First-Time Home Buyers — Utah 2026
First-Time
Home Buyer
Guide Utah.
Utah has some of the best first-time buyer programs in the country — and the majority of buyers don't know they exist or that they qualify. This guide covers every program, every step, and the free tools you need to buy your first home in Northern Utah in 2026.
3%Min. Down Payment
660Min. Credit (UHC)
6%Max DPA Available
FreeBuyer Agent Cost
Your Buyer Readiness Score
72
Almost Ready
Score out of 100 — most buyers need a few small improvements before their first purchase. The quiz shows you exactly what they are.
✓
Income stability — employed 2+ years✓
Credit score above 660✓
No major recent negative credit events—
3 months reserves saved—
DTI below 43%Who Qualifies
You May Qualify as a
"First-Time Buyer" Without Knowing It
The 3-Year Rule: In most Utah Housing Corporation programs, you qualify as a first-time buyer if you have not owned a primary residence in the last three years. This means recently divorced homeowners, people who previously owned in another state, and even some move-up buyers may qualify for first-time buyer programs in Utah.
The phrase "first-time home buyer" is more flexible in Utah than most buyers realize. You do not need to have literally never owned a home. The three-year rule means a significant portion of buyers who think they are ineligible for first-time programs actually do qualify — including people who sold a home after a divorce, people who let a previous home go to foreclosure more than three years ago, and people who rented by choice for several years after previously owning.
The best way to confirm your eligibility is to speak with a UHC-approved lender. I can connect you with participating Northern Utah lenders who will tell you within minutes whether you qualify and which programs apply to your specific situation.
You likely qualify if you:
- Have not owned a primary residence in the last 3 years
- Previously owned in another state but rented in Utah
- Sold a home after a divorce 3+ years ago
- Have a credit score of 660 or higher
- Meet income limits for your county (set at accessible levels for Davis and Weber Counties)
Utah Housing Corporation Programs
Four Programs That Can Help You
Buy Your First Northern Utah Home
UHC Program 01
FirstHome Loan
Below-market rates for first-time buyers
UHC's flagship program — 30-year fixed rate mortgages at below-market interest rates for qualifying first-time buyers in Utah. Available through participating lenders statewide including Northern Utah lenders in Davis and Weber Counties.
Min. Credit
660+
First-Time Only
Yes (3-yr rule)
Rate
Below market
DPA Available
Yes (Score loan)
UHC Program 02
Score Loan
Down payment assistance — up to 6%
The Score program provides a second mortgage covering up to 6% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs. For many Northern Utah first-time buyers, the Score loan completely eliminates the need for out-of-pocket down payment funds.
Assistance
Up to 6%
Structure
2nd mortgage
Min. Credit
660+
Education Req.
Yes — online
UHC Program 03
Home Again Loan
No first-time buyer requirement
The Home Again program does not require first-time buyer status — any buyer who meets income and purchase price limits can use it. Same below-market rate structure as FirstHome, making it a strong option for buyers who previously owned a home but still want the UHC benefit.
First-Time Only
No
Min. Credit
660+
Rate
Below market
Income Limits
Yes — by county
UHC Program 04
NoMI Loan
No mortgage insurance below 20% down
The NoMI loan is a conventional option that eliminates PMI even below 20% down. For buyers with solid credit who want to avoid the ongoing PMI cost, it can offer significant monthly savings compared to a standard conventional loan — typically $100-250/month on a Northern Utah purchase.
PMI
None
Min. Credit
700+
First-Time Only
No
Down Payment
3 – 20%
Program Comparison
at a Glance
at a Glance
2026 UHC program requirements — all programs available through participating Northern Utah lenders.
| Program | Min. Credit Score | Down Payment | First-Time Required? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FirstHome | 660+ | 3.5% (FHA base) | Yes (3-yr rule) | Rate-focused first-timers |
| Score DPA | 660+ | As low as 0% | Yes (3-yr rule) | Buyers who need down payment help |
| Home Again | 660+ | 3.5% (FHA base) | No | Repeat buyers within income limits |
| NoMI Loan | 700+ | 3 – 20% | No | Higher credit — avoid PMI |
| VA Loan | Lender sets | $0 | No | Active duty and veterans — best deal |
| FHA Loan | 580+ | 3.5% | No | Lower credit, smaller down |
Income limits apply to all UHC programs and are set by county. Davis and Weber County limits are set at accessible levels for the region. See full program details or call me to confirm your specific eligibility.
The Process
First-Time Buyer Steps in
Northern Utah — In Order
Check Your Readiness Score
Take the free quiz before you do anything else. It evaluates your credit, savings, income stability, and debt level — and gives you a personalized action plan if you need a few months to prepare.
Take the Quiz →
Complete Homebuyer Education
All UHC programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Typically 6-8 hours, completed online at your pace. It is required, not optional — and genuinely useful for first-time buyers.
Get Pre-Approved with a UHC-Approved Lender
Not all lenders participate in UHC programs. I connect you with participating Northern Utah lenders who can confirm your eligibility and issue a pre-approval quickly.
Call to Get a Referral →
Run Your Numbers
Use the Mortgage Calculator and Closing Cost Calculator to understand your real payment and what you need at closing. Know these numbers before you fall in love with any home.
Mortgage Calculator →
Search with a Buyer Agent
Your buyer agent represents your interests exclusively and costs you nothing in most Northern Utah transactions. I set you up with a live MLS search alert so you see new listings the moment they hit.
Start Your Search →
Make Your Offer and Close
I guide every element of your offer strategy based on current Northern Utah market conditions — and stay with you through inspection, appraisal, and closing day.
"We had no idea Utah Housing programs existed until Randall connected us with a lender. We bought in Layton with $4,000 out of pocket total."
First-Time Buyers — Layton, Utah · Davis County
What Lenders Evaluate
What a Lender Looks at When
You Apply for a Utah Home Loan
✓
Credit Score
The biggest driver of your interest rate. A 760+ score gets the best conventional rates. UHC programs generally require 660 minimum. FHA goes to 580 with 3.5% down.
✓
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Total monthly debts including the new mortgage divided by gross monthly income. Most conventional lenders want total DTI below 43%. FHA allows slightly higher.
✓
Employment History
Two years of consistent employment in the same field. Recent job changes are fine if staying in the same industry. Self-employed buyers need two years of tax returns.
✓
Down Payment and Reserves
All funds must be documented and sourced. Most lenders want 2-3 months of mortgage payments in reserve after closing, in addition to your down payment.
Free Tools for First-Time Buyers
Run Your Numbers Before
Your First Conversation with a Lender
Start Here
Buyer Readiness Score
Score out of 100 — are you ready to buy right now? Personalized action plan if you need a few months first.
Take Quiz →
Essential
Utah Mortgage Calculator
Full monthly payment with real Northern Utah property tax rates — by county. Compare FHA vs conventional.
Calculate →
Know Before You Close
Closing Cost Calculator
Every dollar you need at closing — lender fees, title, escrow, prepaids. Itemized by category.
Calculate →
Find Your City
Neighborhood Matcher
6 questions — matched to your best Northern Utah city based on commute, schools, lifestyle, and budget.
Take Quiz →
Common Questions
First-Time Buyer FAQ
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Utah?+
FHA loans are available with a 580 credit score and 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require 620 minimum with the best rates at 720+. Utah Housing Corporation programs generally require a 660 minimum. If your score is below these thresholds, take the Buyer Readiness Score quiz for a personalized improvement plan.
Can I buy a home in Utah with zero down payment?+
Yes — through two main routes. VA loans offer zero down for qualifying active duty and veterans. UHC Score loan assistance can cover most or all of the required down payment for qualifying first-time buyers in Northern Utah. Combining a FirstHome loan with the Score second mortgage can result in a total out-of-pocket cost of only closing costs — sometimes less if the seller pays some or all.
How much do I need to earn to buy in Northern Utah?+
Most lenders want your total housing payment to be no more than 28-31% of gross monthly income. Use the Mortgage Calculator to work backward from a comfortable payment to the price range that fits. For a $400,000 home at current rates, most lenders want to see $75,000-$85,000 annual gross income depending on your debts.
How do I access Utah Housing Corporation programs?+
UHC programs are only available through participating approved lenders — you cannot apply directly through UHC. Call me at (801) 430-4000 and I will connect you with UHC-approved lenders in Northern Utah who can confirm your eligibility and issue a pre-approval quickly.
Is it better to use FHA or conventional for my first home?+
It depends on your credit score and how long you plan to stay. For buyers with 720+ credit who can put 5%+ down, conventional often wins long-term because PMI can be removed at 20% equity (FHA MIP stays for life of loan below 10% down). For buyers with lower credit or minimal savings, FHA's lower barrier to entry often makes more sense. Run the Mortgage Calculator to compare both scenarios side by side.
For official Utah Housing Corporation program details and participating lenders, see UtahHousing.org.
First-Time Buyer Specialist — Northern Utah
Ready to Buy Your First
Northern Utah Home?
Start with the free Readiness Score, then call me. I help first-time buyers navigate UHC programs, lender referrals, and the full purchase process across Northern Utah.
Also see: Full Down Payment Programs Guide →
