Buying a Home in Utah Without an Agent

Skip the buyer's agent and save $15,300 on a median Utah home ($510,000).

A step-by-step guide for Utah buyers who want to keep the commission.

Utah Closing Requirements

Attorney Required at Closing

No — Title Company Can Close

Buyer Agent Required by Law

No — Agent Is Optional

Standard Inspection Period

14 Days

Potential Savings

$15,300 at median price

Title and escrow companies handle closings. Buyers can proceed without an agent.

Transfer Tax

Utah has no state real estate transfer tax. Buyers pay recording fees and title insurance but no deed conveyance tax.

8 Steps to Buy Without an Agent in Utah

1

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before searching for homes, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. This tells sellers how much you can borrow and shows you're a serious buyer. Compare rates from multiple lenders — even a 0.25% rate difference on a $510,000 Utah home saves thousands over the loan term.

2

Search for Homes

Use Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, and local MLS portals to find listings in Utah. Set up alerts for your target criteria. You can also drive neighborhoods and look for FSBO signs — those sellers have no listing agent and may be open to direct offers.

3

Research Comparable Sales

Before making an offer, research what similar homes have sold for in the last 90 days. Zillow, Redfin, and Utah county tax records provide recent sale prices to help you make a fair offer.

4

Schedule a Showing

Contact the seller's listing agent directly to schedule a showing. The listing agent represents the seller but is legally obligated to treat you fairly. You don't need your own agent to tour homes in Utah.

5

Write and Submit Your Offer

Prepare a written offer including purchase price, contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), closing date, and earnest money. In Utah, the inspection contingency window is typically 14 days — make sure it's in your offer.

6

Complete Inspections

You have 14 days to complete inspections in Utah. Hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property. Utah disclosure law requires sellers to complete an Inspection & Condition Disclosure. Given high home prices, use the full 14-day inspection period and order a separate radon test — Utah has elevated radon levels in many counties.

7

Secure Final Mortgage Approval

Work with your lender to complete underwriting, appraisal, and final approval. Respond quickly to any document requests and avoid major purchases or new credit during this period.

8

Close on Your Home

A title company handles your Utah closing — reviewing title, preparing the deed, and coordinating the transfer of funds. Review and sign all closing documents, pay your down payment and closing costs, and receive the keys.