Spokane Home Buyer

We talk about one of the most common questions homeowners ask when rates start moving: “Should I refinance now… or wait, because rates might get better?” And here’s the twist: waiting can absolutely pay off… but it can also quietly cost you money every single month you delay. So in this episode, I’m going to break down the cost of waiting to refinance your mortgage using a simple real-world exampl...

A lot of long-range forecasts tie mortgage rates to the 10-year Treasury, because they usually move in the same direction. Most economists are projecting the 10-year Treasury to stay a little over 4% over the next several years, and mortgage rates typically run a spread above that. When you combine those two, the expectation is that 30-year fixed rates may hover around the low-to-mid 6% range over...

This episode explains how buying a second home can be both a lifestyle upgrade and a long-term wealth strategy. It walks through the idea of using the home part-time while renting it out as a short-term rental when you are not there, which can help offset the monthly cost of ownership and, over time, contribute to building net worth through equity growth and potential appreciation.

Today we’re breaking down a question a lot of people don’t realize they’re asking until they’re in the middle of it: why can you buy a car in a day, but buying a house can take weeks? They’re both big purchases, they both use financing, and they both involve a lender, so what’s the difference? Let’s walk through it in plain English, and by the end you’ll know why getting pre-approved before home s...

Are you renting and wondering if buying a home is the right move? In this episode, Mike Hogan breaks down the financial advantages of homeownership, including tax benefits, building wealth through equity, and the freedom to make your home your own. Learn how your monthly payment can be similar to rent—and how, with down payment assistance and seller-paid closing costs, you might need less cash to...

In this episode of Real Estate Lending Insights, host Mike Hogan breaks down everything you need to know about DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans—one of the most powerful and flexible financing tools for real estate investors. Mike explains what DSCR loans are, how they work, and why they’re a game-changer for building your rental property portfolio. The episode takes a deep dive into the us...

In this episode of “Home Finance Unlocked,” host Mike Hogan breaks down the essentials of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and why it’s a key part of the homebuying process for many borrowers. If you’re planning to buy a home with less than 20% down, you’ll likely need some form of mortgage insurance—regardless of your loan type. Mike explains what PMI is, why lenders require it, when it comes int...

Thinking about buying a home in Spokane? In this episode of the Spokane Homebuyer Podcast, local mortgage expert Mike Hogan explains why getting pre-approved is the essential first step in your homebuying journey. Learn what a pre-approval is, why it matters, and how it can give you a competitive edge in today’s market. Mike walks you through the simple steps to get pre-approved, what documents yo...

In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—factors in qualifying for a mortgage: your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) . We’ll explain what DTI is, why lenders care about it, and how it impacts your ability to get approved for a home loan. You’ll learn how to calculate your own DTI, what the ideal ratios are for different loan types, and strategies to improve...

In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) down payment assistance programs . We’ll explain how these programs work, who qualifies, and how they can help you overcome one of the biggest hurdles to buying a home—saving for a down payment. You’ll learn about the different types of assistance available, the application process, and important...

In this episode, we’re focusing on traditional loan products —including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. We’ll break down what each loan type offers, who qualifies, and how to choose the best option for your unique situation. You’ll learn about credit requirements, down payment options, interest rates, and the step-by-step process of securing a traditional mortgage. Whether you’re just start...