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
What Is Final Expense Life Insurance?
Purpose: A whole life insurance policy providing $2,000–$35,000 in coverage to cover funeral and end-of-life costs. Eligibility: Requires no medical exams; approval based on answering basic health questions, making it accessible for most individuals.
Trump’s Economic Policies Impacting Housing
Mortgage rates may stay elevated at 6-7% due to inflation and monetary policy. Proposed tax changes could boost homeownership through mortgage deductions and capital gains adjustments.
Utah legislators reject ‘preemption,’ stop two housing bills intended to permit smaller homes
Utah lawmakers are struggling to tackle the state's housing affordability crisis, as recent bills promoting smaller housing types have stalled. HB88 and HB90, which proposed mandatory accessory dwelling units and smaller lot sizes, faced local government...
Happy Mardi Gras
Utah House Committee Votes Against Bills That Make Housing More Affordable
A Utah House committee did not vote on two housing bills, HB 88 and HB 90, aimed at addressing the state's housing shortage, despite support from the governor's office. HB 88 would allow detached accessory dwelling units in urban residential zones, while HB...
Ready to Buy a Home in 2025? Get the Inside Scoop
Start preparing finances early: Ensure credit is good, calculate affordability, and get ready to make a competitive offer.Current market improvements: 2025 offers better opportunities for buyers after high prices and limited options in 2024.
Cut Your Insurance Premiums: Simple Savings Tips
Maintain a Good Credit Rating: Strong credit scores often lead to lower premiums for auto and homeowner insurance.Drive Safely: A clean driving record and good grades for students can significantly reduce insurance costs.
Utah lawmakers say no to ‘preemption,’ halt 2 housing bills aimed at allowing smaller homes
Utah lawmakers are facing challenges in addressing the housing affordability crisis, with two bills aimed at allowing smaller homes failing to progress in the legislative session. Rep. Ray Ward's proposals, which included permitting accessory dwelling units and...
Tips for Finding Bargain Houses in 2025
Start house hunting in January to benefit from lower prices and reduced buyer competition. Hire a local Real Estate agent with expertise in undervalued properties and market trends.
A Utah bill requiring 60 days notice to raise rent fails
A Utah bill requiring landlords to provide two months' notice before raising rent has been halted for the third consecutive year. The House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee rejected HB182, which aimed to give tenants more security. The Utah Rental Housing...
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!”


