Retirement, Social Security, Disability, Assets & Other Income: What Counts Toward Your Mortgage

Retirement Income, Asset Income, Social Security InNot all qualifying income comes from a paycheck. If you’re retired, receiving Social Security or disability benefits, collecting alimony or child support, or drawing income from investments or a trust, that income can often be used to qualify for a mortgage — but each type comes with its own documentation rules and quirks.

This rounds out the income series I’ve been building — if you haven’t seen the others, they cover salary, hourly, and variable income, bonus, overtime, and commission income, RSU and restricted stock income, self-employed and 1099 income, and rental income. This post covers everything else — income you receive independent of currently working. [Read more…]

Condo & HOA Red Flags Before You Buy in Washington State

HOA Red Flags in Washington State

Buying a condo or townhome in Washington means you’re not just qualifying for a mortgage — you’re buying into an association’s finances too. This guide walks through what to check before you write an offer, how HOA dues factor into your qualifying ratios (now and later, if you refinance), and how reserve funding, litigation, and special assessments can affect your financing. [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter Weekly | Fed Holds Rates, Jobs Week & Condo Financing Changes

Welcome back to Mortgage Porter Weekly! This week we’re covering the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady, what to expect from Friday’s jobs report, and a big shift in condo financing that takes effect today. Watch the video above, then read on for the details. [Read more…]

Townhome vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You in Washington State?

Condos and Townhomes Mortgage LoansThis post compares the ownership structures of townhomes and condos in Washington State — what you actually own, what you’re responsible for, and how that affects your monthly costs and financing.

Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the real difference?

“Townhome” and “condo” get used almost interchangeably by buyers, but they’re legal ownership structures, not architectural styles. A building can look like a townhome and still be legally structured as a condominium — and that distinction matters more for your wallet than the floor plan does. [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter Weekly | New Home Sales Rise, Rates Tick Up & Doctor Loan Expands

Welcome back to another episode of Mortgage Porter Weekly! This week’s update covers new home sales data, home price appreciation, where mortgage rates stand, a packed economic calendar, and an exciting expansion to the Doctor Loan program. [Read more…]