Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
What Is a Mortgage Recast?If you’ve ever made a large lump-sum payment toward your mortgage — or thought about doing so — you may have heard the terms “mortgage recast” or “reamortization.”
A recast can be a powerful (and often misunderstood) option for homeowners who want a lower monthly payment without refinancing.
Let’s break down what a recast is, how it works, and when it may (or may not) make sense. [Read more…]
Good morning from Astoria, Oregon.
I’m writing this from our room at the Bowline Hotel, with a herd (pod? committee?) of very committed resident sea lions barking below our window. If you’ve stayed here, you know exactly what I mean.
This is where our road trip began—and where it’s ending.
We left from Astoria headed south toward sunshine and desert skies, spending time in Palm Desert and standing in awe at the Grand Canyon. After taking in so much beauty, we decided to come full circle and return to where we started.
There’s something meaningful about that. [Read more…]
Today, as we celebrate Presidents Day, I’ve been thinking about a leader who shaped so much of what we’re able to enjoy today — especially when we’re out on the open road.
Theodore Roosevelt wasn’t just a president — he was a conservationist who believed deeply in protecting America’s natural beauty for future generations.
One of my favorite quotes from him:
“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone.”
Using a Reverse Mortgage to Improve Your Home and Age in Place.For many homeowners, the goal isn’t to move — it’s to stay.
I often speak with homeowners who love their neighborhood, their community, and their home, but realize that the house itself may need updates to support the next phase of life. Whether that means improving accessibility, upgrading systems, or making the home more comfortable and efficient, remodeling can play a key role in aging in place.
For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable option to help fund those improvements. [Read more…]
Mortgage rates moved a bit higher last week. As of Friday, February 6, 2026, the average 30-year fixed conforming rate was 6.083% per Optimal Blue. Optimal Blue’s mortage rate index is based on an average from rates that were locked by lenders who utilize OB. We don’t know what the factors are for pricing the rates and these rates are from Friday so they are expired. For current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me.
