Hand Picked Top Lenders We Know, Trust and Recommend
Each of these individuals have their own unique qualities and loan programs
Meet Our Mortgage Lenders
Samantha Quirante
Mortgage Loan Officer – Mountain America Credit Union
Sandy: 10600 South
Midvale: Union Park Avenue
West Jordan: 9000 South
Office: 801-325-6172
Cell: 801-793-0511
NMLS 487126
squirante@macu.com
https://www.macu.com/squirante
Dan Allen
RōBUS Mortgage
5295 S Commerce Dr, Ste 205
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Office: 801-590-4499
Cell: 801-898-2983
NMLS 801113
dallen@robusmortgage.com
Marc Johnson –
Robert Whitaker –
Unified Lending
Guide: Key Steps to Buying a Home in Utah
1. Assess Your Financial Readiness
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Review Your Credit Score: Most Utah lenders require a score of 620 or higher.
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Calculate Your Budget: Include down payment (often 3-20% of purchase price), closing costs, and monthly expenses.
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Estimate Pre-Approval Amount: Use mortgage estimator tools to see what you can afford.
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Check for Assistance: Investigate Utah down payment assistance programs (programs list).
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
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Contact Local Lenders: Shop rates and ask about first-time buyer incentives.
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Pre-Approval Letter: Strengthens offers and shows sellers you’re serious.
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Gather Documents: Proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, ID.
3. Hire a Knowledgeable Utah Real Estate Agent
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Find a Local Expert: Choose an agent familiar with your target neighborhoods.
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Discuss Your Needs: Share your priorities for location, schools, commute, and property type.
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Understand Representation: Utah agents work as buyer’s agents, listing agents, or dual agents—know who’s representing your interests.
4. Start House Hunting
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Online Listing Sites: Use Utah MLS, Zillow, Redfin, and local agent websites.
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Open Houses & Tours: Visit homes in person to assess neighborhood and property condition.
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Evaluate Priorities: Balance needs vs. wants; consider future resale value.
5. Make an Offer & Negotiate
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Market Analysis: Your agent will help determine a fair offer based on recent sales.
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Draft the Offer: Includes offer price, earnest money, and contingencies (financing, inspection, appraisal).
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Negotiate Terms: Be prepared for counteroffers; multiple offer situations are common, especially in urban areas.
6. Complete Due Diligence
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Home Inspection: Hire a licensed inspector to check the property for issues (including radon, termites, and earthquake risks common in Utah).
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Appraisal: Required by most lenders to verify the home’s value.
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Title Search & Insurance: Confirms no outstanding liens or ownership issues.
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HOA/CC&R Review: For condos or communities with associations.
7. Secure Your Mortgage
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Choose Loan Type: Conventional, FHA, VA, and Utah Housing loans each have different requirements and benefits.
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Rate Lock: Lock in your mortgage interest rate—timing can matter in a moving market.
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Finalize Application: Submit last required documents; lender will underwrite your loan.
8. Review & Sign Closing Documents
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Final Walkthrough: Verify that repairs are made and the property is as agreed.
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Closing Disclosure: Review loan terms, fees, and cash-to-close.
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Sign Documents: You’ll meet at the title or escrow office to finalize the purchase and get the keys.
9. Move In & Celebrate!
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Transfer Utilities & Services: Set up water, power, internet, and garbage collection in your name.
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Change Address: Update addresses with banks, postal service, and subscriptions.
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Enjoy Your New Home: Welcome to homeownership in Utah!
News and Blog Posts
Happy Flag Day
Flag Day is the American flag's birthday party every June 14th! Flag Day was proclaimed in 1916 but officially recognized in 1949. Talk about a late celebration! Betsy Ross, a seamstress, sewed the first flag. Imagine if designers today made flag-inspired...
Why Everyone’s Moving to Utah
Utah ranks as the best state to live in for the 3rd consecutive year. Residents enjoy a mix of urban life in Salt Lake City and scenic small towns like Midway. It stands out for its fiscal stability, family-friendly communities, and outdoor recreation. A lower cost of...
Utah’s Home Values and Mortgage Balances Over 5 Years
Avg home value in 2025: ~$550K Change: ↑ 42% from ~$367K in 2020 Avg mortgage balance in 2025: ~$312K Change: ↑ 39% from ~$225K in 2020 US national 5-yr growth: • Home value: ↑ 40% • Mortgage balance: ↑ 24%
June is National Homeowners Month
In recognition of National Homeowner Month, it's essential to shed light on the multifaceted value that homeownership brings to individuals, families, and communities at large. This observance not only celebrates the achievement of owning a home but also delves...
Utah Tops Nation in Income vs. Cost of Living
Utah ranks #1 nationally for household income adjusted for cost of living, boosting real buying power. Utah’s diversified economy and strong GDP growth fuel rising household wages despite high housing costs.
Governor meets with mayors about boosting housing stock, announces dashboard to view progress
Utah aims to build 35,000 starter homes in four years to address housing affordability. Gov. Spencer Cox met with 48 mayors to discuss progress, noting 5,100 homes are underway but more effort is needed due to population growth. Cities like Clearfield and Herriman...
Here’s How to Start Collecting Passive Income from Real Estate for Less Than $100.
Investing in rental properties requires a large upfront investment, but Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a more affordable and passive alternative. Companies like Invitation Homes and Equity Residential allow investors to access rental properties for a...
2025 Design Trends: Speed up Your Sale
Japandi style tops buyer preferences with its minimal, nature-inspired, and calming aesthetic. Scandinavian design emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and serene neutral tones.
Utah Among States With High Housing Costs in 2025
In 2025, housing affordability remains a major issue across the US, straining household budgets. New data shows that in several states, housing costs now exceed 50% of avg household income, well above the 30% affordability threshold. In Utah, rising property values...
What’s the Wait Time for First-Time Buyers in Utah?
A new study has ranked U.S. states based on the difficulty first-time homebuyers face when trying to enter the housing market. Arizona ranks #7 overall (tied), making it one of the seventh hardest states for first-time buyers to afford a home. The median home value in...
Some of our past clients comments, raves and recommendations.
“Marty Gale far exceeded our expectations as a Buyers Agent in the recent purchase of our home. His knowledge of the Utah real estate market is exceptional and with his experience in residential home construction he was able to provide beneficial advice in selecting well-built homes. The network of professionals that Marty works with are top shelf, his recommendations for home inspection and mortgage broker were perfect. Customer service from this team of professionals is some of the best we have worked with; this is our fifth home purchase. You will not be disappointed in choosing to work with Marty!”


