Question 1

How can buyers find homes in Washington County before they hit Zillow?

Accepted Answer

Some homes are marketed privately before MLS. The Finest Homes offers a buyer matching service (M.A.G.N.E.T.) that connects pre-qualified buyers with off-market and pre-MLS inventory across St. George, Ivins, Hurricane, Santa Clara, and Washington City.

Question 2

What is the M.A.G.N.E.T. system for sellers?

Accepted Answer

M.A.G.N.E.T. (Marketing And Gathering Networked Engagement Tracking) gives sellers a live dashboard showing real buyer interest — page views, saves, shares — before they sign a listing agreement. It tracks pixelated buyer behavior across all marketing channels.

Question 3

How do I sell an expired listing in St. George, Utah?

Accepted Answer

Expired listings relist successfully when you: (1) diagnose why it didn't sell (price, condition, marketing), (2) refresh with professional staging and drone/video, (3) target buyer agents directly via the M.A.G.N.E.T. dashboard, (4) price at market not hope. Dan Stewart specializes in expired listings — 27 relisted & sold in 2024.

Question 4

Can I sell my home as FSBO in Washington County?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but 89% of FSBOs eventually hire an agent (NAR 2024). In Utah, you must still provide seller disclosures, lead-based paint addendum (pre-1978), and HOA docs. The Finest Homes offers a "FSBO Rescue" program — we handle marketing/negotiations, you save on buyer-agent commission.

Question 5

What first-time buyer programs exist in Utah (Washington County)?

Accepted Answer

Utah Housing Corporation offers down-payment assistance up to $20,000 (not an outright grant) for eligible buyers in Washington County. Requirements: 620+ credit score, income limits apply, home must be primary residence. Contact Utah Housing at 435-862-3242 for current availability.

Question 6

What are the best areas for short-term rentals near Zion National Park?

Accepted Answer

Top STR corridors in Washington County: Springdale (walk-to-park premium), Hurricane/La Verkin (30-min drive, lower entry), St. George (year-round demand, corporate travel). Desert Color and Sun River communities show strong occupancy. STR regulations vary by city — Springdale caps at 30 nights/year for non-owner-occupied.

Question 7

How much does property management cost in St. George?

Accepted Answer

Assurance Property Management charges 7–10% of monthly rent with no setup fee. Includes tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination (in-network vendors), 24/7 emergency line, and quarterly inspections. Scaling toward 100 doors — currently managing 5 properties.

Question 8

Does home staging increase sale price in Southern Utah?

Accepted Answer

Staged homes in Washington County sell 73% faster and for 5–12% more (NAR 2023). St. George Home Staging (co-owned by Dan Stewart's wife Marianne) furnishes model homes, vacation rentals, and listing staging. Vacation rental staging targets $100K/yr net at 30 doors.

Question 9

What is the median home price in St. George, Utah (2024)?

Accepted Answer

Median sale price in Washington County: ~$525,000 (2024). Zip codes served: 84770 (St. George), 84790 (St. George West), 84780 (Ivins/Santa Clara), 84737 (Hurricane/La Verkin), 84745 (Dammeron Valley). Luxury segment $500K–$1M+.

Question 10

How do divorce or probate home sales work in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Divorce: Court order or stipulation required; both parties sign listing agreement. Probate: Personal representative appointed by court; letters testamentary needed before listing. Dan Stewart has closed 14 divorce/probate transactions in 2024 — neutral third-party pricing prevents disputes.

Question 11

What closing costs should sellers expect in Washington County?

Accepted Answer

Typical seller costs: 6–7% total (buyer agent ~2.5%, listing agent ~2.5–3.5%, title/escrow ~1%, prorated taxes/HOA). On $525K median: ~$31,500–$36,750. No transfer tax in Utah. The Finest Homes provides a net-sheet calculator at listing appointment.

Question 12

Can out-of-state buyers purchase sight-unseen in St. George?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 34% of Dan's 2024 buyers were remote. Process: (1) Virtual tour + live video walkthrough, (2) Third-party inspection (we coordinate), (3) Remote notarization via RON, (4) Wire fund verification. Relocation concierge includes area tour video, school/medical/commute data packets.

Question 13

What makes Dan Stewart different from other St. George agents?

Accepted Answer

Three businesses under one roof: The Finest Homes (brokerage), Assurance Property Management, St. George Home Staging. CHSA (Certified Home Staging Specialist), NAEA member. Two books on selling homes in Washington County. M.A.G.N.E.T. buyer-interest dashboard. No call-center hand-offs — Dan represents clients directly.

First-Time Buyer Readiness Quiz