Layton Utah Home Tour: Inside a $700,000 Custom East Bench New Build With a 2-1 Rate Buydown

Worried about interest rates before your PCS? This Layton Utah home tour goes inside a $700,000 custom East Bench new build with a 2-1 rate buydown starting at 5.25%.

Layton Utah Home Tour: What Is This East Bench Home?

It's a $700,000 custom new build on Layton's East Bench, offering a 2-1 rate buydown starting at 5.25%, an open main floor, a home office, a stone fireplace, and a chef's kitchen.

This Layton Utah home tour features a brand-new custom home on the East Bench. That's the higher ground on the east side of Layton, up toward the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains.

The list price is $700,000. What makes this one stand out right now isn't just the finishes. It's the 2-1 rate buydown that starts at 5.25%, which can make a real dent in your early monthly payments.

If you're getting ready to PCS to Hill Air Force Base and the rate headlines are stressing you out, this home is worth a close look. Let's walk through it room by room, then break down the numbers.

What Does the Main Floor Look Like?

The main floor uses an open-concept layout that connects the kitchen and living areas, with a dedicated home office and a beautiful stone fireplace as the centerpiece of the living space.

The main level is built around an open-concept layout. You can cook, help with homework, and keep an eye on the living room all at the same time.

The stone fireplace anchors the living area. It gives the room a warm, custom feel, and it's a welcome feature during Northern Utah winters.

Open layouts also make furniture placement easier when you're moving across the country. You're not trying to fit a sectional into a closed-off formal room that was designed for a different lifestyle.

Why Does a Dedicated Home Office Matter?

A dedicated main-floor office gives you a quiet, separate space for remote work, studying, or military admin tasks without turning a bedroom or dining table into a workspace.

A dedicated home office is one of the most requested features buyers ask about. Many military spouses work remotely, and many service members are finishing degrees or certifications.

Having that office on the main floor keeps it away from bedrooms. That means fewer interruptions during calls and a clear line between work and home.

It also helps resale. When you PCS out in a few years, a true office is a selling point that the next buyer will notice right away.

What Stands Out in the Chef's Kitchen?

The kitchen is large and built for real cooking, with custom wood cabinetry and LG appliances. It's the hub of the open main floor.

The chef's kitchen is a highlight of this tour. It's sized for people who actually cook, host, and need room for more than one person at the counter.

The custom wood cabinetry gives it a high-end, built-in look that you don't always see at this price point. Pair that with LG appliances, and you've got a kitchen that's ready to use on day one.

Because the kitchen opens to the living area, it works well for holidays, unit get-togethers, or just keeping the kids in sight while dinner's going.

How Does a 2-1 Rate Buydown Work?

A 2-1 buydown lowers your interest rate by 2 points in year one and 1 point in year two. From year three on, you pay the full note rate for the rest of the loan.

A 2-1 buydown is a temporary rate reduction. The builder or seller pays money upfront into an account that covers part of your interest for the first two years.

On this home, the rate starts at 5.25%. In a standard 2-1 structure, that means:

• Year 1: 5.25%
• Year 2: about 6.25%
• Years 3-30: the full note rate, about 7.25%

Your exact terms depend on the lender and the final contract, so always confirm the note rate in writing. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends comparing Loan Estimates from more than one lender so you understand the full cost.

How Much Could the Buydown Save You?

On a roughly $700,000 loan, the buydown could save around $900 a month in year one and $465 a month in year two, or about $16,000 total in principal and interest.

Here's an illustrative example using a $700,000, 30-year loan with no down payment, like a VA loan. These numbers are principal and interest only. They don't include taxes, insurance, or the VA funding fee.

That's roughly $10,900 in year one and $5,600 in year two. For a family landing at a new base, those first two years often carry extra costs like furniture, window coverings, and a second car.

If rates drop later, you may be able to refinance. Just don't buy based on a future refinance. Make sure you can comfortably afford the year-three payment.

Is This Layton Home a Good Fit if You're PCSing to Hill AFB?

Yes, for many families. Layton borders Hill Air Force Base, and a buydown like this can ease the first two years while you settle in. Compare the payment to your BAH first.

Layton sits right next to Hill Air Force Base. From the East Bench, most commutes to a base gate run roughly 10 to 20 minutes, depending on which gate you use and traffic. You can check gate details on the official Hill Air Force Base website.

For PCS buyers, timing matters. A new build means fewer surprise repairs in your first years. That's a big deal when you may be deployed or TDY and can't babysit a project.

Here's how to approach it:

1. Get pre-approved early, ideally before your orders' report date.
2. Compare the year-three payment, plus taxes and insurance, to your BAH.
3. Ask about virtual tours and remote closing if you can't be here in person.

Our PCS relocation guide for Hill AFB walks through the full timeline, from orders to keys.

Can You Use a VA Loan With a 2-1 Buydown?

Yes. VA loans allow temporary buydowns when the seller or builder pays for them, and many eligible buyers can purchase with no down payment.

A VA loan and a 2-1 buydown can work together. According to the VA, eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses can buy a home with no down payment in most cases and no private mortgage insurance.

Lenders usually qualify you at the full note rate, not the bought-down rate. So the buydown helps your cash flow, but it doesn't stretch how much you qualify for.

Seller-paid buydowns count toward VA seller concession limits. A lender who works with military buyers often will know how to structure it cleanly.

What Is It Like Living on Layton's East Bench?

The East Bench offers foothill views, quick trail access, and a quieter feel, while keeping you close to Hill AFB, shopping, and I-15.

Layton's East Bench sits up against the Wasatch foothills. Many homes here get mountain views to the east and valley or Great Salt Lake views to the west.

You're close to outdoor favorites like the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and Adams Canyon. Weekend hikes don't require a long drive.

At the same time, you're still a short trip from Layton's shopping, restaurants, and I-15. Learn more on our Layton community page, or compare nearby options across Davis County, including Kaysville just to the south.

What Is Upstairs in This Layton New Build?

Upstairs is the primary suite, with a freestanding soaking tub and a custom tile shower, plus a large bonus room that works as a kids' hangout, playroom, or second family room.

The main floor is where you live during the day. The upper level is where everyone winds down. Putting the primary suite upstairs with the other bedrooms keeps the family close together at night, which a lot of parents with younger kids like.

The primary bathroom is the standout. You get a freestanding soaking tub and a custom tile shower, so you aren't stuck with a basic builder-grade tub and shower combo. After a long day on base or a cold morning on the slopes, that tub gets a lot of use.

The huge bonus room may be the most practical space in the house. Here's how families tend to use it:

• Kids' zone: toys, games, and noise stay off the main floor.
• Teen hangout: a second TV area so you can keep your living room.
• Homework space: desks and good light, close to the bedrooms.
• Guest overflow: a pull-out couch for visiting family.

A bonus room also gives you room to grow. If you're comparing this home with others, look at bonus room size next to bedroom count, because it changes how big the house feels day to day.

Should You Finish the Walkout Basement Right Away?

Not necessarily. The unfinished walkout basement lets you buy at $700,000 now and add a gym, theater, or extra bedrooms later, when your budget and family needs are clearer.

An unfinished walkout basement is a big plus, not a drawback. A walkout has a ground-level door and usually larger windows, so finished rooms down there feel bright and open instead of like a cave. That also makes it easier to add legal bedrooms with proper egress.

The listing points to three common plans: a home gym, a movie theater, or more bedrooms. Many buyers mix them, like two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a family room. Others save the space for storage and hobbies for a year or two first.

Here's a simple way to decide:

• Finish now if you need the bedrooms right away and can roll the cost into your loan or budget.
• Wait if you want to keep your monthly payment low during the 2-1 buydown years.
• Plan it either way: ask where the plumbing rough-ins are so a future bathroom costs less.

Always pull a permit with the city of Layton. A permitted, professionally finished basement adds square footage an appraiser can count, and that helps when it's time to sell or rent the home.

Which Schools Serve This East Bench Home?

This home is in the Davis County School District and is assigned to East Layton Elementary, Central Davis Junior High, and Layton High School. Confirm boundaries with the district before you buy.

For a lot of families, schools decide the home. This East Bench address falls in the Davis County School District, one of the largest districts in Utah. It has a strong reputation and a lot of experience with military kids who move in mid-year.

Boundaries can shift as new neighborhoods are built. Before you write an offer, check the address with the district's school locator or call the district office. If you're PCSing, ask about enrollment paperwork early so your kids can start right away.

Want to compare school options across the area? Our Davis County community guide breaks down cities and neighborhoods, and the Layton city page covers local parks, shopping, and amenities.

How Much Cash Do You Need to Buy a $700,000 Home?

With a VA loan, you may need $0 down. Conventional buyers usually put down $35,000 (5%) to $140,000 (20%), plus closing costs often around 2% to 4% of the price.

The 2-1 buydown lowers your payment, but you still need to plan for cash at closing. Here's a rough look at down payments on this $700,000 price:

Closing costs cover lender fees, title, prepaid taxes, and insurance. On a $700,000 home, a range of about $14,000 to $28,000 is a fair starting estimate. Your lender will give you exact numbers.

VA buyers should also plan for the VA funding fee, which can be financed into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating are usually exempt. You can review the details on the official VA home loans page. Ask us how to use seller concessions to cover closing costs and put cash back in your pocket at closing, as mentioned in the video.

What Does a Realistic Move-In Timeline Look Like?

Most buyers can go from accepted offer to keys in about 30 to 45 days. Starting with pre-approval and a virtual tour lets PCSing families lock in a home before they arrive.

If you have orders to Hill AFB, timing matters as much as price. Here's a typical path for a home like this one:

1. Get pre-approved (week 1): know your budget and whether a VA or conventional loan fits best.
2. Tour (week 1-2): walk it in person or do a live video tour if you're still at your current base.
3. Write the offer: confirm the 2-1 buydown and any closing cost help in writing.
4. Inspection and appraisal (weeks 2-4): even new builds deserve a third-party inspection.
5. Close and get keys (weeks 4-6): sign, fund, and move in.

Because this home sits just nine minutes from the South Gate, you can line up your closing near your report date and keep temporary lodging short. Remote closings are often possible if you can't be in Utah yet.

Our PCS relocation guide for Hill AFB walks through each step, and you can find base contacts and news on the official Hill Air Force Base website. Call Donald at (801) 603-5213 to map your timeline.

Who Is This Layton Home a Great Fit For?

It fits growing families, remote workers, and active-duty or veteran buyers who want a short Hill AFB commute, room to expand, a 3-car garage, and quick access to skiing.

Not every nice house is right for every buyer. This one checks a lot of boxes for a few specific groups.

• Military families: a 9-minute drive to the South Gate, plus VA loan options and a lower starting rate.
• Remote and hybrid workers: the main-level office keeps work separate from family life.
• Growing families: 3+ bedrooms, a bonus room, and a basement ready to become more bedrooms.
• Outdoor lovers: Snowbasin is about 23 minutes away, and the 3-car garage holds skis, bikes, and trailers.

It may be a weaker fit if you want a single-level home or a small yard to maintain, or if your budget tops out well below $700,000. In that case, nearby cities like Kaysville or Clearfield offer different price points and home styles.

Not sure this is the one? Browse current Northern Utah listings to compare, then call The DIG Team and we'll help you weigh your options.

What Should You Ask Before Buying a New Build in Layton?

Ask about the exact buydown terms, builder warranty, what's included versus upgraded, HOA rules, and the expected property tax once the home is fully assessed.

New construction looks simple, but the details matter. Before you write an offer, get clear answers on these points:

• Buydown terms: the note rate, who pays, and any lender requirements.
• Warranty: what's covered and for how long.
• Included features: confirm which finishes, like the cabinetry and appliances, come with the price.
• HOA: fees, rules on RVs, fencing, and rentals if you plan to keep it after your next PCS.
• Taxes: new builds can see a higher tax bill once fully assessed.

Having your own agent costs you nothing in most new-build deals and keeps someone in your corner. You can also browse live MLS listings to compare this home with others in the area.

Donald I. Gomez

Broker · The DIG Team at Elevation RE · Weber & Davis County

Donald helps buyers, sellers, and PCSing military families move across Northern Utah — from Ogden to the Wasatch. A longtime Hill AFB-area local, he tours new builds and resale homes every week on his YouTube channel.

Full bio → YouTube Call (801) 603-5213