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
-
Review Your Credit Score: Most Utah lenders require a score of 620 or higher.
-
Calculate Your Budget: Include down payment (often 3-20% of purchase price), closing costs, and monthly expenses.
-
Estimate Pre-Approval Amount: Use mortgage estimator tools to see what you can afford.
-
Check for Assistance: Investigate Utah down payment assistance programs (programs list).
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
-
Contact Local Lenders: Shop rates and ask about first-time buyer incentives.
-
Pre-Approval Letter: Strengthens offers and shows sellers you’re serious.
-
Gather Documents: Proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, ID.
3. Hire a Knowledgeable Utah Real Estate Agent
-
Find a Local Expert: Choose an agent familiar with your target neighborhoods.
-
Discuss Your Needs: Share your priorities for location, schools, commute, and property type.
-
Understand Representation: Utah agents work as buyer’s agents, listing agents, or dual agents—know who’s representing your interests.
4. Start House Hunting
-
Online Listing Sites: Use Utah MLS, Zillow, Redfin, and local agent websites.
-
Open Houses & Tours: Visit homes in person to assess neighborhood and property condition.
-
Evaluate Priorities: Balance needs vs. wants; consider future resale value.
5. Make an Offer & Negotiate
-
Market Analysis: Your agent will help determine a fair offer based on recent sales.
-
Draft the Offer: Includes offer price, earnest money, and contingencies (financing, inspection, appraisal).
-
Negotiate Terms: Be prepared for counteroffers; multiple offer situations are common, especially in urban areas.
6. Complete Due Diligence
-
Home Inspection: Hire a licensed inspector to check the property for issues (including radon, termites, and earthquake risks common in Utah).
-
Appraisal: Required by most lenders to verify the home’s value.
-
Title Search & Insurance: Confirms no outstanding liens or ownership issues.
-
HOA/CC&R Review: For condos or communities with associations.
7. Secure Your Mortgage
-
Choose Loan Type: Conventional, FHA, VA, and Utah Housing loans each have different requirements and benefits.
-
Rate Lock: Lock in your mortgage interest rate—timing can matter in a moving market.
-
Finalize Application: Submit last required documents; lender will underwrite your loan.
8. Review & Sign Closing Documents
-
Final Walkthrough: Verify that repairs are made and the property is as agreed.
-
Closing Disclosure: Review loan terms, fees, and cash-to-close.
-
Sign Documents: You’ll meet at the title or escrow office to finalize the purchase and get the keys.
9. Move In & Celebrate!
-
Transfer Utilities & Services: Set up water, power, internet, and garbage collection in your name.
-
Change Address: Update addresses with banks, postal service, and subscriptions.
-
Enjoy Your New Home: Welcome to homeownership in Utah!
News and Blog Posts
Happy Halloween
Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints. Soon, All Saints'...
Relocation Trends: Why High-Net-Worth Buyers Are Choosing the Mountain West States
High-net-worth buyers are increasingly relocating to the Mountain West states—Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado—attracted by tax advantages, privacy, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation. Luxury real estate has evolved from rustic cabins to sophisticated...
Buying or Selling: What’s Your Agent Strategy?
Visit Real Estate offices early and ask questions to gauge their professionalism and fit. Understand seller motivations to make offers with attractive terms that could win deals.
How to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed
Self-employed individuals can qualify for a home loan, but they may face additional challenges in proving income stability. To improve approval chances, consider non-conforming loans, make larger down payments, raise credit scores, and lower debts. Lenders require...
Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home in Utah (2025)
Here is an overview of affordable cities in Utah for homebuyers in 2025, highlighting median prices, cost of living, and unique features for each city. This provides an at-a-glance guide to communities where your housing dollar might stretch further. Most Affordable...
Will the Housing Market Rebound? Predictions for 2025 and 2026
The U.S. housing market is expected to see gradual growth through late 2025 and into 2026, with no major price drops on the horizon. Existing-home sales rose 2% in July 2025, inventory is up 15.7% year-over-year, and the median price is holding steady at $422,400....
Global Real Estate: $19.5T by 2031
The global residential Real Estate market will reach USD 19.5T by 2031, growing at 9.2% CAGR. Urban growth in emerging nations will drive increased demand for residential Real Estate by 2030.
Salt Lake County Shines as Top Choice for New Families
Childcare costs as a percent of median household income: 21.34% Housing costs as a percentage of median household income: 20.84% Percentage of population under age 10: 13.12% Number of children under age 10: 155,636 Ratio of total population to primary care...
Top 10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers should identify their current and future needs, understand the true cost of homeownership including taxes and maintenance, and start saving early for down payments and closing costs. Building and managing credit wisely is crucial. Research...
Time to Sell? Key Market Signals
Outgrowing or underusing your space signals it might be time to sell and move on. A strong seller’s market boosts sale price, speed, and overall success of your listing.
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!”


