Question 1

Why do people call you 'Dr. Haws'?

Accepted Answer

It started as a joke from a client who said I diagnose housing problems the way a physician diagnoses patients. I leaned in — 'Let me diagnose your housing needs' has been my signature line ever since. So no, I'm not a medical doctor. I'm just very thorough.

Question 2

What's your background — did you play sports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I played college football and I've been a fitness guy my whole life. Strength training, golf, mountain trails, the occasional dad-on-skis run with my kids. Real estate is a contact sport too — preparation, footwork, finishing strong. Same muscles.

Question 3

Why Coldwell Banker Realty?

Accepted Answer

I chose Coldwell Banker because their data platform (MOXIE), their Global Luxury network, and their referral pipeline are unmatched in Utah. I wanted institutional firepower without giving up the personal-relationship style of business. Coldwell Banker lets me have both.

Question 4

What's your connection to Promontory?

Accepted Answer

I was a Promontory member. I've played the Pete Dye Canyon Course and the Nicklaus Painted Valley Course as a member, eaten at the Beach House, ridden the Equestrian Center trails, and been to the Cabin Club at Deer Valley. That's not a brochure — that's lived experience, and it changes how I sell those homes.

Question 5

Why are you bilingual?

Accepted Answer

Spanish is part of my life — my faith service years overseas, my friendships, and my client base. Roughly 14% of Utah speaks Spanish at home. I refuse to let language be the reason a family doesn't get great representation. Hablamos español, tranquilo.

Question 6

What does 'Real Estate. Dad. Active Lifestyle.' mean?

Accepted Answer

It's the order of operations. I'm a real estate professional first when you hire me — no excuses. I'm a dad always — that's why I respect family timelines and weekend deadlines. And I live an active Utah lifestyle, which is why I know what makes a Utah home feel like home: trails, light, view corridors, garage size for gear.

Question 7

What's your favorite Utah trail or course?

Accepted Answer

Pete Dye Canyon at Promontory is the most fun round I've played in Utah — period. For trails, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail behind Bountiful and Farmington is my morning go-to. If I'm with the kids: Antelope Island in fall.

Question 8

What kind of clients do you work with?

Accepted Answer

All kinds — first-time buyers, growing families upsizing in Davis County, empty-nesters moving to Park City, second-home buyers at Promontory or Red Ledges, and Spanish-speaking families across the Wasatch Front. The common thread: people who want a real human answering the phone.

Question 9

Where did you serve your mission?

Accepted Answer

Argentina, 1994 to 1996. Two full years living and working in Spanish, walking neighborhoods I would have never seen as a tourist, eating things that occasionally came back out of my companions (yes, that's a real story — ask me about Elder Sandstrom and the worm). It's where I learned to listen, to lose pride, and to fall in love with another culture. Best two years of my pre-real-estate life.

Question 10

What did you learn from living in Argentina?

Accepted Answer

Three things that show up in how I do real estate every single day: (1) Patience — things take longer than you want, and that's fine. (2) Listen first, talk second — in a second language you have no choice. (3) People are people everywhere. A family wanting a safe roof over their kids in Buenos Aires is the same family wanting that in Farmington. I never forget that.

Question 11

Have you traveled or lived elsewhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I've lived all over the world and traveled even further. The two years in Argentina taught me Spanish; later study at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico polished it. Every time I come home to Utah, it's a deliberate choice. This is the place.

Question 12

How do I find out what my Utah home is worth?

Accepted Answer

Request a free MOXIE-powered valuation at SellWithDavidRHaws.com/seller and you'll get a data-driven price range within 24 hours. No spam, no pressure — just the same numbers I'd use if I were listing it tomorrow.

Question 13

How long does it take to sell a Utah home right now?

Accepted Answer

Median time on market in Utah ranges roughly 30–60 days depending on city, season, and price band. Farmington and Davis County homes priced correctly often go under contract in under three weeks. I'll show you live MOXIE data on our first call.

Question 14

When is the best time to list a Utah home?

Accepted Answer

Late February through early June consistently delivers the strongest pricing in Utah — peak buyer demand and lowest inventory. That said, well-prepared homes sell year-round, and winter buyers tend to be more serious and less price-sensitive.

Question 15

Should I make repairs before listing?

Accepted Answer

Focus on cosmetic, low-cost wins: paint touch-ups, landscaping, decluttering, deep cleaning. Skip large renovations unless I confirm the ROI. I walk every seller through a personalized prep plan during the listing consult — and I tell you what NOT to spend money on.

Question 16

Do I need to stage my home?

Accepted Answer

Most homes benefit from light staging — depersonalizing, adjusting furniture flow, and adding a few neutral pieces. I include staging guidance and professional photography in every Coldwell Banker listing at no extra charge. Full furniture staging is optional for vacant or luxury properties.

Question 17

Can I sell FSBO without a Realtor?

Accepted Answer

You can list FSBO, but Utah FSBO homes typically sell for 8–12% less than agent-listed homes due to weaker exposure, pricing missteps, and untrained negotiation. I'm happy to give a no-pressure consult before you decide.

Question 18

What's the biggest mistake Utah sellers make?

Accepted Answer

Pricing emotionally. The number you 'need' is not the number the market will pay — and overpricing in week one is the fastest way to lose week four, week five, and week six. I'd rather price you correctly and have offers in seven days than chase the market down for ninety.

Question 19

What's the first step to buying a home in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Get pre-approved with a local Utah lender, then schedule a free buyer consult with me. I'll map your search to Farmington, Davis County, Sugar House, Park City, Utah County, or anywhere you want to live — based on your goals, not the algorithm's.

Question 20

How long does it take to close on a home in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Most Utah closings run 30–45 days from accepted offer. Cash buyers can close in as little as 7–14 days. I coordinate the full timeline with title, lender, and inspection so you never miss a deadline.

Question 21

Can Dave help me find off-market Utah homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through Coldwell Banker's network and my personal database, I regularly surface pocket listings and pre-MLS opportunities — especially in Farmington, Sugar House, and Park City. I always start a search by checking my own pipeline first.

Question 22

Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop?

Accepted Answer

Date the rate, marry the home — it's a tired phrase but it's still right. Utah inventory is the rate-cut trigger. The day rates drop noticeably, demand spikes and prices climb, erasing your monthly savings. Buying right at today's rate and refinancing later usually wins.

Question 23

How many homes should I tour before making an offer?

Accepted Answer

On average, my buyers tour 5–10 homes before writing the offer that closes. Some write on the first showing because we already know the comp set; others tour 15. I'd rather show you fewer homes that fit perfectly than burn weekends on mismatches.

Question 24

How does Dr. Haws price a Utah home?

Accepted Answer

I pull a MOXIE-powered Comparative Market Analysis using active, pending, and sold comps within the last 90 days, adjust for square footage, lot, condition, and view, then layer current days-on-market and price-cut frequency. The output is a defensible price range — not a guess.

Question 25

Why is your CMA different from a Zillow Zestimate?

Accepted Answer

A Zestimate is an algorithm trained on national data. My CMA is a human-vetted analysis using MOXIE plus eyes-on knowledge of your specific street. Zestimates are often off by 5–10% — that's tens of thousands of dollars in Utah.

Question 26

What's the median home price in Davis County?

Accepted Answer

Davis County's median sale price tracks just above the Utah state median, with Farmington and Kaysville pulling above average and Clearfield and Sunset below. I publish a refreshed Davis County price-and-inventory report monthly.

Question 27

What's the median home price in Salt Lake County?

Accepted Answer

Salt Lake County's median is the highest of any populous Utah county, with Holladay, The Avenues, and Yalecrest commanding luxury pricing and West Valley and Magna offering the most attainable entry points. I track all 16 sub-markets monthly.

Question 28

Will pricing high give me 'room to negotiate'?

Accepted Answer

Almost never. Buyers shop in 25-thousand-dollar bands and your home is invisible above your true band. List at a defensible price, get more showings in week one, and let competition push you up. That's the math.

Question 29

What costs does a Utah seller pay at closing?

Accepted Answer

Typical Utah seller closing costs include the listing-side commission, title insurance for the buyer, recording fees, prorated property taxes, HOA transfer fees, and any negotiated repairs or buyer concessions. I prepare a line-by-line net sheet before any offer is signed.

Question 30

How much are closing costs for a Utah buyer?

Accepted Answer

Plan on 2–3% of the purchase price for a Utah buyer's closing costs — lender fees, appraisal, title, escrow, recording, and prepaids. On a $500,000 home, that's roughly $10,000–$15,000 cash to close on top of the down payment.

Question 31

Are closing costs negotiable in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Some are. Title and escrow companies often discount when both sides use the same provider; lender 'junk' fees can sometimes be waived; and a seller can credit closing costs as part of a buyer's offer (especially in slower markets). I negotiate every line item.

Question 32

Who pays the title insurance in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Custom in Utah is the seller pays the buyer's owner's title policy and the buyer pays the lender's policy. It's negotiable — and on luxury or new-construction deals, it sometimes flips. Always verify in the Real Estate Purchase Contract.

Question 33

How much do I need to put down to buy a home in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Conventional loans typically require 3–5% down, FHA loans 3.5%, and VA / USDA loans can be 0% down. I connect buyers with vetted Utah lenders who run the exact scenarios for free.

Question 34

What credit score do I need to buy a Utah home?

Accepted Answer

Most conventional lenders look for 620+, FHA can go to 580 with 3.5% down, and VA loans accept 580+ with 0% down. My lender network can pre-qualify buyers in the high 500s with the right loan product.

Question 35

Are there first-time-homebuyer programs in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Utah Housing Corporation, FirstHome, HomeAgain, and several county-level down-payment assistance programs are active. My lender network qualifies buyers for whichever programs fit best.

Question 36

Can I use gift money toward my down payment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on conventional, FHA, and VA loans — with a properly documented gift letter and sourced bank statements. I help my buyers handle the gift paper trail correctly so it doesn't blow up underwriting at the last minute.

Question 37

Should I lock my interest rate now?

Accepted Answer

If you're under contract or within 30 days of closing, almost always yes. Rate locks typically run 30–60 days; some Utah lenders offer 90- or 120-day locks for new construction. I coordinate with your lender on timing.

Question 38

What disclosures are Utah sellers required to provide?

Accepted Answer

Utah sellers must complete a Seller Property Condition Disclosure (Form 17) covering known defects, plus disclose lead-based paint for homes built before 1978. I walk every seller through the form line-by-line so nothing is missed and no future liability is created.

Question 39

How does the new buyer-broker compensation rule affect Utah?

Accepted Answer

Following the August 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-broker fees are now negotiated separately and disclosed in the listing agreement and the Buyer-Broker Employment Agreement. I explain exactly which compensation strategies attract the most qualified buyers in Utah today.

Question 40

What's the difference between a buyer's agent and a dual agent?

Accepted Answer

A buyer's agent represents only you and owes you full fiduciary duty. A dual agent represents both buyer and seller in the same transaction and must remain neutral. I will fully explain agency choices before any showing or offer — Utah law requires it.

Question 41

Can I back out after signing a Utah purchase contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but only inside your contingency windows (due-diligence, financing, appraisal). Once contingencies expire, backing out usually means losing your earnest money and potential additional damages. I track every deadline so we never accidentally walk past one.

Question 42

What happens if the appraisal comes in low?

Accepted Answer

Three options: seller drops price to the appraisal, buyer brings additional cash to cover the gap, or the parties split the difference. I negotiate appraisal-gap clauses up front so this isn't a fire drill at week three.

Question 43

How do I make my offer stand out in a Utah multiple-offer situation?

Accepted Answer

Strong pre-approval letter, escalation clause, larger earnest money, faster inspection period, and a personal video to the seller all move the needle. I build an offer strategy customized to each listing — not a one-size-fits-all template.

Question 44

Should I accept a cash offer on my Utah home?

Accepted Answer

Cash offers usually close 7–14 days faster and remove appraisal and financing risk — but they typically come in 5–10% below comparable financed offers. I model the net-after-fees on every cash offer side-by-side with financed offers so the decision is dollars, not just speed.

Question 45

Should I waive the inspection contingency?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, even in a hot market. Waive the right to ask for repairs if you must, but keep the right to walk away after inspection. There are creative ways to make a strong offer without flying blind on a roof or foundation.

Question 46

What's the most important moment in a Utah real estate negotiation?

Accepted Answer

It's not the first offer. It's the moment after inspection, when 80% of deals quietly fall apart over $4,000 of repairs. Knowing how to keep the deal together at that exact moment — without giving away the farm — is the entire job.

Question 47

What's the absolute minimum I need to start house-hunting in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Three things: a pre-approval from a Utah lender, a clear monthly budget you've stress-tested at 1% higher than today's rate, and 2–3% of the purchase price saved for closing. With those, we can start touring this weekend.

Question 48

How is a Utah home loan different from a credit card?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage is amortized debt — early payments are mostly interest, later payments are mostly principal. Building equity is slow at first but accelerates fast after year five. Pay attention to total interest paid, not just monthly payment, when comparing loan products.

Question 49

What's PMI and how do I get rid of it?

Accepted Answer

PMI (private mortgage insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down. It typically falls off automatically at 78% loan-to-value, but you can request removal at 80% with a current appraisal. I help my buyers calendar that conversation.

Question 50

What documents will my Utah lender ask for?

Accepted Answer

Two years of W-2s or tax returns, two recent paystubs, two months of bank and asset statements, photo ID, and the source documentation for any large recent deposits. Self-employed buyers need additional 1099s and YTD profit & loss.

Question 51

Should I bring my own Realtor to a new-construction model home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and you should bring me on the first visit. Builders pay buyer-agent commission out of marketing budgets, not your purchase price, so you don't save a dime by going alone. What you do lose is a negotiator on lot premiums, upgrade pricing, and warranty terms.

Question 52

Are builder rebates negotiable in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most Utah builders quietly offer 1–3% in design-center credits, closing-cost rebates, or rate buy-downs — especially on standing inventory or last-phase lots. I push for the credits that actually save you the most over time.

Question 53

Do I need a home inspection on new construction?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Even brand-new Utah homes have framing, plumbing, and HVAC issues that surface only during a third-party inspection. I recommend an 11-month warranty inspection too, before the builder's one-year warranty expires.

Question 54

Are Utah short-term rentals (Airbnb) legal?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the city and HOA. Park City, Hideout, and many Wasatch resort communities allow short-term rentals; most Salt Lake and Davis County residential zones do not. Always verify with the city and HOA before buying for STR cash flow.

Question 55

What's a 1031 exchange and does it apply to Utah investors?

Accepted Answer

A 1031 lets you defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from one investment property into another 'like-kind' property within 45/180 days. It applies fully in Utah. I work with qualified intermediaries on every exchange.

Question 56

Can I add an ADU to my Utah property?

Accepted Answer

Statewide House Bill 82 (2021) and follow-up bills require most Utah cities to permit internal ADUs in single-family zones. Detached ADUs (casitas) are still city-by-city. I help investors evaluate ADU viability before they buy.

Question 57

Can you help me buy a Utah home from out of state?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I run remote searches every month, especially for tech workers relocating to Lehi/Silicon Slopes and military buyers PCSing to Hill AFB. I do video walk-throughs, neighborhood drive-bys, and three-way calls with title and lender so you don't have to fly in until inspection.

Question 58

Do you work with military and VA buyers near Hill Air Force Base?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I'm experienced with VA loans, BAH-aware affordability math, and Hill AFB commute corridors (Layton, Clearfield, Roy, Syracuse). I can also coordinate quick closings around PCS report dates.

Question 59

What cities make up Davis County, Utah?

Accepted Answer

Davis County includes Farmington (county seat), Bountiful, Centerville, Kaysville, Layton, Clearfield, Syracuse, West Bountiful, North Salt Lake, Sunset, Clinton, Fruit Heights, Woods Cross, and South Weber. I'm based in Farmington and work the entire county.

Question 60

Why is Davis County a good place to buy?

Accepted Answer

Davis County offers strong schools (Davis School District), short commutes to both Salt Lake City and Hill AFB, FrontRunner commuter rail, the new Farmington Station, and quick access to ski resorts and the Great Salt Lake.

Question 61

Why did you choose to live in Farmington?

Accepted Answer

Honest answer? Trails, schools, FrontRunner, Station Park retail, and the fact that I can be on a Wasatch peak in 25 minutes or in downtown Salt Lake in 20. Farmington is the rare Utah city that's good at growing without losing its small-town feel.

Question 62

What neighborhoods make up Salt Lake County?

Accepted Answer

Salt Lake City (Sugar House, The Avenues, 9th & 9th, Yalecrest), Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Millcreek, Murray, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan (Daybreak), West Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Bluffdale, Magna, Kearns, Taylorsville, Midvale, and West Valley.

Question 63

Is Sugar House a good place to buy?

Accepted Answer

Sugar House is one of Salt Lake City's most walkable neighborhoods with a quick downtown commute, the S-Line streetcar, and a mix of historic bungalows, newer condos, and the Sugarmont Apartments. I specialize in Sugar House real estate.

Question 64

What about Daybreak in South Jordan?

Accepted Answer

Daybreak is a master-planned community in South Jordan with five villages, lake access, REI Adventure Park, the Mountain View Village retail center, and the FrontRunner SoJo station nearby. I tour Daybreak with buyers weekly.

Every question Utah buyers and sellers actually ask.

Meet Dr. Haws

I'm David — but most people just call me Dave.

My Mission — Argentina, 1994–1996

Hablo español — sin traductor.

Selling Your Home

Buying a Home

Pricing & Valuation

Closing Costs & Fees

Financing & Mortgage

Contracts & Disclosures

Negotiation

First-Time Buyer

New Construction

Investment & Rentals

Relocation & Military

Davis County

Salt Lake County

Park City

Promontory (Insider)

Utah Resorts

Luxury Market

MOXIE & Data

Bilingual Service

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