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
Pre-Approval Is a Strategic Move When You’re Buying a Home
Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 General Contractor 2000 (in-active) e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001 Certified Residential Specialist 2009 Certified Negotiation Expert 2014 Master...
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help...
Happy 4th of July
Happy Independence Day
Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment
Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment Some Highlights Based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years in a row. Owning real estate is more than just a place to call home. It’s also an investment in your...
Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House
Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House Some Highlights When it comes to pricing your house, there’s a lot to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local real estate professional. To find the best price, your agent...
A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis
If you're following the news, you might be wondering what could happen to the housing market if there's a recession. Let's connect to discuss why history shows a recession doesn't equal a housing crisis.Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker...
The Average Homeowner Gained $64K in Equity over the Past Year
The Average Homeowner Gained $64K in Equity over the Past Year If you own a home, your net worth likely just got a big boost thanks to rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. And today, based on recent home price...
More Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Than Ever Before
More Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Than Ever Before Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing. That’s according to an annual survey from Gallup. Not only is real estate viewed as the best investment for the ninth...
Why the Growing Number of Homes for Sale Is Good for Your Move Up
Why the Growing Number of Homes for Sale Is Good for Your Move Up Are you thinking about selling your current home? If so, the biggest question on your mind may be: if I sell now, where will I go? If this resonates with you, there’s something you should know....
June is National Homeownership Month
How Homeownership Impacts You June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on how impactful owning a home can truly be. When you purchase a house, it becomes more than just a space you occupy. It’s your stake in the community,...
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!”


