This morning NAR released the Pending Home Sales report which revealed that “contract signings, dropped 11.6 percent in April from a downwardly revised 92.6 in March. The index is 26.5 percent below a cyclical peak of 111.5 in April 2010 when buyers were rushing to beat the contract deadline for the home buyer tax credit.” Pending home sales is a forward indicator since it’s reporting on contracts that are signed but not yet closed. [Read more…]
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.
How Much Can a Seller Pay Towards Buyer’s Closing Costs? (Updated)
May 12, 2011 by 10 Comments
How Much Can a Seller Pay Toward a Buyer’s Closing Costs? (Updated for 2026)
One of the most common questions I’m asked by homebuyers — especially first-time buyers — is:
“Can the seller help pay my closing costs?”
The short answer is yes — but how much depends on the type of loan and the terms of the purchase contract.
Let’s break this down clearly. [Read more…]
How Much Info Can Your Mortgage Originator Share – Part 2
January 26, 2011 by 1 Comment
I asked Jillayne Schlicke of CE Forward to chime in on a question (below) that I received from one of my readers. I’m happy to say, she wrote an entire page and therefore, I’m sharing this post, written by Jillayne with you. Part 1 of this article, where I address the question, can be read by clicking this link.
As a loan originator, is it ethical to deny someone for a loan and then turn around and share not only that the loan was denied, but the EXACT reason the loan was denied (for example: too many NSFs, large deposit in checking account, hours cut back at work, etc.) with the applicant’s Realtor as well as the listing agent who in turn shares it with the sellers?
Jillayne’s response:
