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.
HOME
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 Time Buyer Guide
START
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.
Connect with an agent you trust
Tour homes and prepare your offer
PROCESS
The Home Buyer Roadmap
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.
EXPLORE
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.
Utah County
Santaquin
Townhomes, newer communities, mountain scenery, and southern Utah County access.
Utah County
Genola
Acreage, farmstead living, irrigation, equestrian properties, and Goshen Valley views.
Utah County
Payson
Established homes, newer construction, local services, and continued residential growth.
Utah County
Salem
Newer neighborhoods, scenic views, townhome choices, and a quieter pace.
Utah County
Spanish Fork
Townhomes, condos, established homes, growing neighborhoods, and broad local amenities.
Utah County
Benjamin
Acreage, agricultural land, low density homes, open views, and rural privacy.
Utah County
Elk Ridge
Foothill neighborhoods, expansive views, and a close connection to the mountains.
Juab County
Mona
Open land, mountain views, agricultural character, and direct I 15 access.
Utah County
Lehi
Established neighborhoods, newer growth, attached housing, employment access, and mountain views.
Utah County
Mapleton
Foothill scenery, larger lots, quieter neighborhoods, and a more residential setting.
Utah County
Springville
Established neighborhoods, townhome options, canyon access, and a central location.
Utah County
American Fork
Established homes, townhomes, planned communities, amenities, and mountain access.
Sanpete County
Spring City
Pioneer architecture, local culture, open surroundings, and distinctive historic housing.
Juab County
Nephi
Local services, interstate access, established homes, newer options, and room to spread out.
Sanpete County
Mt. Pleasant
Historic homes, local services, Sanpete Valley scenery, and a small city rhythm.
Sanpete County
Fountain Green
Acreage, rural homes, agricultural character, and a quiet community pace.
Utah County
Orem
Condos, townhomes, established neighborhoods, major amenities, and central Utah Valley access.
Utah County
Provo
Condos, older homes, transit access, education, and an active urban setting.
Utah County
Alpine
Established neighborhoods, foothill homes, custom estates, open space, and mountain access.
Juab County
Eureka
Historic homes, mountain surroundings, mining heritage, and small town character.
Utah County
Woodland Hills
Foothill neighborhoods, custom homes, mature trees, valley views, and mountain access.
TRUSTED
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!
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!
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!
RECOGNIZED
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.
Closed
Volume
Google Reviews
Utah Valley
ANSWERS
First Time Buyer FAQ
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.
