TriStar Finance, Inc.

Your Local Mortgage Loan Officer in Whatcom, Skagit & Island Counties, WA

Buying or refinancing a home in Whatcom, Skagit, or Island County? I help clients throughout Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Oak Harbor, and surrounding communities find the right loan and get to closing with confidence.

Apply Online (360) 961-2676

Counties Served

Local Communities

Loan Programs

Business-Day Response

Find Your Fit

There's a loan for your situation

First home, move-up, refinance, or investment — here's where most people start. Tap any program to learn more.

Conventional Loans

As low as 3% down

Flexible financing for buyers with strong credit, often with as little as 3% down.

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Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage — not backed by a government agency, with down payments starting at 3% for qualified buyers and typical credit scores of 620+. If you put down less than 20%, you'll pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), but it drops off once you reach 20% equity. Terms of 15, 20, or 30 years let you balance monthly payment against total interest. Often the least expensive option over time for buyers with solid credit.

FHA Loans

3.5% down · 580+ credit

Lower down payment and credit requirements, a popular choice for first-time buyers.

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FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which lets lenders accept smaller down payments (3.5% with a 580+ credit score) and more flexible credit histories than conventional loans. They include a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) paid upfront and annually. A strong fit if your credit is still building or your savings are modest — and refinancing into a conventional loan later can remove the mortgage insurance once you've built equity.

VA Loans

$0 down · No PMI

Zero-down financing for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

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VA loans are a benefit earned through military service: $0 down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. Eligibility is confirmed with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which I can help you request. If you've served, this is almost always the first program worth checking.

USDA Loans

$0 down · Eligible areas

Zero-down financing for eligible homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas.

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USDA loans offer $0-down financing on homes in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas — and more of Whatcom, Skagit, and Island County qualifies than most people expect. Eligibility depends on both the property's location and household income limits that vary by county and household size. Send me an address and I can check whether it qualifies in a few minutes.

Refinancing

Lower your rate or cash out

Lower your rate, shorten your term, or tap into your home’s equity.

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Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new one — to lower your rate or payment, shorten your term, or take cash out of your equity for renovations or debt consolidation. The key question is the break-even point: how long the monthly savings take to repay the closing costs. I'll run that math with you honestly, and if refinancing doesn't make sense yet, I'll tell you.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Assistance available

Down payment assistance and specialty programs to help you get in the door.

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First-time buyers have more options than they usually realize: low down payment programs starting at 3%, $0-down VA and USDA options for eligible buyers, gift funds from family on many programs, and down payment assistance — including programs through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. I walk first-time buyers through every step in plain English, from pre-approval to keys.

Not seeing your situation? Explore all 22 loan products

How It Works

From first conversation to keys in hand — here's what working with me looks like.

Get Pre-Approved

Apply online in about 15 minutes, or call me first. I review your application personally and confirm what you can afford.

Compare Your Options

We'll walk through the loan programs that fit your situation and the real numbers behind each — in plain English.

Shop with Confidence

Your pre-approval letter makes your offers credible. I stay available while you tour homes and negotiate.

Close & Get Your Keys

I coordinate the details through underwriting to closing day, and keep you updated at every step.

Curious what a payment might look like? Try the mortgage calculator

Run the Numbers

Estimate Your Monthly Payment

Adjust the price, down payment, and rate to see how the monthly picture changes for a Whatcom, Skagit, or Island County home.

Your Numbers

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Get a personalized quote or call(360) 961-2676 to talk through your real numbers.

Estimates are for illustration only and do not include mortgage insurance, which may apply with less than 20% down. The interest rate you enter is not a quote or offer — actual rates and payments depend on your credit, loan program, and market conditions. This is not a commitment to lend. Contact me for a personalized quote.

Free Download

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Whatcom & Skagit County

Nine pages of plain-English answers: how much you really need, which loan programs fit, the pre-approval checklist, and the mistakes to skip. No email required — it's yours.

Get the Free Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Whatcom, Skagit & Island County homebuyers.

How do I get pre-approved for a mortgage in Washington State?

Getting pre-approved is simpler than most people expect: gather recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and bank statements, then complete a short application. I review your income, credit, and goals, and issue a pre-approval letter — usually within a day or two. It costs nothing and doesn't commit you to anything, but it tells you exactly what you can afford and makes your offers far stronger.

How much down payment do I need to buy a house in Washington?

Often much less than the 20% many buyers assume. Conventional loans start at 3% down for qualified buyers, FHA loans at 3.5%, and eligible veterans (VA) and buyers in qualifying rural areas (USDA) may put $0 down. Down payment assistance programs are also available to many Washington buyers. The right answer depends on your situation — a quick conversation can pin it down.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

You don't need perfect credit. FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, and conventional programs typically start around 620. If your score needs work, I can point you toward the changes that raise it fastest rather than leaving you to guess.

What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on numbers you state yourself. Pre-approval means your income, assets, and credit have actually been verified — which is why sellers and listing agents in competitive markets like Bellingham and Mount Vernon take pre-approved offers seriously and often ignore pre-qualified ones.

How long does it take to close on a house in Washington?

Most purchase loans close in roughly 30 to 45 days from an accepted offer, though it varies with the loan program, appraisal timing, and how quickly documents come together. Being pre-approved before you shop is the single best way to keep your closing timeline short.

Do first-time homebuyers in Washington get down payment assistance?

Many do. Washington offers down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers, including options through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and several loan programs are designed specifically for first-time buyers. I help you check which programs you qualify for as part of the application process.

What areas do you serve?

I work with homebuyers and homeowners throughout Whatcom, Skagit, and Island County, Washington — including Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Everson, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Oak Harbor, and Camano Island — from my office in Ferndale, WA, as a mortgage loan officer with TriStar Finance, Inc.

How do I start a mortgage application?

You can apply online in about 15 minutes using the Apply Online button on this page, or call or email me first if you'd like to talk through your options before applying — no pressure, no obligation. I personally review every application and follow up with your next steps.