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
Goldman Sees More Rate Cuts Ahead
Goldman Sachs expects 3 rate cuts in 2025, totaling 0.75%, while the Fed currently projects only two. Tariffs and higher costs are likely driving Goldman’s forecast, predicting slower growth and weaker consumer confidence
Happy Fourth of July
To all great Americans around the world, a very Happy Fourth of July to you all. This day is incredibly significant as the day the United States officially became its own nation. Let’s celebrate America’s birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks and other festive...
Have 3 Remodeling Options? High-Value Ones for 2025
Not all renovations boost home value; strategic improvements matter most for 2025. Energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels and insulation cut utility bills and attract budget-conscious buyers.
Can You Afford a 3-Bed Home in Utah in 2025?
In 2025, buying a home remains out of reach for many Americans as housing prices continue to rise. A recent report shows that in 35 out of 50 states, a 6-figure income is now required to afford a median-priced 3-bed home. In high-cost states like Utah, buyers need a...
Recession Coming? Turn It Into a Wealth Opportunity
Recessions often trigger Real Rstate dips, creating prime opportunities for investors to buy undervalued properties. Short sales and foreclosures surge during downturns, expanding inventory and increasing buyer negotiating power.
Fannie Mae Revises 2025 Growth Down to 3.4%
U.S. home prices are projected to grow 3.4% in 2025 and 3.3% in 2026. These forecasts are slightly lower than previous estimates of 3.8% for 2025 and 3.6% for 2026.
What’s the Cost to Rent 1,000 Sq Ft in Utah?
Utah has an avg rent of $1,612/mo. The avg apartment size is 920 sq ft. Rent per sq ft comes to about $1.75. Utah ranks among the more costly states for rental housing. It’s a competitive market for renters valuing both space and location.
How to Determine Home Value
To determine a home's value, consider various methods including online automated valuation models (AVMs), which use public records and recent sales data. For a more detailed assessment, a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local agent or a professional...
The Minimum Savings You Need to Retire in Utah
Utah ranks #15 among the most expensive states to retire based on the minimum savings needed Minimum savings needed to retire in the state: $1,083,951 Annual cost of living (total expenditures): $65,795 Annual Social Security income: $22,523.40 Annual expenditures...
Happy Father’s Day
Approximately 2.5 billion Father's Day cards are sent each year. Neckties have become a popular traditional gift for Father's Day. "World's Greatest Dad" is a popular Father's Day phrase. Breakfast in bed is a common Father's Day...
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!”


