Buying a Home in Utah?
Mortgage advisor Sara Bachynski and Utah Realtor® Iryna Swallow walk first-time buyers through every step of purchasing a home in Utah—from credit review to closing day.
Where Does a First-Time Buyer Even Begin?
The process can feel overwhelming before you begin.
Here's the order we recommend to help keep it stress-free.
Know Your Numbers
Pull your credit score, gather your last 2 years of tax returns, and note your monthly take-home pay. This is your starting point.
Talk to a Lender First
Before touring homes, get pre-approved. Sara can typically run a soft credit check and give you a real budget — same day.
Find Your Utah REALTOR®
Buyer agent compensation is often covered by the seller or negotiated. Iryna can help guide and represent you before your first offer.
Tour & Offer
With a pre-approval letter and Iryna negotiating, your offer carries real weight. Sellers take prepared buyers seriously.
Close & Move In
Sara coordinates loan docs and Iryna manages contract deadlines. You sign, get your keys, and celebrate.
Meet Sara Bachynski & Iryna Swallow
We cover every aspect of your transaction — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Sara Bachynski
Sara specializes in getting first-time buyers to the closing table with the right loan — not just any loan. She'll explain every line item on your Loan Estimate and make sure you understand your payment before you ever sign an application.
Iryna Swallow
Iryna focuses on helping buyers navigate Utah's competitive market with patience and honesty — from neighborhoods and inspections to knowing when to walk away from a bad deal.
The Discovery Call
A no-pressure conversation where we answer your questions and figure out your real timeline together.
What we cover on this call:
- ✓ What your credit score actually means for your purchase options
- ✓ How much home you can realistically afford in today's Utah market
- ✓ Down payment options, including zero-down programs you may qualify for
- ✓ What documents Sara needs to issue a full pre-approval
- ✓ Iryna's honest take on neighborhoods, commutes, and trade-offs
- ✓ Your questions — all of them, no matter how basic they feel
Why start here?
This one conversation usually saves buyers from wasted home tours, avoidable credit mistakes, and surprise costs later in the process.
You leave with a clearer budget, a smarter game plan, and actual next steps instead of internet chaos. Revolutionary, I know.
Pre-Approval & What Comes Next
A pre-approval isn't just a letter — it's a clear picture of what you can borrow, at what cost, and why.
Submit Your Application
Sara sends a secure link. The application takes about 15 minutes. You can do it from your phone. No fax machines involved.
Credit + Income Review
Sara reviews your file and credit, and identifies any flags early — so there are no surprises during the process.
Loan Breakdown
Sara walks you through your Loan Estimate — every fee, your estimated payment, your rate options, and what to expect at closing.
Loan Programs — Houzd Mortgage Offers
Not every buyer fits into a basic box. Houzd offers both standard mortgage options and more unique programs for buyers who need flexibility.
Unique Programs Houzd Offers
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1-0 Buydown
Lower your payment in year one to ease into homeownership. -
0 Down Payment Options
Available for qualified buyers through eligible loan programs. -
Self-Employed / Complex Income
Built for borrowers with non-traditional income, business ownership, or layered tax returns. -
Doctor Loans
Specialized financing for medical professionals with unique qualifying advantages.
Basic Loan Programs
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Conventional
A flexible option for many buyers with competitive terms. -
FHA
Popular for first-time buyers looking for lower down payment options. -
VA
For eligible veterans and active military buyers with strong benefits. -
USDA
Zero-down financing available in eligible rural areas. -
Jumbo
For higher-priced homes that exceed conforming loan limits.
The right program depends on your credit, income, down payment, and long-term goals. Sara can help you compare your real options side by side so you’re not stuck guessing. Cute in theory, expensive in practice.
Do's & Don'ts During the Process
Believe it or not, your behavior matters. Here's what to keep in mind.
✅ Do These Things
- ✓ Keep paying all bills on time, as usual
- ✓ Keep your job and income steady
- ✓ Keep your bank accounts stable
- ✓ Communicate any changes to Sara immediately
- ✓ Get homeowner's insurance quotes early
- ✓ Respond to document requests quickly
🚫 Avoid These Mistakes
- ✗ Don't open any new credit cards or loans
- ✗ Don't make large unexplained deposits
- ✗ Don't change jobs without talking to Sara
- ✗ Don't buy furniture on credit before closing
- ✗ Don't co-sign any loans for others
- ✗ Don't let anyone run your credit without asking first
Utah Reality Check
Utah's housing market is real and competitive. Here are the tradeoffs first-time buyers actually face — and how to think about them.
Utah’s housing market can vary significantly depending on the city. For example, buyers looking for newer homes often find more options in communities like Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and parts of Tooele County, while areas closer to Salt Lake City may offer shorter commutes but higher prices. Understanding these tradeoffs early helps buyers make better decisions.
Basement vs. No Basement
Finished basements add living space and future rental income. Homes without basements are often newer and easier to maintain.
Location vs. Price
Salt Lake City proper is pricier. Move 20 minutes south or north and your budget may buy significantly more home.
Stretch vs. Stay Comfortable
Just because you qualify for a number doesn't mean you should spend to the ceiling. Life has a funny way of charging extra.
Utah Median Home Price: ~$490,000–$540,000 (Salt Lake Valley)
Prices vary significantly by city, size, and condition. Iryna can send you a current market snapshot for the areas you're considering. Prices vary by area — we’ll send you a custom breakdown based on where you want to live.
FAQ
Questions we hear from nearly every first-time buyer.
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How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people think. FHA loans require 3.5% down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3%. VA and USDA loans can be zero down for eligible buyers. -
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
FHA loans can start lower, while conventional loans usually require stronger credit. The higher your score, the better your options tend to be. -
How long does the home-buying process take?
Pre-approval can take a few days. Finding the right home varies. Under contract to close is often around 25–40 days. -
Do I need a buyer’s agent?
Yes. Having representation helps protect your negotiation, contract terms, and overall strategy. Your compensation structure is clearly outlined in your agreement before touring or making offers. -
Do I need a Realtor when buying new construction in Utah?
You’re not required to use one—but you should. The builder’s sales agent represents the builder, not you. Having your own Realtor costs you nothing in most cases and gives you someone negotiating on your behalf, helping with contracts, and watching for things you might miss. -
Should I use the builder’s lender?
You can, but having your own representation ensures someone is negotiating in your best interest. -
Is it cheaper to buy outside Salt Lake City?
Generally, yes. Areas like Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and Tooele County often offer more home for the money. The tradeoff is usually commute time. It comes down to what you value more—space and price, or proximity and convenience. -
How competitive is the Utah housing market?
It can be very competitive, especially for well-priced homes in desirable areas. Some homes receive multiple offers within days. That said, the intensity can vary depending on the price range, location, and time of year. -
How long does it typically take to buy a home in Utah?
It depends on how quickly you find the right home. Some buyers go under contract within a couple of weeks, while others take a few months. Once you’re under contract, most closings happen in about 25–30 days. -
What are closing costs?
Closing costs typically include lender fees, title, escrow, appraisal, and prepaid items like insurance and taxes. We’ll walk you through a full breakdown upfront — no surprises.
We've helped buyers across Utah navigate this process with clarity, confidence, and strategy, not guesswork.
Book Your Strategy Call
Answer a few quick questions and Sara and Iryna will reach out to help you plan the next step.