Starling Real Estate - Utah Life Elevated

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Starling Real Estate - Utah Life Elevated

A versatile real estate brokerage serving Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah and Davis Counties in Northern Utah

The Starling Real Estate Team has over 46 years combined experience. We focus on each client's needs and goals and love helping people make the exciting journey of buying or selling a home. Sharon Starling, Owner/Principal Broker, has helped clients for many years using a "service first" philosophy that allows for Gold Standard Service. Wendy Starling, Owner/Associate Broker, has spent the last 14

years developing cutting edge marketing and negotiation strategies that achieve the best results possible for her clients.

05/27/2026

ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISSED OPPORTUNITIES I SEE SELLERS MAKE…

They skip staging.

And I get it. When you’re already spending money to sell your home, the idea of putting more into it can feel unnecessary. But here’s the part most people don’t always think about…

Buyers usually form their first impression of your home online , before they ever walk through the front door.

And staged homes look SO much better in pictures. The furniture, layout, warmth, and flow help buyers understand the space and start picturing themselves living there. By the time they walk in, they’re not just seeing rooms… They’re already feeling the possibility.

A professionally staged home:

✨ Feels more inviting
✨ Feels more functional
✨ Feels like “home” the moment they walk in

Which means…
👉 More showings
👉 Stronger emotional connection
👉 Better offers

Now let’s talk numbers for a second. Staging can cost a few thousand dollars depending on the home, the number of rooms you stage, and the length of the staging contract. But the return on that investment could be an extra $10,000–$15,000+ in the final sales price. Not because the house changed, but because the experience did.

On the flip side, when a home isn’t staged:
🚫 It can feel empty or awkward
🚫 Buyers struggle to understand how the space works
🚫 It sits longer on the market
🚫 Offers come in lower because buyers don’t emotionally connect

And here’s the truth most sellers don’t realize: If a buyer doesn’t emotionally connect with your home… they will price that hesitation into their offer.

Whether you’re living in the home or it’s vacant, staging isn’t about making it “pretty.” It’s about positioning your home to get you the best possible outcome.

If you’re even thinking about selling, let’s talk through your specific situation. I’ll help you figure out:
👉 what’s actually worth doing
👉 what’s not
👉 and how to get you the best result overall

No pressure, just a smart plan.

05/13/2026

🏡 Can You Sell Your Home AS-IS?

Yep… you absolutely can. And honestly, in some situations, it really does make sense.

But here’s the reality I see all the time when homes are sold as-is…
⚠️ A few things that tend to happen:

• ⏳ These homes usually take longer to sell Which means you’re sitting there longer making mortgage payments, covering utilities, insurance… all of it adds up.

• 💸 Buyers almost always over-discount They’ll reduce their offer by more than what it would actually cost to fix things. So instead of saving money by not doing the work… you often end up netting 3–10% less (and sometimes more).

• 🚫 Some buyers won’t even come look The minute people hear “as-is,” they assume the worst, big, expensive problems, and they just move on.

• 🏦 You shrink your buyer pool Some buyers can’t even move forward because of financing restrictions if the home has visible issues… so now you’ve got fewer people competing.

• 🤔 And then inspections still come back around Even with an as-is sale, buyers will often ask for credits or concessions later, so you don’t always avoid that part anyway.

💡 What most people don’t realize…

🛠️You usually don’t need a full remodel. A lot of the time, just taking care of deferred maintenance and doing a few simple updates, fixtures, hardware, making the home feel clean and cared for, can make a big difference in both price and how quickly it sells.

💬 If you’re even just thinking about selling… Let’s chat. We'll talk it through together and look at your situation. Sometimes as-is really is the right call… and sometimes a few small changes can put a lot more money in your pocket.

I’ll help you figure out:
👉 what’s actually worth doing
👉 what’s not
👉 and how to get you the best overall outcome

No pressure, just a smart plan.

05/02/2026

Honestly, the thought of buying and selling at the same time can feel like a total balancing act. 🗝️

I talk to so many local homeowners who are ready for their next chapter, whether it’s finally getting that extra bedroom or simplifying for retirement, but they’re often worried about the "what ifs." What if my house doesn’t sell in time? What if my purchase falls through and I still have to sell my home? What if I end up with two mortgages? Where would I go?

An experienced agent is essential. There are contingencies and protections we can weave into your contracts, protecting you from winding up in a major pickle! I work closely with my clients to orchestrate your two transactions such that both of them close on the same day or close to it, making sure you don't have to pack your bags twice or scramble for a hotel. My goal is to make sure your closing dates align perfectly so the only thing you have to worry about is where the coffee maker goes in the new kitchen. ✨

Moving should be about excitement, not just logistics. When we plan it right, you’ll hand over your old keys and step into your new life all in one afternoon. 🏡

Are you thinking about making a move but feeling a little stuck on the timing? Send me a message or leave a comment, I’d love to help you map out a plan that works for your life!

04/16/2026

Can I tell you something I see catch families off guard all the time?

In my nearly 20 years in real estate… I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count. When someone passes away and there’s a home involved… most people assume they can just sell it.

But here’s the thing , they can’t. 😬 The very first thing that has to be figured out is: 👉 Who actually has the authority to act?

The answer to that depends on which situation you’re in. There are really only two paths: probate or trust.

1. Probate

This is the court process. Even if there’s a will, you still usually have to go through probate. And here’s the key part , you can’t sell the home until the court appoints a Personal Representative.

That takes time ⏳

Meanwhile, the expenses of that house have to be kept up and paid. The mortgage, utilities, insurance, upkeep, maintenance… all still have to be handled.

And the cost of probate? It’s often in the thousands , sometimes $5,000, $10,000, or more. Here’s what most people don’t think about… you have to float those costs the entire time, until the home sells and the estate can reimburse you. And many times, that process takes 4–12 months or more.

2. Trust

A trust is a legal entity that can own things , including a home. The homeowner is typically the trustee, meaning they stay in full control while they’re living.

If something happens, they’ve already named a Successor Trustee in the trust documents, and that person has the authority to immediately step in and act.

No court. No waiting. You can move forward right away.

Setting up a trust usually costs a couple thousand dollars, depending on how complex your situation is… but that often pales in comparison to the time and expense of going through probate.

But here’s the part a lot of people don’t realize… 👉 Just having a trust isn’t enough. The home actually has to be put into the trust. If it wasn’t… you may still end up going through probate anyway.

I’ve seen that happen, and it’s not a fun surprise for families.

I know it’s just not fun to talk about these kinds of things… but understanding it ahead of time can make a really hard situation a lot easier 💛

And when families do find themselves in this situation, this is where I step in a little differently.

If there’s a home involved, there are usually a lot of moving pieces , things that have to be taken care of before you can even sell the home.

So if my clients want me to, I help handle as much of that as possible… prepping the home for showings, coordinating contractors, arranging for ongoing maintenance, making sure everything gets taken care of, so they can grieve their loved one without worrying about the details.

If you ever have questions about this , or find yourself in the middle of it, I’m always here to help.

04/08/2026

Can you sell your loved one’s home without going through probate? 🏡

This is one of those questions that comes up pretty quickly after someone passes… and it can feel confusing almost immediately.

The answer really just depends on how the home was set up.

✨ Here’s the quick, no-fluff version:

👉 If they had a will
A lot of people think that means you can skip probate… but you can’t. A will still has to go through probate so the court can approve it and give someone authority to act.

👉 If they didn’t have a will
Same thing… it still goes through probate. The court steps in and decides who’s allowed to handle everything, including the sale.

👉 If the home is in a trust
This is where things get a lot easier. The trustee already has the authority to act… so in most cases, you can move forward with selling the home without probate.

That’s usually the whole point of setting up a trust in the first place, to make things easier on the people left behind.

💛 This is one of those situations where the legal side and the real estate side kind of collide… and it can feel overwhelming really fast.

If you’re dealing with this right now, I’m here to help you walk through it. We can just take it one step at a time and figure out what makes the most sense for your situation 🤍

03/31/2026

THINKING ABOUT UPSIZING? START GETTING YOUR CURRENT HOME READY NOW. 🏡✨

So, if upsizing may be in your future, don’t wait until you find the next house to start working on the one you’re in. There are a few things you can do now that can make the whole process smoother later. 👇

🔹 Declutter like your life depends on it
Seriously. The less extra stuff you have in your current home, the easier it is to prep, to show, and to sell. 🙌 Bonus: it makes the move easier too if you choose not to take everything with you into the next house. This is the time to really dig deep and let stuff go. Your new home can be a new chapter, not weighed down with all the “stuff” of the past. 📦✨

🔹 Consider a pre-listing inspection
A pre-listing inspection can help identify repairs or issues early, so you know what to focus on before your home hits the market. Get those repairs done now so a buyer doesn’t notice them during showings. 🔍🛠️

🔹 Start deciding now what stays and what goes
Some things are fixtures and need to stay with the home, like the stove, built-in microwave, dishwasher, light fixtures, and built-in shelving. Other things, like curtain rods, mounted mirrors, and TV mounts, can go with you if you remove them before your home goes on the market and repair the walls properly. The earlier you make those decisions, the less confusion and stress you’ll have later. ✅ ⚠️

Don’t get caught with your pants down when you find the perfect new home and your current one isn’t ready for the market. Be sure you’re prepping it at the same time.

If you need more pointers on how to do that, give me a shout and I’ll absolutely help you get there. It’s what I do. 💗

03/25/2026

THE #1 THING YOU MUST DO BEFORE UPSIZING

Okay, so maybe you’re starting to feel a little cramped in your current home. 😅 Now, you may still love your house, but it just doesn’t fit your life the way it used to. If you’re thinking about upsizing, I want to share the most important thing to do first before you start checking out new homes. 👇

Make a PLAN before you start house hunting. 🏡✨

• Know what your current home could realistically sell for 📊

It gives you a much better idea of what your next move may actually look like. It’s hard to know what you can shop for without first knowing your bottom line.

• Get clear on what you want your next home to improve 📝

More space is great, but better function, layout, storage, and everyday livability matter too. What is the real problem you need to solve with this move? And just as importantly, will this new home still suit your needs 5 or 10 years down the road? 🤔

• Prepare your current home while you plan for the next one 🔑

It is absolutely possible to sell your current home and buy your next one at the same time. But don’t wait until you find the next house to start getting your current home ready. While you’re making your plan and searching for the right fit, you should also be preparing your current home for the market so you’re in a stronger position when the time comes. 💪

If upsizing has been on your mind, the best place to start is with a plan. A little clarity up front can help you make smarter decisions, shop with more confidence, and make the whole move feel a lot more manageable.

If you want help figuring out what that next step could look like, let’s talk. 🤍

03/18/2026

💬 Nothing’s worse than moving into a home you love... only to feel trapped by a monthly payment that stresses you out.

Many buyers take the maximum they qualify for and shop in that price range, only to realize later that the payment isn’t comfortable, and they find themselves house poor.

👉 Here are a few steps to avoid that:

1️⃣ Start With Your Sweet Spot! 🎯 Choose a monthly payment that fits your lifestyle.
2️⃣ Talk to Your Lender! 🗣️ Tell them your ideal payment, they’ll calculate a price range.
3️⃣ Shop Smart! 🛒 Stay in that range and love your home without stress!

When you buy smart, you’ll love your home, and your budget, long after move-in!

Need guidance? I’m here for you! 💬

👉 DM or call anytime, let’s find your perfect fit!

03/04/2026

🏡 Thinking about selling your home?

Most homeowners believe preparing a home for sale just means tidying up and putting a sign in the yard.

But after many years and hundreds of transactions, I can tell you the difference between an average sale and a great sale usually happens before the home ever hits the market.

Here are some of the most common things I see sellers do when they’re preparing their home.

💡 1️⃣ Lighting gets overlooked. Many homes go on the market with dim rooms, mismatched bulbs, or outdated fixtures that make spaces feel smaller and darker than they really are.

📦 2️⃣ “Decluttering” usually means moving things into closets Buyers open closets and storage spaces. When they’re packed, it gives the impression the home lacks storage.

🧼 3️⃣ Quick cleaning instead of deep cleaning A wiped countertop isn’t the same as cleaning baseboards, vents, trim, windows, and grout , the details buyers notice most.

👃 4️⃣ Masking odors instead of removing them Lighting candles or using strong plug-ins may seem helpful, but buyers are very sensitive to smell. Pet odors, cooking smells, and mustiness can immediately affect how a home feels.

🎨 5️⃣ Random paint touch-ups Spot-painting a few scuffs often leaves website patches or mismatched colors that stand out more than the original mark.

🛋 6️⃣ Decorating instead of staging Homes are often arranged for how the owner lives rather than how a buyer experiences the space.

🌿 7️⃣ Waiting until the last minute to talk to an agent Many sellers start making improvements before discussing pricing strategy, marketing, or which updates will actually bring a return.

The good news is that most of these issues are completely fixable.

A few simple adjustments in lighting, decluttering, cleaning, and presentation can dramatically change how buyers perceive a home — and that perception directly impacts showing activity and offers.

👉 On Friday I’ll share the 7 things I actually recommend to my sellers before listing — the preparation strategies that help create stronger buyer demand.

If selling is on your radar — even if it’s months away — having the preparation conversation early can make a big difference.

I’m always happy to walk you through what actually matters before going on the market.

02/25/2026

When you’re selling your home, there are a lot of things that can feel stressful… and one of the biggest is what happens after the inspection, when a buyer sends over a list of requested repairs.

Here’s the myth: “As the seller, you have to fix everything the buyer asks for.”

✅ Reality: Repair requests are a negotiation , and you usually have three options:

1) Say No 🚫
If the requests are unreasonable, overly picky, or full of minor “homeownership” items that are inexpensive and easy for a buyer to handle, you can absolutely decline (or push back on parts of the list).

2) Do the Repairs 🔧
If there are items you’re willing to address, especially anything related to safety, major functionality, or issues that could affect the appraisal, you can arrange the repairs (often with a licensed contractor if requested) and have them completed before closing.

3) Offer a Credit 💵
If the items aren’t likely to impact the appraisal, a credit is often the smoothest option:
The buyer can hire their own trusted professionals
They can handle repairs on their timeline
And you avoid the headache of coordinating repairs under a deadline

Honestly, many times my clients choose option #3 (the credit) because it keeps things simpler for everyone while still moving the deal forward.

✨ The goal isn’t to agree to everything. The goal is to protect your bottom line while keeping the deal strong and on track.

If you’re selling (or thinking about it), message me REPAIRS and I’ll help you sort what’s worth negotiating, and what isn’t. 🙂

Address

12242 S 1740 W
Riverton, UT
84065

Website

http://www.StarlingRealEstate.com/

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