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
98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some point if they aren’t already.
5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some...
Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices
Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices As the housing market continues to change, you may be wondering where it’ll go from here. One factor you’re probably thinking about is home prices, which have come down a bit since they peaked last June. And you’ve...
Home Inspections for Sellers: What You Need To Know
Home Inspections for Sellers: What You Need To Know Some Highlights The inspection is a major part of the home selling process. Many buyers used to waive inspections to be more competitive with their offer, but recently, inspections and repairs are becoming popular...
Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right.
Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right. Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant change. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are priced right are selling, and they get the most attention from buyers right now. If you’re...
Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals
Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve...
Salt Lake County Multi-Family
Salt Lake County Multi-Family Comparing February 2022 to February 2023 The multi-family housing market in Salt Lake County faced several challenges in February, as heightened interest rates led to a noticeable decrease in sales activity for properties such as...
The Key Advantage of Investing in a Home
The Key Advantage of Investing in a Home Some Highlights Buying a home is a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability. That’s why, across different income levels, the largest part of most homeowners’ net worth is their equity. Let’s connect today so you...
Top Two Reasons People Sell Their Home
Two Reasons You Should Sell Your House Wondering if you should sell your house this year? As you make your decision, think about what’s motivating you to consider moving. A recent survey from realtor.com asked why homeowners are thinking about selling their houses...
How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You
How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects...
Facts About Closing Costs
Facts About Closing Costs Some Highlights If you’re thinking about buying a home, be sure to plan for closing costs. Closing costs are typically 2% to 5% of the total purchase price of a home, and they can include things like government recording costs, appraisal...
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!”


