Credit & Financial Strategy

Your mortgage approval doesn’t start with a rate — it starts with your credit profile and financial structure.

In this section, you’ll find educational articles on:

  • Credit scores and reporting
  • Debt-to-income ratios
  • Mortgage insurance
  • Bankruptcy recovery
  • Financial planning considerations
  • Long-term homeownership strategy

Understanding how lenders evaluate credit and income allows you to prepare strategically rather than reactively.

My goal is to help you improve your financial scenario — whether that means preparing to buy, restructuring debt, or planning your next move.

Trigger Leads BANNED!

Last Friday, something I have been writing about for years finally happened. Trigger leads have been banned!

The bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) is now official. The law doesn’t go into effect until March of next year… so unless you protect yourself and opt-out of being harassed by strange loan officers or I mean, loan officers who are strangers, you will still feel very popular after having your credit pulled.

Honestly, even after this goes into effect, I still recommend protecting your credit by following these steps.

Of course, if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing your home, I am happy to help you!

Fancy Wedding or New Home?

Fancy wedding or buying a new home The Seattle Times recently published an article on how expense weddings are becoming in the greater Seattle area and how some couples are opting for simpler ceremonies. The article quotes an average cost for a wedding, according to a local wedding planner of being $58,000. As a mortgage professional, it’s jaw dropping to me that people spend this amount of money instead of buying a home or saving for retirement. I understand that this is an incredibly important time in a person’s life and a celebration to remember…but once the honeymoon is over, you have beautiful memories and a gorgeous photo album.

What if instead most of those funds were used to buy a home that will most likely appreciate in value creating future financial security? [Read more…]

Are You a Co-Signer on a Student Loan?

did you co-sign for a student loan?When Congress resolved the latest debt ceiling with the passing of The Financial Responsibility Act of 2023, both parties agreed to stop the forbearance on student loans payments. Federally backed student loan payments have been paused for the past three years due to the pandemic. Payments on student loans are set to resume following this September and many are not going to be prepared for this. [Read more…]

Credit Card Trouble? Don’t Wait to Refi.

Trouble making credit card payments? Please don't wait to refiI have been writing about how high credit card interest rates have climbed with the Fed raising the funds rate. If you’re not paying off your entire credit card bill each month, you are probably owing a bit more due to the high credit card rate. Credit card debt can be an uphill battle. [Read more…]

Should You Pay Points to Buy Your Interest Rate Down?

Should you pay discount points on a mortgageSince mortgage rates have returned to a more historically “normal” level, many are surprised that mortgage rates a bit higher than they may have been over the past few years. Mortgage rates have been pushed higher largely due to inflation. It’s expected by many industry experts that mortgage rates should improve to the mid-5% range somewhere between this summer to sometime next year. I do not expect to see mortgage rates for the 30 year fixed 4% anytime soon. [Read more…]

Holy cats! My credit card interest rates!

I decided to take my own advice that I’ve been dishing out about credit cards and debts. Today I reviewed my credit card accounts to see what my current interest rates are. I’m pretty lucky to have great credit and that I’m able to pay off my debts monthly. [Read more…]

Another reason to pay off your credit card debts

Yesterday I read an interesting article in the Seattle Times about how (and why) to pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible. The article warns of a slowing economy and future rate hikes by the Fed, which will translate to higher interest rates on credit card debt. In addition to the higher rates, the slower economy may cause some people to have reduced income which will be more challenging with the high interest rate debt.

The article encourages readers to have an emergency savings fund and to focus on paying off credit card debt. [Read more…]

The Fed’s Announcement Yesterday and how it impacts Credit Cards

Yesterday the Fed (FOMC) wrapped up their two day meeting deciding to leave the Fed Funds rate unchanged.  How does this impact you?

[Read more…]