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
Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics
Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics Last Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most experts predicted the unemployment rate would jump up to approximately 20% from the 14.7% rate...
June is National Homeownership Month
National Homeownership Month Some Highlights National Homeownership Month is a great time to reflect on how we can each promote stronger community growth. Homeownership helps families build financial freedom, find greater happiness and satisfaction, and make a...
The Expert Economic Recovery Forecast
10 Questions to Ask an Elder Law Attorney
10 Questions to Ask an Elder Law Attorney Elder law attorneys cover a wide variety of legal areas, potentially including guardianship, long-term care planning, knowledge of government benefit programs, powers of attorney, estate planning, advance medical directives,...
Three Things to Understand About Unemployment Statistics
Three Things to Understand About Unemployment StatisticsTomorrow morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the latest Employment Situation Summary, which will include the most current unemployment rate. It will be a horrific number. Many analysts believe...
Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand
Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand As we enter the summer months and work through the challenges associated with the current health crisis, many are wondering what impact the economic slowdown will have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, supply and...
The Benefits of Homeownership May Reach Further Than You Think
The Benefits of Homeownership May Reach Further Than You Think More than ever, our homes have become an integral part of our lives. Today they are much more than the houses we live in. They’re evolving into our workplaces, schools for our children, and safe havens...
Pandemic Mortgage Relief
Clients who are struggling financially because of the pandemic may look to you for advice if they can’t pay their mortgage.Keep up on mortgage relief options, so you’re prepared to guide them to appropriate resources.For instance, thanks to the Coronavirus Aid,...
Top Reasons to Own Your Home
Economists Forecast Recovery to Begin in the Second Half of 2020
Economists Forecast Recovery to Begin in the Second Half of 2020With the U.S. economy on everyone’s minds right now, questions about the country’s financial outlook continue to come up daily. The one that seems to keep rising to the top is: when will the economy begin...
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!”


