How much do I need saved to buy a home in Washington State?

Plan for at least 3–3.5% for a down payment, plus 2–3% for closing costs, plus a few months of reserves. On a $500,000 home, that's roughly $25,000–$35,000 total — less if you qualify for down payment assistance.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

FHA loans go down to 580 (with 3.5% down) and even 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum. Your credit score is only one piece of the picture — lenders look at the whole financial profile.

Can I buy a home if I just started a new job?

Possibly. If you're in the same field or got a promotion, a new job isn't automatically disqualifying. If you just finished college and started in your field, that can work too. Talk to a mortgage advisor before making a job change if you're close to buying.

What is DreamBuilder and is it right for me?

DreamBuilder is a lease-to-own program designed for buyers who want to own a home but need more time to build credit, save, or stabilize income. You rent the home now with a path to purchase later, and a portion of your rent is credited toward the purchase.

Should I talk to a mortgage advisor before I'm ready to buy?

Absolutely — and the earlier the better. A good mortgage advisor will show you exactly what needs to happen to get you where you want to go. There's no cost to the consultation.

first-time home buyer - The Mortgage Porter

Townhome vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You in Washington State?

This post compares the ownership structures of townhomes and condos in Washington State — what you actually own, what you’re responsible for, and how that affects your monthly costs and financing.

Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the real difference?

“Townhome” and “condo” get used almost interchangeably by buyers, but they’re legal ownership structures, not architectural styles. A building can look like a townhome and still be legally structured as a condominium — and that distinction matters more for your wallet than the floor plan does. [Read more…]

Getting on Track to Buy Your First Home in Washington State

A few years ago, a mom called to make an appointment — not for herself, but for her two adult children. She was proud of them, both hard-working and responsible, and she thought they should be buying a home instead of renting. They came in together, and it turned out to be one of my favorite kinds of consultations.

They were doing a lot of things right. But they were also missing a few pieces that lenders look for: established credit history, a longer employment track record, and some savings set aside. Rather than push them into a loan they weren’t fully ready for, we put together a plan. A year or so later, they were in a much better position.

That kind of conversation happens more often than you might think. And it’s one of my favorite parts of this job — helping people get their financial house in order before they buy a home, so they can do it with confidence and on the best possible terms.

If you’re not quite ready to buy yet but want to be, here’s what I typically recommend. [Read more…]

Townhome vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You in Washington State?

Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the real difference?

Getting on Track to Buy Your First Home in Washington State

Mortgage Questions?

Rates, Tips & Real Estate for the Pacific Northwest

Quick Links

Washington State Mortgage Loan Limits

Resources & Guides

Recent Articles

Townhome vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You in Washington State?

Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the real difference?

Getting on Track to Buy Your First Home in Washington State

Mortgage Questions?

Rates, Tips & Real Estate for the Pacific Northwest

Let’s Get Social

Quick Links

Washington State Mortgage Loan Limits

Resources & Guides

Recent Articles