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
Nebraska, Utah, Texas and 12 more states sue feds on housing efficiency standards
Nebraska, Utah, Texas, and several other states are suing the federal government over energy efficiency standards they claim increase the cost of affordable housing. The lawsuit targets the Energy Efficiency Standards section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act, arguing it...
Understanding The Crucial Role of Credit Scores in Home Buying
In the journey towards home ownership, one's credit score emerges as a pivotal factor, influencing opportunities and shaping choices. This article delves into the intricate role that credit scores play in the home buying process, providing a comprehensive overview of...
Where to Get a Non-QM Loan
Check if you meet the typical requirements: 620+ credit score, stable income, and consistent employment history. Look for lenders or mortgage brokers who work with non-QM wholesale lenders; they can connect you with options.
Top Markets for Office Development in the West
In 2024, the office sector saw significant changes with high vacancy rates and minimal increases in office utilization. Nationally, office space under construction decreased to 57.8 million square feet, down by 39 million from 2023. In the Western U.S., the office...
Utah Market Stats January 2025
Key Factors Influencing Utah Insurance Rates
The average annual homeowners insurance premium for a $200K home in Utah is $1,063. Utah’s insurance rates are influenced by low weather risks, local crime, and construction material costs.
Salt Lake City – A Top Pick for Millennial Homeowners
Salt Lake City: A Top Pick for Millennial Homeowners Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST (CLHM) PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor) General Contractor...
2026 Interest Rate Forecast: Continued Adjustments
Federal funds rate projected to fall from 3.7% (Q1) to 3.1% (Q4), marking consistent quarterly reductions. Rate adjustments aim to stabilize the economy, setting the stage for long-term equilibrium.
2025 Housing Market Forecast for Buyers & Sellers
2025 housing market: moderate rise in home sales, stabilized mortgage rates, and slower price increases. All-cash buyers make up 26% of sales, driven by increased homeowner equity.
Home Prices Stay High, Buyers Wait for Relief
In October, the combination of rising mortgage rates and high home prices has slowed home sales to a 14-year low.New single-family home sales ↑ 4.1% MoM, signaling potential market recovery.
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!”


