If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing in Washington this fall or winter, there’s a behind‑the‑scenes change worth knowing about: starting November 2, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are requiring a completely redesigned appraisal report for conventional loans. It’s the biggest change to how appraisals are documented in decades—though, importantly, it doesn’t change how your home’s value is determined. [Read more…]
Buying a House with Debt: What You Need to Know
September 17, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Almost every buyer I work with has some kind of debt whether it’s car payments, student loans, credit cards or installment loans. Carrying debt doesn’t automatically rule out homeownership, but it does shape what you qualify for and how much cushion you’ll have once the mortgage payment is added on top. Here’s what actually matters. [Read more…]
Mortgage Rates: Fed Week Preview, Oil Tensions & Smart Interest Rate Strategies
September 14, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Different Types of Mortgage Lenders
September 10, 2026 by 1 Comment
If you’ve started shopping for a mortgage in Washington State, you’ve probably run into a handful of different types of lenders — brokers, banks, credit unions, and correspondent lenders — often used almost interchangeably. They are not the same thing, and the difference can affect your rate, your timeline, and who you’re actually talking to when something goes wrong. Here’s how each one works. [Read more…]
