Ready to Make the Biggest Financial Decision of Your Life?
You've worked hard. You've graduated. Now it's time to stop paying someone else's mortgage and start building real wealth. Candice Smoot & Associates helps young professionals in Salt Lake and Utah County navigate the path to homeownership.
*Approximate median for first-time buyers we've helped in Salt Lake/Utah County.
Why Buy Now?
The average Utah homeowner gained $45,000+ in equity over the past 3 years.*
*Source: Utah Association of Realtors, 2022-2024. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Buying Your First Home
Can Feel Overwhelming
You have questions. Lots of them. That's completely normal—and exactly why we're here.
"We believe everyone deserves a knowledgeable guide when making the biggest purchase of their life. Our job is to make this process clear, simple, and even exciting."
— Candice Smoot, Associate Broker
Your Roadmap to
Homeownership
From pre-qualification to getting your keys, we guide you through every step with patience and expertise.
Get Ready
- Free pre-qualification assessment
- Down payment strategy & programs
- Credit optimization guidance
- Budget & affordability analysis
Find Your Home
- Personalized home search
- Neighborhood insights & commute analysis
- New listings alerts (before Zillow!)
- Virtual & in-person showings
Close the Deal
- Competitive offer strategy
- Inspection & negotiation support
- Closing cost breakdown & review
- Move-in coordination
Smart Place to Put Down Roots
Utah consistently ranks as one of the best states for young professionals. Here's why so many are choosing to buy here.
Strong job market & tech economy
No state property tax on vehicles
Lower cost of living than CA, CO, or WA
Excellent outdoor recreation access
Growing young professional community
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Top-rated schools in many areas
2034 Olympics driving infrastructure growth
Short commutes compared to other metros
Diverse housing options at every price point
Strong rental market if you need flexibility
4.50% flat state income tax
Salt Lake and Utah counties offer the perfect balance: affordable enough to get started, growing fast enough to build equity, and vibrant enough to actually enjoy living here.
Real People Who Actually Care
We're not a big corporate brokerage. We're a family team that treats every client like a neighbor. Because you might just become one.
Candice Smoot
Associate Broker
Utah RE License #11291390
Rob Smith
Principal Broker
Utah RE License #5489721
Dan Smoot
Market Research & Client Relations
Support Staff (Unlicensed)
Amber Smoot
Financial Modeling
Support Staff (Unlicensed)
Lauren Smoot
Property Staging & Design
Support Staff (Unlicensed)
Jonathan Virgin
Data & Analytics
Support Staff (Unlicensed)
First-Time Buyers Like You
Real stories from people who were in your shoes not long ago. They figured it out—and so can you.
"I thought I'd be renting forever. Candice showed me programs I didn't know existed and walked me through every step. I closed on my first townhome six months after our first call. Now my mortgage is less than what I was paying in rent!"
Tyler M.
West Jordan, UT
First-time buyer - $385K townhome
"As a recent grad with student loans, I didn't think homeownership was possible. The team helped me understand my real numbers and found a great starter home in my budget. They were patient with all my questions—and I had a lot!"
Sarah & Mike R.
Lehi, UT
First-time buyers - $420K single family
"I was tired of throwing money away on rent but had no idea where to start. Dan and Candice broke down the whole process in plain English. No pressure, just helpful guidance. I've already recommended them to three friends."
Jessica L.
Murray, UT
First-time buyer - $340K condo
"We moved here from California and the market felt so different. The team knew exactly which neighborhoods fit our vibe and budget. They found us a place near the mountains with an actual yard—something we could never afford back home."
David & Emma K.
Sandy, UT
Relocation buyers - $475K single family
Salt Lake & Utah County
Market Data
Real numbers for the areas where first-time buyers are finding great opportunities.
Data sources: Utah Association of Realtors, UtahRealEstate.com, and local MLS. Figures are approximate and subject to change.
Salt Lake City
Median Price
$485K
Days on Market
28
Appreciation
+6%
Year-over-year appreciation
West Valley / Taylorsville
Median Price
$425K
Days on Market
32
Appreciation
+7%
Year-over-year appreciation
Lehi / American Fork
Median Price
$520K
Days on Market
25
Appreciation
+8%
Year-over-year appreciation
Provo / Orem
Median Price
$445K
Days on Market
30
Appreciation
+5%
Year-over-year appreciation
What This Means for You
Starter Home Sweet Spots
West Valley, Taylorsville, and south Utah County offer the best value for first-time buyers. You can find move-in ready homes under $450K with yard space.
Move Fast, But Smart
Good homes go quickly (under 30 days average). Being pre-qualified before you start looking gives you a serious advantage in multiple-offer situations.
Building Equity Potential
Historically, Utah home values have appreciated over time. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, homeownership has been a path to building wealth for many families.
Market conditions vary. Past appreciation rates do not guarantee future performance. Consult with a financial advisor before making purchasing decisions.
The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Utah
Everything you need to know before buying your first home—written in plain English, not real estate jargon.
Plus: Get added to our list for new listing alerts and market updates.
Get Your Free Guide
We respect your privacy. Your information is secure.
From Pre-Qual to Keys in Hand
Here's what working with us actually looks like. No surprises, no confusion—just clear steps forward.
Free Consult
We'll talk about your situation, timeline, and answer all your questions. No pressure, just info.
Get Pre-Qualified
We connect you with trusted lenders to understand exactly what you can afford. This takes 24-48 hours.
Find Your Place
We search, you tour, we negotiate. Most buyers find their home within 4-8 weeks of serious searching.
Close & Celebrate
We handle the paperwork, coordinate inspections, and guide you to closing day. Then you get the keys!
Questions? We've Got Answers.
Ready to Take the First Step?
No commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation about your goals and how we can help.
Get Your Free Pre-Qual Consultation
Prefer to Talk?
Sometimes it's easier to just pick up the phone. Call or text us—we're real humans, not a call center.
Available seven days a week because home-buying doesn't stop on weekends.
Call or text anytime. We'll get back to you within a few hours.