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So, you’ve decided to invest in real estate in Utah, but you’re not sure how. Yes, how. It may sound odd initially, but figuring out how is the hardest part.

After all, now you’re focusing on the nuts and bolts of the real estate buying process. The good news is that we’re here to help.

First, let’s talk about what you need to do before you start searching for properties.

You’ll need to have a clear idea of your investment goals. What are you hoping to achieve by investing in real estate?

Are you looking to generate income, build equity, or both? Once you know your goals, you can search for properties that fit your criteria.

Let’s go over everything so nothing is left out.

Utah map showing various cities and bodies of water

1. Know your investment goals

If your investment goal is to get stinking rich, you must rethink everything from the ground up. No, but seriously, clearly understand what you want to achieve with your real estate investment before you start searching for properties.

Are you looking to generate income, build equity, or both?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you will make huge amounts of money overnight. It doesn’t work like that.

Yes, you can make money from real estate, but it takes time, patience, and a lot of work. We enjoy investing where our cash flows are healthy, and we rent out for the long term.

If interested, you can check out this other article I wrote sharing how we purchased our first real estate property in Utah – How to Buy Your First Real Estate Property in Your 20’s | Our Story

2. Find the right property

Now that you know your investment goals, it’s time to start searching for properties. But where do you even start?

The first step is determining the type of property you’re looking for. Are you interested in single-family homes, multi-family homes, or commercial properties?

So once you’ve decided on the property type, you can start looking for specific properties that fit your criteria. When you’re searching for properties, be sure to keep your investment goals in mind.

For example, if you’re looking to generate income, you’ll want to find a property in a good location with the potential for positive cash flow. On the other hand, if you’re looking to build equity, you’ll want to find a property with the potential for appreciation.

We have an excellent Realtor, but my wife found a new listing before our Realtor when looking for our second property in Utah. We love using UtahRealEstate.com but Zillow and other real estate listing sites work too.

3. Get pre-approved for a loan

clipboard with text saying home loan pre-approval

If you’re planning on financing your real estate purchase, the next step is to get pre-approved for a loan. The best way to do this is to talk to a lender and get an idea of what you qualify for.

Getting pre-approved for a loan will give you a better idea of your buying power and make the real estate buying process a lot smoother.

Here’s what you need to know about the pre-approval process:

  • -The lender will look at your credit history and income to determine how much money you can borrow.
  • The lender will also give you a pre-approval letter, which says how much money you can borrow.
  • The pre-approval letter does not guarantee you will get the loan but shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

4. Find a real estate agent

If you’re unfamiliar with the real estate market in Utah, finding a real estate agent who can help you with your search is a good idea.

An excellent real estate agent will be familiar with the area, and they’ll be able to help you find properties that fit your investment goals.

You don’t have to go through a real estate agent, but it might be a good idea to have someone who knows the market help you if you’re not from the area.

If you plan on going on your own, be sure to do your research so you know what you’re doing.

5. Get the building inspected

Most people overlook this step; however, it’s one of the most important steps in the process. Once you’ve found a property that you’re interested in, you need to get it inspected.

A home inspection is important because it will help you identify any potential problems with the property. For example, if there are any structural issues or problems with the plumbing or electrical system.

A home inspection is not required, but it’s a good idea. It’s better to know about any potential property problems before making an offer.

6. Make an offer

Home for sale sign that says "make offer"

Once you’ve found a property you’re interested in and inspected, it’s time to make an offer. Always make an offer that’s well below the asking price.

The seller will usually counter your offer, and you can start negotiating. Remember, the goal is to get the property for the lowest price possible.

Don’t feel like you have to rush into making an offer. Take your time and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

If you feel that the seller is unreasonable and you’re interested, wait for a few months to see if the house is still on the market. If it is, they may be willing to negotiate more since they know you’re still interested.

7. Close on the property

If your offer is accepted, it’s time to close on the property. This is the final step in the process, and it’s when you’ll sign all the paperwork and officially become the property owner.

Before closing on the property, ensure you have all your financing. You don’t want to get to the closing table and realize you don’t have enough money to buy the property.

Closing on a property can take a few weeks, so be patient. Once everything is finalized, you’ll be the proud owner of a new piece of real estate.

Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to invest in real estate in Utah. Just remember to take your time, research, and ensure you get the best deal possible.

If you’re new to this great state, give yourself time to get familiar with the different areas. You can start searching for properties that fit your investment goals.

You need to know where the hot spots are and where people want to move. With that knowledge, you’ll find properties that will appreciate over time.


Disclaimer:

We hope the information in this article provides valuable insights to every reader but we, the Biesingers, are not financial advisors. When making your personal finance decisions, research multiple sources and/or receive advice from a licensed professional. As always, we wish you the best in your pursuit of financial independence!