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
Utah grapples with growing housing shortage as demand outpaces supply
Utah faces a housing shortage of about 44,000 units due to rapid population growth, high land prices, labor shortages, and restrictive zoning. Median home prices rose from $305,000 to $535,000 between 2018 and 2024, outpacing wages and limiting affordability....
New Year, New Sale: Renovating Your Home for 2025
Upgrade Kitchens and Bathrooms: Modern countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and updated fixtures increase home value and buyer interest.Boost Curb Appeal: Fresh landscaping, a painted front door, and new lighting create strong first impressions.
Tariffs to Inflate Remodeling and Home Prices
Tariffs on building materials are driving up construction costs, raising home prices, and slowing the housing market.New tariffs could add $7,500–$10,000 to home costs, making homeownership harder as demand continues to decline.
Key Benefits that most Veterans Overlook
Navigating the path to homeownership can often seem daunting, particularly for veterans who have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to serving their country. The VA home loan program stands as a beacon of hope, offering a unique opportunity to those who...
Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes on Memorial Day.
This day honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to defend America's freedom.It became an official federal holiday in 1971. Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials.
How to Determine Your Home’s Value
Robert and Kim are experts in personal finance at Newsweek. Determining your home value is crucial for selling your property. Methods include online tools, comparative market analysis, and professional appraisal. Factors like location, size, condition, comparable...
Real Estate Fortune: Why 2025 Is the Golden Year
2025 may present a unique opportunity for Real Estate agents despite ongoing industry challenges. An increase in inventory could lead to lower prices and more successful deals for agents.
New report reveals how one fast-growing expense is impacting homeowners: ‘Many may feel like they can never own a home’
Home insurance premiums in Utah have surged by 59% in three years, the highest increase nationwide, driven largely by climate change-related extreme weather. Rising costs are worsening the housing crisis, making homeownership harder, especially for first-time buyers....
US Homes: Will Growth Return in 2025?
U.S. home sales peaked in 2021, declined through 2024, and are expected to see mild growth in 2025-2026.Mortgage interest rates will continue influencing market trends, impacting prices and buyer demand.
Property Tax Trends Across the US
Rising property values have led to higher tax burdens, though some states cap assessments to limit drastic increases. Northeastern and Midwestern states generally impose higher property taxes, while Southern and Western states tend to have lower rates.
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!”


