If your paycheck includes more than just a base salary — a year-end bonus, regular overtime, or commission — you may have more mortgage qualifying power than you realize. Variable income is usable for mortgage qualifying, but the rules around how lenders calculate it trip up a lot of buyers at the preapproval stage. Here’s what greater Seattle and Washington State buyers need to know about using bonus, overtime, and commission income when applying for a mortgage. [Read more…]
Refinancing and Home Equity.
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.
Wondering if now is the right time to refinance?
Every situation is different. I can run the numbers for your specific loan and help you decide if refinancing makes sense — no obligation, no pressure.
What is a Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure: What Every Borrower Should Know
March 19, 2026 by 8 Comments
When you apply for a mortgage, two documents do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to understanding your loan: the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. Both were introduced in 2015 under federal rules designed to make mortgage costs easier to understand and compare — and they replaced the old Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 Settlement Statement.
Here’s what each one is, when you’ll receive it, and what to pay attention to. [Read more…]
Is a 1% Drop in Mortgage Rates Enough to Refinance in 2026?
February 25, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Is a 1% Drop Enough to Refinance?
You’ve probably heard the old rule of thumb: “You shouldn’t refinance unless interest rates drop at least 1%.”
But is that actually true in today’s market?
If you bought your home when rates were 6.75%—or anywhere in that 6–7% range—and you see them dipping into the low 6s or high 5s, you’re likely wondering if that move is enough to make a refinance worth the effort. [Read more…]
I Bought My Home with a 6.75% Rate – Should I Refinance Now?
February 19, 2026 by 1 Comment
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:
“I bought my home at 6.75%. Should I refinance now?“
[Read more…]
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…]
