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.

Steps in the Mortgage Process

steps in the mortgage processEDITORS NOTE 10/23/2015: This post has been updated to include the new disclosures and wait periods required per the Dodd Frank Act effective on loan applications dated October 3, 2015 and later. Click here to read the updated post.

The process of getting a mortgage consists of several stages and typically takes anywhere from 20 – 40 days (or more) depending on how prepared you are, what mortgage program you have selected and if it’s a purchase, the closing date may dictate how long the process will take. The steps below may not take place in the exact order I have listed and some steps may happen simultaneously.

Understanding the Steps in the Mortgage Process

[Read more…]

Going on Vacation during the Mortgage Process

Rocko the cat enjoying a trip sailing in the San Juans‘Tis the season for going on a vacation.  But what if you are buying a home or in the middle of refinancing your mortgage? Ideally, if you’re buying or refinancing a home, you won’t have any travel plans until after the transaction has closed…however, we know things aren’t always “ideal”… and vacation or business travel plans are sometimes a must.

Here are some pointers I hope you find useful should you find that you’re traveling while in the mortgage process.

[Read more…]

Home Buyer Class in South Seattle

Seattle Home Buyer ClassesI will be teaching a Home Buyers Education Class with Ira Sacharoff of Better Properties Real Estate Seattle on Saturday, August 9, 2014 at the Skyway Public Library. This class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

Students will learn about the home buying process and will receive a certificate at the end of the class making them eligible for:

[Read more…]

Home Buyer Education Class in North Seattle

Seattle Home Buyer ClassesI will be teaching a Home Buyers Education Class with Jim Reppond of Coldwell Banker Danforth on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at the Northeast Public Library. This class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

Students will learn about the home buying process and will receive a certificate at the end of the class making them eligible for:

[Read more…]

How Much Cash Do I Need to Buy a Home besides the Down Payment and Closing Cost?

buying your first homeIn addition to the down payment and standard closing cost associated to buying a home, additional funds may be required from the buyer prior to closing on a home. Here’s an example of what home buyers in the greater Seattle area should be prepared for.

[Read more…]