Blog | Dan Chapman Loans

Heartfelt Offer Letters. The Secret to Winning in a Competitive Market.

Feb 9, 2018 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

In a competitive market like the Seattle area, where inventory is low and demand is high, it can be hard competing against other buyers. Bidding wars are common. Prospective buyers will waive inspections, offer extra earnest money, and provide favorable move out...

It’s Never Too Early to Talk to Your Loan Officer

Jan 12, 2018 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

Thinking about buying your first home, but aren’t sure if you’re really ready? It might be you’re carrying debt, such as student loans. Perhaps you have a poor credit history. Or, you could be unsure about how big of a down payment you need to make. Don’t just...

Can You Buy a Home When Your Credit is Bad?

Oct 13, 2017 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

Make no mistake about it. Buying a home with bad credit is harder than buying a home with good credit. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Just because you don’t have an amazing credit score doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the dream of homeownership. What is...

Home Buying Mistakes You Might Be Making For Your Children

Sep 8, 2017 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

We do a lot of our children. From providing a strong education to exposing them to a wide variety of cultural experiences, the goal is to give them the best life possible. Unfortunately, there are some decisions we make that can actually undermine their (and your)...

How Big of a Mortgage Can You Really Afford?

Aug 11, 2017 | Home Buying Process, Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

According to GeekWire, the median home price in Seattle hit a staggering $819,500 in March – the highest it’s ever been. For many borrowers, even if they are approved for that much, it’s more than they can reasonably afford. Take a moment to crunch your own numbers to...

Can You Make an Offer on a Pending Sale?

Jul 11, 2017 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

On what homes can you make an offer? Are homes marked ‘sale pending’ off limits? Nope! You can still make an offer. ‘Sale pending’ means the buyer and seller are still negotiating their purchase agreement. You can make a backup offer. If the sale falls through, you...

5 Ways to Make the Next Open House You Attend a Success

Jun 23, 2017 | Home Buying Process | 0 comments

Let’s face it. House hunting can be a lot of work. This is especially true in today’s competitive market when open houses are as quick to be scheduled as the homes are to sell. In hot markets like the Seattle area, where inventory is low and demand is high, you need...

2017 Changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Backed Mortgages

May 12, 2017 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

Roughly half of all mortgages in the US are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That’s a huge percentage! And, in late 2016 and early 2017, these organizations made a few changes to their processes. Do you plan to secure a mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie...

Awesome Ways to Make Your Mortgage Payment

Apr 27, 2017 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

No matter how you slice it, your mortgage payment can take a big slice out of your monthly budget. Whether you’re interested in paying off your mortgage early or you simply want some help covering this monthly expense, these awesome ways can help. Get a Roommate...

Should You Buy if You Can’t Put 20% Down?

Feb 25, 2017 | Mortgage 101 | 0 comments

For many first-time buyers, saving for a down payment is often the most challenging hurdle they face on the path to home ownership. Most of these first-time buyers assume they must put down 20% of the purchase price. That’s some heavy coin! But the truth is – you...