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.

Tips on how to save up for a down payment

iStock_000009450603SmallGet Rich Slowly recently posted How to Save Up for a Down Payment Fast.  I’d like to respond to some of the ideas offered in GRS’s post from a Mortgage Professional’s viewpoint and offer my advice.

Here are some of the suggestions on How to Save Up for Down Payment Fast along with my 2 cents (in italics).

[Read more…]

Rent or Buy in Seattle: Seattle RE Chat [Video]

In this episode of Seattle Real Estate Chat, Jim Reppond and I compare renting in Seattle to buying a home. With rents on the rise and mortgage rates at very low levels, it may be worth considering making the move to buy a home.

Here’s our Google Hangout where we discuss Seattle’s current rental market. Mortgage rates are actually currently lower than what we have quoted in this video which was recorded just over a week ago.

[Read more…]

When Can I Buy Again after a Short Sale?

I received this question from one of our readers over the weekend:

Hi Rhonda, I completed a short sale in Sept 2012, looking to repurchase.  I know that Fannie Mae just extended their post short sale repurchase guidelines to a waiting time of 4 years.  What other options do I have?  I have enough for downpayment and FICO around 720ish.  Thanks!

[Read more…]

Where do I start with an FHA 203k Rehab loan?

Renovation Home Loan MortgageA Step-by-Step Guide for Washington Homebuyers (Updated for 2026)

If you’ve found a home that needs work — outdated kitchen, worn roof, cosmetic issues, or more significant repairs — you may be wondering:

“Can I finance the purchase and the renovation together?”

In many cases, the answer is yes — through an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan, a program insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to purchase (or refinance) a home and finance eligible repairs into one mortgage.

But where do you actually start?

Here’s a clear, practical breakdown. [Read more…]

Seattle Real Estate Chat [Video] on Preapproval and Commitment Letters

In this episode, Jim Reppond and I discuss Commitment Letters.  A commitment letter is kind of like a preapproval letter on steroids. And in this hot sellers market that the greater Seattle area is currently experiencing – many buyers can use a little extra help to stand out from a similar competing offer.  A Loan Commitment Letter may be the extra boost that could help some home buyers.

Check out our last episode!

If you are thinking about buying a home and getting preapproved, I’m happy to help you! Let’s chat!