Homebuyer Workshop: From Offer Accepted to Closing Day

Homebuyer Workshop Webinar Washington State Your Offer Was Accepted — Now What?
Join Me for a LIVE Homebuyer Workshop on April 29th

Grab your lunch and your laptop — we’re wrapping up the Homebuyer Workshop Series with our final class, and it’s a big one.

Most first-time buyers feel pretty confident once their offer is accepted. And then the emails start. Documents to sign. People you’ve never heard of asking for things. Deadlines you didn’t know existed. A closing date that suddenly feels very close.

If that sounds stressful — it doesn’t have to be. That’s exactly what this class is for.

[Read more…]

Discount Points vs. Rebate Credit: How Mortgage Rate Pricing Works

pricing mortgage ratesWhen you get a mortgage rate quote, the interest rate is only part of the picture. Every rate comes with a price — and that price is expressed as either discount points or rebate credit. Understanding how this works gives you real control over your closing costs and monthly payment. [Read more…]

Prequalified vs. Preapproved for a Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

prequalified preapproved or preunderwrittenIf you’re getting ready to buy a home, one of the first things you’ll hear is that you need to get preapproved. But what does that actually mean — and how is it different from being prequalified? And what about a loan commitment letter, or being pre-underwritten?

These terms get used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. The difference matters — especially in a competitive market where sellers are evaluating the strength of every offer on the table.

Here’s a simple breakdown of each level and what to look for. [Read more…]

Using RSUs and Restricted Stock to Qualify for a Mortgage in Washington State

RS and RSU Income for buying a homeIf you work at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, or any of the hundreds of tech and corporate employers in the greater Seattle area, there’s a good chance equity compensation — restricted stock units, restricted stock grants, or stock options — makes up a meaningful portion of your total pay. Understanding how mortgage lenders treat this income is essential before you apply, because the rules are more nuanced than most buyers expect and the guidelines have recently been updated.

Here’s what Washington State tech workers and equity-compensated buyers need to know. [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter Weekly: Mortgage Rates, Jobs Data, Inflation Reports, Iran Conflict and Condo Guidelines

Mortgage rates slightly improved heading into the week of April 6, 2026 — but volatility remains the theme as the war in Iran, rising oil prices, and a packed economic calendar keep markets on edge.

In this week’s update, we covers last week’s stronger-than-expected jobs report, what the Iran conflict means for bond markets and mortgage pricing, where mortgage-backed securities stand this Monday morning, and a major spotlight on brand-new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac condo financing guidelines that took effect in March 2026 — changes that could directly impact condo buyers and owners across King, Pierce, and Snohomish County.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, move-up buyer, or homeowner considering a refinance, this weekly update is designed to help you make informed decisions in a fast-moving market.

[Read more…]