I was in a neighborhood group on Facebook where someone was sharing that they were having to sell their home that had been in the family for generations. They can no longer afford living in the Seattle area and had made the difficult decision to move their family. If you’re 62 or better, you may not have to sell your home to create a more affordable lifestyle. [Read more…]
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.
Help for Seniors Being Priced Out of their Homes
HUD Changes Citizenship Requirements for FHA Mortgages
FHA issued an update to their guidelines (ML 2025-09) revising residency requirements for FHA mortgages. The new guidelines only allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and removes non-permanent residents from being eligible.
From Mortgage Letter 2025-09:
“Currently, non-permanent residents are subject to immigration laws that can affect their ability to remain legally in the country. This uncertainty poses a challenge for FHA as the ability to fulfill long-term financial obligations depends on stable residency and employment.”
This is an evolving situation. I expect other government backed loans to follow suit. Stay tuned.
2025 FHA Loan Limits for Washington State
HUD has announced the 2025 loan limits for FHA mortgage loans.
King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, the loan limits are:
- 1 Unit: $1,037,300
- 2 Unit: $1,327,950
- 3 Unit: $1,605,200
- 4 Unit: $1,994,850
Many homeowners in our area may be sitting on quite a bit of home equity that they could use to purchase their next home. When it’s not a “buyer’s market”, you may have lower odds of a seller wanting to accept an offer if it’s based on needing to sell and close on an existing home. In order to have your offer accepted, it’s helpful to put forward an attractive offer that will make it easier for the seller to select your offer over others.
Buying your first home is such an exciting and important time of your life. It’s a big step in creating financial freedom for your future. First homes are often referred to as a “starter home” as people tend to live in the home for a shorter period of time and use the equity they gain from appreciation and paying down the mortgage towards buying their next home. 



