Welcoming single level Utah home with a front porch, landscaped yard, and mountain views

Utah First Time Buyers

Your First Home Starts With a Clear Plan

Led by Kylie Lance, The Lance Group Real Estate helps first time buyers navigate real estate across Utah Valley, Juab County, and Sanpete County with a clear plan and a better understanding of what to expect along the way. This guide takes you through the major steps, places to explore in Utah, and the journey from your first questions to your first set of keys.

Your first home. A clearer way forward.

Discover
Bright Utah living room with a fireplace, large windows, and mountain views

A Clearer Way to Begin

More than a purchase. A place to begin.

Your first home does not need to be perfect or permanent. It should fit the life you are building now, support your monthly budget, and give you a confident starting point for the future.

The Lance Group Real Estate helps first time buyers across Orem, Utah County, Juab County, and Sanpete County understand the process, compare communities, evaluate homes, negotiate thoughtfully, and stay organized through closing.

Clear Explanations Strong Negotiation Timeline Guidance

First Steps

Three simple steps to start with confidence.

Buying your first home can feel complicated until the process is broken into clear, manageable steps. Utah REALTOR® Sofia Segura explains how to begin with a realistic budget, trusted representation, and a focused home search.

01

Talk to a lender and understand your budget

02

Connect with an agent you trust

03

Tour homes and prepare your offer

The Home Buyer Roadmap

From finding your team to receiving the keys.

Select any step to see what happens next. Only one explanation is shown at a time, keeping the full journey clear without making the page feel heavy.

01

Find Your Agent

Find a real estate agent you are comfortable with. The right agent should explain each step clearly, understand your priorities, and help you make informed decisions without pressure.

Aerial view of a Utah mountain community surrounded by green foothills and residential homes

Find Where Home Fits

The Right First Home Starts With the Right Community

Compare communities by budget, commute, property type, neighborhood feel, amenities, and long term goals. Each guide includes local insight, housing styles, market context, and live inventory.

Utah Community Guides

Which Utah community fits your first home plan?

Start with the places that support your priorities. The right fit may be an established neighborhood, a growing city, a townhome community, or a smaller market with more room.

First Time Buyer Experiences

Guidance that made the process feel doable.

These buyers describe the patience, explanations, responsiveness, and steady support that helped them move from uncertainty to homeownership.

Aaron Roberts
★★★★★
Worked with Alicia Sperry
I was looking at the possibilities of buying my first home in Provo, and after meeting Alicia and The Lance Group I was finally able to make that dream a reality. Alicia was incredibly informative and explained the entire process to me so that I could make the best informed decisions. Everyone I worked with seemed super nice and experienced, which made the entire process exceptionally smooth. I would definitely recommend Alicia and The Lance Group for your real estate needs!
Google Review
robmister2
★★★★★
Worked with Shae Steele
I worked with Shae Steele and she was amazing! As a first time homebuyer, she was super patient with me and answered, and reanswered when I inevitably forgot, all of my questions. She was very prompt with messaging and calling, was flexible for touring homes, and made the whole process go from completely daunting as someone with no knowledge to totally doable. Definitely would recommend!
Google Review
CheyAnn Lewis
★★★★★
Worked with April Ainge
April Ainge is literally the best realtor around! She made everything go super smooth and fast. She always answered our questions as soon as she could, especially with us being first time homebuyers. Highly recommend her! She is super nice and easy to work with!
Google Review

Awards & Recognition

Utah Valley's #1 Real Estate Team

Five consecutive Best of Utah Valley recognitions represent more than an award. They reflect the trust clients place in our team and the care we bring to every move, including helping first time buyers understand their options, navigate the details, and feel prepared for what comes next.

We closed more than 900 homes and over $400 million in total.

900+ Homes
Closed
$400M+ Total Sales
Volume

First Time Buyer FAQ

Helpful answers before you buy.

The roadmap explains the full process. These answers address a few practical questions buyers often have before moving forward.

Do I need a 20 percent down payment to buy my first home?
No. Some loan programs allow qualified buyers to purchase with less than 20 percent down. The right option depends on your credit, income, debt, property type, and lender requirements.
How much money should I plan to have beyond the down payment?
Plan for closing costs, inspections, appraisal fees, moving expenses, and reserves after closing. Your lender and real estate agent can help estimate a realistic cash to close amount before you begin touring homes.
How long does it take to buy a first home in Utah?
Many buyers complete the process in 30 to 60 days, but some homes can close in under 30 days when financing, inspections, appraisal, and paperwork move quickly. The timeline also depends on how soon you find the right home and the terms of the purchase.
What happens if the inspection or appraisal identifies a problem?
Inspection concerns may lead to further evaluation, repair requests, credits, or other options allowed by the contract. If the appraisal is lower than the purchase price, your agent and lender can help you review the available choices before moving forward.
Covered backyard patio with warm evening lighting at a Utah home

Your First Set of Keys

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Homeownership?

Start with a clear plan, trusted guidance, and a home search built around your budget, priorities, and future.