Home Buying

In today's fast-paced housing markets in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, timing is everything. Home buyers who are pre-approved for a mortgage before they begin house hunting are in a better position to act quickly when they find the right home. Armed with a pre-approval letter in hand, home buyers can focus on homes within their price range, strengthen their offer when they find the right home, lock in an interest rate, and give buyers a competitive edge in hot markets. Whether you’re buying your first home or looking to buy again, here’s what you need to know about mortgage pre-approvals and how they can boost your buying power.'

Are you interested in small-town life in the state of Idaho? Do you prioritize open spaces, natural beauty, and access to outdoor recreation? If so, you're in the right place. This guide explores seven of the best small towns in Idaho for home buyers seeking a place to settle down.'

If you're planning to buy a home in Portland, Oregon, you might be struggling with the urban versus suburban dilemma. It's an important decision that could affect everything from your daily life to your finances and long-term investment potential. And there are pros and cons on both sides of the fence. This guide examines the key distinctions between urban and suburban living in Portland, from a real estate and home buying perspective.'

You might have heard that a mortgage loan should only use a certain percentage of your income. This is common advice offered by everyone from financial advisors to housing counselors. But what is this magic number, and does it apply to all situations? How do you know if you're taking on too much mortgage debt relative to your income?'

Seattle, Washington has experienced a luxury condo boom in recent years, with a number of new projects coming onto the market. This trend is reshaping the downtown Seattle real estate market in a number of ways. This guide provides an overview of the luxury condo market in downtown Seattle and the surrounding area, as of 2025. It covers popular condominiums, current trends related to features and amenities, and other factors relevant to home buyers.'

The down payment and closing costs are two of the biggest concerns people have when buying a house in Washington. And it's easy to understand why. These two expenses can add up to thousands of dollars, and they typically have to be paid up front on closing day. In a previous article, we offered some tips to help you prepare for the closing process when buying a house in the state of Washington. Today, we'll focus on the costs associated with this process, and what you can do to prepare for them in advance.'