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: What Washington Homebuyers Should Know

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

[Read more…]

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

Options for Buying a Starter Home

Buying a Starter HomeBuying your first home is such an exciting and important time of your life. It’s a big step in creating financial freedom for your future. First homes are often referred to as a “starter home” as people tend to live in the home for a shorter period of time and use the equity they gain from appreciation and paying down the mortgage towards buying their next home. [Read more…]

How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?

Did you know that you don’t need a 20% down payment to buy a home? In this video, I discuss what funds are needed during the home buying process.

If you’re interested in buying or refinancing a home, please contact me!

Using Cryptocurrency for a Down Payment

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, CAN be used for funds for closing on a home as long as the cryptocurrency (i.e. virtual currency) meets certain criteria. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require that the funds be exchanged into U.S. dollars and that held in a U.S. regulated financial institution. In order to use conventional financing, there needs to be enough documentation to meet conventional guidelines, including: [Read more…]

How Does Dave Ramsey’s Advice on Mortgages Pencil Out?

Last month I wrote about advice I’ve been seeing popping up in my Facebook feed from Dave Ramsey on mortgages. There are several points that I just don’t find realistic for the average person who wants to buy a home, such as only using a 15 year amortized mortgage with 20% down payment and limiting your mortgage payment to 25% of your take home pay. I promised that I would share a follow up post where I review different scenarios comparing his advise to real life scenarios. [Read more…]

Should You Follow Dave Ramsey’s Advice on Mortgages?

Dave Ramsey is someone a lot of people follow for financial advise. Lately he’s been showing up A LOT in my Facebook stream pushing his thoughts on mortgages, home ownership and credit. Some of his ideas, I don’t totally disagree with. In fact, I shared a post that came from his group encouraging people to continue to pay rent and make their mortgage payments during the pandemic if at all possible (ie nothing is for free). However, I don’t support what he instructs his followers who are considering buying a home and I also have an issue with anyone who pushes their “team of vetted real estate agents”…I would be really surprised if there is not some sort of financial relationship associated with this referral arrangement.

Let’s take a look at what he encourages his followers to do with regards to buying a home or getting a mortgage. [Read more…]