Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
Freddie Mac’s Bulletin 2026-1 brings a meaningful change for buyers and homeowners in the greater Seattle area. Starting with applications dated April 12, 2026, high balance conforming loans are no longer eligible under the Home Possible program. For homebuyers in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, this change directly affects your low-down-payment options on higher-priced homes.
Here is what this means, who it affects, and what alternatives remain available. [Read more…]
Low-Down-Payment Programs, Renovation Loans & Down Payment Assistance OptionsThe 2026 conforming loan limits are giving homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State more borrowing power and more flexibility. Higher limits mean more buyers can qualify for competitive conforming mortgage programs—often with lower down payments, reduced mortgage insurance, and expanded underwriting options. [Read more…]
Buying your first home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make — and one of the most rewarding. A starter home is typically the first step on the path to building real equity, and in Washington State there are more options to get there than most first-time buyers realize.
When I bought my first home, I ended up in a small rambler in Northeast Tacoma — FHA loan, 3.5% down, and a brutal commute to downtown Seattle. But I was so proud to own something. We only lived there about two years before appreciation gave us enough equity to move up to our next home. That’s how starter homes work — and it’s why I believe so strongly in helping first-time buyers get into the market even when it feels out of reach.
Here’s what you need to know about loan programs, down payments, credit, and how to position yourself to compete in today’s market. [Read more…]
If you’re currently renting with a roommate and thinking about buying a home, there’s a mortgage program feature you should know about: boarder income. Under Fannie Mae’s HomeReady program — and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible — documented rental payments from a roommate or lodger can be counted as qualifying income for your mortgage.
Here’s how it works, which programs allow it, and what documentation you’ll need.
One of the most common questions home buyers ask when comparing loan options is whether FHA or conventional financing is the better choice. The honest answer is that it depends on your specific situation — but there are some important factors that often get overlooked, including how your loan choice can affect your offer in a competitive market. Here’s a practical breakdown of how FHA and conventional compare for buyers in Washington State — including when FHA makes strategic sense and how sellers actually view FHA offers today. [Read more…]
