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
How To Use the 28/36 Rule To Determine How Much House You Can Afford
The 28/36 rule is a guideline for determining how much house you can afford. It states that your total housing costs should not exceed 28% of your gross income, and your total debt should not exceed 36%. This rule helps ensure that you don't take on too much...
Governors of Western states consider public lands for developing affordable housing
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and other Western governors are exploring the use of federal lands to address the affordable housing crisis in the region. In Nevada, officials are leveraging a federal law to acquire land for development at reduced prices, while...
Household debt in Utah rising at one of the fastest rates in the nation
A report reveals that Utah has one of the highest rates of household debt growth in the U.S., with residents adding over $1 billion in debt between the second and third quarters of 2024. The average household increased its debt by more than $1,000, ranking just behind...
Tips for Cutting Costs: Boost Savings for Home Buying!
Create a budget by listing income sources, tracking spending, and identifying non-essential expenses to reduce. Set financial goals by researching housing markets, breaking down savings into monthly or yearly targets.
Will You Owe Taxes When You Sell Your Home?
Homeowners may owe taxes if their profit exceeds the exclusion limits when selling their home. Single filers can exclude up to $250K in profits; couples filing jointly can exclude up to $500K.
Mortgage Calculator: How Much You Need To Buy a Home in Utah at a Rate of 6.60%
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has decreased to 6.60%. In Utah, the median home price is $595,000, requiring a 20% down payment of $119,000, resulting in a monthly payment of $3,040. With a 10% down payment, the upfront cost is $59,500, leading to a monthly...
How to Maximize Profit When Selling a Damaged House
Selling a damaged house can still be profitable if you follow certain strategies. Start by staging the property to highlight its best features. Make necessary repairs without overspending. Improve curb appeal by cleaning up the exterior. Depersonalize and deep-clean...
Realtor.com 2025 Housing Forecast
In 2025, home prices are projected to rise by 3.7%, with mortgage rates averaging 6.3%. The housing market may experience shifts due to potential regulatory and tax changes under a Trump administration. Home sales are expected to increase by 1.5%, while for-sale...
4 mortgage interest rate scenarios that could occur in 2025
Mortgage rates have fluctuated since January 2024, starting near 7% and briefly dropping to 6.15% in September before rising to an average of 6.93%. Experts predict various scenarios for 2025, including rate stability, gradual declines, continued volatility, or...
Fed Interest Rate Forecast for 2025-26: Expert Insights
Fed Funds Rate Trends Forecast: - 2025 rate: drop to 4.0% - 2026 rate: to hold ~3.8% Economic Outlook for 2025: - GDP growth: taper from 1.8% to 2.5% by year-end - Rate cuts respond to slower economic growth
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!”


