If you’ve got federal student loans, you’ve probably heard that repayment is about to change — again. Starting July 1, 2026, the SAVE plan officially ends, two brand-new repayment plans launch, and millions of borrowers will be reshuffled into new monthly payment amounts. That reshuffle doesn’t just affect your loan servicer statement. It flows directly into how a mortgage lender calculates your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) — which affects how much home you qualify for. [Read more…]
Refinance to Pay Off Student Loans Without Cash-Out Pricing
June 26, 2026 by 1 Comment
How Much Should You Put Down on a Home in Washington State?
April 15, 2026 by Leave a Comment
One of the most common questions I get from home buyers in Washington State is: how much should I put down? The short answer is: it depends. But the longer answer is actually pretty interesting — and knowing the tradeoffs can save you real money.
Let’s walk through how your down payment affects your loan, your rate, and your monthly payment. [Read more…]
Tips for Lowering Your Mortgage Payment
May 17, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Your total mortgage payment consists of the principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance (if applicable). If you’re considering buying or refinancing your home, there are some ways that you may be able to lower your total mortgage payment.
Here are some tips to help you lower your monthly mortgage payment:
Conforming Loan Price Adjustments (LLPAs): What They Are and How They Affect Your Mortgage Rate
December 12, 2013 by 6 Comments
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2026.
When you apply for a conventional mortgage, the interest rate you’re quoted isn’t just based on what the market is doing that day. It’s also affected by a series of risk-based pricing adjustments called Loan Level Price Adjustments — or LLPAs. LLPAs are fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that get built into your mortgage rate or closing costs based on specific characteristics of your loan. Understanding how they work can help you make smarter decisions about your down payment, credit score, and loan structure before you apply. [Read more…]
