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.

Visiting Open Houses? You Need to Be Fully Preapproved

pre-underwritten preapproved homebuyerIt’s fun to visit open houses on the weekends. You may be picturing yourself living in the home, enjoying the backyard or perhaps making a few home improvements to really make it “yours”.

If you’re even thinking about buying a home, I strongly encourage you to get fully preapproved before you find yourself at an open house wanting to present an offer.

Here are some steps I recommend for anyone considering buying a home. [Read more…]

True Horror Story: Trapped by the 3% Mortgage Rate

If you’re a homeowner wanting to buy your next home, you might be feeling reluctance to trade your existing interest rate for a current mortgage rate. It’s easy to understand when mortgage rates are double from what they were a few years ago. Historically speaking, mortgage rates are actually closer to what would be considered more of an average range than the Fed manipulated rates of years past.

I may have some good news for you. No, it’s not a trick…this can actually be a treat! [Read more…]

Homebuyer Class in Tacoma

Update: Thanks to all our students! It was wonderful teaching you about the home buying process and I look forward to teaching another class again soon!  Click here to sign up for our next home buyer education class!
[Read more…]

Why It Makes Sense to Buy Before Mortgage Rates Move Lower

When Does It Make Sense to BuySeattle area Real Estate Broker, Kim Mulligan, posted this on Facebook a couple of days ago regarding a recent listing:

“For those of you that were clamoring to be my neighbor, I have bad news. A pricing war ensued and an offer was chosen last night. Ends up we had well over 80 parties tour the home in two days, several offers came forth, and a lucky buyer will get to share a fenceline with me. Why do I mention this? Many people think that there isn’t a market right now because of interest rates. Yes, buyers are careful and shy. The truth is some people have to move in any market. Sellers don’t need to be afraid to list their homes. Yes, buyers are choosey, but priced and presented well, and with the right lender where you can change your interest rate when it drops down again, your home could sell within 3 days as well![Read more…]

Tumwater Homebuyer Class

UPDATE: Class is over! Check out upcoming homebuyer classes or my online classes here.

Please join me and DeAnna Franklin from Franklin Home Team for our home buyer “lunch and learn” in Tumwater. We will be covering all you need to know about buying a home in today’s market in 2 hours over lunch including: [Read more…]