Mortgage Programs

Not all mortgage loans are the same — and choosing the right program can make a significant difference in your payment, qualification, and long-term financial flexibility.

This section covers the most common and specialty mortgage programs available to homebuyers and homeowners, including:

  • FHA Loans
  • VA Loans
  • USDA Loans
  • Conventional & Jumbo Loans
  • HomeReady & Home Possible
  • Down payment assistance programs
  • Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) programs
  • Specialty programs for medical professionals and unique scenarios

Understanding eligibility guidelines, loan limits, credit requirements, and program benefits allows you to compare options strategically rather than relying on headlines or general advice.

As a Mortgage Advisor with over 25 years of experience, I help clients evaluate which program best aligns with their income, assets, and long-term plans.

Explore the programs below to better understand your options.

Common Misconceptions about Reverse Mortgages

common misconceptions about reverse mortgagesIf you’ve ever discussed reverse mortgages with friends or family, you’ve probably heard some version of “the bank takes your house” or “it’s only for people who are broke”. I hear myths like this constantly, and most of them are out of date or simply not accurate. Reverse mortgages have changed a lot over the years and can be very beneficial for seniors who are sitting on significant home equity and who want to stay in their homes. With that said, reverse mortgages may not be the right choice for everyone.

My goal with this post is to help clear up the most common misconceptions I run into and put reverse mortgages in context with other mortgage options available for people who are 62 and older. As always, I like to provide as much information as possible to help you make informed decisions about your finances. [Read more…]

Nurses & PAs Now Qualify for the Doctor Loan Program

Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs & Physician Assistants Mortgage LoanNurse Practitioners, CRNAs & Physician Assistants Now Qualify for the Doctor Loan Program

I’m excited to share an update to the medical professional mortgage program: Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA with DNAP or DNP), and Physician Assistants/Associates (PA) now qualify. This has been one of the more common questions I’ve fielded since the doctor loan program launched — I’ve had nurses reach out in the past hoping to use it, and I wasn’t able to help them qualify. That’s changed, and I’m glad to finally have an answer for them. [Read more…]

Do Mortgage Lenders Have Different Underwriting Requirements?

How lender underwriting overlays can varyOne question I hear often from buyers shopping multiple lenders is some version of this:

“Do different banks need different underwriting documents? I’m talking to two lenders right now. One will give me a lower rate but is asking for a bank statement from my family who wired me gift funds. The other has a higher rate but says they only need a gift letter. Is it because some banks are more strict because of their lower rate?”
The short answer: yes, lenders can and do have different underwriting requirements — and understanding why can save you from surprises late in the process. [Read more…]

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Changed the Rules on Condo Financing — Here’s What Seattle Buyers Need to Know

condo guideline changes

If you’re shopping for a condo in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma, or anywhere in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County, there’s something you need to know: the rules just changed. On March 18, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued Lender Letter LL-2026-03 and Guide Bulletin 2026-C — a coordinated update to how condominiums qualify for conventional financing. Some of the changes expand access to more buildings. Others will make it harder for some projects to qualify. And a few will affect what happens at closing. Here’s a breakdown of what changed, what it means for buyers, and what questions to ask before you make an offer on a condo. These guideline changes also impact homeowners who are planning on refinancing their condo with a conventional mortgage. [Read more…]

Freddie Mac Home Possible No Longer Allows High Balance Conforming Loans

Freddie Mac HomePossible Mortgage WA StateFreddie Mac’s Bulletin 2026-1 brings a meaningful change for buyers and homeowners in the greater Seattle area. Starting with applications dated April 12, 2026, high balance conforming loans are no longer eligible under the Home Possible program. For homebuyers in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, this change directly affects your low-down-payment options on higher-priced homes.

Here is what this means, who it affects, and what alternatives remain available. [Read more…]