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
People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are Responding
People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are Responding In today’s housing market, there are two main affordability challenges impacting buyers: mortgage rates that are higher than they’ve been the past couple of years, and rising home prices caused by low...
55 Plus Townhomes Reviewed
As the demand for comfortable and inclusive living spaces for seniors continues to rise, it's crucial to understand the key factors that make a community truly exceptional. In this piece, we will specifically focus on the South Jordan and Daybreak areas in Utah...
What Makes Garden Park Town Homes In Daybreak South Jordan The Best Place For 55 And Older Adults
What Makes Garden Park Town Homes In Daybreak South Jordan The Best Place For 55 And Older Adults Welcome to the Utah Realty Blog Article where we delve into the reasons why Garden Park Town Homes in Daybreak South Jordan is an exceptional choice for 55 and older...
Home Prices Are Back on the Rise
Home Prices Are Back on the Rise Some Highlights Looking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re rising again nationally. If you’ve put your plans to move on pause because you were worried about...
About 11,000 Houses Will Sell In The USA Today
About 11,000 Houses Will Sell Today Some homeowners have been waiting for months to put their house on the market because they don’t think people are buying homes right now. If that’s you, know that even though the housing market has slowed compared to the frenzy of a...
There’s Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today
There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today. You may have heard inventory is low right now,...
Things To Know When Getting Ready To Buy A Home
Things To Know When Getting Ready To Buy A Home Are you in the market to buy your dream home? Congratulations! This is an exciting step in your life, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing at times. From navigating the financial aspects to understanding the...
Considering Selling Your Home As A Senior?
Considering Selling Your Home As A Senior? Let A Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Be Your Guide! Are you a senior considering a move or possibly selling your home? Making decisions related to real estate can be overwhelming, especially as you enter the golden...
Salt Lake County Market Insights By Marty Gale Utah Realty
Salt Lake County Market Insights from May 2022 to June 2023 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...
What Makes A Great Real Estate Agent
What Makes A Great Real Estate Agent Are you on the hunt for your dream home or perhaps looking to sell your property for top dollar? Choosing the right real estate agent is essential in ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. But what exactly sets apart a...
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!”


