Free Virtual Workshop: How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?

Buying a home takes more than just a down payment — but how much do you really need? In this quick and informative session, you’ll learn exactly what goes into your total “cash to close,” including down payment options, closing costs, and other upfront expenses.

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of:
✅ How much money you actually need to buy a home
✅ Low down payment loan options (you don’t always need 20%)
✅ What closing costs and prepaids cover
✅ Tips and strategies for saving for your down payment
✅ How gift funds or wedding gifts can help

Whether you’re planning to buy soon or just starting to save, this class will help you create a realistic plan to reach your homeownership goals.

🕓 Duration: 1 hour
📍 Location: Zoom (link provided after registration). Register here or by scanning QR code above.
🎓 Who it’s for: First-time and repeat buyers who want to understand what it really costs to buy a home

Trigger Leads BANNED!

Last Friday, something I have been writing about for years finally happened. Trigger leads have been banned!

The bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) is now official. The law doesn’t go into effect until March of next year… so unless you protect yourself and opt-out of being harassed by strange loan officers or I mean, loan officers who are strangers, you will still feel very popular after having your credit pulled.

Honestly, even after this goes into effect, I still recommend protecting your credit by following these steps.

Of course, if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing your home, I am happy to help you!

Fancy Wedding or New Home?

The Seattle Times recently published an article on how expense weddings are becoming in the greater Seattle area and how some couples are opting for simpler ceremonies. The article quotes an average cost for a wedding, according to a local wedding planner of being $58,000. As a mortgage professional, it’s jaw dropping to me that people spend this amount of money instead of buying a home or saving for retirement. I understand that this is an incredibly important time in a person’s life and a celebration to remember…but once the honeymoon is over, you have beautiful memories and a gorgeous photo album.

What if instead most of those funds were used to buy a home that will most likely appreciate in value creating future financial security? [Read more…]

Mortgage Interest Rate Update for July 14 2025

We have inflation in the news this week! For current rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me! 

Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of July 6, 2026

Mortgage rates have been trending lower!

Help for Seniors Being Priced Out of their Homes

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 Rate Update for the Week of June 2, 2025

It’s the first week of June and that means we have the Jobs Report being unleashed on Friday along with other employment data this week. Check out my weekly Mortgage Rate Update to learn how this and what else may impact mortgage interest rates this week.

 

Fannie Mae’s Upbeat Mortgage Rate Forecast with Rates in the 5s!

Fannie Mae recently released their monthly forecast for housing. May’s forecast predicts 30 year fixed conforming mortgage rates with rates entering the 5% range in the second quarter of 2026.

While hearing that the 30-year fixed rate might hit the 5% range next year is music to many ears, there are some things I would keep in mind. For starters, the rates are NOT guaranteed – it’s just a forecast… although I’d rather see a forecast with mortgage interest rates trending lower instead of rates pushing higher. 😉 [Read more…]