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.

Credit Tips if you are considering Buying a Home (or Refinancing)

Are you considering buying or refinancing your home in Washington? You may be surprised at what you should and shouldn’t do. Some things that are common sense may actually not be the best actions if you’re planning on obtaining a mortgage in the near future.

Essential Credit Tips for Homebuyers

Please check out my latest video with simple credit tips.

Ready to explore your home buying options?

I’ve been helping Washington State homebuyers navigate the mortgage process since 2000. No pressure, no jargon — just an honest conversation about what’s possible for you.

Let’s Talk
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How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?

Did you know that you don’t need a 20% down payment to buy a home? In this video, I discuss what funds are needed during the home buying process.

If you’re interested in buying or refinancing a home, please contact me!

Just Released: Resources for First Time Homebuyers

I have just created a page on my blog dedicated to first time homebuyers. Right now, you can access this on the column to the right.

I will be updating this page with information that first time homebuyers or people who have not bought a home recently may find useful. Currently, I have a couple of different scenarios intended to help demystify the homebuying process. I hope you’ll check it out!

If you or anyone you know are thinking about buying their first home or re-entering the home buying market, please feel free to share this with them. 🙂

And of course, I would love to help you with your mortgage needs. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance.

A Great Alternative for VA Loans

VA home loans for veterans in WA StateMany Veterans who have served our country have earned the right to have a VA mortgage loan. It’s unfortunate that some sellers as well as real estate agents have a bad image of VA loans and often discourage them. Many years ago, VA loans were sometimes more challenging than conventional financing – this is rarely the case anymore. Some people may falsely assume that if a Veteran is using a VA loan, they must have poor credit or not enough funds for a down payment. A majority of the Veteran’s I have provided mortgages for have excellent credit and plenty of funds for down payment, they opt for the VA loan because they either don’t want to use all of their funds for down payment, or the VA mortgage loan could be providing a lower interest rate than what they would receive with conventional financing. Bottom line, it’s their entitlement that they sacrificed and worked hard to earn. [Read more…]

Super Fast Closings for Homebuyers

Fast Closings Great Service Mortgage LenderI have been with New American Funding for three months now and have had the pleasure of helping clients with their home purchase and refinancing mortgages. I have been very impressed with how fast we are able to close without sacrificing service. [Read more…]