This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Middle class folks probably were not among the potential buyers during the tour of 12 luxury $1 million-plus homes in Salt Lake County on Saturday.
Consider this: At today's rates, and a $200,000 down payment, a 30-year loan would be around $5,000 each month — and that's just for the mortgage.
But that didn't stop people on the tour from knowing what they'd want if they could afford such an edifice.
"Everything in the home and grounds would have to be completed, and there would have to be a view," said Mitra Rahnama as she gazed on outdoor water fountains through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the nearly 16,000 square-foot home at 3809 Thousand Oaks Circle in Salt Lake City.
"With that kind of a price tag, I would have to feel like I was bathed in luxury," added Jesse Massey.
Homeowner Joe Johnsen, who purchased the mansion at auction, said people buying luxury homes expect "to walk in and be wowed. They want high-end quality finishes and the unusual — something not found in any other home."
How about nine fireplaces, 11 bathrooms, walk-in safe and views of Mt. Olympus or the valley from everywhere in the home. Asking price is $1.5 million — as is. The home isn't finished.
Real estate agent Laura Astle said people may be surprised, but homes selling in the million-dollar price range are becoming "a hot market."
Astle had an example. One Sandy home was removed from the tour because it had already sold.
The rambler Sandy home Astle was showing at 2385 E. Creek Road needed some kitchen upgrades, so the owner reduced the price by $125,000.
Still, the $1 million home featured a theater room, vaulted ceilings, mother-in-law apartment, tennis court, indoor pool, jacuzzi, workshop and waterfall on 1.55 acres of property.
Another luxury offering, a two-story Sandy home at 7976 S. Hidden Park Lane, boasted a sweeping staircase, his and her offices, hand scraped hickory floors, double-island kitchen, laundries on each floor and elevator shaft.
Or how about the soothing sounds of a stream that meanders along 600 feet on western border of a $2.5 million Sandy home at 8705 S. Willow Green Circle. The property also has a separate RV area that includes a storage building for a boat, motor home and cars with an upstairs, one-bedroom apartment.
Farther north in Salt Lake City, the home at 2472 Evergreen Ave. was priced at $1,664,500 — furniture included.
This home had a slate pool table, two gourmet kitchens, master suite with an adjourning bathroom where one may turn on body sprays in a huge shower or soak in an oversized tub while gazing at a cozy fireplace.
There were also travertine tile floors crisscrossed with hardwoods, copper sinks, granite counters and pepper tree cabinetwork.
"The home has a warm, welcoming feel," said agent Ashley Fletcher. "People see the minute they walk through the door."
The owners had loved this secluded and gated Millcreek location, with its pines, mature trees and stream running along the terraced yard, she said. But they want to build their own dream home — from scratch.
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