Your first Utah home, explained step by step
Buying your first home shouldn't feel like a test you didn't study for. We walk you through the programs, the math and the process, in plain English.
- Programs with as little as 0% to 3.5% down
- Down payment assistance through Utah Housing and state programs
- Free homebuyer strategy call, no pressure
Real numbers. Straight answers. No pressure.
Tell us a little about your goals. Nelson will reach out the same business day with options from dozens of wholesale lenders.
See if you qualify: free, no commitment.
No pressure. Nelson will give you a straight answer about whether this works for your situation.
You probably need less down than you think
The biggest myth we hear is that you need 20% down. Most first-time buyers in Utah put down between 0% and 5%. The right program depends on your credit, income, savings and where you're buying.
As an independent broker, we're not limited to one bank's menu. We compare FHA, conventional, VA, USDA and down payment assistance options side by side and show you the real monthly payment and cash to close for each.
Then we stay with you: through the offer, the inspection, the appraisal and the closing table.
This is a good fit if you…
- Haven't owned a home in the last three years
- Are renting in Davis, Weber, Salt Lake or nearby counties
- Have limited savings for a down payment
- Want someone to explain every number
First-time buyer programs we compare for you
Conventional 3% down
Low down payment with mortgage insurance you can remove later. Conventional loans →
FHA 3.5% down
Flexible credit guidelines and gift funds allowed. FHA loans →
Down payment assistance
Utah Housing and state programs can cover your down payment. DPA →
VA $0 down
For eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses. VA loans →
USDA $0 down
For eligible homes outside the most urban areas. USDA loans →
Homebuyer education
We help you complete any education a program requires.
First-time buyer programs side by side
| Conventional | FHA | VA | USDA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum down | 3% | 3.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Credit flexibility | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Mortgage insurance | Removable PMI | Annual MIP | None (funding fee) | Guarantee fee |
| Income limits | Some programs | None | None | Yes |
| Best for | Good credit, small down payment | Rebuilding credit | Veterans & service members | Eligible rural/suburban areas |
General guidelines only. Exact requirements vary by lender and your full profile.
From first call to closing
Strategy call
We look at your budget, credit and savings and build a plan.
Pre-approval
Get a letter that's ready for offers.
Shop and offer
We work with your agent to make your offer strong.
Close
We lock your rate and get you the keys.
Buyers keep coming back
Nelson and Danna did an outstanding job processing everything for my VA loan. They were very quick and responsive, and everything went much quicker than I expected. I was very happy with the rate and fees they were able to get for me.
This is the 2nd time we have worked with them to buy a house… They helped us to ensure that we configured our mortgage the best way possible for our needs. They were in constant contact with us to make adjustments to get us the best deal possible.
I could not have been happier with my experience! Nelson and Danna went way above and beyond… you will get an incredible attention to detail, but most of all you will feel like you're talking to your friends.
Questions we hear often
What credit score do I need to buy a house in Utah?
FHA loans can go as low as 580 with 3.5% down, and some lenders go lower with more down. Conventional loans generally start around 620. We'll tell you exactly where you stand on the first call.
Can I buy a house with no money down in Utah?
Yes, if you qualify for VA or USDA, or by pairing a first mortgage with down payment assistance.
What counts as a first-time homebuyer?
For most programs, anyone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past three years.
How much are closing costs in Utah?
Closing costs commonly run 2–4% of the purchase price. Seller concessions and lender credits can reduce what you pay.
Can family help with my down payment?
Yes. Most programs allow gift funds from family with a signed gift letter.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Talk with Nelson for 15 minutes. You'll leave with real numbers and a clear plan.