A First Time Home Buyer’s Story

I’m so excited for some clients I helped buy their first home a couple of years ago. I thought I’d share their story – at least the Readers Digest version! 🙂

This couple attended a home buyers class that I was teaching back in 2014. They purchased their first home in Seattle in 2014 using a down payment assistance program we offer through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. [Read more…]

Freddie Mac HomeOne® Mortgage in Washington State

Freddie Mac HomeOne Mortgage WA StateFreddie Mac HomeOne® Mortgage in Washington State

The HomeOne® mortgage is a low down payment conventional loan program designed specifically for first-time homebuyers who want to purchase a primary residence with as little as 3% down.

Backed by Freddie Mac, HomeOne offers a simpler path to homeownership for buyers who have solid credit but limited savings — without the income limits found in some other low down payment programs.

This mortgage option is especially attractive to buyers in Seattle, King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and throughout Washington State, where affordability and long-term costs matter. [Read more…]

Fannie Mae’s HomeReady Mortgage

Fannie Mae Homeready Mortgage WA StateFannie Mae HomeReady Mortgage Program in Washington State

The Fannie Mae HomeReady mortgage is a popular low-down-payment home loan designed to help first-time and repeat homebuyers in Washington State achieve homeownership with more flexibility than many traditional mortgage programs.

With just 3% down, reduced mortgage insurance, and flexible income guidelines, HomeReady can be an excellent option for buyers in the Seattle area, King County, and throughout Washington — especially when layered with eligible down payment assistance programs.

Update: This article reflects current HomeReady mortgage guidelines for 2026. Loan limits, income caps, and program details are subject to change — always verify eligibility before applying.

[Read more…]

Establishing Credit Scores

If you’re a reader of Mortgage Porter, you probably know that I just returned from a long weekend to Nashville to visit my son and check out his new apartment. Getting started on your own is an important part of your life and it helps to have established credit. This is especially true if you plan to buy a home as most lender will require that you have three to four established accounts. The credit lines you establish (and other credit events) will determine what your credit scores are.

[Read more…]

What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate or MCC?

Mortgage Credit Certificate (or also referred to as MCC) is a federal tax credit available to first time home buyers who meet certain requirements. With the tax credit, eligible home buyers can adjust their their withholding to take advantage of the savings monthly instead of waiting until they file their taxes.  The MCC remains available as long as the borrower owns and occupies the property.

[Read more…]