Utah Home Buyers – Your Dream Home Starts Here

Nelson Barss and Utah Independent Mortgage Corp. work FOR YOU, not the bank. Get pre-approved fast, enjoy our Low Rates & Fees Promise, 21-Day Platinum Pre-Approval Closing Guarantee, and Earnest Money Guarantee. Local. Honest. Fast.

📋 The best rates go to prepared buyers — start your free pre-approval now.

  • 20+ Years Experience
  • NMLS #201517
  • 5-Start Google Reviews
  • 21-Day Closing Guarantee

Get Pre-Approved Today

No pressure — just honest guidance from a local expert.

Submit this and within 48 hours you’ll know exactly where you stand.

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Why Utah First-Time Homebuyers Trust

Nelson Barss & UIM Corp

Buying your first home is a big deal. Here's why hundreds of Utah families chose us.

We Work for YOU

As an independent broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find YOUR best deal, not the bank's.

Low Rates & Fees Promise

Our wholesale model means lower rates and fees than big banks and retail lenders. Period.

21-Day Platinum Closing

With our Platinum Pre-Approval, we guarantee closing in 21 days or less.

Earnest Money Guarantee

If we can't close your loan, we'll cover your earnest money. That's how confident we are,

Passionate About Speed

We move fast because we know the Utah market waits for no one. Quick responses, quick closings.

Teacher, Not Sales People

No pressure. No gimmicks. We educate you so you make the best decision for your family.

With 20+ years helping Utah families finance their first home, Nelson is passionate about making the mortgage process simple, transparent, and stress-free. He's personally at every closing table.

Nelson Barss

Principal Broker, NMLS #201517

Your 4-Step Path to Homeownership

We've simplified the process so you can focus on finding your dream home.

Book a Quick Call

Schedule a free consultation or start your pre-approval online in minutes.

We Shop for You

We compare dozens of wholesale lenders to find the best rate, fees, and terms for YOUR situation.

Rock-Solid Expectations

Get clear, locked-in rate, fee & payment numbers - no surprises at the closing table.

Close Fast

Close in as few as 21 days with Nelson personally at your closing. Welcome home!

Utah First-Time Homebuyer Perks

We specialize in every program that helps first-time buyers get into their home with less money down and better terms.

FHA Loans

Low down payment options perfect for first-time buyers with flexible credit requirements.

Conventional Loans

Competitive rates and terms for buyers with strong credit profiles.

Utah Housing Programs

Access state down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs we know inside and out.

Local Utah Expertise

From Salt Take to Clearfield to St. George - we know every market in the Beehive State.

What Our Homebuyers Say

Real 5-star Google reviews from first-time buyers like you.

Travis Webb

"Nelson made the whole process very easy...we were first time home buyers. Him and his team did most of the work. I would highly recommend Nelson and his team!"

Sarah M.

"We closed in just 19 days! Nelson kept us informed every single step. As first-time buyers, we had a million questions and he answered every one patiently."

Jake & Emily R.

"The earnest money guarantee gave us the confidence to make an offer in a competitive market. Nelson truly works for you, not the bank."

David Chen

"Nelson helped us navigate FHA loans and Utah Housing programs we didn't even know existed. Saved us thousands on our down payment."

Amanda Stark

"Painless experience from start to finish. Communication was constant, and we never felt pressured. This is how buying a home should feel."

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers from a broker who lives educating first-time buyers.

  • How much down payment do I need in Utah?

    Many first-time buyer programs require as little as 3% down for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA. Utah Housing programs can even help cover part of your down payment. We'll walk you through every option.

  • Can I get pre-approved before finding a house?

    Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. Our Platinum Pre-Approval means your loan is fully underwritten before you shop, giving you a massive advantage in competitive markets.

  • What programs help first-time buyers in Utah?

    Utah Housing offers down payment assistance, below-market rates, and tax credits for qualified buyers. We also work with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional programs to find the best fit for you.

  • How long does the mortgage process take?

    With our 21-Day Platinum Pre-Approval Closing Guarantee, qualified buyers can close in as few as 21 days. Most of our closings happen within 3-4 weeks.

  • What's the difference between a broker and a bank?

    A bank can only offer their own products. As an independent broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find YOU the lowest rate and fees — saving you thousands.

  • What is the Earnest Money Guarantee?

    If we issue a Platinum Pre-Approval and can't close your loan for any reason within our control, we'll cover your earnest money deposit. That's our promise.

  • How much down payment do I need in Utah?

    Many first-time buyer programs require as little as 3% down for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA. Utah Housing programs can even help cover part of your down payment. We'll walk you through every option.

  • Can I get pre-approved before finding a house?

    Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. Our Platinum Pre-Approval means your loan is fully underwritten before you shop, giving you a massive advantage in competitive markets.

  • What programs help first-time buyers in Utah?

    Utah Housing offers down payment assistance, below-market rates, and tax credits for qualified buyers. We also work with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional programs to find the best fit for you.

  • How long does the mortgage process take?

    With our 21-Day Platinum Pre-Approval Closing Guarantee, qualified buyers can close in as few as 21 days. Most of our closings happen within 3-4 weeks.

  • What's the difference between a broker and a bank?

    A bank can only offer their own products. As an independent broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find YOU the lowest rate and fees — saving you thousands.

  • What is the Earnest Money Guarantee?

    If we issue a Platinum Pre-Approval and can't close your loan for any reason within our control, we'll cover your earnest money deposit. That's our promise.