Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Your First Home with Tasha Rodriguez

About Working With Me & My Process

Why should I work with a real estate agent to buy my first home?

Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the details and decisions involved. A buyer's agent like myself handles the heavy lifting—from finding homes that match your needs to negotiating offers, coordinating inspections, and guiding you through closing. The best part? You won't pay my commission directly. The seller typically covers the realtor fees, which means you get expert guidance, market knowledge, and professional advocacy at no extra cost to you. I take the stress out of the process so you can focus on finding your dream home.

What's your experience working with first-time home buyers?

I specialize in helping first-time home buyers navigate the entire buying process with ease and confidence. I keep my clients on track for successful closings within a 30–40 day timeframe—a realistic timeline that avoids unnecessary delays. My approach is straightforward: I keep it real with you when giving advice, I ease your worries with transparent communication, and I provide the best resources tailored to your unique situation. My clients appreciate that I'm not just a transaction processor—I'm an advocate who genuinely wants to see them succeed.

How long does it typically take to buy a home?

In my experience working in Salt Lake Valley, a typical home purchase timeline is 30–40 days from contract acceptance to closing. This assumes a smooth process with no major complications. Factors that can affect your timeline include: how quickly your mortgage lender processes your loan, inspection results and any repairs needed, appraisal completion, and title search clearance. I work proactively with lenders, inspectors, and other professionals to keep things moving smoothly so you close on time.

What is the home buying process from start to finish?

Here's what to expect when working with me:

1. Pre-approval: Get your mortgage pre-approval so we know your budget and can move quickly when the right home appears.
2. Home search: I show you homes that fit your criteria and answer all your questions about neighborhoods, schools, utilities, and market conditions.
3. Making an offer: Once you find the right home, I help you craft a competitive offer with the right earnest money and contingencies.
4. Offer acceptance: After the seller accepts your offer, your contract officially begins the 30–40 day closing timeline.
5. Home inspection: You'll hire an inspector to examine the home for any issues. I guide you through understanding the results and negotiating repairs if needed.
6. Appraisal: The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home's value supports your loan amount.
7. Underwriting: The lender reviews all your financial information and the property details to approve your loan.
8. Final walkthrough: A few days before closing, you'll walk through the home to confirm agreed-upon repairs were completed.
9. Closing: We sign all documents, you receive the keys, and you're officially a homeowner!

How do I contact you, and what's your availability?

I'm available to meet with clients during afternoon, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate busy schedules. You can reach me by phone, text, or email—whatever works best for you. I believe in staying accessible and responsive throughout the entire process. I make a point to check in regularly so you always know where things stand and never feel left in the dark.

About Salt Lake Valley Real Estate Market

What's the current real estate market like in Salt Lake Valley and Herriman?

The Salt Lake Valley market moves quickly, and timing is important. I stay on top of current market conditions, including how fast homes are selling, whether the market favors buyers or sellers, and what price ranges are realistic for different neighborhoods. Herriman in particular has seen significant growth with new developments, and inventory levels fluctuate seasonally. I can give you current market insights specific to the neighborhoods you're interested in so you know what to expect and how to position your offer competitively.

How quickly do homes sell in this area, and how common are overbids?

In Salt Lake Valley's competitive market, homes in desirable areas can sell quickly—sometimes receiving multiple offers. Overbids (offers above the asking price) are common in competitive neighborhoods and seasons. I help you understand market conditions for each specific property so you can make a strong, competitive offer without overpaying. My goal is to help you win the home you love while staying within your budget.

What neighborhoods in Salt Lake Valley are best for first-time buyers?

Salt Lake Valley offers several neighborhoods suited to different budgets and lifestyles. I'm familiar with the local area and can discuss the pros and cons of different neighborhoods—including schools, commute times, future development, property taxes, and utility costs. I'll help you narrow down neighborhoods that fit your needs and financial goals.

About Financing & Costs
 

Do I have to pay a real estate agent commission?

No, not directly. In almost all cases, the seller pays the realtor commissions, and those fees are split between the listing agent (who represents the seller) and the buyer's agent (me, who represents you). This means you get all the benefits of working with a professional advocate at no extra cost to you—a major advantage of having an agent on your side.

What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay?

Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing your mortgage and transferring the property to you. These typically include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, property taxes, and other lender and third-party charges. In Utah, closing costs usually range from 2–5% of your home's purchase price, though this can vary. Your lender will provide a detailed Closing Disclosure showing exactly what you'll pay. I can review this with you and help you understand each charge.

What is earnest money, and how much should I offer?

Earnest money is a deposit that shows the seller you're serious about buying. It's typically held in escrow and applied to your down payment or closing costs at closing. In Salt Lake Valley, earnest money usually ranges from 1–3% of the purchase price, depending on market conditions and the specific property. I'll advise you on the right amount to be competitive without being excessive.

What if the home appraises lower than my offer price?

If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer, you have a few options: renegotiate the price with the seller, make up the difference in cash, or walk away if you included an appraisal contingency in your offer. I help you navigate this conversation with the seller and explore solutions that work for your situation.

About Inspections & Repairs
 

What happens during a home inspection, and what should I look for?A home inspection is a detailed examination of the property's condition—roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. The inspector provides a report highlighting any issues found. As your agent, I can recommend trusted inspectors, explain what inspection results mean in plain language, and help you decide which issues are worth negotiating repairs for versus which you can handle yourself down the road. Not every issue requires the seller to fix it; I help you prioritize what matters most.

What happens if the home inspector finds problems?

After the inspection, you have options. You can ask the seller to repair the issues, ask for a credit toward closing costs to handle repairs yourself, or renegotiate the price. I help you decide which approach makes sense based on the severity of issues, current market conditions, and your budget.

About the Local Area
 

What utility costs should I expect for a home in Salt Lake Valley?

Utility costs vary based on the home's size, age, insulation, and efficiency, but I can provide you with typical ranges for the specific neighborhoods you're considering. I research properties thoroughly and can give you realistic estimates for electricity, gas, water, and sewer based on similar homes in the area. This helps you budget accurately for homeownership.

What should I know about property taxes and HOA fees in this area?

Property tax rates in Salt Lake County are relatively reasonable, but they vary by location. Some neighborhoods have HOAs (homeowner associations) that charge monthly or annual fees and come with rules about lawn care, exterior modifications, and other matters. I always disclose HOA details upfront so you know exactly what you're getting into and can factor those costs into your budget.

Getting Started
 

What should I do if I'm not sure I'm ready to buy yet?

If you're thinking about buying within the next 6–12 months, now is a great time to connect. We can discuss your goals, timeline, and budget—no pressure. I can also answer questions about the process, explain what to expect, and help you understand what you need to do to prepare (like checking your credit or saving for a down payment). Many of my best clients started by asking questions months before they were ready to buy.

How do I get started working with you?

Reach out! We'll set up a time to chat about your home buying goals, timeline, and what you're looking for. I'll explain how I work, answer your questions, and let you know how I can help. There's no obligation—this first conversation is just to make sure we're a good fit and that you feel confident moving forward.