Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps you will ever take, and it often feels confusing at the start. What if you had someone to clear the path and show you exactly how to move forward? That is what I do. I explain the options in plain language, help you avoid common mistakes, and create a loan plan that fits your life. Families in Davis County and throughout Utah to Idaho and beyond have already taken these same steps, and you can too.
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Makes it simple to check all the boxes for your mortgage.
Most people start the mortgage process feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve seen that stress many times, and it doesn’t have to be that way. My team collects the details, keeps the steps organized, and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks. You know the next move at every stage without being buried in busywork. The result is a smoother, calmer process that saves you time and stress. Buying or refinancing a home is a big decision, but the steps to get there can be clear and simple.
Clear Communication
One of the hardest parts of getting a mortgage is the silence. People send documents and then wait, wondering what’s happening behind the scenes. We work differently. From our first conversation to the day you close, you will always know where things stand. Every update is simple and clear, so you feel confident about the next step. Whether you like a quick text, a phone call, or an email, I stay connected in the way that works best for you. You will never be left guessing.
Personalized & Affordable
No two families have the exact same path to homeownership. I have worked with first-time buyers, move-up families, retirees, and investors, and every situation looks a little different. The mistake many lenders make is forcing everyone into the same box. With hundreds of loan programs available and decades of experience, I match your goals with the right loan structure so it fits both your budget and your future plans. You’ll know what your payment looks like, how it compares to other options, and what makes the most sense for you. The result is a mortgage that feels designed for your life, not the other way around.
Meet the Expert
I have called Farmington home since 2003, where my wife and I are raising our four kids. Utah has given us a strong community, and I love helping other families put down roots here. Outside of work you will usually find me traveling with my family, trying new restaurants, watching a good action movie, or learning something new - right now, I am learning to play the banjo.
On the professional side, I earned a degree in economics at BYU and later a law degree from the University of Utah (I lean red during football season). That background helps me see both the financial and legal details that shape your loan. Over the past 29 years, I have guided thousands of families through buying, refinancing, and investing in homes. My goal is the same for every client: to explain the options clearly, handle the heavy lifting, and help you feel confident in the decision you make. If you’d like more details about my approach or how my experience can help you, watch this video or book an appointment and let’s talk.
The mortgage world is full of choices, and the outcome depends on more than just getting approved. You want a loan that fits your life today and supports your goals for the future which is where experience makes the difference. Over nearly three decades I've helped thousands of Utah families buy their first homes, refinance to save money, invest in rental properties, and plan for retirement with reverse mortgages. Each situation is different, but the result is the same: a loan that is clear, fair, and designed to work for you. When you work with me, you're not just filling out forms. Instead, you're gaining a guide who knows how to match the right program to your needs and see the process through to the finish line. That's how expert results are created—step by step, decision by decision, with your success as the goal.
Buying your first home is a big step, and it often comes with more questions than answers. How much do you need for a down payment? Which loan programs fit your situation best? What does the timeline from offer to closing really look like? These are the kinds of details I walk through with every first-time buyer so you feel prepared before you make a move. In Utah, first-time buyers often qualify for programs that make homeownership more affordable, such as FHA loans with lower credit requirements or Utah Housing loans that offer little to no down payment. I’ll help you understand which options you qualify for and what they mean for your monthly payment and long-term goals. When you work with me, you get more than a loan—you get a clear plan and a guide who makes sure you understand each step. That way you can feel confident moving from renting to owning and know you are starting on solid ground.
First-Time Home Buyer FAQs
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Utah?
Most Utah lenders look for a credit score of at least 620 for conventional loans, while FHA loans may allow scores starting around 580. The higher your score, the better your interest rate and loan options will be.
How much money do I need for a down payment on my first home?
It depends on the loan program. Some Utah Housing loans allow qualified buyers to purchase with no money down. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, while conventional loans can start at 3%. I help you compare the options so you know what works for your budget.
Are there special programs for first-time home buyers in Utah?
Yes. Utah Housing Corporation offers programs that help cover down payments and closing costs. FHA, VA, and USDA loans can also make it easier to qualify with limited savings. Each has different requirements, and I’ll walk you through which ones fit your situation.
Are there grant programs available to first-time home buyers?
In some cases, yes. Certain cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations in Utah offer grant programs that can help with down payment or closing costs. These programs often change based on funding and eligibility rules. I stay up to date on what’s available so you can take advantage of opportunities that fit your situation.
How much can I afford for my first home?
Affordability depends on your income, debts, credit score, and the loan program you choose. I use real numbers to show what your monthly payment would look like with different price points so you can shop with confidence.
What are the steps to buying a home in Utah for the first time?
The process usually includes getting pre-approved, finding the right home, making an offer, completing the appraisal and inspection, and closing on the loan. I guide you through each step so you know what to expect and avoid surprises.
Retirement often changes the way you think about money. Fixed income, rising costs, or the desire to stay in your home longer can all create new financial questions. A reverse mortgage can be one solution, but it is also one of the most misunderstood loan options.
With my background in law and years of teaching classes for seniors, I take the time to explain how a reverse mortgage really works. We talk through the pros, the cons, and the alternatives so you can make an informed choice. Some families find it is the right tool to create extra cash flow or pay off an existing mortgage. Others discover that a different approach fits their needs better.
There is never pressure to move forward—only clear information and answers to your questions. My goal is to help you feel confident about your decision, whether that means using a reverse mortgage or exploring another option for your retirement years.
Real estate can be one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth, but the financing can look very different depending on your goals. Some investors want to hold rental properties for steady cash flow. Others are focused on short-term opportunities like fix-and-flip projects. Still others aim to build a larger portfolio over time.
I help you sort through loan options designed for investors, including conventional financing, DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans, and other programs built specifically for income-producing properties. With the right structure, you can protect your cash flow, manage your risk, and keep growing your portfolio.
Having invested in real estate myself and guided many Utah investors over the years, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges. My role is to help you choose financing that supports your strategy so you can focus on building wealth with confidence.
Refinancing can serve several different goals. For some homeowners, it means lowering the interest rate and reducing the monthly payment. For others, it is about using built-up equity to remodel, invest, or pay off higher-interest debt. The key is knowing whether refinancing makes sense for your situation right now.
The mortgage process is easier when you can see it explained step by step. That is why I create short videos that cover the questions people ask most often, from the basics of getting pre-approved to advanced strategies for using equity wisely. You can watch at your own pace and come away with practical answers you can use right away. Whether you are buying your first home, planning your next move, or want to understand credit a little better, these videos are designed to give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.
Mortgage 101
The basics matter. In this video I explain how mortgages work, what lenders look for, and the steps from application to closing. If you are buying your first home in Utah or just want the process explained clearly, this is the best place to start.
Buying your next home brings a new set of decisions. Should you sell your current place or keep it as a rental? How will you handle the down payment and closing costs without adding stress to your budget? What questions should you ask before moving forward?
This video walks you through the real challenges move-up buyers face. You will learn how to understand your financing options, spot common hazards, and build the right team of professionals to support you. Whether you are buying a larger home for your family, keeping your current house as a rental, or looking at a vacation property, Mortgage 2.0 helps you make the smartest move for your future.
Your credit score has a big impact on the kind of loan you qualify for and the rate you receive. In this video, I explain what goes into your credit score and what lenders pay the most attention to when you apply for a mortgage. You will learn the key factors to watch, the common mistakes to avoid, and how to put yourself in the best position before you buy a home.
I highly recommend CFG! Alan is super knowledgeable, and his company's prices are better than anyone else's. (Even when I thought someone else had beaten Alan's prices, they actually had not, but they hadn't yet factored in something that Alan had already figured out.). Alan helped me with my original financing and then a refinance just a couple years later. Alan has helped me realize not just closing costs and monthly payments, but how much I would save over the long term by looking at other options. He was also honest and direct in helping me realize when it might be better to forgo a refinance and just pay toward my principal faster. He's helpful, quick, and direct. His team is also professional, friendly, and reliable. They usually communicate really quickly as well. My loan is on the smaller side, but CFG never made me feel overlooked. I have recommended them to family, friends, and colleagues because I want others to have as great an experience as I have had!
~Shauna M.
This is the second time I'm working with CFG Home Loans - once for a mortgage and now for a refinance. I received quotes from 4 other companies and no one could match the rate they quoted me, answer my questions, or put my mind at ease as well as Alan and his team. I highly recommend their services!
~Rebecca W.
I cannot thank RJ enough for his help with our home purchase loan. On a VERY short notice, he took the time after-hours to review a competing loan with very high fees and then patiently walked me through all of my options. With his help, I was able to negotiate a $9,000+ reduction in fees with the other lender. This really is a testament to RJ's genuine desire to help people. I may not have been able to close with CFG today, but they will certainly be my first choice in the future and the first loan officers that I will refer friends & family to!
~Sandeep G.
Alan Blood and his team did a fantastic job for me buying my second house. The mortgage ended up being the easiest part because of these guys. On top of that, they got me a ridiculously low rate and closing cost. I feel like an idiot going through the bank on my first house now, if only I knew Alan and CFG earlier :(
