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BiggerPockets Daily

This State is the Next California

Mar 29, 2025
Discover why one state is emerging as the next big player in U.S. real estate. With remarkable population growth and a consistent increase in job opportunities, this state is primed for property values to soar. Delve into the challenges posed by rising down payments, especially for smaller investors, as home prices climb. Explore how unique factors like a high birthrate and land constraints are positioning this state for long-term economic stability and growth, making it a hotbed for savvy investors!
17:14

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Utah's strong job growth, high birthrate, and limited land availability are driving real estate appreciation, positioning it as a prime investment destination.
  • Increasing down payment requirements, especially for first-time buyers, create a competitive market, favoring those with higher financial capacity in home purchases.

Deep dives

Rising Down Payments in the Housing Market

Down payments are becoming increasingly significant in the current housing market, with the average down payment hitting 14.4% of the purchase price in Q4 of 2024, the highest recorded since tracking began in 2013. This trend is influenced by high home prices and rising mortgage rates, which disproportionately affect first-time buyers. Higher-income households dominate the buyer pool, as the average home price stands around $440,000, necessitating larger down payments. Consequently, this results in a more competitive environment where sellers may favor lower-risk conventional loans over FHA loans, further challenging investors and first-time buyers.

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