My Blog
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...
What Is A DSCR Loan? Great Question!
Qualify Investors by the Property — Not Their Tax Returns The DSCR program is designed for real estate investors who want a simpler, faster way to qualify. Instead of traditional income documentation, eligibility is based on the property’s Debt Service Coverage Ratio...
Home Equity Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit (Heloc)
Second mortgages can come in two different forms - a variable rate Home Equity Line of Credit or a fixed rate Home Equity Loan. Which is better? Great question! Read on to learn more! Core Definitions Home Equity Loan: An installment loan that provides a...
The Dream Still Includes Owning A Home
Overview A Coldwell Banker survey shows that homeownership has become the central milestone around which Americans plan major life decisions. Aspiring homeowners increasingly delay other life events until they can afford to buy a home. Key Findings Homeownership as...