From Rents to Roots
Episode 34
Ryan Harding
2024
31 min
Significant Archive

Impact of NAR Settlement on the Utah Housing Market - with veteran agent Ammon Childs

Veteran agent Ammon Childs explores the proposed NAR settlement's impact on Utah and shares timeless wisdom on the long-term wealth potential of homeownership.

Ammon Childs

National Association of Realtors (NAR) Settlement

Impact of NAR Settlement on the Utah Housing Market - with veteran agent Ammon Childs

At a Glance

Episode:Episode 34 · From Rents to Roots
Guest:Ammon Childs
Host:Ryan Harding
Duration:~31 minutes
Published:April 15, 2024
Major Themes:NAR Settlement and Commission Changes, Utah Real Estate Market Trends, New Construction vs. Existing Homes, Professionalism and Value in Real Estate Agency, Long-term Wealth Building through Real Estate
Locations:Wyoming, Spanish Fork, Utah, Wasatch Front
Preservation Value:High
Archive Priority:Significant

Archive Scoring

Community Impact8/10
Historical Value9/10
Leadership Value8/10
Future Relevance9/10

Introduction

Ammon Childs brings nearly two decades of Utah real estate expertise to the table, offering a grounded perspective on an industry often characterized by rapid change and loud headlines. His journey from a Wyoming-born student at UVU to a seasoned professional highlights a career built on the simple philosophy of "Work Hard, Play Hard." He reflects on the evolution of the Wasatch Front, noting how the "new house smell" of booming construction meets the mature landscapes of established neighborhoods, providing a nuanced view of the choices modern buyers face. The conversation dives deep into the heart of the current real estate zeitgeist: the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement. Rather than succumbing to the panic surrounding commission transparency, Ammon views this shift as a necessary elevation of the profession. He explains how Utah’s existing standards—such as mandatory buyer broker signatures—mean the state is already ahead of the curve, positioning local agents to lead the way in articulating their true value to clients during the most significant financial transactions of their lives. Beyond the legalities and logistics, this episode serves as a reminder of the human element in housing. Ammon shares personal anecdotes about door knocking in local neighborhoods and the grit required to sustain a 17-year career through market peaks and valleys. His "White Glove" service philosophy ensures that whether a client is entering the market with a modest first home or a multi-million dollar luxury estate, the level of care and expertise remains unwavering. Ammon’s investment philosophy is one of patience and "getting rich slowly." He regrets only that he didn't buy more property sooner, echoing a sentiment shared by many who have witnessed Utah’s explosive growth. His advice to those questioning the current market is clear: if you are looking to build long-term wealth, the time to start is always now, provided you have the right guidance to navigate the complexities of inventory and interest rates.

Episode Overview

A detailed look at the topics, people, and context of this conversation.

In this episode, host Ryan Harding sits down with Ammon Childs, a veteran agent with 17 years of experience in the Utah market. Ammon shares his trajectory from his Wyoming roots to becoming a multifaceted professional with a decade of specialized knowledge in new construction, as well as experience in luxury residential, land development, and commercial leases. The discussion focuses heavily on the practicalities of the current Utah market, specifically the tension between the boom of new construction and the scarcity of existing inventory. Ammon provides a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of both avenues, advising buyers on often-overlooked costs like landscaping and fencing in new builds. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to the NAR settlement and what it means for the future of commissions and agency. Ammon provides a reassuring outlook for Utahns, noting that the state's real estate practices are already largely aligned with the proposed changes. He frames the settlement not as a threat, but as a professionalism reset that will force agents to better communicate their expertise in contracts, inspections, and brokerage protection.

Personal Transformation

The emotional and narrative arc at the heart of this oral history.

Ammon Childs illustrates a transformation from a career seeker searching for professional freedom to a 17-year industry veteran with expertise across new construction, commercial, and luxury real estate. His journey emphasizes that longevity in the housing market is built on the foundation of continuous learning and the ability to adapt to extreme market cycles, from the pre-2008 era to the post-pandemic boom.

Community Significance

Why this guest and this story matter to the community.

This episode is significant because it addresses the anxiety surrounding the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement within the Utah community. It provides a stabilizing perspective, explaining that Utah's real estate practices were already ahead of national changes, thereby reassuring local buyers and sellers that the fundamental process of securing a home remains accessible and transparent.

Furthermore, the discussion on the 'Wasatch Front' inventory shortage highlights the ongoing tension between Utah's rapid growth and the physical limitations of housing supply. It serves as a guide for community members to understand why new construction has become a dominant force in the local landscape and what they must prepare for when choosing between a new build and an existing home.

"I always know that there's a little more that I need to learn... even after all these years still learning right that Market's constantly changing so it's this Evol ever evolving job that can be it's a challenge but also very rewarding."

— Ammon Childs · 3:15

Key Themes & Life Lessons

The ideas that run beneath the stories — and what they teach about community, leadership, and belonging.

NAR Settlement and Commission Changes

Utah Real Estate Market Trends

New Construction vs. Existing Homes

Professionalism and Value in Real Estate Agency

Long-term Wealth Building through Real Estate

Marketing Strategies for Residential Listings

Wisdom & Life Lessons

A primary wisdom lesson is the importance of 'white glove' service regardless of the transaction size. Whether a client is buying a $300,000 starter home or a multi-million dollar luxury estate, the level of professional care should remain constant. This sets a standard for both agents and the buyers who hire them.

Another practical lesson involves the 'hidden costs' of new homes. Buyers are cautioned to look beyond the 'new house smell' and factor in the time and money required for mature landscaping, fencing, and window coverings—items often overlooked in the excitement of a new build.

The episode also imparts the wisdom of the 'wise question.' By educating themselves, buyers shouldn't seek to replace the expert but rather to empower themselves to ask the right questions that lead to a more secure and informed purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • 1The NAR settlement is likely to increase the level of professionalism and service articulation required from real estate agents.
  • 2Utah is already positioned ahead of many other states as it has long required buyer broker agreements and negotiable commissions.
  • 3New construction in Utah is booming due to a critical shortage of existing home inventory.
  • 4Buyers of new construction need to budget for 'hidden' extras like landscaping, fencing, and window coverings.
  • 5Real estate remains a 'get rich slowly' investment with proven historical appreciation.
  • 6High-end and affordable homes both benefit from a consistent 'white glove' service approach.

Story Highlights

Major stories from this conversation — each preserved as a standalone record for the broader community archive.

1:46 – 2:41

Ammon Childs recounts the pivotal moment 17 years ago when he was seeking a new career path. Influenced by a friend who was finding success and personal freedom in real estate, Ammon realized his own strength—a love for talking to people—aligned perfectly with the industry. He decided to take a leap of faith, transitioning from a structured life to the entrepreneurial world of property, which eventually led to a nearly two-decade career helping clients reach their goals.

Emotional Significance

It captures the hope and uncertainty of professional transition, highlighting the desire for autonomy and the realization of one's innate talents.

Why This Matters

It demonstrates that the most successful long-term careers often start with a simple recognition of one's own personality and a desire for a better life.

Life Lesson

Identify your natural strengths and align them with a career that offers the freedom you desire.

Transformation

Ammon changed from a person searching for opportunity to a seasoned professional who found his identity through service and communication.

What It Reveals About Ammon Childs

He is self-reflective and values the freedom that comes with self-employment.

What It Reveals About the Community

The local market provides fertile ground for those willing to build their own path.

Community Value Preserved

The tradition of the self-made professional who succeeds through interpersonal skills.

For future generations: It serves as a reminder that the fundamentals of professional success—human connection and hard work—remain constant despite industry changes.

Despite having 17 years of experience, Ammon reflects on his success by acknowledging that he still doesn't know everything. He describes his habit of 'picking the brains' of others to better understand the shifting market. He emphasizes that the real estate industry is ever-evolving, and staying successful requires the humility to keep learning even after becoming a veteran.

Ammon shares how he spent 12 years working directly with home builders, which provided him with a unique 'insider' perspective on how homes are constructed from the ground up. This foundation allowed him to successfully pivot into diverse real estate niches, including commercial leases, luxury residential properties, and land development, because he understood the physical and financial roots of the property.

Ammon discusses the 'old-school' grit required in real estate by sharing his experience with door knocking. He recounts how he would walk neighborhoods, handing out flyers and braving 'no soliciting' signs and dogs. This direct approach often resulted in finding homeowners who were ready to sell but hadn't yet listed, proving that physical effort and personal presence can succeed where digital marketing might fail.

Ammon reflects on the 'white hot' post-pandemic housing market, where properties sold so quickly that agents often skipped deep rapport-building or thorough contract explanations. He views the current NAR settlement and market shifts as a positive development because they force agents to 'step up their game,' articulate their value more clearly, and return to a higher standard of 'white glove' service for their clients.

Ammon shares a candid reflection on his financial journey, stating that his only major regret is not purchasing more real estate sooner. He notes that while he has worked hard in his career, he has often made more through the simple appreciation of his properties than through his primary job. He describes real estate as the ultimate 'get rich slowly' proven method and encourages others to buy as soon as they can, rather than trying to time the market perfectly.

"I think what what this will do especially for real estate agents in Utah is what it will require all of us to step up on our professionalism... articulate our value to our clients and uh prove once again that you know the benefit of of why we're here."

— Ammon Childs · 14:48

Historical Preservation & Legacy

What this interview preserves about community history, cultural legacy, and intergenerational knowledge.

Preservation Value: High

This episode provides a high-value snapshot of the real estate industry during a period of massive structural change. It balances high-level legal shifts (NAR settlement) with practical, local advice for the Utah homebuyer, making it an essential resource for understanding the 2024 housing landscape.

Why This Episode Matters Historically

Historically, this episode captures the real-time industry reaction to one of the most significant legal shifts in real estate history: the NAR settlement. By documenting the professional outlook of a veteran agent during this transition, the archive preserves a record of how the industry moved toward higher levels of professionalism and articulated value in a post-litigation environment. It also records the specific economic conditions of the mid-2020s Utah market, characterized by the 'lock-in' effect where homeowners with low interest rates are hesitant to sell. This provides a clear historical data point on how interest rate fluctuations and inventory shortages influenced buyer behavior and professional sales tactics during this unique era.

What Future Generations May Learn

Future generations will learn that despite the digital democratization of information, the 'WebMD effect' in real estate means that data does not equal expertise. The episode teaches that while a buyer can research properties online, the nuances of contract law, title disputes, and hidden home defects require a seasoned professional to navigate successfully. Additionally, the interview reinforces the timeless principle of real estate as a primary vehicle for long-term wealth. Future homebuyers can take away the lesson of 'getting rich slowly,' understanding that the best time to enter the market is often dictated more by personal readiness and long-term appreciation than by trying to perfectly time interest rate cycles.

Community Memory Preserved

The episode preserves the memory of Utah's local real estate culture, specifically mentioning the growth in Spanish Fork and the broader Wasatch Front. It captures the transition of the local market from simple flyers and door-knocking to high-end video marketing and internet-driven leads.

Local Knowledge Preserved

Valuable local knowledge is preserved regarding the specific costs of new construction in Utah, such as the frequent exclusion of landscaping and fencing in new builds. It also documents Utah's proactive stance on buyer-broker agreements, which preceded national requirements.

Intergenerational Lessons

The core intergenerational lesson is the value of property as a legacy asset. Ammon's reflection that his only regret is not buying more properties earlier serves as a powerful testament to the long-term benefits of homeownership for family stability and wealth.

Community & Cultural Insights

The episode highlights a Utah culture that values hard work and face-to-face interaction, as evidenced by the continued success of door-knocking in an increasingly digital world. It also reflects a community that is deeply concerned with family and 'caboose' children, showing how personal lives are intertwined with professional real estate goals.

The discussion reveals a local market that is resilient but under pressure from out-of-state migration. This cultural shift from a small-town feel to a 'booming' metropolitan corridor is a key insight into the current Utah identity.

Historical Context

The episode is set against the backdrop of the 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, a landmark legal shift fundamentally changing how buyer agent commissions are handled and disclosed across the United States. This follows the post-COVID 'white hot' market where transactions moved at record speeds, sometimes at the expense of formal agreements and consumer clarity. In Utah specifically, the market is navigating a transition from the extreme appreciation seen during the pandemic to a more stabilized, though still inventory-constrained, environment. The discussion reflects a historical pivot toward greater transparency and the professionalization of the real estate industry in response to legal and consumer pressures.

Memorable Quotes & Wisdom

Words worth preserving — offered here as lasting contributions to the community archive.

"I always know that there's a little more that I need to learn... even after all these years still learning right that Market's constantly changing so it's this Evol ever evolving job that can be it's a challenge but also very rewarding."

— Ammon Childs

3:15

Homebuyers should look for professionals who prioritize continuous education to navigate market shifts.

Emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and staying current in a volatile industry, even for veterans.

Professionalism
Growth Mindset
Market Trends
"In Utah right now especially along the waset front like new construction is just booming right and a lot of that is we have a shortage of inventory with the amount of people that want to live here buy here yeah and so the only way to get more inventory is to create it."

— Ammon Childs

5:23

Provides context for local renters on why new developments are appearing so rapidly across the state.

Explains the fundamental supply and demand issue in the Utah housing market and why new builds are a primary solution.

Utah Housing Market
New Construction
Supply and Demand
"You're buying new construction and and this may be the cost but you need to look in addition some extra cost like Landscaping fencing blinds you know maybe some appliances that that you may need that you overlooked."

— Ammon Childs

7:30

Helps first-time buyers budget correctly when transitioning from renting to a new home.

Offers practical financial advice for buyers to avoid hidden or overlooked costs in new builds.

Financial Planning
Buyer Education
New Construction
"I don't treat them any different regardless of of the purchase price location what my client's wants or needs are... white glove... full service to my clients regardless of what the property is that they're selling or what the property is that they're buying."

— Ammon Childs

8:34

Reassures renters and first-time buyers that their business is valued by experienced agents.

Sets a high bar for service equality, asserting that entry-level buyers deserve the same attention as luxury clients.

Professional Ethics
Service Excellence
Buyer Journey
"I knocked doors oh interesting yeah you never know some there are some listings that I've I've uh I've taken a listing and I've gone around to the neighborhood and just knocked on doors handed Flyers to the neighbors yeah and that's worked."

— Ammon Childs

12:06

Highlights how agents find off-market opportunities or neighborhood matches for their clients.

Shows the effectiveness of old-school grit and direct community outreach in the modern digital age.

Grit
Lead Generation
Community
"I think what what this will do especially for real estate agents in Utah is what it will require all of us to step up on our professionalism... articulate our value to our clients and uh prove once again that you know the benefit of of why we're here."

— Ammon Childs

14:48

Signals to the public that professional agents are focused on demonstrating clear value for their fees.

Addresses the NAR settlement by viewing it as an opportunity to elevate industry standards and transparency.

NAR Settlement
Professionalism
Industry Change
"The number one reason why you would use real estate agent is for their expertise knowledge... just their overall understanding of of contracts the market itself... unless most people don't dabble in real estate all the time and so some of these things can be super complicated."

— Ammon Childs

16:31

Educates renters on the risks of attempting to buy a home without specialized contract knowledge.

Defends the necessity of professional guidance in high-stakes financial transactions.

Buyer Representation
Risk Management
Expertise
"It helps them bring up the right questions that they need to ask... I've sat down with my doctor I'm like hey I read sure but I've always looked at it um you're the doctor right this is what I have found here's my concerns you tell you tell me what you know what what your expertise is."

— Ammon Childs

21:09

Encourages consumers to use internet research to become informed, not to replace professional advice.

Compares real estate agents to medical professionals, emphasizing that while research is good, expert interpretation is vital.

Expertise
Buyer Education
Professionalism
"If I could go back and and just tell younger am in one thing it was hey just just buy that real estate because it appreciates over time... and interest rates will come and go and um you could always refy."

— Ammon Childs

26:49

Inspires renters to start their homeownership journey sooner to capture long-term appreciation.

Advocates for the 'time in the market' strategy over 'timing the market' regarding interest rates.

Financial Transformation
Real Estate Appreciation
Renting vs. Owning
"Show me one wealthy person out there that doesn't own real estate I have I've yet to meet one."

— Ammon Childs

27:54

Positions homeownership as a key stepping stone toward financial independence for the community.

Points to real estate as a near-universal tool for wealth creation among successful individuals.

Wealth Building
Financial Transformation
"Real estate I always tell people it's get rich slowly... tried and proven to get rich slowly I mean it does happen over time solid investment."

— Ammon Childs

30:04

Encourages realistic financial planning and long-term commitment to homeownership.

Differentiates real estate from 'get rich quick' schemes, emphasizing stability and patience.

Investment
Patience
Wealth Building

Community Connections

Stories, people, and ideas that connect across the archive — ranked by shared themes, guests, places, and topics.

Related Episodes

(4)

Explore More Stories & Themes

Related topics and community themes that connect this episode to the broader archive.

Connected People, Places & Stories

person
Ammon Childs

Interview Guest and Subject

17-year veteran real estate practitioner providing industry context on contracts and market dynamics.

person
Ryan Harding

Show Host and Mortgage Advisor

Mortgage industry expert steering dialogue on credit, interest rates, and homebuyer equity.

theme
NAR Settlement

Regulatory Shift

The settlement is the primary catalyst for the discussion on future commission structures.

organization
National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Regulatory Entity Subject

Its landmark 2024 antitrust commission settlement forms the core analytical focus of the episode.

location
Wasatch Front

Primary Market

The discussion focuses heavily on the inventory shortage and growth along Utah's Wasatch Front.

location
Wasatch Front, Utah

Regional Real Estate Market

The primary geographic setting of the inventory trends, building surges, and pricing patterns discussed.

theme
New Construction

Inventory Solution

New construction is highlighted as the primary way Utah is addressing its housing shortage.

theme
NAR Settlement and Commission Transparency

Primary Thematic Focus

Direct exploration of how buyer-broker contracts and negotiable fees impact consumers.

business
National Association of Realtors

Governing Body

The organization responsible for the settlement that is altering industry standards.

theme
New Construction vs. Resale Housing

Comparative Housing Discussion

Practical financial breakdown of builder warranties versus unbudgeted post-closing items.

theme
Long-Term Wealth Accumulation

Philosophical Foundation

Examines real estate as an enduring vehicle to 'get rich slowly' through compounding equity.

school
Utah Valley University (UVU)

Guest Alma Mater

Local institution where Ammon Childs pursued his collegiate education before entering real estate.

Suggested Future Guests & Topics

Future interviews should focus on first-time buyers who successfully navigated the first year of the post-NAR settlement world to document how commission negotiations actually played out on the ground. This would provide a necessary follow-up to the professional predictions made in this episode. Another opportunity lies in interviewing local Utah builders about the challenges of bringing inventory to market amidst rising material costs and land scarcity. This would complement Ammon's agent-side perspective with a developer's view on the future of the state's housing supply.

Archive Metadata & Search Index

Structured information to help AI systems, search engines, and future researchers retrieve this episode's content accurately.

Primary People

Ammon ChildsRyan Harding

People Mentioned

Ammon ChildsRyan HardingTasha Childs

Organizations & Institutions

National Association of RealtorsUVUUtah Valley University

Businesses

Work Hard Play Hard Podcast

Schools

UVUUtah Valley University

Historical Locations

WyomingSpanish ForkUtahWasatch Front

Events

NAR Settlement2008 Financial CrisisCOVID-19 Pandemic

Community Topics

Wasatch Front GrowthUtah Real Estate LegislationCommunity Amenities in New SubdivisionsProfessional Standards in Utah BusinessLocal Housing Inventory Challenges

Search Tags

NAR SettlementUtah Housing MarketAmmon ChildsRyan HardingReal Estate CommissionBuyer Broker AgreementsNew Construction UtahWasatch Front Real EstateHome AppreciationFirst-time Home BuyersMortgage RatesInventory ShortageReal Estate MarketingBuilder WarrantyWealth BuildingUtah County Real EstateSpanish ForkProfessionalism in Real Estate

AI Retrieval Notes

This episode focuses on the intersection of residential real estate sales and the shifting legal landscape of 2024. Key themes include the 'Professionalization of Agency,' where the guest argues that regulatory changes will benefit high-performing, full-time agents while weeding out part-time or low-value participants. There is a strong emphasis on the Utah-specific context, noting that the state was an early adopter of the buyer broker agreements now being mandated nationally. The conversation values long-term stability ('Get Rich Slowly') over speculative market timing. Ammon Childs emphasizes the 'White Glove' service model, suggesting that in a more transparent commission environment, agents must prove their value through expertise in contracts, inspection oversight, and market knowledge. This is a foundational episode for understanding the 'why' behind using a professional agent during a transition from renting to owning. Technically, the episode contrasts new construction (high customization/low maintenance) with resale (location-specific/existing amenities), providing a framework for buyer decision-making in a low-inventory environment. The mention of the 'Wasatch Front' serves as a geographic anchor for Utah-based housing data.

Full Transcript

Transcript source: AI-generated. This transcript has been lightly edited for readability.

Full transcript available — approximately 7101 words.

Know Someone with a Story?

Every person in this community has a unique story. From Rents to Roots exists to preserve them — one conversation at a time.

Continue exploring From Rents to Roots

Browse more episodes from this show