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Alta Mortgage Group

Your First Home, Made Simple

Buying your first home in Utah can feel overwhelming — but it shouldn't. Alta Mortgage Group walks you through every step, from understanding programs designed for first-time buyers to getting your keys. We work with buyers in Weber and Davis counties every week.

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The 5-Step Path to Homeownership

Here's the journey, start to finish. We handle the financing steps so you can focus on finding the right home.

1. Know Your Budget

Start with the basics: monthly income, existing debts, and how much you have saved. A healthy rule of thumb is keeping your total housing payment under 28% of your gross monthly income. Use our mortgage calculator to estimate what you can afford.

2. Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval is a written commitment from a lender stating how much you can borrow. It signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer and gives you a clear price range to shop in. With Alta Mortgage Group, this is a free, low-pressure conversation — usually 15 minutes on the phone.

3. Shop For Your Home

Work with a local Realtor who knows Weber and Davis counties. They'll help you find homes in your price range, schedule showings, and negotiate offers. Most first-time buyers look at 8–12 homes before finding the right one.

4. Make an Offer & Underwrite

Once your offer is accepted, we lock your rate and begin underwriting — the formal review of your finances. We'll order an appraisal and title work. This phase typically takes 25–35 days.

5. Close & Move In

At closing you'll sign the paperwork, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys. Most closings happen at a title company office and take about an hour.

Programs Built for First-Time Buyers

You may qualify for one of these — even with a small down payment or average credit. We'll help you compare and pick the best fit.

FHA Loan

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

  • ✓Down payments as low as 3.5%
  • ✓Credit scores as low as 580
  • ✓Gift funds allowed for the down payment

VA Loan

Exclusive to veterans, active military, and eligible spouses.

  • ✓0% down payment
  • ✓No private mortgage insurance
  • ✓Competitive interest rates

USDA Loan

For homes in eligible rural and suburban Utah areas.

  • ✓0% down payment
  • ✓Low mortgage insurance rates
  • ✓Plenty of eligible Weber/Davis County areas

Utah Housing Corporation

State-run down payment assistance for qualifying buyers.

  • ✓Up to 6% in down payment / closing cost help
  • ✓FirstHome and HomeAgain programs available
  • ✓Income-based eligibility

Not sure which is right for you? Compare all loan options →

First-Time Buyer FAQ

How much money do I need to buy a house in Utah?

Less than you might think. With FHA you can buy with 3.5% down. With VA or USDA, you can buy with 0% down. Plan to also have 2–4% of the price available for closing costs, though some of that can be rolled into the loan or covered by seller concessions.

What credit score do I need as a first-time buyer?

FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. Conventional loans typically want 620+. VA and USDA are flexible. If your score is below 580, talk to us anyway — there are often quick ways to improve it before you apply.

Is renting cheaper than buying right now?

It depends on your timeframe. If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying almost always wins financially because each payment builds equity. If you might move in 1–2 years, renting may make more sense. We're happy to run the numbers with you.

How long does the homebuying process take?

From pre-approval to keys in hand, plan on 45–60 days for most buyers. Pre-approval is fast — usually same-day. Finding the right home is the variable: it can take weeks or months. Once you're under contract, closing is typically 30 days.

What does Alta Mortgage Group charge first-time buyers?

Our pre-approval is free with no obligation. Loan origination fees and closing costs are similar to other lenders — we walk you through every cost so there are no surprises.

Ready to start?

Free pre-approval, no obligation. We'll tell you in 15 minutes what programs you qualify for and what your monthly payment would look like.

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