Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
A low appraisal on a refinance is one of those moments that can feel like the whole transaction is falling apart. I just worked through this with a borrower on an FHA refinance — the appraisal came in below what we needed, and we had to decide quickly how to respond. We got through it, and the experience is a good reminder that a low appraisal is not necessarily the end of the road.
Here’s what your options actually look like when this happens. [Read more…]
If you’re self-employed and thinking about buying or refinancing a home in Washington State, you’ve probably heard something like: “It’s really hard to get a mortgage when you work for yourself.” That’s partly true — but it’s not the whole story.
The reality is that self-employed borrowers have more mortgage options today than ever before. The key is understanding how different loan programs view your income, and finding the one that best fits how your finances actually look on paper.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect. [Read more…]
When it comes to getting a mortgage, how much you earn matters — but so does how you earn it. A W-2 salary looks very different to an underwriter than an hourly wage, a part-time paycheck, or income from a second job. And if you’ve recently started a new position or are expecting a pay increase, there are specific guidelines that govern whether that income can even be used to qualify.
Let’s break it all down. [Read more…]
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…]
What Mortgage Program Is Right for Me? A Plain-English Guide to Your OptionsIf you’ve been asking yourself “what mortgage program is right for me?” — you’re asking exactly the right question. The loan type you choose affects your down payment, your monthly payment, your interest rate, and how easy it is to qualify. And the options are more varied than most people realize.
This guide breaks down every major mortgage program in simple terms: who each one is designed for, what the key requirements are, and how to think about your own situation. If you’ve ever been told you don’t qualify — or you’re not sure where to start — keep reading. [Read more…]
