Updated April 2026: This post has been refreshed with current information about escrow shortages, property tax adjustments, and homeowner options in Washington State.
If you’ve recently received a notice from your mortgage servicer telling you that your monthly payment is increasing, you’re not alone — and you’re probably wondering why. The most common culprit is an escrow shortage, and in Washington State’s higher-cost markets, these notices have been a regular occurrence as property values and tax assessments have climbed.
Here’s what’s happening and what you can do about it. [Read more…]
UPDATE: Please visit our 
Freddie Mac HomeOne® Mortgage in Washington State
When borrowers start researching FHA versus conventional mortgages, they often encounter the same inaccurate information — repeated across real estate websites, agent newsletters, and well-meaning advice from friends. These misconceptions can lead buyers to dismiss loan options that might actually work better for their situation, or to make decisions based on outdated assumptions.
Divorce and separation create real mortgage qualifying challenges — particularly when alimony or child support payments are involved. Understanding how lenders treat these obligations can make a significant difference in how much home you qualify for, and which loan program works best for your situation.
