If you bought your home in the past few years and your interest rate starts with a 6… or maybe even a 7… you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions I’m hearing right now is:
Refinancing isn’t just about lowering your rate — it’s about improving your overall financial strategy.
In this section, you’ll find educational resources explaining when refinancing makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to evaluate your break-even point. Whether you’re considering a rate-and-term refinance, cash-out refinance, HELOC, renovation mortgage, or reverse mortgage, understanding the numbers and long-term impact is critical.
Topics covered include:
- “Should I refinance?” scenarios
- Cash-out strategies for remodeling or debt consolidation
- Home equity planning
- Recasting and re-amortization
- Renovation loans and ADU financing
- Refinancing with a second mortgage
My approach is always low-pressure and analytical — we look at the math, your goals, and your timeline before making any decisions.
If you’re a homeowner in Washington State wondering whether refinancing could improve your situation, start here.
I Bought My Home with a 6.75% Rate – Should I Refinance Now?
February 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
What is a Mortgage Recast or Reamortization?
February 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
What Is a Mortgage Recast?
If you’ve ever made a large lump-sum payment toward your mortgage — or thought about doing so — you may have heard the terms “mortgage recast” or “reamortization.”
A recast can be a powerful (and often misunderstood) option for homeowners who want a lower monthly payment without refinancing.
Let’s break down what a recast is, how it works, and when it may (or may not) make sense. [Read more…]
Remodeling Your Home: Financing Options to Consider for a Major Renovation
January 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Recently, I spoke with a Seattle homeowner who is planning a major remodel. Like many homeowners, he initially reached out asking about a HELOC — which is often the first option people think of when they want to improve their home. They currently have a very low rate with their existing mortgage, which is one reason why they’re considering a home equity line of credit.
As we talked through his plans, budget, and long-term goals, it became clear that there were several ways to approach financing a remodel, each with very different advantages and limitations.
If you’re considering remodeling your home — whether it’s a kitchen overhaul, an addition, or a full transformation — understanding these options upfront can help you choose the strategy that fits your project best. [Read more…]
Renovation Mortgages: Turning “Fixer-Uppers” Into Your Dream Home
December 19, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Every home has a story — and sometimes that story includes a little frosting falling off the roof.
In my new Sora-generated video, you’ll see a fun twist: my animated character repairing a gingerbread house as though it were a real remodel. It’s a playful way to highlight a very real mortgage option many homebuyers and homeowners don’t realize exists: renovation loans. [Read more…]
Holy cats! My credit card interest rates!
July 15, 2022 by Leave a Comment
I decided to take my own advice that I’ve been dishing out about credit cards and debts. Today I reviewed my credit card accounts to see what my current interest rates are. I’m pretty lucky to have great credit and that I’m able to pay off my debts monthly. [Read more…]
When should you refi a low FHA mortgage rate?
March 14, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Many homeowners are hanging onto very low mortgage rates when they should perhaps consider refinancing the mortgage for a higher rate. What??? [Read more…]
Where do I start with an FHA 203k Rehab loan?
August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
A Step-by-Step Guide for Washington Homebuyers (Updated for 2026)
If you’ve found a home that needs work — outdated kitchen, worn roof, cosmetic issues, or more significant repairs — you may be wondering:
“Can I finance the purchase and the renovation together?”
In many cases, the answer is yes — through an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan, a program insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to purchase (or refinance) a home and finance eligible repairs into one mortgage.
But where do you actually start?
Here’s a clear, practical breakdown. [Read more…]
Is it time to refi your FHA mortgage?
June 25, 2014 by 3 Comments
With the appreciation homes are seeing in the greater Seattle – King County area, home owners who purchased their home a couple years ago using an FHA mortgage may now be able to refinance into a conventional mortgage. FHA mortgages are often used when a home buyer needs a lower down payment option or if credit scores are lower. FHA jumbo mortgages offer home buyers lower down payment with higher loan amounts than what conforming mortgages will permit. There are many reasons why someone might opt for an FHA mortgage when buying a home.
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