Utah’s Top Summer Activities 2024
Is there anything better than a Utah summer? As Utah real estate agents, we’d collectively argue ‘No’, and our sentiment is shared. More and more we’re seeing homebuyers moving in from other states who agree that Utah just has that special ‘thing’ about it. From music and art festivals to food and cultural events, each city in Utah offers eclectic and unique experiences that attract locals and tourists alike… and summer is when we can highlight it all! The weather is great, people are kicking back with their kids and going on adventures. The housing market tends to be a bit more relaxed before the madness of fall, and we’re here to take advantage of it. Here’s a guide to some of the top summer activities in Utah, highlighting the best festivals and events that you can expect from each region and city. Utah Arts FestivalDate: June 20-23Held at Library Square, this festival is a celebration of visual arts, performing arts, film, and culinary arts. With over 160 visual artists, six performing stages, a film program, and a fantastic array of food vendors, the Utah Arts Festival is the state's largest multidisciplinary art event. Interactive workshops and kids' activities ensure there's something for everyone.America's Freedom Festival in ProvoDate: June 30 - July 4One of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, Provo’s America's Freedom Festival includes a grand parade, Stadium of Fire concert and fireworks, and various patriotic events. The festival also features a hot air balloon fest, carnival rides, and food vendors, providing fun for all ages. Days of '47 Parade and Rodeo in Salt Lake CityDate: July 19-24Commemorating the arrival of the Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley, this event includes a grand parade, a rodeo, fireworks, and other festivities. You can camp out on Salt Lake City streets along the route that evening. One big sleepover for your family and friends and it’s always a blast to see the streets covered in campers! Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival in Salt Lake City Date: July 26-August 4The Great Salt Lake Fringe is a performing arts festival. Over two weekends, they showcase 20 performing artists and groups featuring theater, dance, music, magic, storytelling, and more. The fringe shows are original, uncensored, and unadjudicated, making it an authentic and worthwhile venture. Deer Valley Music FestivalDate: Various dates in July and AugustHosted by the Utah Symphony, the Deer Valley Music Festival is a series of open-air concerts that blend classical and contemporary music. Set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, attendees can enjoy everything from Beethoven symphonies to Broadway show tunes. Picnics on the lawn are highly encouraged, making it a lovely evening out. Twilight Concert SeriesDate: Thursdays from June to AugustA staple of Salt Lake City's summer, the Twilight Concert Series brings a diverse lineup of musicians to Pioneer Park. From indie rock to hip-hop, these concerts offer a relaxed vibe and a chance to discover new music. Local food trucks and vendors add to the festive atmosphere: all in all a great summer eventing. Park City Kimball Arts FestivalDate: August 2-4This annual festival transforms Park City's historic Main Street into a hub of creativity. Featuring over 200 artists from around the country, the Kimball Arts Festival offers live music, gourmet food, and interactive art installations. It's an ideal spot for art lovers and families looking to explore artistic endeavors this summer. TimpFest in Lehi Date: August 7-10Short for the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, TimpFest is one of the premier storytelling events in the nation. Held at Ashton Gardens, the festival gathers storytellers from across the globe to share their tales. The enchanting setting and engaging performances make it a unique cultural experience for attendees. Moab Free Concert SeriesDate: Friday evenings in July and AugustThis series of free concerts is held at Swanny City Park and offers a mix of musical genres, from folk to rock to bluegrass. The family-friendly atmosphere includes food vendors and a laid-back setting perfect for enjoying a summer night under the stars. Moab Music FestivalDate: August 30 - September 14Known for its stunning red rock scenery, Moab also hosts a unique music festival that incorporates the natural landscape into its performances. Concerts are held in various locations, including canyons and riversides, providing a magical auditory and visual experience. Genres range from classical to jazz, and the festival also features educational outreach programs. St. George Streetfest Date: First Friday of every month, June - SeptemberThis monthly festival turns downtown St. George into a lively block party. Featuring live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, and a beer garden, the Streetfest is a vibrant community event that showcases the local culture and creativity. Family-friendly activities ensure everyone can join in the fun. Utah’s summer festivals and events offer something for every type of family, whether you're finding activities for the kiddos, an art lover, music-obsessed, foodie, or adventure seeker. Each city gives its own style, making summer the perfect time to explore the Beehive State and check it out for yourself.If you’re looking for a new home or hoping to sell yours this summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to McEwen Realtors. We are a team of award winning, full service Realtors, serving sellers and buyers along the Salt Lake City and Utah Wasatch Front. Led by Alex and Mike McEwen, a third generation Realtor and husband and wife team with 10+ years of experience, we aim to create the happiest clients in Utah. Our clients can expect a personalized experience, world class representation, and expert guidance. Text or call us today and put our experience and expertise to work toward your real estate goals at 801-389-8975.
Bryce Canyon | A Hidden Gem Near Salt Lake City
I’m spilling the beans on why you absolutely need to put Bryce Canyon National Park at the top of your Utah travel list. Tucked away, only a few hours away from downtown Salt Lake City you’ll find Bryce Canyon National Park. As one of Utah’s top five national parks, it offers an incredible experience for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. But Bryce Canyon isn't just a park; it's a mesmerizing amphitheater of nature's own making, where the rocks play an enchanting game of colors as the sun does its thing. Its surreal landscape of rusty-red hoodoos, are like something straight out of a dream. And in case you’re wondering what in the world a “hoodoo” is - the word “hoodoo” means to bewitch, which is what Bryce Canyon's rock formations surely do. But the hoodoos I’m talking about specifically, are tall skinny shafts of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins. And here's the kicker – whether you're into heart-pounding hikes or just chilling under a starlit sky, Bryce Canyon has your back. It's a slice of heaven for nature lovers, adventure junkies, and anyone looking to escape the ordinary. I highly recommend checking it out during the wintertime, you’ll feel like you’re on a different planet. Winter Wonderland: While Bryce Canyon is captivating in every season, there's something truly magical about experiencing it during the winter months. The landscape suddenly finds itself adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, transforming the iconic hoodoos into otherworldly sculptures. This unique charm adds an extra layer of appeal for those considering moving to Utah and who want extraordinary options where they live. Activities for All Seasons: Bryce Canyon isn't just a one-season wonder though. It caters to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year, offering a diverse range of activities. In the warmer months, hiking and biking trails call those looking for adventure, inviting them to explore the intricacies of the canyon. Camping under the starlit Utah sky provides a memorable experience for families and individuals alike. As winter sets in, the park transforms into a snowy paradise, opening up opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The quietude of the winter landscape provides an ideal setting for those seeking tranquility and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Real Estate Opportunities: For those with an eye on real estate, the proximity of Bryce Canyon to Salt Lake City adds an intriguing dimension. The ability to escape to the natural wonders of Bryce Canyon while still having the amenities of a metropolitan area within reach is a rare and desirable combination. Imagine having a weekend retreat or a second home in close proximity to Bryce Canyon, where you can unwind and reconnect with nature whenever the mood strikes. The potential for vacation rentals or even permanent residences in this area is worth exploring too, given the timeless allure of Bryce Canyon and its year-round appeal. Bryce Canyon National Park is more than just a tourist destination; it will captivate you with its charm and entice you with its diverse range of activities. If you’re thinking about visiting or staying long-term Bryce Canyon is a Utah gem and one of the many reasons residents love living here. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend getaway or a potential homebuyer exploring the diverse landscapes Utah has to offer, Bryce Canyon should undoubtedly be on your list of places to visit. Bryce Canyon Quick Deets How to get there: You can fly into Salt Lake City International or Provo Airport. Both are about 4 hours away. Where to stay: There’s plenty of VRBO or AirBNB rental options but if you’re looking for a traditional hotel, then the Lodge at Bryce Canyon or the Bryce Canyon Log Cabins are a superb fit. Best Time to Visit: Anytime really but most seem to prefer Spring or Fall because of its mild weather, but if you want to avoid the crowds then visiting in March or November is great (but make sure you dress warm.) Other Tips: Renting a car is recommended as is investing in an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass ahead of time. This pass is valid for 12 months in case you want to come back or visit more of Utah’s stunning national parks. For any other questions about Bryce Canyon or to invest in vacation, rental, or a permanent home near Bryce Canyon email our team at alexandra@mcewenrealtors.com Written by Bryan Crown, Utah Real Estate Agent, McEwen Realtors
Breaking Down the New Realities of Selling a Home in Utah Amid NAR Changes
Anyone who has been a realtor in Utah for any significant amount of time has seen the ebb and flow of the real estate market, and while some things remain constant, recent changes due to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement have introduced new push points to the home-selling process. However, despite these changes and all the media attention surrounding them, the core aspects of selling a home in Utah remain the same. Sellers will continue to seek professional representation, aiming to sell their homes for top dollar with minimal hassle, and buyers will still desire expert guidance. Yet, understanding what has and hasn’t changed is the question at hand for anyone looking to navigate Utah’s real estate market today. The Core of Selling a Home Remains the Same Let’s start with what hasn’t changed. Selling a home in Utah still hinges on the fundamentals: a strong marketing plan, local expertise, and skilled negotiation. Sellers who want to maximize their home’s value and minimize stress will continue to rely on experienced Realtors who know the market inside and out. From staging a home to crafting a compelling listing, ensuring that a property is positioned attractively and strategically, and then negotiating from a position of power remains as critical as ever. The goal is the same: to expose the home to the maximum number of potential buyers, thereby driving up demand and securing the best possible sale price. The Shifting Landscape of Realtor Compensation However, the landscape has shifted when it comes to how Realtors are compensated, particularly in relation to how buyer agents are paid. Traditionally, the listing agent would negotiate a commission from the seller that covered both their services and the buyer’s agent’s services. This approach worked well because it removed a significant cost barrier for buyers, who often have less cash on hand. By covering the buyer agent's fee, sellers and their agents could attract more buyers and streamline the process. The NAR settlement, however, requires that compensation for listing agents and buyer agents be decoupled. This means that the seller’s agent and buyer’s agent must now negotiate their fees separately, and sellers can no longer advertise a blanket offer of compensation to buyer agents on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS, a database Realtors use to list properties and find potential buyers, will no longer have a field where agents can advertise in advance how much they are willing to pay a buyer’s agent. What Does This Mean for Utah Sellers? For sellers in Utah, this change means a shift in strategy. While you can still agree to cover some or all of a buyer agent’s costs, this will now be a point of negotiation rather than an expectation that is always advertised upfront. Working with your Realtor, you’ll need to decide how to position your home in a way that remains attractive to buyer agents and their clients. This could mean contributing to buyer agent fees to maintain a competitive edge or focusing on other aspects of your listing to draw in potential buyers. The Utah market has shown resilience and continued demand, even in changing times. The statewide median home price continued to increase. At $509,900, the median rose nearly 4% from last year in June. However, inventory remains tight, and buyer competition is fierce, making it all the more important to ensure your home is accessible and appealing to a broad audience, including both represented and unrepresented buyers. Adapting to New Realities with Your Realtor Your Realtor will play a critical role in navigating these new realities. A good one will help you assess market conditions, your personal goals, and how best to attract qualified buyers. Some sellers may choose to disclose upfront their willingness to cover buyer agent fees, while others might prefer to keep this information confidential and use it as a negotiation tool once offers start coming in. In any case, it’s essential to discuss how to handle buyers who contact your agent directly. If a buyer is unrepresented, your agent’s fiduciary duty remains solely to you, but this could also create a situation where the buyer may request dual agency, where your agent represents both parties. The Path Forward While the recent changes from the NAR settlement have altered some aspects of the home-selling process, the fundamentals remain the same. Sellers who work closely with an experienced Realtor will still be able to position their homes effectively in the market, attract a wide range of buyers, and negotiate the best possible deal. By understanding the new rules around agent compensation and adjusting your strategy accordingly, you can ensure that you’re still getting the maximum value for your home. Selling a home has always been a significant undertaking, but with the right guidance and a clear strategy with an educated Realtor, it will remain a successful process for both seller and Realtor — even in the face of change.
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