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
Median Home Prices February 2025
February 2025 Stats
Plans to Build 3 Million New Houses
Selling and leasing a small portion of federal land could lead to the construction of over three million houses in Western states, according to a right-leaning think tank. The Bureau of Land Management holds 267,000 square miles, and selling just 850 miles could...
How to Avoid Capital Gains Taxes on Investment Properties
Capital gains on investment properties must be reported in the year of sale unless deferred. Use IRS Code Section 1031 to defer capital gains taxes by exchanging for a similar property.
Balanced Market Ahead: Median Price Approaches $411K
Home prices are expected to increase modestly in 2025, with a forecasted median of $410,700. Inventory will rise slightly, creating a balanced market with more opportunities for buyers in 2025.
Happy April Fool’s Day
Breaking news! Interest rates at pre-pandemic levels, mortgage rates at all-time low, announces Fed. It's a dream come true for homebuyers who have been waiting for the perfect time to enter the market! Dream on… Happy April Fool’s Day!
What’s Shaping the Future of Real Estate?
Rising mortgage rates and economic shifts continue to influence housing affordability and accessibility. Homeowners' insurance costs have surged due to climate risks, prompting state-led policy solutions.
Single & Secure: Financial Planning Tips
Sharing expenses with friends or family, like splitting groceries or carpooling, helps reduce costs. Establishing an emergency fund ensures financial security; aim to save 3-6 months of expenses.
New Year, New Home: Buying & Selling Tips
Start Early: Sellers should begin the process early, evaluating their home and preparing for the market.Home Preparation: Sellers should invest in updates, cleaning, and professional staging to increase appeal.
How Insurance Can Help With Retirement Planning
Long-term care insurance shields retirement funds by covering care costs like home care or assisted living. Cash-value life insurance offers tax-deferred growth, ideal for those maximizing retirement plans and seeking additional savings.
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!”


