If you're a doctor at IHC, University of Utah, or another Utah medical facility, you have access to physician mortgages—specialized loans designed specifically for medical professionals. They offer zero down payment, higher loan limits, and flexible documentation. Here's what you need to know before you apply.
A physician (or "doc") mortgage is a specialized loan product for doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and other advanced medical professionals. Unlike conventional mortgages, physician loans:
These loans exist because lenders recognize physicians as stable, high-income borrowers—even if you just finished residency and have massive student debt.
You generally qualify if you're:
Not a physician? If you're a nurse practitioner, PA, pharmacist, or dentist, ask—some lenders have programs for other healthcare professionals too.
You've already spent a decade in education and training. Physician mortgages let you buy immediately after residency without saving 20% down. In Utah's growing markets like Lehi, Draper, and South Jordan, that speed matters—good homes move fast.
Skip private mortgage insurance entirely. For a $500k home, PMI would run $200–400/month on a conventional 3% down loan. With a physician mortgage, that's $2,400–4,800 per year in your pocket.
Lenders typically allow:
That matters in Utah's premium markets. A family medicine doctor at IHC and an orthopedic surgeon at U of U have very different home budgets—physician loans flex to fit both.
| Feature | Physician | Conventional | FHA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 0% | 3–20% | 3.5% |
| PMI/MIP | None | Yes (if <20%) | Yes (lifetime) |
| Max Loan | $700k–$1.5M+ | $766k+ (varies) | $431k (2026) |
| Best For | Physicians (higher income) | Established borrowers | Lower credit/income |
For a newly licensed MD in Utah: Physician mortgage wins every time—zero down, no PMI, and lenders understand your debt situation.
Contact a mortgage broker or lender who specializes in physician mortgages. Ryan Taylor at Edge Home Finance works with Utah doctors regularly—we'll pre-qualify you in 24–48 hours and explain exactly what you can borrow.
With pre-approval in hand, you can make offers confidently. In competitive Utah markets, that matters.
Physician mortgages typically close in 30–45 days, just like conventional loans.
Physician loans typically run 0.1–0.3% above conventional 30-year fixed rates, depending on lender and your profile. For current rates and comparison quotes, contact Ryan Taylor at Edge Home Finance.
⚡ Quick note: My rates at Edge Home Finance consistently beat these national averages — contact me for a personalized quote.
| Loan Type | National Avg Rate |
|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | 7.38% |
| 15-Year Fixed | 6.71% |
| FHA 30-Year | 6.82% |
| VA 30-Year | 6.875% |
Rates shown are national averages as of October 5, 2026 sourced from Bankrate and Veterans United. Individual rates vary based on credit score, down payment, loan amount, property type, loan term, and lender. These are not rate quotes or a commitment to lend. Contact Ryan Taylor at Edge Home Finance for a personalized rate quote. Ryan Taylor NMLS# 1487488 | Edge Home Finance NMLS# 891464 | Equal Housing Opportunity.
IHC and U of U anchor most physician employment here. Popular neighborhoods: Sugar House, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, Park City (second homes).
Tech-adjacent, growing rapidly, excellent schools. Many young physicians choose Lehi or Saratoga Springs for the newer construction and longer commute tolerance.
More affordable than Salt Lake. Good for physicians starting private practices or working at Brigham Young-affiliated hospitals.
Growing market with new healthcare systems. More affordable homes, lower cost of living, quieter lifestyle.
A: Yes. If you have an offer letter from a Utah employer, most lenders will pre-approve you before your first paycheck. Some lenders even rate-lock before start date.
A: Physician mortgages handle this. Your debt-to-income ratio is calculated with flexibility—lenders understand your income trajectory and don't count all student debt payments the same way conventional loans do.
A: Most physician mortgages are for primary residences only. For investment or vacation homes, conventional or jumbo loans are better.
A: Typically $700k–$1.5M depending on your specialty, income, location, and lender. A primary care doc might max out at $700k; a surgeon could go higher. Ryan Taylor can give you a specific number in 24 hours.
A: No. Most lenders want 700+ FICO, but some will work with 680+ if your other factors are strong. Student debt doesn't tank your score the way other debt does.
A: 30–45 days, same as a conventional loan. If you're buying in a competitive market, pre-approval helps you move faster.
If you're a physician in Utah—whether you're at IHC, U of U, a private practice, or moving to Utah for a job—you have options traditional first-time homebuyers don't. A physician mortgage lets you buy immediately, without the 20% down payment or years of saving.
The next step: Talk to a mortgage broker who knows physician loans inside out. Ryan Taylor at Edge Home Finance has worked with dozens of Utah doctors, residents, and specialists. You'll get a real pre-approval letter, honest rate expectations, and someone who actually understands the physician path.
Get Pre-Qualified Today →