Washington State has a couple of regulations that require certain safety features are installed in a home before a buyer can purchase it. When these items are not installed in the home at the time of the appraisal, or if the appraiser cannot easily find them, then the appraiser or underwriter will require that these items be installed prior to closing. This can potentially delay the closing and/or increase cost if the appraiser has to go back to the property to re-inspect for the missing items.
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.
You just “won” the highest bid on a hot Seattle home… now what?
May 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Puget Sound Business Journal recently posted an article about a 1,100 square foot home in Ballard that sold $158,000 over list price. There is no denying that Seattle’s real estate market is hot largely due to lack of inventory and rising rents. (A’ hem…if you have been considering selling your Seattle area home, now could be the time).
What Sales Price do you qualify for with $100,000 for Down Payment and Closing Costs in Seattle?
April 16, 2015 by 2 Comments
UPDATE: Please visit our Conforming Mortgage Guide which includes current loan limits for homes in Seattle and Washington state.
If you have $100,000 available for funds for closing, you may be surprised to learn that, assuming you have the income and credit to qualify, you can buy a home with a sales price of around $800,000.
Here’s one example of how you can buy a “jumbo” priced home with less than 20% down payment.
Many Washington State Homes (and Home Buyers) are eligible for Down Payment Assistance Programs
February 22, 2015 by Leave a Comment
RealtyTrac and Down Payment Resource recently compiled a report of how many homes are eligible for various down payment assistance programs by county. Their report revealed that 87% of homes in the United States may qualify for down payment assistance (DPA) for home buyers.
Home Buyers who had a short sale or foreclosure are making a comeback
January 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment
A “boomerang buyer” is the nick-name given to people who lost their home due to foreclosure or a short-sale during the Great Recession, who are “back” buying a home again. Realtytrac reports:
In 2015, the first wave of 7.3 million homeowners who lost their home to foreclosure or short sale during the foreclosure crisis are now past the seven-year window they conservatively need to repair their credit and qualify to buy a home. More waves of these potential boomerang buyers will be moving past that seven-year window over the next eight years corresponding to the eight years of above historically normal foreclosure activity from 2007 to 2014.
