Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
One of the most common questions I get from buyers starting the mortgage process is some version of: “How many times is my credit going to be pulled?”
It’s a fair question — people worry about their scores dropping, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
Here’s a straightforward answer for Washington State homebuyers and homeowners refinancing. [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated to reflect current guidelines. While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac no longer use the specific “Family Opportunity Mortgage” name, the expanded occupancy guidelines that allow this type of financing are still fully available and actively used today.
Most people know you can use conventional financing to buy a home for an elderly parent or disabled adult child — but fewer realize you can also refinance an existing home under the same expanded guidelines. If you currently own a home where a family member is living, or you’re planning to purchase and eventually refinance, this option is worth understanding.
This post focuses specifically on the refinance scenario. For a full overview of the program including purchase guidelines, visit the Family Opportunity Mortgage program page. [Read more…]
If you listen to the soothing voices of NPR in the mornings, you may have heard NPR’s Wendy Kaufman’s interview discussing the challenges of refinancing with lower credit scores. I actually meet with Wendy about a week ago in Bellevue so she could interview me for this piece which I’m told will be airing again around 8:50 this morning PST on KPLU (88.5 a.m.).
You can also read the text version which includes a link to the broadcast: Home Loan Blues: Refinancing Isn’t So Easy [Read more…]
How to Calculate Your Break-Even Point When Refinancing (2026 Guide)One of the most important questions to ask before refinancing is:
“How long will it take me to recover the cost?”
That’s your break-even point.
After helping Washington homeowners with mortgages for over 25 years, I can tell you this:
Refinancing isn’t just about getting a lower rate.
It’s about making sure the math works for your timeline.
Let’s walk through how break-even works — and when it matters most. [Read more…]
