May is National Moving Month, a time when many people start their journey to a new home. At Evergreen Home Loans, we understand the excitement and challenges that come with moving. Whether you’re buying your first home or relocating to another, we’re here to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. Let’s kick off this busy season with some helpful tips and a comprehensive moving checklist. Why May Is the Time to Move National Moving Month marks the beginning of the busiest time of year for home buying and moving. With warmer weather and the school year winding down, May is the perfect ..read more

Hi, I’m Kara Kelley! You’re probably reading this because you’re interested in some type of home loan and you clicked on my blog post!  I want to share with you why I do what I do- my why for getting up in the morning.  It all starts with a desire for a sense of belonging- for me and for my family- something all of us long for.  Which, if you’re looking to put roots down and buy a home, you can most likely identify with that. My husband and I had a desire to care for vulnerable children in need of a place to belong.  So we started doing foster care in Kitsap County- where t ..read more

At Evergreen Home Loans, we understand the nuances of the current real estate market, especially during this bustling spring season. It's a time when many are looking to buy, creating a seller's market due to the limited inventory of homes available. This season offers a prime opportunity for sellers to showcase their properties. However, strategic pricing remains a critical factor in the selling process. Setting the right asking price is more than just a number; it's about making an impactful first impression on potential buyers. Listings that are priced too high might not only deter prospect ..read more

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of shopping for a new home. From finding the right neighborhood and creating your list of “must haves”, to visiting open houses and exploring homes, there is a lot to consider as you begin the homebuying process. As you search for your next home, you may also want to prepare your financing to ensure your offer is as competitive as possible once you find a home that checks all the boxes. Here are three proven ways to make your offer stand out to sellers: Get Preapproved. A preapproval* is an important first step in your home buying journey. This shows ..read more

Moving is often a time filled with a lot of excitement. Relocating can also come with a fair amount of stress, particularly when it comes to navigating the logistics of simultaneously selling your existing home and purchasing a new home. Frequently in these situations, the purchase offer is contingent on the sale of an existing home. Having a contingent offer could make it more challenging to purchase a home and may even influence how sellers view your purchase offer. This could make it difficult to have your offer accepted. However, Evergreen Home Loans™ offers a solution for homeowners who a ..read more

We’ve recently seen seller-focused housing markets just about everywhere. With the combination of previous historically low interest rates and low inventory, many homes on the market received multiple offers, including cash offers that drove home sale prices above their listing prices. Now, as interest rates have started to rise from their historic lows, we’re seeing some houses sit on the market for longer than we became accustomed to. Without the low rates and flurry of offers characteristic of prior years, both sellers and buyers may be looking for different home financing solutions to help ..read more

What is a VA loan A VA loan, is a powerful ally for eligible Veterans and military service members looking to finance a home purchase. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the purpose of a VA loan is to provide increased flexibility for Veterans who are ready to bunk at a permanent address as homeowners.   A brief overview of Veteran and service member eligibility If you served in the military or the National Guard, then a VA loan may be an option you can consider. There are different thresholds for eligibility depending on length of your wartime or peacetime ..read more

Imagine you’re a recent graduate with your first “real job” and a “real salary” to match. Imagine you’re a family of four expecting number five and needing more space than what your three-bedroom can offer. Perhaps you’re a sun-lover living in the Pacific Northwest looking for a vacation home in the heat of Arizona. No matter what stage you’re at in life, you’ve made the decision: It’s time to buy a home. Where to begin?  Many consider checking real estate listings and attending open houses the first step to buying a home. If this is you – WAIT. Evergreen Home Loans is here to tell you th ..read more

Putting your home on the market is a big deal. Maybe you’re moving up to support a growing family or moving out for a new promotion. Whatever the reason, it’s a sign of a major life event. The faster your home sells, the quicker you can move on to the next exciting stage of your life. When it’s time to sell your home, a little preplanning could reward you with a faster sale and potentially larger return on your investment. Below, we share some helpful tips to increase the chances of a speedy sale. Focus on the Presentation  It’s important to make your home look presentable to potential bu ..read more