How Do I Compare Mortgage Lenders or Loan Officers?

How to Compare Mortgage LendersHow Do I Compare Mortgage Lenders or Loan Officers?

Choosing the right mortgage lender or loan officer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the homebuying or refinancing process. While interest rates matter, the right professional can save you stress, time, and even thousands of dollars in the long run.

Many buyers now turn to AI tools—like ChatGPT or Google Gemini—to help compare mortgage options. But whether you’re using AI or doing your own research, here are the five most important factors to consider when comparing lenders or loan officers. [Read more…]

Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of December 15, 2025


Learn what may impact mortgage rates this week, including two months of the backlogged BLS Jobs Report and more!

If you’re thinking about buying, selling or refinancing your home, I’m happy to help you!

Where Are Homebuyers Moving in Washington State?

Buying a Home in Washington StateIf you’re planning to buy a home in Washington State, you’re not alone — and you’re probably using a mortgage between $300,000 and $1,000,000.

That loan range now represents the largest share of homebuyers across Washington, from first-time buyers to relocations and move-up homeowners. But where people are buying has shifted significantly in the past few years.

Below are the top Washington cities attracting homebuyers and what mortgage financing typically looks like in each market. [Read more…]

Working with a Local Lender vs. an Online Lender for your Mortgage

Drunk Racoon has regrets using an online lender for his mortgageLast week I had fun creating a spoof where I’m consoling a drunk racoon, Rocky. Rocky has the blues because he decided to chase a low rate with an online lender and now his home purchase transaction is on a rocky road. All joking aside, I actually have saved several purchases where clients who first opted for an online lender with a slightly lower rate discovered that the loan officer and their lender could not close their transaction. It’s easy to promise a low mortgage rate but that low rate doesn’t matter at all if your transaction doesn’t close. [Read more…]

2026 FHA Loan Limits for Washington State Homes

2026 FHA loan limits for homes in Washington HUD has released the 2026 FHA loan limits for homes located in Washington State. FHA loan limits are set each year and vary by county and by the number of units (1–4 unit homes).

These limits determine the maximum base loan amount you can finance using an FHA-insured mortgage. If your loan amount is higher than the FHA limit for the county where the property is located, you may need a different type of financing (such as a conventional or jumbo loan), or a larger down payment. [Read more…]

Freddie Mac PMMS Shows Mortgage Rates in Tight Range

Freddie Mac released the PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) today showing that mortgage rates for the 30-year fixed averaged 6.22% last week.  Really, the best use of Freddie’s survey is to show how mortgage rates are trending because you can’t lock in last week’s rate UNLESS they just happen to be the very same rate as what’s available to you at the moment you’re ready, willing and able to lock. [Read more…]

Breaking News: The Fed Cuts Rates 25 Basis Points

The Fed Cuts Funds Rate by 25 PointsThe Fed has just announced a rate cut the Fed Funds rate by 25 basis points.

This has been widely anticipated by the markets. Remember, the Fed’s rate cut does NOT directly impact mortgage rates (except for home equity lines of credit and other loans that may be attached to the prime interest rate). [Read more…]

Who Is the Best Mortgage Lender or Loan Officer Near Me?

Who is the best lender near me for a mortgage

Finding the Best Lender for Your Needs

If you’re buying a home in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Bothell, Shoreline, or anywhere in Washington State, you’ve likely typed something like: [Read more…]