One of the most common ways home buyers get help with a down payment is through gift funds from family members. If your parents, grandparents, or other relatives want to help you buy a home, gift funds can be a legitimate and well-documented source of funds for down payment and closing costs — as long as you follow the rules.
Here’s what you need to know about using gift funds for a mortgage in Washington State, including how requirements differ by loan program and what documentation is required. [Read more…]
Credit score is one of the first things buyers worry about when they start thinking about a mortgage — and for good reason. It affects what programs you qualify for, what interest rate you receive, and in some cases how your entire application is evaluated. But the relationship between credit score and mortgage qualification is more nuanced than most people realize, and it’s changing.
Freddie Mac’s Bulletin 2026-1 brings a meaningful change for buyers and homeowners in the greater Seattle area. Starting with applications dated April 12, 2026, high balance conforming loans are no longer eligible under the Home Possible program. For homebuyers in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, this change directly affects your low-down-payment options on higher-priced homes.
When you 
