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
California wildfires could have ‘domino effect’ on Utah’s home insurance market
Insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate have halted new home-insurance policies in California due to rising wildfire risks, with the state experiencing eight of the ten costliest wildfires in the U.S. Insurers are now using advanced wildfire mapping tools to...
2025 Interest Rate Forecast: Economic Balancing Act
Rates to drop from 4.5% (Q1) to 3.9% (Q4), following gradual rate cuts across four quarters. Rate cuts aim to boost borrowing and economic activity while addressing inflation concerns.
Salt Lake County, central Utah receive federal funding to make homes safer
Salt Lake County and six central Utah counties will receive nearly 50% of the $6.8 million allocated for home safety improvements in the Mountain West region. The funds, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aim to address health hazards in...
Homebuyers: 2025’s Ride Will Be Bumpy!
Home values are expected to rise 2.6% in 2025, matching 2024's growth pace. Sales of existing homes will climb to 4.3 million in 2025, up from 4 million this year.
How Rate Cuts Could Fuel Homebuying Competition
The Fed influences mortgage rates indirectly through its policy on inflation and labor market data. Mortgage rates generally drop with Fed rate cuts, making borrowing cheaper for consumers.
Top Tips for Avoiding High Mortgage Rates
Feeling trapped by high interest rates? Take charge with these effective strategies to secure better mortgage rates. Review and improve your credit report and score to enhance lender confidence and secure favorable rates.
Utah’s Housing Landscape Reveals Significant Demographic Shifts
A comprehensive analysis of housing permits in Utah shows significant changes in residential development over the past 30 years. Approximately 416,000 new residential units have been built, with two-thirds located in Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, and Weber Counties....
When Are Quarterly Taxes Due in 2025?
Quarterly taxes are due four times per year to avoid IRS penalties. The first quarterly payment for 2025 is due on April 15, for income earned in Q1.
How to buy a multifamily property with low income
Investing in real estate can be lucrative, even for those with limited funds. Buying a multifamily property with no money down offers income potential, lower risk, and potential for appreciation. Benefits include cash flow, building equity, tax advantages, and...
Does Spouse’s Debt Impact Joint Mortgages?
Your spouse’s debt can impact your joint mortgage application, potentially limiting loan options and eligibility. Mortgage lenders prioritize a front-end ratio of 28% and back-end ratio of 36% or less.
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!”


