Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
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 StateThe 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 HomeReady Mortgage Program in Washington StateThe 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.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Washington State — even if it’s a year or two away — one of the most important things you can do right now is understand how credit works for mortgage qualifying purposes. The rules aren’t always intuitive, and some of the most common-sense moves people make can actually hurt their scores at exactly the wrong time.
Here’s what you need to know about building and maintaining credit with a home purchase in mind. [Read more…]
