Buying a Home Using Your S.O.’s Income

qualifying for a home mortgage

Recently I helped a couple buy a home in King County. They’re engaged, had been living together for many years and were ready to purchase their first home. One of them, Billy Bellevue, had some credit issues and it made more sense for them to only have Susie Seattle’s on the transaction. [Read more…]

Reason to stop paying rent #7: You have a pet

I love my pets, Rocko and Hitch. We have had pets before we had (our now adult) children. I totally understand someone’s anguish when they are trying to deal with where they are going to live when they have pets.cat and dog snuggling on chair
This morning, I was catching up on Facebook and in our local neighborhood group for West Seattle, a neighbor is worried about if their landlord is getting ready to sell the home they are currently renting. [Read more…]

How to Buy a Home with your Roommate

Fannie Mae’s HomeReady mortgage allows a home buyer to qualify using “boarder income”.  What does this mean? Remember our favorite roommates Laverne and Shirley?

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Fannie Mae increases income limits for HomeReady

Fannie Mae will be increasing the income limits for HomeReady effective July 16, 2016 making it easier for more people to qualify for this mortgage program. [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.

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