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
Surprising Trend Pops Up in This State To Help Buyers Nab Their First Homes
A new housing trend in Utah is emerging, offering affordable options amid skyrocketing home prices, with the median list price in Salt Lake City at $550,000. Local employers are struggling to find workers due to high property costs. Homebuilder BoxHouse in St. George...
Get Your House Market-Ready
Consult a REALTOR®: A local agent helps price your home correctly and attract potential buyers. Complete Repairs: Fix any outstanding issues, like leaky faucets or worn-out flooring, for a polished look.
Conditions That Make or Break Your Home Contract
Specify mortgage details, interest rates, and loan types to avoid issues with earnest money deposits. Want seller assistance with closing costs? You must ask for it in your offer!
Does Home Insurance Shield Hurricane Damage?
Dwelling and personal property coverage repair your home and replace belongings, subject to policy limits and deductibles. Hurricane deductibles differ: Typically 1–5% of dwelling coverage, significantly impacting your out-of-pocket costs.
Utah rent increase proposal fails for third year in a row
A bill in Utah aimed at requiring landlords to provide 60 days' notice for rent increases was rejected for the third consecutive year, with a tied vote in the House Business, Labor, and Commerce Committee. Supporters argued it would benefit renters, but the...
Happy Presidents’ Day
Presidents' Day celebrates all past and present U.S. presidents. It reflects on the nation's founding principles and values, including the Constitution and union. Reading of Washington's Farewell Address by a U.S. senator remains an annual event for...
Utahns agree housing is a problem. What they don’t agree on is why
A recent survey by Envision Utah reveals that over two-thirds of Utah residents believe the state faces serious housing issues, yet many are unclear about the causes. Key factors identified include rising interest rates, construction costs, and an influx of new...
Happy Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14 around the world, and candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to...
Fannie Mae’s 2025 Housing Forecast
Mortgage rates remain above 6%, with slight home price growth and low supply continuing to pressure affordability. Existing home sales expected to recover slightly from multi-decade lows due to limited inventory and affordability barriers.
How to Invest Globally in Real Estate
Investing globally in Real Estate requires understanding market dynamics, including rent growth and job creation trends.Tap into local expertise, including brokers, property managers, and market analysts, to gain on-the-ground insights.
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!”


