Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions
1. What is the first step to getting a mortgage in Washington State?
The first step is getting pre-approved, beginning with a discovery call where we talk about your goals. As a local mortgage advisor, I’ll review your credit, income, and goals to help you understand what you can afford. A Pre-approval also strengthens your offer when buying a home in competitive markets like Seattle or Bellevue.
2. How much do I need for a down payment in Washington?
Down payments can range from 0% to 20% or more, depending on the loan program. Options like FHA, VA, and even some conventional loans allow for low or no down payments. I’ll help you find the best fit based on your budget and goals.
3. What are current mortgage rates in Washington?
Mortgage rates change daily based on market conditions. I provide weekly rate updates on MortgagePorter.com and can give you a personalized quote based on your credit, loan type, and property. Contact me to get today’s best rate for your scenario.
4. Can I buy a second home or vacation home in WA or out of state?
Yes! I help clients finance vacation homes throughout Washington—like the San Juan Islands or Pacific Coast—and across the U.S. Requirements are slightly different than for primary homes, but I’ll walk you through every step.
5. Is it a good time to refinance my mortgage?
It depends on your current rate, loan term, and financial goals. Refinancing could help you lower your payment, shorten your loan term, or access cash for other needs. I’ll provide a free mortgage review to help you decide.
6. What types of loans do you offer?
I specialize in a wide range of home loans, including:
- Conventional (fixed and adjustable)
- FHA, VA and USDA
- Jumbo loans
- Investment property financing
- Vacation home loans
- Construction and Rehab loans
- Reverse Mortgages
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, I can help.
7. Do you only help people in Seattle?
No! While I’m based in Seattle, I serve homebuyers and homeowners throughout Washington State and the U.S. If you’re looking for a local loan expert with nationwide reach, I’m here to help.
8. What makes working with you different than going to a bank?
As a Mortgage Advisor with New American Funding, I offer personalized guidance, faster communication, and more loan options than many big banks. My goal is to help you make an informed mortgage decision, not just push a loan. Unlike a bank, I work with several lenders and can shop their programs and rates for you. We also have our own portfolio products.
9. How long does the mortgage process take?
Most purchases and refinances take about 30 days from application to closing. I work closely with my clients and their agents to keep things moving smoothly and on time. As we have our own in-house processing and underwriting, we can close faster than 30 days, if needed. Please reach out to me to discuss what your needs are.
10. How do I get started?
Let’s talk! You can apply online, call, or schedule a free consultation. I’ll help you understand your options and take the stress out of the mortgage process. Start here with a pre-application or here if you would like to begin with a discovery call.
Last year, one of my clients was pondering if they should wait for lower rates or if they should buy a home. Buying a home is probably one of the largest purchases a person makes in their lifetime and it’s completely understandable how some people feel overwhelmed with the decision. 
It’s the day we’ve been waiting for! Okay, maybe you haven’t been anxiously looking forward to the wrap up of the FOMC’s two-day meeting and learning if they are going to adjust the Fed Funds rate. You must have more exciting things to do! 🤓 
I was in a neighborhood group on Facebook where someone was sharing that they were having to sell their home that had been in the family for generations. They can no longer afford living in the Seattle area and had made the difficult decision to move their family. If you’re 62 or better, you may not have to sell your home to create a more affordable lifestyle. 
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