My Blog
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...
Appraisal Value and Price Negotiation: A Buyer’s Opportunity
The appraisal is a critical step in the home-buying process. When an appraisal comes in below the agreed-upon sales price, it can initially feel like a setback. However, for a buyer with a financing contingency in place, this situation often creates a valuable...
Charlie Chaplin & The 30 Year Fixed Mortgage
Investopedia has a fascinating article on “Why Your 30‑Year Mortgage Exists and How Charlie Chaplin Helped Create It” (Investopedia): Pre‑1930s mortgages were short‑term (typically 3–5 years) and had large balloon payments at the end, which created frequent...
Energy Efficient Homes
🏡 Mortgage Loan Programs for Green or Energy-Efficient Homes As energy costs rise and environmental awareness grows, more buyers are considering green or energy-efficient homes. The good news? There are several mortgage loan programs designed to help make these homes...
The Deed of Trust – What IS This??
It's an 18 page legal document you sign at closing that is nearly impossible for the consumer to understand (and for even me to read!). Basically it spells out the lender and borrowers responsibilities. Here is a summary: What the Borrower Needs to Do: Make...
Are Homebuyer Education Classes Right For You?
Thinking about buying your first home? It's a super exciting time! You might have heard about homebuyer education classes, and you're probably wondering if they're something you need to do. Let's break it down in plain English: What are Homebuyer Education Classes?...