The Utah first-time buyer guideYour first home, with help

For Utah's first-time buyer programs, a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned their main home in the past 3 years (the federal test in Internal Revenue Code Section 143(d)). A single parent who owned a home only with a former spouse can still qualify.

Many loans in this guide are not limited to first-time buyers; the state program and Utah Housing's FirstHome loan are.

Utah's First-time Homebuyer Assistance Program lends up to $20,000 at 0% interest with no monthly payment, for down payment, closing costs or a permanent rate buydown. It is only for newly built homes, up to a $450,000 purchase price, financed with a Utah Housing loan.

You must have lived in Utah for the 12 months before closing, and the income limit is the one for the Utah Housing loan you use. A participating lender can reserve the funds for 90 days before you have a contract, with extensions possible.

It is only for newly built homes, up to a $450,000 purchase price.

It is repaid when you sell or refinance: the lesser of the help you received or 50% of your home equity. The state set aside $80 million for it, expected to help about 3,900 buyers, while funds last.

Rates, limits and credit minimums change; a Utah Housing participating lender confirms the current terms.

Utah Housing Corporation, the state's housing finance agency, offers FirstHome (first-time buyers), HomeAgain (buyers who have owned before) and Score loans on FHA or VA, and HFA Advantage on a conventional loan, each through participating lenders. Its down payment assistance is a second mortgage, not a grant, and only comes with one of its loans.

The second mortgage is paid monthly over 30 years at a rate above the first loan's. Cabins, homes in recreational areas and rentals are not eligible, and annual income and price limits apply.

Rates, limits and credit minimums change; a Utah Housing participating lender confirms the current terms.

Some cities add their own help for households at or below 80% of the area median income. Midvale lends up to $25,000 (up to $30,000 for current Midvale residents and public employees working in Midvale), forgiven after 5 years. South Jordan gives the lesser of 7.5% of the price or $20,000.

Midvale's buyers can hold no more than $20,000 in any account before or after funding. South Jordan's help is partly repaid on a sale (half of it after 5 years, by its own example), with a $5,000 penalty if the home is sold or rented in the first two years. Each city's page has its current rules.

The least down payment by loan: VA 0% for eligible veterans and service members, USDA 0% in eligible rural areas, FHA 3.5% with a 580+ credit score, and conventional 3% for first-time buyers.

Each has its own mortgage insurance or fee; the true monthly cost puts them side by side for the same home.

Buying a home is the largest contract most people ever sign. In Utah the listing agent represents the seller, so when you buy without your own agent, no one at the table is working for you.

• The seller's agent works for the sellerUnder Utah's real estate rules, an agent owes their client loyalty, confidentiality and full disclosure. The listing agent must be honest with you, but they cannot advise you or negotiate for you. Your own agent owes those duties to you.
• Your offer is a binding contractOnce it is accepted, Utah's state-approved Real Estate Purchase Contract binds you. Each deadline in it decides what you can still cancel for and whether your earnest money comes back. Your agent sets dates you can meet and keeps every one.
• The inspection and due diligence windowIf you do not cancel or object in writing by the Due Diligence Deadline, you are treated as accepting the home as it is. Your agent helps you order inspections, read the report, test for radon (Utah's Department of Environmental Quality recommends testing every home) and ask for repairs or credits in time.
• Disclosures, title and HOA papersYour agent goes through the seller's property condition disclosure, the title report (liens, easements) and any HOA rules, fees and budget with you before your deadlines pass.
• Pricing and negotiationA price grounded in recent sales nearby, and someone on your side when the seller counters or the appraisal comes in low.
• Wire fraudCriminals send fake wiring instructions that look like they come from the title company. Your agent will tell you to confirm by phone, at a number you already trust, before you send any money.

This is general information, not legal advice. For a legal question about a contract, talk with a Utah real estate attorney; we can help you find one.