Mortgage questions, answered plainly.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

There's no single magic number. Different loan programs have different baselines, and FHA and VA tend to be more flexible than conventional. The best move is a short conversation so we can look at your actual picture, not just a score.

How long does the mortgage process take?

From application to closing typically runs 30–45 days, though it can be faster or slower depending on your situation, the property, and how quickly we can gather your documents. I'll keep you posted at every step.

What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is a quick informal estimate based on what you tell me. Pre-approval is a deeper review that includes documentation and a credit check. It carries more weight with sellers and gives you a clearer borrowing picture. I generally recommend going straight to pre-approval before you start touring homes.

What documents will I need?

Usually: recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s or tax returns, two months of bank statements, and a government ID. Self-employed, gift-funded, or anything unusual? We'll talk through what to add. I'll send a clear checklist after our first conversation so nothing's a guess.

Should I buy now or wait for rates to drop?

Honest answer: nobody can time the market. The right time to buy is when your finances, your timeline, and your housing need line up, not when the headlines do. Let's talk through where you actually are and what makes sense for you.

What is the first-time home buyer grant in Washington?

Washington doesn't really have a first-time buyer "grant" in the strict sense. Most of the state's help comes through Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) programs like Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity, which are typically structured as down payment assistance second mortgages rather than money you never repay. The Covenant Homeownership Program, launched in 2024, adds assistance specifically for Washingtonians affected by historical racially restrictive covenants. Current amounts and eligibility limits change, so the reliable place to check is wshfc.org. For more on how this assistance works locally, see our down payment assistance guide.

Source: wshfc.org (as of July 2026)

What is the income limit for first-time home buyer programs in Washington?

Income limits exist, but they vary by program and by county, and the commission adjusts them periodically. Rather than quote a number that could be outdated by the time you read this, check current limits directly at wshfc.org, or ask me and I'll pull the current figures for your specific program and county.

What disqualifies you as a first-time home buyer?

The most common issue is recent prior homeownership. Washington's assistance programs define "first-time buyer" using a look-back window, so owning a home too recently can disqualify you even if you don't currently own one. Other eligibility factors can include occupancy requirements, income limits, and completing required homebuyer education. HUD and WSHFC both publish the specific rules for each program.

Source: hud.gov and wshfc.org (as of July 2026)

Is WSHFC down payment assistance worth it?

It depends on your plans. WSHFC assistance genuinely lowers the upfront barrier to buying, which matters if a down payment is what's keeping you out of the market. But the assistance is usually structured as a second mortgage that gets repaid when you sell or refinance, not free money. Whether it's worth it comes down to how long you plan to stay in the home and how it compares with what you'd otherwise put down from savings. Our down payment assistance page walks through the tradeoffs in more detail.

Do WSHFC programs require a homebuyer education class?

Yes. Every WSHFC program requires a commission-sponsored homebuyer education seminar before closing. Complete it through a WSHFC-approved provider. I can help you understand when the class is required, where it fits in your timeline, and how to find an approved option. Details are on our homebuyer education page.

How much do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan program and your situation, and the answer is often lower than buyers expect. Washington also offers down payment assistance programs that can lower the upfront barrier further. We can talk through which option fits your situation.

How much house can I afford?

It depends on income, monthly debts, down payment, and the loan program. Movement's mortgage calculator is a good starting point, then we can run real numbers together based on your actual situation.

What is the best loan for a first-time home buyer?

There's no single best loan. It depends on your credit profile, how much you've saved, where you're buying, and whether you have military service history. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans each fit different situations, and part of my job is matching you to the right one rather than pushing one option. Start with our first-time buyer guide or, if you've served, the VA loan page.

How much income do I need to buy a home in Spokane?

This depends on your other debts, the loan program, and where rates sit at the time, so any specific number here would likely mislead you. The honest way to answer it is a quick pre-qualification look at your actual numbers. Start that conversation from the contact section on the homepage.

Do you work with buyers outside Spokane?

Yes. I regularly work with buyers in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Mead, and across Eastern Washington. I'm also licensed in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Colorado.

Where is your office?

My office is at 11703 E Sprague Ave, Ste B-2, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. Most conversations happen by phone or video, but I'm glad to meet in person if that's easier for you.