Real Estate by Jaren

Real Estate by Jaren Helping families confidently move to Northern Utah. Jaren takes great pride in offering superior real estate service to his clients. Contact Jaren today!

Local videos, neighborhood tours, market insights, and trusted real estate guidance for Ogden, Layton, Farmington, North Ogden, and beyond. If you're in the market to buy or sell a home please give him a call. He'd be happy to discuss your needs and provide advice at no obligation to you. Jaren, his wife Jessica and their two boys Kyler and Kenai live in North Ogden. They love to travel and spend time with family. Jaren has an extensive background in finance and real estate. He began his professional career working for a local credit union. He worked his way up to a mortgage loan officer and gained valuable knowledge that has benefited many clients. With this knowledge and expertise he now brings a lot of value to your next real estate transaction.

08/27/2026

New construction does NOT mean perfect construction.

Even with a brand-new home, you’re dealing with multiple subcontractors, dozens of trades, and a huge number of systems and details that need to be installed correctly.

That’s why I strongly recommend having your own independent home inspection.

And if a builder tells you not to get one simply because the home is new, I’d consider that a major red flag.

A good builder should be confident enough in their work — and the work of their subcontractors — to allow an independent inspector to take a look.

An inspection isn’t about assuming the builder did a bad job.

It’s about protecting the buyer and making sure things get caught before they become expensive problems.

If you’re buying a new build in Northern Utah, don’t skip this step just because the house is new.

This is general information, not a substitute for advice from a qualified home inspector or your real estate/legal professionals.

08/26/2026

When you’re buying a home—especially new construction—choosing your lender matters.

Don’t automatically assume the builder’s preferred lender is your best option just because they’re offering an incentive.

It’s worth comparing lenders for:

💰 Interest rate
💵 Closing costs & lender fees
📋 Loan processing
⏱️ Communication and responsiveness
🏠 Ability to close on time

And with new construction, timing can be especially important. Construction timelines can change, and delays can happen. You don’t want a lender creating additional delays when you’re already dealing with a moving construction timeline.

The goal isn’t simply to find the lender advertising the lowest rate.

Find the lender who gives you the best overall deal AND can execute when it matters.

And always compare the actual numbers for your specific loan and situation.

📍 Northern Utah
🏠 New Construction | Existing Homes | Home Buying

08/26/2026

Builder incentives can sound amazing—but here’s something every new-construction buyer should know:

The biggest incentive isn’t necessarily the best deal.

I had a situation where the builder was offering an incentive if my clients used the builder’s preferred lender. Sounds great, right?

But when we actually compared the numbers, my broker ended up being about $3,000 better overall—even after accounting for the builder’s incentive.

That’s why I always recommend looking at the entire deal, not just the advertised incentive.

Compare:

• Interest rate
• Closing costs
• Lender fees
• Rate buydown options
• The value of the builder incentive
• And the total cost of the loan

Sometimes the “incentive” isn’t worth as much as it sounds.

Do the math before you choose the lender.

📍 Northern Utah
🏠 New Construction | Existing Homes | Custom Builds

Loan terms, rates, incentives, and costs vary by transaction. Always compare the actual numbers for your situation with your lender.

08/25/2026

A rate buydown can potentially lower your mortgage payment—but there are two very different ways it can work.

📉 Temporary buydown:
Your interest rate—and therefore your payment—is reduced for a set period of time, such as the first 1–3 years. After that, the loan typically returns to the original note rate.

🏠 Permanent buydown:
Money is used upfront to permanently reduce the interest rate for the life of the loan, assuming you keep the loan under its original terms.

So if a builder is offering an incentive toward a rate buydown, don’t just ask:

“What rate can I get?”

Ask:

“Is the buydown temporary or permanent, what will my payment be now, what will it be later, and what’s the total cost?”

The right option depends on your finances, how long you expect to own the home, and the specific loan and incentive available.

📍 Northern Utah
🏠 New Construction | Existing Homes | Custom Builds

Mortgage terms and eligibility vary. Talk with your lender for the exact numbers for your situation.

08/25/2026

Builder incentives can be a big part of the new-construction equation, but it’s important to understand what the incentive can actually be used for.

Depending on the builder and the specific promotion, incentives may be available for things like:

🏠 Closing costs
💰 A permanent rate buydown
📉 A temporary rate buydown
✨ Upgrades and options
…and potentially other costs associated with the purchase.

A temporary buydown can reduce your payment during the initial period, while a permanent buydown can reduce your interest rate for the life of the loan.

But here’s the key: incentives vary by builder, community, lender, loan program, and current promotion.

So don’t just ask, “How much is the incentive?”

Ask:

“What can I use it for, and which option gives me the most value for my situation?”

That’s where having someone help you compare the numbers can make a big difference.

📍 Northern Utah
🏠 New Construction | Existing Homes | Custom Builds

08/24/2026

That “starting at” price you see advertised by a builder is very rarely the final price you’ll actually pay.

The base price may not include things like:

* Lot premiums
* Upgraded finishes
* Flooring
* Cabinets and countertops
* Appliances
* Landscaping
* Additional features or structural options
* Other builder upgrades

And those choices can add up very quickly.

That’s why when you’re comparing new construction, don’t just compare the advertised base price.

Compare the realistic finished price of the home you actually want.

If you’re considering a new build in Northern Utah, I can help you understand what questions to ask and connect you with builders who can walk you through the process.

The advertised price gets your attention. The actual numbers make the decision.

08/23/2026

New construction doesn’t mean zero problems—but it can mean fewer immediate repairs.

With an existing home, you may be buying into an established property that needs updates or repairs now or in the near future. Roofs, HVAC systems, water heaters, appliances, flooring, and other components all have a useful life.

With a new build, you’re generally starting with newer systems and materials, which can reduce the amount of immediate maintenance you need to take on.

And depending on the builder, you may also have opportunities to customize certain finishes, features, and selections before the home is completed.

But here’s the important part:

Not every builder—or building process—is the same.

That’s why having the right people involved matters. I have contacts with reputable standard builders as well as an excellent custom home builder, so if building a home is something you’re considering, I can help you understand your options and connect you with the right people.

Whether you’re looking at a new build or an existing home, the goal is the same:

Find the home that makes the most sense for your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans.

📍 Northern Utah
🏠 New Construction | Existing Homes | Custom Builds

08/22/2026

“It’s brand new, so everything must be perfect…”

Not necessarily.

My clients had a new construction home where the stairs coming off their back deck started leaning after they moved in. They then had to fight with the builder to get the problem fixed.

It’s one reason I tell buyers:

The builder matters.

Research the builder. Understand the warranty. Get inspections. And don’t assume new construction means you won’t have issues.

You’re buying a home—not just a floor plan and some pretty finishes.

08/22/2026

Would you trust a brand-new home without getting an inspection? 👀

What’s your biggest concern with buying new construction?

08/21/2026

Ogden Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in Northern Utah — but there’s a trade-off: winter can be significantly harsher than in the lower valleys. ❄️

More snow, colder temperatures, and winter driving are part of the lifestyle if you choose to live in places like Huntsville, Eden, or Liberty.

But for many people, the incredible scenery, outdoor recreation, space, and mountain lifestyle make the winters worth it.

If you’re thinking about moving to Northern Utah, knowing the trade-offs of each community is just as important as knowing the benefits.

📍 Ogden Valley, Utah
🏔️ Huntsville • Eden • Liberty
🏡 Northern Utah Real Estate

Follow for honest breakdowns of Northern Utah communities, neighborhoods, homes, and what it’s actually like to live here.

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South Ogden, UT

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Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
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+18019416961

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