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.

08/27/2026

"I'M ON MY WAY!!!"

When a good friend calls you up and says, "I need you to come sell my house" there is no other response than "I'm on my way!"

As with all my clients, we did a walkthrough and I gave them many suggestions of things they could do to:

-Get more showings
-Sell Faster
-Sell for more $$$

I wont lie - some of them were obnoxious and they couldn't see the purpose. But they trusted me. They did the things. The result was that the home photographed beautifully, showed great, and we had MULTIPLE OFFERS IN 3 DAYS!!! Not the easiest task in our current market. They were on a very tight timeline of when it had to be sold and were worried that they would have to sacrifice price in order to sell quickly. So I based my recommended pricing strategy around their needs, balanced with my knowledge of the market. They trusted me with this too, and it paid off. Competing offers resulted in almost $20k more than asking.

Oh, did I forget to tell you that they had already moved out of state? And it wasn't feasible for them to come back to Utah for closing. AND I pride myself on attending every closing, with every client. It's important in case they have questions, last minute adjustments are needed, etc. So, I hopped in my car and drove more than a few hours and was able to be there for them..

They felt like a huge weight was lifted off of their shoulders. The looks on their faces - THAT is why I love what I do so much. I set out 20 years ago wanting to make a positive impact on peoples lives and that look tells me that I did that for them. I was able to use my experience from all those years as a Realtor in Utah to help them succeed.

As for me, I was elated that they were able to cross the finish line calling this part of their journey a WIN. Thrilled to see the end of that chapter so they could move forward into the new one. So, my dear friends, THANK YOU for trusting me to guide you through and be the advocate in your corner. I'm so grateful!

08/21/2026

🏡 The Secret to Stress-Free Downsizing

Thinking about downsizing in Utah? If you've ever thought "we'll downsize eventually," here's something I tell almost every client in that season of life: eventually sneaks up faster than you expect — and the families who don't feel overwhelmed by the process are the ones who started in advance, before it's time to put their house on the market.

Downsizing isn't just listing a house and buying a smaller one. It's a process with its own rhythm, and most of the stress I see comes from waiting till the last minute and not properly preparing, and not from the move itself.

Here's what the ideal timeline usually looks like:

🤝 9-12 months out: Meet with an experienced agent to build a plan and timeline that actually fits your situation — this shapes everything that comes after. The best time to start downsizing is 9-12 months before you plan to list your home.
📦 6-9 months out: Start the "keep, gift, sell, donate" sort — slowly, room by room, with zero pressure
💲 3-6 months out: Get a realistic read on your current home's value and what's achievable in today's market
🔨 60-90 days out: Work with your agent on repairs, deferred maintenance, and prep so your home is completely ready for market — photos, showings, all of it. In the current Utah market, homes are sitting longer than 30 days on average, so give yourself the runway
🔍 Once you list: Start looking for your next home right away — and don't worry - an experienced agent can often negotiate closing on both properties to happen the same day, so you're not caught in between

You'll navigate this best not by moving fast, but by starting early and having someone in your corner who's done this before — walking you through what's next before you have to ask.

If you're even thinking about downsizing in the next year, it's never too early to start that first conversation. I'm always happy to talk through what your timeline could look like — no pressure, just guidance. 💛

08/12/2026

So, selling homes isn't rocket science. Not exactly. 😉

It IS, however, a wild combination of SO MANY different things mashed together. To get a home sold, you have to be (in unequal parts):

— Designer
— Strategist
— Psychologist
— Handyman & landscaper
— Lighting specialist
— Therapist (distinctly different from the psychologist!)
— Marketer & liaison..and sometimes even a babysitter. The list goes on and on.

It's always fun to see the look clients give when I tell them their home isn't quite ready yet and hand over a custom list of prep work. Some cost money, some don't. Some increase dollar value directly, while others draw buyers through the door—which is just as critical.

Making those small tweaks makes a world of difference, from how fast you get an offer to how high that offer comes in.

These clients were absolute rockstars. They trusted the process—even when they were skeptical that some of my recommendations would actually work!

The result? Multiple offers in just 3 days, and a winning contract they were thrilled with. 🏡✨

As I swap all these different hats throughout a sale, I never stop being grateful for clients like these who put their trust in me.

Thinking about making a move soon? Send me a DM—I’d love to help you get your home ready to win!

Listed by Starling Real Estate

08/06/2026

👀 Are you getting honest advice?

🏡 Sometimes the Best Real Estate Advice Isn’t What You Want to Hear

When you hire a real estate agent, you shouldn’t choose someone just because they tell you what you want to hear. Choose the agent who cares enough to tell you the truth you need to hear—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Sometimes that means hearing things like:

🛋️ That vintage couch really does need to go.
It may fit your personal style perfectly, but if it makes the room look smaller, darker, or dated in the listing photos, it isn’t helping us sell your house.

🧰 You can’t get top dollar if you aren’t willing to put in the work.
If I recommend repairs, fresh paint, deep cleaning, decluttering, or other updates and you decide not to do them, that’s absolutely your choice—but your expectations about the selling price may need to change too. You can’t skip the preparation and expect buyers to pay the same top-dollar price they would for a more pristine, updated home.

💰 Your home’s market value is lower than you were hoping.
Zillow’s Zestimate can be a useful starting point, but it isn’t the same as having an experienced local real estate agent evaluate your home in person. Your home’s value is ultimately based on comparable sales, condition, location, and what is happening in the local real estate market.

📝 The highest offer may not be the best offer.
Price matters, but so do the financing, contingencies, concessions, appraisal risk, deadlines, and the buyer’s ability to actually close. A slightly lower offer with stronger terms may ultimately put more money in your pocket—and be far less likely to fall apart.

These aren’t always easy conversations to have, and they aren’t always easy to hear. But your agent’s job isn’t to make you happy in the moment. It’s to give you honest advice, protect your interests, and help you achieve the best possible outcome from your home sale.

If you’re thinking about selling and want an agent who will care enough to be honest with you—even when it isn’t the easiest thing to hear—let’s talk. ❤️

07/22/2026

🏠 “Insure” You’re Covered Right

When should you get a homeowners insurance quote when buying a home? During your due-diligence period—not a few days before closing. After 20 years of helping Utah homebuyers, here’s what I recommend:

📋 Get an insurance quote early. A good captive agent may still offer excellent coverage, competitive pricing and great service. Also check with an independent insurance agent or broker who can compare several carriers, so you can see more options before choosing a policy.

💵 Understand both the premium and the deductible. Ask exactly how much you would have to pay out of pocket if something happened. Otherwise, you could find out the hard way that your deductible is far more than you imagined!

📍 Ask what’s happening in the area. Your insurance agent or broker may know whether that neighborhood or ZIP code has experienced significant rate increases, coverage restrictions, cancellations or non-renewals.

🔎 Find out about previous claims. A C.L.U.E. report shows the property’s previous insurance claims. Ask the seller to request one. The buyer’s insurer may also review the claims history when preparing a quote.

🛡️ Ask what isn’t covered. Flooding caused by an outside water source, sewer backups, earthquakes and certain types of water damage may not be included in the base policy. Sometimes you can add that coverage through an endorsement or rider—and it might not cost that much more.

⚠️ Now, be thoughtful about filing a smaller claim. A claim—even one that results in little or no payment—could affect your premiums or future coverage. Before filing, ask whether you’re making a coverage inquiry or opening a claim, and discuss the possible consequences with your insurance agent or broker.

Buying a home comes with enough surprises. Your insurance coverage shouldn’t be one of them. 🙌

If you’re buying a home in Salt Lake or Tooele County, I’m always happy to help you know what to ask—and when to ask it. ☕️

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 🤍

Address

12242 S 1740 W
Riverton, UT
84065

Website

http://www.StarlingRealEstate.com/

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