My Blog
High-Value Financing: Jumbo Loans
Jumbo elephant? Jumbo plane? Nope - for buyers purchasing high-value properties, a jumbo loan may be needed and selecting the right debt structure is critical. What is a Jumbo Loan? Exceeds Federal Limits: Non-conforming loans above the FHFA baseline threshold...
Using Gift Funds For A Downpayment
How to Properly Document "Gift Funds" for Your Down Payment Buying your first home is a huge milestone, and for many, it involves generous financial support from family members who want to help you get into the market. While receiving gift funds is a wonderful...
Get A Lower Interest Rate That The Seller Pays For!
The 2-1 Mortgage Buydown: How to Use Seller Credits to Lower Your Payments Today Interest rates are a top-of-mind concern for almost anyone buying a home in today’s market. Whether you are a first-time buyer saving for your initial down payment or a repeat buyer...
Pros & Cons(!) Of Construction-To-Permanent Loans
Building a home from the ground up is an exciting dream, but financing it works a bit differently than buying an existing house. Instead of getting a standard mortgage, you will likely need what is called a Construction-to-Permanent Loan (sometimes called a...
Home Appraisals Were Cheaper In The Past – Right?
If you’ve noticed that home appraisal fees are higher than they used to be, you can thank the Dodd-Frank Act. This landmark legislation completely overhauled how properties are valued to protect consumers and the housing market. We are getting better reports but at a...
Which is Better for Your Home Renovation: HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance?
If you own a home in Oregon or Washington, you have likely noticed some major shifts in the local real estate market over the last few years. While navigating higher interest rates can feel daunting, there is a massive silver lining for current homeowners: you are...
Demystifying Assumable Mortgages: A Golden Opportunity for Pacific Northwest Homebuyers?
With interest rates fluctuating, first-time homebuyers in Oregon and Washington are searching for creative ways to afford a home. You might have heard whispers about a "secret weapon" called an assumable mortgage. But what exactly is it, and is it too good to be true?...
Real-life Renovation Loan Examples
Renovation lending can be the stepping stone that helps borrowers improve their home or location, build equity or set them up for future financial health and success. Here are four real-life examples of how renovation lending saved the day for borrowers: A Veteran...
Flood Insurance 101: Protecting Your Home from “The Big Soak”
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know that rain is just a part of the landscape. From the mist in Seattle to the snowmelt in the Cascades and the riverbanks of the Willamette Valley, water is everywhere. But as a first-time homebuyer, there is one thing you...
Your Guide to Title Insurance: The “Secret Shield” for Your New Home
Buying your first home in the Pacific Northwest—whether it’s a craftsman in Tacoma, a condo in Pearl District, or a spot near the Sound—is an adventure. You’ve saved for the down payment, survived the inspection, and your mortgage is almost ready to go. But then, you...