Renovation Mortgages: Turning “Fixer-Uppers” Into Your Dream Home

Renovation Home Loan Mortgage Every home has a story — and sometimes that story includes a little frosting falling off the roof.

In my new Sora-generated video, you’ll see a fun twist: my animated character repairing a gingerbread house as though it were a real remodel. It’s a playful way to highlight a very real mortgage option many homebuyers and homeowners don’t realize exists: renovation loans. [Read more…]

2026 Conforming Loan Limits: What Washington Homebuyers Should Know

2026 Conforming Loan Limits for Washington HomesLow-Down-Payment Programs, Renovation Loans & Down Payment Assistance Options

The 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…]

Home Improvement and Construction Loans

There are many options available for financing home improvements not to mention using cash or available funds.

What type of program is used may depend on the scope and amount of funds needed for the project. We can help you with everything from a home equity line of credit where you can do the work yourself or a full construction loan if you’re working with a vacant lot or a complete tear-down property. Larger projects may require a general contractor and/or to have the contractor approved by the lender.

Loans that do not require a general contractor are our home equity line of credit, stand-alone second mortgage or a cash-out refi. With the home equity loan of credit or second mortgage, you could keep your existing first mortgage (if there is one).

Here are some possible programs to consider: [Read more…]

My Seattle Kitchen Remodel: Flooring

Probably one of the toughest decisions we had to make, next to the counter-tops, was what to do with our flooring. We had a wood floor with a beautiful painted surface. Unfortunately, it was a real challenge to keep it clean and the paint was wearing off. Plus the lighter blond finish didn’t really go with our cabinets.

[Read more…]

Where do I start with an FHA 203k Rehab loan?

Renovation Home Loan MortgageA Step-by-Step Guide for Washington Homebuyers (Updated for 2026)

If you’ve found a home that needs work — outdated kitchen, worn roof, cosmetic issues, or more significant repairs — you may be wondering:

“Can I finance the purchase and the renovation together?”

In many cases, the answer is yes — through an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan, a program insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to purchase (or refinance) a home and finance eligible repairs into one mortgage.

But where do you actually start?

Here’s a clear, practical breakdown. [Read more…]