If you’re a reader of Mortgage Porter, you probably know that I just returned from a long weekend to Nashville to visit my son and check out his new apartment. Getting started on your own is an important part of your life and it helps to have established credit. This is especially true if you plan to buy a home as most lender will require that you have three to four established accounts. The credit lines you establish (and other credit events) will determine what your credit scores are.
Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make — and understanding the mortgage process is key to making confident, informed choices.
In this section, you’ll find educational resources designed to help you navigate every step of the home buying journey. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving up to your next home, purchasing an investment property, or exploring options for a second home, these articles break down complex mortgage concepts into clear, practical guidance.
Topics include:
- Getting pre-approved
- Understanding credit and qualifying
- Down payment assistance programs
- Closing costs and escrow
- Appraisals and underwriting
- The mortgage process from offer to keys
My goal is to help you understand not just how to qualify — but how to structure your financing strategically so it supports your long-term financial goals.
If you’re buying a home in Washington State (or anywhere in the U.S.), and you want thoughtful guidance instead of pressure, this is a great place to start.
Student Loans and Qualifying for a Mortgage in Washington State (2026 Guide)
July 31, 2015 by 2 Comments
If you’re a Washington State homebuyer carrying student loan debt, you’re far from alone. According to the National Association of Realtors, 37 percent of first-time homebuyers also have student loan debt — and many are surprised to discover that student loans don’t have to stand between them and homeownership in cities like Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, or Spokane.
The key is understanding how lenders count your student loans when calculating your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Different mortgage programs handle student debt differently, and the rules have changed significantly since 2015. Here’s what Washington State homebuyers need to know right now. [Read more…]
Are you buying a new home? WAIT to buy new furniture!
July 3, 2015 by 3 Comments
I have been working with a couple of clients who are buying homes and who’ve recently asked if it’s okay for them to buy furniture before closing on their new home. It must be all the “Fourth of July blow-out” sales going on that’s causing this question to come up recently.
