Where Can Funds for Closing Come From? | Washington Home Buyers

Funds for Closing when buying a home in WAWhen you’re buying a home with a mortgage, your lender needs to know where every dollar used for the down payment, closing costs, and reserves is coming from. This isn’t optional — it’s a federal requirement, and it applies regardless of loan program. The lender has to document, verify, and approve the source of your funds before your loan can close.

This guide covers what counts as an acceptable source of funds for closing in Washington State, what documentation is typically required, and a few sources that won’t fly with lenders — no matter how legitimate they feel to you. [Read more…]

How Much Should You Put Down on a Home in Washington State?

how much funds do you need for down payment One of the most common questions I get from home buyers in Washington State is: how much should I put down? The short answer is: it depends. But the longer answer is actually pretty interesting — and knowing the tradeoffs can save you real money.

Let’s walk through how your down payment affects your loan, your rate, and your monthly payment. [Read more…]

Using Gift Funds for a Down Payment in Washington State: What You Need to Know

Gift Funds for Washington state homebuyersOne of the most common ways home buyers get help with a down payment is through gift funds from family members. If your parents, grandparents, or other relatives want to help you buy a home, gift funds can be a legitimate and well-documented source of funds for down payment and closing costs — as long as you follow the rules.

Here’s what you need to know about using gift funds for a mortgage in Washington State, including how requirements differ by loan program and what documentation is required. [Read more…]

How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home: Workshop Replay

Homebuyer Workshop Rhonda Porter Mortgage SeattleHow Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?

Down payment, closing costs, and real-world ways to make homeownership possible

One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you “need 20% down.” In reality, many buyers can purchase with far less—and sometimes with little to no out-of-pocket funds, depending on the loan program, down payment assistance options, and whether the seller contributes toward closing costs.

In this workshop replay, I break down the real costs of buying a home, when those costs show up during the transaction, and the most common (and acceptable) ways to source your funds—so you can plan with confidence. [Read more…]

2026 Conforming Loan Limits for Washington State

2026 Conforming Loan Limits for Washington HomesLow-Down-Payment Programs, Renovation Loans & Down Payment Assistance Options

The 2026 conforming loan limits are giving homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State more borrowing power and more flexibility. Higher limits mean more buyers can qualify for competitive conforming mortgage programs—often with lower down payments, reduced mortgage insurance, and expanded underwriting options. [Read more…]