Everything you need to know right now
on your journey to buying a home
Taking You from a
Zillow Scroll
to a Happy Close
Start here: The foundations
A complete walkthrough of every stage, from pre qual to possession day.
Understand who represents you and why it matters from the very first showing.
The buyer broker agreement is now required. Here’s what it means for you.
Then: Explore These Topics
Agency, Agreements & Representations
Utah’s official MLS is more powerful than Zillow. Here’s how your agent uses it.
The Buyer Broker Agreement is now required. Here is what it means for you.
Getting Qualified
Pre-Approval is the first step. Here is what lenders look at and what you need.
Know the minimums, understand what affects your score and how to improve it.
DTI determines how much house you can actually afford. Learn how the lender will calculate yours.
Why you may need to “Shop” Lenders. What is automated underwriting and what to do after a denial.
Loan Types
A side by side overview of FHA conventional USDA and VA loans.
A direct side by side comparison to help you pick the right program.
Zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban areas in Northern Utah.
The complete guide for veterans and active duty service members buying in Utah.
Down Payment & Closing Costs
The truth about how much you actually need to put down.
Family money is allowed but lenders require it documented correctly.
Utah Housing Corporation and other programs that reduce what you bring to closing.
A line by line breakdown of every fee on your Closing Disclosure.
Who pays what how commissions changed in 2024 and how to negotiate concessions.
Making an Offer
How much to offer who holds it and when you can get it back.
Miss a deadline and you may lose your protections. Here is what each one means.
How to ask the seller to help pay your closing costs and how much you can request.
Long timelines as is condition and lender approval. Here is the full picture.
Walk through every section of Utah’s standard purchase contract before you write an offer.
Due Diligence
What inspectors cover what they miss and how to negotiate after the report.
Radon, Mold, Meth and Sewer Scope. Four tests the standard inspection skips.
What appraisers do what happens when the value comes in low and your options.
Federal law requires a disclosure on homes built before 1978. Learn what it means when to test and what to do if lead is found.
Protection and Insurance
What they cover what they exclude and when they make financial sense.
Coverage requirements earthquake and flood considerations and how to shop policies.
Title and Closing
Escrow title search title insurance and everything that happens at the closing table.
Three events that happen on different days and what each one means for you.