval, property eligibility, and program requirements. Terms, costs, and availability vary. Houzd Mortgage | NMLS #888979 | Equal Housing Lender.

The post Bridge Loan in Utah: Buy Your Next Home Before Selling appeared first on Houzd.

Your monthly debts, down payment, interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and loan program can all affect your buying power.

That is why two buyers with the same salary may qualify for very different home prices.

How Do Lenders Calculate How Much House You Can Afford?

Lenders typically start by looking at your gross monthly income and your monthly debt obligations.

Then they calculate your debt-to-income ratio, also called DTI.

Your monthly debts may include:

• Car payments
• Student loans
• Credit card payments
• Personal loans
• Other mortgages
• Your estimated new housing payment

Your new housing payment can include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA dues.

As a result, your actual buying power depends heavily on the complete monthly payment—not just the home price.

How Much House Can I Afford Based on My Income?

There is no single income-to-home-price formula that works for everyone.

For example, a buyer earning $100,000 per year with very little debt may qualify differently than another buyer earning the same amount with a $900 car payment and student loans.

Your loan type also matters.

Conventional, FHA, VA, and other mortgage programs can have different qualification requirements.

So instead of asking only:

“How much house can I afford based on my salary?”

A better question is:

“What monthly payment can I comfortably afford, and what home price does that support?”

Does My Down Payment Affect How Much House I Can Afford?

Yes.

A larger down payment reduces the amount you need to borrow.

It may also:

• Lower your monthly mortgage payment
• Reduce mortgage insurance
• Improve certain loan options
• Help you qualify for a higher purchase price

However, putting every dollar you have into the down payment is not always the best strategy.

You may also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, repairs, and emergency savings after closing.

How Do Interest Rates Affect Buying Power?

Interest rates can have a major impact on how much house you can afford in Utah.

When rates rise, the payment on the same loan amount increases.

When rates fall, the payment decreases.

That means your buying power can change even if your income and down payment stay exactly the same.

It is also why seller-paid rate buydowns can be valuable. In some situations, using seller concessions to lower the mortgage rate may help your monthly payment more than a small reduction in the purchase price.

Don’t Forget Taxes, Insurance, and HOA Dues

Online mortgage calculators can be helpful, but make sure they include the full housing payment.

A realistic payment may include:

• Principal
• Interest
• Utah property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance
• HOA dues

National affordability calculators also emphasize that affordability depends on income, debts, down payment, interest rate, taxes, insurance, and other housing expenses.

Leaving those items out can make a home appear more affordable online than it actually is.

How Much Should You Spend vs. How Much Can You Qualify For?

These are two different questions.

As a lender we can tell you the maximum amount you may qualify to borrow.

However, that does not mean you need to spend that much.

You should also consider:

• Your normal monthly spending
• Childcare
• Travel
• Savings goals
• Home maintenance
• Lifestyle expenses
• How much cash you want left after closing

The goal should not be to qualify for the biggest mortgage possible.

The goal is to find a payment that still lets you enjoy your life after you buy the house.

What Is the Best Way to Find Out How Much House You Can Afford in Utah?

The best way is to get a personalized mortgage pre-approval with our team.

Houzd Mortgage we will review your:

• Income
• Credit
• Monthly debts
• Down payment
• Loan options
• Estimated taxes and insurance

Then compare different home prices and monthly payments.

This gives you a much more useful number than generic online calculators.

Find Out How Much House You Can Afford in Utah

If you are trying to figure out how much house you can afford in Utah, reach out to the Houzd Mortgage team.

We can review your numbers, compare loan options, and show you what different purchase prices would actually look like as a monthly payment.

You do not need to be ready to buy today.

Sometimes the best first step is simply finding out what the numbers look like.

The post How Much House Can I Afford in Utah? appeared first on Houzd.

The new Fannie Mae departing residence guidelines may help you buy a new home and keep your current one as a rental. Eligible buyers can use supported market rent to help offset their existing housing payment, without securing a tenant first.

For homeowners who want to move but keep their existing home, that could remove a frustrating timing hurdle.

After all, how do you promise a tenant a move-in date when you haven’t found your next house?

Why keeping your home can make moving complicated

Maybe your family needs more space. Maybe you want a shorter commute. Or maybe your current home would make a good long-term rental.

You’re ready to move, but selling isn’t your first choice.

The challenge is qualifying for the next mortgage while you still own the first home. Rental income may help with that calculation. However, arranging a lease before you know when you’re moving can make the process difficult.

Fannie Mae’s new framework changes that conversation. It puts the focus on what the rental market supports.

What changed in Fannie Mae’s departing residence guidelines?

A departing residence is your current primary home that you plan to vacate and convert into a rental when you buy a new primary residence.

Under the new framework, lenders determine rental income using market evidence. A lease agreement is not permitted as the qualifying documentation for this scenario.

That evidence can include an appraisal with market rents, a comparable rent schedule, or a documented market analysis. When lenders use tools such as MLS, Zillow, or Redfin, they must obtain at least three comparable rentals.

So, an optimistic rent estimate won’t do the job. The numbers need support.

How market rent could offset your current payment

Here’s a hypothetical example for a homeowner buying another home in Utah:

In this example, the supported rent could fully offset the current home’s $2,100 housing payment for mortgage qualification.

However, the extra $300 does not become additional qualifying income under this departing residence framework. If the calculation produces a shortfall instead, that amount counts toward your debt-to-income ratio.

The full housing payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, and applicable association dues—not just the loan’s principal and interest.

Also, an offset on a mortgage application doesn’t make the payment disappear. You still owe it, including during vacancies.

What are the catches?

You may need six months of reserves

Buyers with less than 12 months of property management experience must have six months of reserves for the departing home’s full housing payment.

With a $2,100 payment, that equals $12,600.

This requirement is in addition to any applicable reserves for multiple financed properties. Your lender must calculate the total for your situation.

Your rental management history matters

The lender must document any qualifying property management experience. Prior rental tax returns and other permitted records may help establish that history.

Hiring a property manager doesn’t automatically establish your own 12-month track record. Have your lender review the documentation before assuming you qualify for different reserve treatment.

Reserves are separate from your down payment

Reserves are eligible assets available after closing. They provide a financial cushion beyond the money you use for your down payment and closing costs.

Depending on the rules, eligible assets may include savings, investments, or vested retirement funds. Your lender will confirm what counts.

This is a Fannie Mae change

Do not assume the same framework applies to Freddie Mac, FHA, or VA financing. Each has its own requirements.

The loan program and lender’s implementation matter. Before planning around a payment offset, confirm which guidelines your new mortgage will follow.

When do the new guidelines take effect?

Fannie Mae announced the update on September 2, 2026, and later revised its implementation deadline.

Lenders may adopt the changes now. They must implement them for loans with application dates on or after December 1, 2026.

If you’re buying before then, ask whether the lender has adopted the new rules.

Does keeping your home make sense for you?

For some Utah homeowners, this change may make moving more practical while preserving a home they want to keep.

Still, qualifying for the mortgage is one part of the decision. You’ll also want to consider repairs, vacancies, insurance, management costs, and how much cash you’ll have left after closing.

The goal is to build a plan you can comfortably manage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy another home without selling my current home?

Yes, if you qualify for the new mortgage while retaining the current property. Eligible rental income may help offset its housing payment.

Do I need a tenant before buying my next home?

Under Fannie Mae’s new departing residence framework, qualifying rental income comes from supported market rents rather than a lease. Availability depends on lender adoption and your eligibility.

Can I count all the expected rent as income?

No. The lender applies a 75% calculation, and this framework limits the benefit to offsetting the departing home’s payment.

Let’s look at your options before you decide to sell

If you’ve been thinking, “I want to move, but I don’t want to sell,” let’s run the numbers.

Our Houzd Mortgage team can review your current payment, potential market rent, available assets, and purchase plans. From there, we can help you understand whether keeping your home is a realistic option.

Contact Houzd Mortgage to explore buying your next home while keeping your current one.

Examples are illustrative. Loan approval depends on documented income, assets, credit, property eligibility, and applicable lender and program requirements.

Sources:

• Fannie Mae departing residence guidelines
• Fannie Mae September 2026 announcement, revised September 23
• General rental income guidance
• Minimum reserve requirements

The post Fannie Mae Departing Residence Guidelines appeared first on Houzd.

One brings Halloween fun to the sky above a ballpark. The other takes you into the mountains for a spooky evening ride. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a fall date night, here’s what to know before you go.

Utah Halloween Events 2026 at a Glance

Bumble’s Drone Spooktacular in South Jordan

If you’re looking for something new this Halloween, start with Bumble’s Drone Spooktacular. This family event takes place at The Ballpark at America First Square on October 16 and 17, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.

Throughout the evening, five themed drone shows will light up the sky. The festival also includes a costume parade, spooky train rides, glowing light tunnels, carnival games and trick-or-treating.

As a result, there’s more to do than watch a single show. Families can explore the activities and make an evening of it.

Costumes are welcome, so this could be a fun chance to give those Halloween outfits an early outing. After all, getting more than one use out of a child’s costume feels like a small parenting victory.

Before heading out, review the venue’s entry rules. Outside food and drinks are prohibited, although the ballpark allows one factory-sealed water bottle per person. Children under two do not need a ticket.

Check Bumble’s Drone Spooktacular tickets and event details.

Sundance Halloween Lift Rides

For a mountain outing, Sundance’s Halloween Lift Rides offer a different way to enjoy spooky season.

The returning attraction runs on select nights from October 15 through October 31, 2026. Rides operate from 7–10 p.m. on the Outlaw Express Lift.

Each ride takes about 30–45 minutes. Sundance describes the experience as family friendly and recommends it for children ages 10 and older. Halloween treats, hot chocolate, food and concessions are also available.

Because this is an outdoor mountain activity, plan for a chilly evening. Bring warm layers, wear comfortable shoes and check conditions before leaving home. A jacket that looks cute in your driveway may have different opinions halfway up the mountain.

This could be a good choice for a date night or an outing with older kids. However, consider everyone’s comfort with heights and nighttime chairlift rides before booking.

Check Sundance Halloween Lift Ride tickets and details.

Which Halloween Outing Should You Choose?

Choose Bumble’s Drone Spooktacular if your group wants costumes, games and several activities in one place. It’s an option for families planning an evening in South Jordan.

Alternatively, choose Sundance’s Halloween Lift Rides if a mountain setting sounds more appealing. Keep the resort’s age recommendation in mind, especially when planning with younger children.

For either event, check current ticket availability before making plans. Also, leave yourself extra time for parking and getting to the entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Halloween drone show in Utah?

Bumble’s Drone Spooktacular takes place at The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan on October 16–17, 2026.

When are Sundance’s Halloween lift rides in 2026?

Sundance’s Halloween Lift Rides run October 15–17, 19, 22–24 and 26–31, from 7–10 p.m.

Are these Utah Halloween events family friendly?

Bumble’s Drone Spooktacular offers family activities. Sundance also describes its rides as family friendly, but recommends them for ages 10 and older.

Enjoy More of Life in Utah

At Houzd Mortgage, we love helping people feel at home in Utah. That includes sharing local experiences worth putting on the calendar.

Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, these Utah Halloween events offer a reason to get outside and enjoy October.

And if your next adventure includes a new home, our Houzd Mortgage team would love to help.

The post Utah Halloween Events 2026: A New Drone Show & Sundance’s Spooky Lift Rides appeared first on Houzd.

That can be especially useful when you find the right house but do not want your offer to depend on selling your existing property first.

Instead of waiting for your current home to close, bridge financing may give you a way to buy first and sell afterward.

What Is a Bridge Loan?

A bridge loan is short-term financing designed to help cover the gap between buying a new home and selling your current one.

Depending on the loan structure, a bridge loan may help you:

• Access equity from your current home
• Cover a down payment on the next home
• Buy before your current home sells
• Reduce or remove a home-sale contingency
• Move first and sell afterward

In short, a bridge loan can create more flexibility when the timing of two real estate transactions does not line up perfectly.

How Does a Bridge Loan in Utah Work?

A bridge loan in Utah usually relies on the equity you already have in your current home.

Depending on the bridge loan program, a portion of your equity may help fund the purchase of your next home before the existing property sells.

Then, after your current home closes, you can use the proceeds to pay off the bridge financing.

The exact structure depends on the lender, your equity, income, and the properties involved.

Can a Bridge Loan Help Remove a Home-Sale Contingency?

This is one of the biggest reasons Utah buyers consider bridge financing.

A home-sale contingency tells the seller that your purchase depends on selling your current property first.

That can make your offer less attractive, especially if the seller has other buyers to choose from.

If bridge financing allows you to purchase without first selling, you may be able to submit a cleaner offer.

That can give the seller more certainty and potentially make your offer more competitive.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Bridge Loan?

Bridge loans tend to work best for homeowners who have equity in their current property.

A lender will typically review factors such as:

• Current home value
• Existing mortgage balance
• Equity
• Income
• Credit
• Purchase price of the new home
• Expected proceeds from the sale

Strong equity helps, but it is not the only factor.

The lender still needs to determine that the overall financing structure works.

Bridge Loan vs. HELOC

A HELOC may also allow you to access equity before selling.

However, a bridge loan and HELOC are not always interchangeable.

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home.

A bridge loan is usually short-term financing specifically designed to help with the transition between properties.

The better option depends on:

• How much equity you need
• Whether your home is already listed
• Your income
• How quickly you expect to sell
• Qualification requirements

Sometimes a HELOC is the simpler solution. Other times, a bridge loan fits the situation better.

Bridge Loan vs. Selling First

Selling first can be the cleanest financial option.

However, it can also create some headaches.

You may need to:

• Move twice
• Find temporary housing
• Store furniture
• Rush into buying your next home
• Write offers under pressure

A bridge loan in Utah may allow you to move into the next home first and then prepare your current property for sale afterward.

For some families, that convenience is a major benefit.

Are Bridge Loans Only for Expensive Homes?

Bridge financing is not limited to luxury buyers.

What matters more is whether the homeowner has enough equity and financial strength to make the program work.

A homeowner moving from a $450,000 property may have a bridge option just like someone moving from a $1 million home.

Every scenario is different.

How Do I Find Bridge Loan Options in Utah?

Start by having our team at Houzd Mortgage review your complete scenario.

Because bridge loan programs can vary significantly by lender, it helps to work with someone who can compare multiple options.

At Houzd Mortgage, we look at:

• Your current home
• Available equity
• New purchase price
• Income
• Monthly payments
• Expected sale proceeds
• Timing

Then we can determine whether bridge financing, a HELOC, or another buy-before-you-sell strategy makes the most sense.

Is a Bridge Loan in Utah Right for You?

A bridge loan in Utah can be a powerful tool if you want to buy your next home before selling your current one.

It will not work for every homeowner. However, if you have equity and want to avoid a home-sale contingency, it is absolutely worth running the numbers.

At Houzd Mortgage, helping buyers solve complex financing situations is a big part of what we do.

If you are looking for bridge loan options in Utah, reach out to our Houzd Mortgage team.

We can review your current home, your next purchase, and your available equity to help you figure out the best path forward.

The post Bridge Loan Utah: Buy Before You Sell Your Current Home appeared first on Houzd.